Chapter 243 Suspicion
In the huge conference room, there were about dozens of jonins gathered here.
There were a total of four people sitting in the front, facing dozens of jonins.
The third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Advisors Utatane Koharu and Mito Kado En.
Root leader Shimura Danzo.
Due to the sudden incident, and Danzo's decision to kill first and report later, Hiruzen, as the Hokage, had to return quickly from the Hyuga clan's territory to preside over the jonin meeting here.
However, it was not Hiruzen's original intention to preside over the jonin meeting at this time.
Seeing that the Hyuga clan had already reached an agreement, as long as the body of Hyuga Hizashi was called out and replaced by Hyuga Hiashi, the further deterioration of the relationship between Konoha and Kumogakure could be avoided, and the war could be avoided.
According to the news brought back by the Anbu, a jonin squad of Konoha ninjas stationed on the eastern border of the Land of Fire clashed with a squad of Kumogakure during a routine patrol. As a result, the jonin in the squad and three subordinate chunins were unfortunately killed.
At this critical moment of signing a ceasefire agreement with Kumogakure, various conflicts occurred again and again, constantly disturbing Hiruzen's mind.
He sat there, intentionally or unintentionally looking at Danzo next to him, and sighed softly in his heart.
Although there is no actual evidence, there is probably a shadow of Danzo behind this matter.
As the main war faction in Konoha, although Danzo did not make any suggestions in the previous meetings, he must be dissatisfied with the way of resolving the war through peace talks with Kumogakure.
If it is based on this dissatisfaction and in order to achieve a certain purpose, it is indeed just right for Danzo to attack at this time.
"Regarding the fact that Mizuno Jonin's team and three members were killed by Kumogakure ninjas, this is no longer a question of whether we are willing to negotiate or not, but that Kumogakure has no sincerity. Not only did they force the Hyuga clan in a rogue manner, but they are also harassing the border of the Land of Fire and attacking our Konoha Jonin. In response to this incident, regarding the peace talks proposed in the last meeting, I suggest that we directly abolish it. If Kumogakure insists on starting a war and refuses to sign the armistice agreement, then we will fight them to the end until they are willing to sign!"
Danzo, who was sitting in the front row, had a cold and murderous voice, with a firm attitude of resolutely advocating war.
Mizuno Jonin was the Konoha Jonin who was killed by Kumogakure at the border.
The three Chunins who were traveling with him also died in the line of duty.
Danzo's statement was also recognized by most of the pro-war ninjas.
Although they didn't like Danzo, a senior elder who always liked to plot in secret, they had to agree with his point of view at the moment.
The Kumogakure clan went too far. Not only did they coerce the Hyuga clan in a shameless way, they also harassed the border, causing the death of one jonin and three chuunins from Konoha.
The pro-war jonin, who originally disagreed with the peace talks, now wanted to fight to the death with the Kumogakure clan even more firmly and strongly.
It was nothing more than death, and they didn't believe that every ninja from the Kumogakure clan was not afraid of death.
Konoha was not afraid of causing trouble.
The long-term policy of appeasement also made them restless. They
also began to be dissatisfied with the policies of the Third Hokage.
If the Fourth Hokage was in power, he would have led them to attack directly to the heart of the Land of Lightning, and directly forced the Fourth Raikage to sign a ceasefire agreement in person.
"I agree with Elder Danzo's suggestion. Let's not talk about the Hyuga clan. It was the Kumogakure who wanted to steal the Hyuga clan's Byakugan first, and then they wanted to turn the tables. Now that Mizuno Jonin has died,
we can't let Kumogakure continue to do whatever they want." "Yes, Kumogakure is going too far. Now it's not them who should hold us accountable, it's us who should hold them accountable."
Many Jonin also agreed with Danzo's plan.
The constant pressure from Kumogakure had already made them unbearable, and they were worried that they had no place to vent their anger.
"There are many doubts about this matter. Why did Mizuno Jonin's team conflict with Kumogakure ninjas? We need to investigate carefully before we can make a judgment."
Hiruzen also expressed his own views.
He really didn't want to see someone's secretly smug expression.
"In other words, Hokage-sama, do you still intend to resolve this incident through peace talks?"
A Jonin asked.
This question can be said to be a heart-piercing statement.
"No, I just want to say that since the incident has already happened, it is also important to find out the truth behind it. As for the peace talks with Kumogakure..."
Hiruzen knew that at this time, once he said that he would continue to use the policy of peace talks to deal with Kumogakure, then after this incident, the number of jonin supporting Danzo would probably increase sharply.
This is something he didn't want to see.
The power of the root is already large enough.
If Danzo's root touches the sunlight on the ground again, it will be enough to pose a fatal threat to him as a Hokage.
But Danzo has been living in seclusion for the past few years, and he has never given him the opportunity to make use of the issue.
The real reason he wants to investigate this matter is not to compromise with Kumogakure, but to find evidence of Danzo's behind-the-scenes activities.
Including the personnel transfer within the root, it will also be thoroughly investigated.
"Let's do this first, continue to send 2,000 ninjas to garrison on the eastern border to prevent Kumogakure. At the same time, I will contact the fourth generation Raikage of Kumogakure by letter, and let Kumogakure hand over the offending ninja to Konoha for disposal."
At present, the momentum of the pro-war faction is so great, how to control their emotions is exactly the job of the Hokage.
Although continuing the war with Kumogakure can effectively vent their anger...but what about after that?
Simply venting anger is the most meaningless thing.
Konoha has been fighting for many years, and the consumption of various resources and casualties have long been an imminent problem.
The daimyo is also urging to end the war as soon as possible and not to waste it any more.
This is something that the jonin can ignore, but he, the Hokage, cannot be irresponsible.
This is also why he hopes that the Hyuga clan can compromise for this.
The internal consumption is serious, and the root is too big to be cut off. The daimyo has also sent people to warn many times that the war cannot continue.
Compromising all the balance points is what he, the third generation Hokage, is trying his best to do.
Therefore, the fighting desire of the pro-war faction must be satisfied to a certain extent, but it cannot be said in a final way, as if it is going to fight to the death with Kumogakure.
This is the most important thing.
Sure enough, after hearing Hiruzen's arrangement, the pro-war jonin calmed down to some extent and thought about the gains and losses.
Of course, they understand that war is not something that can be fought whenever they want.
In a moment of excitement, they just wanted to vent their frustrations and couldn't stand the ugly face of Kumogakure.
"How should the Hyuga clan be dealt with?"
a senior ninja asked again.
"We should refute this unreasonable request. Now it is us in Konoha who are holding Kumogakure responsible, not them holding us responsible."
Hiruzen answered simply. At
this time, any compromise would mean the failure of the Hokage.
Hiruzen could see this.
The war faction did not want the Hyuga clan to make sacrifices for this.
The status of the Hyuga clan in Konoha is self-evident. On the battlefield, they are the best eyes of Konoha, allowing Konoha ninjas to ignore all the conspiracies and calculations on the battlefield.
If Kumogakure wants to hold the Hyuga clan responsible, then Konoha can also hold Kumogakure responsible for killing their Konoha Mizuno senior ninja, delaying each other and thoroughly confusing the matter.
Regarding this, a rather calm voice suddenly sounded among the senior ninjas:
"If this is the case, then we should occupy international public opinion as soon as possible, magnify this matter, and take the lead."
He was about 30 years old, with two scars on his face, and his eyes were full of wisdom.
The senior ninja who spoke was Nara Shikaku.
His words can be said to be a wake-up call.
Indeed, this matter should be well publicized so that Konoha can occupy the commanding heights of public opinion and condemn Kumogakure.
The reason why Kumogakure can arbitrarily control the Hyuga clan is that when Konoha was still thinking about what to do, they had already exaggerated the matter after reversing black and white, forming public opinion pressure that was unfavorable to Konoha.
Even some villagers in Konoha believed it. They believed that the village should hand over the murderer of the Hyuga clan to Kumogakure for disposal, and should not drag down the entire Konoha because of one person. After all, it was the Hyuga clan ninja who was wrong first, and it was natural for him to kill the leader of the envoy sent by Kumogakure to Konoha.
Therefore, it is very important to take the lead.
They were just giving him a taste of his own medicine.
Just as Hiruzen was about to answer, Danzo next to him had already answered first:
"I have already arranged this before the meeting. Any other questions?"
"No."
Shikaku answered without changing his expression.
At first, he was still wondering who in Konoha had the guts to secretly plan this.
Now, there is no need to doubt it.
The martyred Mizuno Jonin was probably a hidden member of the Root.
So he sacrificed himself without hesitation.
But what the facts are is no longer important. What is important is how Konoha wants to package this fact and put pressure on Kumogakure.
Although he doesn't like Danzo's usual behavior, he has to say that Danzo did a great job this time.
This problem is unsolvable.
◎
"Damn Konoha, they actually used such a despicable method!"
The solid wood desk smashed the iron fist into pieces, and a large number of documents fell to every corner of the room like flowers scattered by a fairy.
A thick layer of lightning armor has condensed on the body of the Fourth Raikage, and lightning is entangled.
The hair on his head stood upside down, and it was obvious that he was extremely angry.
The senior ninja secretary Ma Buyi just sighed softly as he watched this scene helplessly.
In terms of despicableness, they are only equally bad.
The important thing is that this is the eighth time this month that the desk has to be replaced.
If this continues, the salary of the Raikage will be deducted.
To be honest, as the leader of a ninja village, it is absolutely inappropriate to get angry easily.
However, thinking of the practices of previous Raikages, and considering that most of the Kumogakure ninjas are muscular and tough war factions... Ma Buyi sighed even more sadly.
"Start a war! Start a war with Konoha immediately! I will go to the front line myself!"
The Fourth Raikage is in a subtle state of being out of control.
Sackbuy couldn't stand it anymore and immediately stopped him, saying, "Please don't do this, Raikage-sama. It's spreading like wildfire outside that we, Kumogakure, killed Mizuno Jonin of Konoha for no reason. This is too much. If our reputation drops, it will affect the usual commissions."
"Damn Konoha! This is definitely not the method of the Third-generation Hiruzen!"
Although Sackbuy calmed himself down, the Fourth-generation Raikage still felt furious.
He thought that such a method could not have come from the Third-generation Hokage.
The old man was not so insidious and vicious.
"It doesn't matter whose method it is. What matters now is how to end this matter."
Sackbuy rubbed her aching eyebrows.
She didn't expect Konoha to fight back in this way.
"What else can we do? Tell the truth of the matter!"
said the Fourth-generation Raikage.
It was completely false that Kumogakure took the initiative to attack and kill the Konoha Jonin named Mizuno.
It was clearly the Konoha ninja named Mizuno who rushed into the Kumogakure position with three Chunins and killed dozens of Kumogakure ninjas who had no time to react.
Two senior ninjas from Kumogakure sacrificed their lives for this.
The Kumogakure ninjas who lost their composure due to anger caused manslaughter.
"The effect is minimal. Think about our previous war of public opinion against the Hyuga clan. It is very important to take the lead. Even if we release the truth later, more people will only think that we are covering up our own faults and responsibilities, which will give people a bad impression. Many villagers in the village have appealed before, demanding that the Kumogakure ninjas who killed Konoha ninjas for no reason apologize to Konoha publicly, try to avoid war, and hope that Raikage will write a letter of apology to review his mistakes of not being able to control his subordinates."
"..."
The Fourth Raikage almost vomited blood after hearing this.
But because of this, he was able to calm down, although his face was very gloomy.
Seeing the Fourth Raikage calm down, Ma Buyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Then can we just let Konoha manipulate us? Can't we make a fuss about the Hyuga clan?"
The Fourth Raikage asked with a frown.
"Of course, but Konoha can also shirk it and ask us to hand over the Kumogakure ninja who killed Konoha Mizuno Jonin, in exchange for that, they will let the Hyuga clan hand over the person."
Konoha will definitely do this, Ma Buyi is sure.
The Third Hokage's conciliation also has its limits.
She didn't think that letting things stay in the stage of endless wrangling was a good thing for Kumogakure.
In the end, Kumogakure will get nothing.
For now, Kumogakure can no longer put pressure on Konoha.
The original truth of the matter is not the main thing. The important thing is that Konoha and Kumogakure are tied at this time.
Kumogakure holds the Hyuga clan in its hands, and Konoha holds the pain point of Kumogakure ninjas killing Konoha jonins. If both sides attack each other's weaknesses, they will only get a lose-lose result.
"Convene a jonin meeting immediately. No matter what the outcome is, a reasonable charter must be put forward."
The fourth generation Raikage waved his hand and sighed helplessly.
"Yes."
Ma Buyi nodded and walked out of the Raikage's office with a stack of documents.
◎
"In other words, I don't have to give an explanation to Kumogakure now?"
In the meeting room of the Hyuga clan, the expression on Hizashi's face was slightly stunned.
The elder of the main family in front of him nodded seriously and said to him, "Yes, Lord Hokage has made another decision. You survived, Hizashi."
The news that Mizuno Jonin was killed by the Kumogakure ninja has spread inside Konoha. Many people are indignant, and the voices of advocating war are getting louder and louder.
Based on this situation, even the Hokage cannot suppress such voices and can only slowly guide them.
Thanks to the majority of the voices of the advocating war faction, the Hyuga clan does not have to explain to Kumogakure, and Hizashi naturally does not have to become a substitute for his brother Hyuga Hiashi to ease the conflict between Konoha and Kumogakure.
After hearing the words of the elder of the main family, Hizashi did not know what his mood was at this time.
Was he happy, or was he grateful, or both.
If he could survive, he would not want to die.
He still has his own family, his son Neji to educate, and a lot of life to live in the future.
But sometimes, for example, when the main family encounters troubles, the branch family cannot escape the responsibility of protecting the main family.
Therefore, whether it was voluntary or forced, his death was a way to avoid war and protect the main family.
But in the final analysis, Hyuga is only a part of Konoha.
As a substitute for his brother Hiashi, he was also oppressed by the village's high-ranking officials.
After all, the village's high-ranking officials came to the Hyuga clan only to find the main family. The ninjas of the branch family could only make suggestions, but could not make decisions.
In terms of personality, the branch family was also a "slave" whose freedom was restricted by the main family. The ideas of the branch family were precisely what the main family and the village's high-ranking officials were fundamentally unwilling to pay attention to.
The ninjas of the branch family could not be regarded as a complete "person".
Therefore, while being grateful for his survival, Hiashi also felt a kind of sadness from the bottom of his heart.
He somewhat understood those ninjas of the branch family who followed Hyuga Ayane to defect from their family and village for freedom.
They wanted to be a complete "person", not a decorative tool without their own thoughts and personality freedom.
"Do you feel lucky?"
The elder of the main family asked with a smile.
He was not willing to use this method to calm the anger of Kumogakure.
No matter what, Hizashi is also a ninja who bears the name of Hyuga.
Since its founding, the Hyuga clan has never encountered such a humiliating thing, and it needs to sacrifice the lives of its clan members to quell the war.
But now is a new era of one country and one village.
No matter how glorious the ninja clan is, it still has to act according to the rules of the village.
It is not easy for the Hyuga to retain some traditions since ancient times.
"If you say there is none, it is impossible. No one wants to die if they can live."
Hizashi smiled bitterly.
The elder of the main family nodded and took out a letter from his arms.
"The last words that Lord Hiashi asked me to bring to you are no longer needed. Because of Lord Hiashi's obstruction, we still don't know the content of the letter, and Lord Hiashi himself has not opened it. Now, you can deal with it yourself."
The elder of the main family said.
"Brother?"
Hizashi murmured, took the envelope with complicated eyes, and stuffed it into his arms.
Find a place to burn this letter after returning.
This letter is indeed no longer needed.
"There is one more thing I want to verify with you."
After handing the letter to Hizashi, the elder of the main family stared at Hizashi's face seriously, looking at him very seriously.
"Verify?"
Hizashi was confused by the elder of the main family's sudden serious attitude, and didn't know what the elder of the main family wanted to verify with him.
"Yes, verify."
The elder of the main family looked like a matter of life and death, which made Hizashi feel that the matter was not simple.
"Please tell me, elder, I will tell you what I know."
"Well, then I will explain it directly. Someone in the branch family has con