Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

218. The same familiar recipe.

Not to mention the aggressive stance that Iwagakure has displayed this time, which is so powerful and swift that it breached Sunagakure's northern fortress in less than a day. While this is certainly related to Sunagakure's own carelessness and weakness, it is enough to demonstrate Iwagakure's current strength.

Especially the leader of the team—Uchiha Shoji!

A purple-gold Susanoo!

Two strikes would easily shatter the defensive barrier set up by Sunagakure!

Danzo, who had directly clashed with Shoji, still vividly remembered the pain of losing his arm that day. Although he had overestimated the Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha clan, he really did not expect it to be this strong!

This guy is not even 16 years old!

For this reason alone, Danzo felt that these threats had to be nipped in the bud as soon as possible. He was worried that the village of Konoha was not strong enough. Even if the village of Konoha could gain a certain advantage in a head-on confrontation, it would be difficult to defeat Iwagakure, let alone severely injure it. But now that Iwagakure has taken the initiative to attack Sunagakure, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Danzo would not allow such an opportunity to pass him by!

The way the Root Lord stared intently at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was frowning and deep in thought, and the way he gripped the wooden staff in his palm even tighter with his single arm, with the slightly bulging veins, were enough to prove the somewhat ferocious inner emotions of this Root Lord.

It must be said that Danzo was indeed quite foolish many times, but his judgment and insight were not problematic at times. For example, in the current situation, the most reasonable judgment was indeed Danzo's approach: agree to Sunagakure's request for help, and then try to unite with Kumogakure to launch an attack on Iwagakure. With the three villages united, there is a very high probability that Iwagakure will be severely damaged!

They even forced the Third Tsuchikage to sign some treaties and passively acknowledge certain facts!

The idea is definitely not wrong, it's just that plans are never executed smoothly!

Leaving aside external factors for the moment, the other three members of Konoha's F4 clearly hold different opinions internally.

"Intervention is definitely necessary. The current strength of Iwagakure is indeed somewhat beyond its limits, but how to intervene is something we need to carefully consider."

As Danzo finished speaking, Mitokado Homura, who was sitting next to him, straightened his posture slightly, adjusted his black-rimmed glasses, and said in a deep voice. The first half of his words made Danzo happy, but the last sentence made Danzo's face darken.

On the contrary, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I think so too. Given Iwagakure's current strength, they do need to be more cautious in their methods!"

Koharu, still with her eyes half-closed, nodded slightly and said.

A perpetual sense of conservatism and prudence is a belief ingrained in the very bones of Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, as is that of Sarutobi Hiruzen. This is why, despite being the closest comrades-in-arms in Konoha's F4, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu consistently supported Sarutobi Hiruzen, rather than Shimura Danzo!

The main reason is that Hiruzen Sarutobi was recognized by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, as the rightful successor to the Hokage, and was also the strongest among their group at the time. It was perfectly reasonable for Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane to choose to follow in Hiruzen's footsteps.

However, it is also because the three share similar or even nearly identical ideas.

Danzo was the one who didn't fit in.

If Danzo and Hiruzen's ideologies were reversed, even though Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu would still mostly side with Hiruzen because of his Hokage status, they would definitely not follow him blindly or contradict him every time.

This is a result of a significant difference in concepts.

"Yan! Koharu, don't you understand?! How far have the Iwagakure and Uchiha clans gone?! Today it's just Sunagakure, if we don't take action, Konoha will be next!! With that old man Onoki's boundless ambition, and the Uchiha clan's hatred for Konoha, do you think they won't attack us once their strength grows even further?! And have you forgotten the hatred for the Uchiha clan's killing of Torifu and many of their comrades, and their words before they left?"

Danzo looked at Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu opposite him with an extremely sinister expression and said.

Ordinary ninjas might be intimidated by Danzo's cold aura and terrifying expression, but Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had been Danzo's companions for many years. At their peak, they were near-Kage level powerhouses, so this aura suppression would not affect them at all.

The two of them remained calm and composed.

He met Danzo's sinister expression.

Before Mitokado Homura could say anything,

"Danzo, you're too excited. Yan didn't say we wouldn't take action, nor did he fail to see the threat posed by Iwagakure and the Uchiha clan. He just said we need to be careful about the methods and approaches. As you said, after joining forces with the Uchiha clan, Iwagakure has become so powerful that even Konoha can't easily suppress it. But that's precisely why we need to be more cautious!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated in the main seat, finally put down his pipe, crossed his hands on the table, and spoke with a solemn expression.

"Hiruzen, you!"

It was the same old routine, the same almost identical plot. Danzo felt like he had three idiot teammates, and his anger flared up once again, making his expression grow increasingly cold.

A power struggle among four top executives.

Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi, who were seated below, saw everything, but at the moment, they both kept their heads slightly lowered, eyes downcast. As subordinates, they had to do their duty and know when it was their turn to speak.

Furthermore, regarding the issues discussed by Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and others.

Shikaku could almost predict that his Hokage would ask him the same question the next second, because that was the reason he had come here.

as predicted.

Almost immediately after the F4 finished speaking.

"Lu Jiu, what do you think about this matter?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze to Shikaku below and asked in a deep voice.

"Yes, Third Hokage. In general, I share the same opinion as the three elders. We must intervene in the actions of Iwagakure. As for the methods of intervention, I believe we need to consider it in stages. Especially for Konoha, we must have a full understanding and grasp of the situation before deciding on the approach!"

Lu Jiu took two steps forward and spoke with a very calm expression.

"When necessary, we will certainly need to take unconventional and coercive measures, but that should only be a last resort. We should not do so unless absolutely necessary!"

219. Reality is always the harshest! (Third update)

"The choice lies in three key points: First, what is the true intention of Iwagakure? Second, how much power can Sunagakure still mobilize? Third, and most importantly, what are the movements of Kumogakure!"

It wasn't just blindly agreeing with one side, nor was it perfunctory talk. Shikaku always saw things incisively and always viewed them from the most rational perspective. Originally, from the perspective of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio advancing and retreating together, the three clans had a deep-seated hatred for the Uchiha clan, especially Shoji. Not to mention that in that siege battle, each of the three clans lost several elite members, the death of the most important elder, Akimichi Torifu, was a shared pain for the three clans. The Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans had ample reason to seek revenge against the Uchiha clan.

Shikaku should have been the one to follow Danzo's views and directly launch a military campaign to conquer Iwagakure, which would have been in line with the subjective sentiments and desires of the three clans. However, Shikaku would not do that, as it would not only harm the interests of the village but also potentially cost the lives of more young people in the three clans.

Ninjas are of course prepared to die, but they also want to die meaningfully!

With Toru's death, Shikaku has become the leader of the three clans. He is responsible for the future of the three clans. As someone who was trusted by the Third Hokage to attend this special high-level meeting, Shikaku also needs to live up to this trust and expectation. Although they are not completely bound together, the Ino-Shika-Cho clan is considered to be the clan that is closest to the Third Hokage among the powerful ninja clans of Konoha.

Supporting the Third Hokage is in the best interests of all three clans.

"Three key points?"

"Yes, that makes a lot of sense!"

It can be said that Shikaku's very clear and logical words not only made Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu nod in agreement, but also made Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was in the head seat, show a look of satisfaction and relief. Even Shimura Danzo's expression changed slightly at this moment.

After all, although Shimura Danzo seemed foolish in many ways, it was mostly due to his deep-seated obsessions and his own demonic possession. His intelligence was perfectly fine. Danzo could easily foresee the different developments that Shikaku mentioned and their impact on the future.

Especially the first and third points.

The former determines the degree and method of Konoha's interference.

The latter will directly determine whether Konoha can intervene in this battle between the Rock and Sand Villages. Even a fool can see that the Hidden Cloud Village's biggest target is still Konoha and the rich land of the Land of Fire. If this is not clearly identified, Konoha could send a large force to assist the Hidden Sand Village, or even invade the Land of Earth.

The Hidden Cloud Village launched a massive invasion shortly afterward, which would truly be a major headache for Konoha. Don't think this is an exaggeration; anything can happen in the face of a super ninja war between the five great nations, as has been proven countless times in the previous three Shinobi World Wars!

Never use so-called 'common sense' to judge the behavior of these ninja village leaders; doing so would be the most foolish thing to do.

"Yes, that's what I'm worried about too. Kumogakure is too quiet. Logically speaking, there should be some activity at this time, but they haven't made a sound at all. Considering the previous meeting, I have to prepare for the worst!"

Stupidity has its limits; most of the time, these 'Kage' are quite shrewd. The Hidden Cloud Village has a history of such 'misdeeds,' which forces Hiruzen Sarutobi to take a more cautious approach.

"The Third Hokage's concerns are valid. Therefore, I suggest that we first deploy a portion of the village's forces to the border region of the Land of Grass. We don't need too many, just three to five hundred people, just to make a show of force. Then, we should join forces with Sunagakure to send a delegation to probe the Third Tsuchikage's intentions and gather as much information as possible about Kumogakure's movements. If Iwagakure's intentions are limited to this, I think we can stop here. The Kazekage of Sunagakure should understand this as well. However, if they want to go further, we can wait and see how Kumogakure reacts before making a decision!"

After nodding, Nara Shikaku continued, though his words were somewhat euphemistic, everyone present could understand the deeper meaning behind them.

"This is indeed the most suitable way!"

"I agree with Shikaku's assessment, Hiruzen!"

Mitokado Enoki and Utatane Koharu were the first to nod in approval of the safest yet most effective judgment and approach.

After a moment's thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly.

"Okay, let's do it that way!"

Although Danzo was somewhat dissatisfied, it was indeed the best option without knowing the intentions of Kumogakure. Moreover, he was also very concerned about the issue that Shikaku had just raised regarding Sunagakure. This ambitious Dark One of Konoha, while currently the one who hated and was hostile to the Uchiha clan and Iwagakure the most, was not letting his guard down regarding the other ninja villages either. If it was possible to kill two birds with one stone, or even several, Danzo would be happy to do so!

Thinking of this, Danzo became more and more satisfied as he looked at Nara Shikaku.

He genuinely hoped that Shikaku could become his direct subordinate, but unfortunately, Shikaku was the head of the Nara clan, making it almost impossible for him to enter Root. Not to mention, he also had the favor of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Danzo definitely couldn't poach him from this position.

'But I've heard that guy named Suzaku from the Nara clan is pretty good. Maybe I can get him to join Root!'

Danzo narrowed his eyes slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in his pupils as he silently thought to himself.

The opinions gathered were used to formulate a plan.

It was rare for Danzo not to resist to the very end, of course, because Shikaku's proposed plan was indeed the most suitable, and it also left some room for maneuver, didn't it? As long as Iwagakure really expands to that extent.

There will be plenty of opportunities to teach Iwagakure and the Uchiha clan a lesson!

Danzo was really just saying that. As the Hidden Leaf Village, who always firmly believed that his village was the strongest in the ninja world, he never thought that his village could defeat any other village in a one-on-one fight! (This is also why he dared to stand by and watch Konoha be invaded by foreign enemies without intervening in the original work. Danzo was so confident that even though many people in the village died, he still believed that as long as he successfully came to power and integrated all the forces in the village, he could still dominate the entire ninja world!)

Even Iwagakure, which has the Uchiha clan, is no exception.

However, reality is often harsh.

Less than a day had passed since Hiruzen Sarutobi issued his order.

News of unusual activity from the Cloud Ninja had spread from the northern border.

Before any reaction could be made, news came that the Hidden Cloud Village had launched a trial attack on Konoha's border outposts.

This caused Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and the others to once again turn extremely cold and stern!

220. The Tragic Story of Sunagakure (Fourth Update)

P.S.: This is such a huge favor! I really didn't expect to receive such a generous reward from a patron. I am truly humbled and incredibly grateful. Even if the patron from the Skyscraper Automotive patron gives me 100,000 coins, I will grit my teeth and still add more chapters! I will add five chapters for the patron, two today, and the remaining three over the next few days. Thank you again for your generous reward!

Ideals are often grand.

But reality is always the harshest. Although Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shikaku Nara, Danzo Shimura, and others did predict the movements of Kumogakure during the meeting, they really didn't expect that the Fourth Raikage would be so fixated on the Land of Fire and their Konoha. Logically speaking, now is the best time to work together to suppress Iwagakure.

Why does this Fourth Raikage act so unpredictably?

However, this is merely wishful thinking on the part of Hiruzen Sarutobi and others from Konoha. From the perspective of Kumogakure, the war between Iwagakure and Sunagakure would be the best opportunity for Kumogakure to attack Konoha. With the two major ninja villages no longer involved, and past intelligence reports subtly revealing internal strife in Kirigakure, it would be the most foolish thing not to provoke Konoha at this time. Compared to the Land of Earth and Iwagakure, the Land of Fire and Konoha are the real targets. Moreover, their own ninja village's personnel stationed on the western border of the country could easily detect Iwagakure's undisguised reinforcements!

Even the Five-Tails Jinchuriki appeared at the border.

Who knows if the Four-Tails Jinchuriki is hiding somewhere as well?

In contrast, Konoha has just experienced the Nine-Tails' attack and has a greater than 90% chance of not being able to use the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. From this perspective, if the two great ninja villages were to go to war, Kumogakure would definitely have the advantage!

The Land of Fire is relatively easier to bully, and the profits are substantial enough. Every bite you take is a mouthful of juicy goodness. Which one should you choose? Even a fool could make that choice!

This wasn't just the Fourth Raikage's opinion; it was shared by several other elders, as well as key members of the Cloud Ninja like Tsuchidae.

Of course, there is a bottom line to their actions this time: to force Konoha to leave the Land of Hot Water and bring the entire Land of Hot Water under the jurisdiction of the Land of Lightning. In this way, Kumogakure can completely look down on and suppress Konoha. Another bottom line is that Iwagakure cannot actually defeat Sunagakure. The current situation is the best.