"However, you must guarantee that unless the other side attacks first, you absolutely cannot make the first move, and you cannot give them any reason to launch an offensive," Hiruzen Sarutobi said to the Anbu with a serious expression.
"This... very well." The Anbu wanted to say something more, but upon seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression, he swallowed his words.
A month later, Isamu was summoned by Hiruzen Sarutobi to the Hokage Building, where Konoha's capable individuals and high-ranking officials had gathered.
Upon entering the office, Isamu immediately began to complain, "Big Brother Sarutobi, what is it? If there's nothing important, I'm going home to eat. Tsunade is waiting for me."
"You've been married for a month now; the honeymoon period should be over. You've been idle every day—it's time to go out on missions," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, ignoring Isamu's complaints.
"Tch, talk all you want. You never let me go out on missions before anyway," Isamu rolled his eyes.
"Ahem, that was before—I was worried you'd cause trouble if I let you out. The situation is different now." Seeing Isamu say this, Hiruzen felt a little awkward, since he had indeed previously forbidden him from leaving the village.
"What's different? Hurry up and tell me what's going on. My Tsunade is waiting for me to go home and eat," Isamu said casually. Ever since getting married, he had been lying in bed almost every day, to the point where he could barely walk.
"Alright, alright. Since you're here, let Tsunade rest well at home. Here is the information for your mission this time; take a look." Hiruzen handed over the documents.
Taking the file and flipping through it, Isamu immediately frowned. "You want me to defend the northern border? Big Brother Sarutobi, are you serious? What's going on? Are we going to war?"
That shouldn't be right. In the original timeline, there was still a long time before the Second Great Ninja War. Why were things moving so early? A butterfly effect?
"It's not that we're going to war immediately. It's just that various countries are expanding aggressively and have reached our borders. Small-scale conflicts have already broken out, so we must prepare defenses," Hiruzen explained.
"Why bother defending? If they dare to expand toward us, we should just fight them," Isamu said domineeringly.
Hearing this, everyone gave him a silent thumbs-up. Strength really does mean confidence.
Danzo also stepped forward. "Hiruzen, Isamu is right. If they dare provoke the Land of Fire, we should go to war."
"Danzo, you are an elder—how can you be like Isamu and fail to see the bigger picture? All countries are expanding. Do you want us to fight all Four Great Shinobi Villages at once?" Hiruzen said sharply.
"So what if we do? Isamu alone could sweep through a major village. If we crush them, they'll submit to us in the future," Danzo argued without backing down.
Isamu inwardly raised an eyebrow. I didn't expect Danzo to have this kind of courage... I'll give him that.
"Hmph! Danzo, you are being naive. Do you even understand how many people will die in a war?" Hiruzen snapped.
"As long as we win, the sacrifices are worth it. Those who die will be heroes," Danzo replied coldly.
"Enough! I am the Hokage, and I do not agree to war!" Hiruzen slammed the table, furious.
The room fell silent. No one dared to intervene, while Isamu stood to the side, watching like it was entertainment.
Finally, the other two elders stepped in.
Homura Mitokado said, "Alright, Danzo, let's follow Hiruzen. Starting a war recklessly won't benefit us."
Utatane Koharu added, "Yes, Danzo. Let it go this time."
"Hmph! You will regret this, Hiruzen." With that, Danzo stormed out.
Watching him leave, Hiruzen sighed. "Let's move on. Isamu, you are responsible for the north. Orochimaru and Jiraiya will handle the west. Sakumo Hatake will take the east. Additional forces will support you."
"All of you, go select ten people and prepare. Depart tomorrow. Dismissed."
Outside the conference room, Jiraiya immediately pulled everyone together.
"I didn't expect to see an elder argue with the Hokage like that! That was amazing! The Old Man must be furious right now!" Jiraiya laughed loudly.
"You seem to enjoy watching Teacher Hiruzen struggle," Orochimaru said with narrowed eyes.
"Hahaha, I've never seen him this angry! His eyes were practically popping out!" Jiraiya continued.
"He is your teacher, yet you're mocking him. Jiraiya, that's not very proper," Sakumo said before walking off.
"Yeah, not very proper," Isamu added casually as he left.
"Indeed, quite improper," Orochimaru said, following them.
Jiraiya was left standing there, stunned. "What do you mean I'm not proper? You were all watching too! Hypocrites!"
Just outside, they saw Danzo waiting with two Anbu.
"Isamu, Orochimaru—come with me," Danzo said before turning away.
"Big Brother Sakumo, you go ahead. We'll see what's going on," Isamu said, then followed.
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