"How exactly do you propose we take the initiative?"
Under normal circumstances, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had always favored peace and stability, would never have had the patience to listen to Danzo talk about his aggressive strategies.
But today was different. The unusual movements from the Land of Water, Land of Earth, and Land of Lightning had put him under immense pressure, and Danzo had just mocked him as well. With the thought of Let's see what you can actually come up with, he replied.
"With Konoha's strength, we can defeat any ninja village in a one-on-one fight. We might even win quickly! You don't disagree with that, do you?"
The Third Hokage nodded silently without saying a word. It was a fact. There was nothing to argue about.
"But in a one-against-two fight, we'll be tied down. Though we may still win in the end, we'll likely suffer severe losses."
Danzo was not only capable of plotting schemes. As the Hokage's advisor, he did possess some insight.
The Third Hokage frowned but still did not refute him.
"But if it becomes one against three, then even if the three nations do not cooperate and each fights separately, it will still be difficult for us to secure victory. And we will definitely suffer devastating losses. So we must prevent that from happening!"
"Get to the point!"
The Third Hokage tapped the table with his fingers. It hurt a little, and only then did he realize that his pipe was still in Danzo's hand.
"We cannot passively wait for them to invade. We must strike first and defeat one of the Land of Water, Land of Earth, or Land of Lightning in advance. Then the Three Nations Alliance will fall apart, and the threat will naturally disappear."
At Sarutobi Hiruzen's signal, Danzo