Hiruzen's Arrangements

The Potential Threat from the Land of Lightning!

Should we send troops to Amegakure?

As the Hokage, Hiruzen understood that he had to make the decision.

"Amegakure has not declared war on us, and the Land of Iron has not requested assistance. If we send troops now, it's easy to be accused of aggression." At this moment, Hiruzen, who was in the peak of both strength and physical condition, was much more decisive than in his older years. He quickly made up his mind.

"The matter with Amegakure will be handled by the Anbu. Danzo, you are in charge of all affairs, and Shinnosuke will assist you."

"Understood!" Shinnosuke responded directly.

"In that case, leave it to me!" Satisfied with Hiruzen's decision, Danzo answered coldly.

Then, Hiruzen looked towards Tsunade and said, "Tsunade, make preparations on the hospital side, especially logistics and supplies."

"Don't worry, I've already arranged everything!" Tsunade said confidently with her right hand on her hip.

Nodding, Hiruzen continued, "Orochimaru, Jiraiya, you also need to prepare. If we engage in a direct war with Amegakure, you will be the main force, following Danzo to the front lines."

This time, Hiruzen planned to take the opportunity to train his three disciples well, preparing them for their future positions.

"Understood!" Jiraiya and Orochimaru both responded.

After arranging the affairs of Amegakure, Hiruzen began to deploy against the potential threat from the Land of Lightning.

"Homura, toward the Land of Lightning, it's up to you. After the meeting, lead 500 ninjas to the border to guard against attacks from the Kumogakure."

"I'll take care of them!" Facing the Third Raikage, Koharu, who felt some pressure, responded calmly.

"No need for so much trouble! Leave the Land of Lightning to me!" Just as the two were about to finish, Kizaru, who had remained silent, spoke up, "The Kumogakure is just a small place; I can handle it alone."

When Kizaru spoke, most people present remained calm, but the Future Legendary Sannin, who didn't know Kizaru's specific achievements in attacking the Kumogakure, all looked at him.

"No, it's too dangerous to do this!" Concerned about Kizaru's safety, Tsunade directly refused.

"Kizaru, don't be impulsive!" Jiraiya followed suit.

Orochimaru didn't speak. It wasn't that he didn't care about Kizaru, but he believed that Hiruzen wouldn't agree to such a request.

To his surprise, Hiruzen didn't directly refuse; instead, he fell into contemplation.

Not only Hiruzen, but even Danzo's expression, also showed signs of approval rather than worry.

Through the expressions of the people present, Orochimaru seemed to understand something and looked at Kizaru with a curious expression.

Indeed, as Orochimaru guessed, regarding Kizaru's proposal, Hiruzen wasn't worried about the strength of his little disciple. Instead, he was evaluating whether it was worth arranging things in this way.

For Kizaru, Hiruzen's initial arrangement was to let him stay in the village with the trio and act as a surprise force when the situation changed.

Now that Kizaru volunteered to go to the border alone, guarding a whole country by himself, Hiruzen was somewhat moved.

With too many cards in his hands and having the opportunity to fight such a prosperous battle for the first time, Hiruzen was a bit entangled.

After thinking for a long time, considering that the current Konoha had not fallen into war, if 500 ninjas were suddenly mobilized to the border, it might cause tension on the village and Daimyo's side. Hiruzen made a decision!

"Good! Since you have such confidence, then I'll leave the Land of Lightning to you alone." Hiruzen looked at Kizaru solemnly and praised. 

"Old man, you're crazy!"

Stepping forward a few steps, Tsunade, who was concerned about Kizaru, said excitedly, "Do you want Kizaru to die?"

"During the last mission, Kizaru single-handedly raided the Kumogakure, killing hundreds of their ninjas, destroying a large number of buildings. Moreover, during the retreat, he ambushed the reinforcements of the Third Raikage, severely injuring him." Hiruzen looked at Tsunade and revealed Kizaru's brilliant achievements.

Stunned by the excited expression, Tsunade was shocked by Hiruzen's words.

With a hesitant look, Tsunade looked at Hiruzen, then turned to Kizaru, who was standing behind him.

Facing Tsunade's concerned gaze, Kizaru did not speak boastfully, just smiled and nodded.

Not only Tsunade but also Jiraiya and Orochimaru, who heard the detailed achievements of Kizaru for the first time, both looked at Kizaru at the same time.

"He's simply a monster!"

The two didn't speak, but the sighs rising in their hearts were roughly the same.

"But last time, it was a surprise attack. If the Third Raikage leads the main force this time, and Kizaru faces it alone, there is still danger!" Coming to her senses, Tsunade raised a new concern.

"Tsunade, don't worry! I can fly, and if I can't face them head-on, I'll retreat in time." Understanding Tsunade's worries, Kizaru explained.

"Right! You can fly!"

With Kizaru's reminder, Tsunade, who was confused by her concerns, also reacted.

Nodding, Tsunade approved Kizaru's reasons and no longer continued to refute, returning to her own position.

Seeing Tsunade no longer questioning, Hiruzen looked at his side at Danzo, wanting to see his opinion.

"I agree!" Without much talk, Danzo, who had been thinking about solidifying his nephew's position as the heir to the Hokage through this war, straightforwardly agreed.

Seeing this, Hiruzen made the final arrangement.

"So, Kizaru will be in charge of the Land of Lightning. Homura, you'll stay in the village and oversee the overall strategy." Speaking, Hiruzen looked at Koharu. "Koharu, the village's logistics will be entrusted to you."

Without speaking, Koharu nodded in agreement.

"This afternoon, I will convene a village meeting to announce the arrangements for this time." Hiruzen said finally.

After speaking, Hiruzen left his seat, stood up, looked around, and with a serious and firm expression, looked at everyone present.

"This time, I'm counting on everyone!"

No one spoke, but everyone looked at Hiruzen with seriousness, revealing determination and confidence in their eyes.

The meeting ended, and except for Danzo and Hiruzen, everyone else left the Hokage's office and began their final preparations.

Kizaru originally wanted to leave with Tsunade and the others but was stopped by Danzo, asking him to wait at the door.

After waiting for a few minutes, when Danzo came out of the office, instead of discussing matters, he took Kizaru to the Root's base.

"In the afternoon meeting, Hiruzen and I have already agreed to emphasize the promotion of your solo journey to the border to defend against the Land of Lightning." In the secret room of the base, Danzo spoke to kizaru.

"Eh, what pressure!" Kizaru smiled.

"Once the war breaks out, you will become the hero of the village," Danzo continued, "By then, no one will have the qualification to compete with you for the position of the Fourth Hokage, even Tsunade!"

Understanding that making him the Hokage is Danzo's current obsession, Kizaru nodded with a smile.

Raising his right hand, Danzo reluctantly patted Kizaru's shoulder and continued, "Go back! Rest well, depart tomorrow!"

After saying that, Danzo turned and walked towards the door of the secret room.

"Uncle, be safe in Amegakure!" Watching Danzo's back, Kizaru expressed his concern.

"Hahaha!"

Hearing Kizaru's concern, Danzo laughed heartily, and with a smile, he walked out of the secret room.