After a long period of careful consideration, Minato ultimately told the Fourth Hokage everything that happened and the conversations that took place during the trip to Otogakure.
"I never imagined he would develop such an evil idea!"
Sakumo Hatake was initially very shocked, but gradually he noticed some problems that puzzled him.
"But according to what you said, he wants to eliminate all ninja through the Divine Tree. Since he has this idea, why hasn't he acted now? Instead, he told you this goal..."
Minato was slightly stunned upon hearing this. He didn't understand this question either. He didn't know what Ryun was waiting for, or why he would state this extreme goal...
"Could it be that he was really just joking? Or perhaps even he hasn't decided whether he truly wants to eliminate ninja..."
Hearing this, Sakumo Hatake felt shocked and doubtful. He immediately ordered the Anbu to summon Sarutobi Hiruzen, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and others.
The matter was of great importance. He did not dare to draw conclusions rashly based solely on Minato's account.
Soon after, Sakumo Hatake, now fully briefed on the specifics, still couldn't make a decision. He simply sought advice from the eldest, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"I think that kid probably does have the notion of eliminating ninja, but most likely hasn't made up his mind yet..."
"Also, I'm somewhat confused about why he wants to eliminate ninja. Saying that ninja are the source of the world's chaos is a far fetched reason. Wherever there are people, there will be conflict. The absence of ninja doesn't mean the world will be peaceful..."
"As for Jiraiya's theory about using absolute force to guide the world towards peace, he might be capable of that now. The power of the nine Tailed Beasts combined into one probably far exceeds our imagination. Add to that his own power, the Akatsuki organization, Otogakure, Amegakure... With so much power, it's enough to sweep across the world!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice continued to sound in the Hokage's office, while Sakumo Hatake and the others listened quietly without interrupting.
"Before he has made up his mind, or before he formally declares war on the nations, we cannot blindly take the initiative to unite the nations, and even more so, we cannot blindly take the initiative to start a war with him..."
Initiating the Fourth Great Ninja War because of a half true, half false statement is too frivolous and does not take the lives of all ninja in the world seriously...
Even if Uchiha Ryun's words are true, it's unknown whether the nations would dare to declare war on him, and it's also unknown whether the other four great ninja villages would believe Konoha's story...
Once the arrow is fired, there is no turning back. If Konoha initiates the Five Kage Summit, it means we want to fight Otogakure. At that point, the Fourth Great Ninja War would be inevitable!
"Of course, we absolutely must not sit idly by and wait for death. First, we must find ways to ascertain that kid's true intentions. Second, we must devise methods to seal or dismantle that Divine Tree. Third, we must train troops and prepare for battle, striving to enhance Konoha's overall strength in preparation for the arrival of the Fourth Great Ninja War!"
After Sarutobi Hiruzen laid out his personal views, everyone present nodded in agreement, their minds suddenly clear. Sakumo Hatake also understood what he needed to do next.
"Next, I will urge all Konoha ninja to use their free time to improve their personal strength. I will also eliminate some time consuming and labor intensive missions, striving to free up more time and energy for everyone."
The Fourth Hokage quickly made a series of strategic deployments, including reducing cumbersome missions, increasing military spending, and focusing on cultivating combat talents. Everything he did was to deal with potential future disasters and war!
Minato took the opportunity to ask Sakumo Hatake for Naruto and Sasuke. He did not mention the matter of the Sage of Six Paths, only saying that he wanted to focus on training them both and hoped Konoha would not assign them ninja missions for the time being.
Sakumo Hatake readily agreed to his request.
Tsunade then proactively stepped forward, saying she wanted to go live in Otogakure for a period of time with Shizune, both to figure out Ryun's true intentions and to gather information on that Divine Tree.
Regarding Lady Tsunade's decision, Sakumo Hatake naturally approved with both hands and feet.
"Tsunade, you're going to Otogakure... I've also been idle lately, let me accompany you?" Jiraiya volunteered.
"You go stay over there. I can stay at the Shadow's Residence in Otogakure. What are you tagging along for? Too many people will only make Otogakure vigilant," Tsunade said impatiently.
"You can stay at the Shadow's Residence, but I can't stay at the Sound Shadow's Residence??? You do your investigation, I'll do mine. I didn't say we have to stick together..." Jiraiya curled his lip, somewhat displeased.
"Orochimaru would let you stay at the Sound Shadow's Residence? Where does a big dummy like you get such confidence???" Tsunade couldn't help but mock him.
"Hmph, how do you know it won't work?" Jiraiya felt that Orochimaru would still remember their old ties.
"Also, where do you get the confidence that Ryun will let you stay in the Shadow's Residence?"
As soon as Jiraiya said this, Tsunade cast a scornful look at him. "He is my little brother. It's not like Shizune and I haven't stayed at the Shadow's Residence before."
"I'm not so sure about that... That kid is currently at home in secluded training. Would he really let you disturb his peace?"
Jiraiya's sarcastic tone instantly ignited Tsunade's anger. She suddenly slammed the table and stood up. "Who do you think I am? If I want to stay, would he really not let me? Stop trying to drive a wedge between us here!"
"Oh? Really? Then want to make a bet? I bet you and Shizune won't be able to stay in the Shadow's Residence..."
Jiraiya's confident expression made Tsunade see red. She felt she was being looked down upon...
"Fine, a bet it is. This time, I'm betting my entire fortune. Whoever doesn't dare to take it is a grandson!" As Tsunade spoke, she actually took off the green gemstone necklace from her neck.
Seeing this, Jiraiya's face turned green. This green gemstone necklace was priceless. He simply didn't have that much money to match Tsunade's bet.
"What? Don't dare? Where's that arrogance from a moment ago???" Tsunade took the opportunity to taunt him.
"I don't have that much money..." Jiraiya said truthfully.
"Whatever you have, I'll match it. If I lose, I'll sell the necklace and pay you that amount. Give me a straight answer, bet or not? Stop dithering here."
Tsunade said triumphantly. She obviously trusted Ryun's character deeply, certain in her heart that he would not turn her away.
"Hmph, bet it is. I want to see just how strong your relationship is!" Jiraiya gritted his teeth and confirmed the bet.
He originally wanted to use the bet as a pretext to accompany Tsunade to Otogakure, but he didn't expect her reaction to be so intense, leaving him somewhat unable to back down...
Furthermore, firstly, Ryun was in secluded training, and secondly, his wife and children were not home... Jiraiya felt it was unlikely he would let two women stay in his house. Tsunade might not understand maintaining distance and boundaries, but Jiraiya didn't believe Ryun was also ignorant of these things.
A man who knows how to 'respect' his wife definitely wouldn't have low emotional intelligence, so Jiraiya felt he could win!
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