Speculation

The Third Hokage could not tell who was damaging the Konoha leadership's reputation in the Capital, but much of what people were saying was true.

Konoha's current predicament was, in no small part, the fault of its senior officials.

In the end, they simply lacked the strength to settle matters decisively. The moment Konoha showed weakness, even its allies wanted to take a bite out of it.

Kumogakure's actions had made one thing clear: in the Shinobi World, there were no eternal friends, only eternal interests.

The heads of Konoha's various departments had assembled in the meeting room.

The Third Hokage soon arrived. His gaze swept the room as he tried to discern who had been stirring up public opinion in the Capital.

It was futile. Someone within Konoha might have done it, but the other villages of the Shinobi World would also have been happy to cause Konoha trouble.

"I'm leaving for the Capital tomorrow. I'm counting on all of you to keep Konoha safe."

"Hokage, what's so urgent? If it isn't too serious, I could make the trip in your place.

"Things are critical in the Land of the Moon right now. An urgent report could arrive at any moment and require your decision," Elder Ishihara said.

The Third Hokage considered this. "Public opinion in the Capital is in an uproar. Rumors harmful to Konoha are spreading unchecked. I need to go there myself and explain the situation to the Daimyo.

"Konoha and the Land of Fire are bound together. If a rift opens between us, Konoha will suffer.

"Only by going myself can I put the Daimyo's mind at ease."

"Rest assured, Hokage. The Security Force will protect the village. We won't allow any disorder; we'll nip any danger in the bud," Uchiha Tenjo said first.

The