Soon, everyone was there.
"Young Master Ryo," a ninja with spiky, pineapple-like hair greeted Sarutobi Ryo.
"Shikaku," Sarutobi Ryo replied with a nod.
The ninja standing before him, just a few years older, was Nara Shikaku, the leader of the Nara Clan.
Behind him were Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Choza, who also offered their greetings.
All three heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans were present. They were loyal to the Sarutobi Clan and also renowned, powerful clans in Konoha.
Sarutobi Ryo glanced at the task in front of him. The main goal was to live through the Third Shinobi World War and help Hatake Sakumo become the Fourth Hokage.
And he had to become a "Jonin Commander."
In the original story, Nara Shikaku held this position.
During the Second Shinobi World War, Tsunade was the squad captain. After she left, the position remained open.
It had stayed empty ever since.
But seeing Nara Shikaku, Sarutobi Ryo knew exactly who he had to compete with.
Nara Shikaku was known for his sharp mind and his Yin Release shadow techniques.
While his actual fighting strength wasn't the highest, his cleverness made it easy for him to achieve great things.
Just like in the original story, Shikamaru tricked Hidan to his death.
Nara Shikaku, currently at the Elite Jonin level, could still achieve remarkable accomplishments.
Therefore, his strength was not to be taken lightly.
However, since Nara Shikaku was loyal to the Sarutobi Clan, wasn't he supposed to be on my side? Sarutobi Ryo wondered.
Sarutobi Ryo glanced at Namikaze Minato standing beside him, and a thought crossed his mind.
Times were changing, and so were some loyalties.
Maybe the Ino-Shika-Cho Formation would also change.
"Ahem…"
His father, Sarutobi Hiruzen, coughed to get everyone's attention.
"Everyone, I believe many of you are aware of the Third Kazekage's disappearance…"
This announcement caused a stir.
Many Jonin who came from ordinary families looked surprised, showing that they didn't have access to this kind of information.
But the clan leaders and department heads seemed calm, clearly having known about this for some time.
With the Third Kazekage gone, the more aggressive groups in different countries were becoming stronger. Even within the Land of Fire, things were becoming unstable.
"Recently, ninja from different countries have been seen near our borders, gathering information… The other countries are also becoming more demanding…"
As Sarutobi Hiruzen explained the situation.
Everyone guessed that a new Ninja World War was about to start.
"Are we going to war again…" someone muttered.
Sarutobi Hiruzen replied, "If the Third Shinobi World War starts, it will be like the last Great War… We have discussed this many times, and I believe you are all prepared for it…"
Hearing this.
Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and other important members of Konoha smiled.
"Everyone, this is your chance to make a name for yourselves…" one of them said.
"..."
Sarutobi Ryo sat below the stage, watching the crowd get excited at the words of the leaders, and shook his head to himself.
The last Great War had ended with the Five Great Nations winning.
This victory had made them overconfident.
The Five Great Shinobi Villages thought they could do anything and wanted to create a great future.
But the Third Shinobi World War became a terrible tragedy, a real meat grinder.
The Third Shinobi World War had no winners; everyone lost!
It proved that those in charge were short-sighted, and everyone was foolish!
It really proves the saying: "How can the Will of Fire flourish with these fools?" he thought.
Then, Danzo said, "Right now, the 'Jonin Commander' position is still open. You all need to work hard…"
The promise of power was a strong motivator.
But when the Great War truly began, everyone would understand.
This time, things wouldn't go as they expected at all.
Also, the Konoha leaders want to support Namikaze Minato as Hokage, so they will definitely give him a strategist. That person will probably be Nara Shikaku, just like how in the original story, when Naruto became Hokage, Shikamaru was his advisor, Sarutobi Ryo thought as he listened to the leaders.
After hearing a lot of plans, Sarutobi Ryo stood up: "Honorable Hokage, I suggest that we make Anbu Squad Six bigger…"
Anbu Squad Six was an Anbu Squad with a legendary history.
Many famous ninja had been part of this squad.
Including Kakashi, Yamato, Uzuki Yugao… and even Uchiha Itachi was temporarily assigned to it later on.
Right now, he was already the Squad Six Captain.
He could have up to eight people under his command.
This size was okay, but it really wasn't enough for what he had planned.
To make his plan work, he needed many people, and eight spots were not enough.
"I have my own businesses, so I don't need the Village to pay for anything…" Sarutobi Ryo added, making things easier for the leaders.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, thinking it was a small matter, and agreed to Sarutobi Ryo's request right away.
"Also."
Sarutobi Ryo changed the subject.
"Honorable Hokage, members of the Konoha Upper Echelon."
This time, Sarutobi Ryo looked directly at Utatane Koharu, Danzo, and the others.
"I suggest… allowing ninja from the Hyuga Clan to join my Anbu Squad Six."
Hyuga Hiashi: "!"
Hyuga Hizashi: "!"
The Hyuga brothers, sitting below, looked surprised and their expressions changed.
The Hyuga Clan had never joined the Anbu before.
The same was true for the Uchiha Clan.
The Konoha leaders didn't want to rely too much on the Hyuga Clan.
They also wanted to use this "equal treatment of the Eye Technique Clan" to control the Uchiha, preventing them from becoming too powerful in Konoha.
"The Hyuga Clan's Byakugan is great for observing… It will be very helpful in Anbu missions. I suggest… allowing Hyuga Ruri to join Anbu Squad Six…"
Sarutobi Ryo's words caused a discussion among everyone below.
Whispers filled the room.
Hyuga Hiashi immediately felt uneasy.
Hyuga Hizashi looked at Sarutobi Ryo with surprise, and then looked thoughtful.
Everyone knew that Ruri was Young Master Ryo's teammate.
So, Young Master Ryo's intention was …
It was likely that everyone was overthinking it.
Because Sarutobi Ryo's suggestion was too unusual.
"Sarutobi Ryo, do you know what you're saying?" Utatane Koharu asked sternly, objecting right away.
"I am the Squad Six Captain, so of course I know best."
Sarutobi Ryo looked directly at her and answered.
I serve in the Anbu, and I contribute to the Anbu.
You've never even been in the Anbu, what the hell do you know?
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter Access up to Ch 219 (Vol 2 Ch 161)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 90 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
➡️ patreon.com/Boundless_Beacon
]