Chapter 34: Chapter 32: In the Name of the Hokage!
As soon as Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to the Hokage Building, he immediately convened a high-level meeting.
In less than half an hour, Shimura Danzō, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and others had gathered.
Especially Danzō, who had already learned part of the situation through his Root operatives on the way.
In his view, Konoha was currently at its weakest point in history.
The Fourth Hokage had sacrificed himself, the Uchiha clan was growing restless, and the village couldn't deploy Naruto, the Jinchūriki, to the battlefield.
Going to war with the Cloud Village at this time would undoubtedly be the worst possible timing.
Therefore, sacrificing Hyūga Hizashi and handing over his body to the Cloud Village was, no matter how you looked at it, the optimal solution.
Although this would be seen as showing weakness to the Cloud Village, it was all for the sake of the village.
A temporary retreat was necessary for a brighter tomorrow.
Once the Uchiha clan issue was resolved and he ascended to the position of Hokage, everything lost today would be reclaimed twofold in the future.
But to his surprise, Hiruzen had suddenly abandoned this idea.
'Monkey, this is all because of your weakness and incompetence.'
Danzō deeply despised Hiruzen's kindness but could only curse him inwardly for now.
After arriving at the meeting room, he silently took his seat without saying a word.
In addition to the Konoha higher-ups, the Daimyō of the Land of Fire was also present at this meeting.
"I believe everyone is already aware of the events that have taken place in the village these past few days."
"The Cloud ninja, under the guise of forming an alliance and holding a celebration, actually sought to obtain the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan."
"Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of the Anbu and Hyūga Hiashi, the Cloud leader was unsuccessful."
"However..."
Suddenly, Hiruzen's tone grew heavier. "Such behavior is undoubtedly despicable. They have betrayed our trust and treated the alliance treaty as a joke. As the Third Hokage of Konoha, I cannot forgive such actions!"
Hiruzen took the initiative, immediately labeling the Cloud Village as the villains.
However, his actions quickly sparked discussion among the Daimyō.
"And I'm sure you've all heard about the unreasonable demands made by the Cloud Village!"
"They demand that we hand over Hyūga Hiashi in exchange for a new alliance treaty. If we refuse, they will seek justice for their fallen leader."
"I am well aware that some among us have considered using Hyūga Hizashi, a member of the Hyūga branch family, to replace Hiashi and resolve this conflict."
"But!"
Hiruzen cleared his throat, silencing the murmuring Daimyō, and then raised his voice.
"Endless compromise will never lead to a good outcome. On the contrary, such concessions and weakness will only fuel our opponent's desire to push further, making us increasingly passive."
"Even the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, once said"
The moment Hiruzen mentioned Senju Tobirama, the expressions of everyone in the room changed.
While the First Hokage had founded the village, it was Senju Tobirama who had perfected it, demonstrating remarkable political acumen and an iron will.
Even the Daimyō of the Land of Fire was familiar with this name.
As for Danzō, he was Tobirama's disciple and the inheritor of his ideals.
So when Hiruzen invoked their teacher, Danzō's expression turned particularly surprised.
"We cherish peace, but peace achieved through struggle endures, while peace sought through compromise perishes!"
As these words echoed, Koharu and Homura couldn't help but frown.
Danzō, on the other hand, was utterly shocked.
'Did the Second Hokage really say that? I don't remember this...' Danzō furrowed his brows. Throughout his life, he had held Tobirama in the highest regard. Such a wise and profound statement how could he have forgotten it?
"Therefore, not only in the matter of the Cloud Village seeking the secrets of the Byakugan but also in the issue of the Uchiha clan, I do not intend to compromise."
"The Uchiha clan?"
Danzō immediately retorted without hesitation. "Hiruzen, how can you compare these two matters? The Uchiha clan"
"Danzō!"
Hiruzen suddenly shouted, rising to his feet.
This action not only startled the Daimyō but also left Danzō momentarily stunned.
What was wrong with Hiruzen today?
He had always been hesitant and indecisive when it came to discussions about the Uchiha.
"I have said it before the Uchiha clan is also a part of this village. I will find a way to resolve the conflict between them and the village, and now, I have found a solution!"
"What?!"
These words shocked everyone present.
Especially the Konoha higher-ups. Previously, the Uchiha had planned a coup, which was only abandoned due to Shisui's death.
But no one could guarantee when they might attempt it again.
As a hawk, Danzō naturally wanted to eliminate this destabilizing factor, but Hiruzen had always stood in his way.
Although this frustrated him, Danzō never believed Hiruzen could come up with a solution.
But now...
"No one understands the Uchiha clan better than I do. I believe we should seize this opportunity to use their strength to fight the Cloud Village, tooth for tooth, eye for eye."
"This will not only weaken the Uchiha clan but also stabilize the village's peace."
"Most importantly, the Uchiha will be fighting for the village, and the villagers will see this. They will come to understand the Uchiha, allowing them to return to Konoha's embrace and regain a sense of belonging."
The room erupted in uproar!
Koharu and Homura both wore expressions of shock as they stared at Hiruzen in disbelief.
Although the strategy sounded simple, it was incredibly ingenious.
Especially Danzō, who subconsciously straightened up, staring at Hiruzen with wide eyes.
According to Hiruzen's plan, not only would the Hyūga clan be spared, but the Cloud Village would also be countered, and the Uchiha clan would be weakened.
Perhaps this would cost the village some of its strength, but it would ultimately solidify the Hokage's authority.
And regardless of the outcome, they could accept it.
If they won, everyone would be happy. If they lost, the Uchiha would be crippled, no longer posing a threat to the village.
A plan that killed three birds with one stone!
Hiruzen had become terrifyingly shrewd!
'Is this really the same Hiruzen I know? How has his approach suddenly become so decisive...'
"I have named this strategy the 'External Conflict to Divert Internal Conflict' policy." Hiruzen glanced around the room, observing the changes in everyone's expressions, before speaking in a low voice.
Hiruzen inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Haru was still growing, and if others learned that this strategy was his idea, it could put him in great danger.
Especially the Uchiha clan if they discovered the truth, they might grow to resent Haru.
As the Third Hokage, it was his duty to protect the children of the village.
For the sake of the village, he was willing to bear this burden!
"Who agrees, and who opposes?"