"Hokage, let's be honest what's the matter?"
Shimura Danzō sneered, his words laced with contempt toward Hanzō of the Salamander. He didn't even bother hiding the faint joy in his eyes. Despite Amegakure's limited scale, its leader had dared to stir up unrest across the nations.
While Sunagakure has long been perceived as the weakest among the Five Great Nations due to economic hardship and frequent internal conflicts, Kirigakure though marginally stronger has suffered due to the Blood Mist era's internal strife and clan purges, particularly under Yagura's brutal reign.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice echoed calmly in the room, causing the other three present Danzō, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu to show subtle expressions of surprise.
"It's a classic case of power equilibrium. The great nations are cautious of one another. None will move first to strike Amegakure, fearing vulnerability from the others."
He didn't even have to speak further Homura and Koharu had already pressured Danzō into a corner. Their opposition made his stance untenable.
"That doesn't mean we let Rain Shinobi damage Konoha's image."
Koharu nodded slightly, echoing Homura's words. Both were former disciples of the Nidaime Hokage, Senju Tobirama, and like siblings to Hiruzen. They now stood as a political couple, their harmony resembling a "husband and wife" voice in the council.
Realizing the consensus, Danzō reluctantly backed down, nodding silently.
Hiruzen smiled gently, puffing from his long pipe, his expression that of a kindly elder sharing tea though he had just manipulated his longtime comrade.
If Danzō wished to contest Hiruzen's authority, he'd first need undeniable merit and battlefield glory just like how Hiruzen himself had risen under Tobirama's final command.
Danzō did not engage further. The strained tone and lack of formality spoke volumes about their fading bond as former teammates in the First Shinobi War.
"Rain Shinobi struck Sunagakure, recognizing it as the weakest target. They're exploiting strategic vulnerability," Hiruzen remarked flatly.
Danzō scoffed but held his tongue. Despite the tactical truth, he hated the implication.
"Still, with Rain Shinobi origins, Hanzō's ambitions are limited. He can't contend with a full-scale great nation," Homura added, shaking his head.
"No wonder Sunagakure has begun reinforcing its borders near the Land of Rivers," Koharu chimed in, her tone cold.
The trio chuckled quietly, unbothered. In truth, they didn't just underestimate Amegakure they no longer respected Sunagakure as a rival either.
"I will be Hokage one day, Sarutobi…" Danzō muttered under his breath, seething with resentment.
Just then, Hiruzen revealed new intelligence, prompting Homura to narrow his eyes.
"What's this now?"
"It's clear Hanzō plans to engage each great nation individually. Divide and conquer," Hiruzen concluded.
Koharu's face darkened with concern. "So Konoha will be the last target, then?"
A Hokage candidate required overwhelming reputation and loyalty something Hiruzen had gained from Tobirama's dying wish and wartime valor.
"This war brings no benefit to Konoha."
Though Danzō showed no emotion, his clenched fist betrayed his dissatisfaction. He remained silent only because he knew he'd already lost the debate.
"Danzō is always reckless at his age," Koharu muttered, sighing.
"Otherwise, Hanzō wouldn't limit hostilities to us and Sunagakure," Homura added with narrowed eyes.
Their message was clear: Danzō's aggressive desire for glory was denied outright.
A mere spymaster hoping to wash himself clean in battlefield light? Laughable.
Danzō exhaled heavily, biting back anger. He rose sharply and stormed out.
The other three remained impassive, letting him go. Veterans of the First War, they were no strangers to ambition masked as patriotism.
Danzō, though infuriated, understood that now wasn't the time. With Hiruzen's popularity and political capital at its peak, he'd need patience. His dream of Hokage would require careful manipulation, not open confrontation.
"It's possible Hanzō's true goal is to purge foreign interference from the Land of Rain," Hiruzen theorized.
"And by the way," Homura added, "the declaration of war came shortly before the ambush on Sunagakure's border."
"Tch."
Right now, Konoha retained the strongest military force, followed by Iwagakure and Kumogakure. Rain Shinobi simply couldn't match any of them in direct conflict.
"Then our course is clear," Koharu said, her tone conclusive.
"I wonder if there will ever be another chance for me…" Danzō whispered from the doorway.
"With their limited forces, Rain Shinobi cannot simultaneously take on three nations," Hiruzen noted with finality.
The implication was clear: Amegakure, even with Hanzō, lacked the strength for multi-front warfare.
Despite this, Danzō still desired command hoping to shape his legacy through sacrifice or brilliance.
"The scouts confirm Rain Shinobi are moving westward toward the Wind border," Homura reported, adjusting his thick spectacles, which gleamed under the sunlight.
Hiruzen took a drag from his pipe, voice steady as ever.
"Ryosuke's tenure is still young. We can't rush into uncertain conflicts."
The other elders nodded knowingly. Hiruzen, despite his peaceful demeanor, had little respect for Hanzō's grandiose schemes.
Historically, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure were seen as evenly matched, but Kirigakure had suffered due to civil war and the tyranny of Yagura and the Hunter-nin bloodshed.
(The Land of Rivers lies between the Land of Fire and Land of Wind a key buffer state.)
"No way!" Homura and Koharu exclaimed in unison as Danzō slammed the door behind him.
His pride wounded, his face dark, Danzō clenched his fists.
He believed Konoha's might gave him the right to be bold too bold.
"Is the old poisoner of Rain Village really going insane?" Homura whispered, a glint of disdain in his tone.
Knowing he'd been sidelined, Danzō didn't argue further. There was nothing to gain by lingering.
Why was he so desperate to command?
Did Danzō truly long to die a hero for Konoha or was it just another power play?
Homura's voice echoed from behind the glinting lenses.
"We need confirmation of Hanzō's real intent."
"If this analysis holds, Rain Shinobi may have already engaged Iwagakure as well."
"Hanzo of the Salamander has officially declared war on us," Koharu added.
"I'll take my leave," Danzō said stiffly, exiting without another word.
"Hanzō… you're playing a dangerous game," Hiruzen whispered.
"Danzō, send Root operatives near Iwa. We need eyes on Hanzō's moves now."
As expected, Hiruzen said little. Koharu and Homura had already dismissed Danzō's request.
"Hanzō wants to reclaim Rain's independence by purging all foreign influence."
"Hmph."
"Understood," Danzō answered quietly.
Rain was always a secondary player but now it dared to challenge the world order?
Hiruzen's analysis aligned with Koharu's, but for safety, he ordered Root to investigate further.
"Even a genius like Hanzō has limits," Homura muttered.
Their attitudes toward war were telling Hiruzen cautious, Koharu pragmatic, Danzō hungry.
"I volunteer to command and crush Rain Shinobi with overwhelming force."
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