The night was cool, with a full moon hanging high in the sky.
The Hokage building glowed warmly, lights spilling from every window.
Inside the strategy conference room, smoke curled through the air.
Konoha's top leadership had gathered. Heads of all the major clans were present, with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Minato Namikaze, and Koharu Utatane leading the meeting.
Everyone sat with solemn expressions, waiting for the Hokage to speak.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took his seat at the head of the table. His voice was steady. "Everyone, storm clouds are gathering. The nations are preparing for war, and we cannot fall behind.
The First Hokage established Konoha to eliminate war, and our village has always upheld his ideals of peace. We have never sought conflict… yet some nations harbor ambitions and will attempt to ignite hostilities. Today, I want to set the tone for this meeting.
Konoha desires peace, but we do not fear war!"
Those present the clan leaders and Konoha's top brass understood the constant border skirmishes and the fact that every nation was stockpiling military supplies.
But Hiruzen's words carried a subtle warning: Konoha preferred peace, yet it would not bow.
Of course, no clan wished for war. War was no trivial matter; it cost lives and offered little tangible benefit.
The Land of Fire was vast and fertile, with abundant resources and happy people the undisputed top nation in the ninja world.
In comparison, the Land of Wind was nothing but endless desert, the Land of Lightning full of hills, the Land of Earth barren wastelands, and the Land of Water scattered islands across vast, remote seas.
There was no advantage in war for Konoha. Fighting could at best secure first place but brought nothing but pain.
The clan leaders quietly debated among themselves, leaning toward preventing war rather than provoking it.
At that moment, Danzo Shimura's face darkened. He was displeased with his friend's words.
What is he thinking? The enemy is at our doorstep, yet he still hopes to appease them.
The Root organization risked everything to gather intelligence was it just for Konoha's leaders to leisurely debate?
Hiruzen is too soft. He is unfit to be Hokage.
If he were their teacher, he would have said the words they all feared:
Those who dare covet Konoha shall not live.
Danzo slammed his hand on the table. The room fell silent.
As Konoha's top intelligence chief, no one dared meet his gaze.
Righteous anger and frustration radiated from him. He was a relentless wolf, acting in the name of Konoha for over a decade, committing countless questionable deeds.
Danzo's hawk-like eyes scanned the room. No one dared challenge him.
He was both satisfied and furious, growing increasingly disappointed in Hiruzen.
"Do you see, Hiruzen? Everyone is indulging themselves, forgetting the iron will of a ninja. This is your failure," he said coldly.
He pointed to the clan leaders. "Why do nations wage war? Why do they constantly target Konoha? It's because they are poor. Hungry. Like hyenas, they search for prey. And all of you are their prey.
If we do not feed them, they will never be satisfied. So tell me, which family should bear this burden if Konoha refuses to fight?"
Danzo's finger rested on two leaders.
"Is it the Nara Clan? Or the Hatake Clan?"
The Nara Clan head was Konoha's chief strategist, while the Hatake family's Sakumo Hatake known as the White Fang of Konoha was a formidable warrior on the battlefield.
Danzo wasn't randomly pointing. He wanted to secure their loyalty.
The Nara Clan's intellect was essential for creating battle plans, while Hatake's strength was indispensable in combat.
He stared at Sakumo. "The enemy threatens our homes and comrades. Sakumo, what of your ninja way? Will you sacrifice your friends for a humiliating peace?"
Sakumo leapt to his feet like a spear. "I swear to defend Konoha to the death and strike down any invaders!"
The Nara leader, realizing he had no choice, stood as well. "I swear to defend Konoha to the death and strike down any invaders!"
Danzo smiled, satisfied. Two were secured. The rest would follow.
He glanced around the room. All the leaders rose and pledged allegiance.
"I swear to defend Konoha to the death and strike down any invaders!"
Danzo's gaze shifted provocatively to Hiruzen.
You are too weak, Hiruzen.
Hiruzen's expression remained serious. He puffed on his pipe but inwardly, he was quietly pleased.
Danzo had done his part, galvanizing loyalty while taking on the appearance of ruthlessness.
Hiruzen could refuse war personally, while Danzo handled the hard edge.
"Very well," Hiruzen said with resignation. "Let it be so."
The room buzzed with energy as the Nara Clan began formulating plans for what would become the Second Ninja World War.
After the official matters concluded, Hiruzen allowed himself a smile, setting aside the weighty topic of war.
"Konoha's new generation has many talented individuals. Each clan produces geniuses Inuzuka, Hyuga, Uchiha they all have remarkable youth. I believe Konoha will continue to grow stronger."
Hearing this, the elders looked at their own children with pride and relief.
The older generation had fought tirelessly to protect the next.
"It's all thanks to the Hokage. Even these young ones understand the Will of Fire at such a young age."
"Yes. My son comes home beaming every day, saying he admires the Hokage above all else."
Flattery and praise filled the room.
Hiruzen smiled, his aged face creased like blooming chrysanthemums.
Some were happy, some uneasy. Danzo, once proud, now looked like he had swallowed a dead fly, his face dark and sour.
Damn it. I should be the protagonist here.
Unable to tolerate the scene, Danzo snorted and rose to leave. No one paid him any attention.
Two advisors opened their mouths to speak but were silenced by Hiruzen's gentle yet commanding gaze.
Even though it seemed friendly, it sent shivers down their spines. They knew better than to interrupt Hiruzen now.
Hiruzen, seeing his friends becoming too restless, decided to take control.
With a bright smile, he raised his hands. "War approaches. Konoha needs more outstanding young ninjas. Therefore, I have decided to establish a Genius Class at the Ninja Academy."
The room froze. Parents with children at the academy erupted into applause.
In the ninja world, power is paramount, but fame comes second. What holds more weight than Konoha officially recognizing a young genius?
"Long live the Third Hokage!"
At that moment, everyone shared a single thought: their children must enter the Genius Class.
Hiruzen smiled faintly, glancing at those clapping wildly. They were insignificant in his eyes.
Danzo, this is the true power of the Hokage.