Jōnin Conference
As they spoke, Asuma noticed that not many people were paying attention to the area, and curiously asked Genma for information.
"Anko asked who the Uchiha girl next to Kazashiro is? I've never heard of her."
"Ah, you mean her? I don't know much about her, but I've heard that she's someone important, and even Fugaku treats her with great respect."
Genma explained to Asuma in a low voice.
Even Fugaku with utmost respect?
Fugaku was the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan and the undisputed leader.
Even someone like that treats this so-called young girl with such respect; just who is she?
Asuma's curiosity was completely piqued, and he really wanted to ask Kazashiro in person to get to the bottom of things.
The group continued their conversation for a while, and as the Jonin gradually arrived, Asuma's social circle expanded considerably.
For example, Rin Nohara and Shizune also joined their discussion.
The veteran Jonin maintained their composed demeanor, watching with satisfaction as Konoha's new generation of ninja gradually grew stronger.
"Alright, that's enough for now, Fugaku is here."
During their discussion, they suddenly heard the news of Fugaku's arrival.
As Fugaku, Hiashi, and Shikaku took their places, Kazashiro soon followed suit and arrived at his own spot.
"It seems this meeting is to discuss how to deal with the Ōtsutsuki."
Asuma calmed his breathing and tried to concentrate.
Who said that?
Hearing Asuma's quiet mutterings, Anko looked at her old friend in surprise.
Genma and the others standing nearby also wore strange expressions.
Isn't that so?
Seeing their expressions, Asuma asked in surprise.
"Oh, right, you didn't participate in the opinion poll a few days ago, well, anyway..."
Anko wanted to explain further, but Kazashiro on stage had already spoken.
"Gentlemen, a public opinion poll was recently conducted on the issue of further strengthening Konoha's discipline and strictly resisting 'pornography, gambling, and drugs.' We will now begin the Jonin vote."
Upon hearing this, Asuma nearly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Are Konoha so idle these days that they have to hold meetings to discuss even such trivial matters?!
What he didn't know was that information about the Ōtsutsuki was relayed among trusted confidants appointed by the Five Kage, and for the village's ninja, this threat was still far off.
"Well, we still have a clear understanding of gambling and drugs, but what about the so-called drugs..."
Dekai Hyuga raised his hand.
"Let me explain this matter."
Fugaku Uchiha took over the conversation and produced a pile of materials.
His first words had barely left his lips when alarm bells went off in Asuma's mind.
"Smoking increases the likelihood of emphysema worsening in smokers, and smoking also has a detrimental effect on the health of minors, leading to severe dependence on cigarettes."
Therefore, starting today, Konoha will establish a no-smoking zone. The specific area will be announced later. Violators will be subject to fines, detention, and other penalties by the Military Police Force.
Asuma Sarutobi: "???"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting on the grass happily watching Naruto and the others fish, suddenly felt a chill.
"I have a question. Could you please tell me the approximate boundaries of the no-smoking area?"
A Sarutobi Clan Jonin his hand to ask a question.
"Good question. As for the general area, it's the entire Konoha."
"Isn't this zoning a bit excessive? It's practically eradicating smokers!"
Asuma muttered to himself.
Anko and the others nearby cast pitying glances at them.
And how did cigarettes become associated with drugs?
"This kind of substance that can make people's lungs sick, and that can be inhaled, exhaled, and then inhaled by others, is clearly a drug, isn't it?"
Of course, apart from the Sarutobi Clan ninjas, most other ninjas agreed with this.
"Yes, every time we go on a mission, I can smell a faint smell of smoke on the smokers. Last time the ambush failed, I suspected that the guy in our team who smoked had leaked our location."
"That's right, the description is very apt. This stuff can indeed be called a drug."
The whispers coming from below silenced some of the ninjas who had been trying to persuade the higher-ups to set up a smoking area, including Asuma.
"In short, if you have no further questions, let's begin voting."
In the end, only a handful of smoking ninjas cast their dissenting votes.
This also means that this issue will be implemented starting today.
Trembling, Asuma reached into his pocket, intending to light a cigarette to calm his nerves, when he saw several Uchiha Clan ninjas staring at him with wide, Red Eyes, as if they were about to take him down at any moment.
Shuddering, Asuma put the cigarette back in his pocket.
"Oh, our young master doesn't smoke anymore?"
Anko, with a look of schadenfreude that seemed to enjoy the drama, said, "Don't be afraid, you're the Third Hokage's son. These Military Police Force won't dare to do anything to you."
Shiranui Genma smiled as well, "Yes, of course, if they really arrest you, then never mind."
Recalling the fact that he was fined as soon as he entered the village, Asuma made a decisive decision not to listen to the noise from the two people around him.