Chapter 190

"I know, the death of Kitsuchi has hit you hard, but we cannot prove that Konoha is behind this.

You told us the technique used was Susano'o, but unfortunately, since the death of Uchiha Madara, no one has been able to employ that technique.

Though, according to intel, Uchiha Kaito of Konoha did use a similar technique, but the key still lies in evidence.

Starting a war under this pretext is not in our best interest."

"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama."

Now a middle-aged Iwa-nin spoke, bowing slightly towards Ōnoki before speaking earnestly.

"Moreover, we don't have specific intelligence on Konoha at this moment. Acting hastily will not give us the upper hand.

Tsuchikage-sama, I hope you will consider the bigger picture and not let personal emotions drag the whole village into an unnecessary war."

The weight of these words was palpable, causing many to slightly furrow their brows.

Yet no one spoke up to refute, because to some extent, they were of the same mind.

Since someone was willing to play the brave soul, they naturally were keen to observe Ōnoki's reaction.

Ōnoki, however, remained unfazed. At that moment, he turned and locked eyes with the middle-aged ninja.

In an instant, Ōnoki's aura began to subtly radiate.

Even in his old age, with Dust Release—the unique Bloodline Selection—in his arsenal, no one could underestimate him!

At first, this aura appeared somewhat weak, but when it focused into a pinpoint directed at the middle-aged ninja, the latter's face went deathly pale.

Cold sweat uncontrollably trickled down his forehead. Clearly, he was unable to resist under Ōnoki's overwhelming aura.

"Young man, don't think that just because you're sitting in this room you can pontificate on many matters," Ōnoki's voice dripped with apathy as he calmly observed the middle-aged ninja, whose forehead was now dripping with cold sweat.

"Trying to run before you've learned to walk is a mistake many young people make, but it's not a mistake someone your age should be making.

Eager to prove yourself without even understanding the rules of the game? The only possible outcome for such bravado is to become a sitting duck, and get killed. There are no second chances."

"Today, I shall give you a lesson in the rules of this game. From this day forward, I don't want to see you in this conference room again. Understood?"

Having said that, Ōnoki paused briefly before sweeping his gaze over the entire room.

At this moment, no one dared to meet Ōnoki's eyes, all subconsciously lowering their heads to avoid his gaze.

"Furthermore, the decisions I make are invariably for the greater good of Iwagakure.

Though I must admit, I do want to avenge Kitsuchi, do not think of me as narrow-minded.

Look at the reports laid out on your desks. You lose your composure the moment you hear this news in the conference room.

If I were to step down, what resources would you have to engage with the other villages given your current state?"

Ōnoki's words sparked a glint in everyone's eyes, but they obediently picked up the documents in front of them and began to read.

They had genuinely not paid attention to these documents, or perhaps it could be said that Ōnoki had given them no time to do so since the beginning of the meeting.

Upon entering the venue, Ōnoki had initiated the meeting and directly stated his intentions to take action against Konoha. Who had the time or energy to read this document under such circumstances?

Still, they were clever enough. Looking at the middle-aged man who seemed utterly soulless, like a frost-stricken eggplant, they mentally shook their heads.

This was their silent way of paying respects. Then, they earnestly began to read the documents in hand.

Upon further reading, their facial expressions subtly changed. At that moment, they finally understood the confidence and rationale behind Ōnoki's thoughts.

For these documents detailed events concerning Konoha's three great families—events bordering on annihilation.

"What in the world is going on?"

Inside the Hokage's office in Konoha, the leaders of the seven great clans had gathered. Jiraiya and Tsunade also appeared within the office.

Jiraiya's face was particularly unsightly. He had received a document from Iwagakure, and its content made him extraordinarily angry.

Because the document demanded the extradition of Uchiha Kaito, claiming that Kaito had assassinated Kitsuchi!

This reasoning was incredibly difficult to accept. What made it even more unbearable was Ōnoki's threat that failure to comply would result in war.

Of course, the diplomatic language wouldn't be so blunt, but when translated, that was essentially the meaning.

Jiraiya was now utterly incensed. As far as he saw it, Kaito had never even left Konoha, so how could he have had the opportunity to do something like this? 

Moreover, Konoha was at a critical juncture, and there hadn't even been an announcement about Asuma's actions.

They were waiting for Shisui to lead the team and resolve the Daimyo's issue. Only then would they seize the opportunity to announce the ninja reform plan, and subsequently divulge the situation of the three clans.

The intent was to downplay the near-extinction of these clans and provide a more stable space for Konoha's development.

But Ōnoki's current actions had genuinely disrupted his plans. How could he not be furious?

However, what angered him even more was his realization that Kaito did appear slightly uncomfortable! 

What did that mean? It suggested that he may have been wrong about some things; Kaito might have actually left Konoha and genuinely committed some actions.

As the Hokage, how could he not be infuriated and irritated by his ignorance of such a thing?

"I actually think the possibility of being framed is higher here," Nara Shikaku softly coughed, then spoke.

"Ōnoki didn't provide any evidence. He simply stated that the attacker used the Susano'o technique.

Chief Kaito once mentioned that only those with the Mangekyo Sharingan could use Susano'o. There are likely many people capable of using this technique."

"That's right, as it stands, possibly five individuals can utilize this technique."

Kaito was indeed embarrassed, but he would never admit to something like this. Besides, he already had a scapegoat in mind and was ready to pass the buck seamlessly.

"One is me, another Shisui, and then Fugaku, and the two Uchihas who are not in Konoha also possess the Mangekyo. 

So, they too are suspects, Lord Hokage. 

Moreover, I believe Ōnoki is trying to pin this on me, given his precarious position lately.

Also, this situation might not be as bad as we imagine."

"What do you mean?" Jiraiya looked at Kaito with suspicion; he was somewhat skeptical of Kaito's words.

"It's simple, really,"

Kaito's mind whirred into high gear before breaking into a slight smile.

"Why not take full advantage of such a splendid opportunity to divert public opinion?"

//

if you are interested, you can get early chapters on my p atreon, p atreon.com/softcrow

Vote with your Power Stones ⬇️