Konoha.
Hokage's Office.
Although it was already past nine at night, the place was still brightly lit.
The Third Hokage sat at his desk, smoking his pipe at an unhurried pace.
At this hour in the past, he would still have been buried in paperwork. Now that Nara Shikaku was around to help him handle much of the village's administrative work, he had become considerably more relaxed.
He remained here not because he was working, but because he had grown accustomed to it.
At that moment, an ANBU knocked and entered.
"Lord Hokage, Hidden Stone has replied."
As he spoke, he handed the letter to the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage opened it and saw that Hidden Stone had confirmed that the person on the Land of Wind battlefield was Uchiha Zhengye.
Ōnoki had issued a stern ultimatum: recall Uchiha Zhengye immediately, or Hidden Stone would declare war at once.
The Third Hokage's brow immediately furrowed, his face turning grave.
That Uchiha Zhengye really went there.
That was just his style.
The Third Hokage clenched his teeth inwardly. Ever since Uchiha Zhengye had emerged out of nowhere, the entire Uchiha Clan had become a bunch of obstinate hardcases.
Whenever the village needed their help with something, it had to offer terms in exchange.
Let alone ordering Uchiha Zhengye to return.
It would already be a blessing if that did not lead to a fight.
The Third Hokage frowned, pondering how to deal with the matter.
Hidden Stone was currently at war with Hidden Sand Village, so it was impossible for them to declare war on Konoha immediately.
But this kind of political pressure...
Bang! Bang! Bang! Even more urgent knocking sounded at the door.
An ANBU rushed into the office, breathing unevenly.
"Lord Hokage, an urgent report from Morino Ibiki!