The Third Hokage slowly rose to his feet. His body, still in its prime, stood ramrod straight as the majesty of a shinobi hero spread through the hall. He swept his gaze across everyone present, his voice loud and resolute:
"By resolution! The ANBU Minister, Neji, is appointed Supreme Commander of the eastern front of the Land of Fire! He shall hold full authority over the war against Cloud Village! He will command from the Sky Fortress and oversee the entire operation!"
"Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade, Orochimaru, the Ino–Shika–Cho Squad, and the Chasing Fang Squad are appointed as the directly subordinate Emergency Special Operations Squad. They will be deployed directly by Commander Neji, stationed at the Sky Fortress, and responsible for special missions such as decapitation strikes, rescue operations, and fortress assaults!"
"All battlefield intelligence and major decisions must be transmitted in real time to the Hokage Tower through the Spirit Board! This old man will remain in Konoha, coordinate all parties, and serve as your support!"
"Konoha's survival rests on this battle! Everyone, I leave it to you!" The Third Hokage gave Neji and the others a deep bow.
Three days later, at Konoha's main gate, beneath the enormous Hokage Rock.
The normally spacious assembly square was now a sea of dark figures, its killing intent soaring into the heavens! More than fifteen hundred elite Konoha shinobi stood in orderly ranks! Jonin, Special Jonin, core Chunin... They came from every major clan, clad in standard dark green vests, ninja tools on their backs, their eyes as sharp as eagles! This was the first main force preparing to march for the primary battlefield in the Land of Hot Water!
Around the square stood countless Konoha villagers who had come to see them off of their own accord. They remained silent, their