Konoha's Decision (1)

Five days after the Kirigakure unit led by Terumi Mei departed from the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fire, news of Kumogakure's lightning raid on Sunagakure sent shockwaves throughout the shinobi world.

It was a brutal, harrowing battle. Seizing the moment when Sunagakure was left leaderless and vulnerable, Kumogakure committed over eighty percent of its village's elite forces to a surprise attack, catching Sunagakure completely off guard and nearly bringing the entire village to the brink of collapse.

Fortunately, two retired elders of Sunagakure, Chiyo and Ebizo, emerged in time to take command. Simultaneously, Rasa, a disciple of the Third Kazekage, displayed astonishing strength while resisting the invasion. With these three joining forces to turn the tide, Sunagakure finally managed to withstand the first wave of Kumogakure's assault, albeit at a staggering cost.

However, Kumogakure's power had been growing steadily over the years, while Sunagakure had remained in a slump ever since their defeat in the Second Shinobi World War; the disparity in strength between the two was vast.

Without outside intervention, it was only a matter of time before Sunagakure was conquered by the Kumogakure forces led by the Third Raikage!

Because of Kirigakure's advance preparations, the first-hand intelligence on this war was delivered directly to Terumi Mei, who was waiting at the Forest Fortress.

By this point, the plans of Kumogakure and Kirigakure had officially been set in motion. Terumi Mei no longer needed to keep silent; she immediately summoned her subordinates to announce the content of their mission: to intercept the reinforcements sent by Konoha to aid Sunagakure.

If Konoha did not want to sit by and watch Sunagakure be conquered by Kumogakure, the reinforcements they dispatched would undoubtedly be the elite of the elite. Without a doubt, the Kirigakure ninja at the Forest Fortress were about to face an incredibly arduous battle in the coming days!

Konoha, Council Chamber.

The Third Hokage had received a plea for help written personally by Elder Chiyo of Sunagakure. At this moment, the core members of Konoha were seated in the council chamber, preparing to decide whether to support Sunagakure and, if so, how.

The Third Hokage, sitting in the main seat, wore a grave expression. This was not merely about the incident of Kumogakure's raid on Sunagakure; he also foresaw that the war between these two villages would likely engulf the entire shinobi world.

Yet, at this very moment, the situation within Konoha was far from ideal.

Of the Sannin, only Orochimaru remained in the village; Jiraiya and Tsunade had both left to wander the world, and their whereabouts were unknown. The village had been unable to contact them for a long time.

Furthermore, Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of the Leaf, whose reputation surpassed even that of the Sannin, had committed suicide not long ago. It could be said that Konoha, once at the height of its power, had suddenly lost three top-tier ninja, leaving them with no advantage in high-end combat strength compared to the other major villages.

His gaze swept over Namikaze Minato, whom he had personally promoted, and the Third Hokage's expression finally softened. This young man's strength had already subtly surpassed his own, and he had been his greatest asset over the past few years.

Most importantly, this young man understood his painstaking efforts and the Will of Fire.

It is a pity that he is still a bit young; supporting him to become the Fourth Hokage will be fraught with difficulties!

Thinking of his three disobedient disciples and Danzō, who was eyeing his position with covetous eyes, the Third Hokage felt a splitting headache regarding the choice of his successor.

Casting aside the distracting thoughts in his mind, the Third Hokage scanned all the high-ranking officials present and spoke slowly: "After the Second Shinobi World War, the Land of Wind surrendered to our nation. Over these years, Sunagakure and Konoha have had many collaborations."

"Whether from the strategic perspective of maintaining stability in the shinobi world or out of the sentiment of mutual support between our two villages, I have decided to immediately dispatch elites to provide aid and extinguish the sparks of war completely before they can spread!"

After the Third Hokage finished speaking, the personnel in the council chamber began to whisper among themselves. Most of the high-ranking officials held a supportive attitude toward the Third Hokage's proposal.

Seeing that those discussing the matter were in full agreement with his ideas, the Third nodded in satisfaction and prepared to move the agenda forward to confirm the candidates for the relief force to Sunagakure.

However, at this very moment, a gloomy, hoarse voice rang out at an inappropriate time.

"Hiruzen, I do not agree with this decision of yours."

The one speaking was none other than the Third Hokage's old associate, Shimura Danzō, one of the few people in Konoha currently qualified to address the Third Hokage by his given name.

The Third Hokage turned to look at Danzō, who was sitting beside him, and asked in a deep voice, "What is your suggestion?"

Danzō slowly stood up. By now, half of his body was wrapped in bandages, one eye hidden beneath them. His sinister face was always cast in an impenetrable shadow, and his entire presence felt dark and oppressive, making everyone around him feel deeply uncomfortable.

"We should wait and see how the situation develops, and only when the time is ripe should we annihilate both Kumogakure and Sunagakure together!" Danzō declared, his words shocking everyone present.