Hokage Building.
Inside the high-level conference room, Konoha's four senior officials were discussing the war in the Land of Grass.
"Kusagakure actually dares interfere in Konoha's war. They're utterly brazen! We should immediately assemble a ninja force and attack Kusagakure, teaching them a profound lesson!" Shimura Danzō said with a sinister expression.
In his view, an ordinary Ninja Village like Kusagakure involving itself in a war between the Five Great Ninja Villages was simply failing to recognize its place. They had to strike hard.
"Danzō, the intelligence from the front lines does not state with certainty that Kusagakure was involved. It is only suspected," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, shaking his head.
Mobilizing a ninja force without complete confirmation would make Konoha seem far too domineering. Moreover, Konoha's current situation did not allow for such an action.
Hiruzen Sarutobi could not send most of Konoha's ninja off to war. Otherwise, if Kirigakure or another Ninja Village took the opportunity to send an army to their borders, Konoha would have no one left to defend itself.
"Definitive proof is only a matter of time. What we need to do is display a firm attitude!" Shimura Danzō insisted.
"If Konoha does not respond with thunderous measures immediately, today it will be Kusagakure, tomorrow Amegakure and Takigakure. Konoha's prestige as the number one Ninja Village will be completely lost." Shimura Danzō rapped the table to emphasize the severity of the matter.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his brow.
What Shimura Danzō said was not without reason. Maintaining the dignity of the Five Great Ninja Villages was necessary.
But Shimura Danzō had exaggerated the matter. Even if Kusagakure truly was involved, Iwagakure had most likely promised them benefits. Why would other Ninja Villages provoke Konoha for no reason?
"Then, Danzō, take Root and attack Kusagakure," Hiruzen Sarutobi said