"Come in."

As the door opened, an ANBU ninja rushed in, knelt on one knee, and handed over a scroll. Hiruzen took it and was shocked; his straight back bent and hunched over.

After ordering the Anbu to retreat, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was ashen. "News has come from the border that the Cloud Ninja have mobilized nearly a thousand men, with the Fourth Raikage personally leading the charge. Several border outposts have been breached, resulting in over two hundred casualties, with only thirty-odd seriously wounded escaping! Fortunately, they may be wary of Onoki, as they did not venture further in."

"Damn Cloud Ninja!" Danzo couldn't help but curse. "How dare they offend Konoha! They must pay the price!"

Under the watchful eyes of several people, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and paced back and forth, his mind constantly in thought.

"Danzo, your confinement is lifted. I will recruit 2,000 people, and you will lead them to rebuild the border defenses with the Root. You must stop the Cloud Ninja!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flashed with a cold light as he continued assigning tasks, "Hitsugi, you're in charge of contacting the major clans in the village and recruiting reserves. Koharu, you prepare supplies and contact the daimyo to increase funding. As for the Iwa ninja, send some reinforcements and increase security. We absolutely cannot allow them to break through again!"

"Alright," Danzo's voice was firm and smug. "You still have to rely on me at crucial moments, Hiruzen!"

Danzo secretly planned that this trip to the border would allow him to establish a defensive line to stop the Cloud Ninja barbarians, build prestige, and recruit some skilled ninjas to join Root, thereby strengthening Root's power.

In this way, I'm one step closer to becoming Hokage!