Orochimaru's Intuition

Inside Konoha's assembly hall, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat in the seat of honor. His eyebrows were tightly furrowed, his expression grave.

Seated on either side of him were Konoha's higher-ups, their expressions equally solemn.

"This ninja disappearance incident must be taken seriously."

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke in a deep voice.

"According to the intelligence, not only are there many missing ninja, but none of them were weak. This is definitely not the work of a single individual."

"Activate Konoha's Anbu immediately. Investigate these disappearances with all your strength!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave the order decisively.

Konoha's Anbu were the village's most elite intelligence organization. They excelled at infiltration and gathering information, serving as a vital safeguard for Konoha's security.

"Hiruzen, could ninja squads from Kumogakure and Iwagakure have infiltrated us?"

Koharu Utatane guessed.

"That is the most likely possibility."

The conflicts and contradictions between the Five Great Ninja Villages had grown increasingly intense, as had their mutual suspicion and hostility.

Shimura Danzō felt that this was the most likely possibility—perhaps even the only one.

"Hiruzen, since they struck first, we must retaliate!"

Shimura Danzō said viciously.

"Danzō, don't be hasty. We'll discuss it after the investigation is complete."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a frown.

Although his every move seemed full of schemes, Sarutobi Hiruzen was actually merely too foolish, incompetent, and indecisive.

In addition to his self-righteousness, that was why Konoha had turned a winning game into a total defeat.

"Hiruzen, this is wartime. We can't be so concerned with rules!"

Shimura Danzō said heatedly.

"Enough, Danzō. Strengthen Konoha's defenses immediately, and dispatch elite ninja to investigate this matter. Until we have an answer, I will not permit you to take any action on your own!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen said.

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"

Shimura Danzō felt that Sarutobi Hiruzen was