Uchiha Fugaku, being the first to show his loyalty, received a nod from Ryan. Observing this, the Hyuga brothers, Hiashi and Hyuga, also expressed their eagerness.
"Hmph! The Hyuga clan also wishes to lead the way!" Hiashi declared, asserting their desire to take charge.
The other clan leaders, who had been hesitant, took note of the two strongest families in Konoha stepping up. They understood that they couldn't afford to lag behind.
Voices filled the room as each clan shouted their willingness to participate. Ryan, seeing the enthusiasm, smiled and calmed the clamour of the leaders.
"Alright then..."
"Next, let's consider which small countries we should target first."
All eyes turned to the map laid out before them, their attention fixed on the discussion to follow.
But before Ryan could speak, the representative of Konoha's think tank stood up and raised a question.
"Hokage-sama, attacking these small countries may not pose a problem, but we need a valid reason to do so. Without proper justification, the daimyo might not approve of launching a war. Other daimyos may also intervene and obstruct our plans."
As this question was raised, Ryan slapped his head in frustration. Despite travelling through time, he had never taken the concept of a daimyo seriously. He didn't see the point of reporting to a weak individual with no real power.
Before crossing over, Ryan had always been puzzled as to why every ninja in the world of Hokage listened to the daimyo's words, despite their lack of strength. Today, reminded by the Nara clan head, he realized the existence of the daimyo.
"Ah, I completely forgot..."
"I've been so preoccupied, I forgot about the daimyo."
"But for now, we don't need to pay him much attention!"
"We'll give him some face and acknowledge his position. But if he challenges us, we won't hesitate to crush him!"
Upon hearing Ryan's words, all the clan leaders present were left shocked. No one expected him to speak so audaciously, even causing the Nara clan head to fall silent.
Observing their reactions, Ryan remained unfazed. To him, the daimyo was merely an insignificant figure with no real power. He couldn't understand why the shadow villages of each nation had to heed their every word, effectively becoming their subordinates.
Quickly brushing off the matter of the daimyo, Ryan turned his attention back to the main issue at hand. Mere titles and names were inconsequential to him. What truly mattered was strengthening the overall power of the nation.
"Everyone, we have three targets at the moment."
"First, the Land of Whirlpools!"
Ryan pointed to the isolated island on the map, once the home of the Uzumaki clan, now destroyed and abandoned.
"This used to be the Land of Whirlpools, but it has since been destroyed. Therefore, this will be our first target. By occupying it, we can expand the Fire Nation's territory and establish a stronghold to keep an eye on Kirigakure."
Ryan's gaze swept across the room, awaiting the response of the clan leaders. After a moment's contemplation, they expressed no objections. The idea of having a vantage point over Kirigakure appealed to them.
With the consensus reached, the clans quickly allocated their ninjas for the mission. The Hyuga and Uchiha clans each contributed 100 ninjas, while the remaining families assembled a force of 300 ninjas. Together, a total of 500 ninjas would set out to occupy the Land of Whirlpools.
In addition to the military force, companions would be hired from the Land of Fire to aid in rebuilding the Land of Whirlpools into a strategic outpost against Kirigakure.
With the arrangements settled Ryan continued, "Our second goal is the Land of Grass!"
He pointed to the Land of Grass, which bordered the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire. Confusion appeared on the faces of the clan leaders, as they couldn't immediately discern the significance of this target.
"If the Land of Whirlpools serves as a bridgehead against Kirigakure, then defeating the Land of Grass means we will face the Rock Shinobi. It will inevitably lead to a battle between the two villages," one leader expressed, voicing their concern.
Ryan anticipated their hesitation and quickly reassured them, "Don't worry!"
"In the current state of the ninja world, harbouring these rebellious nations only brings trouble. And if Onoki of Iwagakure dares to make a move, I, as the Fourth Hokage, will show him the true extent of my power!"
"Moreover, the Uzumaki clan members reside in Kusagakure. With the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, Mito-sama doesn't want her people to be displaced."
Upon hearing Ryan's explanation and invoking the name of Uzumaki Mito, the wife of the First Hokage, the clan leaders ceased their objections.
Without further delay, the clans swiftly assigned their ninjas for the mission. A force of a thousand ninjas, comprising major families and civilian ninjas of Konoha, would set off for the Land of Grass. Minato, a trusted aide, was entrusted with leading this endeavour.
With the battle plan established, Ryan's attention shifted to the last target, the Land of Rain. Home to the demigod of the ninja world, Hanzo of the Salamander. This country had sparked the Second Ninja World War, but its power had since dwindled, leaving only an aged leader devoid of ambition.
Ryan selected the Land of Rain for its strategic value and the desirability of incorporating Rain Shinobi Village. Its geographic location made it highly coveted by Konoha.
"And for the Land of Rain, I will personally lead the team!"
"The Ino-Shika-Cho clan, the Uchiha clan, and the Hyuga clan will each send a contingent of their ninjas."
"This time, we will swiftly capture the Land of Rain!"
As Ryan spoke, the clan leaders readily agreed. He had not only prepared the necessary forces but also planned to bring the Konoha Sannin along. They were awaiting the return of Jiraiya and his apprentices before launching their assault on the Land of Rain.
With the plans set, the clan leaders departed to prepare their respective clans. As they left, Ryan's gaze returned to the map before him.
Ryan had his considerations when dealing with these small countries. Attacking other major ninja villages, one of the Five Great Nations, would immediately arouse suspicion and likely lead to the three remaining countries uniting against Konoha.
As formidable as his strength had become, Ryan knew he couldn't face the entire ninja world alone.
There was still a long journey ahead for him, step by step. For now, he awaited Jiraiya's return to proceed with the next phase of their plan.
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