The group arrived at the Akimichi BBQ restaurant.
Akimichi Torifu, seeing that both the Third Hokage and the Vice-Hokage had come, immediately arranged a private room for them.
In the room, Uchiha Ryun and Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seats, while Sarutobi Shinnosuke sat near the door, responsible for opening the door and pouring drinks.
The meal was enjoyable for both hosts and guests. On the first day of apprenticeship, Ryun told Shinnosuke to go home and rest, and to return for training the next day.
Hiruzen naturally agreed. After everything concluded, he took his eldest son home, his face full of smiles.
"Good son, the teacher you've become a disciple under doesn't accept just anyone. Since you've now become his student, you must study hard, understand?"
"Father, I understand!" Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded, his eyes shining brightly like gems, nodding with a hint of excitement.
"Good child." Hiruzen smiled and patted his head, planning to take him home for a good rest and some reading. As for training, that would be left to Ryun starting tomorrow.
Otherwise, if Ryun were to train the child's physical endurance and ninjutsu tomorrow, and the child appeared tired and drained in front of the teacher, what then?
Hiruzen's understanding was far smarter than ninety-nine percent of the shinobi in Konoha. Do what the teacher says, and do it well.
What the teacher doesn't allow, don't do. Rest when it's time to rest, play when it's time to play. Isn't it exhausting to overthink things every day?
Ryun watched the figures of the father and son walking away and couldn't help but nod. Hiruzen Sarutobi, as a father, had extremely high emotional intelligence. He knew how to advance and retreat appropriately, and without losing his dignity, he could flatter Ryun to a certain extent.
This was truly not something an average person could achieve. Then he turned and headed towards the Senju clan compound. At this hour, Tsunade should still be sleeping, right?
But just halfway there, an Anbu knelt on one knee before him. "Reporting to the Hokage-sama (here it refers to the Vice-Hokage, but since the actual one isn't present, he is addressed this way)."
Ryun's eyes narrowed. "Stand and speak," he said calmly.
The Anbu shinobi stood up. He did not brush off the dirt on his clothes but directly reported to Ryun.
"Classified report from the Land of Water, Kirigakure. The Third Mizukage committed suicide three days ago. The Fourth Mizukage is Yagura. According to internal information, they are pointing the blame at us. They plan to join forces with Kumogakure to attack Konoha in the coming days!" After speaking, the Anbu lowered his head, not daring to say more.
Ryun was silent for a moment, strategizing in his mind. Finally, a cold glint appeared in his eyes. "Notify all clan leaders to come to the Hokage's office for a meeting. Also, give them a message: those who do not come will bear the consequences."
After speaking, Ryun turned and walked toward the village entrance, as the Hokage's office was nearby.
The Anbu was stunned by this message. First confused, then excited. What was happening? Was this a preemptive strike?
The Anbu immediately sprang into action to carry out Ryun's strategy. Ryun, with his hands in his pockets, continued walking. He suddenly pulled out his right hand, and a cherry blossom petal landed on his palm.
He gently pinched it, and the petal turned to dust. He took a sharp breath. "Causing trouble right around my wedding, huh? Yagura, I'll remember you."
After saying this, Ryun withdrew his hand, his expression unchanged.
In less than thirty minutes, the leaders of every clan arrived personally. This meeting didn't even have seats for the elders, and the room quickly filled up.
Ryun lowered his head, looking at the map of the Land of Water and the regional distribution of the Land of Lightning, silent.
Those below didn't dare make a sound. Now, Ryun's influence was fully established. Whether in terms of strength, reputation, or clan, he was undeniably Konoha's number one.
When the last clan finally entered, Ryun curled his lips and raised his head. "Everyone's here?" His sensory abilities had already detected it. Asking this was mainly to create a sense of pressure.
Unlike Hiruzen's highly inspiring speeches, Ryun chose this method to make everyone pay attention and clearly understand what he was about to do.
"Reporting to Vice-Hokage-sama, all clan leaders are present! The representative jōnin of the civilians is also present!" The Anbu cupped his hands in salute.
"Since everyone is here, I have two main points to discuss today. First, the Third Mizukage committed suicide a few days ago. The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, is pointing the blame at Konoha. War is imminent!" Ryun scanned the room.
The clan leaders present didn't react much. So what if it's war? Konoha has always emerged victorious in every battle. What is there to fear?
"This time is different. Kirigakure and Kumogakure are joining forces, preparing to attack Konoha's northern and eastern fronts simultaneously," Ryun said calmly.
At this point, the clan leaders below began to grow restless. "A two-front war? Vice-Hokage-sama, this... what should we do?" The one speaking was the leader of a minor clan, his voice trembling.
Then, the clan leaders started discussing among themselves. However, those sitting in the front rows—Hyūga Sekijō, Uchiha Hirotomo, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the leaders of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio—remained silent.
They understood that Ryun had called them here not just to state the problem but also because he had a solution. So why act like clowns, jumping around nervously?
Ryun scanned the shinobi present and couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed. Just a two-front war was enough to make them so panicked. However, those clans who remained silent earned his silent approval.
"What I want to say is, this war may not just be two fronts. At any time, it could turn into three fronts, four fronts, or even more."
"All nations are watching. If Konoha loses, they will all attack us together. If Konoha wins, they might take the opportunity to strike the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water while they're down!"
Ryun's words echoed through the room once again as he scanned the various clans. Some minor clans wore bitter expressions, while others were filled with excitement.
The arrival of war meant a reshuffling of clan influence. Perhaps they couldn't shake the centuries-old or millennia-old shinobi families, but they could elevate their clan's status and influence within Konoha!
But at times like these, there are always discordant voices. "Then, may I ask, how many shinobi does the Vice-Hokage plan for the Uchiha clan to contribute to this war?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions changed dramatically. What the hell? Which clan's reckless fool is this? Is he trying to get himself killed? Is this something to bring up directly in a meeting?
Upon looking, it turned out to be an insignificant minor clan. Was this political naivety? Or was someone pulling the strings? Regardless, from this moment on, it didn't matter.
Everyone's attention was successfully drawn to the Vice-Hokage on the platform, Konoha's highest military commander, Uchiha Ryun!
After all, previously, the Uchiha had mobilized the entire clan to protect the village. If they contributed too few people this time, it would be hard to justify. Could it be that they were just putting on a show before? Gaining everyone's trust, and after obtaining power, planning to turtle up and avoid action?
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