Now, even regret is too late; that little girl from the Uchiha Clan has already grown to the point where even Root cannot easily deal with her.
To eliminate her in secret, it would likely require at least several Jonin and over a dozen Chunin working together, setting up an elaborate trap in advance.
But now, he can't even control her movements or schedule, so trying to set another trap for her like in previous years is nearly impossible.
"My apologies, Lord Danzo."
"This has nothing to do with you. The situation between Root and the Uchiha Clan right now is exactly the balance that the Third Hokage desires. This balance, sooner or later, will harm the village. Therefore, never let your guard down with these people."
Danzo made such a judgment.
In his eyes, the policy of balance that Hiruzen always upheld was nothing but a compromise after yielding to the Uchiha Clan.
This kind of balance ensured some stability for Konoha, but it also made Konoha miss several opportunities to grow stronger.
As expected, he was the one truly suited to be the Hokage.
Thinking of this, there was a hint of nostalgia in Danzo's eyes.
That momentary hesitation back then cost him the Hokage position, leaving him buried deep beneath Konoha's darkness as its Root.
Looking back now, nothing fills him with more regret than this.
And now, this is the moment when he would use Root to save Konoha anew.
◎
Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.
In a nondescript meeting room, all the high-ranking Jonin of Hidden Sand, including the Third Kazekage, were gathered.
Even the advisor siblings Chiyo and Ebizo were among them, serving as the Third Kazekage's right-hand assistants.
"Everyone, I've decided that next year we will launch an attack on Konoha of the Land of Fire."
At the start of the meeting, the Third Kazekage went straight to the point.
After hearing this, the elite Jonin around him did not look surprised.
Thinking carefully, Hidden Sand had already begun secretly amassing power since the last Ninja War, laying the groundwork for the Third Ninja War, which they would personally ignite not long from now.
The Third Kazekage proposing it at this time was simply expected.
In order to warm up for the imminent Third Ninja War, during the last Ninja War, Konoha's elite Jonin Katou Dan was sacrificed. At that time, Hidden Sand was already scheming.
Just last year, Konoha's White Fang committed suicide due to a blunder by Konoha's leadership, causing heavy losses in their top-tier combat strength—a heaven-sent opportunity.
Moreover, the Third Hokage needs to remain in Konoha to defend against the other ninja villages and cannot easily mobilize.
Right now, the only high-end forces Konoha can send to the battlefield are the Konoha Sannin.
During the last Ninja War, the Sannin performed well; the three of them joined forces to block the Hidden Sand forces led by their Kazekage.
But later, the Sannin grew exhausted. If not for White Fang infiltrating Hidden Sand's formation and causing chaos, Hidden Sand would have succeeded last time.
But now, with no second White Fang in Konoha, on the battlefield—with their Kazekage present—what can the Sannin really do?
"Kazekage-sama, what's the specific time for the attack on Konoha?"
A Jonin couldn't help but ask.
The general plan was clear to all the elite Jonin present; the only thing left to decide was when would be the best time to strike Konoha.
"I've discussed this with Elder Chiyo and Elder Ebizo ahead of time; we believe February next year is the optimal moment. The second month after New Year, a surprise attack on Konoha."
After the Third Kazekage finished speaking, the senior advisors Chiyo and Ebizo sat calmly in their seats, clearly agreeing with the Kazekage's strategy.
The other elite Jonin exchanged glances; though some had reservations, since the three most influential members agreed, attacking Konoha in February next year was basically settled.
"Elder Chiyo, I'll leave the supply preparations to you."
The Third Kazekage stood up from his seat and instructed Advisor Chiyo at his side.
"Don't worry and leave it to me, Third-sama. I've already arranged for cooperation with Shion Flower Company, having them provide Hidden Sand with a large amount of medical supplies."
Chiyo nodded in assurance.
Since troops would be marching in winter, even at winter's end, the cold might affect combat strength. After all, the climate in the Land of Fire differs greatly from the Land of Wind.
Heating equipment for the winter goes without saying; all kinds of medical supplies must be prepared in advance.
Shion Flower Company might be a newcomer in pharmaceuticals, but the company's power shouldn't be underestimated.
With their branch pharmacy in Hidden Sand Village receiving excellent response, their research and development in medicine is commendable. Both the price and effectiveness are recognized by Hidden Sand civilians and ninja—very user-friendly.
Also, the company represents the government of the neutral Land of Demons, which is another reason for Chiyo's trust.
The Neutral Country does not participate in Ninja Wars and won't be dragged into them. The Land of Demons will never leak information, unless they want to find out if Hidden Sand's blades are sharp enough.
"Then, Elder Ebizo, I'll leave the matter with Hidden Rock to you."
Biting off the Land of Fire would be impossible relying solely on Hidden Sand's strength, but with Hidden Rock, that's a different story.
He had already secretly contacted Hidden Rock's Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, a year ago. Having Ebizo go to Hidden Rock now was to strengthen Hidden Sand's resolve and formally begin full cooperation with Hidden Rock to share the feast that is the Land of Fire.
The Third Kazekage gazed excitedly out the window, in the direction of Konoha in the Land of Fire.
Without White Fang, the Sannin alone absolutely cannot stop the joint forces of Hidden Sand and Hidden Rock.
This time, Hidden Sand is destined to win!