It was three in the afternoon.
The location was the conference room in the Hokage Building.
The attendees were Fifth Acting Hokage Torifu Akimichi, Uchiha Clan Head Uchiha Sōken, Hyuga Clan Head Hyuga Hiashi, as well as Aburame Shibi, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, Inuzuka Gaku, Kurama Murakumo, and more than thirty others. Every one of them was a clan head.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the war with the Mist Ninja.
Torifu Akimichi didn't beat around the bush. The Acting Hokage made no effort to hide his preference for getting straight to the point. He briskly explained the village's current shortage of troops and made it clear that every clan would have to contribute to the war against the Mist Ninja.
"...That's the situation, more or less. Is there anyone who still doesn't understand?"
Torifu Akimichi glanced around and asked loudly.
Naturally, no one responded. Torifu had explained things so clearly that if anyone still didn't understand, people might wonder whether they'd been paying attention at all.
After waiting a while and seeing that no one spoke, he continued, "Since you all understand, I won't ask each of you individually. Please tell me yourselves: how many fighters can you provide for this war?" As he spoke, his gaze shifted between Uchiha Sōken and Hyuga Hiashi, who sat closest to him.
"The Uchiha Clan can send thirty Jonin."
Sōken didn't hesitate.
His attitude had been firm from the start. The Uchiha had never feared war, and to show their resolve, he had offered up more than half the clan's strength in one go. Of course, that didn't mean he was unaware of how precious those resources were. "In addition, I wish to serve as Supreme Commander of this campaign against the Mist Ninja."
That was Sōken's