Chapter 60

When the time comes, the Sand Village will be able to send troops into the Land of Rain without opposition. Konoha will be forced into war. The Sand Village had been preparing for this war for a long time. Everything was set; they only needed approval from the Daimyo.

How could they stir the Daimyo's anger and ignite his sense of crisis? The solution was simple. With chaos already in motion, the Third Kazekage didn't have to go to the trouble of fabricating provocations. All he had to do was pin the conflict's escalation on Konoha.

Creating chaos himself would have been risky. If the Daimyo found out he'd been deceived, the consequences would be severe. But since another party had sparked the fire, the Third Kazekage felt no such fear.

Back in Konoha, Tsunade found herself once again summoned to the Hokage's office. This marked the third time the Third Hokage had called for her since their initial meeting. The first meeting had ended inconclusively, the second was met with a noncommittal response from her, and now it was time for an answer.

"Old man," Tsunade greeted as she entered the office, shutting the door behind her before sitting on the sofa.

The Third Hokage sighed, then said, "According to our intelligence, the Sand Village is sending reinforcements to the Land of Rain."

He didn't explicitly tell Tsunade to go to the front, but the implication was clear. War was on the horizon, and they needed her leadership on the battlefield.

Tsunade clenched her fist and said, "If war is unavoidable, then let's fight!"

"Tsunade..." the Third Hokage began.

"Old man, I'm not going to the front. I need to stay in the village and manage the medical corps," Tsunade interrupted firmly. "Grandma is gone. Nawaki and Kushina are still young. They need me, and so does the medical department."

"But the front line needs you!" The Third Hokage's voice rose in frustration.

"Don't try to scare me, old man," Tsunade retorted. "If you push me, I might just go hide in the Daimyo's mansion, and that would create more problems for you."

The Third Hokage's expression froze as if someone had grabbed him by the throat.

"I know the front line needs me, but I can't leave with peace of mind," Tsunade said.

The Third Hokage furrowed his brows. "Tsunade, what exactly are you worried about? Do you think I would target Nawaki, Kushina, or even Hyuga Shinki?"

"The person in the Anbu prison," Tsunade replied flatly. "If I leave, and you decide to activate him, Akimichi Tofu won't be able to stop him. You know as well as I do what Danzo would do. I can't leave under those conditions."

The Third Hokage wanted to promise her that he wouldn't release Shimura Danzo, but the words died in his throat. He needed someone capable of handling the darker tasks, someone he could rely on when things became dire. Danzo was the only one who fit that role. His skill in command was proven during the First Shinobi World War.

"If war breaks out, Shinki can go in my place. He's capable of everything I can do. And Nara Shikaku is an excellent strategist," Tsunade stated, making her position clear.

The Third Hokage stared at her, unable to refute her reasoning. Without a concrete promise to keep Danzo contained, she would not leave.

Tsunade stood up, straightening her clothing. "Don't underestimate him. I raised Shinki myself. Besides me, no one in Konoha is better suited for this role. If you won't guarantee Danzo stays put, Shinki will go instead."

The Third Hokage knew Tsunade meant it. He picked up his pipe and puffed, frustration etched on his face.

"Tsunade, Danzo's abilities—"

"Absolutely not!" Tsunade cut him off harshly. 

There was no room for negotiation. As long as she remained in Konoha, Danzo would stay in the Anbu prison. She would ensure it through her frequent visits to the prison, just to make sure the Third Hokage couldn't secretly release him.

"Ah..." The Third Hokage let out a deep sigh.

Danzo, Danzo, you truly are a disappointment, he thought.

"No room for negotiation?" he asked, his voice dropping.

"None," Tsunade confirmed. "Unless you hand him over to me. If you do that, I'll march to the front lines immediately."

The Third Hokage fell silent, accepting defeat. Handing Danzo over to Tsunade would mean certain death for him. Three days would be optimistic; surviving three hours would be a miracle.

"Then there's nothing more to discuss. I will stay, and Danzo will remain in prison. I respect you, old man, so please respect me. Don't force me into a position that leaves us at odds."

Tsunade's hope that the Third Hokage would change his mind was dwindling. She suspected he would release Danzo the moment she left. If that was the case, she'd rather stay and manage Konoha herself.

Tsunade left the room, frustration evident in her stride.

Not long after she left, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura entered the Hokage's office. They noticed the somber look on the Third Hokage's face and guessed the outcome immediately.

"Hiruzen, did Tsunade refuse?" Koharu asked.

The Third Hokage nodded and sighed. "Yes, she did. She won't leave the village because she's worried I'll release Danzo. But she did recommend Hyuga Shinki and Nara Shikaku."

"Hyuga Shinki? Can he handle it?" Koharu and Homura exchanged doubtful glances.

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