Even it wasn't one, it would have turned out into one. Mind you, last resort because I strongly believe that Hiruzen and Itachi made mistakes and took impulsive decisions, Itachi made mistake carrying burden on himself, Hiruzen while trying to understand the situation thoroughly. Yes they made mistakes, but even they would have done everything correct,
even if Itachi would have told his parents and family the truth and they wouldn't have think about giving away the thought of Coup d'etat, then massacre was the only 'last' option.
I never said that war doesn't decide who is right or wrong, but war is sometimes unavoidable situation and one who participates in war can't be blamed. That was the point I wanted to make.=D
Geeta basically says do war to protect the people, basically Kshatirya/warrior cast has to do war
when nothing else is possible.
They were segregate citizens, I agree and hence I even said that Hiruzen and Itachi made mistakes, and hence that this situation was unjustifiable. Hiruzen would have worked around the entire Danzo scenario and he made mistake. Talking about Danzo, yes he is to blame as well and maybe his nature was a reason due to which Tobirama didn't make Danzo third hokage.
It was Hiruzen's duty to know these traits of his friend and keep a close watch on his action, a department where third hokage failed.