[Konohagakure, Council Room]
In the depth of the land of fire, the hidden village of the leaf stood unscathed. Wars were deployed far from the village itself. Although the pressure was high, at least its inhabitants were spared from the horrors of war.
The Council Room, however, was not so naive or innocent. The constant reports from the two fronts and the Sunagakure borders showed high instability. Each genin dying on the front was hurting the potential of the village.
"Sunagakure has eliminated our ANBU spies. It seems it is the work of the Third Kazekage. Otherwise, they would have been at least able to transmit information about their armies. Still, the lack of movement from their army stationed at the border shows that they do not wish to instigate war unless they are sure of our fall. The peace treaty looks stable", Koharu spoke, his eyes showing extreme fatigue.
Ever since Hiruzen took the spot of Hokage, he had been assisting him with Homura.
"As for Kumogakure, the Uchiha patriarch Mimaru's arrival has calmed their oppressive attacks. Still, they suffered a lot, and Kagami lost his life against the Raikage. A pity...He was so talented", Homura spoke, having mourned her friend Kagami, obviously.
Hiruzen bit his lips, causing a speck of blood to fall down: "What about Iwagakure. There should be good news, at least"
Koharu nodded: "How did you know? The Nara patriarch has indeed spoke of weird movements from the Iwagakure army. Although they are still under pressure, they have been able to hold their grounds for two weeks now, without seeing reinforcements in the enemy's ranks. Still, he has been asking for more resources and if possible, jonin assets to support him. The injured are piling up"
Hiruzen sighed: 'So that's what he meant by needing more time. Danzo must be playing it slow, to let Iwagakure lower its guard. Still, with the Shimura clan fully mobilized, it seems Konoha will not falter on the Western front. It was the right decision to ask Danzo for help...Thank you, my friend'
Homura spat, as if she heard Hiruzen's thoughts: "Danzo is still hiding in the compound, isn't he? I understand he is depressed after you became the honorary Hokage, but it doesn't excuse him from his duties! He even called the Shimura clansmen back to his clan, to protect his interests. It is unacceptable! He should be deployed forcefully! Just say the word, and I will talk to him personally!"
Hiruzen, however, made his point: "No. No one will, under any circumstance, approach the Shimura clan. I have already approved of his action. Trust me, it is for the best"
Koharu sighed: "If only you could work together, the village's pressure would be alleviated. Please consider it, at least. I am telling you as a friend, not just as Konohagakure's advisor"
"Fine, I will try to talk to him", Hiruzen lied blatantly. The burden of Hokage was not small
'See what situation you put me in, friend?', Hiruzen chuckled inwardly, secretly grateful still for Danzo's help, 'Well, it seems like Koharu and Homura have underestimated your will of fire!'
"Lord Hokage!", Torifu Akimichi barged into the room, obviously shaken by the news, "The eight-tail jinchuriki has appeared on the eastern front! Lord Mimaru Uchiha has requested for your help! Our ranks are in complete disarray"
Just as Danzo had predicted, the reason why Hiruzen had not answered and micro-managed him was partly due to his sudden deployment. Jinchuriki, especially those who could retain their sanity, could change the battlefield in days. Naturally, he needed to get there as fast as possible.
"Koharu, I will leave the internal affairs to you. Focus on the Sunagakure front. Iwagakure should be fine, but keep an eye onto it. Again, you are forbidden from contacting the Shimura clan, promise me this!"
Koharu nodded, slightly taken aback by his friend's adamant leniency towards Danzo: "Understood!"