While this discussion was happening in an unknown location, many other discussions were taking place in famous places around the world.
(Iwagakure – Tsuchikage's Office...)
"Is he still training?" Onoki asked.
"Yes, Lord Third, he hasn't taken a single break since he returned," Onoki's secretary said.
"It's good that he's finally serious about his training, but the cost of his change in attitude is too much," Onoki said.
The elder sitting in front of him seized the opportunity to voice his opinion.
"Yes, Lord Third, the merchants we had poached from Konoha are going back. Even the subtle threats we presented aren't working anymore," the elder said.
"Well, they've had good relations with Konoha for ages. It would be unwise to think they'd lose that, especially with better trade options and more favorable conditions—especially now that Konoha is showing it's back to its previous strength," another elder said.
"That's just it—they're showing it. They just lost that cursed organization and one of their S-rank shinobi, Danzo. There's no way they're back to full strength," another elder argued.
"That organization isn't dead, just assimilated into other Konoha forces. As for Danzo, he was dangerous for his schemes, not his power," another elder countered.
"Even so, how could they possibly regain full strength? The damage from the Nine-Tails was too severe," yet another elder said.
Onoki sighed as he listened to the debate.
"You're all underestimating Konoha's talent. Five years is not a short time—especially considering the amount of talent Konoha possesses. If Hiruzen decided, he could personally train a few elite Jonin squads in that time alone.
"With talents like Kakashi of the Sharingan, Jiraiya, and those clans, it's not an exaggeration to say they're more powerful than any other ninja village—even ours."
One doesn't grow this old in the ninja world by lying to oneself. Onoki had no illusions that Iwagakure could compete with Konoha alone—it never could.
"Even so, Lord Third, are we just going to let this happen? We can't allow things to return to how they were. Our economic condition was finally improving. If all the merchants leave, our financial situation will deteriorate again," the first elder said.
"We can't directly target those merchants, especially since Konoha will protect them. But there are plenty of rogue ninja out there who will do it. And if there aren't, we can always create some.
"Make sure at least one out of every five caravans tied to Konoha is attacked by 'bandits.' Target those who are unresponsive to our threats first. If this doesn't force them to return, increase the frequency of attacks," Onoki instructed.
"But, sir, Konoha will increase caravan security once they sense our plan," the third elder said.
"Don't worry. We're not the only ones planning this. Kumogakure will do something similar, albeit more aggressively. Suna might attempt it, but I doubt they have the confidence right now. Kirigakure is out of the equation.
"With just the two of us—potentially three, including Suna—we'll stretch Konoha thin. That will give us a chance to inflict damage or seize some benefits.
"However, rely on actual rogue ninja as much as possible. Use our shinobi sparingly—I don't want unnecessary casualties," Onoki said.
"Yes, Lord Third," the elder replied, leaving to prepare the plan.
---
As Onoki predicted, Kumogakure adopted a similar approach, albeit much more aggressively. Along with merchants, they also targeted ninja squads, aiming to recover their lost reputation after the Chunin Exams.
Normally, such schemes would have been Danzo's responsibility. But in his absence, Hiruzen and Shikaku had taken up the mantle—and they were handling it well.
---
"How many merchants have we managed to bring back?" Hiruzen asked.
"Twenty-one, Lord Third, and we're still in discussions with ten more," Shikaku replied.
"The number is higher than I expected," Hiruzen said.
"Well, we've offered them better terms, safer routes, and enhanced security. Combined with our longstanding relations, it's not surprising.
"The main problem is the remaining merchants. They're afraid of retaliation from other villages. Threats from those villages aren't helping, either," Shikaku explained.
"So they fear the other villages but not us, huh?" Hiruzen remarked.
"Well, we've maintained a good public image for decades. Danzo handled the dirty work. For others, Konoha is a 'gentle giant'—powerful but compassionate.
"Because of that, they see other villages as bigger threats, even though we've regained our full strength," Shikaku said.
"With Konoha's darkness gone, it's time to shift our image from white to gray," Hiruzen said.
"That'll help in the short term, but—"
"No need to consider the long-term consequences. Villages don't spare us during wars because of our good image. We can't maintain it at the cost of our economy and prosperity," Hiruzen stated firmly.
"As you wish, Lord Third. Also, Iwa and Kumo are becoming more active. They're holding meetings daily. Two of our spies have been caught. From the looks of it, the number of bandits in the Fire Country is about to increase again," Shikaku said.
"Is that something we should worry about?"
"If we didn't have Yomi's former Root ninjas under our command, yes. But with the number of Jonin we currently have, I don't think it's an issue. We can handle a few bandits," Shikaku replied.
Hiruzen nodded.
"Alright. Use Elder Homura and Elder Koharu's help to form new border patrol teams. Increase security for the caravans tied to us.
"Also, consult Fugaku—we'll need Uchiha Jonin in each escort team for large caravans. Their Sharingan will be invaluable for neutralizing bandits with minimal destruction and reading memories to avoid traps."
"Should this be an official order or just a request?" Shikaku asked.
"Either is fine. The Uchiha aren't in the same situation as a few months ago. They won't back down from such orders now," Hiruzen said.
Shikaku nodded and left the Hokage's office. He didn't complain about Hiruzen delegating most of the work to him and the elders, knowing Hiruzen would soon be busy himself.
As soon as Shikaku left, Hiruzen pulled out a world map along with various files and papers. With Shikaku addressing immediate concerns, Hiruzen turned his focus to tasks that were once Danzo's domain—inciting minor wars, orchestrating caravan attacks under false flags, and increasing bandit activity along rival villages' trade routes.
Fortunately, with Danzo gone, there was no risk of entire villages being wiped out in a single night by 'enemy ninjas.'
Konoha's higher-ups became highly active in the shadows, even as the village maintained a peaceful facade on the surface.