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In the Hokage''s office, Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, a troubled expression on his face. The sudden arrival of a delegation from Kirigakure, led by the Third Mizukage himself, was unexpected.
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Hiruzen couldn''t believe that the Mizukage had came to Konoha.
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He wouldn''t dare visit another Hidden Village. If the village had ill intentions, even a powerful Shinobi could be captured or killed.
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Unless you were at the level of Hashirama Senju or Madara Uchiha, visiting another village was practically suicide.
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Although the delegation was led by the Third Mizukage, Hiruzen wasn''t entirely sure it was really him.
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The Third Mizukage was shrouded in mystery. Even Hiruzen didn''t know what he looked like.
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Kirigakure was an isolated village, rarely interacting with the mainland. And the Third Mizukage was a reclusive leader. It wasn''t surprising that Hiruzen didn''t know him.
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Hiruzen pondered the situation. The door opened, and Danzō entered, along with the two elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
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Hiruzen had summoned them to discuss the Third Mizukage''s visit.
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"You know why I called you here. The Third Mizukage has suddenly visited Konoha. What do you think his motive is?"
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Hiruzen got straight to the point.
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He had already met with the Mizukage, but the meeting hadn''t gone well. The Mizukage had been blunt and accusatory.
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Although Hiruzen was angry, he kept his cool and arranged for them to stay at Konoha''s guesthouse, treating them with courtesy.
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"Whatever his reason, as a Kage, leaving his village to visit another is foolish."
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Danzō scoffed. "With Suna making moves against us, now is not the time to fight Kirigakure."
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Hiruzen looked at Danzō sternly.
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This was one of the reasons he had summoned Danzō: not just to discuss the Mizukage''s visit, but also to warn him.
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Danzō met his gaze and nodded. He wasn''t stupid enough to act rashly.
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Attacking the Mizukage now would only bring trouble.
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Besides, he wasn''t even sure if it was really the Third Mizukage. He didn''t believe the Mizukage would do something so reckless.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
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Unless they had a very close relationship, a Kage wouldn''t risk visiting another Hidden Village.
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"Hokage-sama, the Kiri delegation requests an audience."
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A Shinobi entered and announced.
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Hiruzen frowned, then nodded. "Bring them to the meeting room."
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"Let''s go meet them."
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Hiruzen led Danzō and the elders to the meeting room. The Third Mizukage and several elite Jōnin were already waiting. It was indeed the Mizukage.
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"The Third Mizukage is quite young," Danzō remarked, looking at the Mizukage.
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Indeed, compared to Hiruzen, the Mizukage looked much younger.
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"Sandaime Hokage, I''m here to demand justice."
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The Mizukage ignored Danzō and glared at Hiruzen.
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Danzō scowled but didn''t say anything. He sat down, followed by Homura and Koharu.
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Hiruzen frowned. Konoha and Kiri had no conflict. What justice was the Mizukage talking about?
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"Your Konoha Shinobi infiltrated my village and stole our Forbidden Scroll. What do you have to say for yourself, Sandaime Hokage?"
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The Mizukage stood up, his eyes narrowed dangerously. Killing intent filled the room, prompting Konoha''s Anbu to emerge from the shadows.
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"Mizukage-sama, are you mistaken?"
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Hiruzen was confused. He had never sent anyone to steal Kirigakure''s Forbidden Scroll.
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Could it be Danzō? He glanced at Danzō, then shook his head. Danzō didn''t have the ability to pull off something like that.
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Honestly, even Hiruzen didn''t think he could infiltrate Kirigakure and steal the Forbidden Scroll.
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The scroll was a valuable item; it would be heavily guarded.
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And even if someone managed to steal it, they''d have to escape Kirigakure''s forces.
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But seeing the Mizukage''s fury, it seemed the scroll was indeed gone.
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"Hmph, can''t even protect your own village''s Forbidden Scroll. Useless." Danzō sneered.
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The Mizukage, who usually had a calm demeanor, was enraged. He slammed his hand on the table, shattering it.
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Hiruzen glared at Danzō, then looked at the Mizukage. "Mizukage-sama, how do you know it was a Konoha Shinobi?"
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"The Sharingan. The Mangekyō Sharingan. You can''t fake that. Besides the Uchiha Clan of Konoha, who else possesses the Sharingan?"
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Hiruzen''s face hardened. Danzō and the elders also paled.
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"Hand over the Forbidden Scroll, or Kirigakure will declare war."
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The Mizukage''s voice was firm.
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He had to retrieve the scroll, or his position as Mizukage would be in jeopardy.
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There were already dissenting voices in Kirigakure, criticizing his leadership and calling for his removal.
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The other clans were eager for him to step down. If he did, they would have a chance to take his place.
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That was why he had risked coming to Konoha. He had to retrieve the Forbidden Scroll.
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Hiruzen took a deep breath. If he didn''t handle this carefully, Konoha and Kirigakure would go to war.
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And if that happened, Suna, who was already making moves, would definitely take advantage of the situation.
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Iwa, who had a grudge against Konoha, and Kumogakure, with their ambitions, might also join in. It could escalate into a four-village alliance against Konoha.
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Konoha was strong, but even they couldn''t withstand an attack from four other Hidden Villages.
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The stakes were high. He had to appease the Mizukage.
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Hiruzen looked at Danzō, then said, "Mizukage-sama, I won''t lie to you. It''s been a long time since the Uchiha Clan has produced a Mangekyō Sharingan user. But recently, one did awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. However, he is now a missing-nin of Konoha."