A gold-embossed document rested upon the desk, stamped with the official seal of a daimyo—the highest authority of an entire nation.
“A rebellion has broken out in the Land of Waves, and its daimyo has commissioned Konoha to intervene…” The Third Hokage lit his pipe and took a deep draw.
“What do all of you think?” Three people sat before him: Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane.
Together with the Third Hokage, they formed Konoha’s leadership council and decided all major administrative and military matters concerning the village.
Danzo Shimura, the typical hard-liner among them, was the first to speak.
“Hmph!
Is there even any need to ask?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Konoha to extend its influence into the Land of Waves!” “The Land of Waves may be an isolated island nation, but it lies north of the Land of Water and south of the Land of Lightning.
Its geographical position is extremely sensitive.
If Konoha enters recklessly, we may arouse the suspicion of both Kirigakure and Kumogakure,” Homura Mitokado analyzed seriously as he adjusted his glasses.
“No!
This time, we possess an official document issued by the daimyo of the Land of Waves.
Every action Konoha takes will be lawful and fully justified!
Even diplomatically, no one will have grounds to object!” A sharp gleam filled Koharu Utatane’s eyes, and open delight appeared across her aged face.
“Is it truly necessary for us to go that far?
Konoha paid an enormous price to win the Third Shinobi World War.
We have only just managed to enjoy more than a decade of peace…” The Third Hokage looked hesitant.
In truth, he could feel that he was growing old.
Many matters had begun to exceed his strength and energy.
He did not wish to create so much trouble during the final years of his life.
“True peace does not exist in the shinobi world!” Danzo’s voice was cold.
“Every hidden village exists in only one of two states—waging war or preparing for the next one!” “Danzo…
That way of thinking is dangerous.
After the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha clan’s rebellion, and the successive departures of the Three Legendary Sannin, Konoha is no longer as powerful as it once was,” Homura objected.
“That is precisely why we must find a way to replenish our strength!
The Land of Waves is a piece of meat being delivered directly to our doorstep.
How can we refuse to eat it?” Motivated by the opportunity to profit, Koharu believed that Konoha should take action.
Among the four senior leaders, the Third Hokage and Homura supported restraint.
Danzo and Koharu favored military intervention.
Two votes against two.
Both sides clung to their positions, and the argument reached a stalemate.
“If we must hesitate over every little concern before making a move against the Land of Waves, can we still call ourselves the greatest hidden village in the world?” Danzo slammed a hand against the table and shouted indignantly.
“That is exactly why we must consider the matter carefully.” Homura remained completely unmoved and refused to yield.
“What else is there to discuss?
In my opinion, we should act decisively before another hidden village steals the Land of Waves’ business from us!” Koharu argued fiercely, nearly spitting as she spoke.
“Everyone, calm down for a moment…” The Third Hokage tapped his pipe against the desk.
Suddenly, his eyes shifted.
“Come in.” Whoosh!
An ANBU operative instantly appeared inside the office and knelt on one knee, presenting a scroll with both hands.
“That marking…
Did it come from the daimyo of the Land of Fire?” Homura noticed the seal on the scroll and frowned.
“I see.
It appears the ruler of the Land of Waves is truly desperate.
He has even appealed to our daimyo for assistance.” Koharu’s expression brightened.
She could already guess the scroll’s contents.
“All daimyos share a common interest in preserving the authority of their position.
Hehe…
It seems the Land of Fire also supports military action.” The corner of Danzo’s mouth rose into a victorious smile.
“…” The Third Hokage expressionlessly accepted the scroll and opened it.
Just as they had expected— The daimyo of the Land of Fire had authorized Konohagakure to suppress the rebellion in the Land of Waves.
“Haah…
It seems another troubled period is beginning.” The Third Hokage released a weary sigh.
A thin smile appeared on Danzo’s face.
“This is the opportunity Konoha has been waiting for.
We must secure a foothold in the Land of Waves before another hidden village does.” “You are exaggerating.
We are merely assisting a minor nation in suppressing a rebellion.
Sending a single jonin-led squad would be more than sufficient,” Homura said sternly.
As the official responsible for Konoha’s financial affairs, he had always followed the principle of carefully calculating every expense.
“You!” Danzo was infuriated.
Homura clearly did not want the situation to escalate, while Danzo intended to use this opportunity to provoke a larger conflict.
Their positions could not have been more opposed.
“No matter what happens, Konoha must establish a foothold in the Land of Waves this time!” Koharu had already begun making her own calculations.
The actual arrangement could follow Gatō’s previous model.
Konoha should secure the Land of Waves’ maritime routes and negotiate long-term trade rights with its next legitimate government,” Koharu proposed.
“That would strengthen the Land of Fire without openly annexing a minor nation.” Would that not leave everyone satisfied?
After carefully considering their arguments, the Third Hokage finally made his decision.
“Although this is only a rebellion in a minor nation, we should remain cautious.
Send four jōnin-led squads.”