The Third Hokage gazed deeply at Neji. His aged eyes held shock, gratification, and an indescribable complexity. This young man possessed not only power unmatched in the Ninja World, but also the commanding talent to control the whole situation and see through people's hearts! His strategic vision had already surpassed the realm of a "Kage"!
"Minister Neji's analysis is incisive." The Third Hokage spoke slowly, his voice decisive. "War is now unavoidable! Konoha will meet it with everything we have! Our strategic deployment will follow the framework Minister Neji has laid out! Now, let us discuss the specifics: the envoys... and the frontline commander!"
"The envoy candidates!" Utatane Koharu immediately took over. "The delegation to Sand Village is of utmost importance! It needs someone of high standing, great strength, and skill in negotiation! I believe the Hyuga Clan head or the Nara Clan head could personally lead it, assisted by..."
"Not appropriate." Neji calmly interrupted her. "The Hyuga Clan head must remain at the clan compound; the Byakugan's early warning capabilities cannot be easily withdrawn. The Nara Clan head is exceptionally wise, but he is better suited to remaining at headquarters and overseeing intelligence analysis for the entire situation." His gaze swept across the room, and the Chasing Fang Squad flashed through his mind. "I recommend that Jonin Chasing Fang lead a squad as envoys to Sand Village!"
"What? The Chasing Fang Squad? Their strength may be decent, but they are still too inexperienced. How can they shoulder such a responsibility?" Mitokado Homura questioned with a frown.
"Precisely because they are inexperienced, they will seem more imposing!" Neji's gaze sharpened. "The Sand Village Kazekage is suspicious and arrogant. If we send someone of high rank and authority, he will instead become paranoid, believing we are pressuring or slighting him. The