Inside the Hokage Office in Konoha, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had specifically summoned Uchiha Ying Yue to discuss firearms in light of the current war situation.
Hiruzen first offered Ying Yue high praise, commending the "Firearms Plan" he had proposed and advanced for effectively resolving Konoha's urgent needs on the front lines.
"Ying Yue," Hiruzen said sincerely, his smile gentle, "having our genin use these new weapons has greatly eased the manpower shortage on Konoha's front lines. I have to admit that Konoha has benefited enormously because of you."
As Uchiha Ying Yue listened to the Third Hokage's praise, he replied politely, "It is only my duty, Lord Hokage." He knew the coming discussion would certainly not be limited to praise.
Hiruzen then got to the point. "However, Ying Yue, I have another, more urgent matter to discuss with you today. Regarding these firearms, I am concerned that the other hidden villages will eventually realize how powerful they are. Once they acquire firearms, the situation on the battlefield may become more complicated, perhaps even unfavorable to Konoha. So my request is this: through your connections with the Land of Whirlpools, could you stop selling firearms to the other nations and ensure that Konoha alone has access to these weapons?"
Ying Yue quietly listened to the Third Hokage's concerns, understanding that Hiruzen was considering Konoha's overall strategy.
Firearms had indeed given Konoha a tremendous advantage in the Third Shinobi World War. If the other hidden villages acquired such weapons as well, Konoha's advantage would undoubtedly be weakened. He nodded to show his understanding.
"Lord Hokage," Ying Yue replied calmly, "I understand your concerns, and I understand the dangerous situation Konoha is currently in. You need not worry. I am responsible for military supplies from the Land of Whirlpools and the