It can't be that I'm doing a bad job as Hokage, can it?
Hiruzen Sarutobi would certainly never admit that.
He needed a scapegoat.
"Hiruzen! Since Sakumo's death was ill-timed, then hand over the manpower to me, and I'll win this war!" Danzō was still trying to persuade Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"No, this war can't be fought. Sakumo's influence is too great; his death won't remain a secret for long. If it gets out during a battle, you know how much it will affect the village's morale. The Sand Village is powerful; you alone certainly can't stop them."
"By then, the village will have to put most of its effort into fighting the Sand Village. The Cloud Hidden Village and Stone Hidden haven't lost their vitality yet; they'll definitely take advantage of our weakness. We'll face a situation worse than two years ago," the Third Hokage said helplessly.
If Hatake Sakumo and Tsunade were still around, Konoha might not have been so vulnerable, but that was just an 'if'.
Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer dared to gamble.
"Then what do we do?!" Danzō asked, his eyes wide.
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then said, "Homura, you'll go as an envoy to visit the Third Kazekage for negotiations. The bottom line is we must retain a certain buffer zone. The village needs time to recover. As long as the cost is less than fighting a war, it's acceptable. I trust you can handle the specifics."
"Alright," Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement.
"Hiruzen, you're being foolish!" Danzō looked at his old comrade with an expression of intense disappointment.
"As for Danzō... I'm relieving Danzō of his position as Root leader, and Orochimaru will serve as acting Root leader."
"Hiruzen, you—!"
"After all, Root overstepped its authority first. Danzō, you acted presumptuously without consulting us. The fault for this lies with you. And as for Sakumo's death, I must, in the end, give some people an explanation."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude showed his mind was made up. Seeing him like this, Danzō could only retort, "Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"
"Danzō, I am the Hokage!"
*BOOM!*
Watching Danzō storm out, Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his head slightly and resumed looking at the report on his desk about Qingshui and Pakura.
The Sand Village's geniuses are truly coming up generation after generation...
This time, Danzō failed to eliminate them. When these two grow up in a few years, they will be a threat to Konoha for the next few decades.
Especially Qingshui; not only is his talent extraordinary, but the intel also shows he's a ninja with unique capabilities.
Fortunately, Konoha also has equally outstanding young people now.
The image of a blond boy appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind.
Minato Namikaze's excellence was second to none. With his aptitude, he would surely surpass others.
It's time to teach him the jutsu my teacher left behind...
...
...
Sand Village, Puppet Force.
"It failed again."
On the table lay a device never before seen in the Ninja World.
After completing the fabrication of basic components like the Chakra Capacitor and Chakra Diode, Qingshui and Sasori worked together to create display output devices and input devices.
They then began to create simple processors using already completed logic control circuits and utilized the storage function of Sealing Jutsu, combined with logic control circuits, to create memory units.
All these components together formed a PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller.
Here, it should be called a Sealed Logic Control Unit.
This was only the simplest logic control unit, possessing only logic control functions, but in Qingshui's plan, it could already serve as the beginning of industrialization for the Ninja World.
That is, to create Puppets capable of programmatic assembly line work.
Later, by adding functions like timing control and analog control, standardized combat Puppets powered by Chakra could be produced.
"It's still the processor problem. We can't help it; the village's foundation in this area is still too weak," Sasori said, shaking his head helplessly.
They had collected all the knowledge about Sealing Jutsu available in the village. Some of it was provided by Chiyo, and some Qingshui had gathered using his authority during the canal construction.
Even the seals the Sand Village had researched from Shukaku's cursed marks over several decades were now in their hands.
After intense cramming, the two couldn't claim to be masters of Sealing Jutsu, but they had reached the average level of the Sand Village's sealing squad.
Beyond this, it would take a lot of time and deep study to continue improving.
Unless he could access more advanced Sealing Jutsu knowledge.
Just then, an Anbu wearing an animal mask appeared outside the door.
"Jonin Qingshui, the Third Hokage has ordered you to proceed to the Kazekage Building immediately."
The Third Kazekage wants to see me?
"Did the Kazekage say what it's about?"
"The Konoha delegation has arrived."
Qingshui and Sasori exchanged a knowing look.
Konoha had largely inherited the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu, making them the most proficient in this area. To acquire the most advanced and cutting-edge Sealing Jutsu knowledge in the Ninja World, Konoha was the quickest route.
This was a good opportunity.
"I understand. Thank you. I'll leave immediately. Sasori, please excuse me."
Qingshui nodded to Sasori, then stood up and followed the Anbu out.
When Qingshui arrived at the Kazekage Building, Pakura was already there.
As the parties involved, they were certainly expected to be present.
Besides them, there were the Third Kazekage, Rasa, Karura, and several elders of some standing.
As for Sand Village's other two influential figures, Chiyo and Ebizo, they were currently on the front lines.
"According to intelligence, Konoha Village has dispatched Orochimaru, leading a force of no less than five thousand, to the border of the Land of Rivers, where they are confronting Elder Chiyo's forces. Jiraiya has also appeared on the northern border of the Land of Fire, but no conflict has occurred yet."
The Third Kazekage spoke as soon as everyone had arrived.
"Is Konoha just bluffing, or do they truly intend to engage us?"
An elder asked, bewildered.
"If Konoha intends to engage us, why would they send envoys?"
"Nonsense! For them, it's best if they don't have to fight. If they really have to, they're already prepared!"
Several elders whispered amongst themselves.
This was not a formal negotiation, but a small meeting for Sand Village before the negotiations began.
As for Mitokado Homura, he was currently left waiting in the reception room, drinking tea.
"Qingshui, tell us your thoughts."
The Third Kazekage spoke to Qingshui as he entered the room.
"What would the Third Kazekage like to hear?"
"How do you think these negotiations should be handled?"
The Third Kazekage asked, almost like a test.
Of course, we'll negotiate with words!
Qingshui countered:
"Kazekage, why do you think Konoha is negotiating?"
"To prevent war, because Konoha isn't confident they can win."
The Third Kazekage replied.
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