The advantage is ours

Konoha's crisis was like an iceberg floating on the sea. Only its tip was visible; the greater threat lay hidden beneath the water.

Every Jonin in the conference room looked grave. They had all realized just how dire Konoha's situation was.

True, Konoha could hardly claim to have won the first two Shinobi World Wars, but at least it had not lost. Yet who could guarantee that Konoha would not lose this time either?

"Ahem."

Just as everyone was growing restless, a soft cough came from the doorway.

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly entered the conference room and walked to the front. He paced back and forth, surveying everyone, before giving a slight nod. "I'm pleased that you were all able to assemble so quickly.

"We are currently at war with Kumogakure, and Iwagakure's forces have also invaded the Land of Fire.

"Even Konoha's headquarters could now be considered part of the front line. We must act with the urgency that demands."

Of everyone in this entire conference room, you were the last fucking one to arrive!

The Jonin grumbled inwardly, but none voiced their complaints. He was the Hokage, after all. How else could he emphasize his importance if he did not arrive last?

Sarutobi Hiruzen swept his gaze over everyone again before picking up the small wooden pointer on the table and gesturing at the map behind him.

He explained, "Ever since its founding, Konoha has either been at war or preparing for war.

"When Lord Senju Hashirama established the hidden village system, he distributed the tailed beasts among the great hidden villages. He intended to use their immense destructive power on the battlefield to deter the villages from rashly starting wars.

"Clearly, the First Hokage failed. On the very next day after his death, the four great hidden villages