When Hyuga Soushu and Mahiru Uchiha, refreshed and walking briskly, returned to the Central War Tent of the Temporary Command Center after finishing their tasks, a group of Jonin from the Border Forces had already been waiting outside the tent for quite some time.
"Honorable Lord Soushu!"
The Jonin assembly bowed in unison, perfectly synchronized.
"There's no need for such elaborate bows. Enter."
Hyuga Soushu replied calmly, then led Mahiru Uchiha and the Border Force Jonin into the tent.
Since the meeting was to be a military conference attended by all Jonin, the interior layout of the tent had been adjusted accordingly.
All unnecessary decorations had been completely removed and replaced with small ornamental floor cushions that took up minimal space. The only remaining decoration was the map of the Land of Lightning behind Sakumo Hatake.
Seated behind the upper seat where Sakumo Hatake sat was a familiar face—Jonin Koryo. There were also two positions left open on his left side; one front and one back. While the tent was filled to capacity with Jonin seated shoulder to shoulder, a significant space remained unoccupied in the left front portion.
On the right-hand side directly opposite them sat Orochimaru's faction—the Hokage disciples—and beside them, the newly arrived Bull, captain of the Anbu Division, who had just reached the frontline as an intelligence envoy.
At first glance, the arrangement appeared clearly demarcated and filled with tension.
"Thirty-five seats."
Hyuga Soushu quickly scanned the room, immediately understanding the seating arrangement of all present factions.
The thirty-five vacant seats represented exactly the number of Jonin under his command eligible to attend the military conference.
"You've arrived, Lord Soushu."
Sakumo Hatake nodded with a smile.
"I'm late due to unavoidable circumstances. Please don't take offense."
Hyuga Soushu responded politely in turn.
Then he walked toward the upper seat accompanied by Mahiru Uchiha, while the Jonin under his command took their respective seats in sequence.
"This military conference has been convened to discuss the direction of our campaign against Kumo."
After everyone had settled into their seats, Sakumo Hatake spoke slowly.
"I believe you all already understand the reasons why Kumo has yet to deploy its Ninja Force for reinforcements. I won't reiterate the specifics."
"What remains undecided is whether we shall continue advancing northward in conquest, expand our occupied territory by securing it further, or even moderately withdraw from certain areas to consolidate our forces. This decision, I wish to hear your opinions upon."
After Sakumo Hatake finished speaking, he gently closed his eyes, appearing ready to listen attentively.
The expressions among the neutral Jonin seated within the tent turned uncertain as they exchanged glances, unsure how to proceed.
Although every Konoha Jonin was technically regarded as part of the village's elite, in practice they were seen merely as powerful tools for warfare or mission execution. Their value lay in utility, not consultation. No one truly cared about specific powers associated with voting rights within the Jonin ranks, nor did these Jonin themselves raise objections regarding their exclusion before. In fact, none had ever dared to make an independent judgment on matters of such consequence.
Although each man nursed his own private thoughts—his own hidden calculations—the situation wasn't clear enough for any of them to voice an opinion. The Jonin exchanged furtive glances but outwardly maintained silence.
Instantly, the tent fell into complete silence. The Jonin assembly held their breath, afraid of making even the slightest noise that might draw attention. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Although the Ninja World doesn't have an idiom like "the nail that sticks out gets hammered down," the principle is universal, especially among tested Jonin who understand the dangers of power struggles at the top. Therefore, one after another gritted their teeth and kept silent, pretending to be nothing more than wooden dolls.
Besides, even for Jonin, when have they ever been free to voice opinions in such circumstances? Don't they worry about exposing their vulnerabilities?
Therefore, rather than igniting discussion, Sakumo Hatake's words caused the tent atmosphere to grow increasingly tense.
"How long can our stored ninja tools and supplies sustain combat operations?"
Seeing this situation, Hyuga Soushu took the initiative to break the deadlock.
"According to standard allocation calculations, inventory and captured ninja tools can support each division's Ninja Force for about twenty-five days, while food supplies can last three months. As for medical supplies, we currently have enough for approximately 3,000 personnel."
Toshimichi Yamanaka, who had recently resumed his position as logistics officer, immediately reported.
"Sakumo Supreme Commander, it seems clear our ninja tools and medical supplies require timely replenishment from the village."
Hyuga Soushu nodded, then turned to Sakumo Hatake: "That said, overall, our current state of preparedness is still quite good. We are capable of supporting expanded military operations."
"I see."
Sakumo Hatake nodded but felt a bit regretful inwardly.
To be honest, Sakumo truly wished to hear different voices.
Whether or not to continue the northern campaign didn't seem particularly important to him, since he wasn't actually a very aggressive person. Achievements and honors didn't really matter much to him.
Nor was he someone obsessed with reputation; what he firmly believed in—his Ninja Way—aligned closely with the core values of the Will of Fire: simplicity and equality. Moreover, Sakumo always focused on issues rather than individuals in his conduct, never treating others differently because of their opinions.
Yet, putting it bluntly, there were indeed people who failed to seize the opportunity even when given one!
Thinking thus, Sakumo couldn't help glancing repeatedly at the Hokage faction ninjas seated in the front row on his right.
However, these supposed opposing voices remained completely silent during this critical moment—an attitude truly disappointing.
"Continuing the war would be unwise!"
Just as Sakumo prepared to go along with the prevailing mood and announce the decision of the military council, Anbu Leader Bull finally exploded with objection: "Pushing further north will surely lead to a full-scale conflict with Kumo! This matter should await Lord Hokage's instruction before we proceed with careful planning!"
"I never said to keep advancing north either!"
Hyuga Soushu expressed obvious surprise.
"Huh?"
Anbu Leader Bull suddenly faltered.
He suddenly realized—he seemed to have fallen into Hyuga Soushu's verbal trap!
Although Soushu's words strongly implied intentions to assess logistical resources for a northern campaign against Kumo, he hadn't explicitly declared plans to continue marching northward against them.
In fact, Sakumo had originally proposed only three options.
"By the way, you're not part of headquarters. As the Hokage's Directly Commanded Units, the Anbu shouldn't be mouthing off at this Military Council meeting. After all, spouting off about things you don't understand might make people think the Hokage's units are total pushovers."
Having taken a subtle jab at the Anbu, Hyuga Soushu then continued calmly, "This is the Rabbit Hour Goddess—if we miss this chance, we'll surely incur her wrath!"
Hatake Sakumo gave a slight nod.
The Jonin in attendance caught on right away.
Being able to read the room is basic for any Jonin. If you can't do that, forget about climbing ranks in Konoha!
As for those ninja from the Hokage faction who had different opinions, they now breathed sighs of relief, thankful that either themselves or their representatives hadn't rashly believed rumors and spoken out recklessly. Otherwise, they'd probably find themselves getting kicked around again soon enough!
Not paying attention to everyone's reactions, Hyuga Soushu pressed on, "Moreover, with General Sakumo leading troops away from the village right now, if we waste this golden chance, what will the ninja supporting you think? And even the Hokage's orders can't override a frontline commander's judgment!"
"I'll report everything directly to the Hokage."
Captain Bull offered no argument, simply rising immediately and heading outside the tent.
"That's more like it!"
Hyuga Soushu felt even more satisfied.
Whether he stormed off in anger or intended to secretly file a complaint later, Soushu didn't care one bit.
As long as they didn't meddle with his scheming, the Anbu ninjas could go wherever they pleased!
However, Orochimaru and Jiraiya weren't entirely comfortable.
Unlike Tsunade, who was currently hand-in-hand with Dan Kato acting like a lovesick girl, these two disciples of the Hokage were both ambitious men with aspirations.
Furthermore, they technically commanded their own Ninja Forces now. Whether considering power legitimacy or factional stance, neither of them could allow the initiative in the upcoming war falling completely into the hands of Hyuga Soushu and Hatake Sakumo.
Otherwise, their fate wouldn't be much better than that of the first Reinforcement Ninja Force!
Especially Hyuga Soushu—who constantly pushed Hatake Sakumo toward northern campaigns—was seen by Jiraiya as the very source of disruption to peace!
Orochimaru and Jiraiya exchanged glances before Jiraiya stepped forward to speak, "Commander Soushu, we still need careful reconnaissance regarding Kumo specifically. Would launching war so hastily be wise?"
"What do you mean by 'hastily'?"
Hyuga Soushu snorted coldly, "This is the Goddess's perfect timing. If we just let it slip through our fingers, that truly would be the greatest betrayal to our village!"
"We absolutely cannot launch a northern campaign without consulting our teacher first!"
Jiraiya argued heatedly with a red face: "Commander Soushu, are you planning to become a Rogue Ninja?"
"A loser defeated by that old geezer with his pipe—who'd have thought you'd dare speak loudly up north after fleeing here?"
Mahiru Uchiha couldn't resist going on a scathing tirade: "Do cowards like you really think just because you lost, everyone else has to lose too?"
Mahiru-chan's words indeed cast a wide net of criticism. Not only did Jiraiya's expression darken, but even Orochimaru's face turned grim. Tsunade especially fixed this outspoken Uchiha girl with a stern gaze, her brows tightly furrowed.
However, Jonin under Hyuga Soushu's Border Forces and those closely tied to the clans largely agreed with Mahiru Uchiha's perspective.
After all, once war erupts, gold comes pouring in!
Whether in terms of personal strength or family heritage, clan ninja always held an edge over commoner ninja. Commoner ninjas often risked their lives and spilled blood for the village, driven by the Will of Fire. Meanwhile, clan ninjas saw battlefield glory as the key to fulfilling their life's purpose—especially now that the Coalition of Ninja Clans had broken through old limitations, giving skilled clan members an edge over their commoner peers!
Although being just another ordinary Jonin wasn't bad per se, becoming a true high-ranking figure in the Hidden Leaf Village offered far broader horizons; providing benefits for countless Konoha villagers was a pretty good option too!
Therefore, incited by Hyuga Soushu, some attending Jonin began unconsciously viewing Jiraiya and others—who suffered well-known defeats in the Land of Rain and were now making cowardly excuses to block the northern campaign against Kumo—as obstacles standing in the way of their own interests.
Just like how the ninja world was nothing but a ragtag bunch—a mere makeshift setup—even ninja possessing extraordinary powers still followed the herd mentality. Moreover, what Hyuga Soushu spoke about consisted entirely of information they themselves understood, which naturally enhanced its credibility.
This was truly the art of speaking—telling the truth without revealing the whole truth!
Hyuga Soushu wanted war because only through war could he harvest more kills, gain greater experience to level up, earn increased coins to improve equipment, and moreover, utilize warfare to forge his subordinates—whose hearts beat to different drums—into unshakable loyalists hardened like steel resistant to thunder and fire. So opposing war would just make no sense at all!
Ninja from noble clans usually held higher expectations for themselves, firmly believing their abilities would shine amidst the brutal, blood-soaked trials of war, following the successful models of both Hyuga Soushu and Sakumo Hatake, achieving personal "elevation" on battlefields soaked in heroism and iron will. Part of the reason was that they'd taken part in some major, glorious victories early on—an undeniable factor fueling their confidence and fighting spirit.
Indeed, ninja who had never experienced the endless attritional battles of the Land of Rain inevitably harbored unrealistic fantasies about war, thinking they were the main characters in their own ninja stories; there was nothing particularly strange about that.
Yet regardless of future developments, they genuinely believed Jiraiya's remarks amounted to cowardly excuse-making and baseless objections.
Although none of the attending Jonin openly voiced opinions, the perceptive Orochimaru could still discern their inner thoughts merely from observing their expressions.
"What an idiot," Orochimaru inwardly cursed.
He not only overestimated Jiraiya's emotional intelligence, but also underestimated Hyuga Soushu's skill in muddying the waters!
"Commander-in-Chief Sakumo Hatake, what do you think?"
Orochimaru patted Jiraiya on the shoulder, signaling him to stop talking, and cleverly passed the issue over to Sakumo Hatake.
"Advance northward for punitive expeditions, hold our ground for a decisive battle, or simply retreat and consolidate our forces?"
Sakumo Hatake shook his head with a sigh, reiterating the options he had first proposed.
The tent fell into an immediate deathly silence. Everyone grew quiet.
Hyuga Soushu had already made himself clear earlier, so he certainly wouldn't speak out recklessly at this moment.
"In that case,"
Sakumo paused briefly before slowly speaking under everyone's gaze, "then I ask all Jonin present to exercise their deliberative voting rights and make a choice!"
"How can war be treated so lightly?" Tsunade couldn't help but interject.
In her opinion, wars at the Hidden Village level are serious matters requiring the utmost caution. How could they allow a group of Jonin who lacked systematic administrative training to make decisions?
If every decision was handled this way, Konoha would surely become the epicenter of conflicts across the Ninja World!
Compared to the Hokage faction's mature and responsible approach focused on the big picture, ordinary Leaf ninja actually preferred thrilling tales about defeating Kumo and overcoming Iwagakure. If Sakumo Hatake's idea of Jonin voting really took off as a trend, the village might find it difficult to maintain its long-term strategic vision from now on!
Thinking along these lines, Tsunade's frown deepened further.
She couldn't just sit by while watching her grandfather's legacy being misguided—and potentially destroyed—by uninformed Jonin!
The Will of Fire must not be interpreted by unworthy hands!
But saying anything at this point would be useless.
Under Sakumo Hatake's initiative, whether or not they supported advancing northward, most attending Jonin still quite liked this kind of voting method.
Soon, the voting results came out, and the count went as expected.
"Ninety-seven votes in favor of a northern campaign against 'Kumo'!"
Sakumo Hatake announced solemnly: "Over sixty percent of Jonin support advancing northward for battle, thirty percent back expanding occupied territories, and less than ten percent advocate retreating for defense."
"This is the will of the Jonin!"
Standing right beside him, Hyuga Soushu chimed in: "Opportunity knocks but once; failing to grasp it when heaven presents it means suffering the consequences!"
"This is the moment to forge legacies and seize greatness!"
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>