Of course, Senju Mori wasn't being foolish by offering the red gourd as a betrothal gift to the Uzumaki Clan.
He knew better than anyone that the seven-star sword, kinkōbō, and red gourd were a complete set of three six paths sage tools, only able to unleash their maximum power when used together.
But he was even more aware of the unwritten rules of Ninja Clans intermarriage, and the Uzumaki Clan's character—they would never accept such a grand gift for free.
Ultimately, whether it was returned as a 'dowry' or entrusted to his future wife for safekeeping, the red gourd would eventually return to Konoha, back into Senju Mori's hands.
It was just like how he had 'donated' the seven-star sword and kinkōbō to the Village without compensation, but had Senju Mori truly lost them?
After all, since these two six paths sage tools were classified as Village treasures on the same level as the Scroll of Seals, wouldn't he, as the Hokage, personally oversee their safekeeping?
The so-called 'handover' was merely a carefully orchestrated political performance; though the items changed hands, actual control never left Senju Mori's grasp... After the grand alliance celebration concluded, a sense of impending tension began to spread throughout Konoha Village.
Upon returning home, those who attended the celebration quickly spread news of Kumogakure's envoy's rude demands and Hokage-sama's firm stance. Within an afternoon, almost everyone realized—war was coming.
In this oppressive atmosphere, two figures wearing Jonin vests appeared at the entrance of the Senju Clan's compound, requesting an audience with Senju Mori.
One of them had spiky, unruly hair, with prominent red canine-tooth markings on his face, exuding a beast-like aura. He was Inuzuka Dō, the head of the Inuzuka Clan.
The other was the complete opposite, dressed in a high-collared trench coat, hood, and sunglasses, completely concealing himself. He was Aburame Shijima, the head of the Aburame Clan.
Soon, both were permitted to enter the compound, and led by a Senju clansman, they walked deeper into the clan grounds.
Unlike Hashirama and Tobirama, even after becoming Hokage, Senju Mori did not build a new 'Third Hokage Residence.' Instead, he continued to live within the clan compound, alongside the members of the Senju Clan.
Furthermore, because he needed to settle the Uzumaki Clan members, Senju Mori was not in a hurry to go to the Hokage Building and happened to still be within the clan compound.
After a quick change of clothes, Senju Mori received the two in the tea room.
"Shijima, Dō, what a rare visit," Senju Mori, dressed in loose casual clothes, greeted them with a smile, appearing quite amiable.
The two, however, dared not be negligent and respectfully bowed, saying, "We apologize for our abrupt intrusion, Hokage-sama."
Inuzuka Dō, being impulsive, spoke impatiently:
"Hokage-sama, we all saw what happened at the celebration. Those Kumogakure bastards are too arrogant, daring to threaten Konoha with war!"
He clenched his fists, his voice suppressing anger: "It's not just me; the young people in the clan, after hearing about it, are all eager to go to the front lines immediately and teach Kumogakure a lesson!"
Aburame Shijima also removed his hood and echoed in a deep voice:
"The entire Aburame Clan shares this sentiment. We are willing to fight against Kumogakure under the leadership of Hokage-sama and contribute to the Village."
As soon as he heard that the two clan heads requested an audience, Senju Mori had already guessed their purpose, so he was naturally not surprised.
"I am deeply gratified by your intentions," Senju Mori smiled, motioning for them to drink tea. "At this critical moment, Konoha needs to unite as one."
"However, please be patient. The Aburame and Inuzuka are both prominent Konoha clans, and you will naturally receive your respective assignments during the upcoming meeting..."
...Early the next morning, Senju Mori went directly to the Hokage Building and swiftly issued an order to convene a Jonin meeting.
Jonin arrived one after another, but compared to the previous meeting for the Hokage election, the number was noticeably smaller, only about ninety people.
Actually, this was the normal situation.
After all, besides leading their own teams on missions, many Jonin also needed to be stationed long-term at the borders—guarding against Kumogakure in the northeast, wary of Iwagakure in the northwest, and keeping an eye on Sunagakure in the southwest.
Only the southeast direction, though also under the threat of Hidden Mist, had slightly less pressure due to the existence of the allied Land of Whirlpools, saving Konoha a significant amount of manpower and resources.
The reason the Hokage election was scheduled for five days later was precisely to wait for these Jonin, scattered across various locations, to return to the Village... In the meeting room of the Hokage Building, Senju Mori sat alone on the raised platform at the front, while Hyuga Sogo and the other four Advisors sat on either side below the platform, facing the assembled Jonin with him.
"War is coming!"
Senju Mori declared loudly, his voice resounding throughout the room.
"The cause of the war, you all already know. Kumogakure brazenly not only tried to demand the six paths sage tools from Konoha but also sought to extort us under the guise of war!"
"A new war is inevitable!"
"But I want to tell you all, there is a difference between wars!"
"The sacrifice of Second Hokage was indeed a great loss for the entire Konohagakure, but compared to our Konoha, Kumogakure's losses are undoubtedly far greater!"
"The Second Raikage, the Gold and Silver Brothers, their most elite Ninja troops... Kumogakure is no longer the powerful Kumogakure it once was!"
"Unlike the previous Ninja World War, the current Kumogakure simply cannot sustain a true war! Their current move is merely an attempt to intimidate Konoha, a despicable act of war blackmail!"
"In this battle, I will personally go to the front lines to confront Kumogakure!"
"Kumogakure's plot will never succeed!"
Senju Mori's gaze swept across the faces of the Jonin, finally settling on one of them.
"Jonin Danzo!"
"Here."
Danzo stood up expressionlessly, his gaze sinister, looking directly at Senju Mori with his single eye.
"In the days when Second Hokage was still alive, you often boasted of being his most favored disciple. When Second Hokage was murdered, you were also the most enraged. Now that Kumogakure is attacking, it is a perfect opportunity to avenge Second Hokage!"
Senju Mori's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable force.
"Order! Jonin Danzo Shimura, Shimura Gyō, Shimura Saame, Utatane Sawa, Utatane Ichiro, Mito-mon Shiji, and Mito-mon Manji—seven Jonin shall form a Special Tactics Unit, directly under my command!"
At these words, Danzo Shimura's already grim expression only darkened further, but Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado's faces changed drastically, unable to conceal their alarm.
What did this mean?!
Was it finally time to settle accounts with them, the former Sarutobi loyalists? Or was it because they had been reluctant to pledge allegiance that they had angered this new Third Hokage?
Damn it! Damn it!
They shouldn't have considered their friendship with Hiruzen and Danzo; now they had brought trouble upon themselves... "Jonin Homura, Jonin Koharu."
Although Senju Mori's tone was calm, the two called by name couldn't help but tremble, their entire bodies stiffening.
"What about you two?"
Senju Mori looked at them, his voice not loud, yet it pressed heavily on their hearts like a giant boulder.
"Are you willing to avenge Second Hokage?"