"This…"
Homura Mitokado hesitated for a moment, but Utatane Koharu, sitting beside him, steeled herself and rose without hesitation, answering, "As a disciple, it is my bounden duty! I wish to rush to the front lines! To fight a decisive battle with the barbarians of the Land of Lightning!"
A flicker of genuine surprise passed through Senju Mori's eyes, and he nodded approvingly: "Commendable courage."
Looking at Utatane Koharu, who appeared ready to die, Danzo Shimura, whose face was ashen, and Homura Mitokado, whose expression had changed drastically, he then shifted his tone:
"However, going to the front lines is not the only way to avenge Second Hokage-sama. Jonin Koharu, please remain in the Village and assist Clan Head Aburame in coordinating logistics and material transport."
"I appoint Jonin Aburame Shijima as the Head of the Logistics Department, and Jonin Utatane Koharu as the Deputy Head of the Logistics Department!"
Senju Mori gave Danzo a meaningful look, then turned his head to glance at Utatane Koharu.
"I hope both of you will live up to your trust and be brave in your duties."
"Yes!"
Both answered in unison.
As he sat down, Aburame Shijima's gaze flickered slightly beneath his sunglasses, already understanding the implication.
And Utatane Koharu, after a brief moment of stunned surprise, felt a complex sense of relief well up inside her.
'At least, not like Danzo…'
Watching Utatane Koharu, who had just received her appointment, Homura Mitokado opened his mouth but couldn't utter a single word, feeling that this scene before him seemed somewhat familiar… Finally, he sat down weakly, a hint of regret quietly crossing his face.
Senju Mori didn't pay attention to the subsequent reactions of the three, and continued calling names.
"Jonin Dō."
"Here!"
Amidst several Inuzuka Clan Jonin, Inuzuka Dō stood up with a "swish," his eyes filled with anticipation.
Senju Mori's appointment followed.
"I propose establishing a Front-Line Reconnaissance and Rapid Response Unit, with you as its captain. You may select your team members yourself, and the list will be submitted later."
"Yes!"
Inuzuka Dō loudly accepted the order.
Immediately, Senju Mori's gaze continued to wander, quickly noticing the Ino-Shika-Cho Trio still seated together.
Aside from Nara Shikatsune, who sat beside him due to his Advisor position, Akimichi Chōei, the Clan Head of the Akimichi Clan, and Yamanaka Inohiko, the Clan Head of the Yamanaka Clan, were among them.
After a brief observation, Senju Mori couldn't help but ask with a hint of curiosity: "Why don't I see Jonin Torikaze?"
Upon hearing this, Akimichi Chōei quickly rose, his plump face full of deference: "Hokage-sama, please forgive him. Torikaze's old injury has flared up, and he is bedridden, recuperating in the Clan compound."
"However, I just visited him this morning. Although Torikaze is ill in bed, he specifically instructed me to obey Hokage-sama's commands, fear no hardship, and fight for the Village."
Senju Mori immediately understood that Akimichi Torikaze was disheartened and unwilling to step forward to support their small group again, nor did he intend to interfere with the Clan's decisions anymore.
As for the latter part of the instruction, about "absolutely obeying Hokage-sama's commands," it was likely fabricated by Akimichi Chōei himself, completely baseless.
However, with Akimichi Torikaze's retirement, the Akimichi Clan no longer needed to consider any past friendships with Hiruzen Sarutobi and others. They could openly bring the Yamanaka Clan with them and clearly re-align themselves.
After some thought, Senju Mori slowly said:
"Since that is the case, Jonin Chōei, Jonin Inohiko, you two will join the Staff Department and assist Shikatsune with some tasks."
Then, Senju Mori looked at Nara Shikatsune, his tone gentle:
"Shikatsune, Torikaze is your close friend. After the meeting, you should visit the Akimichi Clan compound and also pay him a visit on my behalf."
"I was just thinking the same, Hokage-sama."
Nara Shikatsune replied calmly, a smile on his face. In his heart, he once again marveled at his wise decision back then.
With Senju Mori's words, the small rift that had existed between the Ino-Shika-Cho Trio was no longer a major issue.
From today onwards, he would not only be able to repair his relationship with the Yamanaka and Akimichi Clans but also, from now on, occupy a unique dominant position within the Tri-Clan alliance, even becoming the spokesperson for the three Clans to the outside world… All these gains stemmed from that one decision.
Finally, Senju Mori asked: "Advisor Sogo, how are the preparations for the Defense Department coming along?"
"Reporting, Hokage-sama, all personnel for the Defense Department have been recruited and are on standby, ready to serve the Village at any time!"
Hyuga Sogo suddenly rose and answered proudly.
Senju Mori nodded slightly and issued the command:
"Good! Effective immediately, clear out all infiltrators from various countries within the Village, especially spies and covert agents sent by Kumogakure and Iwagakure. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned out, leaving no one behind!"
"Understood."
Hyuga Sogo replied solemnly. In his opinion, no spy could escape the Byakugan's detection by the Hyuga Clan.
Just then, a figure suddenly stood up.
"Hokage-sama!"
Senju Mori looked in the direction of the voice and saw the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Isshin.
Not only Senju Mori, but the gaze of everyone in the entire meeting hall was drawn to this Uchiha Clan Head.
Uchiha Isshin stood in the center of everyone's attention, meeting their gazes without evasion. His voice was loud, carrying the unique pride and resolve of the Uchiha:
"Hokage-sama! Kumogakure is attacking. The entire Uchiha Clan should put their lives on the line. Please allow us to be the vanguard!"
The entire conference room fell silent. Everyone looked at Uchiha Isshin, then secretly glanced at Senju Mori on the high platform.
No one questioned the Uchiha's combat power, but their pride and sensitivity were equally troublesome.
Senju Mori looked at Uchiha Isshin, his face showing no surprise, but rather a hint of admiration.
"Clan Head Isshin's request to fight is exactly as I expected."
He spoke slowly, his voice clearly reaching throughout the hall, "At the founding of the Village, it was the Senju and Uchiha working together, fighting side by side, that created the Konohagakure we have today."
"The strength and loyalty of the Uchiha Clan are indispensable cornerstones of Konoha."
However, Senju Mori did not immediately issue an assignment for the Uchiha. His gaze swept across the room, finally settling on a Senju Clan member sitting upright.
"Jonin Soji."
"Here!"
Senju Soji rose abruptly.
"I order you to lead the elite of my Senju Clan, and absorb Jonin and Chunin from various Clans, to form the First Combat Unit, with you as its captain!"
"Understood!" Senju Soji replied in a deep voice, his tone filled with unquestionable determination.
Immediately, Senju Mori's gaze returned to Uchiha Isshin.
"Jonin Isshin!"
"Here!"
"I appoint you as the captain of the Second Combat Unit! The Uchiha Clan will form its own structure, absorbing Jonin and Chunin from various Clans to form the Second Combat Unit!"
As these words were spoken, a look of reminiscence appeared in the eyes of many Jonin.
Although the Uchiha Clan was not well-liked within the Village, they had to admit that Konoha's strongest period was precisely when First Hokage Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara joined forces to establish Konoha, dominating the entire Ninja World… Uchiha Isshin was even more excited, his crimson three-tomoe Sharingan activating uncontrollably, and he almost shouted in response:
"Understood!!!"
Senju Mori suddenly stood up, raising his arm: "The above orders are to be executed immediately!"
"Tomorrow morning, all units will follow me to the front lines to meet Kumogakure!"
Through this meeting, Senju Mori quickly completed the pre-war mobilization and personnel arrangements. Konoha's entire war machine had begun to operate efficiently, revolving around his will alone.