Just like in Sunagakure, the council met in Konoha. In the absence of Hiruzen and his successor, the head seat was left empty. Fujin''s seat was also empty, as were the seats of the civilian council members.

    Koharu started the meeting by asking, "Did Suna receive the message?"

    Shikaku nodded, "They should have received it by now. Their reply should come in a few hours. There isn''t much suspense as to what it''d be."

    Everyone agreed. Under the current circumstances, there was no way Sunagakure would refuse to talk. Senju Hiromasa asked, "Shikaku, were you the one who started the discussion currently happening throughout the village?"

    Shikaku answered, "Yes, though it wasn''t my decision entirely. Lord Third had asked me to do it before the attack."

    Hiromasa replied, "Thought so, this feels like his work. Spread it outside of the village as well, especially in the Land of Wind. Though it won''t have a direct impact on Sunagakure''s council, it''ll reinforce the fear in the hearts of their ninjas. Though intangible, it''ll increase the pressure on their council, which would help us during the negotiation."

    Shikaku smirked and said, "Don''t worry, it is already set in motion."

    Hiromasa chuckled and replied, "I should have expected that."

    He turned his gaze towards others and said, "Now then, it''s time to discuss whom to send to negotiate with Sunagakure. Have you thought about it as well, Shikaku?"

    Shikaku nodded, "Yes. As the two most experienced ninjas as well as the ones who have dealt with such matters the most, I believe Elder Homura and Elder Koharu would be the optimal candidates to lead our team. In addition, we''ll also need to send a few Clan Leaders. Any of you want to volunteer?"

    He turned his gaze to his fellow Clan Leaders. Tsume was the first one to speak up, "I''ll go. I want to see what those geniuses were thinking to attack us."

    Inoichi said, "Well, I doubt they''d risk sending anyone important due to my clan''s abilities. So, chewing them won''t get us any useful intel, though I suppose it''ll be great for applying more pressure. I''ll go too to add to the pressure."

    Hiromasa said, "I''ll go as well. It''s been a long time since I left the village. I want to see what this generation of Sunagakure''s leaders are like."

    Shikaku said, "Alright, that should be plenty. Fujin will join the negotiating team as well. You can meet him directly at the Fire Capital. I have already explained to him his role. It''ll be similar to what he did against Kusagakure, except he won''t be leading the team."

    Tsume suddenly sighed and asked, "Are you trying to give away my job, Shikaku? How am I supposed to chew them off if he scares them?"

    One of them said, "I used to think the rumors about him were exaggerated. Now, it seems like even they didn''t do him justice. Councilman Fujin is insanely good. No one even knew that he made a move against Otogakure until it was over. His moniker is truly appropriate. A swordsman who appears and disappears like a ghost. Whoever called him ''The Spectral Swordsman'' did a very good job."

    The Nara ninja in the group shook his head and said, "While the name is good, we can''t use it. Besides, why should we use the name our enemies gave him?"

    Everyone looked at the Nara ninja as he continued, "When Orochimaru interfered in the second round of the Chunin Exam, Councilman Fujin faced him alone and forced him to retreat.

    When the village was attacked by the combined forces of Sunagakure and Otogakure, Councilman Fujin stepped up and annihilated 3 divisions before they understood what was happening. He also stopped the Edo Tensei summons and sealed all of them. He even stopped the legendary White Fang and protected us.

    And, he also led our forces to swiftly take revenge for the injuries Orochimaru inflicted on Lord Third. No matter who our enemies are or what the situation is, Councilman Fujin strikes them down. He is the sword that strikes fear in our enemies. We should call him Konoha''s Sword instead! Only such a title could do justice to what he has done for our village!"

    The ninjas around him were moved by his passionate speech and immediately agreed. The ones around them heard the passionate speech too and soon the entire bar cheered to Konoha''s Sword.

    Similar discussions were happening throughout the village due to Shikaku''s moves. By the end of the day, everyone had heard the title and referred to Fujin by it. It would soon spread throughout the Land of Fire and the ninja world.

    Fujin, who reached close to the Fire Capital with his army, was completely unaware of the two new monikers he gained. Only time would tell how he''ll react to this move made by Hiruzen and Shikaku.

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