Konoha's Bottom Line

Ōnoki let out a sinister chuckle.

"Second, we throw out bait. Spread word through the villages that we four nations never wanted war in the first place. All we want is an explanation."

"As long as Konoha is willing to take responsibility, pay some money, or cede a few insignificant border mineral veins, they can spend money to avert disaster and avoid a catastrophe that would devastate countless lives."

A's rough brows drew tightly together when he heard this.

"What the hell would that accomplish? What if Minato Namikaze forcibly suppresses public opinion?"

"That is why we need the deadliest third step!" Ōnoki's shriveled finger pounded heavily against the table. "Redirect the hatred!"

Ōnoki's eyes brimmed with undisguised malice.

"Heap every conflict onto the Uchiha Clan's heads!"

"Spread the word: whether the culprit was truly an Uchiha from Konoha or not, those Sharingan are the original sin! Every one of these disasters was brought about by the Uchiha!"

Ōnoki smiled like a demon that had lived long enough to gain intelligence.

"Let Konoha's various clans and its common citizens pressure Minato Namikaze into handing over the Uchiha as scapegoats! I would like to see whether, faced with the entire village turning against them in suspicion, Minato Namikaze can still protect the Uchiha—and whether he can still hold on to the Hokage's blade!"

The air in the secret chamber turned somewhat cold.

Such bloodless political tactics were far more vicious than ninjutsu clashes on a battlefield.

Pakura and Yagura exchanged glances, each seeing a trace of agreement in the other's eyes. They could dismantle the currently most prosperous Konoha from within without sacrificing a single soldier from their own villages.

A guaranteed profit with no possible loss.

Seeing everyone's expressions, Ōnoki's tone abruptly turned cold, carrying an air of grim slaughter.