Could it be Akatsuki?
On reflection, they were far away in the Land of Rain. Even if they liked meddling in other people's affairs, their reach shouldn't have extended this far, should it?
There was even less reason for them to place a bounty on the black market.
In Danzo's eyes, Akatsuki's members were merely children full of passion who had yet to be battered by reality.
He quickly dismissed the idea.
"Put Akatsuki aside for now. We lost quite a few members in the border troubles with Sunagakure. Root needs to replenish its ranks. Have any orphans been sent over?"
"A few. They're currently undergoing training."
"What a pity. Ōnoki didn't heed my suggestion to send troops at the same time. Now he regrets it too late, and Sarutobi's strategy of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys has succeeded instead." Danzo could not help but sigh in frustration.
He was deeply disappointed in the Kage of every village. None of them had any ambition!
How could anything be accomplished like that?
With a sigh, Danzo said, "Konoha will be negotiating with Iwagakure soon. Keep a close eye on them. Disguise yourselves as enemy ninja and make sure to sabotage this meeting."
"Hasn't the ceasefire agreement already been signed?"
"The war with Kumogakure isn't over yet." Danzo had already seen through everything. "Sarutobi wants to borrow Iwagakure's strength to fight the Land of Lightning together."
"I see."
The Root ninja understood.
The lesson dealt to Sunagakure this time had fully demonstrated Konoha's strength, causing the Land of Earth, which had been watching the fire from across the river, to restrain any thoughts of stirring up further conflict.
The borders had been completely pacified.
Now, Kumogakure was the only remaining opponent.
Joining forces with Iwagakure was a good plan. It