What Mei Terumi said did make some sense. Ao's way of thinking seemed stuck in the old-fashioned mindset of the past, believing that the higher-ups held absolute decision-making power while the other clans could only remain subordinate and become vassals.
However, Konoha's actual situation was far more complicated than that.
The Uchiha Clan had now grown powerful enough to contend with Konoha's higher-ups, undoubtedly dealing a tremendous blow to Konoha's balance of power.
That was precisely why Tsunade and Jiraiya had chosen to return to deal with this situation.
Yet the reason behind Tsunade and Jiraiya's return had always been concealed by Konoha's higher-ups. Their public explanation had been that Tsunade, having finished her travels, felt homesick and returned to Konoha to serve and help out.
But how many people actually believed that was anyone's guess...
Konoha's higher-ups had not chosen to conceal this matter. Instead, they made the relevant information public.
There were two purposes behind doing so: first, to serve as a deterrent and prevent other clans or forces from easily challenging the authority of Konoha's higher-ups.
Second, to make everyone clearly understand that the status of Konoha's higher-ups was inviolable, and that anyone who attempted to challenge them would face severe consequences.
"Then should we first test the Uchiha Clan's attitude?"
"After all, the Uchiha Clan accounted for half of the ninja slaughtered this time. Their losses could be considered quite severe."
Ao quickly adjusted his strategy and asked his Mizukage.
Mei Terumi thought for a while before speaking.
"Write to Elder Genji and have him carefully analyze the current situation."
"I have a feeling this matter will become huge. Don't take sides lightly, and don't trust others too easily. We need to stay as far away from this vortex as possible."
Mei Terumi still intended to