At present, the momentum of the pro-war faction is overwhelming, and it's the Hokage's job to control their emotions.
Although continuing the war with the Hidden Cloud can indeed effectively vent their anger... but what happens afterward?
Simply venting anger is the most meaningless thing.
Konoha has been at war for years, and issues like resource consumption and personnel casualties have long been pressing problems.
The Daimyo is also urging to end the war quickly, saying they cannot afford more consumption.
This is something the Jonin might not need to consider, but as Hokage, he must take responsibility.
That's also why he hopes the Hyuga Clan can compromise.
Internal consumption is severe, the Root is overwhelming, and the Daimyo has repeatedly sent people to warn that the war cannot continue.
Balancing all the points is what this Third Hokage is trying his best to accomplish.
Therefore, he needs to satisfy the pro-war faction's desire to fight to a certain extent but also cannot make it seem like a life-and-death battle with the Hidden Cloud.
That's what's most important.
Sure enough, upon hearing Hiruzen's arrangements, the Jonin of the pro-war faction also calm down somewhat, considering the pros and cons.
They certainly understand that war is not something you can fight just because you want to.
Heated at the moment, they only wanted to vent their frustration, disliking the sycophant-like hideous faces of the Hidden Cloud.
"How should the matter with the Hyuga Clan be handled?"
A Jonin asked again.
"We refute such unreasonable demands. It is our Konoha holding the Hidden Cloud accountable, not the other way around."
Hiruzen replied decisively.
At this time, any compromise would mean Hokage's failure.
This is something Hiruzen can see.
The pro-war faction doesn't want the Hyuga Clan to make sacrifices for this.
The Hyuga Clan's status in Konoha speaks for itself. On the battlefield, they are Konoha's best eyes, allowing Konoha Ninja to ignore all kinds of conspiracies and schemes on the battlefield.
If the Hidden Cloud seeks to hold the Hyuga Clan accountable, then Konoha can turn it around and hold the Hidden Cloud accountable for killing their Jonin Mizuno. They can drag it out and thoroughly complicate matters.
At this point, among the Jonin, a particularly calm voice suddenly spoke:
"If that's the case, then we should seize the international opinion quickly, magnify the incident, and take the initiative."
Around thirty years old, with two scars on his face and wisdom in his eyes.
The Jonin speaking was Nara Shikaku.
His words hit the nail on the head.
Indeed, this matter should be well-publicized, letting Konoha occupy the high ground of opinion and condemn the Hidden Cloud.
Why can the Hidden Cloud arbitrarily manipulate the Hyuga Clan? Because while Konoha was still contemplating, they had already twisted the facts and spread them, creating unfavorable pressure on Konoha's public opinion.
Even some villagers in Konoha believed it, thinking the village should hand the Hyuga Clan's perpetrator over to the Hidden Cloud, not let one person burden all of Konoha. After all, it was the Hyuga Clan's Ninja who killed the envoy leader sent by Hidden Cloud, so execution is naturally deserved.
Thus, taking the initiative is crucial.
They are just using the Cloud's own methods against them.
Just as Hiruzen was about to answer, Danzo spoke first:
"I've already arranged for this before the meeting. Is there any other issue?"
"None."
Shikaku replied with an unchanged expression.
Initially, he was speculating who in Konoha would have the guts to secretly plan this.
Now it seems there's no need to doubt.
It seems the deceased Jonin Mizuno was a hidden member of the Root.
So he sacrificed without hesitation.
But the facts no longer matter; what's important is how Konoha wants to package these facts, creating pressure on the Hidden Cloud through public opinion.
Although he doesn't like Danzo's usual conduct, he has to admit that Danzo did a great job this time.
There was never a perfect solution to this issue.
◎
"Damn Konoha, to use such despicable tactics!"
The solid wood desk was smashed into a pulp by an iron fist, and a plethora of documents scattered around the room like a celestial maiden scattering flowers.
The Fourth Raikage's body is clad in a layer of sturdy Lightning Style Armor, electricity crackling.
The hair on his head standing straight, clearly furious to the extreme.
The Jonin secretary, Mabui, just sighed reluctantly at the scene.
Speaking of despicable tactics, they are like half of the same coin.
The concern is that this is the eighth time this month they've needed a new desk.
If this continues, the salary for being Raikage might be deducted entirely.
Honestly, as the Leader of the Ninja Village, losing one's temper easily is highly inappropriate.
But considering the methods of past Raikages and the fact that the Hidden Cloud Ninja comprises mostly strong-headed pro-war factions... Mabui sighed more sorrowfully.
"Go to war! Go to war with Konoha immediately! I want to go to the front lines myself!"
The Fourth Raikage is in a peculiar state of losing control.
Mabui can't bear it anymore and immediately intervenes, "Please don't do this, Raikage-sama. Now rumors are spreading wildly that our Hidden Cloud unjustifiably killed Konoha's Jonin Mizuno, pushing them too far. If public opinion declines, it will affect our usual commissioned tasks."
"Damn Konoha! This is definitely not the method of Third Hokage Hiruzen!"
Even though Mabui tries to calm him down, the Fourth Raikage still feels extremely furious.