Even though the Hidden Leaf had not used the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki on the front lines of a war for decades, that did not mean the village didn't need the Nine-Tails.
Setting aside the immense deterrent factor it possessed, the more critical issue was that if another ninja village were to acquire the Nine-Tails, the shift in the balance of power would pose the most significant threat to Konoha's status and safety.
"Leave Orochimaru and Menma Uzumaki to Root to handle. Traitors deserve the harshest punishment. Especially regarding the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, it would be most reasonable for this old man to arrange matters personally."
Just as Homura Mitokado finished speaking, Danzo Shimura on the other side spoke up immediately.
It was clear he couldn't compete with Tsunade or Jiraiya for the position of Hokage. In terms of identity, strength, prestige, and various other conditions, no matter how confident Danzo was, he understood he couldn't win against them for the time being. However, when it came to the Nine-Tails, Danzo was absolutely unwilling to let go.
Twelve years ago, Danzo had wanted to take Menma into Root to train him personally, but Hiruzen Sarutobi had always obstructed him. Now that a golden opportunity had presented itself, Danzo would not let it slip away.
"Additionally, regarding the Sand's One-Tail Jinchuriki, I believe it is most appropriate for Root to take custody. This way, the risk of the One-Tail going on another rampage can be controlled to the absolute minimum."
Not just the Nine-Tails; Danzo also bared his greedy fangs for the newly captured One-Tail.
In his view, if he could use this opportunity to successfully control two Tailed Beasts, his ambitions and his great cause would certainly be realized.
"I will handle the issues regarding Orochimaru and Menma. There is no need to trouble Elder Shimura."
Jiraiya's expression changed instantly. He turned his gaze directly toward Danzo, staring him down and refusing to yield an inch.
Leaving Orochimaru aside, Jiraiya simply could not allow Danzo to handle Menma's case.
Did Jiraiya not know what kind of existence this old man was?
This was a madman who had even plotted the assassination of his own closest friend.
Jiraiya absolutely would not allow Danzo to interfere with Menma.
Even though his rationality told him that the situation with Menma was likely irretrievable, as long as there was even a sliver of a possibility, Jiraiya had to fight for it.
This was Jiraiya's "conscience."
"Hmph, leave it to you!? It is precisely because these matters were left to you people for the past twelve years that such problems have arisen!! If Menma Uzumaki had been handed over to Root for training earlier, would this defection have happened!? The same goes for Orochimaru. Hiruzen was too soft back then, and so are you, Jiraiya. On this matter, you bear an unshirkable responsibility yourself. We cannot continue to trust you with this now."
Danzo snorted coldly, looking at Jiraiya and speaking in a very unkind tone.
It was a direct rebuke.
Jiraiya's expression turned ugly, but he was forced to admit that he and his teacher indeed bore some responsibility for this.
But even so.
Jiraiya could not concede on this issue.
He had already failed Menma over the past twelve years. Kakashi had concisely relayed the dialogue that took place at the stadium. In Jiraiya's view, the blame couldn't be placed entirely on Menma.
The child was still young, wasn't he?
Jiraiya felt he had a reason, the ability, and the opportunity to correct this mistake.
For that reason, he couldn't let Danzo interfere.
If Danzo got involved, then it would truly be irretrievable.
"I said, I will handle the matters of Orochimaru and Menma!"
Jiraiya shook his head, speaking with firm determination.
"Hmph, Jiraiya, you..."
A vicious glint flashed in Danzo's eyes, and he was about to retort.
"Enough. Jiraiya, let Danzo take charge of this matter for the time being. Whether it is Orochimaru or Menma Uzumaki, they are currently key rogue ninja that Konoha needs to deal with most urgently. Furthermore, we must resolve this before other ninja villages react. Especially regarding Menma Uzumaki's identity—you should know how important this is to Konoha. Your most important mission right now is to find Tsunade."
Homura Mitokado, sitting opposite, intervened in a deep voice.
"Of course, Danzo, you cannot act excessively. Konoha cannot withstand any more turmoil. What your Root needs to do is prioritize intelligence gathering and then determine a corresponding plan. As for the One-Tail, it will be under the joint jurisdiction of the ANBU and the Torture and Interrogation Force. Root's burden is already heavy enough; do not divert personnel for that."
"Mhm, I think what Homura says makes sense. Jiraiya, don't be impatient. These matters will certainly wait until the Fifth Hokage takes office to be formally processed. Of course, if you are willing to take over the position of Hokage right now, that would be a different story."
Koharu Utatane spoke slowly as well.
Hearing the words of the two advisors, Jiraiya furrowed his brow.
If he had to say it, Jiraiya naturally didn't want to see Danzo interfere with Menma. But given the current situation, it really wasn't appropriate for him to say more. Fortunately, the two advisors were mediating the situation.
Jiraiya took a deep breath, slowly nodded, and said, "I understand. I will bring Tsunade back in the shortest time possible!"
Danzo had no further objections.
In his opinion, timing wasn't an issue at all. As long as Root took over the case, wouldn't he be the one calling the shots on how to proceed!?
He had already made up his mind to recapture Menma in the near future. As long as he could successfully control the Nine-Tails, no one in Konoha—or even the ninja world—could defy his will. He was determined to correct Hiruzen Sarutobi's mistakes and prove that his teacher had chosen the wrong successor back then!
---
While the high-level meeting was convening in the Hidden Leaf Village...
On the other side.
Having left Konoha, Menma was traveling with Orochimaru's group, heading straight north. After several hours, they crossed the border of the Land of Fire and entered the neighboring Land of Rice Fields (Land of Sound).
This was one of Orochimaru's key bases of operation.
The Hidden Sound Village, currently Orochimaru's most important force, existed within this country. In the past, it had grown continuously thanks to Orochimaru's special cultivation and the financial support of the Land of Rice Fields. Now, after conspiring with the Sand ninja to attack the Hidden Leaf, the true face of the Sound Village and the person behind it would inevitably be exposed to the public.
If Orochimaru didn't take necessary measures, the Sound Village might very well face extinction.
No matter how weakened Konoha was, they would never tolerate the continued, brazen existence of a ninja village established by a traitor who dared to launch a sneak attack and kill the Third Hokage.