Promoting the Konoha threat theory, and talking about the Hidden Mist Belt!

As the Senju clan's influence gradually faded, the benefits they once held were naturally taken over by the other ninja clans. The Sarutobi, Ino-Shika-Cho, and Hyuga clans took the lion's share. As for the Uchiha clan… they should just stay in the security forces and play in the mud; there's no way they'd have a place in such a good situation.

If the Uzumaki clan were to truly join Konoha, it would be clear that, whether for the sake of reputation or to appease the Uzumaki clan, the village would inevitably grant them certain benefits. As for the Sarutobi clan, who are close relatives of the Hokage, and the Ino-Shika-Cho clan, who are staunch supporters of the Hokage, even if they were to be sacrificed, the amount would not be much. The other ninja clans would also not be able to extract much benefit from them. Therefore, the only option would be to target the Hyuga clan, which has always been neutral.

In addition, the checks and balances principle commonly used by those in power would cause the Uzumaki clan to offend the local Hyuga clan, the stronghold of Konoha, upon their arrival. This would further unite the Uzumaki clan closely within the Hokage faction centered around Hiruzen Sarutobi. It is almost certain that if the Uzumaki clan joins Konoha, the Hyuga clan will inevitably suffer.

Besides, even if Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't do it, there are plenty of people who would want to—many of the Senju clan elders who survived from the Warring States period are still alive!

Not everyone agrees with Tobirama Senju's actions! Having witnessed the Senju clan's rise to power during the Warring States period and its glorious early days in Konoha, how could they not feel heartbroken about the Senju's current decline?

And with the Senju clan's marriage alliance, the Uzumaki clan's return to Konoha was a chance to make a comeback. With the Impure World Reincarnation technique, could there be a better opportunity than this?

"Only a half-dead Senju is a good elder brother!"

They never want to return to the early days of Konoha, when the Senju clan held absolute power. Hyuga Tofu personally experienced the era of Hashirama and Tobirama Senju; that insurmountable behemoth, the Senju, must never be allowed to reappear!

"No matter what, the Uzumaki clan must not come to Konoha! In fact, just in case, it would be best to watch Uzushio Village be destroyed by the Raito-Tsuchi alliance, so that we can eliminate any future troubles!"

Thinking this, Hyuga Tomo glanced at the Hyuga Elder beside him. Seeing the elder's solemn expression, it was clear that he had also thought of this.

"In that case, let our Hyuga clan take the lead this time!" After explaining the situation to the other elders of the main clan, Hyuga Tofu quickly reached a consensus and made a decision.

The fact that the Hyuga clan, which has always been neutral, would take the initiative to participate shows that the Uzumaki clan truly lives up to its reputation.

"Second Elder, go and visit the Hatake, Aburame, Inuzuka, and other ninja clans. Although they didn't eat much meat back then, they did eat some. Just lie to them and tell them that the Hokage is preparing to bring the Uzumaki clan into the village. Then tell them about the situation after the Uzumaki clan enters the village. It would be best to get them to agree to give up rescuing Uzumaki Village. Emphasize that this time they don't need to take the lead. They just need to follow behind our Hyuga clan and cheer us on!"

"Third Elder, go and visit Danzo's advisor. Tell him that our Hyuga clan will allow members of the Hyuga clan to enter Root, and then ask him to stop the Hokage from rescuing them or bring them back to the Uzumaki clan!"

"Fourth Elder, have someone spread the word that Konoha is about to send troops to welcome back the Uzumaki clan! Remember to emphasize the relationship between the Uzumaki clan and Lady Mito! Emphasize that Konoha will definitely send troops to Uzushio Village to appease Lady Mito, the widow of Lord Hashirama!"

Despite Mito Uzumaki claiming to be a member of Konoha and to follow Hiruzen Sarutobi's orders, the more she did so, the more Sarutobi had to consider her intentions—"I've already given you so much face, aren't you going to back down?"

However, once this statement was made, Mito Uzumaki, if she didn't want to be branded as someone who sacrificed Konoha to save her own family, would definitely step forward to explicitly stop it.

"Clan leader, in suppressing the Senju, Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen went even further than we did. Don't they realize this?" The Third Elder had some objections to Hyuga Tofu's arrangements.

"We can't gamble, understand?" Hyuga Tofu glanced at the Third Elder and explained, "We can't pin our hopes on their ideas. Their families are much more resilient than ours. Even if the Uzumaki clan really joins Konoha, even if they rise up under the influence of the Senju elders, it will only cause them some trouble; but it will definitely have a significant impact on us."

"I told you, the price we paid was only a partial branch of the family. The purpose of the branch family is to protect the Hyuga!"

Upon hearing this, all the other clan elders nodded in approval.

"Therefore, no matter what, the Uzumaki clan must not enter Konoha! Just in case, we must also ensure that the village does not come to the aid of Uzumaki Village!" Hyuga Mitsufumi emphasized this point again, and then adjourned the meeting.

After the meeting, the Fifth Elder approached the Fourth Elder to discuss the matter of Hozuki Shingetsu.

"We haven't even done anything yet, and the clan has already decided to stop the rescue of Wochao Village. Should we return the things we received to that kid?"

The Fourth Elder rolled his eyes at the Fifth Elder, thinking to himself that being a clan elder alongside this fool was really beneath him.

"Are you stupid? You can't return something you've received. Besides, we didn't object, isn't that our biggest contribution? If things can't work out, can't we at least sabotage them?"

"High, it is high!"

The Fourth Elder stroked his beard and smiled smugly.

-

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane were discussing whether or not to rescue Uzushio Village.

Although Danzo Shimura was still under house arrest at the time, no one paid attention to these small details.

However, Danzo was unusually silent today. He couldn't forget that he had sent people to attack Hozuki Shingetsu, and there was still no news about it. To prevent any conflict with Konoha, Uzumaki Takumi had instructed the messenger not to mention the matter at all, which is why Danzo still didn't know that Aburame Ryoma and the others had been wiped out.

"Danzo? Danzo? What are you thinking about?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned as he looked at Danzo, wondering why the usually outspoken Danzo was so silent today.

"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"

Danzo was abruptly jolted awake from his reverie, and upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, he instinctively uttered this sentence. Hiruzen Sarutobi, in turn, reflexively replied with the same sentence.

"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"

"..."

The two belatedly realized what had happened and awkwardly exchanged a glance, and the office fell into an indescribable silence.

"Ahem, Hiruzen was just asking whether or not to send troops to rescue Uzushio Village."

Seeing this, Mitokado Homura had no choice but to speak up and offer the two a way out.

Just now, Hiruzen Sarutobi was hesitating about whether to send troops. Both advisors said that sending troops was risky, while not sending troops would be a breach of trust—essentially empty rhetoric, emphasizing participation over substance. This forced Hiruzen to turn his attention to his old rival, but unexpectedly, his old teammate was also distracted, leading to this scene.

"I do not recommend a rescue," Danzo said after a moment's thought.

This answer surprised everyone present. They had thought that he, being extremely warlike, would clamor for sending troops to strike the Thunder-Earth Alliance, but they did not expect this reaction.

"It's very simple. Lady Mito is getting old, and it's time to consider the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes, instantly understanding his old teammate's meaning—as Mito Uzumaki grew older, it was time for Konoha to consider the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and the Uzumaki clan's vast chakra reserves, coupled with their mastery of sealing techniques, made them the best vessel for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Unlike Mito Uzumaki, who married Hashirama Senju at a young age and played a key role in the founding of Konoha, it remains to be seen how much of Konoha's acceptance she will have even if she brings back a child from Uzushiogakure. Furthermore, if the Uzumaki clan is at peace, with such a powerful maternal clan providing support, will she ultimately be Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, or Uzushiogakure's?

If Uzushio Village and Konoha were to turn against each other, would the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki defect?

Although the possibility is slim, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is a strategic nuclear weapon that cannot be taken lightly.

Those who witnessed firsthand the existence of Mito Uzumaki, the perfect Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, deeply understood what truly earth-shattering power meant. While slightly inferior to Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, her power was on a completely different level from other ninjas. This power not only conquered them but also solidified their belief that no matter how dire the situation became, as long as Konoha possessed the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, they could turn the tide.

As for allies?

As long as they have a branch of the Uzumaki clan that they completely control, what does it matter if Uzushiogakure is destroyed? What does it matter if Konoha's reputation is ruined and they have no allies in the ninja world?

As for the question of whether Iwagakure and Kumogakure acquired the sealing technology for the Tailed Beast Jinchuriki... well, as I said before, there are differences between the Tailed Beasts.

With the Nine-Tails in hand, Konoha fears no other tailed beast!

“Then find a reason to refuse, and then let the Uzumaki clan move into Konoha Village… No, that won’t work either.” Koharu Utatane chimed in, but she quickly realized that this approach wouldn’t work either.

The Thousand Hands Clan.

These four characters instantly appeared in the minds of everyone present.

Those who personally closed the coffin lid on the Thousand Hands would never allow it to rise from the dead.

Therefore, the best solution is to watch Uzumaki Village be destroyed, and the Uzumaki clan disappear from the ninja world. Konoha would send someone to take away a highly talented Uzumaki clan member and make her the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. In this way, having no relatives or support, she would have no choice but to consider Konoha her home. Furthermore, if she were to marry and have children in the future, Konoha would have a Uzumaki clan that truly belongs to her.

“Then if we sit idly by, what will happen to Lord Mito…” Mitomon Homura said, plunging the office into silence once again.

That's right. Although Mito Uzumaki said she was from Konoha and would follow Hiruzen Sarutobi's orders, everyone knew it was just a formality. They couldn't truly disregard his opinion—despite her age, as a perfect Jinchuriki, even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be her match in a one-on-one fight. Moreover, even disregarding strength, her status was undeniable; who could ignore her?

Even Danzo falls silent when Mito Uzumaki is mentioned. Despite his arrogant behavior and lack of respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi, if he really offends Mito Uzumaki, Mito can slap him across the face in front of everyone, and Danzo will have to applaud and say it was a good slap.

Just then, the envoy from the daimyo finally arrived in Konoha, bringing with him instructions from Daimyo Hiruzen Sarutobi regarding the Uzushio Village incident.

"Why would the Daimyo suddenly decide to interfere in Konoha's affairs..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi and the Daimyo had been friends for many years, and he couldn't understand why the Daimyo would suddenly become interested in the affairs of Uzushio Village. He racked his brains but couldn't fathom that Hozuki Shingetsu had played a part in it—although ninjas would stop at nothing, he had never seen a ninja from any other country directly take the route to the upper echelons!

The idea of ​​exploiting internal conflicts within the opposing ninja village to create conflict was already eye-opening for Hiruzen Sarutobi. But to put pressure on Konoha directly through the Daimyo—what kind of operation is this?

Why are you calling for outside help when it comes to ninja matters?

“But that’s good too. With the daimyo’s endorsement, we don’t have to worry about the pressure from Lord Mito.” Mitomon Homura’s eyes lit up as he took over the conversation.

"not only that!"

Having just received a secret report from his subordinates, Shimura Danzo showed the others the information he had just received—someone was spreading the news that the village, under pressure from Lord Mito, would soon send troops to the Land of Whirlpools to participate in the Second Shinobi World War.

"Such a coincidence...it must be the Hyuga clan!"

No one present was stupid. They could easily deduce the mastermind from the simple fact that whoever profited the most was the most suspicious. They could even guess the reasons why they did it.

They're all ancient foxes, why are they playing at some kind of ghost story?

"Now we don't need to worry about Lady Mito anymore!" Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand and announced the order directly.

"Immediately send a small team to Uzushio Village to bring back a child with exceptional talent! Tell Uzumaki Takumi to hold on, reinforcements will arrive soon!"

As for when it will arrive?

Don't ask, the answer is I'm on my way.

Chapter 44 Hozuki Shingetsu: Why not surrender with courtesy, thus preserving the dignity of the ninja clan?

Takumi Uzumaki was unaware of what was happening in Konoha. He was currently organizing the Uzumaki clan members to rush to the battlefield while anxiously awaiting reinforcements from Konoha.

According to intelligence from the front lines, the invading allied forces were mainly composed of Iwagakure and Kumogakure, led by Hunter, the leader of the Explosives Squad, and Modevi, the adopted brother of the Third Raikage, along with their elite troops. Despite Uzushio Village's years of efforts, they were still forced to retreat under the enemy's fierce offensive.

In less than two days, the battle line had been pushed to the border of the Land of Whirlpools. Meanwhile, there was no word from Konoha. Even if a large army needs time to travel, they could use ninja hawks to send messages in advance! Konoha's silence was already causing the worldly-wise Takumi Uzumaki to have a bad feeling.

Faced with this situation, he could only notify his clansmen again to prepare, and at the same time screen the hopes of the Uzumaki clan, hoping that Konoha would consider the long-standing friendship between the two clans and preserve the last flame of their Uzumaki clan.

"Clan leader, an envoy from Kirigakure requests an audience."

Just as Takumi Uzumaki was busy with his own affairs, the guards notified the envoy from Kirigakure that they were requesting an audience. Only then did Takumi realize that he had forgotten about the people from Kirigakure because of the war.

Having long since lost the will to deal with the other party, he originally intended to send him back directly. However, after hearing that Hozuki Shingetsu was determined to meet him, he decided to see what profound insights he had to offer.

Unexpectedly, his first words broke his composure.

"We have come specifically to save the lives of over a thousand members of the Uzumaki clan." Ignoring the shocked looks on the faces of Yagura and Yukinagi, Shingetsu Hozuki continued to calmly play the role of "persuader," just like he had when he read Romance of the Three Kingdoms in his previous life.

"Is Your Excellency troubled by the current predicament? I have three strategies, superior, middle, and inferior, that can easily defeat the enemy. Would Your Excellency be willing to hear them?"

"Oh? Tell me about it." Uzumaki Takumi chuckled in exasperation. He wanted to hear what this kid had to say, and if he continued spouting nonsense, he wouldn't hesitate to turn on him. Anyway, Uzumaki Village was already in this state, and with so much debt, he didn't care about adding another Kirigakure Village to the mix.