Chapter 64

Hidden Leaf Village.

On the top floor of the Hokage Office a meeting was being held at this time with a heavy atmosphere. Sarutobi Hiruzen was currently sitting at the very center and sitting at his side was none other than Shimura Danzo.

"Hidden Sand still refuses to hear out our explanation, they still believe that we are responsible for the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. Currently, the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage has led a large number of troops and is advancing towards our border. We need to make our preparations."

The Third Kazekage went missing!

This happened a month ago. Although Hidden Sand tried their best to hide this piece of news and was secretly looking for the Third Kazekages whereabouts, they still couldn't locate him. In the end, they presumed that Konoha might be behind this and have captured the Third Kazekage and immediately declared war against them!

This declaration of war from Hidden Sand made the situation of Konoha even worse. Originally, the only problem that they were facing was the Hidden Rock Village's advance force. The worst thing that could happen there were some small to medium fights that would rely on tentative strikes or ambushes, but a full scale fight would be highly unlikely to happen.

But Hidden Sand declared a full scale war without hesitation!

"The Fourth Kazekage would be the one to personally lead the troops of Hidden Sand Village. Lord Hokage, we think that you should also go personally..."

Some of the elites in the room said in a dignified voice.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was also lost in thought with a serious expression.

Indeed. He should also be in the frontlines personally, but he was thinking of another problem. Once the declaration of Hidden Sand spreads out, it would be difficult to ensure if the other Great Villages would also move and use this opportunity to attack them.

The Land of Lightning and the Land of Water where Hidden Mist and Hidden Cloud Village are located are completely at the opposite side from the Land of Wind where Hidden Sand Village is. If he was to go to the frontlines to confront the troops of the Fourth Kazekage, they would be completely exposed to the attacks from the other two Great Villages.

"I'll go."

Jiraiya stood up as he looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a serious expression and said: "Teacher, we need you to stay here in order to deter the other villages from taking advantage of the situation."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya. He fully knows the strength of this disciple of his and what he was capable of so he was more at ease if he would be the one leading their frontlines. However, since it was a full scale war he wouldn't take it lightly and just send Jiraiya all alone.

"Danzo, you'll go and accompany Jiraiya."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to look at Danzo.

Danzo just sat there indifferently with his cane. When he was about to say something, Jiraiya suddenly interjected and said, "Master Danzo should be the one to guard against Hidden Mist. I'll bring Minato with me, we'll handle the situation."

"This..."

Danzo and Jiraiya always have a not so good relationship. So having them together in the frontline is actually not a great idea. Namikaze Minato is probably the best choice since they are both master and disciple, so after Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated a little, he finally nodded.

"Next comes the troops..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced across the room. Right now, the individuals present are not only the high echelons but the Patriarchs of the major families are also currently present such as the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans.

The real purpose of this meeting was to tell them the current situation and put pressure towards their families for them to deploy their members and assist in the war.

"Since this is a full scale war, just say the command Lord Hokage."

The Uchiha Clan Patriarch spoke slowly.

The Hyuga Clan Patriarch also expressed the same attitude.

Since Sarutobi Hiruzen called for their families to participate in this meeting. They already knew what the other purpose of this was, and it was also impossible for their families to not be involved in this war.

"Very well…"

Seeing that all the families have expressed their opinions, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction, and they finally planned to make preparations for the incoming war.

All of a sudden

An ANBU ninja appeared and knelt on one knee in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen with a scroll in his hand as he said:

"Lord Hokage! Urgent news from our advance force from the Land of Grass!"

"Did a battle occur?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped his actions as his eyes flashed slightly.

The ANBU ninja nodded.

"It should probably be some good news."

Sarutobi Hiruzen took the scroll.

With Orochimaru leading the force along with Might Dai whose power is strong enough to deal with unexpected circumstances, no matter what strategy Hidden Rock has, the only outcome for them was failure.

After opening the scroll and seeing the first few lines, Sarutobi Hiruzen's brows gradually relaxed, because the information inside was indeed what he had expected. So he read the report on the scroll out loud for everyone in the room to hear.

"Frontline report... Konoha's advance force arrived at the border and tracked down Hidden Rock Village's advance force. After engaging in a huge battle within the wasteland, the Hidden Rock forces are finally repelled, killing more than half of their forces and severely injuring the remaining who escaped."

After reading the first several lines the room in the meeting hall finally became more relaxed. Even the Patriarchs of the major families heaved a sigh of relief after hearing the report.

With the impending full scale war offensive from Hidden Sand VIllage, this report is undoubtedly excellent news. In this case, once the situation at the border of the Land of Grass is stabilized. They'll just station scouts at the border and observe the movements of Hidden Rock.

This way, most of their combat power can be transferred to be of assistance against Hidden Sand Village..

With this, the casualties of the village and also the major families would be reduced.

"Orochimaru did an excellent job."

Danzo looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen and commented indifferently.

The victory against Hidden Rock is great news in their view. Because they can now concentrate the forces to deal with Hidden Sand, and then if they have the chance, also strike back towards Hidden Rock. With the current military might of Konoha, they can attack two Great VIllages at the same time.

"It's good that that guy is still trustworthy during this time."

Jiraiya, who was sitting next to Danzo also showed a smile as he added, "Let me handle the rest, I won't lose to that guy!"

He viewed Orochimaru from the beginning as his rival, and now that Orochimaru has achieved a great accomplishment, of course he wouldn't want to be left behind.

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued to read the report. The following is a report of the specific events that happened in the battlefield, that also included their losses.

"...In this battle, 11 people died from our troops, 4 were severely injured, and 21 received superficial wounds."

After reading Sarutobi Hiruzen, the joy of victory somewhat decreased.

It's impossible to avoid casualties in war.

Eleven people died with four severely injured. Their lives were exchanged for the death of more than half of the Hidden Rock advance force, this is still considered as a huge victory.

"What about the specific events of the battle Sarutobi?"

Danzo looked to Sarutobi Hiruzen and asked.

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued reading: "Orochimaru led our troops after tracking down the enemy and immediately launched an attack in the wasteland. The number of our troops and enemies are approximately equal. However, the enemy have laid down a trap beforehand and have hidden an elite troop of 30 ninjas underground that suddenly burst out in the middle of the battle..."

After reading up to this part, Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly paused.

Danzo and the others' expressions in the room also gradually changed, showing a somewhat solemn look, and was waiting for the next part of the report.

Although they already knew the outcome of the battle, 30 Hidden Rock elites set up an ambush. That kind of situation is undoubtedly extremely dangerous. How the hell did Orochimaru reverse the tides?!