I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 472 Sometimes, when things come to a head, inner worries actually subside.

"Sizzle~"

In the quiet meeting room, Hiruzen Sarutobi struck a match, lighting a match that had been significantly lengthened. He lowered his head and eyelids, turning slightly to the side, his hand holding the pipe gently protecting the mouth of the pipe, using the flame from the long match to light the tobacco.

As he inhaled, the shape of the flame changed, and the tobacco that had been just blackened began to glow. After about ten seconds, he finally lit the pipe completely, took a deep drag, and put it down.

"Phew~"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a long puff of smoke and said, "There's no need for everyone to be so serious. Isn't this similar to what the village predicted? Even the time difference is no more than a week."

What does this mean? It means that the movements of Sunagakure—no, the entire ninja world—are all within our expectations. There's nothing to worry about.

As he finished speaking, the soft, almost cautious breathing in the meeting room gradually returned to normal. Hiruzen Sarutobi also picked up his pipe and took another puff; if left unused for too long, the fire would go out.

Lu Yuan nodded and said, "The data deciphered by the analysis team is now in front of you. After Sunagakure declared war this time, the Third Kazekage personally mobilized the troops and promised to lead the team. I think this is why everyone is worried."

However, there's no need to worry. The village has done a lot of calculations and assessments regarding the decisions that Sunagakure or other ninja villages will make. As the Hokage said, the current situation is under our control.

We even went a step further: other ninja villages launched a surprise attack, so the border clearing operation began two months ago. We can face the enemy with confidence and don't need to worry too much.

Upon hearing Lu Yuan's words, everyone became serious again. The border should not be compromised, but Konoha was about to face a combined attack from three or even four ninja villages, so pushing the battlefield outside the Land of Fire was extremely difficult.

Therefore, this time they can back down to increase Konoha's margin for error in the battle. This was something the village had already discussed with the Daimyo. However, this also proves that the village is not actually that confident.

Tatsuma was also looking through the documents in his hand, his face showing no worry. Or rather, he believed there was no need to worry yet, because wars always escalate step by step, and this time was no exception.

The Sand Village did not deploy many ninjas, only a little over a thousand. However, the fact that the Third Kazekage was personally leading the team caused the Jonin in the meeting room to overestimate the influence of the Sand Village forces.

After everyone had finished reviewing the information, Lu Yuan asked, "Regarding this battle, does anyone have any suggestions?"

"I'll lead the team."

Sakumo Hatake raised his hand and said, "Sunagakure revealed that I killed their Jonin back then, and is still using the excuse of the Second Shinobi World War to this day. They probably just want to lure me back there."

Lu Yuan nodded, then shook his head, and said, "Forgive my bluntness, but Shuo Mao, you are not suitable. More than ten years have passed, and even if the old story is brought up again, the destruction of the Whirlpool Kingdom will not cause any sensation."

Even if we win, revealing the truth about what happened back then won't evoke any empathy, which doesn't meet the village's needs. As the first battle, I think we should fight more decisively and win more beautifully.

"Wood Release or Nine-Tails, these are the main characters who should appear in the first battle. After all, this battle is not for the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, but for the ninja world. Right now, they are all watching and waiting."

Tatsuma then spoke up, saying, "Whether we wait and see what happens with my Wood Release or the only Tailed Beast power that can be effective on the battlefield, if we don't have at least one of these two, then this battle will be meaningless for the ninja world."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, Sakumo Hatake lowered his hand, and the others seemed thoughtful as well. Kushina raised her head and said, "I'll lead the team! I am a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, and it's my duty!"

Even Minato, known for his speed, couldn't stop Kushina's impulsive speech. Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, countless strange looks were cast at her in the conference room.

It's not that we're discriminating against Kushina because of her status as a Jinchuriki. After all, even among the Jonin, Kushina's identity is kept highly confidential. The main issue is that it's not Kushina's place to lead a team.

Only those from the middle generation, such as Sakumo Hatake, the Three Ninja, and the clan leaders, or those from the new generation, such as Tatsuma and Minato, are qualified to serve as commanders.

Even with her status as a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, Kushina was not qualified to be a commander. Although many ninjas had realized that Kushina's appearance at this time was not right, it was still not enough.

Tatsuma seemed not to have heard Kushina's words at all, and said, "I think Wood Release or Nine-Tails alone is still not enough. Now that Konoha is attacking from multiple sides, we must demonstrate the ability to win with fewer troops. The greater the difference in numbers, the better the effect."

Lu Yuan nodded, and said with a hint of teasing, "How about you and Minato go again this time?"

In a few words, the two completely swept away the slight embarrassment caused by Kushina's impulsive remarks. Tatsuma shook his head with a smile and said, "Last time was just a fluke."

The Iwagakure ninja unit at that time was just a temporary cobbled-together squad of ninjas drawn from the vicinity of the path by Iwagakure. Their tactical skills and coordination were poor, and their personnel composition was very unreasonable. But this time it was different.

"It's probably impossible for just Minato and me to do it, considering there's the Third Kazekage on the other side."

"So how many people do you think would be suitable?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his head and asked, and Tatsuma replied, "How about just me, Minato, and the Hokage?"

"Hahaha~"

Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Tatsuma on the shoulder with a smile. As the two interacted, the tense atmosphere in the conference room was broken again and again, and even some others showed knowing smiles.

After laughing, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "It seems Tatsuma already has an idea. Then I'll leave it to you to do. If you really need my cooperation, I'm not unwilling to go to the battlefield."

In fact, everyone knows that Hiruzen Sarutobi will not go to the battlefield, at least not for this small-scale probing war. The Kage should not have been mobilized at this time. As for the Third Kazekage, who knows what he was thinking?

"The focus now should be on allocating ninja resources. In the past year, the village's combat strength has not been as concentrated as other ninja villages, but we need to be more vigilant now."

We will recall the ninjas who have gone out and focus our defenses on the northwest and northeast regions. At the same time, we must also be wary of the Land of Water. The ruins of the Land of Whirlpools have now been developed and can be used as a lookout post to observe the actions of the Land of Water.

As for Sunagakure, I'll take charge of the initial stages.

Tatsuma's smile faded, and he returned to the main topic. The Jonin nodded in agreement; who would dare to object at this time?

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "Then Tatsuma, you will directly liaise with Shikamaru from now on. If there is any need, or any assistance or coordination, you can arrange it directly. I only have one request."

The Sand Village's forces are not to set foot on the land of the Land of Fire!

Although preparations had been made to bring the battlefield into the Land of Fire, it couldn't be the first battle. Tatsuma nodded solemnly and said, "That's for sure. In fact, it would be better to prevent the Sand Ninja forces from even leaving the Land of Wind."

Are you confident?

"Is it any different where you fight?"

"Then let's try our best, so that Sunagakure can become the first laughing stock in the upcoming war."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled again, and Shikamaru nodded with a smile, asking, "Then, Tatsuma, how do you think we should respond to Sunagakure's declaration of war?"

"No need to respond. They're not students of the Ninja Academy, and the etiquette of the Seal of Opposition doesn't need to be used in this situation. Besides, it's just a routine battle between the two villages; there's no need to publicize it."

Upon hearing Tatsuma's words, everyone couldn't help but twitch their lips. A battle involving thousands of ninjas—could that even be called a battle? Wasn't it just war? But... it seemed Tatsuma really had the right to say that, since the last time ninjas engaged in a battle involving thousands of ninjas, that was indeed a battle.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan couldn't help but laugh and cry. This was somewhat unethical, but it seemed to boost the village's morale even more.

While a fair and square fight can boost morale, it falls short of treating the "mere Sand Ninja Army" as nothing. The key issue is that, apart from Tatsuma, it seems no one in the village can do the latter.

However, Lu Yuan changed the subject and continued to ask, "Then let's talk about the defense of Iwagakure, Kumogakure and Kirigakure. Although they have not declared war, we still need to be prepared."

Has anyone volunteered for the position of battlefield commander?

As soon as he finished speaking, the three ninjas raised their hands in unison. Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and was somewhat surprised. When did his three disciples become so...senseful of collective honor?

Sakumo Hatake looked at the three of them and wanted to raise his hand, but Torifu Akimichi shook his head at him and said, "The interior also needs defense, Sakumo, so don't bother arguing."

"it is good."

Although he felt like he was trying to protect himself, Hatake Sakumo chose to trust Akimichi Torifu's judgment and lowered his hand that he was about to raise.

Subsequently, the clan leaders of each ninja village also raised their hands and began to communicate closely and amicably.

"Is Chief Fugaku getting impatient? He's only been married and in office for a short time, and he can't stand it anymore? Doesn't he want to leave home?"

"Settling down and starting a family is the natural order of things. But Clan Chief Hyuga Yuki, at his age, doesn't he give opportunities to the younger generation? Is Hiashi incompetent?"

"you!"

"."

The entire morning's Jonin meeting settled one thing: Tatsuma would be in charge of declaring war on Sunagakure. As for the command and personnel matters on other battlefields, they were still under friendly consultation.

During the lunch break, Chenma had just stepped out of the conference room when he was surrounded by several people and pulled into a corner. Chenma rolled his eyes at them and said, "When have I ever not taken you guys on a mission?"

"That's good."

"This is my first battle as a Jonin, and to be able to fight alongside you is truly remarkable."

Tenka and Sento both smiled, but Minato looked troubled and asked, "Tatsuma, this time... could you bring Kushina along as well? She really wants to participate, and she has enough strength."

"If she's willing to follow instructions, then of course there's no problem."

Tatsuma did not object to Kushina joining, after all, in order to win with fewer troops and defeat the Sand Ninja Force led by the Third Kazekage, sufficient chakra reserves were necessary, and Kushina happened to have mastered this skill.

Of course, this is on the premise that Kushina follows orders; otherwise, bringing her along would be less useful than bringing two more bottles of soldier rations.

Hearing that Tatsuma did not object, Minato nodded and said, "I will keep her in check."

"So you have this kind of hobby? Shouldn't it be Kushina with her Adamantine Sealing Chains properly 'restraining' you?"

Tatsuma said with a smile. Minato was stunned for a moment, then his ears turned red, showing a hint of embarrassment and anger. This Sakamoto Tatsuma sometimes said things that were even more outrageous than Jiraiya-sensei!

Tatsuma left with a hearty laugh. He, who had been worried about the Third Shinobi World War for several years, became unusually relaxed today when it was confirmed that the Third Shinobi World War had "opened".

Even he himself couldn't explain why; perhaps it was because he no longer had any hope.

(End of this chapter)