Konoha, Main Administration Building
A heated discussion takes place in the conference room, where the Hokage, councilors, and representatives of the village's various clans discuss a topic so complex that few truly know how to act.
"This is unheard of. We can't let strangers threaten us like this," says Koharu Utatane, a member of the Hokage's council.
"This is outside our jurisdiction. Without the Daimyo's authorization, it's impossible for us to send our forces," replies Shikaku Nara, jounin commander.
"Then let's send an elite squad, at least eliminate that woman who dares to threaten us," Koharu insists.
"I assume you say that because they threatened you. I assume that elite group will be composed of the three of you," Hiashi Hyuga interrupts, referring to the three advisors, "Because my clan is not willing to provoke an S-class ninja who treated young Kakashi as if he were a rag doll."
"This is a national security issue," Danzo says.
"Everyone here knows that you are the main culprits of the antagonism the Uchiha had with the village. Now we have another crazy Uchiha on the loose, just like Itachi, this time with an organization behind him that practically wants to compete with us. The problem with the other four villages wasn't enough for us; now we have a huge internal problem," Tsume Inuzuka says, very angry.
"This is a huge diplomatic problem. Let's not forget that they operate within cities under the Daimyo's influence. If we don't handle this problem delicately, we could provoke a civil war, ending up just like Kirigakure," Shikaku adds.
"That's why we must act immediately, strike when they least expect it. If we bring Jiraiya back and gather our best ninjas, we should be able to draw them out of hiding and eliminate them," Danzo insists.
"Wait a moment, don't jump to conclusions. From what the information says, aside from the meeting with Kakashi and the clearly disproportionate threats, the organization doesn't seem to be our antagonist. On the contrary, they've eliminated a large number of foreign agents and haven't affected our interests in any way. I say we engage in dialogue and first see who they are and what they want," says Inoichi Yamanaka, in a rather conciliatory tone.
As the debate escalates, Hiruzen remains seated, listening intently with one of the most serious looks he's had in a long time, and it's just when it seems the discussion is about to escalate too much that he intervenes.
"We are clearly in a difficult situation. However, remember that nothing serious has happened so far. No deaths on our side and no clear threats, except for the words of a surviving member of the Uchiha clan, who rightly blames us for the unjust fate of her clan." The old man's gaze rests for a few moments on the three advisors. "And if we analyze everything with a cool head, we should realize that there are no serious threats to our village. What there is, is a serious problem within the Daimyo's court… This morning, with the help of Inoichi and the intelligence department, I was able to have a telephone conversation with the Daimyo, and the man is in total denial regarding the incidents occurring in his domain. He refuses to accept that a new organization is forming in the nation."
"Our hands are tied," Shikaku continues, "We must suspect that there are advisors directly influencing the Daimyo so that he does not believe anything. So it is not unreasonable to think that a new political group has been born within the land of fire, with its own agenda, capable of recruiting its own ninja force and we know nothing of its true intentions."
"They may want to overthrow the current Daimyo or perhaps make a region of the nation independent," says the Hokage, "And we can't do anything, because the moment we try to intervene, the Daimyo can declare us in rebellion and we would have a situation where we are left without the financial support of the nation, or worse, the other villages can join with the excuse of supporting the Daimyo and start a new ninja war."
"And if the organization in question is stronger than we think, we could end up in a worse situation, with a full-blown civil war," Shikaku nods in defeat. "That's why we have no choice but to resort to dialogue and diplomacy."
The Hokage and Shikaku's words immediately cool the discussion, causing an awkward silence among those present. Even the advisors can't find an argument in favor of attacking in a situation like this.
"The problem is, who can go and start the dialogue? From what the reports describe, if the wrong person meets that woman, they could end up just as bad as Kakashi, or worse," Hiashi says, bringing the discussion to an equally important topic.
"It's clear that no councilor, nor our esteemed Hokage, should set foot in one of the cities controlled by the group. But would any of us be better off?" Tsume adds.
"How about Jiraiya? He's strong enough, and everyone respects him," Choza Akimichi suggests.
The Hokage immediately coughs a few times, drawing everyone's attention. "I don't think Jiraiya is a good choice. If the information about Kakashi's encounter with the Uchiha woman is correct, let's just say that Jiraiya's certain tendencies could end up generating a lot more conflict."
Some don't quite understand what the Hokage means, but Shikaku immediately realizes, "Cough... The Hokage is right. We need someone different, someone outside the village's power circles."
"How about Tsunade? She hasn't been in the village for quite some time, and she has the political clout to engage in diplomatic talks," Shibi Aburame suggests.
"That's true," adds Inoichi, "She's the only person with the strength and prestige to succeed. But can we convince her to return to the village?"
"It's for the well-being of the village; she must do her duty," comments Homura Mitokado, another of the councilors.
"It's easy to say. She lost everything she loved in the Second War, all for the well-being of the village," Tsume says.
"I have a way to communicate with her, meant only for emergency use. I suppose now is a good time, although I can't guarantee she'll want to help us; after all, no one can force her," the Hokage says, then looks at everyone present and adds, "Worst-case scenario, we'll have to look for someone else, preferably one outside of the major clans, much better if it's a civilian ninja. In the meantime, we should avoid sending any missions into the southern region of the nation, at least until we know what we're up against."
The Hokage's gaze rests for a moment on Danzo, who simply ignores him and maintains his attitude of not fully agreeing with what is being done.
"Keep this information a secret and remember that we must not show weakness. The image we can project to the other villages depends on this, especially Kumogakure, which has been moving a lot on the border," Shikaku finishes saying.
What follows is a long debate about the possible consequences that a new player could have on the balance of the five great villages.