"Only the Hidden Cloud remains relatively tough, but Aomi straightforwardly told them that even if they have the technology to harness the power of Tailed Beasts, Konoha is not afraid and simply ignores their reliance."
"If you were the Hidden Cloud, would you rashly start a war with such a confident enemy?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen explained to Jiraiya, with a hint of shock in his heart.
The negotiations between the Land of Wind's Daimyo and the Hidden Sand Village, Hanzo's current strength, the situation in the Hidden Mist Village after the purge, the burden of population in the Hidden Rock Village—these are top-secret intelligence in the Ninja World, only partially known as rumors, with no one knowing the complete truth or falsehood.
But from their reactions, it seems like they've been caught off guard, revealing their insecurity. Konoha, however, appears to be brimming with confidence, thoroughly informed about the intelligence of all the Hidden Villages, as if eager to initiate war.
"If what Aomi said is true, then their reactions aren't surprising..."
Jiraiya murmured, "But how did Aomi learn about their intelligence and thoughts?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't know either.
Even with Konoha Anbu's advanced intelligence capabilities, they couldn't infiltrate the Kazekage's office to steal letters exchanged with the Land of Wind's Daimyo, they couldn't infiltrate the isolated and insular Hidden Mist Village, nor could they place spies beside Hanzo, who's been inactive for a long time.
"Aomi is truly a remarkable ninja..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen whispered in admiration, "He has just taken control of the Root Division and already acquired such top-secret intelligence."
Jiraiya pursed his lips, wanting to refute, but logic and facts told him that Sarutobi Hiruzen's guess was likely correct.
But how did the Root suddenly become so effective?
In Jiraiya's mind, the Root might perform minor sabotage tasks, but when it comes to real battle, they're not as dependable as the Anbu...
Could it be that within just a few days of Uchiha Aomi taking over, the tools Danzo had brainwashed into submission suddenly pledged their loyalty to him, and swiftly dug up intelligence from various Hidden Villages?
Jiraiya truly didn't understand!
"Do you see, Jiraiya..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen donned a mysterious expression, saying slowly, "This is why Aomi was made the leader of the Root!"
"In such a short time, he has grasped all the intelligence and secrets of the Five Great Hidden Villages. Do you think Minato could achieve that?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked sharply at Jiraiya, as if saying—
This is my insight as the Third Hokage, but you, my pupil, are still too inexperienced!
Jiraiya opened his mouth but didn't know what to say.
Could Namikaze Minato manage to do it?
Even if he believed his pupil had the makings of the Child of Prophecy, at this moment, he couldn't argue stubbornly.
To push back against the pressure from the Five Great Hidden Villages and the Demigod of the Ninja World through intelligence, this formidable ability to dig and grasp information surpasses even Shimura Danzo, famed as the Darkness of the Ninja World...
Namikaze Minato truly lacks Aomi's ability in this regard.
"Old man, it's different, it's different..."
Jiraiya shook his head, sighed, "I admit Aomi has some extraordinary qualities. Everyone knows about his rampage that day. He has secrets within."
Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen's increasingly dangerous and serious look, Jiraiya quickly waved his hand:
"Of course, old man, you've told me this is off-limits, and I have no intention to probe Aomi."
"But I still have to say, war will come eventually. Aomi, though he can help delay it for a while, given their nature, it will ultimately be settled on the battlefield..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, "So, prepare for war, Jiraiya."
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen regained his confidence.
Actually, he thought the same as Jiraiya. He didn't believe Aomi could so quickly take charge of the Root. The ninjas in the Root wouldn't even listen to the Hokage, only loyal to Shimura Danzo.
In Sarutobi Hiruzen's view, controlling the Root required great effort even for him.
But seeing Aomi achieve such great success with the Root, Sarutobi Hiruzen had a revelation that this must be the work of Tobirama-sensei, subtly guiding Aomi.
If it's Tobirama-sensei, manipulating the Root as an extension, acquiring secret intelligence from the various Hidden Villages, then everything seems reasonable...
Though Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a bit regretful about Tobirama taking over Aomi.
But thinking of the future war, the return of Senju Tobirama, who's more terrifying than the Nine-tails, Sarutobi Hiruzen's pressure significantly eased, even feeling a faint sense of anticipation.
"Jiraiya, you must temporarily halt the search for the Child of Prophecy."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said slowly, "Didn't you say you'd take Minato to Mount Myoboku to train in Sage Mode?"
"If you're dissatisfied with Aomi leading the Root, then in the upcoming war, you and Minato should achieve more brilliant accomplishments than Aomi and Tsunade."
"As Hokage, I will be fair. As long as the achievements are great enough, Namikaze Minato can also be promoted exceptionally!"
"But for now, Aomi has acquired much valuable intelligence for the village, delaying the outbreak of war. You have no objection to this, right?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen offered Jiraiya a big promise.
You're unhappy with Aomi as the Root leader, aren't you?
Then compete fairly!
He's already made contributions that can't be ignored. You can't just demand the Hokage position by closing and opening your mouth, right?