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Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Hiruzen, Tsunade went too far. How could she do such a thing? What if it leads to setbacks in the battle? Have you thought about that? We can't let Tsunade act so recklessly. She's too reckless."
Although placing the Uchiha clan on the battlefield against Kirigakure was intentional, the purpose was merely to weaken the Uchiha clan. Losses were desirable, but not essential. In any case, placing the Uchiha clan on the battlefield against Kirigakure would make it difficult to defeat them, thus hindering their ability to gain merit. This would also suppress the Uchiha clan.
But all of this is predicated on the Uchiha clan not being truly wiped out. Konoha is currently fighting on multiple fronts, and if problems arise on the Uzushiogakure front, it will affect the security of southeastern Fire Country. Kirigakure could very well use this as an excuse to launch a large-scale invasion, which would impact the entire war situation. This cannot be done recklessly.
If you want to indulge Tsunade, that's unacceptable. I absolutely won't allow it. That's Koharu Utatane's stance.
While Mitokado Homura did not express his opinion, his silence implied that he was biased towards Danzo and Utatane Koharu.
After all, this matter could be a big deal or a small deal. No matter what, we can't let Tsunade run wild and affect the entire battle. If the battle line in the Land of Whirlpools collapses, the consequences will be unimaginable.
A single hair can affect the whole situation; this is no small matter.
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke calmly and slowly, "You don't need to be nervous. This is the result of discussions between the Uchiha clan leader, Fugaku Uchiha, and the Jonin of the Nara and Hyuga clans."
"Even so, it's not acceptable. Why should they switch?" Xiaochun, who was turning over a new dorm, complained.
Danzo, on the other hand, pointed the finger at the Uchiha, believing that there was some ulterior motive involved and that there must be something wrong with the Uchiha, otherwise they wouldn't have acted this way.
"Hiruzen, this is ridiculous. Changing commanders at the last minute? Isn't that absurd? Moreover, the fact that the Uchiha agreed to this means they have some ulterior motives, so we have to be on guard. In my opinion, we should recall the Uchiha and let the Hyuga clan take over."
Although arranging for the Uchiha clan to participate in the Kirigakure battlefield was a decision they made together, the current situation is clearly not right. Who would have thought that Tsunade would be involved? And whatever her purpose may be, once she commands this battle, defeating Kirigakure would mean that the commander would gain tremendous prestige.
But this person happens to be Tsunade, whose identity is not ordinary. If she wins the battle, it will mean a huge boost to her personal reputation, which is something Danzo cannot tolerate.
Once you build up your personal reputation, coupled with your prestigious status, what chance will I have when it comes to electing Hokage in the future?
Another point of contention is the sudden support Tsunade from the Uchiha clan.
Of course, this doesn't mean the Uchiha supported Tsunade, but the fact that the Uchiha actually gave up the position of commander-in-chief is a big problem. Whether they discovered the Uchiha's intentions in the Kirigakure battlefield, or whether they intended to unite with the Senju clan, represented by Tsunade, to fight against the village, it was something Danzo could not accept, so he had to stop it no matter what.
"This time, the main issue was that Tsunade was ambushed by the Hidden Mist's Anbu. It was Uchiha Hakuba who saved her. Tsunade is of noble status, and if she didn't retaliate after being attacked by the Hidden Mist's Anbu, there would be a problem. It was mainly because she wanted revenge that she took over command. The Uchiha's support was a last resort. When Tsunade is willful, no one can stop her. Moreover, the Jonin of the Hyuga and Nara clans have clearly supported her, so the Uchiha have no choice but to accept it. Besides, you all know Fugaku's character. This matter is not that complicated, so don't overthink it."
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat annoyed, he still drew a conclusion from the contents of the scroll that had been delivered: Tsunade had been attacked by Kirigakure's ANBU and rescued by Uchiha Hakuba. Although she was not seriously injured, given Tsunade's temperament, she would not let it go so easily and would inevitably retaliate against Kirigakure.
Besides, Hiruzen Sarutobi was also angry. Tsunade was the princess of the Land of Fire and the head of the Senju clan, and she was his disciple. She was attacked by the people of Kirigakure. How could he not retaliate?
Thinking about this, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't think there was anything wrong with Tsunade's actions. Moreover, based on his understanding, Tsunade would leave on her own after venting her anger and would never get involved again, so the matter was still under control.
Chapter 33: Battle Report Delivered, Shocking the Third Hokage
Based on this, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained relatively calm. Moreover, Fugaku was just like that, very easy to manipulate. Once Tsunade became assertive, no one dared to have any objections, because the other party dared not offend Tsunade. Therefore, it was normal for the Uchiha to compromise.
As for plotting and scheming, do the Uchiha even have the brains for that?
Some things don't need to be explained in detail. Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that Danzo and the others would understand. They had been friends for decades, how could they not understand?
"What happens to Fugaku is not important; what matters is Tsunade."
Danzo was definitely concerned about Tsunade, because she posed too great a threat. He couldn't allow her to gain more merit and thus increase his reputation.
This would be extremely detrimental to his ambition of becoming Hokage, and could even be considered the greatest threat. Therefore, Danzo would certainly not allow Tsunade to affect his grand plan.
"What's wrong with Tsunade? Danzo, what's your opinion?" Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff of his cigarette, his eyes instantly sharpening as he questioned Danzo.
“I have no objection. I’m doing this for Konoha and for the war. The situation on the front lines is critical. Why is Tsunade suddenly interfering in the war? It’s purely for personal revenge. Do you think this can be tolerated? Hiruzen, you can’t let her run wild like this anymore. This matter must be dealt with seriously.”
Danzo certainly had objections, but he couldn't say them outright, so he immediately changed his tune, stating that his actions were entirely for the greater good and that the war couldn't be affected by Tsunade's situation.
You must understand that the current war situation is very unfavorable for Konoha. The Land of Fire is already in dire straits, and we are forced to fight against multiple countries, including the Land of Water, the Land of Earth, the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Wind.
The pressure exerted by the two major villages of Kumogakure and Iwagakure was unprecedented; if you didn't take it seriously, it would mean defeat in the war.
If you fail, you...
Oh right, if he fails, won't Hiruzen Sarutobi be forced to step down?
Danzo became more and more tempted, but he quickly suppressed the thought. If the war were lost, Konoha would be easily divided up.
The Hidden Cloud Village and the Hidden Stone Village are not to be trifled with. If they are defeated, most of their territory could be swallowed up, and the interests of the village would be harmed. This is something Danzo cannot tolerate.
What I want is a complete Konoha, not a Konoha that has been severely damaged. I can't do that now. I'll wait until the war is over.
Given the current situation, even if the war ends, Konoha won't be in a good position. Hiruzen will still have to take responsibility, so his resignation will be inevitable...
Yes, that's right. I don't need to rush. Why should I rush?
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi had some concerns and was dissatisfied with Tsunade's willful behavior, he ultimately chose to let her go leniently. As long as she could come back, that was enough. Even if she didn't want to return to the village, it was enough that she left the front line.
"What else should we do? Tsunade did it all for the village, so let's not bring it up again. As for Tsunade..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said softly, puffing on his pipe, "I will bring her back."
Upon hearing this, Danzo really wanted to curse, saying that his handling of the matter was completely ineffective, or even negligible. However, he also knew that with Hiruzen Sarutobi's statement, it was impossible to deal with Tsunade.
Of course, Danzo knew he couldn't handle it, but he had to show this attitude; he couldn't let Tsunade act so recklessly.
As for Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, they still support Hiruzen Sarutobi on this issue because as long as Tsunade returns, it won't affect the battle on the front lines.
The Hidden Mist battlefield features elite Uchiha clan members, along with ninjas from the Hyuga clan and other groups, as well as a number of civilian ninjas from various villages. The sheer number of them is considerable, and the elites go without saying. The Uchiha clan's combat strength is beyond question.
Furthermore, Kirigakure cannot possibly concentrate all its main forces in the Land of Whirlpools. They do indeed intend to use the Land of Whirlpools as a pretext for invasion, but this is not an easy task.
Furthermore, Kirigakure has already joined forces with Kumogakure and Kirigakure to wage war against Konoha. Uzushiogakure is mainly using threats and intimidation, and it is unlikely that they will actually break through into the Land of Fire. The possibility is very low, almost impossible.
Just then, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Hiruzen Sarutobi squinted at Danzo and his group before speaking, "Enter!"
The one who came in was the captain of the Anbu, and also Hiruzen Sarutobi's eldest son. He came in and immediately presented a top-secret scroll, saying, "Lord Hokage, frontline report, top-secret intelligence, highest level!"
Highest level?
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened, and he put down his pipe, quickly taking it to examine it.
Danzo, standing nearby, was itching to find out what the information was, while Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, though also anxious, weren't as obvious about it.
After all, the bond between Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi was something the two of them couldn't compare to. Furthermore, while Danzo was dark and ambitious, in terms of ability...
To be honest, they were much better than them, so the two of them were quite sensible and didn't say anything.
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi became increasingly alarmed as he watched, and a surge of anger welled up within him.
This good apprentice of mine has truly given me a great surprise.
No, it wasn't just a surprise, it was also a shock.
And this young man from the Uchiha clan...
Honestly, he's no pushover, definitely not a kind person.
"Hiruzen, what happened?" Danzo knew Hiruzen Sarutobi too well, and seeing that his expression was obviously off, he immediately asked anxiously.
"Something's happened, and it's a big deal. After Tsunade took command, she, along with Hakuba and two female ninjas who rescued her, embarked on an exploration mission in order to find out about the Third Mizukage's arrival at the front lines. Subsequently, they engaged in a fierce battle with the Third Mizukage and his elite Kirigakure members, including his ANBU and guards. The Third Mizukage, Raiga Kurosuki, and Juzo Biwa, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, were all killed. Kirigakure has withdrawn from the Land of Whirlpools. Our side has achieved a great victory!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi revealed the top-secret information recorded in the scroll: a major event on the battlefield in the Land of Whirlpools, a complete victory for the Hidden Mist Front, but problems arose as a result.
The news was certainly good, but it also made Hiruzen Sarutobi even more worried and uneasy.
Tsunade's contribution this time was so great that even Hiruzen Sarutobi was a little uneasy. He was the Mizukage, and he was killed just like that.
However, the most important question is who killed the Third Mizukage.
Tsunade claimed to have killed Raiga Kurosuki and Juzo Biwa, but she didn't kill the Third Mizukage; it was Hakubaki who killed him. The Seven Ninja Swordsmen all had corpses as evidence, but the Third Mizukage's body was nowhere to be found, not even a trace.
This……
Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally had some doubts.
What kind of power could have reduced a corpse to nothing?
Uchiha, Uchiha... wait, could it be the legendary power of the Uchiha clan, the Mangekyou Sharingan!
Chapter 34 Danzo, I am the Hokage!
Realizing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi found it quite reasonable. If that were the case, it would be perfectly logical for the Third Mizukage to be killed by Ueba Mu in his current physical condition.
However, what kind of signal does Tsunade's willingness to act in this way with Hakubaki and then praise him after the war reveal?
Hiruzen Sarutobi had to think deeply. If he could kill the Third Mizukage, then Hakubaki's strength was worth exploring, and the Mangekyou Sharingan was the most likely candidate.
However, Bai Mu is very young and has awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, so his strength is absolutely unquestionable. It seems that killing the elderly Third Mizukage would not be difficult for him.
Therefore, the Mangekyou Sharingan should not have been awakened. If it had been awakened, Tsunade would have told her.
It's important to know that these urgent intelligence reports arrived one after the other, especially the second one, which came very quickly.
Moreover, this second one was delivered by Tsunade using a summoning beast, so the urgency level was completely different.
Otherwise, her son wouldn't have rushed over.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi still had some doubts, he knew that the fact that this latest battle report did not mention it, and that Tsunade did not mention it, meant that it was not true.
Tsunade couldn't possibly not recognize it, nor could she not write it down, so Hiruzen Sarutobi believed it hadn't been opened.
"Hiruzen, are you kidding me?"
Danzo, of course, did not believe it.
Bai Mu is just a kid. Even though he's from the Uchiha clan, how could he possibly kill the Third Mizukage? Although the Third Mizukage is old, it doesn't mean that a kid could kill him.
"No, this is no joke." Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, his expression serious.
Would I possibly be joking?
The top-secret information sent by Tsunade couldn't possibly be a joke, especially since it was delivered by Tsunade using a summoning beast, indicating the urgency of the situation. This is enough to prove the authenticity of the information.
"But I don't believe it."
Danzo, however, resolutely refused to believe it.
Are you kidding me? Just a brat from the Uchiha clan, could he kill the Third Mizukage? Could it be Tsunade? But that doesn't make sense. According to what Hiruzen just said, Tsunade and Hakuba encountered the Third Mizukage leading the Kirigakure elites, while they only had a few people on their side. How could they possibly win?
But the problem is now, the battle report has arrived, and the results are plentiful!
NABC