The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, frowned deeply and remained silent.
Shimura Danzō frowned, puzzled.
"Hiruzen, what are you doing?"
Shimura Danzō stood there stiffly, growing impatient from the wait.
"Hiru—"
Before he could finish speaking,
Hiruzen Sarutobi rose to his feet.
"Everyone, we have just received news that Ibuse Hanzo of Amegakure has declared war on Konoha!"
"Hanzo has already begun attacking Konoha's territory."
"Meanwhile, Sunagakure is eyeing Konoha like a tiger watching its prey."
The moment those words were spoken—
"What?!"
The entire room erupted.
Everyone at the meeting wore tense expressions.
Yūhi Shinku pondered deeply. "Why has Amegakure launched a war against us?"
Hatake Sakumo let out a faint sigh. "This is truly troubling."
Shimura Danzō's mouth hung slightly open as he froze in place, unable to say a word...
Clearly, everyone's attention had shifted to Amegakure's war against Konoha.
No one continued discussing how to deal with Uchiha Gōka.
Everyone present was wondering: Why had Amegakure suddenly declared war on Konoha?
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a grave voice.
"During the First Shinobi World War, Konoha was besieged and suffered severe losses."
"Furthermore, friction between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire has been constant lately."
"Under such circumstances, the pro-war factions have risen, and the delicate balance between nations can easily be broken."
"That gave Hanzo an opportunity. He wants to nibble away at Konoha's territory and claim a share for himself."
The ANBU ninja continued his report:
"Lord Hokage, Ibuse Hanzo has led Amegakure's shinobi into our territory."
"Several of our shinobi guarding the village have already died at Amegakure's hands."
"The situation is extremely urgent."
"Please issue your orders, Lord Hokage."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, frowned. After thinking for a while, he said:
"Hmm..."
"Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya!"
"You will lead Konoha's shinobi