Everyone waited for Hiruzen Sarutobi's response.
Yet unexpectedly, the Hokage showed no displeasure. Instead, he nodded in approval at Shimura Danzō.
"What Danzo said is a problem that could arise in reality."
"So, our messaging cannot be absolute. We cannot claim it is completely controllable. Instead, we must emphasize Kushina's contribution to the village as a Jinchuriki."
"We must make the villagers distinguish between 'Kushina' and the 'Tailed Beast.'"
"That way, even if some villagers still harbor fear, they can nevertheless maintain their respect."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression gradually turned solemn.
"I will speak with Lady Mito and assess Kushina's capacity to bear the burden when necessary. If she cannot withstand the Chakra of the entire Nine-Tails, then we will find a way to reduce it."
"We will not seal the entire Nine-Tails. Even if the remainder cannot be utilized, there is no need to regret it."
"Only controllable strength is true strength. Anything extra is merely an unstable factor."
Shimura Danzō kept a wooden face.
Monkey, why didn't you just retort, "You're the Hokage"?
After saying so much, do you think you sound very reasonable?
"We must be clear on one matter. Even without the Nine-Tails, the foundation left behind for Konoha by predecessors such as the First, the Second, and Lady Mito is already more than substantial."
"Standing on the shoulders of those before us, Konoha does not necessarily need Jinchuriki to fight Jinchuriki."
"As those who came after, we must also shoulder responsibility for our predecessors. Lady Mito's existence is priceless to the village, far beyond comparison to a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."
"Does anyone have any objections?" At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked exceptionally stern, his gaze sweeping over everyone present like a blade.
He was utterly different from his previously gentle self!
"Where Konoha's leaves dance, fire burns on without end. Old branches and leaves may indeed burn to nourish new leaves, but their continued existence is itself Konoha's most unshakable foundation."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Utatane Koharu, "Koharu, we must begin with the Ninja Academy students and establish a proper understanding of the Will of Fire. This is of utmost importance."
Sacrifice and dedication naturally deserved reverence and admiration.
But they could not be emphasized blindly.
The Hokage and the village had an obligation to ensure that those ninja who had given for the village could rest when they were weakened...
This did not refer only to Mito Uzumaki.
Hiruzen Sarutobi firmly believed that although doing so would consume some resources, the benefits it brought in consolidating the village's unity and spreading the Will of Fire throughout the Shinobi World...
Were immeasurable.
This would also be the Hokage's threefold contribution to Authority, diplomacy, and even Education.
Besides, who said the ideological front did not count as a battlefield?
These things had to be done step by step...
"I understand. I will draft an outline for revising the Ninja Academy textbooks as soon as possible, with further explanations of the Will of Fire and the history of the Uzumaki Clan."
Utatane Koharu answered.
In truth, she had doubts. Having occupied a high-ranking position for so long, the Ninja Tool Theory in her mind was still faintly at work.
This was not a mindset that could change overnight.
But she knew how to read the room. Seeing how serious Hiruzen Sarutobi was when discussing this matter, Utatane Koharu felt that if she spoke up at this moment...
She would likely receive a furious rebuke that left her unable to save face!
A few labels would probably come flying her way...
Utatane Koharu glanced slightly at Shimura Danzō and secretly thought, Even Danzo isn't saying anything...
But the next moment, Shimura Danzō spoke. "Hokage, I agree with the above proposals."
"Let us discuss the Third Raikage... His Lightning Armor is extremely troublesome. He used his physical body to withstand a Tailed Beast Bomb, then continued fighting the Eight-Tails."
"Although I am confident that my Wind Release can injure him, the enemy will also have ninja assisting him..."
"If such an enemy breaks into our formation during a war, the destruction he causes would be unimaginable!"
Shimura Danzō sneered inwardly.
Hiruzen, how would you respond to this move?
You had indeed performed rather well lately in organizing counterattacks, regulating systems, and rallying hearts...
But do not forget that you are the Hokage. That also means you are Konoha's biggest target!
Even if Konoha's retaliatory operation against Kumogakure succeeded under your command.
The Third Raikage's personally heroic response would still cast a reflection upon you, the Hokage.
The enemy's Raikage was so valiant. What about you?
Hiruzen, I know your intelligence!
With your style, you probably have no especially good way to deal with the Third Raikage either, do you?
And I am Konoha's strongest Wind Release ninja!
Although this sequence would not have any substantive impact on Hiruzen Sarutobi's prestige.
It would make his own importance stand out.
Moreover, Shimura Danzō vaguely felt that although Hiruzen Sarutobi was still far from having his every word become law in Konoha, his recent momentum made Danzo feel uneasy.
He had to try interrupting him in terms of momentum...
Do not make yourself seem so all-encompassing!
"Though he is a potential enemy, the Third Raikage is indeed an extraordinary man. To cultivate Lightning Armor to such a degree, he is the first in the history of the Shinobi World."
Hiruzen Sarutobi acknowledged, "He is indeed difficult to handle. If war breaks out with Kumogakure, Danzo, your Wind Release will be an effective weapon against him..."
Shimura Danzō smiled smugly inside, though his brow furrowed into a knot. "Sigh, for the village, I will train with all my strength!"
"But the battlefield is complicated, after all. I may not necessarily be able to face the Third Raikage."
At this point, the ninja present were not fools and all understood.
He was subtly saying that the Hokage was not as strong as the Raikage in a one-on-one fight...
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Shimura Danzō's rate of evolution really was rather fast. He had even learned to speak in circles...
After leaving that pitch-black Root and coming to his teacher's side, his brain had certainly become more flexible!
Jiraiya, beside him, was far more straightforward. His expression was restless, as though he wanted to slam the table.
"However, even if the battlefield is complicated and you fail to arrive in time, there is no need to worry, Advisor."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was calm as dazzling lightning suddenly erupted around him!
Lightning Release Chakra Mode!
"There is still me, the Hokage..."
Shimura Danzō's faint smile instantly froze.
Wait, were you messing with me?
The lightning around Hiruzen Sarutobi grew even more violent. His hair stood on end strand by strand, and his muscles swelled slightly.
Hizashi Hyuga, who had remained silent and listened quietly, felt his heart stir and activated his Byakugan.
He had originally intended to deliberately praise Hiruzen Sarutobi a little, but his pupils contracted as he murmured sincerely.
"It has only been a few days? Lord Third has already activated his body to such a degree..."
"Stop flattering me, Hizashi." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.
"I am still far inferior to the Third Raikage. After all, he has immersed himself in this path for decades. This technique is not difficult to learn, but progressing further requires long, painstaking effort."
Then Hiruzen Sarutobi changed the subject. "But this technique suits me very well. If I train for one year, it should equal his five years, right? In the next Shinobi World War, I will give him a surprise."
His tone was calm, but his words displayed a sharpness rarely seen from him!
Jiraiya repeatedly rubbed his chin, grimacing. "Teacher, you always say I'm arrogant..."
"Why not help your teacher test it?" Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head. Bathed in lightning, he gave his mischievous disciple a kindly smile.
"Teacher, I was wrong!" Jiraiya threw himself onto the table like a tiger pouncing down a mountain, both hands waving frantically.
According to legend.
There was a move in Lightning Style Nintaijutsu where one lifted a person up and smashed them into the ground...
Old Man probably would not be that harsh on him, but what if he was?
One had to know when to yield.
Orochimaru's eyes shone with an unusual light.
This Hiruzen Sarutobi, forging ahead with such determination, was the Hokage who was both teacher and father in his heart!
"Once, Konoha had many geniuses, but they all called me a genius."
In an instant.
Hiruzen Sarutobi placed his hand on Shimura Danzō's shoulder and said with a slight smile.
"Danzo, don't you agree?"
Before you continue