The village meeting regarding the death of Uchiha Sen was held at the Hokage's office.
In the conference room, many eyes were fixed on Uchiha Fugaku.
Some expressions were unreadable, skillfully concealing their true feelings.
The Uchiha clan had always been proud, but now that the clan had suffered a loss an elite Jonin killed some were secretly glad.
However, the Uchiha clan was powerful, and most did not want to provoke conflict with them.
Others wore openly mocking looks, such as Shimura Daisuke, head of the Shimura clan.
A faint smirk played on his lips, his eyes filled with derision.
The animosity between the Uchiha and Shimura clans was well-known, so he made no effort to hide his contempt.
A few showed sympathetic gazes, but they were rare.
Under the slander cast by Konoha's higher-ups led by the Third Hokage, the Uchiha clan's reputation had been severely tarnished.
Though since taking over this body, he had been trying to improve the Uchiha clan's image, time was too short to undo the longstanding stigma.
"Everyone is surely aware of today's agenda."
"After an Anbu squad was attacked by a Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user, now another elite Jonin has fallen victim to the same kind of Wood Release user."
From the head seat, the Third Hokage cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention before speaking.
"Hokage-sama, this Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user has struck repeatedly at Konoha's ninja. It's clear they harbor deep hostility toward Konoha. We must take this matter seriously."
Hyuga Hiashi, clan leader of the Hyuga and wearing a kimono, spoke, his pale Byakugan eyes steady.
"Hyashi-sama is right. This is indeed something we must pay close attention to."
Nara Shikaku, leader of the Nara clan and recognizable by his pineapple-shaped hair, agreed.
A Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user attacking repeatedly showed undeniable hostility toward Konoha.
"Third Hokage, this matter truly warrants attention."
An elderly man with white hair and glasses spoke next.
He was Mito Monen, one of the three village advisors and a person of considerable influence.
"Yes, we must take this seriously. I will order the Anbu to gather intelligence on this individual and monitor their every move."
The Third Hokage nodded, agreeing.
A ninja possessing Wood Release Kekkei Genkai and harboring strong hostility toward Konoha was a serious threat.
"Hokage-sama, this person is clearly targeting ninjas on missions outside the village. Until they are eliminated, the safety of those on missions cannot be guaranteed."
"I propose selecting twelve elite ninjas from the village to form a special squad to hunt down and eliminate this Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user."
Uchiha Fugaku spoke up.
"Hokage-sama, I support Clan Leader Fugaku's proposal. This Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user has targeted Konoha ninjas; we must quickly form an elite squad to find and destroy them."
A man with silver-white hair nodded in agreement.
This was Hatake Nobuhiro, head of the Hatake clan.
His support stemmed partly from recognizing the threat, and partly from repaying a favor from the guard division last time.
"I also agree."
Hyuga clan leader Hiashi nodded as well.
The Hyuga and Uchiha clans were not particularly close; if anything, they were rivals competing for the title of "Konoha's top clan."
Hiashi's agreement was motivated by news that Uchiha Sen's eyes had been removed.
This Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user was obviously targeting Kekkei Genkai holders.
The Hyuga clan was also a Kekkei Genkai family and likely a future target.
Though the Hyuga had the Caged Bird seal to destroy the Byakugan upon death to prevent it from falling into enemy hands, Orochimaru—behind this Wood Release user—was a master of sealing techniques, so there was no guarantee the seal was unbreakable.
"I oppose."
At that moment, a dissenting voice rang out.
The speaker wore a brown kimono and was tall and lean: Shimura Daisuke, head of the Shimura clan.
He cast a cold smile at Uchiha Fugaku and gave his reasons.
"This Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user's strength is undoubtedly at the Kage level. To hunt them down, each of the twelve selected must be elite Jonin."
"Currently, the village's missions are numerous and pressing. Drawing away so many elite Jonin would severely impact mission completion rates and damage the village's reputation."
"Besides, even if the squad succeeds in encircling and killing this Wood Release user, fewer than half of the twelve would likely survive. The cost is too high."
In truth, Shimura's opposition had another reason: this Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user was targeting Kekkei Genkai holders in Konoha.
The Shimura clan did not possess Kekkei Genkai and would not be targeted.
Though he dared not voice this, as it would anger everyone.
"Shimura-sama makes a valid point. Drafting twelve elite Jonin would seriously impact mission completion rates. Even if successful, the cost is too great."
Before the words finished, Aburame Shibi, head of the Aburame clan and wearing sunglasses, quickly voiced support.
The Aburame clan was close to the Shimura clan, so he was the first to back Shimura's opposition.
"Indeed, it would affect mission completion and the village's reputation."
"Even if the hunt succeeds, the loss would be severe."
The ninjas present debated heatedly, many harboring serious concerns.
Shimura Daisuke's final remarks weighed heavily.
If a twelve-person elimination squad was formed, they would have to draw elite Jonin from among themselves or their clans.
With such high risk, no one could guarantee that their own clan's elite would escape injury or death.
This caused hesitation and doubt.
Uchiha Fugaku glanced at Shimura Daisuke.
Indeed, a clan leader was no simple figure—just a few words and he sowed doubt among the gathered.
Fugaku spoke.
"True, the cost will be great. But if we do nothing, the village will continue to suffer casualties."
"This time it was my Uchiha clan's member who died. Next time, it may not be the Uchiha. It might be one of your clans."
"Fugaku-sama's point has merit!"
"Indeed, the next victim might be one of our clans."
"The enemy has targeted the village; there will be more casualties."
The discussions resumed. Clearly, Fugaku's words had some effect.
"Fugaku-sama, you speak lightly. If the decision to hunt the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai user passes, how many clan members will you send to participate?"
Sensing the shift, Shimura Daisuke quickly asked.
"Since this proposal comes from my Uchiha clan, we will not shirk responsibility. We will send our prodigy, Uchiha Shisui."
Fugaku replied.
"Though young, Shisui already possesses elite Jonin strength. Sending such a genius should demonstrate our sincerity, don't you think?"
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