Hiruzen Sarutobi saw that all the jonin had arrived and began the meeting.
The Third Hokage, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō—Konoha's senior officials—sat in the only four chairs, while the jonin stood before them.
"Not long ago, Iwagakure of the Land of Earth declared war on us." Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed the reason for urgently convening the Jonin Meeting.
"Iwagakure? That's a Ninja Village on the same level as ours."
"Are they coveting the Land of Fire's abundant resources?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's words caused a small stir among the jonin in the meeting room, and they began discussing it aloud.
After all, Iwagakure was no insignificant opponent. Even if its overall strength was inferior to Konoha's, it was still one of the Five Great Ninja Villages alongside Konoha.
"Hmph. Iwagakure actually dared to take the initiative and declare war on Konoha? It seems they've forgotten that there are ranks even among the Five Great Ninja Villages!" Danzo snorted coldly.
Danzo continued, "We should immediately gather our shinobi and declare war on Iwagakure in the Land of Earth. We must launch a swift attack and let them know that the foremost Ninja Village cannot be provoked!"
Of course, there was more Danzo had not said. Since they were going to war, spies would certainly be indispensable. The restrictions on his Root should be loosened somewhat.
But those words could not be spoken at the Jonin Meeting. He would need to discuss them privately with the Third Hokage in his office.
"Declaring war on Iwagakure is necessary." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.
They had already been declared upon. If Konoha did not declare war in return, it would no longer be able to hold its head up in the shinobi world.
Konoha had two main sources of income. One was funding provided by the