Chapter 60: The Catalyst of the Ninja World War!
Hokage Office Conference Room.
All eyes were on the figure sitting at the edge of the head table, his right eye and right hand wrapped in bandages.
Danzo!
If anyone in Konoha was behind this, there was no doubt it would be him.
He had both the strength and the audacity to pull off such a thing.
"This has nothing to do with me!"
Danzo, noticing everyone looking at him, angrily defended himself.
He really wasn't responsible for this.
He had only come to the meeting after receiving the news, unaware that he would be suspected by so many.
However.
Such a simple explanation was not enough to dispel everyone's doubts.
"The Root doesn't have that kind of power!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi chimed in to help explain.
With the strength of the Root, it was impossible to silently take down the 'strongest Kazekage.'
The Third Kazekage was not like the Fourth Kazekage, who was considered a 'lightweight.' He earned the title of 'strongest Kazekage,' unlike a certain monkey who was touted as the strongest Hokage (Hiruzen Sarutobi: Just say my name!).
Not to mention, the Kazekage had left under the protection of elite Sand Shinobi.
If the Root really had that kind of power, Danzo would have become Hokage long ago, rather than settling for being an advisory elder.
Even so, everyone still suspected Danzo.
There was no helping it.
If something shady happened, there was at least a fifty percent chance it was his doing. If they didn't suspect him, who else could they suspect?
"This likely has something to do with the Sand Ninja," a pineapple-headed young ninja suddenly spoke up. "The fact that they only sent a letter of inquiry shows they have no evidence, and the elite Sand Shinobi who left with the Kazekage should be fine, right?"
As he said this, he looked at Mitokado Homura.
Homura also had access to intelligence channels.
"They're fine!"
Homura confirmed.
The likes of Pakura and Rasa, the new generation of strong Sand Shinobi, were key surveillance targets, so their public whereabouts were roughly known.
"If only the Third Kazekage is missing, he must have returned to the village. Sending a letter of inquiry now is just a way to divert attention!"
The pineapple-headed young man, Nara Shikaku, voiced his speculation.
After the former Jonin squad leader White Fang's suicide, he temporarily took over the position and also served as the 'Konoha Strategist.'
The Nara clan was known for their intelligence, and this 'strategist' position was almost always held by them.
That's why he needed to step up and analyze the situation.
"Well said!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed with Nara Shikaku's assessment.
However, their belief wasn't enough; the key was to make the Sand Village believe it.
But if the other side knew the matter had nothing to do with Konoha and still sent such a letter, their intentions were clear.
Shifting the blame!
Using this method to divert internal conflicts was a common tactic in the ninja world.
"So how should we respond?"
Mitokado Homura, in charge of diplomacy, asked. Responding to the letter was his job, and he needed to be clear to avoid taking the blame.
As an advisory elder, he could help analyze and suggest ideas, but he would never make decisions for the Hokage.
"What do the clan leaders think?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept across the clan leaders.
Though it was called a Jonin meeting, the real decision-makers were the major ninja clans and some elite Jonin.
Ordinary Jonin were lucky to even participate in the meeting, let alone have a say.
"The Hyuga clan will follow the village's orders!"
The Hyuga clan leader was the first to speak.
This clan always aligned with the Hokage, loyally following whoever was in power.
No wonder they could become Konoha's first noble clan in the future; their attitude was something the Uchiha couldn't match.
"We trust the Hokage's decision!"
"No objections!"
...
The clan leaders spoke one after another.
There was no choice; speaking up at such times meant taking responsibility.
Involving two villages, if anything went wrong, they couldn't afford to take the blame.
Chapter 60: The Spark of the Ninja World War!
The lessons of the past are still fresh. Even the renowned Konoha's White Fang chose to commit suicide to atone for a failed mission. If your suggestion leads to severe consequences, wouldn't you feel obligated to atone as well?
It's safe to say that after the 'White Fang' incident, the major ninja clans and the Hokage have been drifting further apart.
Of course, part of the reason is also the Root's inhumane practice of constantly brainwashing clan members into killing machines.
After each clan leader expressed their stance, it was finally Uchiha's turn.
"The village absolutely cannot accept slander. We must make it clear to Sunagakure that this has nothing to do with Konoha!"
Uchiha Fugaku stated directly.
Even if it means going to war, so be it. It's just Sunagakure.
Bring it on!
It's clear that Uchiha Fugaku isn't foolish; he knows the consequences of such a statement.
That is, if war truly breaks out, the Uchiha clan will have to send their members to fight.
For other clans, this is bad news.
But for the Uchiha, who have been confined to the Police Force, it's a rare opportunity.
The Uchiha inherently admire strength and crave war, which is completely opposite to the Hyuga clan.
They've just been intentionally or unintentionally suppressed within the village.
Now that there's an opportunity, they naturally want to seize it.
"Fugaku is right, the village cannot accept slander. Respond to Sunagakure with this message!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen first affirmed Uchiha Fugaku's statement and then made a decision.
Truly a seasoned politician! He not only tied the Uchiha clan to the cause but also showed his regard for them.
After confirming the content of the reply, the meeting was largely concluded.
The major clans and Jonin felt that Sunagakure would at most protest diplomatically and secretly send people to cause trouble, which wasn't too concerning.
Surely they wouldn't go to war with a much stronger Konoha over such a baseless matter, right?
After the meeting.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Namikaze Minato quickly intercepted a figure.
In front of him was a female ninja with short blonde hair, a bright and dignified appearance, and a figure that was 'very understanding,' exuding incredible charm.
Tsunade!
Also known as 'Princess Tsunade,' one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha.
She had been secretly listening in on the meeting, but Namikaze Minato noticed her.
"Minato, is there something you need?"
Tsunade's expression was weary.
"Lady Tsunade, one of my students has a heart problem, and I would like to ask for your help!"
Namikaze Minato bowed and made his request.
He truly is a good teacher.
He genuinely cares! Even though Yamakawa Koji isn't his disciple but just a student in his class, he's willing to ask Tsunade for help.
In the past, Tsunade would have readily agreed to help.
After all, Namikaze Minato is not only Jiraiya's disciple but also Kushina's lover.
But now...
"I'm sorry, Minato. I'm only here to see Shizune and will be leaving soon. I might not have the time."
Tsunade shook her head.
She was indeed here to see Shizune, but claiming she had no time was just an excuse.
"I see... then I apologize for bothering you, Lady Tsunade."
Namikaze Minato turned away, looking slightly dejected, without pressing further.
"Wait!" Tsunade hesitated for a moment before calling out to Namikaze Minato, "While I might not have time to treat him, I can at least examine him and provide a treatment plan."
Though she couldn't personally treat him, providing a treatment plan was entirely feasible.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Namikaze Minato expressed his gratitude, overjoyed.
He had thought there was no hope, but this unexpected turn of events surprised him.
"I'll head to the hospital first. You bring the person over."
Tsunade indicated for Namikaze Minato to fetch the student, while she headed to Konoha Hospital alone.
An hour later!
Konoha Hospital.
Uchiha Takashi looked at the scene before him, utterly bewildered.
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