Inside the command tent of the Hidden Leaf's forward camp, the air was thick with tension. Four torches burned at the corners, their flickering light casting long shadows over the war map spread across the table. Crimson ink marked enemy positions; blue lines traced the paths of rivers and battalions—veins of strategy in a land carved by conflict.
Sakumo Hatake broke the silence first. His gaze didn't lift from the map as his finger followed a winding river. "The Sand's poison tactics have been neutralized. Our forces have pushed forward faster than expected these past few days."
But his voice was weighted. "Still, their front line holds firm. A direct assault would only turn this soil into a graveyard for more of our own."
Tsunade's brows furrowed. She tapped the table rhythmically, the subtle cadence betraying her unease. "A breakthrough on the main battlefield isn't likely—not without unsustainable losses."
"That's why we need to abandon predictability," Sakumo said, his tone sharpening. "We need a strike bold enough to fracture their entire formation. A plan they won't see coming."
Furukawa Itoshiki remained silent, but he already knew what Sakumo was about to propose. The same path was unfolding again—one of history's keystones. This time, he was more than just a witness.
"I propose the Hokage himself lead a frontal push," Sakumo declared. "Let them believe we're committing everything to one decisive clash. Meanwhile, I'll lead an elite unit behind enemy lines—cut off their supply routes and obliterate their logistics."
The wind outside stirred the edges of the map as silence reclaimed the tent.
Orochimaru's voice finally slithered into the stillness, low and amused. "Ambitious. Dangerous. But undeniably... fascinating."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, amber flashing with concern. "And reckless. If the infiltration unit is discovered, we'll be handing our best to the enemy."
"But if we succeed," Sakumo countered, unflinching, "the Sand's war machine will collapse. They'll have no choice but to retreat—or surrender."
"I support Jōnin Hatake's plan," Itoshiki spoke, his voice measured but firm. "High risk. Higher reward. This is the fulcrum. We strike now, or the war drags on."
Tsunade turned to him, surprise flickering across her face. She searched his expression, questioning his resolve.
"Two in favor, two against," Sakumo concluded. "We take it to the Hokage."
Hidden Leaf Village — Hokage's Office.The desk was buried in reports, ink-stained with losses and unanswered questions. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in stillness, hands clasped under his chin, his thoughts buried beneath the weight of command.
The war had dragged on too long. Pressure from the elders was mounting. The village needed victory—decisive, undeniable.
A masked ANBU knelt before him. "Urgent report from the front lines, Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi opened the sealed scroll, eyes scanning the contents in seconds. Sakumo's plan...
His gaze sharpened. Dangerous—but it might be the break they needed.
"Summon all front-line Jōnin. Prepare an emergency war council," he ordered, rising to his feet. "I'll lead from the front myself."
The "God of Shinobi" was moving.
River Country Front Lines — Leaf Camp.The Hokage's arrival sent shockwaves through the camp. Word spread like wildfire. Tents emptied. Soldiers lined the main path, eyes wide with disbelief and renewed hope.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's silhouette, framed by dawn light, was not just the arrival of a leader—it was a declaration.
Inside the strategy tent, the village's best and brightest Jōnin sat in attention, facing the man whose presence carried the weight of generations.
Hiruzen stood, robe flowing with each measured step to the head of the room.
"Comrades," his voice rang out—not loud, but steady, resolute, "this war has bled the Hidden Leaf dry. Too many have fallen. Too much has been lost. But now—now is the moment we fight not to endure, but to end it."
His gaze swept across them—battle-scarred veterans, young talents hardened by necessity.
"We do not fear boldness. We are boldness. And now, we take the war to their heart."
Jōnin Kakashi Sakumo had proposed a bold plan.
"I would like to hear your suggestions," Hiruzen Sarutobi declared, eyes sweeping the tent of gathered elite. "If there are no major objections, I intend to approve this battle plan!"
"The Nara clan supports Jōnin Kakashi's strategy," their calm and calculating strategist spoke slowly. "The Sand Village is moving reinforcements from the Rain Country. If we delay, this will spiral into a long war of attrition. The opportunity will slip through our fingers."
"I support the plan!"
"The risk is manageable."
"I have some reservations..."
One Jōnin after another voiced their opinions. In the end, the support was overwhelming.
"After thorough discussion by the Jōnin Council, I officially approve this operation!" Hiruzen Sarutobi stood, his aura rising like a tidal wave. "The Hidden Leaf will claim final victory!"
"Long live Hokage-sama!""The Hidden Leaf will win!"
The war tent erupted with thunderous cries, energy surging through the assembled ninja like wildfire before a storm.
Then, a slender arm was raised, calm amidst the fervor.
"Tsunade," Sarutobi turned, his gaze softening as it landed on his proud student, "you have something to say?"
Tsunade stood tall, stepping forward with poise and conviction.
"My proposal isn't about this battle," she began, her voice resonant and clear, "but about something even more critical for our long-term survival."
The room quieted.
"In our war with the Sand, we've paid too high a price. Too many of our comrades have perished—not because they were weak, but because they couldn't receive timely treatment."
Her golden eyes blazed with resolve.
"I propose a complete reform of our ninja squad system. Every team should be equipped with a professional medical ninja—or at the very least, one member trained in basic medical ninjutsu."
A murmur rose like a rolling wave.
"Impossible! Medical ninja training takes years. We don't have the numbers."
"They'll become high-priority targets on the battlefield—too risky!"
"Silence." Hiruzen's voice cut through the clamor like a blade. The tent fell quiet once more. "Tsunade's proposal is both bold and wise. It deserves serious consideration."
At that moment, a strange, metallic voice echoed in Furukawa Itoshiki's mind:
[System Mission: Support Tsunade][Objective: Publicly endorse Tsunade's medical reform and solidify your presence in the Hidden Leaf][Reward: Senju Bloodline Enhancement – Fragmented Wood Release][Deadline: None][Difficulty: None]
A spark lit in Furukawa's eyes. Whether for Tsunade's sake—or for the mission's reward—he rose without hesitation.
"I fully support Tsunade-sama's proposal!" he declared, voice steady and commanding.
The tent stilled. All eyes turned toward him.
"Medical ninjas are vital. We cannot afford to lose more comrades to preventable injuries!"
He met their skeptical gazes with unwavering determination.
"Yes, it is difficult to train medical ninjas. That's exactly why they're essential. If we can't assign one to every squad, then we must prioritize."
Furukawa's voice rang louder, firmer.
"Our missions are ranked—S, A, B, C, D. Just like us—Jōnin, Chūnin, Genin. D-rank missions are low risk. C-rank, mostly guard duty. But A and S-rank? Carried out by our top operatives, where danger is constant, and death is always near."
He swept his gaze across the tent.
"If we embed medical ninjas in high-risk missions, we raise the chances of survival and success. These elite warriors are too valuable to lose to untreated wounds."
His words struck home. These were veterans. They had all seen comrades fall. They knew what it meant to bleed out, unseen and unhelped.
"I support it. I've seen friends die because help never came."
"She's right. Hidden Leaf needs this change."
"Medical reform is necessary!"
The voices multiplied—rising, falling, then surging like a tide behind Tsunade's call.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched in silence. Relief flickered across his features as he turned to Tsunade and Furukawa, now standing side by side in the heart of the storm.
"Very well!" he called over the wave of support. "Then I hereby declare the Hidden Leaf's ninja squad system will be reformed, effective immediately!"
A ripple of stunned silence, followed by thunderous cheers.
Tsunade turned, her eyes meeting Furukawa's. A flicker of gratitude—and something more—glinted in her gaze. Her lips curled into a faint, genuine smile.
Furukawa returned her look. In his chest, a quiet warmth bloomed.
[Ding! Mission Complete. Reward Issued.]
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