The situation outside was in turmoil, and the Daimyo Mansion still refused to yield. While the other local lords were busy offering advice, Konoha Ninja Village had already quietly begun to mobilize. They had never believed they could persuade the Daimyo to stop. As long as Tobi was there, victory would inevitably have to be decided by force.
Kazemori Masaki listened to the others' reports at a meeting of the Hokage's Cabinet. It was not yet time for an official announcement, so the discussion took place not at a Jonin assembly, but at a seven-member Cabinet meeting to maintain the utmost secrecy. Of course, some particularly perceptive people might have sensed which way things were heading.
Once everyone had finished reporting, Kazemori Masaki nodded slightly and said, "Good. Keep up this momentum. The moment conflict breaks out, we'll be able to respond immediately and launch an attack that catches Tobi off guard."
"There isn't much to worry about on our end. As long as we face them on an open battlefield, our chances of winning are at least sixty percent, perhaps even higher," Kagami Uchiha said. "What worries me more is the situation in the Capital."
The other members of the Hokage's Cabinet understood Kagami Uchiha's concern. His daughter was there, after all. If conflict broke out, the Konoha Ninja in the Capital would be the first to face danger. Their gazes turned to Kazemori Masaki, whose daughter was there as well.
"I understand your concern. As you all know, I feel the same way, and I have a plan for that." Kazemori Masaki paused thoughtfully. "I intend to go there myself as a backup in case something unexpected happens. If Asuna and the others encounter an enemy they can't handle, I can help."
Everyone was a little startled. Mitokado