CH - 186 You Need Weapons, Right?

The behavior of these Grass Ninjas seems to disregard the very essence of ninja principles. Where is their sense of honor and integrity? Their actions not only undermine Konoha but openly attempt to recruit their talent within their own grounds is a blatant disrespect. It's as if they don't see Konoha as anything of significance. Despite enduring the chaos caused by the Nine-Tails, they're not completely annihilated. So… What could they possibly aim to achieve with this behavior?

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression soured as he glanced through the intelligence report in his hand. In just a short span, nearly all the village's ninjas returning from their missions received offers from the Grass Village's 'Talent Plan.'

To add to the perplexity, that elder from the Uzumaki clan even ventured into the Uchiha territory, claiming to foster connections. But what common ground could the Uzumaki clan and the Uchiha clan possibly share?

Recall, that during the Nine-Tails incident, despite Obito's efforts in controlling the Nine-Tails and assisting Konoha, the general populace was unaware of this. Instead, seeing those ominous red eyes, they blamed the Uchiha for betrayal and chaos.

Moreover, Danzo appeared to exploit the Uchiha clan to redirect animosity or for other hidden motives. Consequently, many who suffered losses in the chaos directed their resentment toward the Uchiha.

So, why would the Uzumaki clan engage with the Uchiha clan at this volatile moment? It… appears to sow discord, fueling an already tense situation. Reports suggest a surge in people's anger directed at Minato once more. Even Kakashi fears misinterpretation if he steps out in the village.

Furthermore, the leak of Naruto's information has led to the Fourth's child being branded as the offspring of a traitor, a monstrous fox.

Contemplating the situation, Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed deeply at the vehemently protesting Danzo before him. Is this man not ready to concede yet?

At this moment, he grasped the Grass Village's strategy. They were treating Konoha as a marketplace for talent.

Despite Danzo's incessant table-banging and vehement calls for war against the Grass Village, demanding the return of the 'Uchiha defector,' and accusing them of lacking ninja morality, Hiruzen recognized the impracticality of engaging in a large-scale conflict.

Konoha, having endured wars and the tumult of the Nine-Tails, was currently in a weakened state and ill-equipped for extensive warfare. If they were to confront the Grass Village now, it might push them closer to forming an alliance with Iwagakure.

Furthermore, that Grass Shinobi advisor, the notorious figure—Mubuki. Even if Konoha attempted to apprehend him, seeking to detain him temporarily for compliance, he would likely immediately raise a hue and cry. "They're attacking! Konoha ninjas are attacking! Konoha is assaulting its ally! Alert the leader; Konoha is initiating war with the Grass Village. Swiftly coordinate with Iwagakure!"

This would undoubtedly escalate tensions and potentially lead to a full-scale conflict with Iwagakure. The delicate balance of alliances and power dynamics had to be handled with utmost care.

Given the current circumstances, Konoha found itself in a challenging position. Even ROOT, Konoha's covert operatives, hesitated to take action. If a couple of Grass Ninjas went missing in Konoha, the Grass Village would likely retaliate by involving Iwagakure in the conflict, creating a precarious situation.

Konoha, with its long history, had never encountered such audacious rogue ninjas. If not for Konoha's current vulnerability, he would have given in to the temptation to heed Danzo's call, declare war on this group of rogues, and demonstrate the consequences of their actions would be strong.

However, the Grass Village was no longer the weak force it once was, especially since forming an alliance with the Rain Village. Declaring war on the Grass Village might entail confronting both the Grass and Rain Villages.

Yet, there were conflicting reports about the Grass Village leader. On one hand, he was said to have abolished the practice of selling false intelligence and earned respect from even someone like Danzo. During the Third Great Ninja War, though they did fake battles, they were engaged in real business. Even this time, business deals with them didn't deceive Konoha.

However… Strangely, after the new leader took office, the Grass Ninjas have become even more audacious.

At that moment, an ANBU member rushed in, delivering the news with the utmost respect, "Hokage-sama, Uzumaki Yoshinori and Mubuki have arrived."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand holding the cigarette quivered slightly as he sighed with emotion and responded, "Let them in."

Danzo ceased his talking, observing the quiet Hiruzen. He inwardly sighed, choosing not to press further. He took a seat directly, thinking, 'Hiruzen, it seems like you're really getting old. It appears Konoha can only regain its glory under my leadership!'

Soon after, Yoshinori and Mubuki entered. Notably, Mubuki wore a smile on his face, holding a familiar stack of papers. Upon reaching a specific position, he swiftly distributed pamphlets, exclaiming, "Here, see! Grass Village's Talent Recruitment plan, including food, housing, allocation, and comprehensive benefits. Basic salary ranges from ten thousand to one million."

However, noticing the anger on the faces of those present, he waved his hand dismissively, "Hey, don't look at me like that; you've misunderstood. Grass Village is not here to poach; we're just recruiting workers."

'Well, the duration might be a bit long,' Mubuki mused to himself, ignoring the tension in the room.

Despite Mubuki's attempt to distribute recruitment pamphlets, not a single person dared to accept them. Instead, the papers were crumpled and discarded directly in front of the Third Hokage. Uchiha Fugaku, the head of the Uchiha clan, acted without hesitation.

Since the visit of the Uzumaki clan elder to the Uchiha clan, both the Third Hokage and Danzo had regarded them with somewhat suspicious eyes. Combined with the circulating rumors in the village, there was a fear that they might meet a fate similar to Lord Sakumo's. It seemed prudent to avoid any unnecessary entanglements. After all, the Uchiha clan had no intentions of defecting.

It did not go unnoticed that everyone, including the ninja standing at the door, received pamphlets—everyone except the Third Hokage, Lord Homura, Lady Koharu, and Lord Danzo. Was it because these four were the leaders of Konoha? If so, then why did even the Fourth Hokage receive a pamphlet, while these four were excluded?

Danzo snorted coldly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Hmph! Even the Fourth Hokage got them, but the four of us weren't given any? Is the Grass Village looking down on us, the four leaders of Konoha?"

Mubuki responded with feigned innocence, "Oh my, Lord Danzo, you're mistaken. Our leader has great respect for the Third Hokage, Lord Homura, Lady Koharu, and Lord Danzo. He often refers to Konoha's Third Hokage as having three left and right arms, believing that Konoha's strength is unstoppable. Every night, he sighs at the moon, lamenting, 'Why doesn't our Grass Shinobi Village have such talents?'. So, you don't have to worry; as long as you come, our leader will definitely welcome you warmly, especially you, Lord Danzo!"

Mubuki sighed theatrically, as he added, "Speaking of which, Lord Danzo and Lord Homura are sorely missed. How about going to Grass Village as guests this time?"

'Go to Grass Village? Never, not in this lifetime.' Danzo's expression remained stoic, and he refrained from uttering another word. Homura on the other hand just ignored it.

Meanwhile, Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the 'Talent Recruitment Plan' and dismissed it. Such an overt attempt at poaching not only angered the villagers but also failed to have any significant impact. The village considered it nothing more than a futile joke, particularly after even the lower-ranking ninja had received them.

"Advisor Mubuki, Elder Yoshinori, please have a seat!" Sarutobi Hiruzen, sensing the gravity of the situation, took a deep breath and spoke with determination, "Actually, this time... Konoha has something to ask for your help, the Grass Village."

"Please, go ahead!" Mubuki dropped the playful demeanor, seated himself with Yoshinori, and responded with a sincere smile, "The relationship between Grass and Konoha is like that of one family. If we can help, we will definitely not refuse."

"...This accident was not intentional on Konoha's part, but it has occurred." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, "Konoha has always adhered to the ideals of the First Hokage, dedicated to maintaining peace in the ninja world. However, accidents still happen. It's just… Kumogakure and Iwagakure have been restless recently and have even started encroaching on the borders of the Fire Country. War may break out again, but Konoha does not want war. So..." he looked at Mubuki, "this time, Konoha hopes to cooperate with the Grass Village, to work together in protecting the peace of the ninja world!"

"Alright, why not? Our Grass Village also longs for peace!" replied Mubuki without any hesitation.

However, when those words were spoken, despite their agreement, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others didn't display any signs of joy. On the contrary, the corners of their mouths twitched. After all, these words... were too familiar.

"How long will it take this time?" Hiruzen inquired after a moment of silence.

"Ah, the wisdom of the Third Hokage is truly unparalleled!" Mubuki nodded, then let out a sigh tinged with a sense of melancholy, "There's no avoiding it. Our Grass Village... is not financially well-off."

The audacity to claim poverty after engaging in deceptive business with five major ninja villages and conducting deals with three major countries. It was a statement that immediately drew glares toward him.

Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could interject, Mubuki sighed once more, speaking earnestly, "However, as allies of Konoha, even in our impoverished state, how could we stand by and watch Konoha fall into war?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, somewhat taken aback, "What do you mean by that?"

With a smile that hinted at familiarity and kinship, Mubuki took out another document and extended it to Sarutobi Hiruzen, mentioning, "You... may require weaponry, correct?"