"Disrespectful?"
The words hung in the air, a challenge. Under normal circumstances, such blatant disrespect from Kirigakure within Konoha would have been met with an immediate Anbu response.
However, the arrival of two more groups behind the Kirigakure delegation created a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.
"That's A, the Third Raikage's son and the next Raikage, along with Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails jinchuriki."
"And from Iwagakure, we have Ōnoki's son, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara."
The arrival of over a hundred shinobi, swaggering into the hall, sent a chill down the spines of the Konoha ninjas.
It was a blatant provocation. However, with three villages now involved, the situation was too complex for rash action.
"Danzo, you've really done it this time!" the Third Hokage said, his voice heavy with a sigh.
"If I'd known this would happen, I should have killed you when you sent assassins after me."
This revelation shocked many. Danzo, despite his autocratic tendencies, had been considered a competent advisor.
These revelations were shattering that image. Attempting to assassinate the Hokage was treason!
Danzo's face was a mask of grim determination. He glared at Kai for several seconds before exhaling heavily, as if making a decision.
"Sarutobi, if you hadn't usurped my position, and if you'd followed my plan, Konoha would be the strongest village in the world. Since masks are off, let's not pretend we're friends."
He turned his gaze to the Kirigakure elder. "Kirigakure, the one who killed the Third Mizukage and stole the Three-Tails was Uchiha Kai. He's incredibly cunning and resourceful. Be careful."
A collective gasp filled the hall. The Third Mizukage's death and the Three-Tails theft had been kept strictly confidential by the Third Hokage. This revelation instantly elevated Kai's perceived power to Kage-level.
"Bullshit! War is war; it's kill or be killed," Jiraiya interjected, his voice sharp.
"Does that mean only your Mizukage can kill, and no one else can retaliate? If that's the case, we'll do the same.
We'll send the Hokage to your village for a stroll, and kill anyone who's deserted. Let's see if you still have the nerve to make demands."
"Jiraiya-sama said it perfectly!"
"Only the officials can start fires, not the people. Your Mizukage was killed because he was outmatched…"
"And now you demand someone be handed over? Do you have any shame?"
The Konoha ninjas rallied behind Jiraiya, voicing their outrage. Years of war had claimed the lives of their parents and loved ones.
Handing over a killer based on mere accusations was ludicrous.
The Kirigakure elder's face was ashen. "Good. This is Konoha's response? You're forcing us to war."
His voice boomed with indignation. Kirigakure had lost the moral high ground and could only resort to threats.
The Third Hokage stepped forward, his expression grim. "I apologize, but if every village demands the surrender of a killer after battlefield deaths, who would dare fight for their village?
This applies to your village as well. If you insist on this course of action, then let's see who has the stronger fists."
A roar of approval erupted from the Konoha ninjas. As the Hokage said, if they couldn't protect their soldiers, who would fight for them?
The Kirigakure elder hesitated, looking at Danzo. He'd gone too far and was cornered. Without a significant advantage, he'd have to retreat.
Danzo's expression darkened. "Sarutobi, I never expected you, the pragmatist, to risk war for Uchiha Kai.
You claim the moral high ground, and you might win against Kirigakure alone. But against three villages? I'd like to see how bold you remain."
The atmosphere in the hall shifted dramatically. The Third Hokage's expression changed. Before he could respond, Kurotsuchi and A stepped forward.
"Third Hokage, our genius, Deidara, has disappeared, and we suspect Uchiha Kai. We demand he be handed over for questioning," Kurotsuchi said, his voice calm despite the gravity of the situation.
A gave Kai a piercing look. "I had hoped to meet again as Kage, but this is… unexpected. I want to know if you're connected to the Third Raikage's disappearance. For the sake of Konoha, accompany us. If you're innocent, we'll release you. If not…"
The Third Raikage was also missing?
The hall erupted in an uproar. The disappearance of the strongest Kage of this generation was even more shocking than Deidara's disappearance.
If this was all connected to Uchiha Kai, it was truly astounding.
Jiraiya's expression turned urgent. He looked at the Third Hokage, seeking guidance. Three villages attacking simultaneously was a completely different situation, especially with Danzo stirring the pot.
Suppressing this would be extremely difficult.
"Haha, Sarutobi, you didn't see this coming, did you? Now, for the sake of Konoha, what will you choose?"
Danzo laughed, his voice echoing with unrestrained glee. "I give you one chance. Bind Uchiha Kai, and perhaps the three villages will calm down.
Otherwise, Konoha's centuries-old legacy will crumble under your watch. I wonder how you'll explain this to the past Hokage in the afterlife."
The balance of power had shifted dramatically with the intervention of the three villages. As everyone's faces hardened, a clap of applause echoed through the hall.
The main player had finally spoken.
"Danzo, you're not just a lapdog; you're a pathetic, groveling lapdog."
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
p@treon.com/kane45
Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters
Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters
Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters