Naruto uzumaki : The Will To Rise

After a busy night, the Third Hokage convened a high-level meeting in the Hokage Building.

Soon, the elder advisors, Koharu, Mitomonyan, and the Root Organization leader, Danzo, gathered in the conference room.

In Konoha Ninja Village's hierarchy, many high-ranking ninjas held significant roles, such as departmental heads and clan leaders. However, only these four individuals could truly decide the fate of Konoha.

Yet, their combined age exceeded two hundred years, and there wasn't a single young face among them. This fact inevitably raised concerns about Konoha's future.

As Koharu was roused from sleep to attend the meeting, she looked at the Third Hokage with mild irritation and asked, "What major issue prompted Hokage to summon us old folks in the middle of the night?"

"There are indeed significant matters that require your input," replied the Third Hokage with a wry smile before briefly explaining the two incidents from the previous night.

When the two advisors finished listening, their expressions turned grim. Exchanging glances, they spoke slowly: "The killing of the leader of the Yūnin mission and the attack on the Jinchuriki are both grave matters. The top priority is to identify the perpetrators of these incidents. Hokage, do you have any information?"

"The ninja who attacked the Jinchuriki was killed by the Jinchuriki himself, and his body is too mutilated to retrieve any memory. As for the murderer who killed the head of the Yūn envoy… he has been identified, but the situation is even more complicated," the Third Hokage said after a moment of deliberation.

He continued, "The culprit is none other than the head of the Hyuga clan, but he acted with justification—the envoy leader broke into their compound and took a member of the Hyuga clan hostage."

Koharu frowned. "It seems Yūn provoked this incident. Their goal was the Dojutsu. They were killed by the Hyuga clan while attempting a kidnapping. The Hyuga clan isn't at fault."

The Third Hokage nodded and added, "However, the Yūnin delegation is using the envoy leader's death as an excuse to demand we hand over the perpetrator. Otherwise, they threaten to nullify the results of the peace talks and resume the war."

"What do you plan to do?" Koharu asked.

The Third Hokage didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to Mitomonyan. "Yan, how are our resources? Can the village sustain a prolonged battlefield engagement?"

Mitomonyan, who managed Konoha's financial and supply reserves, calculated for a moment before replying: "We can continue the war if necessary, but resources and funds are stretched thin. We would need to increase the mission reward percentage and further reduce pensions and departmental budgets."

After a pause, he glanced cautiously at Danzo and the Third Hokage before adding, "However, further budget cuts could provoke discontent from the Uchiha clan. They're already dissatisfied, and any additional pressure could lead to unrest."

He hesitated before continuing, "Additionally, Iwagakure seems restless and could seize the opportunity to intervene."

"...I see."

The Third Hokage's face darkened, caught in a dilemma.

If they continued the war, they risked attracting Iwagakure's aggression and escalating internal tensions. But if they handed over the Hyuga clan leader, it could alienate the clan and disrupt the fragile unity within the village.

Breaking his silence, Danzo cast a sharp look at the Third Hokage and remarked, "Hiruzen, have you forgotten something? For example, the Yūnin ninjas who appeared near the Jinchuriki's residence last night..."

He added coldly, "Those Yūnin scum aren't just after the Byakugan; they're also targeting our power."

The Third Hokage glared at Danzo, who continued unperturbed, "Yūn attempted to capture our previous Jinchuriki more than a decade ago. They've always coveted Konoha's Nine-Tails."

The Third Hokage coughed, interjecting, "Danzo, Kushina wasn't a Jinchuriki back then."

"There's no difference," Danzo replied bluntly. "If we give in now, they'll only press harder tomorrow. Blind concessions will embolden them."

"Hiruzen, don't forget your duty as Hokage. Sometimes, you need to show strength."

The Third Hokage's face darkened further. "If you're so eager, why not send your Root operatives to the front lines and let them prove their worth?"

"The Root is a special forces unit for assassination and intelligence, not cannon fodder for the front lines," Danzo countered quickly, steering the conversation away from his organization.

"Enough!" Koharu snapped, unable to bear their bickering any longer. "Let's focus on solving these problems instead of arguing. A vote will suffice. My stance is to compromise with Yūnin."

Mitomonyan adjusted his glasses and added, "The village's finances can't support prolonged war. I also vote against continuing the conflict."

Danzo's face darkened as he deliberated, finally declaring, "I abstain."

The Third Hokage sighed. With two votes against war and one abstention, the decision was effectively made.

Koharu voiced her concern, "If we're against war, how do we appease the Yūnin delegation? Forcing the Hyuga clan to hand over the culprit won't be easy."

Mitomonyan stayed silent, and Danzo wore a sardonic expression, clearly unwilling to volunteer for the task.

The Third Hokage sighed heavily. "I'll handle it. I'll visit the Hyuga clan myself, explain the stakes, and persuade them to sacrifice for the greater good. All for the sake of the village."

After addressing the Yūnin issue, the meeting was adjourned.

Compared to the envoy incident, the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki seemed relatively minor. Although the Jinchuriki's safety was critical, the situation was under control.

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