Chapter 16: The Elders' Opposition (Part 2)
Regarding Sakura's situation, the Third Hokage issued a strict gag order. Those present that day were all elite ANBU directly under the Hokage's command—utterly loyal. As a result, aside from the Third himself and those ANBU who had witnessed everything, no one else in the village knew anything about Sakura.
Having seen firsthand the extraordinary, non-ninja-like abilities Sakura possessed, the Third Hokage finally made up his mind about Kumogakure's escalating provocations. The very next day, he summoned the Elders' Council and the heads of Konoha's major clans for a strategic meeting.
"As for the matter with Kumogakure, I've made my decision," the Third announced. "Let us now vote—war or peace!"
Though subtly worded, his stance was clear: he was prepared to respond with strength. His words instantly caused a stir—many exchanged uncertain glances. Was this really the same Third Hokage? Hadn't he always been the one to advocate for peaceful resolutions, seeking compromise to maintain harmony? Why the sudden change?
However, while most were surprised, those of the hardliner faction, led by Danzo, were visibly thrilled. They had long hoped for a firm stance, but the Third had always hesitated. Now, with the Hokage himself taking the lead, it was like a gift from the heavens.
In truth, most clan heads also supported the Third's decision—especially Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi. Hiashi had every reason to be angry; after all, Kumogakure had tried to kidnap his daughter. If he had the strength, he would've marched into their village himself to wipe them out.
As for Fugaku, the pride of the Uchiha clan had never sat well with the Third's diplomatic softness. Seeing the Hokage finally show strength sparked no small amount of excitement among the Uchiha.
Of course, where there is support, there is opposition. Leading the dissenting voices were the two elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. As disciples of the Second Hokage and former teammates of both the Third and Danzo, they had inherited neither the political acumen of the Third nor the decisive ruthlessness of Danzo. Instead, they had become little more than weak-willed fence-sitters, whose presence served mostly to burden the Hokage with unnecessary interference.
"Sarutobi, we cannot agree with your approach on this matter," Homura was the first to speak.
"Konoha cannot afford a war right now. Taking this path will drag us all into ruin!"
"That's right," Koharu added. "If we go to war with Kumogakure, the other villages will surely take the opportunity to strike. Konoha doesn't have the strength to fight a four-front war!"
In truth, the two elders' opposition wasn't because Konoha lacked the strength to fight, but rather because they had nothing to gain from it. In past wars, it was always the other villages that initiated the conflict, leaving Konoha with no choice but to respond. Victory often brought reparations, and thus they had no objections. But if Konoha were to start this war, there would be no such rewards. Worse yet, if the other villages joined forces to surround Konoha, defeat would be inevitable. For the elders, it would mean losing valuable clan shinobi on the battlefield—a losing trade with no personal benefit.
"I oppose going to war as well," said an elderly man with the Byakugan, his voice calm.
"Great Elder…" Hyuga Hiashi looked at him in disbelief. If Konoha chose to compromise, the Hyuga clan would be forced to make a sacrifice to satisfy Kumogakure. As clan head, Hiashi certainly wouldn't give up his life as they demanded—but the other members of his clan were still people. How could they allow them to be sacrificed so unfairly?
"War should not be our path," the Hyuga Elder said flatly, his expression unmoved. "Since this issue began with the Hyuga clan, let us resolve it. We can provide a body."
"This war might not even happen," Hiruzen interjected, his brow furrowed. "All I'm suggesting is how we should respond to Kumogakure's demand. There's no need for the Hyuga clan to make such a heavy sacrifice. Konoha shinobi must never abandon their comrades—that was the will of Lord Hashirama. We cannot trade our own people for a fleeting peace."
He hadn't expected the Hyuga to be the ones to throw a wrench in the plan. Unfortunately, since Kumogakure had targeted the Hyuga specifically, if they decided to yield, even the Hokage would be hard-pressed to object.
"Rest assured, Lord Hokage," the elder replied coolly. "The Hyuga clan will make its own decision." With that, he gave a slight bow and dragged a reluctant Hiashi away.
"Let's adjourn the meeting for now…" Hiruzen sighed heavily, clearly frustrated. When he wanted to compromise, everyone protested. Now that he wanted to take a stand, they still protested. It was enough to give anyone a headache.
"Lord Hokage," Uchiha Fugaku said calmly as he turned to leave, "if war does break out, the Uchiha will stand with you."
As clan head of the Uchiha, Fugaku had long hoped to mend the strained relationship between his clan and the village. But with Danzo constantly sowing discord from within the upper echelons, he hadn't had the chance.
"If you have the time," Hiruzen replied with a knowing smile, "perhaps you could have Sasuke invite his little friends over to your home."
He fully understood what Fugaku was implying—and he welcomed the idea of reconciliation with the Uchiha. But Danzo was his old comrade. As much as he wanted change, he was caught in the middle and couldn't bring himself to directly oppose him.
"Sasuke?" Fugaku raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling his son's increasingly flamboyant fashion choices. Wasn't he starting to resemble a daughter more than a son these days?
"That girl Sakura might be of help to you," Hiruzen added with a chuckle. He no longer saw Sakura as just a child. Some of her insights had even left him astonished. When it came to repairing the relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha, he genuinely believed she might have a way.
"In that case, I'll take my leave," Fugaku replied, deep in thought. Could it be that the future of the Uchiha really rested in the hands of a girl named Sakura?
After everyone had left, the Third Hokage sat alone at his desk, smoking quietly, worry etched across his face. The Hyuga Elder's opposition had left him truly uncertain of what to do next.
"Yu," he called out at last, "go to Ichiraku Ramen and bring Haruno Sakura here."
In the end, the weary Hokage decided to hear what Sakura had to say.