Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
The Fourth Raikage and Killer B, leading three thousand elite shinobi, had already arrived at the front lines.
Uchiha Akihito's reconnaissance teams immediately picked up the movement. The intelligence was swiftly transmitted back to Konoha through the communications unit.
Faced with such urgent news, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not convene a general council.
Instead, he summoned only the so-called Konoha F4.
Hokage Tower – Hokage's Office
Homura Mitokado spoke first, his expression indifferent.
"Hiruzen, Kumogakure is coming in force this time."
"We should prepare in advance."
By "prepare," he certainly did not mean reinforcing Uchiha Akihito.
With the Fourth Raikage personally leading the charge—alongside the Eight-Tails jinchūriki Killer B and the Two-Tails jinchūriki Yugito—Akihito was practically doomed in their eyes.
If he fell, it would suit them just fine.
The real question was—
After Akihito's defeat, how could they force Kumogakure to withdraw?
The Fourth Raikage was no soft-hearted negotiator. Without sufficient pressure, he would never back down.
Allowing Kumogakure to break through the Land of Fire's borders was unacceptable.
Konoha's leadership could tolerate Akihito's death.
They could not tolerate losing the war.
At worst, they could concede some benefits and sign a peace treaty.
But no further.
After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi still cared deeply about his reputation.
He could not be remembered as a defeated Hokage. If that happened, Danzō would seize the opportunity to pressure him into stepping down.
Koharu Utatane stepped forward.
"The situation is urgent. Hiruzen, perhaps you should summon Jiraiya again."
Homura nodded in agreement.
Jiraiya had refused to return last time, which had already displeased him.
Now that Konoha faced genuine danger, surely he had no excuse.
From the corner of the room, Danzō—who had remained silent—suddenly spoke.
"If Jiraiya refuses again, that's fine."
"This time, I will take command against Kumogakure."
"Hiruzen, what do you think?"
His calculations were crystal clear.
Akihito would fall.
Then Danzō would step in and turn the tide.
When the dust settled, who would be the greatest hero?
Him.
After harvesting that prestige, the Hokage's seat might soon fall into his hands.
Danzō had waited a long time for this.
Hiruzen glanced at him calmly, offering no response.
If Jiraiya returned, the defense would naturally fall to him.
If he didn't, there was still the Hokage himself.
Since when did it become your turn, Danzō?
You're meant to take the blame—not take the spotlight.
Don't confuse your role.
Hiruzen's silence made Danzō's eyes darken.
Though Hiruzen usually indulged him, at critical moments he always blocked him.
It was infuriating.
Why not simply hand over the Hokage position?
You're old—why cling to it?
In truth, Hiruzen wasn't unwilling to step down.
He simply refused to give the seat to Danzō.
If Jiraiya were willing to inherit the mantle, Hiruzen would happily retire and become a "shadow elder," much like when Minato had taken office.
Danzō looked to the two advisors for support, but Homura and Koharu were clearly aligned with Hiruzen.
Back when Hiruzen had reclaimed the Hokage title, it had been thanks to the two of them singing in harmony.
Beyond countering Kumogakure, there was another issue—
If they wanted Akihito and Kumogakure to wound each other severely, they needed to delay reinforcements.
The news of the Raikage's arrival had reached Konoha.
They had to stall.
Only then would events unfold according to their script.
Hiruzen finally spoke.
"Who will repel Kumogakure can wait."
"Let's first discuss how to support the front lines."
His tone was righteous.
Yet in his heart, he had no intention of sending aid.
Hiruzen's greatest skill was this:
He never voiced his true intentions directly.
He let others say them.
That way, if something went wrong, he bore no primary responsibility.
After all—
Why else was Danzō always the scapegoat?
In political instinct, Danzō was far behind Hiruzen.
The two advisors understood immediately.
"Reinforcements are necessary," Homura said.
"But both Sunagakure and Iwagakure are watching us closely."
"We cannot spare enough manpower at the moment."
Hiruzen smiled faintly.
During the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha had made enemies of both villages.
Using them as an excuse was convenient.
Koharu added, "We must first stabilize the rear. Once things settle, we can reinforce the front."
With the three aligned, Danzō left in frustration.
If they wouldn't give him the chance—
He would create one himself.
Just as Danzō exited, the office door opened again.
Uchiha Fugaku entered.
"Hokage-sama, I apologize for coming unannounced."
Hiruzen immediately wore a warm smile.
"Fugaku. Perfect timing. We were about to summon you."
Fugaku spoke urgently.
"Fourth Raikage has taken the field. The front is in grave danger."
"We must send reinforcements immediately."
Before Hiruzen could answer, Homura cut in.
"Our patrol units report that both Suna and Iwa are mobilizing forces."
"In my opinion, the front can hold for now. Securing the rear is paramount."
Koharu echoed him.
"Konoha still carries grudges from the last war. We must guard against opportunistic attacks."
Only then did Hiruzen speak.
"Fugaku."
"I, too, wish to reinforce the front."
"But we simply cannot spare sufficient shinobi at this time."
"Once the situation stabilizes, I will dispatch reinforcements immediately."
Fugaku opened his mouth to argue—
But Hiruzen's expression left no room for debate.
Seeing this, Fugaku's face darkened like the bottom of a pot.
Akihito had been right.
Konoha's leadership excelled only at underhanded maneuvers.
With a cold snort, Fugaku turned and slammed the door behind him.
His disappointment in the Third Hokage had never been deeper.
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