Chương 81: Behind Closed Doors: Unseen Battles of Konoha

As the room settled into a more subdued atmosphere, Hiruzen Sarutobi, adorned in his official Hokage robes, stood up to address the assembly.

Casting a casual yet observant glance across the room, he took a moment to ensure he had the attention of every participant before beginning his opening remarks.

"Esteemed leaders and shinobi of Konoha...", Hiruzen began, his voice carrying a mix of authority and warmth that commanded respect,

"We gather here today at a critical juncture in our village's history. The challenges we face are manifold, threatening not just the peace and security we've worked so hard to maintain but the very fabric of our society.",

Pausing for effect, Hiruzen allowed his words to resonate with those assembled, ensuring his message was felt as much as it was heard.

"Our discussions today are pivotal. They will require us to confront difficult truths, question the path we have walked thus far, and, most importantly, forge a new way forward—together.",

"This council is not about asserting dominance or revisiting old grievances. It is about unity, about finding common ground amidst our differences, and about reaffirming our commitment to the protection and prosperity of Konoha and its people.",

Hiruzen's gaze swept the room once more, his demeanor embodying the solemnity of the occasion.

"As we proceed, I urge you all to speak openly, to listen with empathy, and to consider not just the immediate implications of our decisions but their impact on generations to come.",

"Let us engage with one another not as adversaries but as allies, united by a shared love for our village and a shared responsibility for its future.",

With that, Hiruzen nodded slightly, signaling the beginning of the council's deliberations.

As Hiruzen distributed the agenda for the day's discussions through his attendants next, Hikari couldn't help but critically assess the Hokage's actions and words.

'What a master of manipulation...', He thought to himself, observing Hiruzen's skilled oratory,

'He speaks of unity and empathy with such conviction, almost as if he truly believes in the facade of righteousness he projects. It's no wonder so many are drawn to him, deceived by this "charm...",

'Using the war as a pretext, he's already consolidated more power than ever, sidestepping any form of genuine consultation with those who oppose him. And yet, here he stands, 'projecting' the virtues of unity and shared love for the village...', Hikari mused silently.

As the meeting began, it was already understood that while everyone could share their opinions, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, would make the final decisions.

This setup meant Hiruzen had to listen to and consider everyone's ideas and interests, but in the end, what he said would go.

This was a way to make sure all sides were heard, giving the feeling that the process was fair, even though Hiruzen had the most power.

However, Hiruzen knew that ignoring important concerns could upset people and lead to bigger issues. So, even though he had the final say, he had to keep the village's peace of mind, especially during this time, and presumably make some concessions based on the balance of power between him and his faction against the other main opposing faction.

In times of war, the kokage's power becomes even more important and unquestionable, something he would probably use very well. This is to ensure that decisions can be made quickly and the village can act quickly without any confusion.

But, when it comes to leading the ninja army, the person in charge is Sakumo Hatake, who is the Jonin Council Commander. This means that for things to go smoothly, the Hokage and Sakumo need to work together very closely.

Since the village's founding, it has been governed by checks and balances, although Tobirama probably never expected someone in the cohorts with Hyuga and Uchiha, for example, to manage to climb into that important position.

Therefore, right from the start, everyone was prepared for the meeting to become a 'tug of war' between Sakumo Hatake and the Third Hokage.

They weren't just the most powerful political figures in the village; many also saw them as the strongest in terms of their ninja abilities.

Sakumo had become the face of the 'anti-Hokage' faction. He was credited with bringing the Hyuga and Uchiha clans together, showcasing his leadership and influence.

Sakumo was like the captain steering the ship of the opposition, even though he didn't have the same level of total control that Hiruzen wielded over his group.

This dynamic set the stage for a complex negotiation, with both leaders needing to navigate their differences. Although the opposition group was generally 'weaker', they still 'deserved' a chunk of power.

The consultation began with topics that were largely under Hiruzen's control, such as evaluating and managing the village's defenses.

Even though the Uchiha's Military Police Force and the Hyuga's Border Surveillance Division had some say in these matters, it was primarily the Hokage and his advisors who steered the conversation as this was during wartime circumstances.

After a series of exchanges, during which Fugaku and Hirayoshi presented their insights and concerns, a consensus was eventually reached.

The discussions required a delicate balance of give-and-take, with Hiruzen showing a willingness to incorporate some perspectives of the Uchiha and Hyuga leaders into the final decisions and Fugaku and Hirayoshi taking a step back from their usual full autonomy regarding these kinds of matters.

As the focus shifted to devising general grand strategies to counter potential threats from opposing factions or villages, Shikaku Nara took the lead. Known for his strategic mind, his contributions to the discussion were highly valued, and his proposals found widespread acceptance among the assembly.

Danzo, along with the Hokage's advisors, Koharu and Homura, also played significant roles, offering insights and suggestions that shaped the strategic direction.

Many others, including Sakumo Hatake, contributed to the conversation, sharing their perspectives and suggestions based on their experiences and expertise.

Despite Sakumo's efforts and his standing within the village, his inputs were ultimately not incorporated into the Hokage's final decisions, highlighting a clear preference for the strategies put forth by Shikaku and Hiruzen's closer advisors.

However, many people simply remained silent. Hikari, for example, chose to remain completely silent during this part of the discussion.

When the discussion transitioned to assessing and managing village resources, it delved into specifics such as food supplies, medical provisions, shinobi gear, weapons, explosive talismans, chakra pills, smoke bombs, and the like.

It also covered broader themes such as strategic financial reserve management, the wartime economy, budget allocations for wartime efforts, and logistical support to sustain prolonged conflicts. Another crucial topic was plans for ensuring the stability and welfare of civilians during such turbulent times.

This segment of the meeting was almost entirely dominated by Hiruzen's faction. They laid out comprehensive plans and strategies, effectively taking charge of the conversation and the decisions being made.

This control extended to the assignment of roles and responsibilities, with Hiruzen's advisors and supporters securing the majority of key positions tasked with managing and deploying the village's resources.

The dominance of the Hokage's faction in these critical areas of village administration underscored the centralized power structure Hiruzen had established.

While it ensured a cohesive approach to resource management and conflict preparation, it also highlighted the limited influence of other factions, including the 'anti-Hokage' coalition, in these essential domains.

As the conversation shifted towards intelligence gathering on enemy movements and intentions, the dominance of the Hokage's faction became evident once more.

The ANBU, led by Shinsuke Sarutobi, alongside Danzo and his Root organization, was central to the discussions.

Their roles in collecting and analyzing intelligence were recognized as pivotal in formulating Konoha's defensive and offensive strategies.

Jiraiya's extensive and newly established spy network, specifically designed for this war's unique circumstances and nature, also played a significant role in these efforts.

Jiraiya's involvement went beyond mere intelligence gathering; he was designated as the primary and only 'official' communicator among Konoha's forces and the main architect behind the war's communication network.

This role was critical in ensuring that information flowed smoothly and securely between different units and leadership levels within Konoha and its allies.

This focus on intelligence and communication underscored the strategic importance of having accurate, timely information on the enemy and maintaining robust communication lines.

Once again, the 'anti-Hokage' coalition found itself on the periphery of these critical discussions, underscoring the centralization of power and decision-making within Hiruzen's group.

This centralization, while efficient, left little room for broader engagement or the incorporation of diverse viewpoints, further cementing the Hokage's faction's control over the village's strategic direction.

However, as the discussion on intelligence-gathering wrapped up, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the room. It had become clear to all present that the 'anti-Hokage' coalition had strategically chosen to remain silent and cooperative during the initial parts of the meeting.

Their restraint was not without purpose; they were conserving their energy, arguments, and, most importantly, "negotiating capital" for the incoming, crucial topic that was up next: the establishment of the command structure for wartime operations, including the roles and responsibilities of key leaders and decision-makers.

This segment of the meeting was of paramount importance to the opposition. Decisions made here would directly impact the survival and effectiveness of their forces.

The command structure, determination of how many fronts to open, their locations and nature, leadership assignments for each front, and the placement of shinobi were all critical components that would shape the course of the war.

The opposition factions were particularly concerned about ensuring their shinobi were not misused as expendable assets but instead placed under competent and friendly command, where their chances of survival and making a meaningful contribution were maximized.

Tension and apprehension hung heavy in the air as the meeting approached this topic. The 'anti-Hokage' coalition was fully prepared to advocate vigorously for their interests, understanding that the outcomes of this discussion could very well determine the fate of their clans and the village at large.

The stakes were high, and there was a shared recognition that failure to reach a consensus could lead to immediate internal conflict, threatening the unity and stability of Konoha at a time when external threats loomed large. The room braced itself for what promised to be the most intense and consequential part of the meeting.