https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-59-Koji-s-Mountain-Transformation-/12832059/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-61-A-Surprise-from-Minato-Namikaze/12832061/
Chapter 60: The Spark of the Great Shinobi War!
Chapter 60: The Spark of the Great Shinobi War!
In the Hokage Tower’s meeting room, all eyes were fixed on the figure seated at the head of the table. His right eye and hand were wrapped in bandages.
Danzo!
If anyone in Konoha could have done it, there was no doubt it was him. He had both the strength and the audacity to pull off such a feat.
"This has nothing to do with me!" Danzo snapped, his face flushing with anger as he noticed everyone’s gaze.
It wasn’t him, and he had only come to the meeting after receiving the news. He couldn’t believe he was being suspected by so many.
But his explanation did little to quell the suspicions.
"The Root doesn’t have that kind of power!" Sarutobi Hiruzen interjected, trying to help.
With Root’s capabilities, it was impossible to silently eliminate the "Strongest Kazekage" without a trace. The Third Kazekage wasn’t like the Fourth, who was more of a lightweight. He earned his title for a reason, unlike some monkeys who just boasted about being the "Strongest Hokage" (Sarutobi Hiruzen: Just say my name!).
Moreover, the Third Kazekage had been escorted by Sand shinobi elites when he left. If Root had the power to do this, Danzo would have been the Hokage long ago, not content to be a mere advisor.
Despite this, everyone still harbored doubts about Danzo. It was hard not to, given his history of causing trouble.
"This must be related to the Sand shinobi," a pineapple-headed young ninja suddenly spoke up. "Their lack of evidence and the questioning letter suggest that the Sand shinobi elites who left with him are likely unharmed."
He glanced at Mito Iwagure, who had access to similar intelligence.
"Unharmed!" Mito Iwagure confirmed.
Shinobi like Yura and Rasa, the new generation of Sand shinobi, were closely monitored, so their public movements were known.
"If only the Third Kazekage is missing, he must have returned to the village. The questioning letter is just a ploy to shift the blame," the pineapple-headed youth, Nara Shikaku, explained his theory.
After the suicide of White Fang, the former captain of the elite squad, Shikaku had taken over the position and was known as the "Strategist of Konoha." The Nara clan’s sharp minds made them natural strategists, a role they had held for generations.
"Agreed!" Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in agreement with Shikaku’s deduction.
But their belief wasn’t enough; they needed to convince the Sand Village. If the Sand shinobi knew the incident was unrelated to Konoha but still sent the questioning letter, their intent was clear: to shift the blame.
It was a standard tactic in the shinobi world to divert internal conflicts.
"So, how should we respond?" Mito Iwagure, who handled diplomacy, asked. It was his job to draft the reply, and he didn’t want to take the fall.
As an advisor, he could offer analysis and suggestions, but he wouldn’t make the final decision for the Hokage.
"What do the clan leaders think?" Sarutobi Hiruzen’s gaze swept over the heads of the major clans.
Formally, it was an upper-level shinobi meeting, but the real power lay with the major clans and some elite upper-level shinobi. Ordinary upper-level shinobi were lucky to be present, let alone have a say.
"The Hyuga clan will follow the village’s orders!" the Hyuga clan leader spoke first.
The Hyuga clan always aligned with the Hokage, a loyalty that had earned them the status of Konoha’s premier clan. Their attitude was something the Uchiha could never match.
"The Hokage’s decision!" another clan leader agreed.
"No objections!" others chimed in.
One by one, the clan leaders voiced their opinions. In times like these, speaking carried responsibility. If something went wrong between the two villages, they couldn’t afford to be blamed.
The lessons of the past still linger.
Famous Hidden Leaf's White Fang had to commit suicide to atone for a mission failure. If your suggestion causes serious consequences, wouldn't you feel ashamed if you didn't do the same?
It's safe to say that after the 'White Fang' incident, the major ninja clans and the Hokage have drifted further apart.
Of course, part of the reason is the Root organization's constant recruitment of clan members from various families, brainwashing them into killing machines.
After each clan leader made their statements, it was finally the Uchiha's turn.
"The village absolutely cannot accept slander. We must make it clear to the Sand that this has nothing to do with Hidden Leaf!"
Uchiha Fugaku declared firmly.
Even if it means war, so what? It's just the Sand, after all.
Take them on!
It must be said that Uchiha Fugaku isn't stupid; he certainly knows the consequences of his statement.
If war breaks out, the Uchiha will have to send clan members to fight.
For other clans, this is a bad thing.
But for the Uchiha, who have been confined to the Military Police Force, it's a rare opportunity.
The Uchiha have always admired strength and craved war, which is the opposite of the Hyuga clan.
They have been suppressed, intentionally or unintentionally, within the village.
Now, with the opportunity, they must seize it.
"Fugaku is right. The village cannot accept slander. We will respond to the Sand accordingly!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi first affirmed Uchiha Fugaku's statement and then made the decision.
Truly a seasoned politician!
He immediately tied the Uchiha to the war effort while showing his regard for them.
With the content of the response determined, the meeting was largely concluded.
The various clans and jonin all felt that the Sand would at most protest diplomatically and send some troublemakers in secret, but they weren't overly worried.
It's impossible for the Sand to start a war with Hidden Leaf, which is much stronger, over such a baseless accusation, right?
After the meeting,
"Tsunade-sama!"
Minato Namikaze quickly intercepted a figure.
The female ninja in front of him had short golden hair, a bright and majestic appearance, and a figure that 'understood human hearts'—extremely charming.
Tsunade!
She is also one of the Three Legendary Sannin, known as Princess Tsunade.
She had been listening in on the meeting, but Minato noticed her.
"It's you, Minato. What is it?"
Tsunade looked weary.
"Tsunade-sama, one of my students has a heart problem. I was hoping you could help!"
Minato bowed and made his request.
He is indeed a good teacher.
When there's a need, he steps up!
Even if Shizune wasn't his disciple but just a student in his class, he was willing to plead on her behalf.
In the past, Tsunade wouldn't have refused to help.
After all, Minato is not only Jiraiya's disciple but also Kushina's lover.
But now...
"Sorry, Minato, I'm only here to see Shizune and will be leaving soon. I might not have the time!"
Tsunade shook her head.
It's true she came to see Shizune, but the lack of time is an excuse.
"Is that so... I apologize for the inconvenience, Tsunade-sama!"
Minato's expression turned slightly somber as he bowed and turned to leave, without pressing the issue.
"Wait!" Tsunade hesitated for a moment and then called Minato back. "Though I don't have time to treat him, I can spare some time to examine him and provide a treatment plan."
While she can't treat him, giving a treatment plan is no problem.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama!"
Minato was overjoyed and expressed his gratitude.
He had almost given up hope, but this unexpected turn of events was a relief.
"I'll head to the hospital first. Bring the patient over."
Tsunade gestured for Minato to call the patient, while she headed to the Hidden Leaf Hospital alone.
One hour later!
Hidden Leaf Hospital.
Tohei looked at the scene in front of him, completely bewildered.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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