Chapter 73

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Hokage Building, Meeting Room.

Attendees: Acting Fifth Hokage Akimichi Torifu, Uchiha Clan Head Uchiha Rēn, Hyūga Clan Head Hyūga Hiashi, along with Aburame Shibi, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chōza, Inuzuka Jaw, Kurama Sōun, and over thirty other clan leaders—all heads of their respective clans.

Purpose: To discuss the issue of war with Kirigakure.

Akimichi Torifu didn't beat around the bush. True to his straightforward nature, he bluntly laid out the village's current shortage of military strength, stating that in this upcoming war with the Hidden Mist, every clan would need to contribute.

"…That's the situation. Anyone not clear on it?"

Torifu scanned the room and asked loudly.

Naturally, no one responded. He had explained everything so clearly that if someone still didn't get it, one would have to question if they'd even been paying attention.

After waiting a moment with no questions, he continued, "Since everyone understands, I won't go around asking individually. Please state for yourselves—how many forces can your clan contribute to the war effort?" As he said this, his gaze drifted toward the closest two: Uchiha Rēn and Hyūga Hiashi.

"The Uchiha clan can dispatch thirty jōnin," Rēn responded without hesitation.

His stance was as firm as ever. The Uchiha never feared war. To show his commitment, he directly offered up most of his clan's elite. Of course, this didn't mean he was unaware of the cost involved. "In addition, I hope to serve as the supreme commander for this campaign against Kirigakure."

This was Rēn's plan.

He intended to personally take part and directly control this war.

"Thirty jōnin? As expected of the Uchiha!"

"That number… incredible!"

"Are they Konoha's strongest?"

Seated further down, the leaders of smaller clans murmured among themselves. Torifu didn't stop them—so long as they weren't shouting to the rafters, he let them talk. He was quite pleased with Rēn's supportive stance and then turned his attention to Hyūga Hiashi.

"The Hyūga clan can also dispatch thirty jōnin," Hiashi said, not disappointing Torifu's expectations.

Like Rēn, he pledged thirty elite. This wasn't just about him posturing, it was about saving their clan's honour. He hadn't forgotten the main family's Byakugan that had been stolen by a Hidden Mist ninja. As long as that eye wasn't recovered, the Hyūga's shame remained.

Torifu grew increasingly pleased.

That made sixty jōnin already—a staggering number. With another one or two thousand chūnin and genin, they'd have a fully assembled army.

"The Aburame clan can dispatch ten jōnin."

"The Yamanaka clan can dispatch ten jōnin."

…

The numbers reported by other clan heads gradually decreased. This was expected. While many clans rivaled the Uchiha and Hyūga in total population—and some even exceeded them—that didn't directly translate to more jōnin.

The Uchiha gained strength rapidly once they awakened their eyes. Teenage geniuses becoming jōnin were as common as mushrooms after rain in that clan.

The Hyūga, born with Byakugan, only needed decent intelligence and enough effort to reach chūnin. With talent, becoming jōnin was no problem.

These two clans had innate advantages—

Other clans simply couldn't compare or compete with them.

Once all the clan heads had reported, Torifu accepted a small slip of paper from behind him, checked the tally, and his expression brightened.

"Two hundred twenty-seven jōnin. Ha! Looks like we'll give the Hidden Mist a proper thrashing this time!"

The acting Hokage laughed heartily.

"Next, we need to decide who will command this operation against the Hidden Mist." Once he'd laughed enough, Torifu cleared his throat and returned to the main topic. His gaze moved between Hiashi, Shibi, and others. "Other than the Uchiha clan head, does anyone else wish to lead this campaign?"

He asked three times.

No one responded.

Faced with Uchiha Rēn, calm and composed, no one dared challenge him for the top post. His overwhelming strength when he nearly annihilated Root singlehandedly was still fresh in everyone's minds.

Besides, this was not a role anyone could casually claim.

The Hidden Mist wasn't some pushover. Just because Rēn looked down on them didn't mean others could afford to. During the Third Shinobi World War, the Hyūga had suffered a historic defeat at the hands of the Mist.

That was the first time a Byakugan had ever been stolen.

That shame still haunted the Hyūga to this day.

"Since no one else has volunteered… then, Uchiha Clan Head, I entrust you with leading the war against the Hidden Mist." Torifu handed over the authority without hesitation.

He had seriously considered the matter. He had hoped to find someone with both prestige and strength, but looking around, the choices boiled down to Uchiha Rēn, Hyūga Hiashi, and a few others.

The White Fang had taken his own life, the Legendary Sannin had scattered, and the Yellow Flash had died young…

Konoha had lost too many heroes in recent years.

Uchiha Rēn, despite his youth, was the most suitable candidate after careful deliberation. His strength was undeniable, and few would dare object. And conveniently, this whole conflict with Kirigakure had started over Samehada—now in Rēn's possession.

And—

The Mist's chief envoy had also been captured by Rēn, which directly led to the deputy's declaration of war.

"Rest assured, Hokage-sama. I will return with victory and honor," Rēn declared firmly.

His absolute confidence stirred hope in many hearts. Whatever else one might say, the Uchiha's strength on the battlefield was certainly reassuring.

"I'll be looking forward to it!" Torifu replied with a smile.

If he could score a major victory during his time as acting Hokage, his name would surely be recorded in Konoha's history.

"By the way, Hokage-sama, not counting the jōnin, how many troops can the village allocate for this operation?" Rēn asked.

"…Less than two thousand," Torifu said, his smile faltering slightly. But he didn't hide anything.

"I know that number's a bit low, but that's the current total. Of course, with some effort, we can probably round it out to a full two thousand." His eyes swept the room—clearly implying that since the clans had offered jōnin, contributing chūnin and genin should also be expected.

"No need for all that trouble. Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, Mitokado, Kazamatsuri, Ise—have those six clans give me another fifteen hundred troops," Rēn said.

His words hit like water into boiling oil.

The meeting room instantly exploded.

"That's impossible!"

The Sarutobi clan head shot to his feet, enraged, face flushing red with fury.

He wasn't alone. The other five clan heads also rose in indignation, glaring at Uchiha Rēn with united outrage…

All but one.

The Shimura clan head remained seated, seemingly resigned.