The funeral of the Third Hokage is over.
However, the chaos within Konoha Village is only just beginning.
The first issue is that the village needs a new Hokage, which is the most pressing matter to resolve. Only a new Hokage can stabilize the people's hearts, and this task has been given to Jiraiya to handle.
The second issue concerns the Hidden Mist Village and the Hidden Sand Village, where the rebellious ninjas are still imprisoned.
During the Chunin Exams, turmoil erupted in Konoha caused by the Hidden Sand Village, the Hidden Mist Village, and other smaller ninja villages. Konoha must decide whether to wage war against them or immediately negotiate peace to prevent the Hidden Rock Village and the Hidden Cloud Village from joining in and triggering a great war in the Ninja World.
However.
The people of the Hidden Sand Village quickly sent a message requesting peace.
This is because the ninjas of the Hidden Sand Village discovered the corpse of the Fourth Kazekage Rasa; their Kazekage was killed by Orochimaru, with even his face dissolved.
The people of the Hidden Mist Village also quickly sent a message.
They had been deceived by Orochimaru and Shimura Danzo, and the Hidden Mist ninjas also discovered the corpse of Elder Genshi, hoping Konoha could forgive them for being used.
Inside the Hokage Tower.
The two Hokage Advisors planned to agree to negotiations.
However, Akihara Kagura firmly disagreed with peace negotiations.
This opportunity was originally created by him, a pretext to attack the Hidden Sand Village and the Hidden Mist Village, using Wood Release to absorb the chakra of their ninjas.
"They need to be taught a lesson."
Akihara Kagura, like Shimura Danzo, had a very tough stance externally: "If we can forgive even this, the death of the Third Hokage would be too cheap."
"This is not the opportunity to start a war..."
"I am the Hokage Assistant."
Akihara Kagura directly interrupted the two Hokage Advisors, staring at them: "Before the village elects a new Hokage, shouldn't the decisions be up to me?"
"But war..."
Mitokado Homura quickly tried to stop Akihara Kagura.
"Ninjas cannot fear sacrifice."
Akihara Kagura smiled at Mitokado Homura, continuing to ask: "Are the two advisors afraid to sacrifice their lives for Konoha?"
"This old man is not afraid of sacrifice!"
Mitokado Homura stood up suddenly, speaking deeply: "I'm worried that launching a war against two ninja villages at this time would be exploited by other enemy nations..."
"No need to worry about such matters, right?"
Akihara Kagura looked at him with some surprise: "I alone, leading the Root, can solve them, forcing them to completely surrender to Konoha..."
"If negotiations can resolve it, let's try to negotiate..."
Utatane Koharu sighed and actively explained: "If they can agree to our harsh terms, there's no need for extra confrontation, right? Stirring up conflict only brings more hatred..."
"They still need to be taught a lesson."
Akihara Kagura was resolute not to miss this opportunity, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "This can also deter other major nations, preventing them from thinking Konoha's troubles are their opportunity..."
"Lord Kagura, Advisors!"
A Jonin responsible for post-war patrols in the village hurriedly reported: "A squad from the Hidden Rock Village has infiltrated the village, but we have repelled them..."
"Kill the chicken to warn the monkey."
Akihara Kagura glanced at the two Hokage Advisors.
"Lord Kagura, Advisors!"
A member of the Dark Department also came to report an emergency, looking grim: "An unknown enemy has infiltrated the village, and the ninjas guarding the village fell into a genjutsu..."
"Dismissed."
Akihara Kagura waved his hand, slowly standing up and ordering: "Continue to strengthen patrols and investigate for other enemy infiltrations."
"By the way, where is Jiraiya-sensei?"
Akihara Kagura turned to the two Hokage Advisors.
"He should be on the rooftop, right?"
Mitokado Homura hesitated, pondering.
On the rooftop of the Hokage Tower.
Jiraiya and Kakashi Hatake were both present.
Because Jiraiya and Kakashi Hatake coincidentally had things they wanted to discuss with each other.
"Such a hassle..."
Jiraiya stood there gazing at the entire village, sighing deeply: "The two stubborn old men still refuse to let him succeed the Hokage position, dragging many matters unresolved..."
"Didn't let him succeed the Hokage position?"
Kakashi Hatake lowered his head, suddenly mentioning something: "Lord Jiraiya, during the Chunin Exams only the Third Hokage was sacrificed..."
"Thanks to Kagura, right?"
Jiraiya nodded, continuing: "I'm aware of the situation; if he hadn't arrived in time, I estimate more people would have died..."
"But..."
Kakashi Hatake witnessed the entire battle between the Third Hokage and Orochimaru, speaking softly: "During the Chunin Exams, Orochimaru brought up something, that Shimura Danzo's capture was all part of their plan, and Danzo would persuade Kagura to do something..."
When Kakashi Hatake spoke to this point, his gaze revealed a hint of worry: "I'm concerned Kagura might be influenced by Danzo... the Third Hokage always prohibited Danzo from contacting Kagura for fear that his personality would become more extreme."
"..."
Jiraiya fell silent.
This tall man sighed, shaking his head and said: "No need to worry about that, I believe Kagura understands. I've taken him outside to train for two years, and although his actions and ways of thinking are somewhat extreme, most of the time he is a child who listens to reason..."