Leaking Information and Targeting

There were five people in the conference room.

Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Hokage Advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, and Root leader Shimura Danzō.

These were the core high-ranking officials currently managing Konoha.

Aside from the independent major ninja clans and the [Jonin Council], all other departments and powers within Konoha were divided among these five individuals.

Hiruzen Sarutobi currently controlled the [Direct Anbu], [Garrison Close Combat Unit], [Medical Department], [Interrogation Department], and [Intelligence Department], wielding immense power.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu jointly managed the [Administrative Department], responsible for assisting the Hokage and liaising with the [Land of Fire] to manage the village's finances allocated by the country. They effectively held a portion of the decision-making, diplomatic, and financial authority. Their status was extremely high, comparable to elders.

Shimura Danzō solely commanded [Root] and also possessed a degree of financial control.

Minato Namikaze currently only managed the [Education Department], with some of the Direct Anbu still in the process of being formed, along with the Hokage's main administrative duties.

The rest, including the [Corpse Disposal Squad], [Beast Taming and Rehabilitation Squad], [Barrier Squad], [Sealing Squad]... and so on. These were fixed units that generally did not belong to anyone, only serving a purpose during special battles.

This was the current power distribution among Konoha's core high-ranking officials.

The Fourth Hokage, while a prestigious title, actually had very limited power under his control.

He even had less power than Danzō.

However, Minato was not in a hurry. His position as Hokage was not granted by anyone's charity but earned through the reputation he built during the Third Shinobi World War.

Although he had only recently taken office as Hokage.

He was already using his own methods to change Konoha, to change the village.

All he lacked was time...

Utatane Koharu was the first to ask, "Have the casualty statistics from last night been compiled? With such a major disaster, the Daimyo won't be able to keep it quiet. We need to provide a response as soon as possible."

Minato had already finished compiling them. "The preliminary statistics are out. 638 ninja casualties, 2,845 civilian casualties. The number of injured is still being corrected..."

"The casualties are this high?"

"The village was already severely weakened after the Third Shinobi World War."

"Now this heavy blow... this is troublesome. Other villages might take the opportunity to make a move!"

Mitokado Homura worried, finally understanding the terror of the Nine-Tails.

The only good news was that the Nine-Tails had been resealed. Furthermore, with the Fourth Hokage Minato present, his reputation as the 'Yellow Flash' was enough to deter most hostile forces from coveting Konoha.

"I have already ordered the border sentries to increase patrols and dispatched some reconnaissance teams. If there are any signs of enemy village activity, we should be able to detect them in time."

Minato's combat and command talents were both excellent, and he had already made corresponding arrangements.

If any village dared to try and take advantage of the situation, Minato would surely make them 'eat their fill' of his attacks!

With Minato's assurance, the others felt much more at ease.

They might doubt the young Fourth Hokage's various abilities, but they had no doubt about his combat prowess.

"Ultimately, how did that masked man who released the Nine-Tails know the Jinchuriki's delivery time? And how did he infiltrate the highest-level barrier?" Utatane Koharu frowned and questioned.

Minato quickly explained:

"That guy possessed a very advanced [Space-Time Ninjutsu], which is likely how he bypassed the barrier. As for how he knew Kushina's delivery time, that..."

Just then, Danzō spoke:

"The delivery time and location of a Jinchuriki are top secrets."

"Generally, only the Third and Fourth Hokage, and a few others, know. The enemy's attack was so precise, they must have received intelligence beforehand."

"Hiruzen, Minato, can you explain?"

Danzō's accusation was sharp, practically implying treason and intelligence leaks.

He demanded an explanation from the Third and Fourth Hokage.

"This... I cannot yet confirm if there was a leak."

Minato could only explain this way, though he was also very confused.

Because only a few people knew the secret of Kushina's delivery, and none of them would betray the village!

Wait, Kakashi seemed to know too?

Could it be that Kakashi told Obito?

Did Kakashi betray the village too?

No, no, no, that's impossible!

The more Minato thought, the more chaotic his mind became. He couldn't jump to conclusions.

Moreover, it was difficult for him to speak directly, as the information that the masked man was Obito had not yet been confirmed.

He couldn't possibly announce now that his own disciple was the mastermind behind the [Night of the Nine-Tails] disaster?

Danzō was naturally dissatisfied with Minato's response and immediately pressed Hiruzen.

"Hiruzen, what about you? I heard that Biwako and Taji, the two who were responsible for the delivery at the time, were both your people..."

If you find this book to your liking, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

But Hiruzen sat in his seat, head down and lost in thought the entire time, not saying a word.

"Hiruzen, Hiruzen?"

"Danzo! You shouldn't ask that, Lady Biwako also perished at that time."

"What, Biwako perished too?"

Danzo was shocked; he hadn't known this.

Overnight, Hiruzen Sarutobi had also lost his wife. It was no wonder he was so dejected now...

Thinking this, Danzo didn't feel right about pressuring Hiruzen further.

He then turned his attention back to Minato.

"Whoever leaked the information, we must thoroughly investigate."

"Also, the village has emphasized the threat of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki time and time again."

"Minato, as the Fourth Hokage, you actually allowed the Tailed Beast to rampage, causing such great losses to the village. As Hokage, you must take responsibility for this!"

This Danzo of World #4 was no longer the passionate youth from World #2.

Now, his eyes were only on power and the position of Hokage.

At this moment, being able to seize this opportunity to harshly criticize Fourth Hokage Minato's negligence, he naturally wouldn't hold back.

It would be even better if he could force Minato out of the Hokage position through this!

Back then, one of the reasons Hiruzen had abdicated to Minato was because, as the Hokage in power, he had to take responsibility for the massive casualties caused by the Third Shinobi World War.

Facing Danzo's accusations, Minato frowned slightly. He really didn't want to fall out with Lord Danzo.

Moreover, his opponent had valid reasons right now and stood on the side of righteousness.

Regardless of the reasons, Kushina, as the Jinchuriki, and himself, as the Hokage, had to take responsibility for this Nine-Tails incident.

"Am I wrong? Shouldn't the Hokage be responsible for this?"

"Koharu, Homura, what do you think?"

The two advisors hesitated. Yet, their hearts stirred slightly. After all, when something happened, someone always had to take the blame.

Unless the person involved was already dead.

If Minato didn't take the blame, were they supposed to?

"We can discuss responsibility later. The immediate priority is to handle the aftermath, repair the village as quickly as possible, treat the wounded, and bury the dead..."

Hiruzen finally came back to his senses, speaking to mediate and appease.

"Hiruzen, you're covering for him!"

"Danzo, if we're talking about responsibility, can you tell us where you and Root were last night?"

Hiruzen's tone suddenly sharpened, and he questioned directly.

"Hiruzen, are you questioning me?"

"I just hope we can be more united, especially at a time like this."

Hiruzen looked deeply at Danzo.

He opened his mouth as if to reveal something more, but ultimately held back.

He couldn't possibly say that he had seen the First and Second Hokage last night and was lectured by Tobirama for over ten minutes.

Even if he said it, Danzo wouldn't believe him!

He would only think Hiruzen was lying, trying to make him take the blame again, or trying to curb his power...

His old friend...

He had truly fallen too deep!

Just like himself, should he let go of some power?

As the two were locked in a confrontation...

An Anbu ninja suddenly knocked and entered, reporting something secretly to Minato.

Minato's expression brightened after listening, and he immediately got up to take his leave.

"I apologize, there's something very important I must attend to."

"If you all reach a consensus and have any important decisions, you can just send someone to notify me."

With that said.

Minato instantly activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and teleported away.

It was obvious.

He had learned of Natsu Yuu's visit and had rushed back in a hurry.