Chapter 62: Sarutobi Hiruzen Goes Berserk
Her idea was only to ask Konoha for some benefits.
After all, Sunagakure was truly poor.
As for starting a war, she really hadn't thought of that.
Even Elder Chiyo couldn't help but feel her eyelid twitch after hearing Rasa's words.
"Konoha assassinated Sunagakure's Third Kazekage! Such treacherous ambition!"
Rasa didn't care about any of that.
He slammed the table and spoke with righteous indignation.
"This was done entirely to weaken our Sunagakure. This grudge, our Sunagakure must avenge!"
"Uh!"
His words were so righteous that anyone who didn't know the truth would have thought the Third Kazekage really had disappeared because of Konoha.
In reality, Rasa's plan was simple: start a war.
Because only by starting a war would he have the opportunity to gain achievements.
Only by gaining achievements could he secure the position of Kazekage.
As for avenging the Third Kazekage?
Heh heh! Rasa was probably secretly thanking the person who made the Third Kazekage disappear.
Otherwise, how would he have the opportunity to covet the Kazekage's seat?
"My mind is made up, there's no need for further discussion. Send the message to Konoha directly: either compensate us or it's war!"
"..."
Rasa's words were spoken with absolute finality.
It felt as if disagreeing would make one a traitor to Sunagakure.
At this time, everyone could only turn their gazes towards Elder Chiyo on the other side.
After all, only Elder Chiyo had the authority to say anything.
"Since it is the Kazekage's order, then let it be done!"
Elder Chiyo agreed. She could see through Rasa's intentions.
But, so that her grandson would not become a criminal of Sunagakure, Elder Chiyo agreed.
"Yes!"
Since even Elder Chiyo had agreed, the others looked at each other, and in the end, they could say no more and could only nod in agreement.
"Yes!"
...
Just like that, Sunagakure issued a message to Konoha that, while not a declaration of war, was more threatening than one.
"Absolutely outrageous!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's furious roar echoed through the Hokage's office.
The four key figures of Konoha's leadership were present.
War was no small matter; they had no choice but to deal with it seriously.
"Those country bumpkins from Sunagakure, have they never seen money before?"
"And they really dare to ask for so much!"
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's faces darkened after reading the message.
Originally, with their usually timid mentality, they might have really chosen to pay compensation.
But, Sunagakure was asking for far too much: all of Konoha's missions for an entire year to be handed over to Sunagakure, with the payment, of course, also going to Sunagakure.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura almost couldn't stop themselves from cursing.
Giving them everything? With that many missions, could Sunagakure even handle it?
Most importantly, Sunagakure's reply was firm: either agree or go to war.
Isn't that just blatant bullying?
If they really agreed, never mind how the entire ninja world would view Konoha, but in the coming year, wouldn't all of Konoha's ninja be left with nothing to eat?
If they were to agree, Konoha itself would fall into chaos first.
"Hiruzen, the final decision is up to you!"
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura tacitly took a step back, indicating they would not participate in this matter. The blame was too great to bear.
Sarutobi Hiruzen cursed viciously in his heart. When there's something good, you run faster than anyone. Now that it's time to take responsibility, you're the first to bail.
Truly incredible.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen had long understood these two, so he didn't care too much.
He looked to the side, at Shimura Danzo, who had not spoken a word.
"Danzo, what are your thoughts?"
"My thoughts? If Sunagakure wants to start a war, then Konoha will see it through to the end. Who's afraid of whom!"
Danzo stated his thoughts with a straight face.
Besides being a staunch hawk himself, it was more because Danzo knew that during Sarutobi Hiruzen's reign as the Third Hokage, two Great Ninja Wars had already occurred.
To say that Sarutobi Hiruzen held no responsibility was completely unrealistic.
If the Third Great Ninja War were to start, regardless of victory or defeat, Sarutobi Hiruzen's position as Hokage would become unstable!
Sarutobi Hiruzen was also aware of this point.
So after seeing Danzo's calm and composed look, Sarutobi Hiruzen cursed viciously in his heart.
He's clearly hoping I can't continue as Hokage, so that he'll have his chance.
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, Sarutobi Hiruzen no longer expected these people to be of any use.
"Have the ANBU investigate. With Hatake Sakumo, this matter can definitely be investigated clearly!"
"Uh..."
Normally, this order would have been fine.
But, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were stunned after hearing this. They then reminded Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, you haven't forgotten, have you? A few days ago, Hatake Sakumo was no longer the ANBU Commander! He isn't taking missions either!"
"!"
He had been a bit muddle-headed just now.
Now, being reminded like this, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally reacted.
Oh, right! My right-hand man is gone now.
And it seems I'm the one who caused it.
"..."
At this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face turned completely black.
After a helpless sigh, he waved his hand and said,
"Go find someone and ask Hatake Sakumo to come back!"
The only one who could handle this matter well was Hatake Sakumo, who was a master of the art of assassination.
It wasn't that Konoha didn't have other strong individuals, but the others lacked Hatake Sakumo's rigorous attitude towards missions.
"Will he agree?"
Utatane Koharu, at the side, couldn't help but mutter.
One had to remember, it was because of Hiruzen that Hatake Sakumo gave up the position of ANBU Commander.
Hatake Sakumo was no fool; how could he not understand?
This mutter made Sarutobi Hiruzen's already sour expression turn even worse.
"If he doesn't agree, then you go and beg him! If Hatake Sakumo really refuses, then your two positions as elders won't be so stable either!"
<><><><><><>
Read Advanced Chapters on: patreon.com/Amiii_
~Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter!
~Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]