The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was tense. Utatane Koharu, who initially intended to say a few words to support the Third Hokage, chose to remain silent. She realized it was better to stay out of it—especially since the discussion involved sensitive topics like the Anbu and Konoha's medical system. Any involvement could lead to more conflicts and, inevitably, more headaches for her.
Mitokado Hamura, however, was unbothered. He sat back, casually agreeing and disagreeing as the situation demanded, showing no intention of disrupting the logistics department he represented. Koharu might have been patient, but she wasn't foolish. The discussion wasn't worth her wrath.
Shinki's Concerns
Shinki voiced his opposition without hesitation, his tone calm but firm:
"The village already has the Anbu. Why do we need a second Anbu-like department? More importantly, the village is still at war, consuming massive manpower and resources every day. At this point, forming a new department would only delay efforts to end the war."
The Third Hokage, visibly irritated, clenched his teeth and retorted, "I'm not forming it immediately! This is just a preliminary discussion. Even if it's approved, it won't happen right away."
Shinki, however, pressed on. "If it's only an idea, Hokage-sama, then perhaps it's better to abandon it now. The financial burden of a war is already immense. Once the war ends, the village will face another wave of expenses—rebuilding, reparations, and compensation for losses. The Ministry of Finance will already be under enormous pressure."
He added with a pointed remark, "Unless the families backing you are willing to provide recruits for this new department."
Mito Hamura and Koharu Oppose
At this, Mitokado Hamura straightened in his seat, alarmed by the implication. He was more than willing to entertain discussions, but if this proposal would affect his clan or require contributions from his family, his position changed immediately.
"Hiruzen," Hamura began cautiously, "you need to think this through. Creating a new department during such a sensitive period is unnecessary, and it might cause more problems than it solves."
Even Koharu, who had remained mostly silent, nodded in agreement. She didn't want to risk her clan being dragged into a shady new organization, especially with Shimura Danzo likely involved.
With Shinki's arguments swaying the others, the Third Hokage found himself facing overwhelming opposition. He sighed heavily, a rare sign of his growing exhaustion. "Fine. I'll give it more thought."
With three out of four participants objecting, the meeting ended inconclusively. For now, the plan to form the Root department was effectively shelved.
Aftermath of the Meeting
Shinki left the meeting first, intending to brief Tsunade. However, before he could go far, Mitokado Hamura caught up to him.
"Shinki," Hamura called out, "why is Hiruzen pushing this so hard? Forming a department now, of all times, seems... strange."
Shinki, sensing an opportunity, didn't hold back. "It's Danzo. He's recently been released from prison. His public reputation is in ruins, but he's maneuvering to regain influence. This new department is his way of doing that."
Hamura's face darkened. "Danzo? He's barely out, and already he's stirring up trouble? And Hiruzen's indulging him?"
"Exactly." Shinki smiled faintly. "Think about it. If this department forms, it'll be a tool for Danzo to use in the shadows."
Hamura didn't need further convincing. With that, Shinki left, confident that Hamura would remain opposed to the idea.
Tsunade's Reaction
When Shinki arrived home, Tsunade was lounging on the sofa. Seeing him, she lazily sat up and grinned. "Back already? Don't tell me you had to attend one of those boring high-level meetings again."
Shinki sighed, setting down the groceries he'd brought. "Yes. Your teacher is pushing to create a new department, something similar to the Anbu but separate."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Danzo?"
"Of course."
She scoffed. "I knew that old snake wouldn't stay quiet for long. Honestly, you should've just agreed and let him burn himself out."
Shinki smirked but didn't argue. "Speaking of which, what are we eating tonight? I bought some pheasants."
Elsewhere in the Village
While Shinki and Tsunade prepared for a quiet evening, the diplomatic landscape began to shift. Delegates from the Sand Village arrived in Konoha's territory, carrying the banner of peace. Their goal? To navigate the war-torn regions, reach the Fire Country Daimyo, and negotiate indirectly with Konoha.
The Third Kazekage, after much deliberation, had decided on a strategy. Direct negotiations with Konoha would weaken the Sand Village's position and force them to make significant concessions. Instead, they would go through the Wind Country Daimyo and use his influence to appeal to the Fire Country Daimyo. From there, the two nations' leaders could pressure Konoha into more favorable terms.
The Sand Village's struggles were mounting. War expenses, rising prices, and dwindling resources had pushed their leadership toward peace talks. As the snow blanketed Konoha, even the deserts of the Wind Country felt the chill of desperation, reminding everyone involved that peace, however difficult, was now a necessity.
>>>>>
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A/N: Hey Guys,
I was going over the discount code and saw that it wasn't toggled on for all the tiers. I fixed it now, sorry about that. ;)