After a whole night of busyness, the Third Hokage convened an emergency high-level meeting at the Hokage's office.
Soon, the chief advisors Elder Koharu and Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with Root's leader Danzo, arrived at the meeting room.
Within the structure of the Hidden Leaf Village, many jonin ranked shinobi were considered senior—heads of major departments and influential clan leaders.
However, those who truly held the power to decide the fate of Konoha at this moment were only these four.
That said, the combined ages of these elders exceeded two hundred years. The absence of younger faces inevitably stirred worries about the village's future.
Awakened to attend the meeting, Elder Koharu glanced at the Third Hokage with slight irritation and asked, "Hokage, calling us old timers here—is there a major incident?"
"There is indeed a serious matter that requires your attention," the Third Hokage replied with a faint smile, briefly outlining the two incidents from the previous night.
After hearing the report, the two advisors grew grave, exchanging looks before slowly stating:
"The assassination of the Hidden Cloud's delegation leader and the attack on the Jinchuriki are indeed troublesome. But the immediate priority is to find the perpetrators. Hokage, do you have any leads?"
"The ninja who attacked the Jinchuriki was killed by the Jinchuriki himself. His body was torn apart, making memory investigation impossible. As for the killer of the delegation leader, they have been identified, but the situation is more complicated."
Pausing thoughtfully, the Third Hokage continued:
"The assassin was the head of the Hizuki clan from the Hyuga clan's territory. And he had sufficient justification—because the delegation leader was the one who first invaded the camp and took a member of the Hyuga main family hostage."
Elder Koharu frowned. "It seems the Cloud provoked this incident. Their goal was the Byakugan, but during the hostage situation, the Hyuga clan turned the tables and killed the Cloud's leader. The Hyuga did nothing wrong here."
The Third Hokage nodded, then added:
"However, the delegation is now using their leader's death as an excuse, demanding we hand over the assassin, or else they will tear up the peace accords and prolong the war."
Elder Koharu asked, "And what do you plan to do?"
The Third Hokage didn't answer immediately but turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the official in charge of supplies.
"Hiruzen, how are our provisions? Can the village sustain the war effort?"
Hiruzen considered before responding:
"We could keep fighting, but our resources and funds are stretched thin. We'll have to increase deductions from mission rewards, cut down on relief payments, and tighten spending across departments."
He glanced at Danzo and the Third Hokage before adding quietly:
"However, these cuts have caused grumbling among the ANBU and the Uchiha clan is growing restless. Further cuts might spark trouble."
"And apparently, the Hidden Stone is also unsettled—there's always a chance they might intervene."
"I see…"
The Third Hokage's expression darkened as he weighed the dilemma.
Continuing the war risked the Hidden Stone exploiting the chaos and would deepen internal village conflicts.
But forcing the Hyuga clan to hand over their leader would fracture relations between the Hyuga and the Hokage's office.
At this moment, Danzo, who had been silent, fixed a sharp look on the Third Hokage and suddenly said:
"Hizashi, you seem to have forgotten something—like the Hidden Cloud ninja who appeared near the Jinchuriki's home last night…"
"The Cloud's real targets weren't just the Byakugan—they were after the Jinchuriki too."
The Third Hokage shot Danzo a glare, but Danzo was unfazed:
"Over a decade ago, the Cloud attacked the previous Jinchuriki. They have long had designs on Konoha's Nine-Tails."
The Third Hokage cleared his throat. "Danzo, Kushina wasn't Jinchuriki back then."
Danzo replied bluntly, "That makes no difference. And now, the Cloud dares to demand we hand over the assassin, tomorrow they might just tear up the treaty outright. Endless concessions will only embolden them."
"Hizashi, don't forget the Hokage's duty—show the Cloud some strength."
These words made the Third Hokage's face darken further. He snorted coldly:
"Fine. Let your men be sent to the front lines to block the Cloud ninja. It'll be a good chance to see the results Root has achieved over the years."
"Root is an assassination special force. Using them on the front lines is a waste."
Mentioning Root made Danzo quickly change the subject. To him, Root was his true military power—and one of his chips to become Hokage someday.
"Enough, enough, stop arguing."
Elder Koharu couldn't stand the bickering any longer and spoke up:
"Let's focus on solving these problems. Arguing in a meeting is pointless. Let's just vote. My opinion: we should compromise with the Cloud."
Hiruzen adjusted his glasses. "Our finances don't support prolonging the war—I oppose continuing the conflict."
Seeing the two advisors against war, Danzo's expression fluctuated before he finally said, "I abstain. Neither for nor against."
The Third Hokage himself obviously opposed continuing the war. Voting was no longer necessary.
After the vote, Elder Koharu expressed concern:
"If everyone opposes continuing the war, how do we handle the delegation? Who will make the Hyuga clan hand over the assassin? This won't be easy to smooth over."
Hiruzen said nothing. Danzo sneered but offered no volunteers.
The Third Hokage sighed helplessly:
"I'll go. I'll make a trip to the Hyuga lands to explain the pros and cons. They need to sacrifice for the greater good—it's all for the village."
After resolving the delegation issue, the meeting was nearly over.
Compared to the Cloud delegation's matter, the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was barely worth mentioning. Though important, he hadn't been seriously harmed and everything was under control.
...
After the meeting, the Third Hokage summoned Danzo to his office.
Danzo looked at the Hokage, puzzled as to why he had been called.
The Third Hokage locked eyes with him, took out a document from the drawer, and said:
"Last night, besides the Jinchuriki's attack, a Chunin named Tenpu disappeared. His disappearance coincided with the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. His Konoha headband was found at the scene."
"Do you have any explanation?"
Danzo frowned, displeased. "He's not my subordinate. I have no reason to attack the Jinchuriki. My Root had no operations last night."
"I know he's not your Root subordinate—but he was one of Minato's old men!"
The Third Hokage grew impatient, standing and shouting:
"Explain to me—why did one of Minato's former men attack Naruto? Why?!"
Danzo's expression shifted. "This has nothing to do with me. Maybe it's his own doing."
After venting, the Third Hokage regained composure and fixed a hawk-like gaze on Danzo:
"This is the last time. I don't care what you think privately, but remember—"
"I am the Hokage!"
(End of Chapter 20)
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