Chapter 53: The Start of the Third Shinobi World War!

It was Yuto's first time attending a meeting of this caliber.

Hosted by Hiruzan Sarutobi, with Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade Senju, Minato Namikaze, and Danzo Shimura all present, nearly all of Konoha's Jonin who could attend were there as well.

This was a war mobilization meeting.

Being a direct disciple of one of the Sannin and a member of the prestigious Hyuga clan, Yuto had no reason not to attend. However, he knew he wouldn't be speaking in such a setting, so he crossed his arms and stood quietly in a corner, listening to the prominent figures.

Next to him was Kakashi Hatake, Konoha's youngest Jonin, leaning against the wall with a look of boredom, seemingly sharing the same thought.

"Kakashi," Yuto asked curiously, "why aren't you standing with your sensei?"

"That would draw too much attention," the white-haired youth replied softly. As Jonin, using chakra to control their voices for secret conversations was a simple matter. "Being the center of attention is... too troublesome. Aren't you also avoiding standing by Tsunade-sama?"

"That's because the clan leader is here," Yuto lied effortlessly. "Look, Hiashi-sama and our Hyuga Jonin are all here. Tsunade-sama is present too. Where should I stand? One side is my clan, the other is my sensei. Standing anywhere would be awkward, although I don't mind. But as you know, the adult world is complicated. It's best for us two young fellows to stand together without drawing any criticism."

Kakashi widened his eyes. "Yuto, you're already thinking about such mature issues. I suppose it's only fitting for a disciple of the Sannin..."

Suddenly, a commotion interrupted their conversation, and Yuto and Kakashi quickly fell silent.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Orochimaru stepped forward.

With long black hair, golden snake-like eyes, and a cool and composed demeanor, he exuded a unique presence just by standing there.

Hiruzan Sarutobi's voice reached every Jonin present: "Well then, I'll leave it to you, Orochimaru."

Yuto sighed quietly to himself.

As expected, in the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha's "battlefield commander" was Orochimaru.

As the Hokage, Hiruzan, surrounded by talented subordinates, couldn't personally lead the troops. He had to stay in the rear to oversee everything. There was no one more suitable than Orochimaru to lead the forces.

Jiraiya was off wandering, taking a rather laid-back approach at this time; Tsunade was suffering from hemophobia and wouldn't survive the battlefield until cured; Minato, though powerful, was still too young and hadn't yet built up the necessary reputation and achievements; Danzo was more suited to scheming rather than leading in a major war.

Following Orochimaru, Minato stood up.

This super-genius of civilian origin was one of Konoha's "vice commanders." There were several vice commanders, but Minato's position, immediately following Orochimaru, spoke volumes about his importance.

However, no one foresaw that Minato would become the next Hokage. Based on seniority, Orochimaru's ascension seemed almost certain, with Jiraiya being a more likely candidate than Minato.

'Adult games are really complex...' Yuto thought with a slight smile, closing his eyes as he stood quietly.

This war mobilization meeting was mainly to establish the command hierarchy on the battlefield. With Orochimaru first and Minato second, the rest of Hiruzan's speech was largely repetitive.

Fight for Konoha, for the peace of the Land of Fire, inherit the Will of Fire, resist external enemies...

Hiruzan had given these speeches many times since becoming Hokage, almost making them a pre-deployment ritual.

While not very practical, they at least provided psychological reassurance—Konoha's rules were still intact, everything was orderly and are in under control.

After the meeting ended, Yuto stretched his shoulders and was about to leave the Hokage building when someone called out to him.

"Yuto, can you stay for a moment?" Turning around, he saw a clean, handsome face with a head of blond hair.

"Minato-senpai," Yuto stopped. Due to developing the Lion's Fang Bite, he had a decent relationship with Minato, at least on the surface.

"Calling me senpai makes me feel old," Minato laughed, inviting Yuto into an office. "Yuto, this war, Tsunade-sama won't be on the front lines."

"Yes, I understand. Sensei's illness isn't cured yet."

"So, as disciples of the Sannin, I think we should take on more responsibility."

"Minato-senpai, what do you need me to do?"

Looking at Yuto, Minato's blue eyes showed sincerity and warmth. "Yuto, because of my Flying Thunder God Technique, I'll be leading the reconnaissance and raiding units. As a Hyuga Jonin, your Byakugan is crucial to Konoha's reconnaissance. So, I was thinking... could you oversee the reconnaissance unit for me?"

Yuto's eyebrows twitched slightly. "Minato-senpai, I'm afraid..." He paused, then continued, "My position isn't suitable for leading the reconnaissance unit. I appreciate your kind offer."

A branch family member leading the main family would be a huge joke.

Minato seemed to realize this and apologized sincerely. "Sorry, I didn't think it through. Sometimes I can be a bit slow... But don't worry, I promise that under my command, nothing will happen that puts you in a difficult position."

Changing the topic, Minato asked, "By the way, Yuto, I heard you recently obtained an A-rank ninjutsu?"

"Yes, Minato-senpai, developed by the Second Hokage. It's quite difficult..."

"Hahaha, the Second Hokage never made things easy for us," Minato laughed. "My Flying Thunder God was also developed by him. Now that I think about it, it's somewhat similar to your new technique. Tonight, I'll write up some of my own insights for you."

Assigning a significant task, sincerely apologizing, and offering a valuable reward—all these gestures left Yuto slightly moved.

A high-level master, a super-genius, was not only trying to win him over and making promises but also offering priceless ninjutsu insights while showing great respect and appreciation.

Perhaps Minato was truly a kind super-genius, but it didn't mean he lacked political acumen.

A truly naive person wouldn't make it as Hokage; the entire village would suffer.

"Thank you, Minato-senpai... no," Yuto expressed his gratitude, choosing his words carefully. "Thank you, Commander."

He deliberately omitted the "vice."

(End of Chapter)

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