Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

If it were anyone else, they would have gritted their teeth and accepted the blame because such accusations could harm the Third Hokage's reputation.

But Shinki was not one to bear responsibility for the Third Hokage's mistakes.

Indeed, the information was relayed by Shinki, but he had issued a warning!

The Cloud Village appeared to be a suitable ally, but in reality, the risks were evident. Although the Rock Village was impoverished and in need of Konoha's support, Onoki of the Rock Village demonstrated greater tolerance and stability—qualities vital for Konoha's own growth.

However, the Third Hokage disregarded these warnings and chose to ally with the Cloud Village. Could anyone truly blame Shinki?

When this truth dawned on the attendees, their expressions turned peculiar. They had initially believed Shinki was at fault, but it turned out to be the Third Hokage's miscalculation.

"By the way, Hokage-sama also consulted the two advisory elders before finalizing the alliance with the Cloud Village. Elders, would you like to share your thoughts?" Shinki's tone was calm but cutting.

Utatane Koharu's face paled.

Wait, I have to take the blame too?

Mitokado Hamura's mouth twitched. He had shared Shinki's skepticism at the time. While he didn't have much faith in the Rock Village, he had respected Shinki's judgment. Ultimately, all the blame fell on Utatane Koharu.

Had it not been for Koharu's incessant persuasion, the Third Hokage might have reconsidered his stance.

Realizing that he was about to be implicated, Hamura quickly interjected, "It was Elder Koharu's suggestion. I had nothing to do with it."

"Homura, you..." Utatane Koharu looked at him in disbelief.

The Third Hokage, too, appeared stunned.

Hamura, you spineless opportunist! You stayed silent back then, and now you shift the blame to me?

But wait—this could work. The Third Hokage's expression shifted. If Koharu took the blame, it would divert attention from him. Sighing theatrically, he said, "Perhaps I should not have listened to such unreliable advice at the time."

Koharu's jaw dropped. Are you kidding me? You're pinning this all on me?

Mitokado Hamura gave her a meaningful glance as if to say, Just take the blame. It's the logical choice.

Realizing she had little choice, Koharu gritted her teeth and said, "It's my fault for failing to see through the Cloud Village's schemes."

Koharu is such a good person. The Third Hokage cast her a grateful look, though Koharu glared daggers in return. Grateful? When word gets out, the villagers will curse me endlessly. If you don't compensate me later, I'll expose everything!

She vowed silently to make Hiruzen pay for this.

The Third Hokage shifted focus. "The Cloud Village has made its intentions clear. Their conflict with the Mist Village could escalate into a full-scale war at any time."

Pausing, he continued, "The conflict centers around maritime disputes, and we lack the naval capabilities to assist in such a war. However, as allies, we have a responsibility to aid the Cloud Village indirectly. We must prevent the Rock Village from exploiting this situation."

As long as the Rock Village remained neutral, Konoha could avoid being drawn into another war. At this stage, Konoha was in no position to provoke a conflict or risk its resources in a war for the sake of the Cloud Village.

Everyone understood the Hokage's implications. The tension between the Cloud and Mist Villages made a clash inevitable. Even if full-scale war didn't erupt immediately, long-term friction seemed unavoidable.

"Konoha doesn't need to involve itself in maritime disputes," the Hokage explained. "However, we must focus on the north. The relationship between the Rock and Cloud Villages is notoriously antagonistic. If Onoki sees an opportunity, he won't hesitate to exploit it."

The attendees nodded in agreement. The Cloud Village's arrogance in the past had made them a prime target. If the Rock Village saw a chance to strike back, Onoki would certainly seize it.

Akimichi Torifu, who had rarely attended such meetings and required two chairs due to his size, voiced his concern. "Hiruzen, the hostility between the Rock and Cloud Villages is undeniable. Onoki won't pass up this chance. It'll be difficult to keep the Rock Village neutral."

The Third Hokage frowned, his mind racing to formulate a plan. Preventing the Rock Village from entering the fray would be critical to maintaining Konoha's fragile peace. But how could they achieve that?

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[Naruto: Maelstrom Of the Uzumaki]