Now, even if we regret it, it's already too late. That little girl from the Uchiha clan has grown to a point where even the Root division can't easily handle her.
To secretly eliminate her, at least several Jounin and a dozen Chunin would need to work together, laying out a trap in advance.
However, he can't even control her whereabouts and schedule now, making it extremely difficult to ensnare her as he did years ago.
"I am very sorry, Danzo-sama."
"This has nothing to do with you. The current situation between the Root and the Uchiha clan is precisely the balance that the Third Hokage hopes to see. However, this balance will one day endanger the village. Therefore, we must not be careless when dealing with this clan."
Danzo made such a judgment.
In his eyes, the balance policy that Hiruzen has always pursued is merely a product of compromise with the Uchiha clan.
This balance, while ensuring Konoha's stability to some extent, has also caused Konoha to miss many opportunities to grow stronger.
Indeed, I am the most suitable person to be the Hokage.
Thinking of this, a hint of nostalgia flashed in Danzo's eyes.
The decision at that time caused him to lose the chance to become Hokage, and since then, he could only become the Root buried deep in Konoha's darkness.
Looking back now, the thing he regrets the most is this incident.
And now, this moment is when he will use the Root's power to save Konoha once again.
◎
Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.
In an unremarkable meeting room, all the high-ranking Jounin of the Hidden Sand Village, including the Third Kazekage, were gathered.
Along with advisors, Chiyo and her brother Ebizo were there, acting as the right-hand and left-hand aides of the Third Kazekage.
"Everyone, I've decided to launch an attack on Konoha of the Land of Fire next year."
At the beginning of the meeting, the Third Kazekage went straight to the point.
After hearing this, the surrounding high-ranking Jounin didn't show any surprise.
When you think about it, ever since the last Ninja World War, the Hidden Sand Village has been secretly accumulating power for the Third Shinobi World War that they plan to initiate soon.
This came as no surprise given the Third Kazekage's proposal at such a time.
To prepare for the imminent Third Shinobi World War, the last Ninja World War had already led to the sacrifice of Konoha elite Jounin, Katou Dan. Even then, they were already plotting.
Just last year, Konoha's White Fang also committed suicide due to mistakes by Konoha's top brass, resulting in significant losses in their advanced combat strength—truly a heaven-sent opportunity.
The Third Hokage needs to stay in Konoha to defend against other Ninja Villages and can't be easily moved.
The only high-level combat force Konoha can muster to the battlefield now is the Konoha Sannin.
Although the Konoha Sannin performed well in the last Ninja World War, they joined forces to fend off the Hidden Sand forces led by their Kazekage.
But, later on, the Sannin started to lose strength. If not for the Konoha White Fang's disruptive actions deep in the Hidden Sand's territory, the Hidden Sand would have succeeded the last time.
But now, Konoha no longer has a second White Fang. In the frontal battlefield, with their Kazekage present, what can the Sannin do?
"Kazekage-sama, when exactly is the attack on Konoha planned?"
A Jounin couldn't resist asking.
The general plan was clear to all the high-ranking Jounin present; the only thing left to discuss was the timing of the attack on Konoha for optimal results.
"I've already discussed it with Elder Chiyo and Elder Ebizo, and we believe February next year is the best time. In the second month of the new year, we'll catch Konoha off guard."
After the Third Kazekage said this, high-level advisors Chiyo and Ebizo sat with composed expressions, evidently in agreement with the Third Kazekage's view.
Other high-ranking Jounin exchanged glances; although a few held reservations, since the three most influential figures among the high ranks have already expressed their views, it seems that attacking Konoha in February next year is essentially decided.
"Elder Chiyo, I'll rely on you to prepare the supplies."
The Third Kazekage stood up from his seat and instructed advisor Chiyo beside him.
"Rest assured about this matter, Third Kazekage. I've already sent people to cooperate with the Shion Flower Company to provide us Hidden Sand with a large amount of medical supplies."
Chiyo nodded in agreement.
Since it will be winter, even at the end of winter, the cold could affect combat effectiveness, as the climate between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind is significantly different.
Warmth-providing tools for winter are a given, and various medical supplies must be prepared in advance.
Though the Shion Flower Company is a new pharmaceutical company, its strength should not be underestimated.
Given their pharmacy branches have received great feedback within Hidden Sand Village, their research capabilities in the pharmaceutical field are commendable. Their prices and effectiveness are highly regarded by both the civilians and ninja of Hidden Sand, making them very accessible.
Moreover, this company represents the official stance of the neutral Land of Demons, which is why Chiyo trusts them.
The neutral country does not participate in the Ninja World Wars and won't be dragged into it. The Land of Demons over there will definitely not leak any information unless they wish to see if the blades of the Hidden Sand Village are sharp enough.
"Now, Elder Ebizo, I'll count on you for the dealings with the Hidden Rock."
To take down the succulent Land of Fire, the Hidden Sand Village alone won't suffice, but adding the Hidden Rock changes everything.
A year ago, he secretly sent people to contact Onoki of the Third Tsuchikage in Hidden Rock. Sending Ebizo over there now was merely to strengthen Hidden Sand's resolve and officially begin comprehensive cooperation with the Hidden Rock to share the delightful meal that is the Land of Fire.
The Third Kazekage gazed eagerly out the window in the direction of Konoha in the Land of Fire.
Without Konoha's White Fang, even the Sannin cannot possibly stop the combined forces of the Hidden Sand and Hidden Rock armies.
This time, Hidden Sand will be victorious!