章節 23: CH - 23 Condemnations

Last night, Within the walls of the Leaf Village, a state of unease hung heavy in the air. Reports had reached them of a devastating incident that occurred in a remote village within the Land of Fire. The village had been left in ruins, marked by the remnants of a fierce battle and a destructive explosion. The cause of the conflict and the identity of those responsible remained a mystery, leaving very few leads to pursue.

As the gathered officials pored over the documents, their expressions grew solemn. Unbeknownst to them, Shimura Danzo, the Hokage's assistant, wore a faintly troubled expression, his demeanor trembling imperceptibly

"There are traces of detonation symbols and remnants at the scene, suggesting that a stack of papers was burned," Utatane Koharu, one of Konoha's advisors, spoke first, her expression equally grave. "Have you identified the assailants?"

"No, that's the perplexing part. Konoha hasn't dispatched any ninja on missions to that location recently," Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "The Daimyo's office is eager for us to uncover the truth swiftly. After all, the war has just ended, and this sudden surge of attacks has left everyone deeply concerned." He paused briefly. "There is widespread anxiety."

"Konoha hasn't sent any ninja outside the village, and the explosion and fire obliterated all evidence," another Konoha advisor, Mitokado Homura, known as one of the village's strategic minds, rubbed his eyes and spoke with a serious tone. "It appears that foreign ninja from other villages entered the Land of Fire and encountered opposition, leading to a fierce confrontation."

His gaze fixated on the intelligence report before him, he continued, "The scale and number of those involved seem significant. Has anyone interviewed the local residents in the vicinity?"

"Yes!" Mitokado's words sparked a flicker of hope in the room. The Third Hokage took a moment of silence before speaking again. "A few days ago, a group of red-haired refugees appeared in the area."

"Red hair?" The mention of such a description startled everyone, who exchanged astonished glances. Could it be the Uzumaki clan?

If indeed the Uzumaki clan was involved, the motive behind the battle became clearer. The plight of the Uzumaki clan was well-known, and it wouldn't be difficult to comprehend their desperation and ensuing conflict.

Observing the silence that fell upon the room, Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a helpless sigh and rubbed his forehead. "Well, in that case, I'll personally inform the Daimyo's office. Konoha will investigate this matter promptly! Now, let's move on to the issue concerning the Kusagakure ninja."

As he interlocked his hands and rested them against his chin, his gaze swept across the room, and the conversation steered away from the Uzumaki clan.

The others silently avoided discussing the matter of the Uzumaki clan. After all, it held significant weight, and until a thorough investigation was conducted, they were hesitant to speak further.

As for Kusagakure...

Utatane Koharu raised an eyebrow, surprised by the information presented. "The Kusagakure ninja engaging in legitimate business activities within the Land of Fire? They have stopped selling information and started a lawful enterprise? And they reported it to the Daimyo's office?"

The formal approach taken by Kusagakure puzzled the advisors. The village was known for its lackluster ninja prowess, relying on information trading for survival. The shift in their behavior was unexpected.

After all, it was widely known that the Kusagakure shinobi lacked exceptional skills, and few entrusted them with missions within the Land of Grass. Consequently, Kusagakure relied on selling information to sustain their village. But now... they ceased such activities?

"Indeed! They did report it! They mentioned something about a movie," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, his eyes narrowing with a hint of curiosity. "According to Konoha's ninja investigation, it's a new type of production, but it seems to contain negative references to Konoha!"

There was a brief pause, "So, how do you all propose we handle this?"

As his words hung in the air, everyone fell into contemplation once again. A play with allusions... Well, it's not entirely unexpected, given that the five major ninja villages often make such references to one another!

However, For a small country like the Land of Grass to dare allude to Konoha, it seems they have grown bolder after their reconstruction!

Utatane Koharu scanned the intelligence report on the Land of Grass, her gaze fixating on a name—Akihiko Kusano

The new leader of the Land of Grass, who single-handedly ended the chaos within the country and spearheaded its rebuilding! It appears he possesses considerable ninja prowess.

Indeed. Quite impressive, considering the Land of Grass... its ninja strength is considered average at best, or they wouldn't have suffered such devastation.

As for the Land of Whirlpools...The Land of Grass differs from the Land of Whirlpools.

She raised her gaze to Sarutobi Hiruzen and inquired, "What aspects are they alluding to?"

"The downfall of the Land of Whirlpools!"

"???" A flurry of question marks filled their minds as they silently wondered, 'Is that it?'

Once again, surprise rippled through the room. After all, following the fall of the Land of Whirlpools, numerous ninja villages blamed Konoha for it. But everyone within the village knows…

Sarutobi Hiruzen, too, mused over the implications. The fall of the Land of Whirlpools and the subsequent blame placed on Konoha was a well-known story. But the bond between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools was unshakeable, making the allusion baseless and without merit.

Shimura Danzo, the Hokage's assistant, snorted in disdain, his disdain for such trivial matters evident. "Ninjas should prioritize their duties instead of engaging in these futile acts!"

"Cough, cough!" At that moment, Mitokado Homura, renowned as one of Konoha's strategists, cleared his throat and spoke with a serious expression, "In light of this situation, Konoha needs to condemn the Land of Grass and demand the cessation of the broadcast of that... play."

However...

As soon as he finished speaking, the other high-ranking officials hesitated and expressed their concerns, "Is that wise? The Land of Grass is currently allied with Konoha. If we approach this matter too forcefully, what if they turn to Iwagakure?"

Mitokado Homura questioned their worries. "Should that be our primary concern?"

"Why wouldn't it be? The Land of Grass effectively shields Konoha from Iwagakure's assaults!" others argued.

Mitokado Homura pressed on, his voice resolute. "No, I meant to ask if our condemnation would truly influence the Land of Grass's decision to align with Iwagakure."

As those words were spoken, the once lively discussion abruptly fell into silence.

Indeed! Does it have any relevance? No, it doesn't!

It's as if they believe that by refraining from condemning them, the Land of Grass will instantly align with another village.

Afterall, The Land of Grass is infamous in the ninja world for lacking in ninja ethics. When faced with danger, they don't hesitate to betray their allies!

Even Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression twitched. Although Konoha and the Land of Grass are currently allies, he wouldn't be surprised if they were to sell Konoha's information at the first opportunity.

"Let's proceed with Homura's suggestion!" Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with a sigh, his expression turning serious. "Simultaneously, the Land of Grass must ensure that their shinobi do not approach Konoha without valid reasons!"

There was a brief pause, as if he had thought of something.

Regardless of the circumstances, they are now allies with Konoha. So, after a moment's hesitation, he added, "Furthermore, they must refrain from conducting any ninja operations within the Land of Fire! As for other business activities, they only need to report them to the Daimyo's office!"

"Understood!" the others replied in unison.

…

Soon after, the Land of Grass received the condemnation from Konoha.

However, they paid little attention to it. After all, the Land of Grass had been subject to numerous condemnations over the years due to their involvement in information trading. The most severe instance was during the end of the First Great Ninja War when they were nearly wiped out.

They had grown accustomed to such condemnations. No big deal!

So...

"Understood! We will take care of it"

Just these simple words were enough. Mubuki, holding the reply written by their leader, fell silent when he saw those two words. "Is that all?"

"Yeah!" Akihiko looked at Mubuki with confusion. "Yeah, what more do you want?"

"Just 'Understood'? Leader, the Land of Grass is still a nation. We can't take it so lightly!"

"Of course, it can't be that simple! You can add a bit more when you write the response. Akihiko pondered for a moment and continued, "Considering the relationship between the Land of Grass and Konoha, this incident has caused inconvenience to Konoha. The Land of Grass deeply apologizes for this. We are aware of the impact and hope that Konoha can continue to trust the Land of Grass. The relationship between the Land of Grass and Konoha has a long history, dating back to the founding of the ninja villages... Write it like this, understand?"

"...Understood!" Mubuki sighed and nodded. "The leader truly is a leader. I've learned! I've learned that you can come up with so many words like this! But... should we change?"

As his words trailed off, Akihiko rolled her eyes. "The Land of Grass has been involved in information trading for so many years and has faced numerous condemnations. Have we ever changed?"

"I... I understand! Acting shamelessly like this... the leader truly is an outstanding ninja of the Land of Grass!"

Akihiko was left speechless. Who is this person criticizing? Anyway, can one nation criticize another for being shameless?

Akihiko glared at Mubuki for a moment and then spoke with a serious expression, "Next, let's discuss the Uzumaki Clan and the Chinoike Clan joining..."