The reason for doing this is simply to cause public opinion among the populace, making them question the upper echelons of the Land of Waves, deepening conflicts and laying the groundwork for future reform plans.
The Land of Waves is very close to the Land of Fire, so she needs to pay attention not only to the internal forces of the Land of Waves but also to external forces.
It is precisely because of this that she needs to win over the influence of workers like Tazuna.
As long as the Land of Demons does not intervene proactively, the Land of Fire has no reason to engage.
As for what to do behind the scenes, it is up to each one's capabilities.
At least the balance on the surface should not be disrupted.
◎
After many days of hard work by Kakashi, the Security Team department was finally successfully restarted.
Because the Uchiha Clan in Konoha has already been annihilated, the newly formed Security Team is temporarily incorporated into the Anbu department as another special unit, managing various illegal and disorderly events within Konoha.
In this way, the Hokage's power also gets a new round of expansion, although Root's response remains calm, showing no specific actions, as if tacitly approving this behavior.
Although as advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had quite a few complaints, suggesting to separate the Security Team from the Anbu, this suggestion was vetoed by the Third Hokage.
Thus, under the resolute promotion by the Third Hokage, the new Security Team was established, replacing the previous Uchiha Security Team's functions, to manage various illegal and disorderly phenomena within Konoha, temporarily managed by the newly appointed Head of Anbu, Hatake Kakashi.
"Is there still no accurate response from Lady Tsunade?"
As the Jonin Squad Leader of Konoha, Shikaku is now more concerned about the candidate for the next Hokage than the formation of the Security Team.
Considering the multiple dilemmas Konoha is currently facing, it's evident that the Third Hokage is insufficient and needs a more resolute Hokage to clear Konoha's declining momentum.
Regardless of Hiruzen or this Jonin Squad Leader, the ideal choice in their hearts is Tsunade, one of the Sannin.
As a direct descendant of the Senju, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, a proponent of medical reform, among many combined factors considered, there is no better candidate in Konoha to serve as Hokage than Tsunade.
"Jiraiya is working hard to persuade, but we cannot guarantee when he will succeed."
Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe, gently exhaled, and his words were filled with helplessness.
Once, Konoha was full of talent, powerful ninjas emerging one after another intimidating other countries, making enemy nations hesitate.
But as time passed, and with the outbreak of the Third Ninja War, these advantages of Konoha were lost overnight.
White Fang suicide, Chiba Hakushi, Uchiha Ruri, Hyuga Ayane's collective defection from the original White Fang Squad, Tsunade's departure from Konoha's political center, Minato's unfortunate sacrifice, Orochimaru's defection leaving the village, Jiraiya traveling around various countries, also choosing to stay away from Konoha's political center…
Hiruzen once fantasized that if his past self hadn't made mistakes, might he have been able to prevent all these tragedies?
No matter what, it wouldn't have led Konoha to such an embarrassing situation as now.
The rise of the Land of Demons, Uchiha and the Hyuga Branch Family set up new roots there, thriving with vigor, behind the scenes, there are quite a few people maliciously mocking Konoha's incompetence and fragility.
As one gets older, they tend to indulge in past memories, and Hiruzen as Hokage was no exception.
Or maybe precisely because there were too many regrets and places for remorse, one easily falls into unrealistic fantasies.
Shikaku nodded; he was just asking casually, wanting to understand the situation.
"No need to worry too much about the Security Team anymore, as for its response, that can only be known after some time has passed. However, based on my predictions, there shouldn't be any major issues."
After all, the personnel of the Security Team were personally selected by him and Kakashi, screened from combined aspects of strength, character, and belief in the Will of Fire; it's safe to say they are ninjas loyal to Konoha and the Hokage.
They would never act against the interests of the village.
"I've checked, the members are quite good, as long as it can be scheduled soon it will be fine. Oh, and there's one more thing to discuss with you."
Hiruzen took out a scroll from the drawer and placed it in Shikaku's hands.
After Shikaku took it, opened it, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Settling in the Land of Waves? What is the Land of Demons intending to do?"
The contents of the scroll showed a ship from the Land of Demons docking at the Land of Waves' port, carrying a number of ninjas and Debt Collectors, all dangerous individuals with strong military power.
As a neighboring country of the Land of Fire, the Land of Waves' territory is now being occupied by distant forces from the Land of Demons, making the situation seem rather unusual.
"They're using debt collection as an excuse on the surface, but secretly planning to stay long-term within the Land of Waves and pull off something."
Hiruzen's eyes showed vigilance.
Shikaku pondered.
Hiruzen spoke again, taking out a photograph, it was a full-body picture of a person.
A twelve-year-old girl, Three Tomoe Sharingan eyes glistening fiercely in the photo, long black hair cascading down, her waist carrying a sheathed blade.
"I remember this girl..."
"Her name is Chiba Ichihime, daughter of Chiba Hakushi and Uchiha Ruri, once disguised as Mahiru Ichihime, entered Konoha Ninja School as the princess of the Land of Demons to study. From the fact she has the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, she perfectly inherited the powers of the Uchiha Clan. Leading the Land of Demons forces entering the Land of Waves, she is their leader. Her strength... is likely outstanding even among Jonin."
Hiruzen shared the intel he had gathered.
Shikaku's brows became deeply furrowed, evidently sensing the tricky situation.
"What did the Daimyo say?"
"They hope Konoha will temporarily refrain from action, and that their officials will handle it."
As Hiruzen finished speaking, Shikaku understood the implications, saying meaningfully: "It seems the situation is much more complex than we imagined. However, I still suggest dispatching an Anbu squad to investigate this matter. Merely relying on the Daimyo's forces, I think the situation might not be contained in the end. If things get that dire, we won't be in a passive position."
"This order is to be passed to Kakashi, have him select a squad of elite Anbu as soon as possible to infiltrate the Land of Waves for investigation. This might be a new conspiracy from the Land of Demons, and we must be cautious."
"Understood, I will get to it immediately, Hokage-sama."
Shikaku solemnly nodded, turned, and left.
After Shikaku departed, Hiruzen stood by the window, hands behind his back, his cloudy eyes gazing at the village scenery outside, a look of yearning reappeared on his aged and wrinkled face, and he sighed.