"The Hokage-sama, the front lines have achieved a great victory. The Konoha-nin suffered 600 losses, with 1,000 injured, while annihilating over 4,000 enemies. A major triumph!" the messenger hurriedly reported.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned for a moment before bursting into joy. "Good! Good! Good!" These three consecutive "good" words revealed his current elation.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances and quickly congratulated him. "Hiruzen, under your leadership, Konoha is growing stronger and more prosperous!"
"Yes, Danzō has not disappointed either. This battle was fought brilliantly!" The two of them were also full of smiles.
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand. "Ah, you can't say that. This victory is the result of everyone's efforts—you, me, and all the villagers working together and fighting hard to achieve such splendid results."
Though he said this, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado could clearly sense Hiruzen's joy. They glanced at each other and exchanged compliments with Hiruzen.
The messenger, meanwhile, stood quietly, lowering his presence. At this moment, it was best for him not to involve himself in the big shots' flattery. He was unworthy of participating in such exchanges.
After the leaders finished speaking, the messenger spoke up. "Vice Commander Uchiha Ryun has a message for the Hokage-sama!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled, then solemnly said, "What does Ryun have to say? Speak quickly!"
"Reporting to the Hokage-sama, Vice Commander Ryun said that the war is not over yet. It has only just begun. Our forces will hold their positions during this time. The Kazekage will surely lead his troops to attack again! He requests that the Hokage-sama dispatch Kage-level fighters to the front lines. Otherwise, this battle may have been fought in vain!" The messenger repeated Uchiha Ryun's words verbatim.
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, then nodded. "Understood. Thank you for your hard work. Go back and tell Ryun that this time, I will personally lead 3,000 men to reinforce the front lines!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi slammed his hand on the table, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Heh, if the Third Kazekage can personally take the field, what do I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, have to fear?"
"Hiruzen..."
"Hokage-sama..."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado hesitated, but Hiruzen Sarutobi shot them a hawk-like gaze. "My decision is final. Do not try to dissuade me!"
He then declared, "This afternoon, summon all clan heads to the office for a meeting and have them report their achievements. We will recruit more troops and strike the Sand-dogs again!"
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado finally nodded. "We understand! We will go now!"
With that, the two left the Hokage Building to personally deliver the message to each household.
The messenger bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi and prepared to leave, but Hiruzen suddenly called him back. He walked up to the messenger, straightened his clothes, and patted his shoulder.
"The contributions of the Uchiha clan are remembered by me, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and all the villagers of Konoha! You must also be careful!" His words were so sincere that the Uchiha messenger's eyes reddened.
The messenger knelt on one knee. "Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama!" Hiruzen Sarutobi then took out a scroll and handed it to him.
"This is some meat I personally bought for the soldiers at the front. Please take it back and deliver it to Danzō and Ryun." With that, Hiruzen patted the messenger's shoulder again.
The messenger quickly replied, "Yes!" Then, under Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze, he walked away. Hiruzen smiled. Indeed, the Uchiha clan was one that inherited the Will of Fire!
He then sat in his office to wait. In less than an hour, all clan heads had assembled. For those whose clan heads were at the front, the family elders attended in their place.
The clan heads understood that with Konoha's strength, victory was inevitable. The real question was how they would win and by how much!
Today, Hiruzen Sarutobi would announce the news from the front. As clan heads and high-ranking officials, they were naturally very concerned about the progress of the war.
"Ahem, is everyone here?" Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed twice, then smiled. The clan heads below could tell that Hiruzen was in a good mood.
That likely meant the front lines had performed well. Their own moods lightened, and they began to smile, waiting for Hiruzen's next words.
Hiruzen sighed inwardly. Ah, without Ryun here, there's no good straight man to play off of. Still, the news he brought today was exciting enough.
"Today, we received word that our forces have crushed Sunagakure on the front lines, annihilating over 4,000 enemies while suffering only 600 losses. A 1:7 casualty ratio—this calls for celebration!" Hiruzen beamed.
The heads of smaller clans were visibly delighted, murmuring among themselves. The leaders of the major clans, however, remained expressionless, though inwardly, they were shocked.
Was Danzō this formidable? To command so effectively! Only the noble clans—Uchiha, Hyūga, Ino-Shika-Chō, Sarutobi, and Shimura—knew that the true strategist behind this was Uchiha Ryun.
Hyūga Sekijō cast a deep glance at Uchiha Hirotomo, who noticed and smiled back. Hyūga Sekijō snorted and turned his attention back to the Hokage. If this were just a victory announcement, there would be no need to summon all the clans. There must be another purpose.
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "Now, we have won a great victory, and that is cause for celebration. However, this does not mean the war is over. Rather, it is just the beginning!"
His words sent a jolt through everyone. They stared at Hiruzen, wondering why he would say such a thing.
Hiruzen repeated Uchiha Ryun's message verbatim. The clan heads looked at him with newfound admiration.
Hiruzen Sarutobi truly lives up to being the Second Hokage's student! To strategize so deeply at such a young age, already possessing Kage-level strength—this battle is surely ours to win.
Thus, they eagerly volunteered to send elite forces to accompany Hiruzen to the front. Hiruzen was overjoyed. Even the Hyūga clan dispatched nearly 300 shinobi.
Soon, the number reached 4,000. Some clans wanted to send more, but Hiruzen raised his hand. "Enough, enough. Listen to me.
"While we reinforce the front, we must also guard against the possibility of Kumogakure or Iwagakure taking advantage to attack us. So, 4,000 shinobi is already more than enough!"
The clan heads exchanged glances before quieting down to hear the rest.
Hiruzen smiled. "During my absence, the defense of Konoha will be entrusted to Hatake Sakumo!"
Hatake Sakumo was stunned. Hadn't he just failed a mission? Why was Hiruzen still entrusting him with such responsibility?
Hiruzen nodded at him. "Everyone knows Sakumo's strength—one of the elite among jōnin. With him here, I am confident Konoha will remain safe!"
The clan heads applauded, expressing their support for Hiruzen's decision.
Hatake Sakumo stood up and bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama. I swear to protect Konoha's safety. Any enemy who wishes to harm our village will have to step over my corpse!"
His eyes shone with determination. Hiruzen nodded. Strangely enough, though Sakumo had failed his mission, Hiruzen felt somewhat pleased. After all, who could win every battle?
Not even Hiruzen Sarutobi could claim that. You may have lost, but to me, you have become even more trustworthy!