They're promoting the "Konoha threat" theory, and spouting nonsense about the Hidden

Chapter 43 Only the half-dead Senju is a good elder brother!

In Konoha, the second Uzumaki clan member finally caught up with the first Uzumaki messenger after a long and arduous journey. He then delivered Uzumaki Takumi's latest instructions and plea for help to Hiruzen Sarutobi, but Hiruzen Sarutobi delayed the delivery, citing the importance of the matter.

He intended to plead with Mito Uzumaki as instructed by the clan leader, but to his surprise, Mito Uzumaki disregarded the bonds of kinship and declared that she was now a member of Konoha and that everything was for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Having no other choice, the two could only take turns trying to persuade some of the major clans in Konoha, hoping to convince one or two of them to plead for the Uzumaki clan.

Most ninja clans, such as the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, adopted a wait-and-see attitude, but a small number of ninja clans had different intentions.

In the quiet room of the Hyuga clan, the main branch, including the clan head and five elders, had all gathered.

"According to reliable intelligence, Uzushio Village is currently facing the combined forces of the Lightning and Earth armies. Unless the village sends a large force to rescue it, Uzushio Village will definitely not be able to withstand this calamity." Hyuga Mitsufumi, the current head of the Hyuga clan, briefly introduced the situation.

"Based on my understanding of our Hokage, he might not risk starting a second Shinobi World War by directly confronting the combined forces of the Lightning and Earth Alliance. Our Hokage is good in every way, except that he is too cautious. He always hesitates until the situation deteriorates to a certain extent."

Hyuga Tofumi understood Hiruzen Sarutobi very well, and immediately saw the root cause of Hiruzen's hesitation. If the village were truly facing a crisis, this "Shinobi Hero" would definitely step forward without hesitation and confront the crisis head-on; but if it hadn't reached that point yet, he would hesitate and try to resolve the conflict through appeasement.

Moreover, sending troops to provide aid may not necessarily be approved by the major clans—Uzushio Village is an ally of your Senju and Konoha, not my ally. Asking me to send people to a foreign land to protect someone else's homeland? Sorry, I don't have such noble sentiments.

As for what to do if Uzushio Village is destroyed and Iwagakure and Kumogakure obtain the sealing technology for the Tailed Beast Jinchuriki—that's a problem for the Hokage to consider, not for me.

They still clearly distinguish between those from their clan and those from their village.

This is different from the First Shinobi World War. When Konoha was invaded, they would definitely fight back fiercely—they were already bound to Konoha. But this kind of rescue operation that has no benefit is another matter.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi would carry out the order if requested, whether it was worth it was up to Hiruzen Sarutobi to decide.

"In that case, we have to consider the possibility of the Uzumaki clan entering Konoha," the Hyuga clan elder concluded.

If Konoha doesn't send troops, then it's quite simple. Considering the alliance between the Uzumaki clan and Konoha, Konoha will definitely do something. Without direct confrontation, bringing the Uzumaki clan to Konoha is actually the best solution.

If the Thunder and Earth Alliance continues to harass Konoha even after Konoha makes a concession, then even Hiruzen Sarutobi will not tolerate these two countries defecating and urinating on Konoha's head—after all, his title of "Hero of the Ninja" was not truly earned through "endurance."

but……

"The Uzumaki clan must never be annexed by Konoha!"

Without prior arrangement, everyone present said the same thing.

The logic is simple: Konoha today is not the same Konoha it was when it was first established thirty years ago. Now that the interests of all parties have been divided, and a powerful clan that is no less powerful than the Hyuga or Uchiha has suddenly emerged, where is there any room for them to gain any benefits?

In the end, won't we just have to take a piece of their flesh?

Leaving aside some industries and money, how should the positions and duties of those core departments be divided?

One radish, one hole—who's going to move it?

and……

"I'm afraid that the Senju might have a chance to rise again!" Hyuga Mitsufumi couldn't help but think of this.

To be honest, Tobirama Senju was a very competent Hokage, but he was by no means a good clan leader. In order to dispel the prejudices between the various ninja clans when the village was first founded, he ordered all the collateral branches of the Senju clan, except for the direct line of the Senju, to change their names and surnames, and to completely integrate the Senju bloodline into Konoha Village.

This move benefited Konoha, but deeply hurt the Senju.

After the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the new Hokage assisted Danzo Shimura in taking office, whether out of consideration for their own clan or the desire to expand their own prestige, they both suppressed the Senju clan—not by directly stripping Senju members of their positions, but by constantly promoting the noble character of the Senju clan and then removing them from core positions.

In short, the existing Senju should just act as their mascots; you don't need to worry about the specific administration.

As the saying goes, "When a whale falls, all things are born; when a thousand hands fall, all races are fed."

After 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 could possibly participate in such a good thing.

If the Uzumaki clan were to truly be incorporated into 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 trio, 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 their glorious early days in Konoha, how could they not feel heartbroken about the Senju's current decline?

And by taking advantage of the Senju clan's marriage alliance, the Uzumaki clan could make a comeback by joining Konoha and using 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 Uzumaki Village be destroyed by the combined forces of Raito and Sougoku, 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 Tomo 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. Directly trick them into believing that their 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 abandon the rescue of 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 for us!"

"Third Elder, go and visit Danzo's advisor. Tell him that our Hyuga clan will allow members of the Uzumaki 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 Hiruzen had to consider her wishes—"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. Didn't they realize this?" The Third Elder had some objections to Hyuga Tofu's arrangements.

"We can't gamble, understand?" Hyuga Mitsufu 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 already said, 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. Does that mean we have to return the things we collected 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?"

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

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 Shimura Danzo was still under house arrest at the time, no one paid attention to these minor 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 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. Although 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 convinced them that no matter how dire the situation became, as long as Konoha had 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 let the Uzumaki clan move into Konoha... 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.

"So if we just 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 any 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 has already broadened Hiruzen Sarutobi's horizons. 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, and he immediately took over the conversation.

"That's not all!"

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 are on their way!"

As for when it will arrive?

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

(End of this chapter)