"Just today, a large force of Kumogakure ninja launched an assault from the Land of Hot Water against our nation's border," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a grave expression.
The younger jonin's expressions turned solemn. Although Kumogakure and Konoha had been at war for some time, no major battle had yet broken out between them.
Most of the jonin, however, remained calm. They knew that if things had truly reached a critical point, there would be no meeting—they would have simply dispatched ninja forces directly to reinforce the front. Since there was still time to meet and discuss matters, the situation must not have been too bad.
"Fortunately, the ninja of our frontline forces fought tenaciously and successfully held back the enemy offensive, stopping the Kumogakure ninja forces outside the Land of Fire," Hiruzen Sarutobi continued after a pause.
On one hand, reconnaissance ninja had detected unusual activity. On the other, Minato had encountered the new generation of the A-B Combo. Hiruzen Sarutobi had therefore sent additional ninja to guard the border, preventing any major problems.
"However, the situation is still far from optimistic. We need to send more ninja to the border and thwart Kumogakure's scheme," Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.
One of the matters to be discussed at this meeting was choosing a commander to lead a ninja force in reinforcing the front line.
Before this, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already held a small meeting with Danzo and the other two. Hiruzen Sarutobi had originally wanted Jiraiya to continue serving as commander, but Danzo believed Orochimaru would be better suited. In the end, they decided to settle it at the Jonin Meeting.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked toward Jiraiya, hoping that Jiraiya would volunteer to lead the reinforcements to the border.
The best way to become Hokage was to gain achievements surpassing everyone else's.