"I support Elder Yagami's proposal. This war does not belong to Konoha, but in order to prevent Kumogakure and Iwagakure shinobi from dragging us into trouble, necessary precautions must be taken. I propose to strengthen the combat readiness force on the northern border."
Before Yagami could leave the Hokage's office after finishing speaking, Nara Shikaku's voice came, leaving Yagami speechless.
I just want to end the relationship so I can leave. You are such a supporter! It makes it seem like I am giving you advice...
"I also agree. We are worried that the two villages will jointly invade the Land of Fire, but they are also worried that we will sway to a certain side. The premise, however, is that we must fight enough to influence their war."
Hyūga Hiashi also voiced his agreement, followed by several ninja elders who did not have such a tense relationship with the Uchiha, also expressing their support for Yagami.
Yagami was embarrassed and prepared to leave. After glancing at Shikaku, Yagami had no choice but to fold his arms and lean against the cabinet, signalling with his posture that they could speak as they liked, but he would not respond.
Feeling Yagami's gaze, Shikaku broke into a cold sweat despite maintaining a composed expression.
He naturally saw Yagami's desire to withdraw, but as a direct descendant of Hokages across generations and a counsellor of Konoha, Shikaku clearly understood the current state of the village.
Let's not even consider Uchiha Yagami's personal combat power or the combat power of the Uchiha clan. This Uchiha didn't want to get involved, and no one could force them to intervene.
However, Konoha could not afford to lose the Uchiha now. Despite the purely transactional nature of their support, the wealth in Yagami's hands was the only resource enabling Konoha to retain its own capital during a war irrelevant to their interests.
This was why Shikaku risked using his words to keep Yagami engaged. To his surprise, his mere remarks managed to get so many elders to align with him.
Although this wasn't entirely negative, the Third Hokage was present!
Consider the past, when the Third Hokage proposed something—most people remained silent or neither supported nor opposed it.
Now, however, Uchiha Yagami speaks, and you all strongly support him. Isn't this a slap in the Third Hokage's face?
"That's what I mean, Yagami. You proposed the plan. Look..."
The Third Hokage didn't dwell on the perceived slight. Compared to his reputation, securing Uchiha's assistance for the village was more important.
"Don't ask me! I'm just stating my stance. Uchiha will not participate and will not provide funds for war preparations. We Uchiha are not daimyo and have no such obligation," Yagami said, shaking his head.
The Uchiha had recently secured a position on the coast and were developing rapidly. Why should they engage in a war that offered no financial benefit?
Konoha expects Uchiha's help. If you weren't still useful and if we didn't need to prevent you from scheming behind our backs, this office wouldn't even need to remain open.
"This…"
"Don't say that I, as a consultant elder, am shirking my duties! Intimidating Kumogakure and Iwagakure shinobi isn't difficult. Haven't the village's missions been in short supply recently? What's the reason for this situation? There are too many ninjas! If all of them are sent to guard the borders, their numbers will definitely be enough to suppress two villages."
Noticing the Third Hokage was about to respond, Yagami quickly interrupted him.
Truthfully, after cutting off the lifelines of the Hokage family's higher-ups, the ninja clans' numbers had indeed dwindled. Leaving aside the Genin, the Chūnin alone made up two-thirds of Konoha's current forces.
Although the number of Jōnin is smaller, their combined total surpasses that of the Uchiha and Hyūga clans.
Let's put it this way: Konoha's Jōnin can be divided into ten parts. Four-tenths are from the Uchiha and Hyūga clans, one-tenth are civilian ninjas who originated from former ninja clans, and close to five-tenths are provided by the Sarutobi, Shimura, Akimichi, and Mitokado clans.
In terms of combat power, the Third Hokage's faction has the advantage in sheer numbers. This imbalance is a significant reason for the current state of affairs in Konoha.
"You mean to station these additional ninjas at the border?"
The Third Hokage was momentarily stunned before realizing something important: the ongoing war between Kumogakure and Iwagakure might not be entirely disadvantageous. At the very least, it could serve to redirect Konoha's internal tensions outward.
To avoid being drawn into the war, stationing troops at Konoha's borders was a necessary step. Not only could this address the issue of insufficient missions, but it also provided an opportunity to request funds from the daimyo to prepare for war.
Additionally, border-stationed ninjas would be eligible for payment—funds that would come from the daimyo's treasury.
"That settles it. The village has faced frequent harassment lately," said Yagami. "A large part of this is because some believe Konoha's strength is no longer what it used to be. Stationing these troops at the border isn't just a short-term solution; it will send a long-term message.
"Station them for three years, five years, or even seven years. At that point, who would dare think Konoha's strength has diminished?"
Yagami's words carried weight. The situation on the battlefield was unpredictable, and guarding the border during such times was no small task—it was entirely possible for stationed shinobi to lose their lives.
However, Yagami continued with cold logic. "These people were trained at the expense of Konoha's resources. If they die on the border, they'll at least have repaid some of the debt owed to the village."
Hearing this, the Third Hokage's eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion. The plan solved both external and internal issues—a rare win-win scenario. Even knowing the drawbacks, it was difficult to reject. Internal and external troubles had to be dealt with, and addressing both at the same time—even at some cost—was a necessary gamble.
If a few must die for the greater good, so be it. My family has endured worse and can bear this, too.
However, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, seated nearby, wore sour expressions. Sending their family members to the border as a "contribution to the village" was no different from sending them to the battlefield. Their families had spent years building their strength, and losses were inevitable in such missions. While reluctant, they couldn't voice objections given the current circumstances.
Most of the elders present were leaders of Konoha's ninja clans. If Koharu and Homura implied their family members should be exempt from duty, they risked backlash from the other clans.
After all, we're all Konoha ninja. If elder families avoid the battlefield, why should the ninja clans bear the sacrifices alone?
"That's not sufficient!" Shikaku interjected. "Even though we're up against two villages, and we're just one, we can't afford to ignore the possibility of being dragged into conflict. We need an alliance of our own. If anyone is affected by this war, it shouldn't be us."
Shikaku stroked his chin thoughtfully, sparking a realization among the group: Sunagakure. Konoha's long-standing neighbour would make a natural ally. Given their weak position, harsh environment, strained relations with their daimyo, and lingering recovery from the Third Shinobi War, Sunagakure would likely be just as disinclined to enter the conflict as Konoha.
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