Meetings, Meetings, Preparations for War
The leak of information rendered everything Chiyo had done during that time futile.
It's not hard to understand why she was so angry.
Chiyo's angry roar silenced everyone present; no one wanted to be the first to be shot.
"Never mind."
After her initial anger subsided, Chiyo calmed down. The die was cast, and her anger was futile. Given the current situation, it was better to focus on resolving the immediate problem.
"The news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance has spread. The only solution now is to elect Fourth Kazekage. Do you have any objections?"
Chiyo looked around at everyone present and took this opportunity to push for the election of the Fourth Kazekage.
A country cannot be without a leader for a day, nor can a village be without a shadow for a day.
As one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, the Sunagakure's Kage represents its reputation and has strategic significance, as well as the village's deterrent power.
Choosing the Fourth Kazekage, though an urgent matter, is nonetheless a matter of utmost urgency.
Because war could break out at any time.
During the meeting held in Sunagakure, the Third Hokage, who lived in Konohagakure, showed the composure befitting a Sand Ninja when faced with the appearance of Sunagakure ninja on the border, abandoning his usual kind demeanor.
The fact that the Sunagakure ninjas entered the border without permission is a blatant provocation. If Hiruzen Sarutobi does not respond accordingly, it will be a heavy blow to Konoha's influence in the world and its deterrent power over neighboring countries.
It wasn't that Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to do it this way, but that he had no choice but to.
In the conference room, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seat. To his left was Shimura Danzō, the leader of the Konoha Root, along with two advisors Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. To his right were the Konoha Sannin Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.
Meanwhile, the heads of various Konoha ninja clans were seated at the conference table, surrounded by a circle of Konoha Jonin, including Minato Namikaze.
Standing beside Hiruzen Sarutobi was Konoha Shikaku, Hiruzen Sarutobi Shikaku Nara.
This meeting brought together all of Konoha's top leaders and the vast majority of its elite combatants, making it arguably the most important meeting Konoha has ever held.
Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's direction, this meeting had only one core theme.
"Drive all the Sand Ninja out of the border."
The atmosphere in the conference room was heavy and tense. Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was calm as still water as he spoke, his voice utterly serene:
"I believe you all know very well why I've summoned you here today."
"Konoha's dignity cannot be challenged. The Sunagakure's actions this time have severely damaged Konoha's interests, therefore..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, his gaze sharpening.
At this moment, seeing the aura rising from Hiruzen Sarutobi, everyone present remembered one thing: the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's former nickname— the Hero of the Shinobi.
The "xiong" in "hero" and "ambition".
"Please be prepared for war to break out at any time."
As Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room became even heavier, making it harder to even breathe.
"Yes."
Under such circumstances, no one would dare to voice any objections; otherwise, they would only become the target of public criticism.
At the same time, everyone present was secretly making their own plans.
For the village, for the family, and sometimes for an individual.
For power, for profit, and for the future.