Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

When causing trouble behind the scenes, it's always best not to reveal your hand.

Considering the escalating tensions between the Cloud and Mist Villages, Kushina realized it was time to step back and avoid stirring the pot further. It was better to return to Konoha and lay low for a while.

"Master Shinki, Hokage-sama has requested your presence for an emergency meeting in the Hokage's office. Please proceed there immediately," a messenger informed Shinki.

Having just contacted Kushina, Shinki nodded. "Understood. I'll head there right away."

After changing into fresh clothes, Shinki hurried to the Hokage's office. This must be something serious, he thought. Could it be related to the Cloud and Mist Villages' conflict?

The moment he entered the conference room, Shinki could sense the gravity of the situation. If it weren't important, the Third Hokage wouldn't have convened such a large gathering of Konoha's senior leadership. Normally, high-level matters were discussed informally in the Hokage's office with a few key individuals.

Scanning the room, Shinki noticed the key players seated in their usual spots. Uchiha Fugaku and Hiashi Hyuga were present, with an empty seat strategically placed near the Third Hokage—a clear indication of where Shinki was meant to sit.

He wants to keep me up front, Shinki realized, amused by the Hokage's subtle maneuvering. Calmly, he walked over and took the designated seat.

The Third Hokage wasted no time, addressing the gathered leaders directly. "As you know, Konoha has recently formed a cooperative alliance with the Cloud Village, encompassing both military and economic collaboration."

The room nodded in agreement. Many had praised the alliance as a strategic masterstroke at the time. Some villagers had even celebrated the move as a testament to Konoha's diplomatic acumen.

But now, the Hokage's expression was grim. "However, a conflict has broken out between the Cloud and Mist Villages in the disputed waters. Both sides have escalated their involvement, sending reinforcements. The situation has grown into a large-scale battle."

The revelation sparked a wave of shocked murmurs.

"The Cloud and Mist Villages are fighting?!"

"Does this mean Konoha will be dragged into the conflict as their ally?"

"Did the Cloud Village provoke this deliberately to force our involvement?"

Many in the room began questioning the wisdom of the alliance. The timing seemed too coincidental. Why would the Cloud Village pick a fight with the Mist Village right after forging an alliance with Konoha? Could this have been a calculated move to draw Konoha into another war?

The frustration in the room grew palpable.

"Ahem," the Hokage coughed loudly to regain control of the discussion. "Let me clarify: a full-scale war has not yet broken out. However, tensions in the disputed waters have escalated to unprecedented levels."

The room quieted, though the mood remained tense. Shinki, seated beside the Hokage, observed the older man's increasingly troubled expression with mild amusement. He couldn't help but think back to his earlier warnings.

When the idea of forming alliances had been discussed, Shinki had pointed out that, on paper, the Cloud Village seemed like a strong partner. However, in practice, Iwagakure (the Rock Village) was the safer choice. Unlike the Cloud Village, the Rock Village lacked the resources for prolonged conflict and would likely avoid war at all costs.

But the Third Hokage had dismissed Shinki's advice, opting for an alliance with the Cloud Village instead. Now, with chaos brewing, Shinki silently acknowledged Kushina's unintended role in this mess. Her desire for small-scale revenge had spiraled out of control, exacerbated by the volatile natures of the Cloud and Mist Villages.

Kushina's subtle provocations worked too well, Shinki mused. She probably didn't expect her actions to escalate this much.

Returning to the present, the Third Hokage sighed heavily. "The Cloud Village has sent us a letter requesting our support. They expect us to hold back the Rock Village should the conflict with the Mist Village escalate into a full-scale war."

The room erupted again.

"Hold back the Rock Village? Konoha just finished recovering from the last war!"

"The Cloud Village started this mess. Why should we pay the price for their recklessness?"

The frustration boiled over as the assembled leaders voiced their discontent. Many began questioning the alliance's logic and who had supported it in the first place. Slowly, their eyes turned toward Shinki and the Third Hokage.

Noticing the shift in attention, Shinki rolled his eyes and spoke up. "Don't look at me. When I returned from my mission, I reported that both the Cloud and Rock Villages were interested in forming an alliance with Konoha. Personally, I recommended aligning with the Rock Village, as they were less likely to start trouble. But Hokage-sama believed the Cloud Village was the better choice. The decision was his."

The room went silent for a moment before whispers of agreement began spreading. Shinki leaned back, arms crossed, making it abundantly clear he wasn't going to shoulder the blame.

I won't be held responsible for this mess.

>>>>>

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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]