NOVEL NEXT Chapter 90: CHAPTER 90
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The next day, the council chamber of Konohagakure was alive with energy.
The morning sun filtered through the wide windows, casting golden streaks across the polished wooden table that stretched through the center of the room.
Around it sat the village's most influential figures—clan leaders, senior jonin, and advisors.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, stood at the head of the table, his commanding presence silencing even the smallest murmurs.
Elder Mito Uzumaki and Advisor Kagami Uchiha sat to his sides, their expressions resolute.
Mito exuded an air of quiet authority, her crimson hair streaked with glowing allure, while Kagami's sharp gaze flickered across the room, analyzing the reactions of the attendees.
Hiruzen began, his voice carrying both weight and clarity.
"Council members, you are all aware that one week ago, Uzushiogakure, our closest ally, was attacked by three villages—Iwagakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure. Despite our best efforts to negotiate peace and demand compensation for their aggression, these villages had the audacity to demand sixty billion ryō from us instead. This blatant disregard for justice could not stand."
The room grew still, tension thick in the air.
Hiruzen continued, his voice dropping to a more somber tone.
"Two days ago, during these failed negotiations, alongside Elder Mito and Advisor Kagami, I executed a countermeasure. We eliminated all enemy forces that dared set foot in our village. Among those killed were the Third Tsuchikage, the Raikage, the Mizukage, their ANBU commanders, their Jinchūriki, and three high-ranking elders from their councils."
Hissss!
There was a collective intake of breath, and then silence—a heavy, stunned silence that enveloped the room.
The gravity of his words settled in, each clan leader processing the unprecedented act of retaliation.
"The result," Hiruzen said, his voice firm, "means that these villages are now severely weakened. Their military strength has been drastically reduced to just three remaining Tailed Beasts and hardly one or two kage-level ninjas. This information will soon circulate throughout the world, sending a clear message to any who dare threaten Konohagakure or its allies."
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At first, no one spoke. Then, like the cracking of ice, whispers and murmurs began to ripple through the room, growing louder with each passing second.
Clan leaders exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others wore expressions of cautious optimism.
Setsuna Uchiha, the head of the Uchiha clan, stood abruptly. His voice carried an undercurrent of urgency.
"Hokage-sama, this presents us with an unprecedented opportunity. We should not let it slip away. By striking now, we can deal a decisive blow to these villages and secure at least a decade of peace. Their forces are in disarray; we must act swiftly."
Hanaku Senju, head of the Senju clan, nodded in agreement.
"I concur. With their leadership crippled, their response will be sluggish at best. This is the perfect moment to act decisively and ensure their inability to recover."
As one voice rose after another, the council chamber grew louder.
Hiruzen allowed the discourse to continue for a few moments before raising his hand.
The room fell silent almost instantly as his chakra subtly flared, a gentle yet firm reminder of the authority he wielded.
"Your points are valid," Hiruzen said. "This is indeed an opportunity to secure peace, but it must be done with precision and foresight. A reckless move could backfire. Today, we will mobilize our forces to ensure the successful counter-attack."
The room erupted in a mix of agreement and determination.
Hiruzen continued, outlining the specifics of the operation. "For the Kirigakure front, Sakumo Hatake will serve as commander. The Hyūga and Hatake clans will provide support. A total of 4,000 shinobi will be allocated for this effort."
He paused, his eyes scanning the room. "Kumogakure's forces will be handled by Tsunade Senju, who will lead ninja from the Senju and Uzumaki clans. She will also have 4,000 shinobi under her command."
"As for Sunagakure and Amegakure," Hiruzen said, "Jiraiya will command this front with the combined forces of the Ino-Shika-Chō formation and the Uchiha clan, totaling 5,000 shinobi. This will be the largest front, as it involves two villages."
Hiruzen's tone grew sharper. "Orochimaru will lead the Sarutobi, Shimura, Kurama, Utatane, and Mitokado clans with 3,000 shinobi to counter against Iwagakure and Kusagakure. His task is crucial, as it will maintain the stability of our borders."
He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "These assignments are not just strategic decisions; they are calculated moves to ensure the survival of our village and the prosperity of future generations. This war will shape the world we leave behind. Dismissed."
As the council members began to leave, their faces a mix of resolve and trepidation, Hiruzen turned his thoughts inward.
The burden of leadership weighed heavily on him, but he carried it with unyielding resolve.
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Later that day, in the privacy of his office, Hiruzen summoned Maito Dai, the ANBU commander. The man appeared swiftly, kneeling before the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama," Dai said respectfully.
Hiruzen's voice was calm but firm. "Gather all available ANBU units and assemble them at Training Ground 1 immediately."
Dai nodded and vanished in a blur of motion.
Within minutes, Training Ground 1 was filled with over 2,000 ANBU operatives, their masks gleaming in the sunlight. They stood in perfect formation, a testament to their discipline and readiness.
Hiruzen arrived, his aura radiating authority. He surveyed the gathered operatives before speaking. "You have been called here for a mission that will determine the future outcome of this war. Your task is of the utmost secrecy and importance."
He pulled out several scrolls and tossed them to the team leaders. Each caught a scroll, opening it to read the details within. Their masked faces betrayed no emotion, but the tension in the air was palpable.
"Your mission," Hiruzen said, his voice carrying across the field, "is to eliminate all obstacles in Konoha's path. You are the shadows that will pave the way for our forces to succeed. Leave no trace. Ensure no failures."
In unison, the ANBU knelt, their voices ringing out in a single, resolute chant. "Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen nodded, his expression grave. "Disperse."
In a flash, the ANBU operatives vanished, blending into the earth and shadows.
Left alone in the training ground, Hiruzen looked up at the sky, his thoughts heavy. "The foundation of this village rests on the sacrifices of its people. More S-rank ninja will emerge from this war, but they must remain hidden until the time is right."
With a final glance at the empty field, Hiruzen disappeared in a swirl of leaves, ready to continue his relentless efforts for Konoha's survival and prosperity.
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