Ripples

"I don't think suppressing the news or replacing Fugaku Uchiha is a good approach," Koharu continued. "A large number of Ninja were present when the Cloud shinobi were killed. By now, plenty of people have probably heard.

The Cloud shinobi started this. Since we can't contain the news, we should take the initiative and send Kumogakure an official letter demanding an explanation for Viroi's killing of Konoha shinobi in the Land of Fire.

From Yūhi Eikō to Shiranui Chiba, these were all elite Konoha shinobi. The village cannot ignore their deaths."

Homura said, "Don't forget that Kumogakure stayed out of this Shinobi World War. Its forces are still fresh. If war breaks out, Konoha will be at a serious disadvantage."

"Not necessarily. If Kumogakure truly intends to invade the Land of Fire, nothing Konoha does now will change that.

Swallowing this insult will only embolden them. They might even demand that we hand over Fugaku Uchiha. He's the next Uchiha Clan Leader and an outstanding Konoha shinobi.

The village's Senior Officials may quietly push the Uchiha away, but they don't want the Uchiha to break from Konoha."

The Third Hokage nodded. "Order Tsunade to lead five hundred Ninja to reinforce Jiraiya. Tell Orochimaru and Danzō to remain in the Land of Rain after completing the Spy Plan, in case Sunagakure and Iwagakure suddenly send troops.

Extract the Tailed Beast from the captive Five-Tails Jinchūriki and seal it in a Vessel. Secretly send the Vessels containing the One-Tail and the Five-Tails to the Land of Rain.

If Stone and Sand deploy large forces again, secretly take the two Tailed Beasts to their respective villages and release them. That should delay their advance.

I'll personally visit Lady Mito Uzumaki later. If Kumogakure makes a move, you two will accompany her and lead