As the two senior members voiced their objections, the atmosphere in the meeting room became somewhat delicate.
"What Elder Genshi says makes sense, but a risk-free war doesn't exist. It's impossible for the other four great Ninja Villages willingly to give up a portion of the mainland's interests to us," the leader of the Jonin Squad continued.
The Hidden Mist advisor was slightly surprised, confirming the suspicions in their heart.
Although everyone here was of high rank in the Hidden Mist Village, due to differences in strength, influence, experience, and so on, the positions of the higher-ups were not entirely the same.
Genshi was the highest authority in the Hidden Mist Village, and under normal circumstances, the leader of the Jonin Squad would never dare to oppose Genshi directly.
The wind direction in the meeting room had shifted slightly; the higher-ups who had supported Genshi earlier fell silent, while the war hawks continued to argue the necessity of war.
"The Hidden Mist and Konoha must have a battle, but there's no need to be so hasty. We can first observe the situation in the Ninja World before making arrangements," Genshi pondered and said.
He wasn't against war, just felt the timing wasn't right.
"Indeed, we can't rush things. Let's first deploy some ninja forces in the Land of Waves," the Third Mizukage spoke up.
The Third Mizukage wanted to go to war with Konoha, wanted to defeat Konoha.
Doing so would not only wash away the shame of past defeats but also grant him the glory no Mizukage in the Hidden Mist Village had ever had before.
If he could deal a major blow to Konoha, perhaps he could become the strongest Mizukage in the history books of the Hidden Mist Village.
The future of defeating Konoha was very appealing, but the Third Mizukage was very clear-headed, realizing that with the strength of the Hidden Mist, beating Konoha in a direct fight was very difficult. They needed to find a suitable opportunity.
Genshi nodded, showing a satisfied expression.
The Land of Waves was the nearest Island Country to the Land of Fire. A ship from the Land of Waves could quickly reach the Land of Fire.
Moreover, the Land of Waves had no ninja forces, being a weak country that the Hidden Mist Village could easily manipulate.
...
Land of Wind, The Hidden Sand Village.
The Hidden Sand Building, Kazekage Office.
"This Ninja Sect truly is a hidden threat," Rasa put down the intelligence in his hands, thinking to himself.
Previously, the Ninja Sect kept expanding, and Sosuke's momentum became increasingly exaggerated, making him feel the Ninja Sect might become a threat.
However, he hadn't expected the Ninja Sect to quickly come into conflict with neighboring countries, and with one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, Konoha, at that.
"However, with Shimura Danzo being killed at this time, the Ninja World is likely to become lively again," Rasa's face showed a carefree smile.
There wasn't absolute hatred between the Ninja Villages, only absolute interests.
Since the start of Konoha's war, they had repeatedly triumphed. If this carried on until the end, Konoha's esteem in the Ninja World would increase greatly, attracting an influx of patrons and sponsors.
Other great Ninja Villages wouldn't simply sit back and watch this scenario play out.
Under these circumstances, any incident at Konoha seemed almost like an invitation to other ninja villages to take action.
Rasa didn't know if the other villages' Kages were tempted, but he certainly was.
Since the start of the war, the Hidden Sand had first faced internal conflict and then been opportunistically attacked by the Hidden Cloud, always being hit or on the verge of being hit. Their performance was concerning, and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind's displeasure with the Hidden Sand was nearly visible.
For the sake of the Hidden Sand's growth, Rasa very much wanted to take a piece from Konoha's plenitude.
Deliberating, Rasa summoned the Hidden Sand Anbu and ordered, "Strengthen our espionage in the Land of Fire, dispatch more spies to the Land of Fire."
The internal strife and the war with the Hidden Cloud had cost the Hidden Sand many ninjas; currently, the Hidden Sand didn't have the capability to directly contest Konoha.
Rasa's idea was to observe Konoha further, hoping to take advantage and benefit.
...
Land of Thunder, The Hidden Cloud Village.
Raikage Building, in the meeting room.
Although meetings were held, the content of the Hidden Cloud's meeting was somewhat different from the Hidden Mist's.
"Konoha has always been wary of us, frequently dispatching many ninjas to guard the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water since the war began. This time, we can first travel via sea to the Land of Rice Fields and then enter the Land of Fire from there."
Torii spoke with excitement about his plan for a surprise attack.
That's right, the Hidden Cloud not only decided to take action but had already begun discussing specific operational plans.
"Although this route takes more marching time, it's indeed harder to detect," Dodai nodded, revealing a look of approval.
The Land of Grass bordered the Land of Hot Water, and entering the Land of Grass from the Land of Hot Water made it likely to be discovered by Konoha ninja in the Land of Hot Water.
"Before our forces in the Land of Rice Fields officially launch an attack, we can dispatch some squads to operate in the Land of Hot Water, creating the illusion that we are still preparing to attack there," Dodai continued.
The Hidden Cloud members in the meeting room eagerly expressed their ideas, and soon a general framework for the invasion plan was established.
"This time, you'll lead the team," the Third Raikage said to the Fourth A, who was sitting to his left.
The battlefield was very dangerous, but it was also the best place for training.
"Yes, Lord Third," the Fourth A responded seriously.
Even though they were father and son, this was a meeting, and titles had to be maintained.
"As for Bee, should he continue to cultivate in the village or accompany me on the mission?" The Fourth A thought of something and asked.
He personally had no strong feelings about going to the battlefield; although he was the son of the Third Raikage, he had never known the concept of being pampered. Going on dangerous missions was a common occurrence for him.
However, with Killer Bee's current special situation, the Fourth A didn't know how to handle it.
"Bring him along, and remember to protect your brother," the Third Raikage said solemnly.
Killer Bee had not yet fully mastered the Eight-tails' power. Normally, it would be better for him to train in the Hidden Cloud Village.
But the Third Raikage believed that battlefield exposure would lead to faster progress than solo training.
In any case, if an accident happened, he could back them up; he could personally handle it if necessary.
"I will," the Fourth A nodded earnestly.
Killer Bee wasn't his biological brother, but over time, their bond had grown stronger than most related siblings.
...
Land of Fire, Konoha Village.
"Teacher, Danzo…"
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly opened his eyes wide, staring at the familiar ceiling, and exhaled a breath of relief.
"It was just a dream."
Apparently, he had been so occupied with Shimura Danzo the previous day that he had a rare dream, and it was about Shimura Danzo.
In the dream, Shimura Danzo proposed to act as bait first, and Senju Tobirama agreed right away.
How could Sarutobi Hiruzen let his brother go to his death alone? He quickly volunteered to be the bait but was refused by Senju Tobirama.
In the end, Senju Tobirama noted Danzo's lack of capability and went with him as bait...
"Did they both sacrifice?" Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, deciding not to dwell on the peculiar dream.
Sarutobi first completed his morning routine, then, as usual, went to the Hokage Building, had breakfast, and began handling affairs.
He had already instructed Anbu to investigate Shimura Danzo's matters. It was unnecessary for him to personally go to the Root Office and conduct an investigation; doing so would be irresponsible to Konoha.
However, while dealing with Konoha's affairs, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but occasionally ponder over the death of Shimura Danzo.
After all, Shimura Danzo was an old friend with whom he had shared decades-long ties.
"I hope Anbu can uncover clues soon," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
Without involving "Uchiha Madara," Sarutobi Hiruzen might have directly sent ninjas to assassinate Sosuke for revenge.
But with "Uchiha Madara" involved, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt that it would be reckless to act without thorough investigation.
The safety of the village was paramount; with the situation unclear, Sarutobi Hiruzen was cautious to avoid missteps.
"Lord Third, the intelligence has been sorted; new discoveries have been made in several hidden chambers," Anbu reported upon entering the Hokage Office in the afternoon.
Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately perked up.