In the vast conference room, approximately dozens of Jonin had gathered here.
Sitting in the front, facing the dozens of Jonin, there were four people in total.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Advisors Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura.
Root Leader Shimura Danzo.
Due to the occurrence of a sudden event, coupled with Danzo's actions of making decisions first and reporting later, Hiruzen, as the Hokage, had no choice but to quickly return from the Hyuga Clan's domain to preside over the Jonin meeting here.
However, hosting the Jonin meeting at this time was not Hiruzen's original intention.
Seeing that things with the Hyuga Clan were already settled, as long as Hyuga Hizashi's body was brought out to mix with Hyuga Hiashi, further deterioration of relations between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud could be avoided, and war could be prevented.
According to the information brought back by the Anbu, stationed Konoha Ninja at the eastern border of the Land of Fire, a Jonin squad had a conflict with a squad from the Hidden Cloud during routine patrol, resulting in the tragic death of the Jonin and three subordinate Chunin.
During such a critical moment of signing the ceasefire agreement with the Hidden Cloud, repeated incidents of various conflicts kept disturbing Hiruzen's mind.
He sat there, intentionally or unintentionally glancing at Danzo beside him, letting out a small sigh in his heart.
Although there was no concrete proof, there was most likely Danzo's shadow lurking behind this matter.
As the leader of Konoha's hawk faction, although Danzo did not propose suggestions in several previous meetings, he must feel dissatisfied with resolving the war through peace talks with the Hidden Cloud.
If such dissatisfaction, coupled with an attempt to achieve a certain purpose, led Danzo to stir up trouble at this moment, it was certainly perfectly timed.
"Regarding the incident where Jonin Mizuno and the three team members were killed by the Hidden Cloud Ninja, this is no longer a matter of whether we are willing to negotiate. It's about the Hidden Cloud having no sincerity at all. Not only have they pressured the Hyuga Clan in a rogue manner, they are now harassing the border of the Land of Fire, assassinating our Konoha Jonin. In light of this incident, I propose we abolish the peace talk solutions discussed in the last meeting. If the Hidden Cloud insists on launching a war and refuses to sign the ceasefire agreement, then we'll fight them to the bitter end, until they are willing to sign it!"
Sitting in the front row, Danzo's voice was cold and stern, exuding a resolute and combative attitude.
Jonin Mizuno was the Konoha Jonin killed by the Hidden Cloud at the border.
The three accompanying Chunin also tragically died in service.
Danzo's view was shared by most of the hawkish Ninja.
Although they did not particularly like Danzo, a high-level elder who often schemed in the shadows, they had to agree with his current viewpoint.
The Hidden Cloud was pushing things too far, not only trying to forcibly coerce the Hyuga Clan in shameless ways, but also harassing the borders, causing the death of a Konoha Jonin and three Chunin.
The hawkish Jonin who were originally against peace talks now had an even firmer and stronger desire to fight the Hidden Cloud to the end.
At worst, they would die, but they didn't believe that every Hidden Cloud Ninja was unafraid of death.
Konoha was not afraid of causing trouble.
The long-standing policy of conciliation had also stirred unrest in their hearts.
Along with dissatisfaction against the Third Hokage's policy beginning to arise.
If the Fourth Hokage were in power, they estimated he would have already led them to attack deep into the Land of Lightning, directly forcing the Fourth Raikage to personally sign a ceasefire agreement.
"I agree with Elder Danzo's suggestion. Not to mention the Hyuga Clan, the Hidden Cloud's attempt to steal the Byakugan was first wrong on their part. Afterward, they insisted on blaming it on us. Now with the incident of Jonin Mizuno's death, we cannot allow the Hidden Cloud to continue their shenanigans."
"Exactly, the Hidden Cloud is going too far. Now it's not about them holding us accountable, it should be us holding them responsible for the Hidden Cloud's actions."
Many Jonin echoed Danzo's stance.
The Hidden Cloud's relentless pressure had long exhausted their patience, and they were eager to vent their frustration.
"There are many doubts about this matter, and why Jonin Mizuno's squad clashed with the Hidden Cloud Ninja still needs to be thoroughly investigated before determining the next step."
Hiruzen also expressed his opinion.
He really didn't want to see someone secretly reveling in this.
"Are you saying, Hokage-sama, that you still intend to resolve this incident through negotiations?"
A Jonin spoke up.
This remark could be considered a probing question.
"No, I'm just saying that since the incident has already occurred, it is also important to find out the truth behind it. As for the matter of negotiating with the Hidden Cloud..."
Hiruzen knew that the moment he uttered the intention to continue dealing with the Hidden Cloud through pacifying policies, the number of Jonin supporting Danzo might increase sharply after this incident.
This was something he did not want to see.
The power base of Root was already enormous enough.
If Danzo's Root were to reach the surface, it would pose a lethal threat to his position as Hokage.
But for these several years, Danzo had kept a low profile, never giving him an opportunity to exploit issues.
He wanted to investigate the true cause of this matter, not to compromise with the Hidden Cloud, but to find evidence of Danzo's behind-the-scenes activities.
This included a thorough examination of personnel changes within Root.
"Let's do it this way for now, continue to deploy two thousand Ninja to garrison the eastern border to prevent the Hidden Cloud. Meanwhile, I will also communicate with the Hidden Cloud's Fourth Raikage through letters, asking the Hidden Cloud to hand over the offending Ninja for Konoha to handle."