Chapter 173: Balance of Powers

"Do we know how it happened?" Tsunade immediately asked, all playfulness and joy gone from her face as she stared into Hiruzen's face.

While she had definitely expected the situation to grow into an international crisis, she was only expecting for the next World War to begin early.

But this, the assassination of leading figures from four of the Five Great Nations is something that not even she could have foreseen.

"From what has been reported, all of the Daimyo's homes lost contact with the outside world for around seven minutes and thirty seconds, with it taking that long before the few members of their respective 12 Guardian Ninja noticed something was wrong, with them each discovering the remains of not merely the leaders, but also their families. We now have no direct successors to the Daimyo's Line in our nations, and his court is merely attempting to gather their own power. 

Thousands of civilians have already arrived on our doorsteps, with many more seemingly on their way since we may be viewed as the last safehold after the death of the Daimyo in the capital city. We have to strategize what our next move should be, since any sign of weakness may lead to abrupt actions from the other nations. So, what should be our next move?" Hiruzen asked, his face showing a grim expression as he couldn't even take another smoke from his pipe.

Tsunade stood and contemplated what action would be needed for the Village to be able to prosper in the coming days, as she could only see two probable events based on their choice.

Konohagakure could choose to remain impartial, not involving itself in anything other than investigating the death of the Daimyo, yet that would lead to an economic decline in the Village that would turn it into the next Suna.

On the other hand, they could choose to accept the new citizens, expanding the Village whilst the Nation is in chaos, while also giving them an increased presence in the political landscape of the Land of Fire as a whole and a population boost which would allow more shinobi for the next generation.

And to Tsunade, the answer was as clear as day.

"We let the civilians in." Tsunade said.

Everyone's eyes immediately locked on her as they all understood what she meant, though that didn't mean they agreed.

"Do you understand the implications of your words, Tsunade?" Koharu asked, her face displaying no emotion.

"I do. If we hesitate now, the Land of Fire will lean toward the path of collapse. At least, that is how I view the current situation." Tsunade responded

"I'm afraid I agree with Tsunade. Any hesitation on our part may lead to the inevitable collapse of the Village. Not to mention the large amount of help that this could have on the Village, as we may even begin to be able to implement the advancements that Tsunade spoke about over the years." Danzo said.

Tsunade paid no heed to Danzo's words, as she felt that he was one of her two suspects as to who had orchestrated this entire chain of events.

From the deaths of the Daimyo's in the three most powerful nations in terms of military might as if to prevent them from making any actions, to crippling the ability of the Land of Wind to declare war by killing the Kazekage, these events are far too closely alien for them to just be a mere coincidence.

So either Danzo was able to manipulate this chain of events (Which Tsunade highly doubts due to the levels of manipulation one would have to reach to achieve it) or more likely, Madara played a hand in this.

So, Tsunade could only place her full focus on increasing the chances of increasing the Leaf's power, both politically and physically, and she could merely hope that the Village could withstand the changes that were to come.

"I'll call for both Councils and convene a vote from there, after which, we shall move forward with whatever plan we decide." Hiruzen said as he seemed to finally be able to calm himself.

"What shall we do about the situation with the Daimyo?" Homura asked, with them all growing quiet.

The Lord of their nation was murdered, so they must do something otherwise they would be seen as traitors.

"I will address that at the meeting as well." Hiruzen said.

The group of people left to their own devices, while a certain trio returned to the ROOT base.

"Danzo. We did not agree to all of these actions. This has practically destroyed the balance of the world. Do you have any idea what we are going to do?" Koharu yelled.

Danzo stood in silence before turning back to two of his closest allies with a grim expression.

"Operation Whiteout was not to begin it's next stage until the end of the year. Whoever has killed the Daimyos and the Kazekage, they are a danger to the entire Shinobi World on an unprecedented scale."