Because this is a great opportunity.
Military achievements! Attacking the Land of Wind is too dangerous and difficult.
But reclaiming lost territory is much easier.
And during the process of reclaiming, the spoils of war are extremely abundant.
Military achievements + benefits!
So, do you want it or not?
In this regard, the Konoha F4 will definitely want it.
"Sarutobi Yejian died at the hands of the Sand Ninja. To avenge him, the Sarutobi clan is willing to act as the vanguard to deal with the Sand Ninja!"
Koharu Utatane played the card of the deceased.
Sarutobi Yejian was the commander of the Fire-Wind border camp, killed by Pakura, who acted as the vanguard during the Sand Ninja invasion.
Mentioning his name now is naturally to make Hiruzen Sarutobi consider the fact that he died for Konoha and assign the vanguard task to the Sarutobi clan.
It can only be said that Koharu Utatane understands Hiruzen Sarutobi well.
The dead are to be respected! Playing this card, Hiruzen Sarutobi had to think it over.
Faced with this card of the deceased, both Homura Mitokado and Danzo were at a loss for words.
Even though they knew the other party was vying for benefits, he indeed died in battle, fully proving the Will of Fire.
"...The vanguard will be entrusted to the Sarutobi clan, and the rest will be drawn from the major clans!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave a 'fair' decision.
However, there is a serious issue here.
Drawing from the major clans! Not a word about civilian ninjas.
Tsk tsk!
He understands how to be a Hokage.
Because his foundation is the major clans of the Hokage faction, if he truly cared for the civilians, his position as Hokage would have been unstable long ago.
As for civilian ninjas?
It's just lip service, don't fool yourself.
First, look at how many civilians are in Konoha's upper echelons before you speak.
"By the way, I think Shinnosuke should be the commander of this unit, don't you agree?"
Koharu Utatane recommended someone to be the commander of this newly formed ninja army.
Shinnosuke! Full name 'Sarutobi Shinnosuke', currently the head of the Anbu.
This position was previously held by White Fang, who also served as the Jonin squad leader, holding two incredibly important positions, which is why he was considered the next Hokage.
Oh, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke is not only a member of the 'Sarutobi' clan but also Hiruzen Sarutobi's eldest son.
"No, Shinnosuke is still young and not qualified to be the commander!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi refused.
Even though he had been nurturing him since childhood, he is currently only an elite Jonin.
For an ordinary ninja, this is definitely a super genius, but for the son of the Hokage, this level is somewhat lacking.
"No matter how young, he can't be younger than that Uchiha Takashi kid, right?"
Koharu Utatane cited a ready example.
Uchiha Takashi! He's only 14 this year, yet he's already become a CEO... no, he's already taken the position of commander.
Previously, no one cared about the temporary acting.
But now, he's truly taken the position of commander, indisputably so.
Yes, there's already an example, so what's the big deal about making the head of the Anbu a commander?
"That's right, Hiruzen, your Sarutobi clan should also contribute to the village!"
Homura Mitokado chimed in.
Why?
Because only by elevating Sarutobi Shinnosuke can they ensure the interests of the families behind him and Koharu Utatane.
They don't have Danzo's ambition; they just want to maintain the current status quo.
So relying on the Sarutobi clan is naturally the best choice.
To ascend to the position of Hokage, being a commander is a necessary step; otherwise, you don't even have the qualification for nomination.
Now you know why Danzo insisted on grabbing the commander position before, right?
Pushing Sarutobi Shinnosuke to the top now is the best opportunity.
All the elites are drawn from the major ninja clans, and coupled with striking the Sand Ninja when their morale is low, how could they lose?
Hearing this, Danzo clenched his fists.
The Hokage is mine! He roared silently in his heart.
Anyone who wants to ascend to the position of Hokage will be considered a rival by him.
Back then, White Fang was targeted by him for this very reason.
However, Danzo didn't intend to destroy him, just to teach him a lesson, preventing him from having the chance to become Hokage. He didn't expect things to develop as they did.
In this regard, Danzo is truly pure, eliminating the Uchiha and ascending to the position of Hokage; everything is for this purpose.
"If Shinnosuke becomes the commander and the Sand Ninja army counterattacks..."
Danzo tried to use this point to thwart the plans of his two friends.
After all, even though the Sand Ninja were defeated, it doesn't mean they lack the power to retaliate. There are still over two thousand Sand Ninja, and with only 'Shou', an elite Jonin from Iwagakure, having been killed among the strong ones, encountering those of Kage-level strength would be troublesome.
"Don't worry, with the elite from all the major clans protecting us, there's no need to fear even Kage-level opponents!"
Koharu Utatane was full of confidence.
If it were a ninja army composed of civilian ninjas, there might be some cause for concern.
But the elites from the major clans, whether in training or strength, far surpass civilian ninjas.
With them protecting Sarutobi Shinnosuke, there's no need to worry even about Kage-level threats.
Danzo, alone, couldn't argue against the two of them.
The key was that Hiruzen Sarutobi was tempted.
This was indeed a perfect opportunity to earn merits, and the risk was minimal.
In the end, Sarutobi Shinnosuke took the lead in forming a thousand-strong ninja army to expel the Sand Ninja, and the decision was made.
As for the original southwestern ninja army?
They were, of course, tasked with guarding Kikyo Mountain to prevent the Sand Ninja from passing through and launching a surprise attack on Konoha Village.
This reason was perfectly legitimate, with no flaws to be found.
After the small meeting concluded, the official orders were promptly sent to the southwestern ninja army, instructing them to cooperate with the newly formed ninja army.
Kikyo Mountain had become a wasteland, with tents scattered everywhere forming a temporary camp.
Even without a fortress, everyone was more relaxed than before.
Thanks to the presence of the 'Flame of Purification'.
With such a commander, the sense of security was overwhelming.
The Flame of Purification! Yes, this was the title of Uchiha Takashi.
A title earned through battle, not one bestowed by others.
Unlike the 'Three Ninja' title given by Hanzo, which had a derogatory nature, Uchiha Takashi's Flame of Purification was extremely fitting.
The first two words came from his phrase, "Let the flames purify everything," when entering Sage Mode, and the latter two words referred to his proficiency in Fire Release.
It can only be said that there's no such thing as a wrong nickname, only a poorly chosen one.
Because this title was so apt and vivid, it quickly spread throughout the camp and beyond.
By the river not far from Kikyo Hill, Uchiha Takashi, the commander, had taken over the area.
Fishing!
He had delegated all tasks to Nara Shikaku, who was temporarily helping out.
But no one complained.
It's a joke to question a 'Sage' who defeated two Kage-level opponents in a direct confrontation.
When you're strong, everything you say is right.
Uchiha Takashi was experiencing this firsthand.
"How's it going?"
He casually asked the approaching chubby man.
"Isn't this a bit..."
Honda still had some integrity, so he felt a bit embarrassed.
"About the Honda Trading Company's matter..."
Uchiha Takashi elongated his words.
The trading company of Honda's family wanted to become the supplier for the southwestern ninja army, and that power naturally rested with him as the commander, so it was easy to keep a close friend in check.
"The Flame of Purification title is truly fitting for you, Uchiha Takashi, without a hint of exaggeration, just pure recognition...!"
Honda quickly changed his tune.
Yes, the Flame of Purification title wasn't spread by the Sand Ninja.
It was a title Uchiha Takashi came up with himself and had Honda spread.
With this title, he didn't have to worry about being given an awkward nickname like 'Konoha Birdman' or 'Blue Flame' in the future.
Don't think it won't happen.
There are plenty of awkward nicknames like Konoha's White Fang, Fierce Eye, and Shadow of the Ninja.
In any case, Uchiha Takashi didn't want to face social death in the future.
So he promptly gave himself the 'Flame of Purification' title.
Although 'World Purifying Flame' sounds more domineering and pleasant.
But considering the edgy characters hiding in the Mountain Graveyard, the filial sons hiding in the Pure Land, and Kaguya on the moon, it's better not to steal the spotlight for now.
His strength doesn't allow it!
He'll use such a show-stealing title when he can punch Madara and kick the filial son.
After Honda finished talking about the title, he mentioned another matter.
Someone from the village had arrived.
(End of Chapter)