Chapter 115: Cloud Village’s Test
"Lord Sandaime, this is the document submitted by Kumogakure."
An Anbu agent handed over a scroll. "A group of envoys from Kumogakure will soon arrive in Konoha. They claim to want to learn more about tailed beast countermeasures."
Sarutobi Hiruzen unrolled the document and scanned its contents. Though the language was diplomatic and courteous on the surface, he could smell the underlying intent a mile away—disgusting.
"Hmph," muttered Mitokado Enma with a scowl. "Kumogakure has always been scheming. Now that they’ve seen us weakened by the Nine-Tails, they’re looking to test our strength. They’re not just coming to learn—they’re looking for an opening."
"Enma’s right," Utatane Koharu said with a sigh. "Kumo has always been like a pack of wolves. They circle when they smell weakness, waiting for the chance to strike."
Sarutobi tapped the ash from his pipe before responding. "The question is—what do we do about it? Kumo’s already making moves at the border. We can’t just sit around and hope for the best. Everyone must do their part. I want each of you to mobilize some elite troops from your clans to support our border defenses."
"The Nine-Tails Rebellion didn’t cause large-scale losses across the village, but the Anbu suffered heavily. Combined with the number of injured, we’re stretched thin."
Utane Koharu and Mitokado Enma looked uncomfortable, exchanging a quick glance.
"Sarutobi, that’s asking a lot," Enma finally said, forcing a cough. "Our clans are small to begin with. After the Nine-Tails attack, we barely have enough manpower left."
"But according to the records," Sarutobi replied coolly, "your clans were primarily in charge of evacuation efforts that day, not direct combat. So where, exactly, did your losses come from? Don’t tell me the evacuees didn’t make it out."
He knew exactly what they were doing—trying to protect their own interests under the guise of concern. It was true their clans were small, but not so small they couldn’t spare a few troops.