The situation in the Land of Rivers has temporarily stabilized. This marks the third time Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato have repelled the Sand Ninjas," said Koharu Utatane. After hearing these words, Mitokado Homura nodded in agreement. "Jiraiya is indeed reliable, and Minato's role cannot be overlooked either. He has been able to defeat the Fourth Kazekage multiple times. If it weren't for the host of the One-Tail, the Land of Rivers' camp wouldn't have collapsed so quickly last time."
"Indeed, Minato bore a heavier responsibility when he was injured while protecting his comrades," replied Sarutobi Hiruzen. He too agreed with the assessment. Hiruzen had always been fond of Minato, recognizing him as a rare ninja with the mindset of a Hokage. Minato's special charisma allowed him to influence those around him.
As for the issue of the next Hokage, Hiruzen had been contemplating it ever since Tsunade had expressed her intent to leave. Orochimaru, despite his reputation and power, harbored a dark side that made him unfit for the Hokage seat. Jiraiya's carefree nature, while dependable in critical moments, made him unsuitable for the position as well.
He rarely took on missions these days, let alone the responsibilities of Hokage. When all was considered, the only one who seemed fitting—who embodied the Will of Fire, had exceptional strength, and didn't have entanglements with too many other factions—was Namikaze Minato.
"The situation on the battlefield in the Land of Grass is also progressing well. Although Danzo can be somewhat overzealous, the things entrusted to him inspire confidence," Koharu Utatane remarked, switching the topic to another front. Mitokado Homura agreed with this observation.
According to the reports from the frontlines, Danzo had been performing excellently, keeping the Iwa Ninjas' advance in check while also forming an alliance with the Grass Village. His successes were substantial, forcing Iwa Ninja into a retreat.
Most importantly, Danzo had avoided asking for additional support from the village, aside from some military supplies. When compared to Minato, Danzo had performed better, as his actions had resulted in fewer casualties for their side, and they didn't have to worry as much.
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, signaling his disapproval. "While Danzo's results are noteworthy, we should focus more on how to respond to the questions from the Daimyō's court," he said.
"After all, the finance minister has died. If we don't give the Daimyō a proper answer, we may lose their financial support moving forward." His words caused both of the advisors to pause, their expressions darkening. They had been shocked when they first learned of the situation.
Danzo, while radical, had never been known to carry out such blatant assassinations. Yet, after interrogating the three members of Danzo's ROOT who had returned, Hiruzen learned that they had been on a mission to the capital of the Land of Fire to bring back a member of the Uzumaki clan—a plan entirely of Danzo's making. Although Hiruzen had anticipated Danzo's motives, he hadn't intervened. The death of the finance minister, however, was something he hadn't expected.
"I believe this is a misunderstanding," Koharu Utatane spoke up. "After all, Danzo's ROOT operatives couldn't have known the finance minister was in the carriage."
"Yes, Hiruzen, even though Danzo's methods are often extreme, he would never intentionally harm Konoha," Enka added, supporting their colleague.
Hiruzen shook his head. "I believe it wasn't Danzo's direct order either, but now the finance minister is dead, and the killer is one of Danzo's ROOT members. The Daimyō wants an explanation. What do you suggest we do?"
Both Koharu and Homura fell silent, realizing the difficulty of the situation. Had there been no witnesses, they could have blamed it on foreign spies. However, the Uzumaki Trade Association had managed to capture one of Danzo's ROOT operatives alive, and their identity had been confirmed. This left them in a tough spot.
"We will formally remove Danzo from his position as the front-line commander, but we will continue to let him manage ROOT in secret," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued. "On the surface, we'll appear to have relieved him of his duties, but ROOT will still be under his control."
After a brief pause, Koharu and Homura nodded in agreement. They recognized that this solution was a balanced approach, allowing them to appease the Daimyō while maintaining Danzo's power within ROOT.
"Yes, Hiruzen, let's go with your plan. We agree with your decision," said Homura.
Hiruzen continued, "There's one more thing. ROOT's expansion must be strictly regulated. During the war, we can allow them to operate with fewer restrictions, but after the war, any further recruitment must be approved by the higher-ups."
"Naturally, there's no problem with that," said Koharu. "Given the severity of the situation, limiting ROOT's growth is essential."
The two advisors quickly agreed without further discussion, knowing that the decision had already been made. With this matter settled, the three of them quickly moved on to appoint a new commander for the Grass battlefield and sent an ANBU team with the new orders to the field.
They dared to decisively replace Danzo because they saw that the situation in the Land of Grass was going smoothly. The Rock Ninja were retreating daily, and Konoha had almost completely cut off their supply lines. In this situation, it was impossible for the Rock Ninja to win.
Due to Danzo's nearly aggressive pressure, the Rock Ninja's activity range in the Land of Grass had been greatly reduced. As a result, the number of injured soldiers sent to the medical camp each day decreased. The medical camp had rare moments of rest. Even the most exhausted, Hyuga Mirai, was able to move around briefly near the camp. As long as he didn't go too far, as the deputy of the medical camp, he could move freely without needing Danzo's approval.
Hyuga Mirai wasn't frustrated inside the camp; rather, the communication with Number 18 couldn't be discovered by others, and it was inconvenient due to the comings and goings within the medical camp. The trade association under her command was progressing smoothly.
The bio-mechanical assistant, known as 19, had already been equipped with an energy furnace and started working on creating the association. However, the energy furnace of Number 19 couldn't sustain high-intensity combat for long—it didn't have the Star Stone Core like Number 18. The energy reserves were only three times that of a mechanical guard. Nonetheless, its intelligence was comparable to Number 18's, and they shared a database, fully understanding their roles.
The Hyakusa Trade Association—this was the trade association that Number 19 was tasked with establishing. Through simulations and calculations, Number 18 had developed numerous drug formulas, and she had already acquired a variety of raw materials, allowing Number 19 to quickly start the association's operations. Recruiting staff and promoting the products wouldn't be difficult for Number 19, and with its weapon system, it was more than capable of dealing with ordinary samurai and wandering ninjas. As for Number 18, she had far too many tasks to handle. Not only was she responsible for establishing communication networks, but also for upgrading the weapon systems, simulating nanotechnology, satellite coverage, and intelligence gathering.
"Sir, the products have been completed. Hyakusa Trade Association has conducted clinical trials on 147 individuals. The results are within 0.001% of the simulated predictions," Number 18's cold voice came through the communicator. "Also, sir, I don't think you need to come every time. I've created a miniature communication earpiece. The simulation device bird will deliver it to you."
Hyuga Mirai expressed mild surprise. "That would be very convenient. Thank you, Number 18. Since the products are ready, start selling them. Ayaka can certify them with the Daimyo's office, and I can vouch for them here in Konoha."
The medicine from the Hyakusa Trade Association was effective and, most importantly, affordable. By using biological tests, they optimized the ratios of several herbs, resulting in a potency far surpassing that of existing medicines.
"By the way, sir, the Daimyos of the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth sent envoys to the Land of Fire's Daimyo's office. The nobility of both countries is interested in purchasing computers and ninja games from the Uzumaki Trade Association."
Hyuga Mirai thought for a moment before responding to Number 18. "We can sell them, but they must support the development of the Uzumaki Trade Association and the network. They can have more freedom with the game content, but you can handle the negotiations."
"Understood, sir. Ayaka Uzumaki wants to speak with you."
"What's the matter with her?"
"She seems to just want to chat, sir."
"Tell her to focus on practicing Sealing Jutsu. Once she awakens the Adamantine Chains, I'll create a specialized combat armor for her."
With that, Hyuga Mirai ended the call. On the other side, after finishing the communication, Number 18 immediately returned to her work with nanotechnology simulations. Ayaka Uzumaki, who had been standing beside her, puffed up her cheeks and glared at Number 18.
But when Ayaka recalled how decisively Number 18 had once killed someone, her earlier irritation quickly dissipated. She obediently followed Hyuga Mirai's instructions and began to train in Sealing Jutsu.
When Hyuga Mirai returned to the camp, Aoki called him to the command tent.
"Senior Aoki, what happened?" Hyuga Mirai asked, confused.
Aoki, a medical jonin, shook his head. "I'm not sure, but Danzo-sama urgently called everyone together. It seems like he has something important to announce."
Aoki wanted to say, 'It's probably the final battle', but he was afraid of saying something wrong, so he stayed silent.
When they reached the command tent, Hyuga Mirai realized they were the last ones to arrive. Kiyo Hyuga, as usual, gave him a helpless look when he entered. Today, Danzo's face was exceptionally grim.
"Now that everyone's here, I have an announcement to make. From today, the position of commander of the Land of Grass camp will be handed over to Jonin Miyamura Yagami," Danzo declared.
Upon hearing this, the others in the tent looked surprised and confused. Danzo's tactics, although aggressive, hadn't led to many casualties due to Hyuga Mirai's medical ninjutsu. Furthermore, Danzo had effectively halted the advance of the Rock Ninja and achieved substantial success. Why, then, was he suddenly changing commanders?
"I need to leave immediately and return to the village. The front-line strategy will follow the plan I've set; we will defeat the Rock Ninja. It's in your hands now!" With that, Danzo, looking very grim, left the tent, accompanied by two ANBU members.
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(End of Chapter)
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