The jōnin meeting

They would earn wartime pay without having to fight on the battlefield. Of course they had to do their best to secure it.

As the Gekko Clan's new head, Gekko Yūma also wanted a share, but his clan had so few members that he could do nothing despite his wishes.

Top Shinobi Clans like the Hyūga and Uchiha had little interest in this cushy assignment. The Uchiha still wanted to distinguish themselves and earn more merit.

The Hyūga understood the danger of earning enough merit to threaten their ruler and wanted to secure this sort of assignment that offered pay without military achievements. But with many branch family members on the Land of Water battlefield and only a few left in the village to protect the Main Family, they were equally powerless.

They could only let the middle- and lower-ranking Shinobi Clans fight over this easy money.

Meanwhile, Tsunade was distracted, secretly studying Takahashi Yū. So this is the Takahashi Yū who left Grandma Mito quietly fuming?

Takahashi Yū had thought ninja meetings settled conflicts of interest without bloodshed, but the verbal warfare across the long table gave him a new understanding.

One clan head cited how many of his clansmen had died in this war and how terrible their losses had been, insisting that they had to have a place in the Western Front garrison.

Another clan head immediately asked everyone present to judge fairly. They were all fighting for Konoha, yet this man placed such importance on the sacrifices of Shinobi Clan ninja. That seriously violated the Will of Fire. Since civilian ninja had suffered even more deaths, they might as well leave the entire Western Front garrison to them.

The first clan head was so furious that he rolled up his sleeves, shouted that his words were being twisted, and asked the Third for permission to fight the other man one-on-one.

The whole meeting was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

In the end, the Third Hokage settled the Western Front garrison through his usual fence-sitting. The Aburame Clan, which had not spoken throughout the entire meeting, would lead, with the Inuzuka Clan assisting. Like dividing a cake, each competing Shinobi Clan received a small quota, and the remaining places went to civilian ninja withdrawn from the Land of Wind battlefield.

Clearly, it had all been decided beforehand. They had just insisted on pretending to hold a meeting to discuss it.

Even Takahashi Yū's muscle-brained mind noticed something slightly amiss. The Aburame and Inuzuka were among the few mainstay Shinobi Clans of Konoha whose members had not survived the Undying Squad.

In other words, none of their clansmen possessed a killing intent seed.

Of course, Takahashi Yū still did not know what purpose the Third Hokage had in arranging this. Since both were Shinobi Clans specializing in reconnaissance, assigning them to defend the Western Front was perfectly reasonable.

He put those thoughts aside. The two clan heads who had been arguing red-faced moments earlier now heard the arrangements and understood that everything had been decided beforehand. Their faces fell at once. No wonder the others had not fought for it. Their clans had been made into performing monkeys.

Takahashi Yū almost laughed. With political instincts like that, how could they expect to land an easy, well-paid assignment without sending gifts beforehand?

The Third Hokage felt no embarrassment. He tapped the lectern before him and addressed the Jonin sitting below.

"All right, everyone. Now that the meeting's agenda has been settled, you may offer suggestions or submit any important requests. Speak freely."

Ignoring the two dark faces at the long table, the Third turned his attention to the Jonin sitting around them on little stools.

No one spoke for a moment. The Jonin exchanged glances.

Seated at the front, the Third was just about to speak when Tsunade slapped the table and stood.

"Everyone, I propose that we strongly support medical ninja! We need medical reform! Every team should have at least one medical ninja. Medical ninja can effectively reduce a team's casualties. I believe all of you have experienced this on the battlefield."

"My eldest grandfather founded the ninja village to protect his comrades! With a medical ninja assigned to every team, I believe we can bring Konoha's casualty rate down a level!"

Standing beside the table, Tsunade addressed everyone in the meeting room in a clear, ringing voice.

The meeting room, which had still held a little conversation, instantly fell silent.

She had brought out the First Hokage to pressure them. Who would dare say no?

The Third Hokage could barely remain seated behind the lectern. Medical reform! How much would that cost? They were still at war. Had she not noticed that the village could not even pay its wartime compensation?

Most of the Jonin were not particularly moved. They simply felt that rather than investing heavily in medical ninja, they might as well spend all that money on elite training and produce a few more powerhouses to rely on.

The Shinobi Clan Heads also knew the village's financial situation and exchanged glances.

The village certainly had no money for reform. If reform was unavoidable, where would the money come from?

Haha, surely not from us.

The two dark faces at the long table had already turned white. Their owners were imitating ostriches, practically burying their heads in the table for fear of attracting attention.

The other Shinobi Clan Heads also played dumb, determined to remain oblivious to the end.

"Ahem, Tsunade, that's a very good proposal, but everyone doesn't seem particularly enthusiastic. How about this? Sit down first, and we'll put it to a vote," the Third Hokage said to the still-standing Tsunade, wiping cold sweat from his forehead.

Tsunade also noticed the chilly atmosphere. She did not really understand why everyone disliked a proposal that offered nothing but benefits.

She could only sit down helplessly, though her determined eyes showed that she had not given up.

The Third Hokage cleared his throat and addressed everyone attending the meeting.

"You all heard Tsunade's proposal clearly, correct? We will now vote."

"Those against... ahem, ahem, those in favor, raise your hands." The Third Hokage had initially intended to ask for votes against it first, but Tsunade had even invoked Hashirama Senju. What if those below were too pressured by the "Will of Fire" to vote against it?

Better to play it safe and let Tsunade back down in the face of difficulty.

The Third's voice echoed through the meeting room, but silence still reigned. Even the rustling of clothes had stopped.

Veins bulged on the hand Tsunade rested on the table, and the wood creaked beneath her pressure, sounding particularly jarring in the silent room.

The two clan heads whose faces had gone from dark to white happened to be sitting on either side of Tsunade. Now they barely dared breathe.

Please don't suddenly go berserk and punch me.

"I support Jonin Tsunade's proposal!" A voice like heavenly music extinguished Tsunade's anger and rescued the suffering black-and-white duo.

The Jonin looked with admiration at the brave soul who dared speak now, while the clan heads cast startled looks his way.

The brave man raising his hand had long, pale blue hair, fair skin, and delicate features. Dressed in a standard Shinobi Uniform, he looked every bit the gentle, pretty-boy type!

"One vote from Jōnin Dan Katō. Any other votes in favor?" the Third Hokage asked unhurriedly.

"It seems there are none. Tsunade's proposal will be shelved for now. Meeting adjourned!"

The Third hurriedly ended the meeting and strode out. He was clearly walking, yet watching his retreating figure, everyone felt as though he were fleeing in panic.

All the Third wanted now was to get away from Tsunade. Heaven knew what this woman, who had been treated like a princess since childhood, might do to leave him unable to save face.

Their teacher-student relationship could not keep Tsunade in check. After all, she was a princess of the Land of Fire. Even enemy commanders on the battlefield had to swallow their displeasure and address her as "Princess."

Besides, Konoha's Retired Emperor was still alive. He could not afford to provoke them.

Seeing the Third leave, the others gradually withdrew as well. But as they went out, every one of them turned to look at Dan Katō.

He had actually supported an unrealistic proposal. He either had no social sense or had designs on Tsunade.

Mitokado Homura also gave Dan Katō a meaningful look, inwardly becoming wary. Tsunade's status was special, after all.

As people left one after another, Takahashi Yū hooked an arm around Gekko Yūma beside him.

"You brat, you became a clan head without telling me?" Takahashi Yū had held it in all morning, and the meeting was finally over.

Uncomfortable in Takahashi Yū's grip, Gekko Yūma patted his arm and spoke with difficulty.

"Captain, Captain, I can't breathe. Our Gekko Clan has fewer than ten people now. What kind of clan head does that make me?"

After escaping Takahashi Yū's headlock, Yūma continued.

"Besides, my father only decided to retire last night. He was badly wounded in the Land of Wind too, so I had no choice but to take over as clan head."

Takahashi Yū had not seen the Undying Squad members in days, so he seized the opportunity and laughed.

"Then why not lay on a couple of tables of food so we can celebrate together?"

Gekko Yūma was already used to the strange expressions his captain occasionally came out with. He had been thinking the same thing. Patting Takahashi Yū's arm, he could not hide his delight as he laughed and said,

"Tonight, then! I'll send someone out with invitations in a bit, and we can all have a meal together."

"What invitations? You become a clan head and immediately start fussing over empty formalities?"

Takahashi Yū slapped Yūma on the back, sending him stumbling.

"You go back and get things ready. I'll find them. We have to celebrate properly."

Takahashi Yū and Yūma walked out of the Hokage Building with their arms around each other's shoulders, only to see the pale-blue-haired Dan Katō hurrying after a dejected Tsunade.

"So, Captain, what do you make of this Dan Katō?" Yūma and Takahashi Yū stopped to watch the blue- and blond-haired figures recede.

"What's there to make of him? As long as he doesn't mess with me," Takahashi Yū told Yūma.

"Why do I feel like you've changed, Yūma? Has the power of being clan head blinded you? Now you can look at whichever girl you want without turning invisible to peep, huh?"

A bead of sweat formed on Gekko Yūma's forehead as he waved both hands wildly.

"Captain, how can you slander an innocent man without any evidence? I, Gekko Yūma, have never peeped! That's slander against Transparent Release! You can't spread rumors just because you're jealous!"

Gekko Yūma gestured wildly as he protested, then sighed.

"I can't help it. My old man has kept himself safe in Konoha for so long. He told me a lot last night, and only then did I understand just how dark this village's dark side really is!"

Takahashi Yū could not stand all these convoluted schemes. He hooked his arm around Yūma's head again and said,

"You're under my protection. Why worry about that stuff? If you don't like something, fight it. I'll back you up. Worst case, we leave."

Yūma kept patting the arm locked around his neck. "All right, all right, I'll stop thinking about it. Captain, you should go tell the others."

Takahashi Yū released him, leaving Gekko Yūma bent over coughing nearby. He gave him a couple of pats and said,

"Go get some good food and drink ready. We'll eat your clan out of house and home."

With that, Takahashi Yū headed home. He had to tell the redheads to sort out their own dinner tonight.

He soon reached his house. Mizuki Uzumaki happened to be watering the flowers and plants in the side yard, so Yū Takahashi simply told her from outside the wall that he would not be home for dinner.

After telling Mizuki, he retraced his steps. He would find the pig and deer first, then the others with white and red eyes, since the Uchiha and the Hyuga Clan Compound lay in the same direction.

Seeing that the sun had clearly passed its peak and begun descending, Takahashi Yū rubbed his stomach. Forget it. He would wait and eat with everyone tonight.

A meeting taking an entire morning really was inefficient.

Leaving Hot Springs Street, he headed straight for the Ino-Shika-Cho clan grounds behind the Ninja Academy. They truly were allied Shinobi Clans who had been joined at the hip since the Warring States period. Even their clan grounds were shared.

After scaring away a few children playing by the street as usual, Takahashi Yū entered the Ino-Shika-Cho clan grounds, where a barbecue restaurant stood by the entrance.

The street was thick with the smell of grilled meat. A few steps farther brought fragrant flowers, and deeper inside came the pungent yet somewhat pleasant scent of medicinal herbs.

Takahashi Yū rubbed his nose. There really was a reason these three clans got along so well.

The Nara Clan excelled at raising deer and preparing medicines. Deer droppings fertilized the plants grown by the Yamanaka Clan, who in turn supplied medicinal herbs to the Nara. Nutritious venison also helped the Akimichi Clan rapidly accumulate fat, and they made up for the frail physiques of the Nara and Yamanaka.

Their secret techniques complemented one another. Even the Akimichi Clan Secret Medicine depended on antlers and medicinal herbs grown by the Yamanaka Clan.

Damn it, triangles really are the most stable shape, huh?

Takahashi Yū fanned beneath his nose, trying to disperse some of the smell, but he also stopped, stumped.

He knew where Yamanaka Ayano and Nara Yūma were-the killing intent seeds could guide him-but he did not know the way. Was he supposed to climb walls inside someone else's clan grounds?

Looking at the stone wall blocking his path, Takahashi Yū could reach its top with one hand. But to climb or not to climb, that was the question.

It would be rude.

While Takahashi Yū agonized over this, a question came from behind him.

"Excuse me, what are you doing here?"

Thirteen-year-old Chōza Akimichi looked curiously at the "giant" wandering outside his house and asked.

One of his good friends, Shikaku Nara, had gone to a meeting today, letting him laze around at home all day. He had been planning to find his other good friend, Inoichi Yamanaka, to continue training, only to spot Takahashi Yū at his doorstep.

What a coincidence. Takahashi Yū studied the chubby redhead with painted markings on his face.

Takahashi Yū asked Chōza Akimichi, "Are you from the Akimichi Clan? Do you know where Yamanaka Ayano lives?"

Chōza Akimichi recognized the "giant" the moment Takahashi Yū turned to look at him.

"You're Lord Takahashi Yū! My name is Chōza Akimichi! I know where Ayano lives!"

Chōza Akimichi answered excitedly.

This chubby redhead was someone he "knew"? But why was he so short? He was not even half his height.

"Chōza Akimichi? Are you free, then? Could you show me the way?" Takahashi Yū asked the excited, chubby redhead before him.

"Of course, Lord Takahashi Yū. Follow me," Chōza Akimichi answered promptly, stepping ahead to lead the way.

As he led, Chōza kept looking back, awkwardly seeming to have a question he could not bring himself to ask.

"If you have something to say, say it. We're both men," Takahashi Yū finally said upon seeing him like that.

"Lord Takahashi Yū, how did you... how did you grow so tall?" Chōza Akimichi asked bashfully.

Called it!

Takahashi Yū inwardly chuckled. He had seen Shikaku Nara that morning, and though they were the same age, Shikaku was a good deal taller than the chubby redhead before him.

"Hahaha, don't worry. Give it a few more years, and you'll definitely be taller than Shikaku Nara!" With the original story to confirm it, Takahashi Yū was utterly confident.

"Really? Lord Takahashi Yū, how can you tell? Also, they say you're only fifteen. Is that true?"

Chōza Akimichi's questions came one after another, but Takahashi Yū was not impatient. Akimichi Takumi's death still left him feeling quite guilty. If his mindset had changed sooner, [Shining Brightly] could have followed his heart and transformed into [Murderous Intent Fluctuation] earlier. Then Akimichi Takumi would not have needed to swallow the fatal Chili Pill, and the other teammates might have survived too.

Then again, without so many teammates dying, the trait might not have changed into [Killing Intent Surge].

Reining in his wandering thoughts, Takahashi Yū answered Chōza's questions one by one.

"Of course. I'm certain you'll grow taller. As for my age, I'll be sixteen after New Year's." Takahashi Yū's birthday was January 1.

"Big Brother Takahashi Yū, how did you get so strong?" Hearing that Takahashi Yū was only a few years older, Chōza Akimichi seized the opening and immediately started calling him big brother.

"That? It depends on talent, and your own hard work. I have high hopes for you. Toughen up that body a bit more, and you'll be strong too!" Takahashi Yū answered without blushing or missing a beat.

Toughen up a bit more? Looking at Takahashi Yū's powerful physique, Chōza Akimichi seemed to make some sort of decision!