Hokage Tower — two hours after the Council Meeting
The highest floor of the Hokage Tower was reserved for foreign dignitaries and state guests. Of all the rooms lining the quiet hallway, only one was occupied this morning.
"KHHHAAAAA… BRRRRRRRRRR—"
Even though the room was sealed fairly well, the snoring still leaked through the walls like a cursed fog, tormenting the two guards stationed outside. Their faces stayed rigidly professional… except for the occasional twitch of visible suffering.
The guard on the left leaned slightly toward his partner.
"Brother… can I apply for sick leave? Cuz this is starting to sound like a dying boar. I swear I'm losing brain cells."
The guard on the right shook his head with the pity of someone already dead inside.
"Nah, brother… don't even try. Hokage-sama is not in a good mood today. Even the new recruit got yelled at."
"WHAT?"
The first guard's jaw silently dropped.
"That poor guy…"
Meanwhile, two floors down, inside the Hokage Office, the mood was the exact opposite of sleepy.
The Third Hokage sat hunched over his desk, surrounded by scrolls and mountains of paperwork. His pipe rested unused; the situation was too dire for comfort smoke. The fresh morning sunlight illuminated the entire Room.
"Daichi… hand me the list of this year's graduates," he ordered without looking up.
"Hai!" Daichi sprang into action and passed him the file.
Barely a minute later, Hiruzen spoke again.
"Daichi, write a letter to the Academy. Tell them to advance next year's graduation to March instead of July."
"Hai." Daichi immediately sat at the typewriter, fingers flying.
But halfway through—
"Daichi, wait. Put that aside. First write an announcement for all Jōnin instructors: Chunin Exams will be held twice a year. Next one in December, then June."
"HAI!"
He yanked the sheet out, crushed it, and loaded a fresh one with the dead-eyed efficiency of a man who knew this was his life now.
After finishing, he slid the letter to Hiruzen for approval.
Stamped.
"CHOBUN!"
A man entered immediately.
"Yes, Lord Third?"
"Deliver this to the messenger unit."
Chobun accepted it with a bow and left.
Hiruzen didn't skip a beat.
"DAICHI. Get me the file of high potentials."
Daichi blinked. "Which one, sir?"
Hiruzen pressed a weary hand over his eyes.
"…Give me all of them."
"Hai."
And so began the longest hour of Daichi's short career.
"DAICHI!"
"HAI!"
"DAICHI!"
"HAI!"
"DAICHI!"
"HAI, LORD THIRD!"
It continued like that until the clock crept toward 9 p.m.
Finally, when the Council of Elite Jōnin began gathering again in the tower, Daichi stumbled out of the office like a freed prisoner — relief flooding his face.
His seniors, however, walked past him with grim expressions.
They weren't being freed from anything.
They were walking into the storm.
===
Konoha Elite Jonin Council Room, 9pm and onwards
The War Council resumed exactly where it had left off.
On the Hokage's command, Uchiha Fugaku rose from his seat and stepped to the center of the chamber. He pressed his hands together into a Kai seal.
At once, a genjutsu washed over the room.
The massive round table lifted off the ground, suspended in an illusionary sky, while scenes from Fugaku's memories — his battles, observations, and tactical notes from the Second Great War — unfolded beneath them like a moving battlefield map. A full-on Genjutsu PowerPoint, but elegant and deadly.
Fugaku began speaking with crisp clarity:
"Based on the statistical report provided by Hokage-sama:
We currently have 15,000 Chūnin and 5,000 Jōnin on active duty, with an additional 2,000 in reserve.
Our Medical Corps has 6,000 active operatives and 800 in reserve.
Collectively, this brings us to a total force of 28,000 — commanded by fifteen Elite Jōnin."
"Fifteen?" Shikayoshi muttered, raising an eyebrow.
Fugaku nodded respectfully toward the Nara elder.
"Yes, Shikayoshi-sama. Counting the clan heads and the other senior elites, the total number of command-level officers is fifteen."
A wide smile bloomed across Shikayoshi's usually lazy face.
"Ken's boya… don't leave this old relic out of the story just yet."
Fugaku bowed slightly, lips curling in a small smile.
"Of course, Shikayoshi-sama. We are honored to have you with us."
Across the illusion-filled room, Shinki internally screamed.
Old man… seriously? I could've stayed behind for you… why are you dragging me into another war?
"Fugaku-sensei, what are the plans for ground invasion?" Shikaku asked, adjusting his posture.
"A good question," Fugaku replied.
The illusion shifted instantly. The sky-like projection below them transformed into scenes from the First Shinobi War — old battle sketches, historical recordings, and memories all animated through Fugaku's genjutsu mastery.
Tobirama sat in his command tent, maps stretched across his desk, lantern glow reflecting sharply off his tactical goggles. The air felt cold, almost winter-bitten, until the scene shifted to a young Hiruzen trading blows with Hōzuki Gengetsu, the Second Mizukage.
"In the first great war, Lord Second engaged Kumo from two fronts," Fugaku began.
"First, through the western Lightning–Frost border. Second, through a southern naval assault meant to keep Kumogakure occupied. The people of that land are historically dominant at sea — but ironically, they never got the chance to use that strength. Konoha's forces kept them away. Even if they had crushed our armies somehow… they still would not have reached us by sea."
"And why is that?" Inoichi asked, genuinely curious.
Fugaku opened his mouth — then froze.
The older members went dead silent.
Uchiha Elder Shoka began crying quietly. Not a single sob. Just tears slipping into his beard until it glistened wet. He didn't wipe them. He didn't move.
The younger elites — Inoichi, Shikaku, Chōza, Moroha, Minato, Raiko — exchanged bewildered glances. Their eyes drifted to Shippu.
Shippu slowly pressed a finger to his lips.
Stay quiet.
Shoka's tears kept flowing, soaking his beard completely.
Fugaku shut his eyes, steadying the tremor in his voice.
"I apologize for getting carried away… Inoichi-kun, the answer is simple: back then, we had allies who guarded our blind spots in our darkest hour. Allies we lost…" His jaw tensed, trauma rippling through his expression.
The genjutsu dissolved. The council was back in the chamber.
"It's alright, Fugaku. You don't have to force yourself," Keigo said, lifting a scroll. "I have your presentation in front of me. I'll continue."
Fugaku shook his head — I can handle it — but Keigo had already stood, nudging Fugaku down gently.
Keigo faced the room.
"My dears… I don't have the fancy genjutsu visuals, but let me simplify it."
He took a breath.
"Our allies were the Uzumaki clan of Uzushiogakure. They aren't 'busy' or 'out of reach.' They're gone. Exterminated… thanks to us, the Uchiha — and the other jealous, power-hungry bastards of the shinobi world."
Shoka squeezed his eyes shut as fresh tears fell.
The younger members went completely still — horrified by both the audacity and the implication. Minato, his wife being an Uzumaki herself, was the most terrified by the confession.
Keigo's tone stayed casually grim, as if discussing weather rather than a massacre.
"Anyway… putting the genocide aside… let's get back to today's topic."
"From now on, I'm gonna speak in a way even the young blood here can keep up," Keigo said casually as he strolled to the back of the room, stopping behind Raiko.
"So, Raiko-kun — what's the first thing you consider?"
"It's your enemy, Keigo-sama."
"Exactly." Keigo clapped once. "And our enemy is Kumogakure. So let's get a quick refresher. Kumo's built from clans specializing in water, wind, and most importantly—lightning."
He walked back to the front with the swagger of a seasoned instructor.
He pulled down a large map with a sharp snap.
"Geographically, Kumo has a massive northern coastline connecting to Iwagakure via sea routes. Their southern waters open straight into Kirigakure's reach — and that detail is very important."
He turned like a teacher checking roll.
"Minato-kun, mind reminding me which shinobi villages are directly involved in the mess over Enji's kid?"
Minato answered instantly.
"Hai — Sunagakure and Kumogakure. And by extension, Iwagakure and Kirigakure."
"Exactly." Keigo tapped the map. "One little kid… four big bastard nations… and our own half-bastard nation caught right between them."
He shifted his gaze.
"Shikaku-kun. Tell me — can we win if all four villages launch a ground invasion into Fire Country?"
Shikaku folded his arms.
"It'd be tough… but not impossible. We've done it before during the First Great War."
"As sharp as ever." Keigo nodded, satisfied. "Chōza-kun — my muscle kyōdai — tell the class how that was achieved. How did we survive four nations at once back then?"
Chōza straightened up, speaking clearly.
"Keigo-san, we formed alliances with smaller nations. Against the Iwagakure–Kusagakure alliance, we partnered with Takigakure. Against Sunagakure, we pushed Tanigakure to step out of the conflict and then allied with Hanzō of Amegakure. For Kumogakure and Shimogakure, we called on our long-standing ally in the Land of Rice Fields, and negotiated a pact with the Land of Hot Water to let our forces cross safely into the southern sea of Lightning."
Keigo let out a dramatic whistle.
"My my… you really did read my script."
He turned to Hiruzen with a grin.
"Hokage-sama… the old fossils like us can die peacefully now. The village really is in good hands."
Hiruzen nodded with a smile of pride.
"Alright then, any more questions?" Keigo asked, clapping his hands lightly as if wrapping up a lecture.
Raiko raised his hand.
"Keigo-san… which front are each of us going to take?"
Keigo almost burst out laughing.
"Raiko… do I look like I'm wearing a hat with the letter 'Ho' on it?"
Raiko's face reddened. He shook his head.
"Then my little one," Keigo said, amused, "I'm not the one who decides deployments. Neither is Fugaku, nor any other clan head."
He turned with a respectful dip of his head.
"Hokage-sama, I believe it's your stage now."
---
Hiruzen let out the type of sigh only old leaders could produce and stood.
"Up to this point, the young ones should've gotten a clear picture of what we're walking into," he began. "Before we start assigning fronts, I need to address something important."
The room went still.
"The younger members here — you're the ones Keigo had to break things down for. Tomorrow, you'll be the senior council. You will be the ones sitting at this table while we old fossils — especially us advisors — retire."
A dry, humorless smile.
"If we survive the war, that is."
He nodded toward Homura.
Homura adjusted his glasses, picked up the document in front of him, and began reading.
"It has long been our tradition that each generation of this council shares a line of mentorship with its successor. For example: Lord Third, Utatane-san, and I were all students of Lord Second.
Among Lord Third's disciples are the Sannin and the second-generation Ino–Shika–Cho: Inoarashi, Shikayoshi, and the late Chobei-san.
Among Shikayoshi-san's students is Shinki.
Moving to the legendary Sannin — Jiraiya's pupils, Raiko-kun and Minato-kun, are seated here today as the youngest council members.
Our esteemed Clan Head Fugaku-san was the sensei of Inuzuka Clan Head Moroha-san, just as Shippu-san trained the third-generation Ino–Shika–Cho — Inoichi, Shikaku, and Chōza — who now serve as their clans' leaders.
Among my own former students were Akimichi Chōtatsu — mentor to Aburame Shibi, Uchiha Enji, and Yamanaka Naoki. Two of those three sit here at this very table."
He lowered the paper.
"The point, gentlemen, is that while eligibility depends on the Third Tier Jōnin Exams… it also hinges heavily on Elite Jōnin–level mentoring.
And for that reason, Hokage-sama has compiled a shortlist of several promising undergraduates. Young shinobi who show not just progress — but the potential to become future leaders."
Homura stepped back.
"And from here," he said, "Hokage-sama will continue."
Hiruzen nodded as Homura finished. He let the map Keigo had pulled down roll back up, then dragged the chalkboard closer.
"First up," he began, "Nara Shikaku will take on Team 1 this coming March."
Shikaku straightened, expectant.
"Shikaku, your team will consist of…"
Hiruzen wrote as he spoke.
"First student: Uchiha Kaen — age 7."
The reaction was immediate.
Jaws clenched.
Eyes widened.
Whispers burst across the council like sparks.
Tsunade leaned toward Jiraiya.
"Isn't that the kid we're about to go to war for?"
Shikaku's expression went flat for a moment… then a slow, amused smile crept in.
He chuckled under his breath.
"And yes, that's the child we are going to war at for... Enji's son."
Hiruzen continued writing.
"Second student: Hyūga Haruto — age 9. He holds the top score in every subject except taijutsu."
Shikaku raised an eyebrow.
Hyūga prodigy… weak in taijutsu?
Hiruzen caught his look.
"Don't misunderstand. He's not weak. The competition is simply brutal this year. The top scorer in taijutsu is Soma Tenga — your third student. Age 10. A bit air-headed at times, hotheaded at others… but he learns quickly."
Shikaku nodded thoughtfully.
Hiruzen turned the board slightly and continued:
"Next up… my favorite youngling."
Across the table, Inuzuka Clan Head Moroha subtly lowered his head, as if trying to disappear into the floor.
"Inuzuka Moroha," Hiruzen announced.
"Hai, Hokage-sama," Moroha answered, forcing a smile that absolutely did not reach his eyes.
"Your assignment is… difficult. The children you'll handle are very young — but without question, more precious than the Daimyō's palace itself."
Moroha braced.
"Listen carefully. First student: Yamanaka Rinka — age 7."
Moroha's eyes went wide.
Right off the bat? Seriously?
Naoki smiled beside him, relieved his daughter was being entrusted to someone capable.
"She is Inoarashi-san's granddaughter and has the highest potential in Yamanaka techniques of her generation," Hiruzen said.
Inoarashi's face turned grim on the mention.
"Second student: Uchiha Itachi."
Moroha slowly put a hand over his chest.
A stroke. I'm having a stroke. This day keeps getting worse.
He inhaled sharply and waited for the third blow.
"No introductions needed for this one," Hiruzen continued.
"Third student: Aburame Shizo."
Moroha blinked.
Wait… Shibi-san doesn't have a kid. Oh—so he's not his. Thank the ancestors. Finally someone as regular as me.
He exhaled in relief.
A little too soon.
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
"This boy… is one of Konoha's secrets. Meet me after the meeting. I'll brief you personally."
Moroha's shoulders sank — but not from relief.
From disappointment.
Moroha smiled, but his eyes were brimming. Before Hiruzen could speak any further—
Soft sad Moroha noises echoed in the silent council room.
Hiruzen turned back, brow raised. "Moroha, any problems?"
Moroha hurriedly wiped his tears with his sleeve. "No…" His voice cracked. "I'm just… happy… that you trust me this much."
Hiruzen quietly savored the moment.
His plan was simple: Why should I be the only one stressed out in this village?
"Moroha, you'll be handling Team 2. Your students graduate in March," Hiruzen said.
Minato gently rubbed Moroha's back. "It's alright… it's alright," he whispered, trying to be supportive.
Hiruzen wrote "Team Minato" on the board, then turned around.
Moroha was looking down.
Minato was looking at Moroha.
The entire council was looking at Minato.
Hiruzen was about to lose his composure.
"MINATO!" he barked.
"HAAIII!"
Minato practically jumped out of his chair, mortified in front of everyone.
Raiko grinned.
Yep. That's payback for laughing at me earlier.
"Minato," Hiruzen said again — this time softly, a jarring contrast to the outburst. "You don't realize… just how special you are. You're probably the only Elite Jōnin with fewer than three chakra natures, yet your résumé is so exceptional you're my top successor candidate."
Yeah… gotta give him that much, Raiko admitted internally.
Minato stood and bowed. "I am honored, Lord Third."
"So," Hiruzen continued, "for that honor, I'm assigning you your own Genin squad."
Minato's head shot up. Unlike Moroha, who was modest and quiet about leadership, Minato had always been ascetic — almost anxious — about taking on students. But now he smiled, visibly excited, and sat upright.
"Your first kid: Hatake Kakashi. Ten years old. Son of Hatake Sakumo — one of our fallen heroes. They say strong men raise stronger men… so keep an eye on this one. He isn't an undergrad but a Genin already for four years. Though he's… a little cocky. Very 'IONLYFOLLOWRULES.' He's snitched on every single team he's been placed on."
Minato let out a small ooh.
Looks like I'll have to kick-start this one.
"Second kid: Uchiha Obito. Ten years old. Son of Uchiha Homura — former clan head, and Enji's twin brother. He's more on the reckless-luck spectrum… but don't let the goofiness fool you. He's a rare find."
Minato nodded, mentally noting each detail.
"Third kid: Nohara Rin. Top performer in last year's Medical Division exams. And though this may sound trivial… she is actually the friction between Obito and Kakashi — the heat needed to forge these ores of talent into a single, valiant blade."
Hiruzen paused, then smiled.
"Now tell me, Minato… guess which team number is yours?"
Minato smiled back. "Is it… Team 7?"
"Precisely."
Jiraiya's lips curled into a proud smile — the legacy had just been passed on.
"Now… Akimichi Chōza," Hiruzen called.
The big man straightened instantly.
"You will also be stepping in as a Jōnin leader."
Chōza nodded, trying — and failing — to hide the spark of excitement in his eyes.
"The students you'll mentor aren't legacy heirs like those assigned to Moroha and Minato," Hiruzen continued. "Rather… they are young, overlooked talents. Ones I believe could become the future backbone of Konoha's power."
Chōza's chest warmed with pride.
That's refreshing to hear…
Hiruzen turned to the board.
"First student: Maito Gai. Age eleven. This one suffers from severe chakra-handling limitations — he cannot mold chakra properly, therefore cannot perform ninjutsu in any conventional sense. Because of this, he cannot graduate by standard criteria."
Chōza's brows lifted slightly.
Dai-san's kid…?
"But," Hiruzen continued, chalk tapping once, "due to his overwhelming taijutsu talent, I am granting him special advancement and placing him under your instruction."
Chōza nodded with renewed seriousness.
"Second student: Ebisu. Age eleven. An orphan. According to his teachers, he struggles with emotional processing and adheres to rules with unhealthy rigidity. Your task, Chōza… is not just to train him as a shinobi. Teach him how to be a good person first."
Chōza's hand went to his chest. "Understood."
"Third student: Namiashi Raidō. Age eleven. Above average in all academic categories, but displays a notable lack of respect toward his peers."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed meaningfully.
"Chōza-kun… knock some sense into him."
Chōza grinned and cracked his knuckles loud enough for the room to echo.
Across the table, Moroha watched the exchange, tears drying on his cheeks as despair welled anew.
Why can't I have such a normal team…?
Moroha lowered his head, defeated, drowning in quiet self-pity.
---
"Alright…" Hiruzen said, voice settling into a deeper, heavier register. "Now we come to the war itself."
The room straightened collectively.
"Jiraiya."
Hiruzen passed him a thick file.
"Inside are the names of three thousand shinobi. You will lead them straight into the heart of the Land of Frost."
Jiraiya accepted the file with both hands.
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
As Hiruzen continued, Jiraiya flipped through the pages — each name tightening the weight on his shoulders.
"Raiko-kun," Hiruzen said, turning his gaze. "You will serve as Jiraiya's lieutenant."
Raiko's face lit up instantly — practically glowing. He glanced at Minato, biting his lip to keep his grin from exploding.
Minato side-eyed him.
"Tch. Show-off."
Hiruzen didn't comment; he simply continued down the list.
"Fugaku... my general, you head out to Sunagakure, use whatever tone you may deem fit, just don't let Kazekage to enter this conflict."
Fugaku nodded,
Alright
"Next — Keigo."
The old warhorse looked up.
"You will go directly to Hanzō. Negotiate with him regarding the situation."
"Hai."
Keigo bowed, expression turning sharp.
Salamander-san… here I come.
Hiruzen then lifted the Ruby Scroll lying before him — Every other council member had a gold scroll before them, but this one was unmistakably different.
"Shippu."
He tossed it across the table with perfect accuracy. Shippu caught it but nearly dropped it from exhaustion.
"Head to Iwagakure. I grant you full authority to act as necessary. Do whatever you can to keep Iwa out of this mess."
"Hai… Hokage-sama," Shippu said, voice already worn thin. He tucked the Hokage's authority into his flak vest like a man pocketing a live explosive.
"Orochimaru."
Hiruzen slid another file across the table.
"Take these fifteen hundred men and proceed to the Land of Hot Water. Begin preparations for naval construction and an invasion route."
Orochimaru's lips curled in that unsettling, satisfied way only he could manage. He picked up both the troop file and the alliance scroll granting Konoha passage through Hot Water's borders.
It appears I'll need to accelerate the development of my jutsu…
"My student, Shikayoshi… I want you to lead a delegation to Kirigakure and invite them for an alliance."
Shikayoshi's eyes widened — then he let out a soft, incredulous chuckle.
"Alright, I'll try. But it won't be my fault if he refuses, considering our history."
Hiruzen facepalmed as the memory hit him.
"Oh—right. How could I forget? You defeated Watatsumi Seimei in the First Great War."
"Exactly," Shikayoshi replied, shrugging lightly.
"Fine then, you leave that mission." Hiruzen exhaled and turned. "Inoarashi, I want you and Naoki to go as my representatives."
Naoki's expression darkened instantly. Inoarashi protested, "But Sensei—"
"No buts, my dear. You're a senior, and your son needs experience."
"WITH DUE RESPECT—HE IS NOT MY SON," Inoarashi snapped, voice echoing sharply through the chamber.
Inoichi quietly lowered his head, ashamed his father brought personal issues into a war council.
Hiruzen dragged a hand down his face and muttered into his palm,
"Lord Buddha, grant me patience…"
"Alright… change of plans."
He let out a long, exhausted sigh and downed a full glass of water.
"Inoichi — you're going with your father. Naoki, you'll accompany Fugaku."
He looked around one final time.
"Minato and Choza, begin your duties tomorrow"
Both Jonin almost jumped out of their seats but contained the shock.
"Hai"
With a final sigh, Hiruzen stood up and walked out
"Dismiss."