Chapter 467: Prepare for Both Outcomes and Observe Kirigakure

"This imposter Third Mizukage used the Wood Release: Piercing Roots Technique to counter my ambush. Furthermore, their personality was extremely insolent," Hatake Sakumo reported with a serious expression, his tone resolute.

"I can confirm that this was indeed Wood Release. As for the individual's identity, that remains unknown."

Tsunade was stunned, her mind spinning. She felt the need to take a moment to process everything.

"After uncovering the truth, the three of us didn't participate in the pursuit. After all, that's Kirigakure's internal matter and has nothing to do with Konoha.

"Additionally, our cooperation didn't include assisting in the capture of the Third Mizukage."

"You made the right decision," Tsunade acknowledged. "Capturing him was never part of our agreement, and it's not our responsibility."

Rubbing her temples, Tsunade regretted letting them speak before everyone else had gathered. Now her mind was a mess, and she couldn't focus.

Calling an emergency meeting meant something significant had occurred.

Those who were summoned immediately dropped what they were doing and arrived at the meeting room.

It was the same group of senior figures, some retired veterans summoned back into action.

A few minutes later...

"What?"

"Wood Release?"

"That's impossible!"

Everyone was shocked, their eyes wide with disbelief. Even Tsunade, who had the task of explaining, looked helpless.

"I was just as shocked, but it's the truth," Tsunade said with a sigh.

"Minato, explain the situation in detail," suggested the Third Hokage, who struggled the most to accept the news.

The elderly Hokage had wisely avoided asking Takuya or Hatake Sakumo, knowing they wouldn't entertain his request. Instead, he turned to Minato, who couldn't refuse.

Minato, unable to dodge the responsibility, reluctantly stood and recounted the events in detail. Only after finishing did he sit back down.

The room fell silent as the gathered shinobi exchanged uneasy glances, clearly still processing the information.

After a long pause, the Third Hokage broke the silence.

"Although this mysterious individual who can use Wood Release warrants investigation, our cooperation with Kirigakure has been completed. That, at least, is a cause for celebration.

"Once the truth is revealed, the war between Konoha and Kirigakure should come to an end, and the sea routes from the Land of Fire will be reopened."

The mysterious person's identity and their mastery of Wood Release couldn't be pursued further for now.

But the mission's success marked a significant achievement.

Konoha needed this war to end to allow time for recovery and rebuilding.

While everyone was curious about the true identity of this enigmatic shinobi, it wasn't their top priority.

"Even so, we should prepare for both outcomes," Koharu Utatane said, her face stern.

"After all, this isn't a matter Kirigakure would want to publicize. Their Mizukage being controlled, or even replaced, and the village being manipulated for years—it's deeply humiliating."

"Would we be any different?" interjected Chōza Akimichi. "If it were Konoha, we wouldn't want to announce it either. So preparing for both outcomes might not even be necessary unless Kirigakure chooses to continue the war."

If this information were made public, Kirigakure would become a laughingstock. Any sensible leadership would suppress such a scandal, at most informing their own upper echelons.

After all, the consequences would be severe.

First, the Blood Mist era had already tarnished their reputation with its brutal internal purges.

Then, an ill-conceived war had drained their resources to the point of near collapse.

If the truth of the Mizukage's situation were revealed, Kirigakure would surely replace Sunagakure as the most mocked of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

"Chōza Akimichi!!!"

Koharu was livid, her face reddening. "You've been contradicting me for decades—do you ever get tired of it?"

The room fell into awkward silence as everyone watched the exchange with bemusement.

Realizing he had spoken out of turn, Chōza cleared his throat and shifted the topic.

"I think we should communicate with Kirigakure first, gauge their stance, and then decide whether to publicize the matter."

Why provoke her?

The Third Hokage sighed inwardly.

Homura Mitokado suppressed a laugh, turning his head away to avoid making the situation worse.

Tsunade, choosing to ignore the bickering seniors, calmly gave her opinion.

"I agree with Chōza. We should first discuss this with Kirigakure and observe their response. Koharu's suggestion is also valid—preparing for both outcomes is prudent.

"If Kirigakure honors the agreement, this will no longer be our concern.

"If they don't, we'll be ready to expose everything."

"I'll issue orders to Orochimaru and Jiraiya to stabilize the front lines, withdraw our forces slightly, and wait for Kirigakure's response."

At this point, continuing the war was out of the question. They needed to see Kirigakure's next move before deciding on further action.

As the meeting devolved into lengthy deliberations, Takuya quickly grabbed Minato and made a hasty exit.

He had no interest in the bureaucratic wrangling that followed. Minato, though initially hesitant, allowed himself to be dragged along. Unfortunately for Hatake Sakumo, he was left behind to endure the discussions.

Tough luck, Takuya thought.

Hatake Sakumo's potential retirement would depend on who was in power.

If the Third Hokage remained in charge, retirement was possible. But with Tsunade at the helm, Sakumo would undoubtedly be reassigned to key positions, possibly even taking over the ANBU.

If ANBU didn't currently have a commander role?

That wasn't an issue.

Konoha could simply create one.

Sakumo's combat style and temperament made him a natural fit for such a position.

Tsunade wouldn't fully retain the old Hokage's cadre. She needed to replace them with individuals she trusted, and Sakumo was among her chosen candidates.

Letting Sakumo retire wasn't an option. Tsunade would gradually reintegrate him into the higher ranks.

As for whether it would offend the Third Hokage? Tsunade couldn't care less.

Does the old man even have any dignity left?

Outside the Hokage building, Minato couldn't help but comment, "The dynamics between those seniors seem a bit..."

"You're quite the observant one," Takuya said, amused.

"Among the Second Hokage's disciples, that old lady was the only woman. She was said to be quite beautiful in her youth and had many admirers, so..."

Takuya explained in a roundabout way.

"..."

Minato paused for a few moments before awkwardly laughing. "I get it."

Even in smaller squads, having one attractive female member often led to issues, let alone in such a prominent group.

"Then why didn't she end up with anyone?"

Minato's curiosity got the better of him.

Takuya's eyes twinkled mischievously as he added, "It seems she was rejected by a certain Uchiha genius..."

Uchiha Kagami?

The revelation was startling. Minato felt as though he had stumbled upon a long-forgotten scandal.

Deciding it was best not to delve into ancient gossip, Minato quickly dropped the topic. Digging into such matters would only invite trouble, especially if they involved certain prominent figures, including those currently imprisoned.

Meanwhile, on the front lines, the war came to a halt after the exposure of the Third Mizukage's secret.

Konoha's forces held their position, while Kirigakure's troops withdrew following orders from Master Genji.