After Hinata and the others left, Shizune called out with some concern, "Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade's expression was also not good, and she couldn't help but recall the Konoha High Command meeting two days ago.
The negotiations between Konoha and Sand Village will not be delayed simply because there is no 'Kage'.
Even before Tsunade returned to the village, the Konoha High Command and the Sand Village leadership had already begun contacting each other, and the two sides had roughly reached an agreement to re-form an alliance.
Having just experienced a major battle and still recovering, Konoha and Sand Village must form an alliance again to maintain the current balance in the Shinobi World.
Otherwise, Iwagakure and Kumogakure, who are eyeing the village from the sidelines, will inevitably seize the opportunity to take away the interests of Konoha and Sand Village.
The reason the negotiations have been delayed until now is that Konoha has already selected the Fifth Hokage, and the alliance agreement must be signed by the Hokage in person to be valid.
As for the Sunagakure, since there is no suitable candidate to succeed the Kazekage, an alliance agreement can be signed as long as all the high-ranking officials reach a consensus.
The two Hokage Advisors from Konoha actually supported the alliance.
However, at the meeting two days ago, Danzo suddenly raised a different opinion.
Oppose alliances!
Danzo not only opposed the alliance, but also proposed to kill Gaara companions, and then launch an attack on Sunagakure on the grounds that "Sunagakure violated the alliance first".
Tsunade naturally vehemently rejected Danzo's opinion.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu are two opportunists, responsible for maintaining the balance between the Hokage's forces and Danzo's forces.
The two Hokage Advisors are only truly important when the power of the Hokage and Danzo is balanced.
Although Tsunade ultimately suppressed Danzo with the authority of the 'Hokage,' the two parted on bad terms, and even the two Hokage Advisors lost face.
Tsunade knew that Danzo Root was an extremely dangerous person.
The reason she got so angry yesterday was actually because of Danzo's Danzo.
Tsunade and Jiraiya Konoha. As soon as the two returned to the village, they won over many people by relying on the camaraderie they had formed during Second Shinobi War and Third Shinobi War.
Since Sasuke's defection, Tsunade has been secretly investigating the traitors within Konoha who were colluding with Orochimaru.
Danzo, the leader of Root, naturally came into Tsunade's sights.
However, Tsunade currently does not have any strong evidence to accuse Danzo.
Furthermore, Danzo's influence in Konoha was deeply entrenched, and Danzo had his own explanations for many things.
For a time, Tsunade really didn't have a good way to deal with Danzo.
Coming to her senses, Tsunade chuckled softly and said calmly, "Trust them!"
Shizune nodded emphatically. "Mm!"
In the underground base of Konoha's Roots, Danzo sat in a chair, holding a cane, with a smug look in his eyes.
Since Tsunade returned to the village, Danzo and Tsunade have already clashed twice in secret.
In both instances, Danzo gained the upper hand.
Sasuke's defection counts as one instance.
This incident easily brings to mind the long-standing feud between the Senju and Uchiha, making it a perfect opportunity to undermine Tsunade's prestige in Konoha.
Although Tsunade did not declare Sasuke missing-nin on the spot, she managed to suppress the matter.
But what about this time?
The Sunagakure broke its alliance and joined forces with Orochimaru to attack Konoha. Instead of seeking revenge for the fallen Konoha Ninja, the Fifth Hokage insisted on continuing the alliance with the Sunagakure...
What do those Konoha Ninjas who lost their families and comrades think?
Danzo waited until Tsunade returned to the village before launching his attack because he wanted to undermine Tsunade's prestige in the village.
In this way, the ninjas within Konoha who are hostile to Sunagakure will inevitably side with Danzo instead of supporting Tsunade.
As for Gaara...
Regardless of Gaara lives or dies, Danzo has already won.
It would be better if he were dead.
If you don't die, then wait for the next chance.
"But..."
Danzo suddenly frowned.
The person who gives Danzo the biggest headache in Konoha right now is not Tsunade, but the young lady of the Hyuga Clan — Hinata Hyuga.
Hinata's strength is secondary; the key is that Hinata can borrow the power of Nine-Tails), and even allow Naruto to directly Tailed Beast Transformation without being taken over by Nine-Tails.
Otogakure knew some of the information about the battle in Danzo.
According to information leaked by Orochimaru, Hinata can even command Nine-Tails in battle, and Nine-Tails is also consciously protecting Hinata.
This completely violates Danzo's values.
Is the Nine-Tails Fox really just a stupid fox who's obsessed with looks?
Danzo actually wanted to bring Hinata into the Root.
Hinata's strength has now reached a considerable level, and she is the heir to the Hyuga Main Family. She also has a good relationship with Tsunade and Jiraiya, so Danzo cannot easily win her over.
Thinking back to my first meeting with Hinata in the Hokage's Office...
Danzo felt that if he went to find Hinata in person, he would definitely get sick from Hinata's anger.
"Looks like I'll have to pay a visit to the Hyuga Clan sometime. Hiashi... hopefully he'll know what's good for him!"
Konoha Gate.
When Hinata and her two companions arrived, Might Guy's Team and Gaara of four had already been waiting for some time.
Might Guy seemed very excited, looking at Kakashi with fiery eyes, and said passionately, "Kakashi! I never thought that the two of us would have the opportunity to carry out a mission together with our respective students."
"Don't worry, Kakashi! As long as my lovely disciple is here, I will absolutely not let your disciple get hurt!"
"This is youth!"
"As seniors, we have a responsibility to protect the younger generation."
Before Kakashi could speak, Hinata said with tears of gratitude, "Teacher Might Guy, you're so kind! From now on, please risk your lives to protect me!"
Kakashi covered his face, speechless, and said, "Who exactly needs protecting? Hinata, you'd better get this straight!"
Hinata kept glancing at Naruto, subtly implying, "Isn't I the one who should be protected the most?"
Kankuro retorted with dissatisfaction, "Hey! If they're protecting you, what are we supposed to do?"
Kankuro finished speaking, Gaara, Temari, and Baki all took a step back.
They've completely disgraced Sunagakure!
Hinata walked up to Kankuro, patted Kankuro on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "Kankuro, you're a ninja now. You should learn to protect yourself and strive to become independent as soon as possible."
"Instead of placing all our hopes on just a few of us, as we are doing now."
"He's such a grown man, it's really worrying!"
Kankuro: "..."
Actually, Kankuro regretted saying that as soon as he finished speaking.
However, there is a real blood feud between Kankuro and Hinata.
He had encountered Hinata several times, and each time Hinata severely injured him with a single move.
Now that the two sides don't have to fight, Kankuro naturally feels more confident and keeps thinking about refuting Hinata's words in order to prove his existence.
Hinata sighed, somewhat disappointed, and said, "Kankuro, I hope you can mature quickly, instead of acting like a child..."
Hinata shook her head in disappointment at this point.
Stepping to the front of the group, Hinata declared with great enthusiasm, "We're going to safely escort the four from Sunagakure back to their village!"
Let's go!