After all, although the Daimyos of many countries lack military power, they are still figures who embody the people's faith and trust.
Just like leaders—they need to stand in those positions even without great martial strength. Like a banner, as long as they remain standing, the hearts of the people will remain calm.
Therefore, no country ever considers abolishing the Daimyo system. In fact, most Daimyos can influence the election of a Kage and use these rights to strengthen their own positions.
Once these people develop a negative view toward Konoha, the number of mission requests accepted by the village would decrease dramatically.
This directly equates to a sharp decline in military revenue. Combined with the loss of prestige, this one of the strongest powers in the Ninja World would gradually decline.
This is something everyone in Konoha wants to avoid.
At this moment, however, Ibiki Morino displayed the authority befitting the head of Konoha's Anbu interrogation unit.
"Immediately organize patrol teams for defense! Also, contact the commander of the East Gate outpost—now!"
His words were short and simple, showing no complex strategy. But in this critical moment, the fastest reaction was what mattered most!
Yet at this time, the commander at the East Gate outpost had already begun pre-battle morale boosting.
Nearby stood a colossal serpent taller than the city walls themselves.
Following close behind were Sunagakure ninja wielding an even more terrifying force.
But despite this, the people standing here didn't flinch even slightly, silently waiting for the Jonin before them to speak.
The threat drew closer, and the Jonin's face hardened with grim determination. Without delay, he began addressing his troops.
"Perhaps some of you believe we're pitiful. Konoha has enjoyed peace for many years; indeed, many of you are so young you've never experienced war at all. Not once has an enemy attacked our village directly! As the village's defensive force, we were supposed to live peaceful lives. Yet now, we must charge forward and fight enemies in a deadly battle."
The morale speech began, and within less than half a minute, the commanding Jonin had stirred the emotions of the Genin and Chunin gathered before him.
His voice, rising and falling with intensity, struck deep into the hearts of everyone present.
Yet every face remained firm with unwavering resolve, quietly anticipating the pivotal turning point in his speech.
As expected, the commanding Jonin unsheathed his sword and pointed it toward the sky.
"But! Are you content living such an ordinary life? As powerful ninjas possessing great combat strength, do you wish to spend your days merely patrolling? Decades from now, when we're all retired, will you want to recall such mundane memories? This very moment is our chance to become heroes. Behind us lie the homes we love, our family, our friends! Fight bravely now, so that in the future you may proudly speak of how you defended Konoha against the enemy! Even if it means we meet again at the Memorial Stone (where fallen ninjas' names are etched)!"
With these final words, the commander suddenly lowered his voice, bringing the emotional atmosphere to its peak.
Then, all the ninja standing in front of him lifted their weapons or raised their right hands high!
[See you at the Memorial Stone!!!]
The voices of dozens of ninja seemed to split the heavens. At that moment, every last one of them had steeled themselves for death!
The commander nodded satisfactorily, yet unknown to him, a faint shimmer of tears had begun forming in his eyes.
War always brings death.
How many among these living souls would soon become cold corpses?
But this was precisely their duty!
They wore Konoha's forehead protectors upon their heads!
And the flak vests of Konoha ninja adorned their backs!
Then the commander took one step forward and shouted again,
"Swear to stop the enemy attack here! During the time we wait for reinforcements, better to die to the last man than let Sunagakure take one more step forward!"
"Better die to the last man than let Sunagakure advance!"
"Better die to the last man!"
With the final words spoken, the ninja charged toward the Suna forces stationed atop the city walls.
At this moment, they had already cast away all thoughts of survival.
[See you at the Memorial Stone!!!]
Back at the central competition arena of Konoha, much had changed.
Baki, an elite jonin from Sunagakure, now stood in the center of the battlefield facing Genma Shiranui.
Since Gaara hadn't followed the plan and was now suffering from Shukaku's chakra backlash, it was difficult for him to continue fighting.
Therefore, Baki ordered Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari to withdraw. As for himself, he remained behind to continue battling Konoha's ninja!
Thus, Temari and Kankuro carried Gaara away quickly.
Genma Shiranui glanced sideways at Sasuke, "You've long since reached chunin level. Since you're a Konoha ninja, go do something meaningful—chase after Gaara and them!"
Sasuke hesitated momentarily, then immediately left to pursue Gaara and the others.
Just like that, two opponents who originally caused everyone to cheer had now both departed with different purposes.
Back among the spectator seats, the battle raged on. The Oto forces that had infiltrated earlier continued attacking the remaining Konoha ninja who could still fight.
Seiji Ito and Yuuma Akimoto had their backs against each other, carefully defending every direction.
Even as genin, under such circumstances, they still bore the burden of battle.
"Seiji, what should we do now? Should we go assist my brother?"
Yuuma frowned while scanning her surroundings. Actually, the Chakra Scalpel had already gathered on Yuuma Akimoto's delicate hand.
Truthfully, she could barely manage to use the Chakra Scalpel in combat. Without Shiki Uzumaki's patient instruction, even reaching this point might have been difficult.
Luckily, Yuuma Akimoto had learned some Medical Ninjutsu techniques from Sena Hoshino, significantly improving her chakra control.
"No! Right now, we're not needed where Shiki is."
Clang!
The sound of metal clashing rang out as Seiji Ito's kunai violently collided with that of an Oto ninja, sending sparks flying.
In reality, his strength could erupt suddenly and kill the enemy before him. But doing so would require consuming massive amounts of stamina and chakra.
In such a situation, he chose the most reliable approach. After all, the one backing him up was none other than the renowned Yuuma Akimoto.
Elsewhere, the battle was intensifying. Fortunately, with Kakashi holding his ground, there was no real danger.
Sakura crawled forward, getting ready to wake Shikamaru, Naruto, and the others.
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