"Strictly block the news that the Uchiha were destroyed by the Four Kage. Also, immediately send a secret order to the Four Kage. Invite them to Kannabi Bridge at noon two days from now to exchange hostages," Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura the moment he returned.
"Yes." Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's utterly grim expression, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura put away the usual closeness between comrades and silently maintained their superior-subordinate relationship.
"At the same time, send word that a Jonin meeting will be held tonight. I have something to announce." Hiruzen Sarutobi ultimately sighed helplessly.
"Yes." Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura answered, then withdrew.
There was no helping it. Ordinary villagers who knew nothing could celebrate the destruction of the Uchiha Clan.
But the ninja clans had remained utterly silent until now, which meant they had already become vigilant and withdrawn to the utmost degree.
If he did not give them an explanation, then if war truly broke out next, he could forget about borrowing their strength.
On top of that, Minato and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had defected. The Third Hokage's pressure had reached its limit.
As he had said before, the Flying Thunder God Technique was simply too broken when used to escape.
He had originally thought they would go rescue the Uchiha, but who would have expected them to defect outright?
And now, the Third Hokage had no energy to pursue them either.
As for the candidate for the Fourth Hokage, the Third Hokage was equally conflicted.
Without question, the best choice was to have Jiraiya become the Fourth Hokage.
But because of this incident, persuading Jiraiya to return and become the Fourth Hokage would be harder than ever.
He would probably still recommend Tsunade for the position of Hokage.
But Tsunade was not qualified