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The Anbu were still investigating how these spies had gotten together.
It was likely that, at the behest of Kirigakure and Iwagakure, spies from the two villages had joined forces to plot together.
And indeed, they had managed to steer Konoha's public opinion off course.
They had achieved some of their mission objectives.
However, quelling this was also easy: make arrests and issue announcements.
It would just mean the Sarutobi clan would suffer a bit. Reputation was easy to ruin but difficult to restore.
Take the Uchiha, for example.
Were the Uchiha truly so unfeeling?
Not necessarily.
But the village had slandered them time and again, and over time, the villagers formed a first impression that the Uchiha were not good people.
The existence of the Konoha Military Police Force only made things worse.
Even now, the Uchiha's reputation was still terrible. That showed how important first impressions were.
Now the Sarutobi clan had followed in the Uchiha's footsteps.
After this incident, when villagers mentioned the Sarutobi clan, their first reaction would be: parasites!
Bleeding the village dry to train their own clan's ninja, yet calling themselves a "civilian clan"
The Third Hokage would also face more scrutiny. Coupled with previous revelations, the Third Hokage's reputation was thoroughly ruined in the short term.
"....."
The Third Hokage had come with fury, intending to question Kazuki about why he'd retaliated against the Sarutobi clan. Now he was numb.
It had nothing to do with Kazuki. It was purely the enemy causing trouble.
The Sarutobi clan was just unlucky enough to be used.
What else could the Third Hokage say?
Nothing. As long as Kazuki hadn't intentionally retaliated against the Sarutobi clan, he was blameless.
It was just that the Sarutobi clan had been cursed with eight lifetimes of bad luck to be caught up in this.
As for the spies' malicious intentions?
You go to other countries, steal their things, stab them in the back, and are still fighting them. You expect them to be nice to you?
What gave you that right?
"Lord Third, anything else to say?"
"...."
Taking a deep breath, his face dark, the Third Hokage placed the intelligence scroll on the desk, struggled to control his emotions, and ground out between clenched teeth.
"I want to go to the front lines. Personally meet Iwagakure's ninja. You can rest assured. I won't interfere with command."
"Alright."
Already so angry you're losing it? Want to go to the battlefield for revenge?
I'll grant you that.
To be fair, the Third Hokage's character was often time questionable, but his strength was a guarantee thing.
As for him grabbing power? Kazuki wasn't worried about that. The camp was under Uchiha Fugaku's command.
Fugaku wouldn't let him interfere and then have to answer for it.
Orochimaru certainly wouldn't give up battlefield command.
The war's outcome affected his final reward.
If the Third Hokage messed around and caused a major incident, leading to heavy Konoha losses, not only would there be no reward, he'd be lucky not to have funds deducted.
So Orochimaru wouldn't let the Third Hokage usurp his command.
Thus, the Third Hokage would have to serve as a mindless enforcer, killing enemies on the battlefield.
So why refuse? If he wanted to go, let him go. Such a strong fighter wasting away in the village was a shame. Better to let him shine on the battlefield.
If Ōnoki started cursing, that had nothing to do with Kazuki. He could curse the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage himself, a retired Hokage, personally rushing to the battlefield to kill enemies in anger over something the spies did – Ōnoki would definitely have a few choice words for that.
With Kazuki's permission, the Third Hokage left the office without a word.
He needed to go home and prepare, get his battle armor, and head to the front lines tomorrow.
Kirigakure was too far, out of reach. So he'd take it out on Iwagakure.
Ōnoki's hand was surely in this. So why be polite to Iwagakure?
Go get them.
After the Third Hokage left, Shikaku crept over.
"Lord Third looks upset. Did you two argue?"
"Wouldn't you know if we argued?"
Kazuki's eyes cut at Shikaku. Shikaku smiled sheepishly and quickly explained.
"These are extraordinary times. I was worried about you and Lord Third clashing. He was once Hokage. If it blew up, it would sound bad."
"Spare me. That news has already spread. Who cares if it sounds bad?"
Kazuki wasn't interested in Shikaku's rambling.
"No arguing or fighting. The Third Hokage thought I was targeting the Sarutobi and was about to confront me. When he learned Iwagakure and Kirigakure's spies were behind it, he requested to go to the battlefield."
"You agreed?"
Shikaku's eyes widened.
Good heavens. The Third Hokage is old. Aren't you afraid he'll die on the battlefield?
Shikaku shook his head vigorously, trying to clear those messy thoughts.
"What else could I do?"
Kazuki spread his hands.
"I can't refuse, can I? This incident might have planted a thorn in the old man's heart. The Sarutobi's reputation has been severely damaged. No normal person could tolerate that. Kirigakure is out of reach, not worth it. So he'll have to take it out on Iwagakure. Besides, with his strength, are you really afraid he'll get hurt on the battlefield?"
"...."
Shikaku's gaze was strange. There's a saying: better safe than sorry.
Ōnoki was known to be crazy. If the Third Hokage was too active on the battlefield, something might happen. The Third Raikage was a classic example.
But since the Third Hokage had volunteered, Kazuki couldn't really refuse.
Besides, if something did happen to him, it wouldn't be Kazuki's fault. It would all be Ōnoki's.
Yes, it's all Ōnoki's fault. So, Ōnoki, step it up!
Whether you become the Third Hokage-Killer depends on this!
You killed the Third Raikage. It wouldn't be strange if you also killed the Third Hokage, right?
Kazuki was looking forward to Ōnoki's performance.
He sincerely hoped he'd keep the Third Hokage on the battlefield, saving Kazuki the trouble of finding an opportunity later, and having to be careful not to be discovered.
Go for it, Ōnoki. I believe in you. Olé!
Having silently cheered Ōnokin, Kazuki changed the subject.
"Any movement from the Hyūga clan?"
"They're all staying in the compound. No one has left."
The Hyūga were currently being treated the way the Uchiha once were. Only the Uchiha weren't as quiet as the Hyūga.