In the past, although Orochimaru had established a base and cultivated a force in the Land of Rice Fields, he had not yet established a ninja village.
Compared to the original story, Otogakure appeared about three years earlier.
During the Chunin Exams, Orochimaru had told Kakashi that Otogakure had only recently been established. Since it was recent, it couldn't have been more than a year.
Because Kabuto's fate was different from the original story, without him as a medium, Orochimaru had not joined the Akatsuki, let alone defected from it.
In his spare time from research, Orochimaru had been kidnapping and brainwashing people, developing his forces. Therefore, Otogakure appeared three years earlier.
Although he had defected, Orochimaru was still one of the Sannin. He still had the prestige and reputation he deserved.
The ninja villages far from the Land of Rice Fields were one thing, but the closer ones, such as Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Amegakure, and Kusagakure, all sent out reconnaissance ninja to investigate.
After receiving the news, Konoha quickly convened a high-level meeting.
In the small conference room of the Hokage Tower, Danzō, who had been upgraded, sat at the head of the table. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Kageyama Kogetsu sat opposite each other at the left and right head seats.
Mitokado Homura sat next to Kageyama Kogetsu, and Utatane Koharu sat next to Sarutobi Hiruzen. After them, on both sides, were Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Nara Shikaku, and others.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke spoke first, reporting the basic situation of Otogakure.
"Everyone, an S-rank rogue ninja of Konoha has established a ninja village outside. This is a first in the ninja world."
"How should we handle this? Let's discuss it. The outside world is waiting to see our reaction..." Danzō said with a serious expression.
The heads of the Interrogation Department, the Medical Department, and the Ministry of Education were all silent, with no intention of expressing their opinions.
Orochimaru was already difficult to deal with. He was also a disciple of the Third Hokage and had countless connections with the Konoha leadership.
This matter was not related to their duties, so it was better for them not to express their opinions, to avoid getting burned.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Nara Shikaku also had no intention of speaking first. One was looking at the pen he was playing with, and the other was looking at the tabletop, as if there were flowers on it.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu also had no intention of speaking, waiting for Sarutobi Hiruzen to speak first.
Kageyama Kogetsu was naturally in even less of a hurry. His expression looked serious, but in reality, his mind had already wandered off.
"Ahem... this matter must be handled with caution."
"My personal opinion is to pretend we haven't seen it, because once a war is started, Konoha will surely suffer considerable casualties."
"This will interrupt Konoha's progress in recovering its strength, and once a war starts, other forces will probably not stand by and watch."
"For example, Kumogakure and Iwagakure. They would probably be happy to find an excuse to support Orochimaru, either by providing war materials or by sending troops to participate."
"The chain reaction caused by starting a war is unpredictable. It's better to act with caution," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a grave expression.
Danzō's expression was displeased. "Hmph, Hiruzen, your idea is too weak. It will make the outside world think that our strength has not recovered and that we are weak and can be bullied!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen retorted, "Why should we care about the outside world's opinion?"
"We know our own strength. Given the current situation in the ninja world, no ninja village dares to rashly start a war."
"When a war does break out, we will strike the first bird that sticks its head out, and let the outside world see whether our strength has really not recovered and whether we are weak and can be bullied..."
Danzō sneered, "Heh heh... what you say has some truth, but the outside world's opinion will affect the number of missions."
"I don't believe that other ninja villages won't use this as an excuse to snatch Konoha's share of missions."
"At that time, Konoha's financial income will decrease, and the income of Konoha's ninja will also decrease, which will also affect the speed of training ninja."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression froze, and he then said, "What you say also has some truth. Let's choose the lesser of two evils."
Danzō was not very satisfied with Hiruzen's opinion.
He was the current Hokage of Konoha, not Hiruzen. The entire village needed to survive, to develop, to have jobs, to eat. He was the number one person responsible!
He would not allow this Hokage to be worse than Hiruzen!
Although his relationship with Orochimaru was on and off, and he didn't really want to destroy Otogakure or kill Orochimaru, he had to react!
Also, the leaders of the major ninja villages in the ninja world more or less knew his style. If he didn't react, wouldn't they think that after becoming Hokage, he had become the same as Hiruzen?
Would the leaders of the other villages still take him seriously?
"Homura, Koharu, what are your opinions?"
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance and then spoke.
"We should think of a solution that satisfies both sides."
"Yes, we can't let our share of missions decrease, nor can we let Konoha be looked down upon by the outside world."
Danzō nodded, signaling for them to continue.
However, the two of them had not yet thought of a solution that satisfied both sides. Danzō's expression darkened, and he then looked at Kageyama Kogetsu.
"Send someone to fight with Orochimaru. Only target Orochimaru, not Otogakure," Kageyama Kogetsu said, having come to his senses and offering a suggestion.
"I agree with Kogetsu-kun's opinion. This will prevent the situation from getting out of control," Nara Shikaku said, chiming in at the right time.
"I also agree," Sarutobi Shinnosuke followed suit.
Seeing this, the others also quickly expressed their support.
Danzō nodded slightly, "A good idea. Then I'll have to trouble you to make a trip, Kogetsu."
"Among the strong individuals of Konoha currently in the village, only you can be sure of victory against Orochimaru."
Kageyama Kogetsu smiled, "You're too kind, Lord Hokage. Lord Third can also basically be sure of victory."
"Of course, it's not appropriate for Lord Third to show his face."
"Actually, compared to me, I think it's more appropriate for Sister Kushina to go."
"Konoha has not shown the might of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki for many years."
"If we hide it for too long, the outside world will think that Konoha has no Jinchuriki or that our Jinchuriki is not good."
"Let's take this opportunity to suppress Orochimaru and at the same time, deter the spies of the major ninja villages to prevent them from pulling any tricks."
"I know you are all worried about the Jinchuriki's safety, so I will go with her."
"Whether it's the masked man or other ninja villages, they won't be able to touch Sister Kushina at all."
After a moment of discussion, the group felt that it was feasible and all expressed their agreement.
After the meeting was adjourned, Kageyama Kogetsu sent a message to Orochimaru through the snakes of Ryuchi Cave, informing him of Konoha's decision and asking him to cooperate.
Next, Kageyama Kogetsu went to Kushina's house and informed her of Konoha's decision.
"Don't worry, I will definitely use all my strength to kill Orochimaru!" Kushina said, waving her tender white fist, full of confidence.
Winning was not a big problem, but Kushina did not know how difficult it was to kill Orochimaru...
"Don't go for the kill. You have to consider the thoughts of the Third Hokage, Master Tsunade, and Master Jiraiya."
"Although he is a rogue ninja, they may not really want to see Orochimaru die," Kageyama Kogetsu explained.
Kushina frowned and sighed, "Alas... poor those who died as sacrifices in his experiments."
Kageyama Kogetsu smiled helplessly, "This world has never been fair. Some are born in the clouds, and some are born in the dust."
"I will push for the administration department to give more compensation to the families of those test subjects. It's a small token of my feelings."
Although it was cruel to say, there were too few people who could speak up for the dead.
Kageyama Kogetsu was not having a change of heart. It was mainly to make Kushina happy, and secondarily to do something.
As expected, Kushina's mood improved a lot upon hearing this.
Kageyama Kogetsu told a few more jokes, and Kushina cheered up completely, but then she found out...
"Behave yourself. It's broad daylight," Kushina said, slapping Kageyama Kogetsu's hand away irritably.
"It's alright," Kageyama Kogetsu said, picking Kushina up and walking towards the bedroom.
"Hey... seriously! Put me down," Kushina struggled lightly, her eyes reproachful.
Kageyama Kogetsu turned a deaf ear, carried her into the bedroom, and closed the door with his foot...
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