Hokage Office
The clamor of the emergency meeting had faded, leaving only the true core of decision-making:
Nangō Kumoi, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō, and Nara Shikato.
At the center of the enormous map on the wall was the spiral-shaped island of the Land of Whirlpools. Several sharp arrows pointed in from different directions across the surrounding waters, representing the threat posed by the Four Great Ninja Villages.
Kumoi pressed a finger heavily against the Land of Whirlpools, his voice low and clear:
"Intelligence has confirmed that the Four Kage will personally lead their forces.
Their goal is not merely to seize Sealing Jutsu. They intend to completely erase the Land of Whirlpools, removing Konoha's most important strategic barrier, and may use this opportunity to attempt to break or seize control of the Tailed Beasts' power.
Our core mission is this:
Our objective is not to defeat the Four Kage Allied Forces head-on. Instead, we will use the mobility and surprise of our elite forces to open an evacuation route to Konoha for the people of the Uzumaki Clan.
Sarutobi, Minister Danzo, and Chief Kagami will accompany me. As the core command of the Red Leaf Support Team, we will directly lead the elite Jonin drawn from each clan in this high-risk operation.
Strategist Nara, you will remain in Konoha with Advisor Utatane, Advisor Mito, and the others. Coordinate the overall situation, ensure the rear remains stable, and prepare to receive the evacuees."
Hiruzen Sarutobi also spoke up:
"War, regardless of its scale, depends on logistics.
The Red Leaf Support Team may be elite, but its supply lines must remain completely unobstructed."
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses, his tone as rigid as ever but brimming with efficiency:
"The Logistics Department has fully activated its contingency plan.
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