Konoha Notes

Chapter 153 Plan
Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely comes to Root's base. The last time he came here was for Kakashi and Tenzo.

Danzo Shimura's figure appeared particularly gloomy in the dim light. Leaning on his cane, he looked at his uninvited old friend with one eye, his voice devoid of any emotion: "Hiruzen, can the Root mission be over?"

"The Hyuga clan members have been incorporated into the police force," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, recounting recent events. "The Uchiha clan has not experienced any unrest; Fugaku has pacified his clan members."

Danzo's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped his cane. What was Orochimaru doing? It wouldn't take more than a few hours to travel from Konoha to the eastern coastal defense line. How many days had passed and he still hadn't completed his mission?

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "If the Uchiha matter can be resolved properly, I won't need to cling to the position of Hokage any longer. Tsunade is ready to take office."

Danzo stood up abruptly: "Temporary calm does not mean the problem has been eradicated."

"Hiruzen, you and I both know that the Uchiha problem is far from something we can be complacent about. It was like that during Tobirama's time, and it seems they were well-behaved during the years you were in charge of the village."

"But what about the Night of the Nine-Tailed Fox? Do you really want something like that to happen again?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi simply said to his old comrade, "We're all getting old. It's time to hand the village over to the younger generation. Now, rest well, Danzo."
-
A few days ago, based on the intelligence brought back by Shuuji, Kakashi led a group to support Uchiha Shisui.

Today, however, he returned alone, bringing with him unexpected news—the Hidden Mist Ninja had completely retreated.

Tsunade asked, "Is it confirmed? It's not a tactical retreat?"

Tsunade put down the dossier in her hand, tapping her fingertips lightly on the table, a look of confusion on her brow.

Just recently, Shuji gave a detailed report about his encounter with Kakuzu, a rogue ninja hired by Kirigakure, and the mysterious masked man, which clearly indicates that Kirigakure's offensive intentions had intensified recently.

This sudden, complete retreat seems particularly abrupt and illogical.

Kakashi nodded: "Shisui and I have confirmed repeatedly that several of Kirigakure's forward outposts are now vacant."

"Because of concerns about this deceptive tactic, Shisui has stayed behind with his men to keep watch. I'm coming back to report on the situation."

Tsunade's gaze naturally shifted to Shuji, who was buried in a pile of documents in another corner of the office: "What do you think?"

Shuji looked up from the pile of documents, his face expressionless, and simply shook his head: "There are too many possibilities, and without key information, it's difficult to make a judgment."

It is possible that after Kakuzu's defeat, Obito realized that things were hopeless and stopped pressuring Kirigakure to attack.

Or perhaps, the sustained intense pressure has triggered a violent reaction within the Fog Shadow, leading to a loss of control at the front lines.

Regardless of the reason, maintaining border stability is the top priority at this crucial juncture when Tsunade is about to officially assume the Hokage position. Any major disturbance could be interpreted as a sign of the new Hokage's lack of control.

Shuji said, "Although we cannot determine the situation, we must not let our guard down."

Tsunade clearly shared the same thought: "In any case, the border security level cannot be lowered."

"Kakashi, deploy the reinforcements as planned, strengthen vigilance and reconnaissance efforts, and make sure to find out the true intentions behind Kirigakure's retreat. At the same time, intensify the collection of intelligence within Kirigakure."

"Understood," Kakashi replied, disappearing from the office in a flash.
-
Kirigakure's geographical location was not particularly advantageous, and the "Village of Blood Mist" policy, which shrouded the area year-round, made it difficult for rogue or wandering ninjas to stay in the surrounding region. Obito Uchiha's plan required enormous financial support, especially in hiring those powerful and desperate criminals, for whom he demanded astronomical sums of money.

Therefore, he manipulated the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, to constantly put pressure on the village and urge the allocation of funds.

Master Yuan had already made his decision. And that was why this time he didn't try to persuade him earnestly as he had in the past. Instead, he showed a compliant attitude and cooperated with the Water Shadow Office to manage to allocate a portion of the funds in advance.

During this period of covert communication and observation, Master Yuan had a few candidates in mind to whom he could entrust important tasks.

First, there's Ao. In recent harassment operations, Ao has proven with facts that he is not a member of the Mizukage's faction.

To defeat the Mizukage, the cooperation of outstanding individuals within the village is required.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen should have been the first choice, but Raiga Kurosuki and Juzo Biwa have defected, and Suigetsu Hozuki's attitude is unclear. Such people cannot be used in this operation.

Therefore, we can only look for younger people.

The final choice is the people who are now standing in front of him.

Ao, Terumi Mei and Momochi Zabuza.

The veins around Qing's white eyes were faintly visible, ensuring the absolute safety of the conversation.

Master Yuan's voice was deep and serious: "I'm sure you've all noticed the recent unusual events in the village. The reason I've summoned you all today is that I believe the Mizukage may no longer be suitable to lead Kirigakure forward."

Mei Terumi and Zabuza Momochi exchanged a glance, neither showing much surprise.

Master Yuan had already subtly tested them several times before, and tonight's showdown was merely the final confirmation.

Now that Master Yuan had made his stance clear, Zabuza Momochi no longer concealed his dissatisfaction with the Mizukage: "The Fourth Hokage's actions have already proven his incompetence and foolishness. Kirigakure now needs a complete rebirth; it's time to eliminate this cancer."

Mei Terumi was relatively calmer. She pondered and said, "Master Genji, I agree with your judgment. If we continue to let the Mizukage act so recklessly, the future of Kirigakure is indeed worrying."

"However, Yagura is a Jinchūriki, and it is too risky for him to take action within the village. If the Tailed Beast goes berserk, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Zabuza's eyes were fierce: "Leave it to me. I'll kill him before he fully unleashes the power of the Three-Tails."

Mei Terumi didn't believe Zabuza could do it. While the demon's record seemed impressive, Yagura Karatachi was already one of Kirigakure's top fighters before becoming a Jinchuriki.

In response, Master Yuan already had a plan: "Taking action within the village is naturally not feasible, and even if we take action to restore order, we cannot be sure how many people will choose to protect the Mizukage."

“Yagura has recently been in dire need of funds. The reserves of Kirigakure alone are not enough to mobilize such a large amount at once. I will try to get him to go to Water 7 in person to explain the situation to the daimyo and apply for special funding.”

“Once he leaves the village, the number of guards he has with him will be greatly reduced. That will be the best time to take action.”

(End of this chapter)