Sign in From Naruto

As soon as Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to the Hokage Building, he immediately convened a high-level meeting.

Within half an hour, Shimura Danzo, Koharu, and Homura Mitokado had arrived.

Danzo, in particular, had already gathered some information through his Root operatives.

In his view, Konoha was currently at its weakest.

The Fourth Hokage had been sacrificed, the Uchiha Clan was restless, and the village couldn't deploy the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki in battle.

This was the worst possible time to go to war with the Cloud Ninja Village.

Sacrificing Hinata and handing over his body to the Cloud Ninja Village was the optimal solution, no matter how one looked at it.

Although it meant showing weakness, it was for the sake of the village's future.

A temporary concession would pave the way for a stronger tomorrow.

Once the Uchiha Clan's issues were resolved and he himself ascended to the position of Hokage, everything lost today would be reclaimed twofold.

However, he hadn't expected Sarutobi Hiruzen to suddenly abandon this plan.

"Monkey, this is all because of your weakness and incompetence," Danzo cursed inwardly, though he remained silent as he took his seat in the conference room.

Aside from the Konoha executives, the Fire Daimyo was also present at the meeting.

"I'm sure everyone is aware of the recent events in the village," Hiruzen began, his tone grave.

"The Cloud Ninja Village used the guise of forming an alliance and organizing a celebration to attempt to steal the Byakugan from the Hyuga Clan.

Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of the ANBU and Hinata, their leader was thwarted.

But…"

Hiruzen's voice grew sharper. "This kind of behavior is utterly shameful. They've broken their word and treated the alliance contract as a child's game.

As the Third Hokage of Konoha, I cannot forgive such actions!"

By labeling the Cloud Ninja as villains from the start, Hiruzen set the tone for the discussion.

However, his words immediately sparked murmurs among the Daimyo.

"You've all heard the unreasonable demands made by the Cloud Ninja Village.

They want us to hand over Hyuga Hinata in exchange for a new alliance contract.

If we refuse, they threaten to seek 'justice' for their fallen leader.

I know some of you have considered sacrificing Hinata to quell the conflict.

But!"

Hiruzen raised his voice, silencing the murmurs.

"Blind compromise will never lead to a good outcome.

Such concessions and displays of weakness will only embolden our enemies, making us more passive and vulnerable.

Even the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, once said…"

At the mention of Tobirama's name, the room fell silent.

While Hashirama Senju had founded Konoha, it was Tobirama who had perfected it, demonstrating remarkable political acumen and an iron will.

Even the Fire Daimyo knew his name well.

Danzo, who had been Tobirama's disciple and the inheritor of his philosophy, was particularly stunned.

"'We love peace, but peace survives if we seek it through struggle. Peace dies if we seek it through compromise!'"

Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances, while Danzo's brow furrowed deeply.

"Did the Second Hokage really say that? I don't remember…" Danzo thought, his mind racing.

"Therefore, I will not compromise on the Cloud Ninja Village's demands for the Byakugan—or on the Uchiha Clan."

"The Uchiha Clan?" Danzo interjected immediately. "Sarutobi, how can you compare these two matters? The Uchiha Clan is—"

"Danzo!" Hiruzen's voice thundered, cutting him off as he rose from his seat.

The sudden outburst startled the Daimyo and even left Danzo momentarily speechless.

What had gotten into Hiruzen today? He was usually so cautious when discussing the Uchiha.

"I said the Uchiha Clan is also part of this village! I will find a way to resolve the conflict between them and the village—and I've already found a solution!"

"What?!"

The room erupted in shock.

The Uchiha Clan had been planning a coup, and only Shisui's death had delayed their plans.

There was no guarantee when they might act again.

Danzo, as a hawk, had always advocated for eliminating the Uchiha to ensure the village's stability, but Hiruzen had consistently blocked him.

Now, Hiruzen claimed to have a solution?

"No one understands the Uchiha Clan better than I do.

We should seize this opportunity to use their power against the Cloud Ninja Village—a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye.

This will weaken the Uchiha Clan's influence and stabilize the village's peace.

Most importantly, by fighting for the village, the Uchiha will earn the villagers' understanding and acceptance, allowing them to reintegrate into Konoha and develop a sense of belonging."

The room buzzed with murmurs.

Koharu and Homura stared at Hiruzen in disbelief, while Danzo straightened in his seat, his expression one of stunned realization.

Hiruzen's plan was deceptively simple yet brilliantly effective.

Not only would it preserve the Hyuga Clan and counter the Cloud Ninja Village, but it would also weaken the Uchiha Clan.

Whether the battle was won or lost, Konoha would benefit.

If they won, the village would rejoice. If they lost, the Uchiha would be too weakened to pose a threat.

It was a plan to kill three birds with one stone!

"Is this really the Sarutobi I know? When did his tactics become so ruthless?" Danzo thought, his respect for Hiruzen growing despite himself.

"I've named this strategy: 'Transferring Internal Struggle with External Struggle.'"

Hiruzen looked around the room, observing the shifting expressions.

Internally, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Xu Fan was still young, and if others learned that this strategy was his idea, it could put him in danger.

The Uchiha, in particular, might resent him.

As the Third Hokage, it was Hiruzen's duty to protect the village's children.

For the sake of Konoha, he was willing to bear the responsibility.

"Who's in favor? Who's against?"