Under the leadership of Karatachi Yagura, over a thousand Hidden Mist Ninjas rapidly landed, attacking the border forces of Konoha in the northeastern region of the Land of Fire.
Because of the large-scale attack by Hidden Cloud, Konoha is paying close attention to the situation in the northeastern Land of Fire.
Thus, they soon noticed the Hidden Mist's invasion.
The Hidden Mist's combat style is quite unique; one can recognize them even without their forehead protectors.
Originally, Sarutobi Hiruzen was quite happy recently; there was a second Wood Release Ninja in the village, and it was Mokgetsu, this super genius, who could at least be a youthful version of Senju Hashirama, and even had the potential to reawaken the glory of the God of Ninjas.
But not even two weeks had passed when the news of Hidden Mist invading the Land of Fire reached his office.
Along with the news came the dissatisfaction of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Perhaps because recently there have been frequent breaches of the borders by Ninja Villages entering the Land of Fire, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire specifically wrote to Sarutobi Hiruzen, urging him to quickly resolve the invading enemies and ensure the nation's safety.
Although the Daimyo is only nominally higher than the Hokage, this time Sarutobi Hiruzen really could only admit fault and make promises.
The foundation of the cooperation between Konoha and the Land of Fire is Konoha protecting the Land of Fire as its military power. Failing to stop enemy ninjas would mean Konoha's negligence.
"Each one really knows how to pick their timing," Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly.
He initially thought that since the Hidden Cloud in the Land of Fire had been dealt with, he could divert some attention to investigating Shimura Danzo's death, but now the Hidden Mist has come in.
Now, let alone dealing with Shimura Danzo's death, protecting the territory is not an easy task; this is another of the Five Great Ninja Villages entering the battlefield.
Looking at the tightly shut door of the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed softly.
When he learned of Shimura Danzo's death, he was greatly shocked, but the internal sadness wasn't as intense as he had imagined.
The truly difficult moments were during rest after work; being too tired to think, he subconsciously wondered why Danzo had been so quiet lately and hadn't come to the Hokage Office, only to then immediately realize that Danzo had already sacrificed.
At that moment of realization, there was endless melancholy in his heart, followed by regret and sadness as he recalled the past.
"Notify the two advisors to come to the Hokage Office," Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered the Anbu upon calling them.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen, he must avenge Shimura Danzo, but first, as Sarutobi Hiruzen the individual, he must prioritize being the Third Hokage of Konoha.
As Hokage, the highest priority is always ensuring Konoha's safety and interests.
In no time, the door to Sarutobi Hiruzen's office was knocked upon.
"Enter."
The two advisors walked into the Hokage Office, and the Anbu did not come inside, quietly closing the door and standing guard outside.
"Hidden Mist has rejoined the battle, dispatching ninja squads to land in the northeastern Land of Fire," Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately explained the intelligence without wasting time.
"How dare they, weren't they hurt enough last time?" Utatane Koharu said with a somber face.
"The Daimyo is dissatisfied with this and requires us to quickly deal with the invading enemies," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued.
"Then we indeed need to pay additional attention," Mitokado Homura showed a serious expression.
If the matter isn't handled well, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has every reason to reduce Konoha's military funding.
"To resolve the invading Hidden Mist quickly, I believe it's necessary for a high-ranking officer to lead troops onto the battlefield to boost morale," Sarutobi Hiruzen suggested, scanning the two.
Yesterday, Namikaze Minato was dispatched to the Land of Hot Water battlefield. Compared to Hidden Mist, Hidden Cloud is a more noteworthy enemy, so Sarutobi Hiruzen does not plan to recall Namikaze Minato to the Land of Fire to form a ninja squad.
Originally, Mokgetsu would have been a good choice, but Mokgetsu just developed Wood Release not long ago and needs time for cultivation; Sarutobi Hiruzen temporarily doesn't want to deploy Mokgetsu to the battlefield.
Since Namikaze Minato and Mokgetsu can't be selected, the options are limited.
And Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, as high-ranking officials of Konoha, naturally are eligible, and it might even have special effects.
"This..."
Utatane Koharu hesitated to speak; she felt the current situation wasn't dire enough to need high-ranking officers on the battlefield because their other tasks are also important.
But Utatane Koharu worried that mentioning this might make Sarutobi Hiruzen think she was afraid to go due to not being on the battlefield for a long time.
"Isn't Mokgetsu still at Konoha? He has mastered the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, and his other abilities are even stronger than Minato.
Last time, Mokgetsu contributed significantly to defeating the Hidden Mist; he should be able to complete the mission." Utatane Koharu recommended Mokgetsu.
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and refused:
"Mokgetsu has developed Wood Release and needs time for cultivation."
"Why does developing Wood Release require, wait! What did he develop?" Utatane Koharu asked Sarutobi Hiruzen with disbelief after realizing.
Rather than believing Mokgetsu developed Wood Release, she would rather think she misheard.
"Mokgetsu now masters Wood Release?" On the side, Mitokado Homura also asked with a shocked expression.
For him, the shock from this news was far greater than that of Hidden Mist attacking the Land of Fire.
The reaction of the two advisors was within Sarutobi Hiruzen's expectations; after all, this was Wood Release, the second ninja to independently develop Wood Release.
Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly nodded and answered, "You didn't mishear; he indeed developed Wood Release. Just ten days ago, I personally saw him perform Wood Release."
"Konoha now has a second Wood Release Ninja."
"How could it be? Could it be his mother is from the Senju Clan?" Utatane Koharu instinctively felt that Mokgetsu had the bloodline of the Senju Clan.