Everyone was waiting for Hiruzen's response.
What caught them off guard was that the Hokage showed no displeasure. On the contrary, he nodded to Danzō in approval.
"What Danzō said is a problem that will occur in reality."
"Therefore, our public messaging cannot be absolute. We cannot claim that everything is completely controllable. Instead, we must emphasize the contribution made by a jinchūriki to the village."
"We must allow the villagers to distinguish between 'Kushina' and the 'tailed beast.'"
"In this way, even if some villagers still harbor fear, they can still maintain respect."
Hiruzen's expression gradually grew solemn: "I will go speak with Mito-sama. When necessary, we will evaluate Kushina's capacity as a vessel. If she cannot withstand the chakra of the entire Nine-Tails, then we will find a way to reduce it."
"We will not seal the entire Nine-Tails. As for what remains, even if it cannot be utilized, there is no need to feel regret."
"Only controllable combat power is true combat power. Anything in excess is merely an unstable factor."
Danzō kept a stiff face.
Monkey, why don't you just directly retort with 'you're the Hokage'?
Saying all this—do you really think you make that much sense?
"We must be clear about one thing. Even without the Nine-Tails, the foundations left to Konoha by the First, the Second, Mito-sama, and other predecessors, are already more than sufficient."
"Konoha is standing on the shoulders of its predecessors, and it does not necessarily need a jinchūriki to fight a jinchūriki."
"We, as the younger generation, must also shoulder responsibility for our predecessors. Mito-sama's existence is an invaluable treasure to the village, something a Nine-Tails jinchūriki cannot compare to in the slightest."
"Does anyone have questions?" At this moment, Hiruzen's expression was extremely solemn, his gaze sweeping over everyone present like a blade.
He was completely different from the gentle man he had been just now!
"Where Konoha's leaves dance, the fire too will continue to burn without end. Old branches and leaves can indeed be burned to become nourishment for new leaves, but their continued existence itself is Konoha's most unbreakable foundation."
Hiruzen said to Koharu, "Koharu, we must start with the students at the Ninja Academy and establish a correct understanding of the Will of Fire—this is of vital importance."
Sacrifice and dedication should naturally be honored and revered.
But they cannot be emphasized blindly.
Those shinobi who have contributed to the village—he, as Hokage, and the village have an obligation to let them rest when they are weakened…
This does not refer only to Uzumaki Mito.
Hiruzen firmly believed that even if doing so would consume some resources, for consolidating the village's cohesion, and for the permeation of the Will of Fire throughout the entire shinobi world… the benefits brought would be immeasurable.
This would also be this Hokage's triple contribution in "authority," "diplomacy," and even "education."
Besides, who says the ideological front does not count as a battlefield?
All of this has to be done step by step…
"I understand. I will draft an outline for revisions to the Ninja Academy teaching materials as soon as possible, regarding a further exposition of the Will of Fire, and the history of the Uzumaki clan."
Koharu replied.
In truth, doubts lingered in her heart. For a long time, sitting in a high-level position had allowed the notion of "shinobi as tools" to take root in her mind, and it was still faintly stirring.
This was not a mindset that could be changed overnight.
However, she knew how to read the room. Seeing how serious Hiruzen was when addressing this issue, Koharu felt that if she were to speak up at this moment… she would likely be met with a sharp rebuke that would leave her unable to save face!
Several figurative hats would probably come flying her way…
Koharu glanced slightly at Danzō and thought to herself, 'Even Danzō isn't saying anything…'
But in the next moment, Danzō spoke up. "Hokage, I agree with the proposals above."
"Let's talk about the issue of the Third Raikage… his Lightning Armor is extremely troublesome. He used his physical body to withstand a Tailed Beast Ball and was still able to get back up and continue fighting the Eight-Tails."
"Although I am confident that my Wind Release can deal lethal damage to him, the enemy will also have shinobi assisting him…"
"If such an enemy were to break into our battle formation during a war, the damage caused would be unimaginable!"
Danzō let out a cold laugh in his heart.
Hiruzen, how will you deal with this move?
In organizing counterattacks, adjusting systems, and rallying people's hearts, you have indeed performed fairly well recently…
But do not forget—being Hokage also means being Konoha's largest target!
Even if Konoha's retaliatory action against Kumogakure was very successful under your command, the Third Raikage's display of individual, hero-style resistance would also cast a reflected image onto you, the Kage.
The enemy's Kage is so heroic—then what about you?
Hiruzen, I know your intelligence!
With your style, you do not have any particularly good way to deal with the Third Raikage either, do you?
And I am the strongest Wind Release shinobi in Konoha!
Although this sequence of moves would not have any substantial impact on Hiruzen's authority, it would make his own importance stand out.
Moreover, in Danzō's heart, a faint feeling arose. Although Hiruzen was still far from being at a point where his words were law in Konoha, the recent momentum made Danzō feel somewhat uneasy.
He needed to try to interrupt him in terms of presence…
Do not make him look so all-encompassing!
"Although he is a potential enemy, the Third Raikage is indeed an extraordinary figure. To develop Lightning Armor to such a degree—looking across the history of the shinobi world, he is the first," Hiruzen affirmed. "He is indeed difficult to deal with. If we go to war with Kumogakure, Danzō, your Wind Release would be a very effective counter against him…"
Danzō let out a satisfied smile inwardly, but on the surface he knitted his brows into a knot. "Sigh, for the sake of the village, I will devote myself fully to training!"
"But the battlefield is ultimately complex. I may not necessarily be able to face the Third Raikage head-on."
At this point, the shinobi present were not fools, and all of them understood.
This was a subtle way of saying that, in terms of one-on-one combat, the Hokage was not as formidable as the Raikage…
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Danzō's rate of evolution was indeed a bit fast—he even knew how to speak in circles now…
No longer staying holed up in that pitch-black place called Root, coming to the sensei's side had indeed made his mind much more agile!
Jiraiya, at the side, was far more straightforward. His expression was rather restless, as if he were about to slam the table.
"However, even if the battlefield is complex and you are unable to arrive, there is no need to worry, advisor."
Hiruzen's tone was calm, and brilliant lightning suddenly erupted from his body!
Lightning Release: Chakra Mode!
"And there's also me, this Hokage…"
The faint smile on Danzō's face instantly froze.
No—are you messing with me right now?
Meanwhile, the lightning radiating from Hiruzen's body continued to surge even more violently. His hair stood on end strand by strand, and his muscles swelled slightly.
Hizashi, who had been silent and listening attentively the whole time, felt a stir in his heart and activated the Byakugan.
He had originally intended to offer a few deliberate words of praise to Hiruzen, but his pupils suddenly contracted, and he muttered in genuine astonishment: "It's only been a few days? Third-sama has already brought his physical body to this level of activation…"
"Don't flatter me, Hizashi." Hiruzen smiled faintly.
"I'm still far behind the Third Raikage. He's immersed himself in this path for decades. This technique isn't hard to pick up—going further is where the real, painstaking work lies."
Then Hiruzen abruptly shifted his tone.
"But this technique suits me very well. If I train for one year, wouldn't that count as five of his? In the next Shinobi World War, I'll give him a surprise."
His tone was calm, yet his words revealed a rare sharp edge.
Jiraiya rubbed his chin back and forth, baring his teeth. "Sensei, you're always saying I'm arrogant…"
"Then why don't you help your sensei test it?" Hiruzen turned his head. His entire body crackled with lightning as he gave his mischievous disciple a warm, kindly smile.
"Sensei, I was wrong!" Jiraiya sprawled across the table like a tiger pouncing down a mountain, both hands waving frantically.
According to legend, there was a move in Lightning Release taijutsu where one lifted a person up and slammed them into the ground…
Although the old man would probably not be that ruthless with him—but what if?
One should know when to follow one's heart.
A strange gleam flickered in Orochimaru's eyes.
This Hiruzen, advancing forward with such relentless resolve, was the Hokage who was both teacher and sensei figure in his heart!
In an instant, Hiruzen placed his palm on Danzō's shoulder and said with a faint smile: "Danzō, wouldn't you agree?"
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