Setting the Course for War at the Expanded Council Meeting and the War Faction's Trap

The cool wood grain of Konoha's highest-level oval conference table sent a faint chill through his fingertips.

Baishi sat upright at the head of the table, his fingers interlaced, his calm gaze sweeping over everyone present.

Advisers Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, officials of every rank from ANBU, the Intelligence Department, the Logistics Department, and the security forces, along with the heads of several major clans, were all in attendance.

This was an emergency expanded meeting of the senior leadership, convened because the Land of Wind's military had pressed toward their borders.

The acrid smell left by burning paper in the Hokage's Office still seemed to linger in his nose.

"Ahem."

A deliberate clearing of the throat broke the silence in the meeting room.

Adviser Mitokado Homura slammed a scroll onto the table with a heavy thud.

"Lord Hokage, esteemed colleagues."

His voice carried suppressed fury. "Kazekage Rasa has personally led his main force thirty li across our border, driving straight toward the heart of our Land of Fire. This is the gravest provocation Konoha has suffered since the end of the Third Shinobi World War! It is an act of naked aggression!"

"The dignity of the Will of Fire must not be trampled!"

Mitokado Homura rose and surveyed the others, his words impassioned.

"The peace our frontline soldiers won through blood and battle is not something Sunagakure can trample at will! I propose that we immediately approve Commander-in-Chief Hatake Sakumo's request to engage and launch a full counterattack against Sunagakure's forces that have crossed the border! Let them learn that Konoha's blade is still sharp!"

Several Jonin representatives from the military immediately voiced their agreement, their eyes gleaming with eagerness for war.

The atmosphere ignited in an instant.

Baishi listened quietly, his fingers tapping the tabletop in a soft,