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  ...

  " you ask Lady Tsuo return to the vilge?"

  "Tsunade?" Gojo was startled. "What's the matter?"

  "I'm worried that there might be more masked ninjas like the one we entered today. Although I've entrusted Kushina with a Flying Thunder God kunai, it's still more reassuring to have someone by her side at all times."

  "I see. You want Tsuo be Kushina's bodyguard?"

  "Though it's a bit embarrassing, this is my life's request..."

  "sider it done."

  ....

  The Day

  Konoha's new and old ercial streets were still bustling, but noticeably less lively than usual. Squads of vigint ninjas patrolled various parts of the streets, silently casting the shadow of a lockdown.

  Hokage Building

  Representatives of Konoha's new era and varie and small ninja s had gathered.

  Minato Namikaze sat at the head seat. On his right, Uchiha Fugaku sat upright and serious. The seat to his left, where someone should have been, was empty.

  A shadow hung over the hearts of those in the feren. Could it be that something really happe night?

  After Fugaku, there were Hyuga Hizashi, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza... all the notable ninja leaders of Konoha were present.

  Each major ninja had members in the Anbu.

  Despite the strict fidentiality regutions of the Anbu, some things couldn't be kept secret.

  The assassination ihat occurred yesterday wasn't a secret to the representatives in this feren. However, the final oute was not witnessed by anyone.

  For example, how was Gojo Kaigetsu, the protagonist of the i, doing now?

  For a moment, everyone was anxious.

  Assassination politics wasn't scary; what was scary were the aftershocks following an assassination.

  This was an almost universal excuse. Sino one saw the masked man's face or knew his identity, he was like a handy knife.

  Internally, it could be used te the vilge's "feudal remnants," pointing the spearhead at families leaning towards the Third Hokage and Danzo. Externally, it could serve as a reason to start a war...

  Where would this knife, handed over by the masked man, be used?

  The ninja representatives tacitly raised their heads, subtly gng at the man sitting at the head.

  inally, there should have been two people; now, only the Fourth Hokage remained.

  Everything depended on his will.

  Seeing that everyone had arrived, Minato Namikaze, his face stern, spoke first:

  "What happe night, I'm sure all of you have learhrough your intelligence els."

  "A mysterious masked man g to be Uchiha Madara unched an assassination attempt on our Konoha elder. The enemy has been killed by me, and we've extracted information from him."

  "This was an anized and premeditated assassination initiated by external forces..."

  Here it es!

  The ninja representatives collectively breathed a sigh of relief, uanding that the butcher knife in the Fourth Hokage's hand probably wouldn't fall on them.

  After all, starting with 'external forces,' which vilge was he pnning to san?

  "First, they aimed to assassinate our Konoha elder. Sed, by g to be Uchiha Madara, they inteo sow discord between the Uchiha d Konoha..."

  Following the script Gojo Kaigetsu had given him during their st meeting the previous night, Minato slowly set the tone for this meeting.

  "Regarding the masked man who attempted to assassinate Advisojo yesterday, we've solidated and summarized the intelligence as follows-"

  "The target possesses medium to long-distance space-ing abilities but only teleport betwee 'nodes.'"

  "Through an all-night iigation by the Hyuga injas, we've eliminated nine of the masked man's nodes within the greater Konoha area and are further searg for any possible remaining nodes."

  "The target has the ability to 'bee intangible,' making him immuo most ninjutsu, taijutsu, and damage from ninja tools. However, activating intangibility requires time. Theoretically, as long as the attack is fast enough, it harm him."

  Upon hearing this, Nara Shikaku raised his hand:

  "How about Shadow Imitation Teique? it affect the masked man?"

  "Theoretically, shadow teiques asu-type ninjutsu affect the target. But theory is just theory; with the limited information we have, I 't make a definitive clusion."

  Konoha was meticulous like this.

  Even though the enemy was already a corpse, they still o pile detailed records.

  As "pre-history" for future geions, learning from history.

  Sitting to Minatht, Uchiha Fugaku crossed his arms, secretly armed.

  Others might not know, but he uood very well...

  These two abilities, different from ventional ninjutsu and toug upon "rules," sounded very much like the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan.

  Indeed, perhaps only he iire vilge khat after awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan, one would gain two unique ocur abilities.

  The left eye and right eye were like two keys; only when installed in oneself could the Mangekyō's abilities be fully utilized.

  "Teleportation" and "intangibility"-such exaggerated ocur powers, yet they came from just the masked man's right eye.

  He had personally firmed the masked man's corpse. There was only a right eye; the left eye socket was empty.

  Where was his left eye?

  Could it be that this was really Uchiha Madara's eye?

  A sacred relic of the ninja world?

  Fugaku fell into deep thought. Could the dead truly be resurrected? Uchiha Madara, as the lifelong rival of the God of Shinobi, was clearly recorded in the history as having awakehe Mangekyō Sharingan.

  But how long the Mangekyō could be maintained after its owner's death was not recorded.

  The abilities of the Mangekyō Sharingan were bizarre and varied.

  Fugaku couldn't say for sure; what if Uchiha Madara had awakened an ocur power that allowed him to resurrect? But two eyes only possess two abilities; a human body 't have a third eye...

  It's also possible that he sacrificed oo forcefully extend his life until now.

  But then, the masked man's strength seemed too weak, not fitting the traditional Konoha perception of Uchiha Madara.

  So...

  'It's highly possible that the other party is a member of our Uchiha , impersonating Uchiha Madara to try to divide the d the vilge.'

  Fugaku's expression became serious. Both for publid personal reasons, he had to do his utmost to capture that masked man.

  Ohe identity of the other party as a member of the Uchiha was exposed, it was hard to say whether the 's situation would return to its initial point.

  'I'll have Elder Setsuna pile the records of members who died or went missing over the years after I return.'

  Over the years, having experiehe Sed and Third Ninja Wars, the Uchiha actively participated in battles, and tless members died otlefield. But defectors were unheard of.

  Now it seemed there were only two possibilities: the personnel responsible for statistics cealed information, or someone resumed dead but uedly "came back to life."

  Uchiha Fugaku was determio initiate an internal iigation to find that Uchiha soul wandering outside the .

  To retrieve the left Mangekyō Sharingan that should have been on the corpse.

  Once he identified this soul, Uchiha Fugaku would enfor w with his own eyes!

  Regardless of what Fugaku was thinking, Minato Namikaze tinued his far-left rhetoric:

  "Also, you've all noticed, right?"

  "I said this attack was an anized and premeditated terrorist attack against Konoha."

  "We must respond firmly to this!"

  Minato ched his right fist and struck the table heavily, speaking emphatically.

  Such aggressive remarks immediately sparked enthusiastic discussions among some smaller ninja s.

  Starting from the Mist Vilge's free a pn, Gojo Kaigetsu had already shown his fangs before these ninja forces, pushing for increased military budgets with tough measures.

  Now, after Gojo Kaigetsu's assassination and absence from the Konoha meeting, the Fourth Hokage stood up, representing Gojo Kaigetsu's will, wielding the butcher knife aimed at forces outside the vilge.

  Such a figure was unpreted in Konoha. No previous Hokage or powerful minister had ever tried to initiate external wars during their tenure.

  It should be hat in previous ninja wars, Konoha was always on the defensive, being invaded and forced to fight back.

  The Aburame , which had uies with Danzo's Root fa, was the first to stand up.

  Aburame Shibi raised his hand and slowly asked:

  "The masked man's identity hasn't been firmed. If we issue a strong statement agaiernal forow... won't that leave the impression of Konoha being domineering and unjust in the ninja world, provoking them to unite against us? I think this is unwise."

  With a leader, the flock found its voice.

  Although not everyone leaowards the Third Hokage and Danzo, due to their political demands and terests, not everyone desired war.

  Nara Shikaku also stood up:

  "We indeed use the assassination attempt as a pretext to issue a strong statemeernally. But, Fourth Hokage, don't fet... the Kumogakure has been trying to build a Greater Kumogakure Co-Prosperity Sphere."

  "Our toughness now would undoubtedly push potential allies to the opposite side."

  Minato, repeatedly dissuaded, did not show anger. Instead, he asked, "In Leader Nara's opinion, whom should we target?"

  Whom tet-in other words, who was the enemy Konoha should strike against now?

  The Kumogakure?

  Just as he was about to speak, Nara Shikaku realized things weren't that simple. The Fourth Hokage's uncharacteristic behavior was likely influenced by Gojo Kaigetsu.

  Nara Shikaku answered with a question:

  "May I ask about Advisojo's current dition?"

  He voiced the doubts in the hearts of the ninja representatives. Usually, as long as Gojo Kaigetsu could move, he would never miss su important occasion to express his political views.

  His abseoday meant...

  Hearing this question, Minato's face was full of sorrow:

  "Advisojo was severely injured in the assassination attempt and is h between life ah. I've arranged for persoo make every effort to treat and protect him."

  "To prevent a sed assassination attempt by the enemy, no one is allowed to tact him without my permission."

  Upon hearing this, Nara Shikaku sighed inwardly and remained silent.

  He already uood that this matter robably irreversible. Once Advisojo died... the vilge would iably go to war, at least initiate a special military operation.

  An eye for an eye, announg to the ninja world that Konoha would not tolerate infri.

  Otherwise, if a vilge elder was assassinated so disgracefully in his own vilge, it would bee a ughingstock if wot out.

  Before that, they could only pray for Advisojo's safety and choose a target that could retively easily demonstrate Konoha's prestige to uake a special military operation.

  Nara Shikaku tentatively asked, "Fourth Hokage, what information did you extract from the enemy?"

  After thinking for a moment, he proactively offered a suggestion: "I think this assassination was orchestrated by the Hidden Rain Vilge!"

  The Hidden Rain Vilge.

  Sandwiched between the great vilges and being the first battleground, under Hanzo the Samander's leadership, the Hidden Rain had once shown signs of being the sixth great ninja vilge.

  But that was only a sign.

  With the passage of time, even if Hanzo were still alive now, he would be a frail old man.

  Nara Shikaku had reason to believe that the so-called isotionist policy was a helpless deade when Hanzo's strength deed with no successor.

  The Hidden Rain had pletely deed.

  But because of Hanzo's title, using the deing Hidden Rain and Hanzo to establish authority was more than appropriate.

  Moreover, the geographical location of the Hidden Rain Vilge had strategic significe. Advang could attack the Hidden Stone, retreating could defend Konoha-a strategic buffer zone.

  "Fourth Hokage, what do you think?"

  Nara Shikaku's eyes were sharp, believing this was the most advantageous choice for Konoha. The kai the cost of Advisojo's "critical dition" would be fully utilized.

  As long as the Fourth Hokage nodded, he, as a representative of a major ninja , would naturally fully support the work and strive for maximum bes for Konoha.

  After all, the corpse wouldn't speak. Regardless of who the extracted information poio in the end, or who the mastermind behind the assassination was.

  Konoha shouldn't let persoions sway the best choice.

  In Nara Shikaku's eyes, the Hidden Rain was the best target to establish authority.

  However...

  Minato shook his head. "No, this assassination was not carried out by people from the Hidden Rain Vilge. The informatioracted doesn't indicate that."

  "Huh?"

  "Then...?"

  Nara Shikaku hesitated. Surely he wasn't going to say it was the Kumogakure?

  Please, Fourth Hokage, be sensible!

  Even if we have to deal with the Kumogakure or Hidden Stone sooner or ter, now isn't the time to reveal our hand.

  Even if the information is true, for the greater good, we 't...

  "It's the Hidden Grass Vilge and the Hidden Hot Water Vilge!"

  Minato spoke calmly, without blushing asping. After being Hokage for so long, he could manage appearances.

  But this pointing at a deer and calling it a horse... made the usually gentle Minato feel a bit guilty.

  But as a ninja who had reached the pinnacle of his profession and bearing the title of Hokage, he could pletely disregard feelings of guilt.

  "Oh, the Hidden Gr... What?"

  An uproar ensued.

  The discussions were even louder than when he announced a firm response.

  "This is inappropriate, Fourth Hokage," Shikaku blurted out. "The Hidden Grass Vilge has always been a friendly neighbor to us. The Hidden Hot Water Vilge is also a peace-loving vilge and has promised to assist in building and guarding the 'Konoha-Suna Trade Route.'"

  "How we... How could they be the culprits who phis assassination?"

  "Although it's hard to believe, that's the reality."

  "This was the st message Advisojo gave me before he fell unscious. He personally withe masked man delivering information to the employer and is the only one who knows the truth of this attack."

  "The masked man was a hired assassin who took a mission from the underground exge!"

  "And the ones who issued the mission... are suspected to be a Hidden Hot Water ninja named 'Hidan' and the Hidden Grass Vilge's 'Uzumaki Momohime' (Karin's mother)!"

  "Konoha will issue a stern statement to both vilges, demanding they hand over the two suspects to be brought back to Konoha for iigation. If they refuse..." Minato paused, his expression growing more serious, "We will unch the first true special military operation sihe end of the Third Ninja War!"

  **Hidan** and **Uzumaki Momohime**-these were the names provided by Gojo Kaigetsu.

  Although they were nobodies that no one had heard of, Minato still followed Gojo Kaigetsu's will.

  If eople, we'll seize them! If they won't hand them over, we'll take them by force!

  "Hidan? Uzumaki Momohime?"

  These two unfamiliar names ehe vision of Konoha's elite. Even someone as smart as Nara Shikaku was momentarily puzzled.

  These two... who are they?

  Uzumaki Momohime could be uood-a survivor of the Uzumaki wandering outside.

  But Hidan?

  It's as absurd as a ninja academy kid paring strengths and often bringing up the names of unknown cssmates, then answering his owion with, "It's normal not to know; he's my deskmate."

  But si had e to this, Nara Shikaku couldn't refute anything.

  He could only quietly return to his seat.

  This was the Hokage's authority.

  Usually, discussions were just discussions, votes were just votes.

  When it came to vilge-level decisions, the Hokage always had the power of final say. The vilge's violent institutions would implement the Hokage's will from top to bottom.

  Now, the Hokage of Konoha had announced a special military operation.

  Then Konoha would have only one voich the special military operation!

  "Yes, Lord Hokage!" Nara Shikaku chose to ply with the Will of Fire.

  Fugaku also stood up, pg his right fist over his heart: "Shinzō wo sasageyō!!" (Devote your hearts!)

  Hyuga Hizashi followed suit: "Shinzō wo sasageyō!!"

  "Shinzō wo sasageyō!"

  More and more ninja representatives stood up, until finally, everyone was standing!

  Although some still leaowards servatism and embraced pea their hearts, uhe collective will, they had no choice but to offer their hearts together.

  Speaking of this 'devotis'... it was a courtesy first proposed by Advisojo.

  Aimed at expressing loyalty to Konoha.

  Well, what do you know?

  Even seasoned Konoha ninjas, aced to the ninja world's cruelty and used to witnessing life ah, couldn't help but feel invigorated upon hearing this uniform slogan.

  Truly, even though he was not in the Hokage building, h between life ah, the political influence he left behind deeply affected Konoha's elite.

  Not a single person stood up to speak for the so-called "friendly neighb vilges."

  That's how the ninja world is-either bee the meal oe or sit at the table as one of the diners.

  As the number one ninja vilge in the world, if we still had to worry about the thoughts and dignity of small vilges, wouldn't that make being a great ninja vilge meaningless?

  Perhaps initially, Konoha's aversion to war was very high.

  But now, with Konoha's booming ey and strong military, a siderable number of leftist ninjas couldn't wait to exercise the dominance of the "superior vilge."

  ...

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