Konoha Hokage Office.
Morning light filtered through the windows, illuminating the mountains of files piled indoors and the enormous Ninja World map on the wall, marked with countless symbols.
Nangō Kumoi stood before the map, his finger absentmindedly tapping the Land of Whirlpools as his brows furrowed slightly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in a nearby chair, holding the latest combat capability assessment report for the Ninja Academy's graduating class and a financial briefing.
"Senior Brother."
Kumoi turned around, walked behind the desk, and sat down, his tone probing.
"Judging from the reports across the board, after these five years of recuperation and targeted training—
Can Konoha's overall combat strength be said to have basically recovered to its pre-First Shinobi World War level?
I mean the number of mobilizable shinobi with basic combat capabilities, as well as our overall logistical support capacity."
Hiruzen Sarutobi set down the reports, his expression serious and assured.
"That would be accurate, Lord Hokage.
Ample funding is one factor, but the key lies in the reforms to the education system and the support provided by the Full Energy Technique in non-combat positions. That has allowed us to direct more resources toward training and equipping combat shinobi.
While we have not reached the level of elite shinobi—
The Genin and Chunin ranks that form our backbone have surpassed their prewar levels in numbers, average quality, and equipment standardization.
With the widespread adoption of new Military Ration Pills, improved ninja tools, and a strengthened medical logistics system, our overall combat strength has indeed recovered and even slightly exceeded what it was before.
We have built up a solid foundation for handling large-scale conflicts."
At that, a trace of relieved satisfaction appeared on Kumoi's face, but it was soon replaced by solemnity.
"These five years weren't spent in vain... With