The troops were withdrawn. When the news spread in the camp, most of the tens of thousands of coalition ninjas were confused!
What's going on?
Everyone's doubts were left unanswered. The political crisis caused by Uchiha Madara's attack on the village was huge. The Kage of each shinobi village, except for Kizaru, the mastermind behind it, were basically in dire straits.
Especially the third Tsuchikage Onoki, his entire body seemed to be being roasted on fire.
If he could turn back time, Onoki would like to go back to the past immediately and give himself a big slap in the face for taking responsibility for banging the table at the meeting.
Why was my head so impulsive at that time? What nonsense are you talking about? It's okay now! The Jinchuuriki were captured, and all the daimyo and nobles were killed. Not to mention oneself, not even the entire Iwagakure Village could bear such a huge responsibility.
On the way back, Onoki even thought seriously, should he commit suicide to apologize?
It's not an exaggeration, but suicide may be the best outcome for Onoki and Iwagakure.
Putting aside the tailed beasts lost in each village, Onoki was confident that he would be blamed for these losses. The real fatal issue was the murder of the Daimyos and nobles of the Six Nations.
This is the name of the five major countries plus the Kingdom of Rain! And those nobles who hold high-ranking positions!
Behind them represent the group that occupies the entire continent, has the most wealth, the most power, and the most say.
Once the news of their deaths spreads, and once his speech at the meeting is leaked, Onoki can already imagine how much attacks he will suffer, and how much impact Iwagakure Village will be affected.
To put it bluntly, if the families of these victims had joined forces, he and his family would definitely be dead. Most of his subordinates would choose to betray them at the first opportunity and initiate liquidation.
Ohnoki is willing to die to apologize, but he hopes to save his descendants and family, and also hopes that Iwagakure Village will not suffer too much loss.
Clearly understanding his situation, Onoki's face was gloomy on the way back to the village, like a dead man's face.
"Onoki is done this time." With his hands in his pockets, Kizaru, Chiyo, Hanzo and others walked at the back of the team.
"Kizaru, this is a good opportunity." Chiyo, who has been deeply bound to Kizaru, reminded him.
Looking ahead with a smile, Kizaru certainly understood that this was a good opportunity to conquer Ohnoki.
The Five Shadows meeting that decided to send troops had only six participants, three of whom were from Kizaru's side.
As long as Kizaru is willing to help, Onoki's speech at the meeting can be easily covered up, or someone else can take the blame.
For example, the Third Raikage also insisted on sending troops to conquer Uchiha Madara as soon as possible.
Among the six people, five of them said that it was the Third Raikage who was the one who sent the troops. So, whether the Third Raikage wanted it or not, he was determined to bear the responsibility.
"Chiyo-senpai, now is not the time to talk about this. The murder of the daimyo is something that no one wants to see." He knew in his heart that this was a good thing, but on the surface, Kizaru still had to look sad, "I hope Ōnoki-senpai, I can get over my sadness sooner."
Hearing Kizaru's answer, the suspicion in Chiyo's heart dissipated.
After learning that Uchiha Madara attacked the village and killed all the daimyo and nobles, Chiyo actually had doubts. Behind this incident, there was the shadow of Kizaru's intervention.
But Kizaru's performance seemed to indicate that he really didn't know.
"I made a mistake." Chiyo apologized.
Moving quickly all the way again, the tens of thousands of ninja village coalition forces rushed back to Konoha just as the sun was about to set.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had already received the news, welcomed the returning coalition forces with Mito Kaden and Koharu.
Now that the village was attacked and the internal staff was empty, Sarutobi Hiruzen chose to let his two old partners temporarily assist in the logistics arrangements of the coalition forces.
Leaving the two men responsible for the resettlement of allied ninjas, Sarutobi Hiruzen saw Onoki, who looked extremely ugly, and several other Kages.
"The Third Hokage, how is the situation now?" Ohnoki asked eagerly with the last glimmer of hope.
"It was early in the morning when Uchiha Madara attacked. Except for a few young nobles who stayed at the Gambling Hall, everyone else was killed." Looking at the person responsible, Sarutobi Hiruzen said with sympathy.
His body trembled and his head felt dizzy. If it weren't for the kind support of the Third Raikage beside him, Onoki might have fallen backwards and fell to the ground.
It's over, it's all over!
At this moment, Onoki really gave up. He had already seen the destruction of his family and the decline of Iwagakure Village.
"The Third Tsuchikage, things are not at the final stage yet. Now the enemy is in front of us. You have to cheer up." The Third Raikage consoled him sincerely.
If such a big thing happened this time, someone must take responsibility. Ohnoki, the initiator of the proposal to send troops, is definitely the main person responsible. As a supportive supporter, he must also bear a lot of joint responsibility.
If Onoki fell down here, or even committed suicide to apologize, then the families behind these murdered daimyo and nobles would definitely turn their anger on themselves.
Therefore, whether it is from the perspective of personal emotions or personal interests, the Third Raikage hopes that Onoki will be well.
As long as Onoki doesn't fall, he won't bear much responsibility. If Kizaru shares the responsibility with the decision maker, there will basically be no responsibility.
So, Onoki, you have to hold on!
That is to say, we don’t know what the Third Raikage is thinking. Otherwise, Onoki, who is deeply moved, will definitely choose to drag the Third Raikage to die together.
"Everyone, it's crowded here, let's talk when we go back!" Kizaru, who came from behind with a calm expression and even a bit of worry, said.
Everyone unanimously agreed with Kizaru's proposal, and after entrusting the affairs of the coalition to Hiruzen Sarutobi, they walked towards the center of the village together.
Arriving at the Hokage Building and entering the conference room that had been prepared, Tobirama was already sitting here waiting for everyone.
"Everyone, how should we explain to the countries now?" When everyone sat down, Tobirama asked straight to the point.
With a stiff face, Onoki looked at the Third Raikage sitting aside, hoping that this ally could help him at this time.
Facing Ohnoki's request for help, the Third Raikage gave him a reassuring look.
The Third Raikage: Don’t worry! I'm also counting on you to help attract Wrath.
Ohnoki: The Third Raikage is an ally who is quite reliable!
"Has the news of the daimyo's murder been leaked?" Kizaru asked while sitting in the main seat.
"I have blocked the news and have not leaked it for the time being." Tobirama replied.
Hearing Tobirama's words, Ohnoki was temporarily relieved. What he needed most now was time to save himself.
"However, this matter can't be hidden for long, we still have to come up with countermeasures as soon as possible." Tobirama added.
"I suggest that you all return to your country as soon as possible to ensure the stability of the official situation in each country and at the same time appease the emotions of the victim's family." The Third Raikage made cautious suggestions.
"Appease? I think we should give an explanation to the daimyo and nobles!" Chiyo said in a slightly sinister tone as he deliberately looked at Ohnoki.
Among the people present, Chiyo has the most confidence. After all, at the original meeting, she clearly expressed her opposition to sending troops and warned to be wary of Uchiha Madara's attack.
Facts have proved that her suggestion was correct. Uchiha Madara really took advantage of everyone's opportunity to send troops to attack Konoha, snatched away the tailed beasts, and killed the daimyo and nobles.
"The Fourth Kazekage, now Uchiha Madara is raging in the ninja world and is ruthless. We must unite and avoid internal strife! This attack is just an accident. Everyone has done their best. If we want to explain, we must eliminate Uchiha Madara as soon as possible. , handing his head to the daimyo and nobles is the best explanation." The Third Raikage held great righteousness and defended Ohnoki with reasonable grounds.
Glancing at the Third Raikage gratefully, Onoki was both grateful for his protection of himself and grateful for finding a glimmer of hope in his suggestions.
If he could make a huge contribution in the war against Uchiha Madara and gain recognition from the ninjas, he might be able to gain a chance for himself and his family.
"This attack is indeed a tragedy caused by my eagerness to eliminate Madara Uchiha and bring peace to the ninja world. I am willing to use actions to make up for my mistakes! I hope that at this time, everyone can do what the Third Raikage said, Unite and fight against the enemy together.
If you are dissatisfied with me, I am willing to die to apologize after destroying Madara Uchiha! "
Taking retreat as an opportunity to advance, Onoki admitted his mistake, but also expressed his willingness to strive for meritorious service and atonement.
"We can understand, but those nobles may not understand." It was Hanzo who spoke. He saw Chiyo being in the limelight and constantly making meritorious deeds in front of Kizaru, and said boldly not to be outdone.
With his mouth slightly open, Onoki did not look at Hanzo who was speaking, but stared directly at Kizaru. He knew that only Kizaru spoke at this time could ensure that the contents of the last meeting would not be leaked.
As long as the content of the meeting is not leaked, then the responsibility for this time is not his own responsibility, but all the Kages participating in the meeting. To magnify it, it means the five major ninja villages and Amegakure Village.
Political mistakes are a life-threatening matter for one person to bear. If hundreds or even thousands of people, or even everyone in the same camp, are responsible, then it is not a mistake, but an accident.
His right hand was placed on the table, and his five slender fingers were gently tapping the table in turn as if playing a piano. Kizaru's expression was calm and silent, making it impossible for anyone to see what he was thinking.
"The Fourth Hokage, what do you mean?" There are some things that Onoki, the person concerned, cannot ask. The Third Raikage can help.
"An explanation must be given." Kizaru expressed his attitude, which made Onoki's expression look ugly again, "So many nobles were collectively murdered, and we must consider the anger and resentment of the families behind them. This is not just a sentence or two. Words can calm it down.”
"The Fourth Hokage, please put the overall situation first." The Third Raikage said morally.
"Oh ho ho!" Kizaru laughed, looking at the Third Raikage and Onoki, and said meaningfully, "It is precisely because we have to put the overall situation first that we must calm down the anger of the nobles as soon as possible."
In the war against Uchiha Madara, the material and logistical support of the nobles is also very important. If they have opinions about the Ninja Village Alliance, or even suspect the death of their own daimyo and family officials, then the entire Ninja Village Alliance will be born from within. Huge crack.
Everyone present understood the profound meaning and reminder from Kizaru's words.
Even Onoki, the responsible party, had to admit that what Kizaru said was correct.
"The Fourth Hokage, although the Third Tsuchikage proposed this troop dispatch, we all approved it, and you also approved it! Do you want the Third Tsuchikage to bear the responsibility alone?" The Third Raikage directly chose Ming asked.
It was so straightforward, not because of the Third Raikage, but because of the decision he made after thinking about it.
This statement of his made Onoki owe him a huge favor on the one hand, and on the other hand it also used it to set up Kizaru.
If Kizaru admits that he plans to take advantage of Onoki and explain to the nobles, it will give people the image of a leader who shirks his responsibilities and is irresponsible.
"I didn't say that Onoki-senpai should bear the responsibility alone." Kizaru denied.
"Then how are you going to give the nobles an explanation?" the Third Raikage asked.
Smiling, Kizaru asked: "Isn't this supposed to be a way for you to give me?"
Speaking of this, Kizaru paused and looked at Onoki deeply, "Do you think so, Onoki-senpai?"
"I will give everyone an explanation to calm the anger of the nobles." Ohnoki promised bravely.
"Oh ho ho! As expected of Onoki-senpai, you are really responsible! As a junior, I must learn more from you." Kizaru said with a smile.
Seeing Kizaru throw the question to Onoki in just a few words, both the Third Raikage and Onoki himself felt panicked!
This little fox is becoming more and more cunning and slippery!
Seeing that the scene became silent, Tobirama waited for a while and then said: "Everyone is too tired from running back and forth. This is the end of today's meeting! After the break, we will talk tomorrow!"
The situation is still confusing now, and Ohnoki also needs time to think about countermeasures, and he also needs someone to help analyze the problem and give appropriate opinions.
"Okay." Ohnoki said calmly.
"Then let's adjourn the meeting!" Kizaru said.
With Kizaru's words, others also agreed.
Everyone left their seats and everyone left the conference room one after another.
All his energy was focused on thinking about countermeasures in his mind. Onoki was the slowest and fell at the end.
"Oonoki-senpai, if you have time, we can have a good chat in the evening."
Kizaru's voice rang in his ears. Onoki instinctively looked to the side, but did not find Kizaru's figure. Looking forward, he found Kizaru standing at the door, looking back and smiling at him.
Not in the mood to be surprised by Kizaru's sound transmission method, Onoki's first thought was the purpose of Kizaru's invitation.
Thinking of the last few words Kizaru said and the look in his eyes, Onoki seemed to understand something.
Kizaru wanted to take the opportunity to win over him.
With his head lowered, he walked out of the door and walked to the corridor. Ohnoki thought about how he should deal with Kizaru's solicitation.
"The Third Tsuchikage, don't worry! I will support you!" Standing in the aisle, waiting for Ohnoki to walk out, the Third Tsuchikage lowered his head and said.
Stopping and looking up at the Third Raikage in front of him, Onoki said gratefully: "Thank you very much, Third Raikage!"
"We are allies!" After speaking seriously, the Third Raikage nodded to Ohnoki, then turned and walked forward.
Standing there and watching the third generation Raikage leave, Onoki's eyes flashed with a trace of entanglement and hesitation.
After a long time, Ohnoki's feelings for his family, especially his son, made him decide to go to the appointment tonight.
I'm so sorry! The Third Raikage!
I have been really unlucky recently, but I have almost recovered today. As a result, because my health improved, I had an appetite, and I wanted to eat meat, I ordered a roast duck on Meituan.
I don’t know if there is something wrong with the roast duck, or if I ate light food a few days ago, but today I suddenly ate greasy food, my stomach was not used to it, and I started having diarrhea again. I really took it! What kind of luck is this!
(End of chapter)
