I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

After an eventful night, the Third Hokage convened an emergency high-level meeting in the Hokage Building. Present were the elder advisors, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and the leader of the Root organization, Danzo Shimura.

Though Konoha's leadership included departmental heads and powerful clan leaders, only these four held the authority to shape the village's future. However, their combined age exceeded 200 years, highlighting a worrisome absence of younger leadership in Konoha's ranks.

Koharu, still groggy from being roused at such an hour, shot a glare at the Third Hokage. "Hiruzen, what could be so urgent to call us here in the dead of night?"

The Third Hokage sighed, weariness etched into his features. "There are critical developments that demand immediate attention." He then recounted two troubling incidents from the previous night: the leader of the Yunyin diplomatic envoy was killed, and an attack on Naruto Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, led to his brief rampage.

The elder advisors exchanged uneasy glances as the gravity of the situation sank in. Koharu's voice turned somber. "The murder of the Yunyin leader and an attack on the Jinchuriki—this is no small matter. What information do we have on the culprits?"

Hiruzen explained, "The attacker targeting Naruto was killed by him during the confrontation, leaving the body too mangled for interrogation. As for the Yunyin leader's death, the culprit has been identified—it's Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga clan. He acted in defense, as the Yunyin leader infiltrated the Hyuga estate and attempted to abduct a clan member."

Koharu frowned. "It's clear Yunyin provoked this incident, likely in another attempt to steal the Byakugan. Hiashi acted within reason. Why should we be blamed?"

Hiruzen's tone darkened. "Yunyin's delegation is using the death of their leader as an excuse to demand we hand over Hiashi, threatening to annul the peace treaty and resume hostilities if we refuse."

Koharu and Homura turned their gazes to Hiruzen, who continued. "This situation is precarious. What's more, our resources are stretched thin. Homura, how much longer can the village sustain a war?"

Homura adjusted his glasses and replied, "We can manage, but barely. Funds and supplies are running low. To continue fighting, we'd need to reduce pensions and slash departmental budgets further, which could provoke discontent. The Uchiha are already restless due to recent financial cuts."

Danzo interjected, his voice cold and measured. "Hiruzen, you're too soft. Yunyin's actions last night prove their ambitions extend beyond the Byakugan—they still covet the Nine-Tails. These are not the actions of a partner seeking peace. We should strike first and remind them of Konoha's strength."

Hiruzen shot Danzo a sharp look. "Your reckless approach would plunge us into war again. Have you forgotten Hokage's duty to protect the village, not provoke unnecessary bloodshed?"

Danzo sneered. "And you've forgotten that conceding now will only embolden Yunyin further. They'll demand more tomorrow. Blind compromise is weakness."

Koharu, sensing the tension escalating, raised her hand. "Enough. This argument serves no purpose. Let's vote. My stance is clear: compromise with Yunyin."

Homura nodded. "Continuing the war would drain us dry. I also vote for compromise."

Danzo's expression darkened as he muttered, "I abstain."

Hiruzen exhaled deeply. "Very well. The majority opposes war. I'll personally negotiate with the Hyuga clan to ensure their cooperation. We'll prioritize the village's stability above all else."

The meeting concluded, but Hiruzen called Danzo to his office afterward. Once they were alone, Hiruzen retrieved a document from his desk and fixed Danzo with a steely gaze. "Danzo, there's another matter—last night, a Chunin named Amakaze disappeared. His Konoha headband was found at the site where Naruto was attacked. Care to explain?"

Danzo's frown deepened. "He's not one of my men. I had no reason to target the Jinchuriki."

Hiruzen's voice rose, uncharacteristically sharp. "He wasn't Root, but he was a former subordinate of Minato! How do you explain an attack on Naruto by someone tied to the Fourth Hokage's legacy?"

Danzo's lips tightened. "It's not my doing. Perhaps he acted on his own."

Hiruzen's patience frayed. Slamming the document onto his desk, he stood and fixed Danzo with a glare that carried the weight of decades of leadership. "This is your final warning. I don't care what schemes you hatch in private, but remember this: I am Hokage!"