The Only Candidate

"Absurd! Our predecessors worked painstakingly to transition the ninja world from the chaotic Warring States period to the current era of borders and sovereign nations. Do you intend to disregard morality and drag the entire world back into the abyss of war simply to satisfy your own ambition!?"

At this, the Third Hokage slammed his hand against the table, glaring at Danzo and demanding an answer in a thunderous voice.

In that moment, the Third was effectively sidestepping the core issues and shifting the narrative, framing Danzo's plan entirely as a product of personal ambition while using the will of the previous Hokage as a shield—a display of "political correctness" that left no room for rebuttal.

After all, the policy of establishing ninja villages based on national foundations to maintain peace was a system forged by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. As the spiritual symbol of Konoha, any plan that conflicted with his will was inherently difficult for the masses to accept.

The Third had always cultivated a kind and approachable image within the village, but his sudden display of anger made him appear all the more imposing, causing everyone present to fall into a deathly silence. Even a man like Danzo experienced a momentary mental lapse, his momentum completely crushed by the Third.

Danzo's eyes widened, his throat feeling parched. He desperately wanted to retort, but as he looked into the Third's narrowed, piercing gaze, a long-forgotten sense of trepidation rose within him, and all his words became lodged in his throat.

Seeing that he had cowed Danzo, the Third turned his gaze toward all the high-ranking officials of Konoha and continued slowly: "Konoha is the center of the ninja world. Any action we take will spread its influence across the globe. Therefore, everyone here must be extremely cautious when considering such matters!"

"Any approach that carries extreme risk, violates morality, or threatens the stability of the ninja world is absolutely unacceptable!"

The Third's final sentence effectively defined Danzo's proposal, dismissing it as utterly worthless.

Having regained his composure, Danzo's face flushed red—partly from anger, and partly from the humiliation of being lectured by the Third Hokage in front of everyone.

Watching the high-ranking officials bow their heads in submission to the Third, he knew it was impossible to push his plan forward. He currently lacked the leverage to challenge the Third Hokage, and he had no choice but to retreat.

"Sarutobi, with your constant hesitation, the village will be ruined in your hands sooner or later!" Danzo snorted coldly, pushed back his chair, and swept out of the room.

As he left the council chamber, Danzo felt a stifling pressure in his chest, not only because his ambition had been thwarted, but also because he lamented the loss of a once-in-a-lifetime tactical opportunity.

Glancing back at the council chamber, Danzo swore to himself: "One day, I will become Hokage and show everyone that only I am the leader capable of returning Konoha to its peak!"

After Danzo departed, the Third immediately decided to provide support to Sunagakure as soon as possible, and no other high-ranking official present raised any objections.

"Elder Chiyo of Sunagakure mentioned in her letter that the Kumogakure army has gathered its elite forces. Not only has the Third Raikage taken the field himself, but Dodai, the Two-Tails jinchuriki Yugito, and the rising AB Duo have all appeared on the battlefield."

"Speed is the essence of war; our allies can wait no longer!"

After emphasizing the difficulty and urgency of the mission, the Third looked at the high-ranking officials with expectant eyes, hoping someone would step forward and volunteer for this arduous task.

Hearing the names of these renowned Kumogakure ninjas, the high-ranking officials present all furrowed their brows. A few ninjas wanted to volunteer, but after a moment of reflection, they shook their heads and gave up.

These officials were not cowards, but they were concerned about their own capabilities. If they rashly took on this heavy responsibility, it wouldn't just be their own lives at stake—the Konoha ninjas following them to support Sunagakure would likely suffer heavy losses as well.

The Third's gaze swept over the officials one by one. Among them were many outstanding individuals; besides the experts from the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan, there were many excellent jonin from smaller clans like the Ino-Shika-Cho and the Inuzuka.

However, among these ninjas, aside from the Uchiha Clan head, Uchiha Fugaku, there were no others whose individual strength could be considered top-tier.

Unfortunately, due to both his status and the fractured relationship between the Uchiha Clan and the village leadership, Uchiha Fugaku could not take such a risk.

Ninja combat relies heavily on top-tier strength. Without a master to lead the team, a Konoha support force sent to face the elites of Kumogakure would likely be like a meat bun thrown at a dog—never to return.

The Third felt a pang of regret, remembering how he had allowed public opinion within the village to attack the White Fang of the Leaf over a failed mission, ultimately leading to his suicide.

Otherwise, the White Fang would have undoubtedly taken on this difficult mission without hesitation, and the Third and the other officials would have felt at ease entrusting it to him.

White Fang, I only wanted to strip you of the possibility of becoming Hokage; I never imagined you would be so unyielding. Sigh. The Third sighed inwardly.

Just then, Namikaze Minato stood up once more, his tone solemn as he addressed the Third Hokage: "Lord Third, this subordinate is willing to head to Sunagakure. Please grant me your permission."

All the high-ranking officials present felt their eyes light up at the sight of Namikaze Minato. This young man was not only exceptionally strong but also possessed the courage and sense of responsibility to shoulder such a heavy burden; he was truly the only candidate to lead the troops in support of Sunagakure.

The Third had already favored Namikaze Minato in his heart, and seeing him volunteer, he nodded with a look of relief.

"Minato, whether we can stop Kumogakure's ambition depends on you!"