Konoha.
The Hokage Building.
The Third had just returned from his three-year assignment report. Wounded, he appeared in the Hokage's office.
Nearly all the village's senior officials had gathered there.
The leaders of the major clans didn't dare show the slightest negligence.
Once everyone had assembled, Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed twice and surveyed the room. His gaze lingered especially on Uchiha Fugaku and Danzo.
"Danzo, did anything happen in the village while I was away?"
He asked, his words carrying an unmistakable weight.
Danzo's expression grew serious. He focused his gaze on the Third, studied him carefully for a few moments, then shook his head slightly.
He suppressed the suspicions forming in his mind.
"Everything in the village is normal."
He replied.
"During my trip to the Daimyo's Palace, I held an important meeting with the Daimyo. The great nations are all increasing their military spending."
"There's a good chance something major is about to happen. Kumogakure in particular has been very active along the Land of Fire's border lately."
"The Daimyo has instructed Konoha to prepare for war. Our military budget for the first half of the year will increase by a hundred million."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then slowly explained the outcome of his meeting with the Daimyo.
"Ever since the Fourth Hokage died, Kumogakure has been acting up!"
Utatane Koharu sighed. Back then, the Cloud ninja had planned to intervene in the battle between Konoha and Iwagakure by opening a second front in the Land of Rice Fields. They had sent the AB Duo—the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
If Namikaze Minato hadn't appeared out of nowhere to stop the two of them, foil Kumogakure's scheme, and force their vanguard to retreat,
Konoha would have been caught between two enemies and suffered devastating losses.
Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up