Sunagakure.
The Third Kazekage urgently convened a meeting, summoning all high-ranking village officials. The meeting room was engulfed in silence.
At this moment, all eyes were on the Kazekage, with everyone wearing solemn expressions.
"I believe you are all aware of the recent events!" the Third Kazekage began, his face showing mixed emotions. His eyes swept over the gathered officials, each of whom could see the gravity in his expression. It was clear they were facing unprecedented circumstances.
"The Third Hokage of Konoha has resigned!"
"This situation is highly unusual!"
"According to my information..."
"Orochimaru and Danzo from Konoha have confessed to their past deeds and implicated the Third Hokage in these matters."
"This suggests something extraordinary is happening behind the scenes in Konoha."
"What are your thoughts on this?" the Kazekage asked, withdrawing his gaze and tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table.
The officials fell silent, pondering the question sincerely, unsure how to respond.
"There is indeed something off," Chiyo said, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. As she began to speak, eyes turned toward her.
"Normally, no high-ranking official would willingly reveal their misdeeds. While I would do anything for the village, I would not openly admit to such actions."
"Orochimaru and Danzo's admissions imply manipulation from behind the scenes. This is not typical behavior."
"I agree with the Kazekage!"
"Something unknown is occurring in Konoha!"
"And..."
"I think..."
"Even the people in Konoha might not fully understand what is happening!"
As Chiyo concluded, the officials nodded in agreement. They recognized the truth in her words, understanding the gravity of admitting such things and implicating the Third Hokage. It indicated deep and possibly hostile manipulations within Konoha.
"Exactly!" the Third Kazekage agreed, feeling validated in his judgment. The actions of Orochimaru and Danzo seemed absurd and hinted at deeper machinations.
As a leader, he identified closely with the Third Hokage's plight and understood the implications of such actions for a village's stability and security.
"I don't know who is behind this move against Konoha, but we must remain vigilant."
"We don't know their true intentions, so we must be cautious."
"I hope everyone here understands the importance of not undermining our village's stability, no matter the circumstances."
"The ninja world has just emerged from a great war, and every village is in a fragile state of recovery. We cannot afford further turmoil."
"You understand what I am saying, don't you?"
The Third Kazekage's words were firm but left room for interpretation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and not mimicking the actions destabilizing Konoha.
"Understood!"
The officials nodded, each expressing their commitment to maintaining the village's balance and supporting the Kazekage's leadership.
Kumogakure.
The Raikage also held a meeting, albeit reluctantly.
Kumogakure's leaders and advisors had called for this meeting to discuss the resignation of the Third Hokage.
The Raikage, sitting at his desk, was visibly irritated.
"Does this ever end..."
His tone conveyed his displeasure, feeling these meetings were a waste of time.
"The affairs of other villages don't concern me!"
"We should focus on training!"
"If there's a problem..."
"We deal with it head-on!"
The Raikage's blunt dismissal left the attendees exasperated, unsure how to proceed. They had hoped to discuss the implications of Konoha's political upheaval and its impact on the ninja world.
No one spoke up.
"Meeting adjourned..."
The Raikage waved dismissively, his impatience clear. He stood up and left, leaving the attendees bewildered and frustrated.
"This..."
The attendees exchanged helpless glances. Without the Raikage, the meeting had no purpose, leaving them to abandon their discussions and return to their duties.
Iwagakure.
In the Tsuchikage's office, the Third Tsuchikage Onoki sat heavily at his desk, facing his advisors and top officials.
Their faces were serious, understanding that if Onoki had called a meeting, significant developments had occurred.
"What's your take on the situation in Konoha?"
Onoki began, scanning the room. His question seemed more like a test as if he already had an answer in mind.
The officials were silent, recognizing the gravity of Konoha's upheaval. The admissions of Orochimaru and Danzo and the subsequent resignation of the Third Hokage were no trivial matters.
"We were caught off guard by these revelations, and it's not a minor issue."
"Almost every village leader will see Konoha as weakened by these events."
"But I believe otherwise."
Onoki continued, "A new Hokage will take the place of the Third. While many see this as Konoha's weakening, the truth is the opposite."
"The new Hokage will be..."
Onoki paused, creating suspense before revealing, "The Fourth Hokage."