After a long, exhausting night, the Third Hokage convened a high-level meeting in the Hokage Building.
Soon, the elder advisors—Koharu, Mitomon Yan—and the Root organization leader Danzo arrived.
In Konoha, there were many high-level ninjas: ministers of various departments, heads of prominent families, and other influential figures. But right now, only these four people could truly decide the fate of the village.
The combined age of the group was over two hundred, and not a single young face in sight. It made anyone worry about Konoha's future.
Koharu, slightly ruffled from being woken up, looked at the Third Hokage and asked, "Hokage, is there some major event that required calling us old folks here?"
"There are… indeed some serious matters that need your input," the Third Hokage replied with a wry smile, briefly summarizing the events of the previous night.
After hearing the details, the advisors' faces turned grave. Exchanging glances, they said slowly, "The assassination of the Yunin Mission leader and the attack on the Jinchuriki… these are serious. Our top priority is finding the perpetrators. Any leads, Hokage?"
"The ninja who attacked the Jinchuriki was killed by the Jinchuriki themselves. Their body was so fragmented that no memories could be extracted. As for the murderer of the Yunin leader… he's been identified, but the situation is even more complicated."
The Third Hokage sighed. "The Yunin leader was killed by the head of the Nichizu clan, who had a legitimate reason. The envoy broke into the camp first and even took Hyuga clan members hostage."
Xiaochun frowned. "So the Yunin provoked it first. Their target was the Hyuga clan, but during the kidnapping, their leader was killed. There's nothing wrong with the Hyuga's actions."
The Third Hokage nodded. "Yes, but now the embassy is using this as an excuse. They demand the culprit be handed over, or they'll scrap all prior peace agreements and continue the war."
Xiaochun asked, "Then what do you intend to do?"
The Third Hokage didn't answer immediately, instead turning to Mitomon Yan. "Yan, what's the state of the village's supplies? Can we sustain a prolonged battle?"
Mitomon Yan, in charge of money and food, ran the numbers. "It's possible, but resources are tight. We'd need to increase mission rewards while cutting pensions and departmental expenses."
After a pause, Mitomon Yan glanced at Danzo and the Hokage. "However, the guards are already unhappy about funding cuts. If we go further, the Uchiha clan may revolt… and Yan Yin seems restless as well. This could blow up anytime."
The Third Hokage's face darkened. If the conflict continued, Yan Yin would intervene, and internal divisions would worsen. But if the Hyuga clan handed over the culprit, tension between them and the Hokage could ignite.
Danzo, silent until now, leaned forward. "Hizhan, I think you're forgetting something… like those Cloud ninjas near the Jinchuriki's house last night. Yunin's bastards aren't just provoking—they're testing strength."
The Third Hokage shot Danzo a glare, but Danzo continued. "Kunin attacked a previous Jinchuriki more than ten years ago. They've always been scheming against Konoha's Nine-Tails."
"Danzo, Kushina wasn't the Jinchuriki back then," the Hokage reminded.
"Details don't matter," Danzo replied flatly. "Today, they demand the culprit be handed over. Tomorrow, they'll tear up treaties if we comply blindly. Giving in only makes them bolder. Hizhan, remember your duty—show Yunin some strength."
The Third Hokage's face grew uglier by the second. "Yes, yes, why don't you send your Root subordinates to the front lines to stop Yunin's ninjas? Show off the fruits of your precious Root program."
Danzo, ever opportunistic, quickly shifted the topic. For him, the Root was both a weapon and his ticket to power.
Xiaochun sighed. "Enough arguing. Let's focus on solutions. I vote to compromise with Yunin."
Mitomon Yan adjusted his glasses. "I oppose prolonging the war."
Seeing this, Danzo scowled, then said reluctantly, "I abstain."
With that, the vote was decided: the continuation of war would be opposed.
Xiaochun looked worried. "If everyone opposes war, who will convince the Hyuga clan to hand over the culprit? That won't be easy."
Mitomon Yan remained silent. Danzo merely wore a sardonic smile, offering no help.
The Third Hokage sighed. "Fine. I'll go to the Hyuga clan myself. Explain the pros and cons. Let them make sacrifices for the village's sake."
With that, the high-level meeting concluded. Compared to the diplomatic incident, the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was minor. The situation was under control.
Later, the Third Hokage called Danzo to his office.
Danzo looked skeptical, clearly questioning the Hokage's intent.
The Third Hokage produced a document. "Last night, in addition to the Jinchuriki attack, a Chunin named Amakaze disappeared. The timing coincides with the attack, and his Konoha forehead protector was found at the scene. Care to explain?"
Danzo frowned. "He isn't my subordinate. I didn't order any action against the Jinchuriki. My Root was not involved."
"I know he isn't from your Root. But he was part of Minato's old team!"
The Hokage's patience snapped. "Explain. Why did a former subordinate of Minato attack Naruto? Why?!"
Danzo's face paled. "That… that might be his own fault."
The Third Hokage regained his composure, eyes sharp as a hawk. "This is the last warning. I don't care what you think privately. But remember… I am the Hokage!"
This version smooths the phrasing, fixes grammatical errors, clarifies the political tension, and adds subtle character flavor without changing the plot.
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