Silence fell over the conference room.
On both sides of the long table, Konoha's top decision-makers were each digesting the dangerous situation pointed out by Shikaku Nara.
That giant circle that seemed to encompass the entire Shinobi World—enfolding all of the Land of Fire within its perilous scope!
Taking the pipe from his mouth, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, slowly exhaled a plume of white smoke that billowed above the conference table like an indissoluble dark cloud.
"Tennin." After considering for a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head to look at Hyuga Yu and suddenly spoke, "What are your thoughts?"
Everyone's eyes shifted toward Hyuga Yu.
Shikaku Nara's deduction was based on an overall bird's-eye perspective. However, because his intelligence clearance was insufficient to know the details of Yu's operations in the Land of Rain, he had no idea just how much damage Yu had inflicted upon Iwagakure...
But Hiruzen Sarutobi knew.
At this moment, Yu sat next to Danzō Shimura with a straight back, seated firmly against his chair, his gaze tranquil and calm.
He did not answer immediately, instead remaining silent for several seconds.
He was also pondering—thinking about the strategic game lurking behind the current situation, contemplating who the true adversary was in this clash.
Was it Obito Uchiha and Black Zetsu hiding behind Kirigakure?
The Ōtsutsuki who had descended upon the Land of Wind?
Or perhaps Kara, hiding in the Land of Lightning?
Those few seconds of silence caused the air in the conference room to grow several degrees heavier.
Then, he spoke.
"Everyone, I believe there is no need to be so pessimistic," Yu spoke calmly, analyzing the situation with clear logic. "The dual-front offensive from the Lands of Wind and Water is indeed a threat, but in the short term, I do not believe the Land of Wind can break through our border lines."
"Why?" Koharu Utatane frowned.
"Because our ally, the Land of Rain, stands in between," Yu analyzed coolly. "The Land of Rain is currently controlled by the Akatsuki, and the extreme terrain of the Land of Rivers dictates that if the Land of Wind's army wants to attack Konoha, they must cross through the Land of Rain.
"To cross through the Land of Rain, they must first pass the barrier of the Akatsuki. And the Akatsuki will not allow any foreign nation's army to set foot on their territory—that is their bottom line."
Nagato possessed the Rinnegan, and had even developed an '忍宗' [Ninja Creed] playstyle centered around it, placing him a massive generational update ahead of the current Shinobi World.
Those eyes were more than enough to make any army struggle to move a single inch in the mud of the Land of Rain.
And if they wanted to break through Nagato, the Ōtsutsuki from the moon would have to personally step onto the field; but if it came to that, things would actually become much simpler.
Yu thought for a bit, then raised his head to look at the northern region of the map. "As for Iwagakure, they won't join the fray either, so rest assured."
Hearing this, Homura Mitokado instantly knit his brow. He waited for a moment, but Yu offered no further explanation—as if Yu had simply uttered an arbitrary judgment, and Iwagakure would magically refrain from taking action against the Land of Fire just because he said so.
Finding this incomprehensible, Homura turned toward Yu and asked with a heavy frown, "Tennin, are you not going to provide a reason for making such a judgment?"
Yu glanced at him sideways and said casually, "Because I said so."
As soon as those words landed, the entire room fell dead silent.
Homura's expression froze. Just as he was about to flare up, he noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi at the head of the table giving him frantic warning glares.
Setting aside the fact that Iwagakure had previously deployed almost the entire village's elite forces to besiege the Tennin only to be completely crushed, Konoha currently shared a massive order worth over 1 billion ryo with Yu's Technology Development Headquarters, involving various favors and financial transfers...
Was that something that could be brought up out in the open?
Homura did not know about those specifics, but the keen intuition cultivated over decades in politics made him realize immediately that there was 'more to it'. He let out a awkward chuckle and went quiet.
Seeing that Homura was no longer demanding an explanation, Yu resumed his analysis:
"It is obvious that although Kumogakure preserved a massive military force during the Third Shinobi World War, that strength is still not enough to contend with Konoha directly. Therefore... they are waiting. Waiting for us to reveal a flaw, waiting for an opportunity to enter the battlefield at a low cost. As long as we haven't fallen to that desperate state, they will not step onto the field."
Following Yu's thorough analysis, the tense atmosphere in the conference room relaxed noticeably.
Chōza Akimichi leaned back against his chair and let out a long breath. "So that's how it is. I thought we were about to face a four-front war again..."
"Therefore," Yu stated at this moment, "the only one we truly need to face right now is the Land of Water."
His finger tapped against the red arrow on the eastern coast.
"Kirigakure."
The moment those words were uttered, it was as if a heavy stone was lifted from everyone's chests. Koharu Utatane's expression softened, Homura Mitokado nodded slightly, and even the leaders of Konoha's various clans seated below breathed a sigh of relief.
Only Jiraiya did not relax, his brow furrowing slightly as if he had realized something.
"Five thousand shinobi, attacking along two routes," Yu continued. "The military strength is by no means small, but it is not unwinnable. Kirigakure just experienced the village collapse event, so their internal situation is unstable. Yagura Karatachi is anxious to wage a war to consolidate his rule—this kind of war will cause them to crumble on their own if dragged out long enough."
"So your meaning is—" the Third Hokage began.
"Deploy our primary military force to the eastern front to confront them, while sending a portion of personnel to the western front to reinforce the Land of Rain, focusing mainly on defense while keeping a close eye on Kumogakure."
Yu was concise and to the point: "I believe concentrating our forces to repel Kirigakure first is our best choice right now."
Having spoken, he said no more, casually taking a sip from the teacup before him.
The conference room stayed quiet for a few seconds as everyone turned their heads to exchange glances.
Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly nodded.
"Very well, then it is decided."
He set his pipe on the table, leaned his hands against the surface, and stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone on both sides of the long table.
"The eastern front battlefield requires someone to command it."
The moment those words were spoken, the air in the conference room shifted subtly.
Shikaku Nara lowered his head, pretending to examine the map. Inoichi Yamanaka and Chōza Akimichi exchanged glances before quickly averting their eyes. Fugaku Uchiha remained expressionless, his fingers merely tapping lightly against the tabletop.
Everyone understood the implication behind the Third's words.
Command of the eastern front meant military merit.
And right at the juncture when the Fourth Hokage election was approaching, military merit was the heaviest weight on the scale.
Originally, Minato Namikaze's achievements were more than sufficient. However, the performance of the Tennin and his disciple during the Giant Tenseigan incident had added unexpected variables to the matter. Even though the Tennin seemed to have no interest in the position... to secure his ascension comfortably now, Minato Namikaze needed to prove himself once more.
Yu held his teacup, his expression unchanged.
The Third's gaze swept over several people, finally resting on the third seat on the left side of the conference table.
"I propose that Minato Namikaze serve as commander. He possesses considerable experience and prestige in the deployment and command of shinobi."
Hearing his name, Minato Namikaze raised his head, a solemn look surfacing in his deep blue eyes.
"Yes, Third-sama."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, speaking humbly, "I am no longer the Third Hokage, but an Advisor to the Hokage. By right, I should not even be presiding over this meeting; however, since the Fourth Hokage selection has not yet concluded, this old man can only temporarily act on the Hokage's behalf to arrange these affairs."
"The defense of the eastern line will be entrusted to your command," Hiruzen said gravely, looking at Minato. "Jiraiya will assist you, and you will coordinate the deployment of my... Konoha's ANBU, as well as the various clans."
"Understood."
Minato stood up and bowed slightly to the Third. His movements were crisp and decisive, devoid of unnecessary pleasantries or deliberate humility.
Watching this scene, a hint of clear understanding flashed in Yu's eyes.
Hiruzen Sarutobi still wanted Minato Namikaze to become the Fourth Hokage.
During the Giant Tenseigan battle, Yu had stolen all the spotlight. From the internal integration of the Hyūga clan to the establishment of the Technology Development Headquarters, and then to the practical control over the Foundation—this series of moves had caused his influence in Konoha to expand exponentially.
If he were to take command of the eastern front as well and win this war, there would be no suspense left regarding the position of the Fourth Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not want to see that outcome.
It wasn't a lack of trust, nor was he captivated by Minato; rather—the position of Hokage required balance.
From the perspective of his generation, a candidate whose power was overly dominant was not necessarily a good thing for Konoha's stability.
Minato Namikaze was the best candidate: sufficient strength, sufficient prestige, and most importantly—he had no massive clan background backing him.
With him as Hokage, it would not disrupt Konoha's existing power landscape.
Yu set down his teacup, feeling no real waves in his heart.
He didn't care that much about the position of the Fourth Hokage in the first place, nor did he have time to deal with a mountain of administrative chores after taking office.
The Foundation and the Headquarters had basically detached from Konoha's existing framework to operate independently. Moreover, as the Headquarters acted as the glue between Konoha and the Land of Fire—continuously grasping political influence and physical assets within the realm—it would eventually expand into a giant controlling the military, political, and commercial powers of the Land of Fire.
The underlying logic of the Shinobi World was that absolute power reigned supreme. No matter how prestigious the title of Hokage was, it wasn't as tangible as real power. Rather than approving documents in the Hokage Residence, it was better to spend time researching how to make himself stronger.
As long as the Hokage was obedient enough and didn't get in his way, that was more than sufficient.
On this point, Minato Namikaze—who held no grievances about becoming a figurehead after taking office—was also a candidate Yu approved of.
If Minato could be Hiruzen Sarutobi's puppet, he could also be his puppet.
"Tennin."
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice interrupted Yu's train of thought, causing him to raise his head.
"I leave the eastern front to Minato; I have another task for you."
Yu looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Regarding the war against Kirigakure, Jiraiya gathered intelligence that the enemy seems to have mastered a lot of new weaponry. We need the Technology Development Headquarters to conduct countermeasure research on corresponding weapons," the Third said. "Additionally, regarding Iwagakure, we will also need you to handle it..."
Yu nodded slightly: "Understood."
After discussing the main strategic direction, the meeting continued for another half hour.
Shikaku Nara gave a detailed report on the troop deployment plan for the eastern line, Minato Namikaze proposed specific tactical concepts, and Jiraiya added several points regarding intelligence support...
Yu said nothing more throughout the process, merely nodding occasionally or taking a sip from his teacup.
When the meeting adjourned, the crowd filed out of the conference room.
Yu fell behind at the end.
In the hallway, Minato Namikaze was waiting for him.
"Tennin." Minato turned around, his golden hair gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight in the hallway. His expression was earnest, solemn to the point of near gravity. "Thank you for the matter regarding the eastern line."
Yu raised an eyebrow slightly: "Thanking me for what?"
Minato took a deep breath and said heavily, "Becoming Hokage is the dream of Kushina and me."
Yu thought for a moment, but decided to offer a reminder anyway:
"The eastern line won't be that simple."
Minato frowned slightly: "You mean—"
"This war is not simple," Yu didn't elaborate further, instead patting Minato's shoulder as if comforting a subordinate. "Be careful."
Having said that, he turned and walked away, leaving Minato Namikaze standing alone in the hallway.
Minato watched his back disappear into the stairwell, falling silent for a long time.
It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Black Tower, top-floor office.
When Yu pushed the door open and walked in, Natsu was sitting behind his desk, a thick stack of files piled before her.
"You're back?" Natsu raised her head, curiosity in her eyes. "How was the meeting?"
Yu took off his coat and hung it on the rack. "Much as I expected. I likely won't take part in the battlefield for the time being and will be responsible for the rear."
Natsu's delicate brows knit slightly before she nodded thoughtfully. "The Third still wants Minato Namikaze to be the Fourth Hokage."
"Mm."
Yu walked to the desk, picking up the unapproved document on the desk to glance through it.
It was a personnel deployment list for the Foundation, just delivered by Terai.
"You're not angry?" Natsu asked.
"Angry about what?" Yu sat down opposite Natsu, picking up the pen to continue reviewing. "The position of Hokage? Or military merit?"
He paused, the tip of his pen resting on the paper for a brief moment.
"Natsu, do you think winning against Kirigakure will solve all the problems?"
Natsu did not answer.
Yu simply shook his head, his gaze narrowing slightly. "This war is merely a surface phenomenon; the true chessboard isn't on the ground..."
"It's in the sky!"
He set down his pen and leaned back against his chair.
"I need time."
"Time?"
"Time for cultivation," Yu said. "The handover of the Headquarters and the integration of the Foundation—these matters must be completed within a week, and then—"
Yu pulled out a list from under the desk and pushed it in front of Natsu.
"I'm entrusting this to you; help me collect these materials."
Natsu picked up the list, her eyes falling upon it.
"Hearts of elite jonin-level shinobi proficient in Water, Earth, and Lightning Nature Transformations? And... a massive amount of Kaguya clan materials?"
Looking at the list, Natsu's pupils shrank slightly. Having grasped a vast amount of Tenseigan chakra intelligence through her resonance with the Giant Tenseigan, she understood what Yu intended to do.
"You want to complete this cultivation... but isn't it a bit too early?"
Soon, while all of Konoha was mobilizing to prepare for war, a week passed.
March 19th.
Yu completely finished the handover work between the Technology Development Headquarters and the Foundation.
At this point—
Natsu formally assumed the role of Secretary to the Chief of the Headquarters, managing all affairs of the Technology Development Headquarters on his behalf.
Kakuzu took over the financial management of the Headquarters.
Over at the Foundation, Terai, Yamato, and Shin formed the new core management.
After handing over the affairs of both the Foundation and Headquarters—enabling the two departments to function independently in his absence while continuously expanding along the path Yu had designed—Natsu also gathered all the cultivation materials Yu required through the increasingly vast channels of the Foundation and Headquarters.
Late at night on the 19th.
Holding a pitch-black scroll, Yu brought Kakuzu along as he arrived at Training Ground 46 inside the Forest of Death.
————
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