The clash over the commander-in-chief's appointment and the bottom line for victory without battle

The air in the meeting room froze again at the sight of the ANBU kneeling on one knee.

The tension that the "Demotion Handling Contingency Plan" had just quelled spread once more with the words "rapid penetration" and "the situation spiraling out of control."

Mitokado Homura slowly straightened his back.

A light rekindled in his clouded eyes.

"Lord Hokage."

Mitokado Homura's voice was no longer impassioned. Instead, it sank, carrying the pressure of an unspoken See? I told you so.

"Sunagakure has torn up that contingency plan on your desk through its actions. Their blades are already closing in on our supply lines. This is no longer a 'standoff.' It is the prelude to war."

"I once again propose that we immediately authorize our frontline troops to counterattack. Furthermore, we must appoint a commander with a firm stance and distinguished military achievements to go to the front in person and steady the troops!"

He named no one, but everyone's eyes swept toward the military Jonin present.

Every one of them was a core member of the War Faction.

"I second that," Utatane Koharu said succinctly.

This time, no one gasped in the meeting room. Instead, more people nodded gravely.

The situation had changed.

Arguments made around a table ultimately had to give way to gunfire on the front lines.

Shikaku Nara lightly rubbed the clasp of his briefcase, a hint of inquiry entering his gaze as he looked at Baishi.

Baishi did not look at him.

He simply watched the kneeling ANBU calmly.

"How long will it take to verify the intelligence?"

The ANBU did not even lift his head. His voice was hoarse but steady. "The Byakugan Reconnaissance Unit cross-checks every ten minutes. Intelligence reliability: A-Rank."

"Who is commanding Sunagakure's vanguard?"

"According to Lord Hatake Sakumo's intelligence, it is