"What? Kumogakure and Kirigakure are conducting military exercises on the frontlines?!"
When the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, received this news, his expression instantly darkened.
The reason was simple: Kushina's due date was approaching.
The fact that these two nations were now conducting such aggressive military exercises near the border was highly suspicious. It was hard not to wonder if they had somehow obtained information about Kushina's situation.
Could it be... the work of that mysterious organization Senior Danzo had mentioned?
As Minato pondered this, Danzo, leaning on his cane, entered the Hokage's office.
"I assume you've already received the news, Fourth Hokage," Danzo said as he took a seat, his expression equally grim.
"According to Root's intelligence, the military exercises conducted by the Land of Water and the Land of Lightning are anything but ordinary. The Third Raikage, A, and the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, are both personally involved."
Danzo's words made Minato's expression grow even darker.
Military exercises involving the Raikage and Mizukage themselves were far from ordinary.
Their intentions were clear: to tie down Konoha's forces, with their ultimate goal being Kushina.
Danzo voiced his speculation, and Minato frowned in response.
"Senior Danzo, are you suggesting that someone within Konoha leaked Kushina's due date?"
Danzo shook his head and explained, "Not necessarily. While the other high-ranking officials in Konoha are mostly useless, I doubt they would do something that would put the village in such grave danger."
Such a bold statement made Minato secretly wipe away a cold sweat.
Danzo could criticize the other elders like this, but as a junior, Minato dared not agree.
Danzo continued, unfazed by Minato's lack of response. "I suspect that the mysterious organization possesses extremely powerful reconnaissance capabilities. For example, space-time ninjutsu that allows them to come and go without a trace, or other similar techniques."
Of course, Danzo knew exactly how Obito conducted his reconnaissance—through Kamui and the Floating Shadow Technique.
The former allowed free movement through space, while the latter allowed the user to merge with the earth, completely concealing their presence.
Even the Byakugan couldn't detect it, making it one of the best reconnaissance methods available.
"Regardless, it's clear they're planning something big this time," Danzo said, his eyes narrowing.
A strong killing intent brewed within him.
The current situation was vastly different from the original timeline.
In the original timeline, Obito had merely attempted to cause the Nine-Tails to rampage, acting alone.
But now, the circumstances had changed dramatically.
Kirigakure, under Yagura's control via Obito's genjutsu, was undoubtedly following his orders to pressure Konoha with military exercises at the border.
As for Kumogakure, Obito had likely struck some kind of deal with the Third Raikage.
Beyond these two villages, Obito might have other tricks up his sleeve.
In short, compared to the original timeline, Obito's attack on Konoha this time was far more determined.
And the effects he sought to achieve were likely not limited to just causing the Nine-Tails to rampage.
Was it because Konoha had been developing too smoothly recently?
Danzo could more or less guess Obito's thoughts.
If Konoha were allowed to continue growing at this rate, it might become a behemoth capable of dominating the entire ninja world.
This would undoubtedly interfere with Obito's plan to capture the tailed beasts and initiate the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Therefore, Obito had to mobilize significant resources to disrupt Konoha's development. If he could deal a heavy blow to Konoha, he might even trigger a new Great Ninja War—what Danzo referred to as "Season 4."
"If the Nine-Tails rampages and Konoha suffers heavy losses, the other great nations will likely pounce on us immediately. We must prevent this from happening," Danzo said, having thoroughly considered the consequences.
Under his influence, Konoha had avoided many losses during the Third Great Ninja War.
However, this had also made Konoha a target in the eyes of others.
If Konoha were to fail now, it would undoubtedly face a coordinated attack.
At the very least, Sunagakure and Kirigakure would be eager to reclaim their lost interests.
As for the treaties they had signed? What were they worth?
In the end, it was the strong who dictated the terms.
Once you lost the strength to enforce a treaty, it became nothing more than a piece of scrap paper.
"So, Senior Danzo, what do you think we should do?" Minato asked, his hands clasped together.
He was curious about how Danzo would handle this situation.
"Ignore the pressure from Kirigakure and Kumogakure. Focus all our efforts on protecting the village. As long as Kushina remains safe, Kumogakure and Kirigakure won't dare to act recklessly," Danzo said simply.
His reasoning was straightforward: if Kushina was safe, Kumogakure and Kirigakure would have no choice but to retreat.
Even if they didn't, the sacrifices made would be worth it. They could always strike back later.
However, this plan was met with rare skepticism from Minato.
"Senior Danzo, if we do that, and Kumogakure and Kirigakure launch an attack, without Kage-level ninjas to hold them back, they will march straight into the Land of Fire. The civilians there will suffer greatly!"
Minato's hands clenched tightly, his voice filled with conflict.
Clearly, he didn't want to place his hopes on vague deterrence.
While Danzo's reasoning made sense, what if? What if Kirigakure and Kumogakure attacked regardless? What would happen to the civilians at the border?
"Senior Danzo, I'm afraid I cannot accept this proposal. Please rest assured, I believe I can protect Kushina!" Minato ultimately made his decision and gave Danzo his assurance.
Looking at the young man before him, Danzo suddenly smiled faintly.
In Minato, he saw an absolute confidence that radiated from within.
"No matter. I was merely offering a suggestion," Danzo said, not at all angered by Minato's rejection.
"In that case, let's send Jiraiya to the northern front to guard against Kumogakure's forces. As for Kirigakure, don't worry about them. I'll send one of Root's 'generals' to handle that." Danzo quickly shifted his thinking and made new arrangements.
While Jiraiya might not be a match for the Third Raikage, his well-rounded abilities and strong survival skills made him an excellent choice.
Even if Kumogakure were to act recklessly, Jiraiya could buy Konoha plenty of time.
After all, launching a full-scale war required extensive preparation, and Danzo doubted Kumogakure was ready for that.
As for Kirigakure, the "general" Danzo planned to send was none other than Pakura, the "Scorch Style User" from the Earth Branch squad.
Her abilities were not only effective against Kirigakure's water-based techniques but also carried a special advantage. She was the perfect choice.
With this arrangement, Konoha's main forces would remain strong and ready.
Seeing that Danzo wasn't upset by his rejection, Minato breathed a sigh of relief.
He had no objections to Danzo's new plan and immediately said, "In that case, let's proceed as Senior Danzo suggests!"
He turned to look out the window at the Hokage Monument and said calmly, "Don't worry. I will protect both the village and Kushina!"
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