In the Name of the Hokage!
Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to the Hokage Building and immediately convened a high-level meeting.
In less than half an hour, Shimura Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane arrived. Especially Danzo—on his way, he had already gathered intelligence through his Root operatives.
In his view, Konohagakure was at its weakest point in history.
The Fourth Hokage had sacrificed himself, the Uchiha Clan was growing restless, and the village couldn't afford to rely on Naruto's strength just yet. Engaging in war with Kumogakure at this time was undoubtedly the worst possible decision.
Thus, sacrificing Hyūga Hizashi and handing over his body to the Hidden Cloud Village seemed like the most strategic move.
Although this act was akin to showing weakness, Danzo believed it was necessary for the greater good of the village. A temporary compromise today would secure a stronger tomorrow.
Once the Uchiha situation was resolved and he ascended to the position of Hokage, everything lost now could be reclaimed tenfold.
Unexpectedly, Sarutobi Hiruzen outright dismissed this idea.
"Monkey, this is all because of your weakness and incompetence."
Danzo loathed Sarutobi's leniency, but for now, he could only curse him in his thoughts.
Upon entering the meeting room, he took his seat in silence.
In addition to Konoha's high-ranking officials, a daimyo was also in attendance.
"I assume everyone is aware of the recent events in the village," Sarutobi began.
"Kumogakure came under the pretense of forming an alliance and attending a celebration, but in reality, they sought to steal the Byakugan from the Hyūga Clan. Fortunately, under the pursuit of the Anbu and Hiashi Hyūga, their leader failed."
"But..."
Sarutobi suddenly deepened his tone.
"This treachery is unacceptable. They have broken their promises and treated the alliance contract as meaningless. As the Third Hokage of Konohagakure, I cannot tolerate such actions!"
His words caused murmurs among the daimyo.
"And you are all aware of the outrageous demand from Kumogakure," Sarutobi continued.
"They have asked for the life of Hyūga Hiashi as a condition for a new alliance contract. If we refuse, they vow to seek retribution for their fallen shinobi."
"I know that some present have considered sacrificing Hizashi Hyūga in Hiashi's place to settle this dispute."
"But!"
Sarutobi cleared his throat, silencing the room before raising his voice.
"Blindly conceding will never lead to true peace. On the contrary, such weakness will only embolden our enemies. The more we yield, the more aggressive they will become, pushing us into an ever-weaker position."
"Even the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, once said—"
The room grew tense at the mention of Tobirama's name.
Though the First Hokage had founded Konoha, it was Tobirama who refined its structure and demonstrated sharp political acumen. His name carried weight, even among the daimyos.
Danzo, in particular, was stunned. As Tobirama's direct disciple and the inheritor of his ideology, he had the utmost respect for his teacher.
"We cherish peace, but if we seek it through struggle, we will survive. If we seek peace through submission, we will perish."
Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances, while Danzo narrowed his eyes in deep contemplation.
"Did the Second Hokage really say that? Why don't I remember such words?" Danzo thought. Having idolized Tobirama his entire life, he found it hard to believe he would forget such a statement.
"So," Sarutobi continued, "not only will I reject Kumogakure's demand for the Byakugan, but I also refuse to compromise on the Uchiha issue."
"The Uchiha Clan?"
Danzo immediately objected. "Sarutobi, you can't compare the two! The Uchiha—"
"Danzo!"
Sarutobi's sharp voice cut through the room as he suddenly stood up.
His uncharacteristic assertiveness stunned not only the daimyo but Danzo himself.
What had come over Sarutobi today?
Had he not always been indecisive when it came to Uchiha affairs?
"I have said it before: the Uchiha Clan is part of this village. I will resolve our conflicts with them, and I have already found a solution!"
"What?!"
Everyone present was shocked.
Konoha's leadership knew that the Uchiha had once planned a coup d'état but had abandoned it after Shisui Uchiha's death. However, there was no guarantee they wouldn't attempt another in the future.
As a hawk, Danzo had always seen the Uchiha as a threat to be eliminated, but Sarutobi had consistently blocked his efforts.
He doubted the Third Hokage had truly devised a solution.
But now...
"No one understands the Uchiha better than I do," Sarutobi declared.
"We should seize this opportunity and use their power against Kumogakure. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
"If we do this, we can weaken the Uchiha Clan's strength while also ensuring the village's stability."
"The most important thing," he continued, "is that if Uchiha fights for Konoha, the villagers will witness their loyalty. This will help reintegrate them into the village and foster a sense of belonging."
The room erupted in discussion.
Koharu and Homura were visibly shaken. They exchanged glances of disbelief.
The plan was simple yet brilliant.
Danzo, too, was stunned. He subconsciously sat up straighter, staring at Sarutobi with an expression of utter shock.
Sarutobi's strategy not only protected the Hyūga Clan and struck back at Kumogakure, but it also weakened Uchiha's power in the process.
Even if it hurt the village temporarily, it would solidify the Hokage's authority.
No matter the outcome, the leadership could benefit.
If Konoha won, the village would celebrate. If they lost, the Uchiha would bear the brunt of the casualties, rendering them too weak to pose a future threat.
Three birds with one stone.
"Is this really the Sarutobi Hiruzen I know? When did he become this ruthless?"
"I call this strategy 'using external conflicts to divert internal ones,'" Sarutobi declared, his gaze sweeping across the room.
Taking a deep breath, he internally acknowledged that this plan had not been solely his own.
A certain young shinobi had contributed to its conception.
But for now, no one could know. If the Uchiha discovered the truth, they might resent the one who had helped orchestrate their fate.
As the Hokage, it was his duty to protect the children of the village.
For Konoha, he was willing to bear the burden of this decision.
His voice was steady as he spoke the next words:
"Who stands for this plan? And who stands against it?"