Fleeing from Konoha-Chapter 541 - 72: Isolation_3

So, the success or failure hinges on this.

This will also determine which side the Ino-Shika-Cho trio stands on.

◎

In a certain meeting room within the Hokage Building, four people were seated.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

Shimura Danzo, Leader of the Root.

Advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

"The Hidden Rock is willing to sign a ceasefire agreement with our Konoha. They proposed no compensation, like Hidden Sand. As they lost the war, they also suffered significant losses. I’ve already agreed to the Hidden Rock’s terms."

Hiruzen looked at his three former comrades, now colleagues, and said these words.

The ceasefire agreement from the Hidden Rock was submitted this morning.

Knowing that Hidden Rock wants to stop fighting, Hiruzen also hopes for this to happen, not wanting to continue the conflict with Hidden Rock.

Although Hidden Rock initially invaded the Land of Fire and looted extensively, causing considerable losses for the Land of Fire, if pursued further, Hidden Rock would definitely not yield. Extending the battle would be detrimental.

"Hmph."

Danzo’s cold snort expressed protest and dissatisfaction, but he had no other demands.

No matter how much he protested, Hiruzen would not change his decision because of him.

As the victorious side, allowing the defeated side to not compensate seemed to Danzo to make war seem like child’s play.

In this war, fighting with three other ninja villages, Konoha suffered the most significant losses compared to any other village.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu remained silent and did not respond.

"Next, I intend to transfer Minato to the Hidden Cloud battlefield. The Hidden Cloud ninja excel in speed combat, and the Fourth Raikage is also skilled in Instantaneous Body Jutsu. Minato, who has mastered the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, also decides battles with speed. He is the best candidate to deal with the Hidden Cloud ninja."

Hiruzen used this reasoning to involve Minato in the Hidden Cloud battlefield.

"So, does that mean Minato will replace Torifu’s command position? Wouldn’t that be a bit risky? After all, he’s only twenty-two this year."

Utatane Koharu seemed somewhat worried that Minato’s age might prevent him from effectively commanding.

"Jiraiya and the others were about the same age when they commanded battles in the Land of Rain."

A cold-faced Danzo remarked.

"The times are different now."

"If you think it won’t work, you could send Orochimaru over. His command ability is recognized by the majority of the village’s ninja and won’t disappoint you."

Koharu was at a loss for words, her lips quivering, unable to refute.

Mitokado Homura coughed to save Koharu: "We’re currently discussing Minato, and he has no connection with Orochimaru. Moreover, Orochimaru has important work to do now, right? Koharu is right; having Minato replace Torifu’s command is too risky. Minato has never commanded so many ninja, and during his time with Jiraiya as deputy, he hardly had a chance to demonstrate his abilities. Suddenly handing over Torifu’s command to him might cause many problems."

Danzo did not express his opinion.

However, he understood that Mitokado Homura’s refusal to let Minato take command was not just due to Minato’s lack of experience; there were other more critical reasons.

Only through training can one accumulate experience in battlefield command, as they themselves had progressed step by step.

The same goes for the current Sannin, who have advanced steadily.

In Danzo’s eyes, worrying about making command mistakes due to youth and not providing opportunities for training makes Homura’s reasoning untenable.

"Indeed, Minato is too young, and if he takes Torifu’s place, it may lead to dissatisfaction among many. Moreover, Minato’s ninja technique features are not suitable for commanding positions. To fully utilize his abilities, it’s better to have him support the battlefield in squad formation. Kakashi, an excellent Jonin under his command, will be complemented by two more Jonin to form a new Minato Squad."

The doubts and rejections from Koharu and Homura towards Minato made Hiruzen decide to have Minato support the Konoha Squad on the Hidden Cloud battlefield in squad format.

"I agree."

Koharu and Homura both endorsed Hiruzen’s decision.

Subsequently, Hiruzen glanced at Danzo.

The opponent had already stood up, his exposed left eye gleaming with a cold, harsh light, and his aura growing increasingly ominous and terrifying.

"From now on, you need not call me to such boring meetings. I won’t say much else; I just hope you can control this second white fang blade and avoid making mistakes."

After speaking, Danzo cast a glance at the three of them and left the meeting room on his own.

Hiruzen and the others sat awkwardly, unsure of what to say for a moment.

◎

April.

The ceasefire agreement between Hidden Rock and Konoha concluded without Konoha seeking any compensation from Hidden Rock, ending peacefully.

Soon after, Konoha and Hidden Cloud commenced a full-scale war, once again capturing the attention of nations across the Ninja Realm.

At the same time, the Land of Demons welcomed a guest of special identity.

In a certain meeting room of Shion City’s Military Zone No. 1, two people sat opposite each other with a tea table between them, offering hot tea, fruit, and pastries.

Aside from them, no one else was present in the meeting room.

"I didn’t expect you to come at this time. What, have you already dealt with the internal affairs of the Hidden Mist Village?"

Hakushi looked at the baby-faced man sitting opposite.