Reborn as the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen

Everyone was stunned by Hiruzen's words that even the usually composed General Kamado and Mifune looked shaken.

The Third Raikage Ay, smirked, "So, Hokage, are we wiping out Sunagakure? Count me in." Ohnoki and Kazawa seemed intrigued as well.

Shamon, the Kazekage, frowned and said seriously, "Didn't the Hokage call for this Five Kage Summit to resolve the war and now you're talking about starting another one?"

He paused, but when no one acknowledged him he sighed and continued, "Perhaps I'm too old to keep up with you younger Kage. Once the Five Kage Summit is over, I will resign as Kazekage and spend the rest of my days within the walls of Sunagakure." He then turned to Hiruzen, his gaze unwavering.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was perplexed. 'Why are you looking at me like that? He thought. Do you think you can just resign and make all of this never exist? It wasn't that simple. He had long suspected that the real mastermind was Uchiha Madara. Otherwise, with Senju Tobirama's Flying Thunder God, he should have been able to escape. Kinkaku and Ginkaku weren't the type to target the Hokage specifically but he couldn't reveal this. Not only would it cause panic across the ninja world, but it could also give the other hidden villages an excuse to turn their anger toward Konoha. After all, Madara was once one of their own.'

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath and said, "The matter of Sand Village's leadership is your internal affair. As I have said before, Konoha has no interest in interfering in the governance of any hidden village. Our only concern is the peace of the ninja world. The original intent of the Five Kage Summit remains unchanged.

That said, Senior Shamon, while your resignation is your choice, the fact remains that the inaction of Sand Village has led to great losses for the other four villages. I trust that as an honorable leader you will take responsibility."

Shamon's expression darkened as he turned to the other Kage.

The Third Raikage Ay spoke up first. "Give us half of Sand Village's mission share, and we'll call it even."

"Ahem!" Ohnoki interrupted before he could finish. What use is Sand Village's mission share? Missions in the Wind Country were far away, dangerous, and came with the added risk of Sunagakure's resentment. It was a terrible deal where money was a far more practical demand.

Ohnoki turned to the others, "The Third Raikage isn't thinking this through. Mission quotas are the lifeblood of every village. Instead, how about this—Kazekage, you pay 100 million ryo to each village as compensation?"

Hiruzen nodded pretentiously, "The Tsuchikage's method is not a bad idea."

The Third Raikage Ai said depressedly, "I'll let you go this time. 100 million taels cannot be owed."

Kazawa continues, "I agree with the Tsuchikage's opinion."

Shamon took a long breath and said with a helpless expression, "The Wind Country is located in the desert. Although the territory is large, there is not much output. The population and economy cannot be compared with your four villages. It is already difficult to survive in the desert can you reduce the amount?" He looked at the Third Raikage Ay. The old man felt that the Third Raikage was the easiest to deal with. As long as he asked for a reduction, other hidden villages would have to reduce it.

The Third Raikage Ai had a blank expression, "Our Second Raikage is dead."

Shamon looked at others with a bitter face.

Ohnoki, Hiruzen, and Kazawa all said in unison: "Our second-generation Kage is also dead."

Realizing there was no room for negotiation, Shamon had no choice but to agree, though his face was filled with resentment. The truth was, everyone knew Sunagakure wasn't behind the war. But now that they had the opportunity to profit from it, no one was willing to let it slide.

At that moment, Hiruzen shifted the topic. "With personal grievances settled, it's time we focus on the real threat. We need to exchange intelligence and uncover the mastermind behind this war."

He gestured to Danzo, "This is the information Konoha extracted from Kinkaku and Ginkaku, take a look. Rest assured, Raikage, there are no secrets regarding Kumogakure within."

Danzo stepped down from the Konoha platform and approached Kumogakure's delegation. Bowing slightly, he handed over a scroll.

Dodai took the scroll and passed it to the Raikage, who then circulated it among the other Kage. In response, Ohnoki, Zhan Tai Gu Liang, and Shamon also shared their own intelligence scrolls.

After reviewing the gathered information, Ohnoki floated into the air and analyzed the findings. "From what we've gathered, the mastermind uses both genjutsu and other forms of mind control. Their targets tend to be decision-makers or those with access to critical intelligence. Does anyone have anything to add?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, deep in thought, "For the sake of discussion, let us temporarily name this entity 'X.' The X Organization seems to have extensive knowledge of each village's leadership and key personnel. Their ability to remain undetected suggests they are experts at concealment."

Shamon seized the opportunity to provoke Konoha. "Interestingly, no one from Konoha has been controlled. And at the start of this war, it was four villages against Konoha. Could it be that this 'X Organization' only holds a grudge against Konoha?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen met his gaze firmly. "Kazekage, do not question my commitment to peace therefore allow me to explain.

First, Konoha is home to the Uchiha clan. Who in their right mind would attempt genjutsu against the masters of genjutsu?

Second, we have the Hyūga clan. No one can hide from their Byakugan.

Third, Konoha has numerous specialized clans—Inuzuka, Aburame, Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi, Sarutobi, Shimura, and more.

Would the people behind this scheme dare set foot in Konoha? Furthermore, the war began only after the death of the First Hokage. If this 'X Organization' was truly fearless, why didn't they act while he was alive? It proves they fear Konoha's strength."

His voice grew sharper. "Konoha is not afraid to stand against this X Organization. However, are the rest of you willing to do the same? If not, Konoha can simply remain uninvolved. The question is—what will you do?"

The Third Raikage shot a glare at the Kazekage, "Enough, Shamon. Stop stirring up trouble. We should work together to protect peace."

Ohnoki nodded. "The X Organization is either weak or lacks high-level combat power. Otherwise, they wouldn't rely on manipulation. I suggest investigating smaller nations. Also, consider who stands to gain the most from this war."

Kazawa added, "Strange jutsu should also be investigated. The Land of Hot Water has legends about human sacrifices to an 'Evil God.'"

Shamon hesitated before mentioning, "There was also an incident in the Land of Grass."

Ohnoki raised an eyebrow, "You mean… the Box of Ultimate Bliss? The artifact that supposedly absorbs emotions?"

Shamon nodded grimly, "I was involved in the incident. I can only say it was terrifying. The box disappeared into Hōzuki Castle."

Hiruzen decided to wrap things up. "Each village will form an investigative team. We will work separately but share findings annually. This X Organization is deeply hidden, and its plans span decades. Thus, the Five Kage Summit must be held regularly. The next one will be in five years."

No one objected.

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "To ensure lasting peace, let's establish these conventions…" And with that, he laid the foundation for the future of the ninja world.

Starting today, the five hidden villages will maintain regular communication, and in the event of conflicts, the Five Kage Conference will be held to mediate.

Next, for rebellious ninjas, a new rule will be established. From the moment a ninja becomes a fugitive, there will be a one-month period where they can be pursued by any village. Within that month, whoever catches them must return them to their original village. After one month, the responsibility falls solely on the one who catches or kills the fugitive. The original village will not be able to pursue them. Additionally, once a ninja is declared rebellious, their actions no longer reflect on the original village, and they can be killed without repercussions by anyone.

Lastly, ninjas are prohibited from attacking civilians without cause and fighting in civilian areas. If damage occurs in these areas, the responsible ninja must compensate for the loss. If the ninja refuses, their village will be held accountable, and the General's Office of the Iron Country will oversee the process.

"General Kamado, do you accept the responsibility of overseeing this?" said Hiruzen.