Konoha's medical system is relatively advanced, but this has come at the cost of development in other areas, a result of emphasizing the emergence of Medical Ninjas.
Therefore, the opening of a branch by the Shion Flower Company in Konoha partially resolved Konoha's medical issues, allowing excess funds to be invested in other industries.
No matter how you look at it, within the one country, one village system, a Ninja Village is the most important manifestation of a country's military strength.
Had it not been for understanding the importance of the medical system, it's estimated that after the Second Great Ninja War, Konoha would not have invested so much energy into the medical system, but rather in cultivating combat-type ninjas.
The new generation of Konoha Ninja emerges one after another, but in terms of overall strength, there's not a significant increase compared to the time of the Second Great Ninja War.
As the assistant of the Ninja School's Medical Ninja experimental class, Hakushi is well aware of the energy and funds Konoha has invested over the years to perfect the medical system, and how many Medical Ninjas have ultimately been trained.
The annual sacrifice rate of Konoha Ninja has gradually decreased, not because the strength of Konoha Ninja has significantly improved, but because Medical Ninjas have gradually become a regular part of Jonin Squads, preventing many Ninja from being sacrificed during missions.
In this matter, the decisive decision of Konoha's high-level management is commendable.
Tsunade's proposal is indeed important, but without the strong support from the higher-ups, the persistent prioritization of training Medical Ninjas and the full-scale investment of large amounts of funds it involves, Medical Ninjas would not have thrived in Konoha.
Hakushi hasn't witnessed the Medical Ninjas of other Ninja Villages, but from much intelligence, it can be deduced that Konoha's medical system is the most complete and strongest.
Even Hakushi is quite tempted and wants members in his organization with medical talent to come to Konoha to 'study abroad' and learn advanced and comprehensive Medical Ninjutsu knowledge.
How to arrange this matter requires careful consideration, there's no rush; right now, Hakushi has more important things to attend to.
In a certain secret room on the third floor of the Shion Flower Branch Pharmacy in Konoha.
After arriving here, Hakushi had just brewed himself a cup of tea. Before he could take a sip of it, he sensed something and spoke to the side:
"Still not coming out? There's no need to hide so securely here."
The curtains in that direction swayed silently, and then a young girl in a white kimono-style Ninja Suit appeared in the room.
With pure white eyes, a face often adorned with a smile, this girl was none other than Ayane.
"I thought I hid quite well, originally wanted to surprise you from behind, Hakushi-kun."
Ayane complained.
"Let's save the surprise for next time."
Hakushi smiled indulgently, roughly knowing what kind of surprise Ayane was referring to.
"More important than the surprise you mentioned, is the task at hand. How's the contact situation with the Hyuga Clan's Branch Family?"
Since it's determined that the war will break out soon, at the latest by next year, the time left for them is neither too long nor too short.
Therefore, they must fully prepare to leave Konoha in advance to avoid being caught off guard when the war arrives.
Recruiting members of the Hyuga Branch Family is an important part of the plan to leave Konoha.
This task naturally falls to Ayane, the person in charge, who will reach out to those Hyuga Branch Family Ninjas dissatisfied with the Main Family.
Hakushi has great confidence in Ayane's ability and strength in handling matters.
It can be said that excluding the involvement of clones, Ayane's strength is undoubtedly above his own.
Even with the help of clones, he might not be able to handle it easily.
After all, like Ruri, Ayane is also training in Sage Mode, and her results are significant.
Even Hakushi isn't exactly sure to what level Ayane's strength has reached at this moment, only having a rough estimation in mind.
But saying she's the strongest Ninja of the Hyuga Clan is, in Hakushi's opinion, not an exaggeration.
"I've already made contact. But I haven't bothered with those Branch Family members who maintain a neutral stance, since they might switch to supporting the Main Family at any time."
By now, Ayane isn't afraid of her secrets being known by others; she just doesn't want to add trouble to herself due to her own carelessness.
Indeed, the Hyuga Clan now is just a minor annoyance to her.
There's no guarantee she could face all the ninjas of the Hyuga Clan, but if she is determined to leave, there is no ninja in the Hyuga Clan strong enough to stop her.
"How many people are there?"
"I've contacted four people so far, all of whom expressed willingness to cooperate. Ultimately, I think the number should be around ten to fifteen. Including their families, the count should be around forty in total."
"Forty people?"
Hakushi deliberated for a moment, honestly speaking, this number is within an acceptable range.
Because if the number is too large, it would slow down the retreat speed.
After all, by that time, they would be facing Konoha, an institution with a vast foundation as a Ninja Village. Every aspect of the retreat plan needs to be thought through carefully to prevent any unexpected occurrences.
Hakushi thought for a moment and voiced his inner thoughts.
"The retreat timing is based on when Konoha deploys a large number of Ninjas from the village. At that time, in order to withstand the enemy nation's Ninja attack, Konoha will distribute many troops, that will be our best opportunity to leave Konoha."
After hearing this, Ayane nodded, agreeing with Hakushi's point of view.
When war erupts, it's inevitable that Konoha will dispatch a large number of Ninja to the frontline to resist enemy village Ninja attacking the Land of Fire.
At that time, surveillance in the village will become more stringent than ever, but conversely, the forces remaining in the village will be weaker than usual, making it easier to break through defenses.
Hakushi took out a map that showed the entirety of Konoha, with key facilities marked specially.
"When war breaks out, I will create a disturbance in this location to draw the Ninjas in the village. You will lead the Hyuga Clan people to leave quickly, following the predetermined route, and special personnel will be there to assist, covering up your tracks."
Hakushi pointed to a location on the map, something he decided only after careful consideration.
"This location is..."
Ayane's eyebrows furrowed slightly upon seeing the location.
"It's just a tentative decision. In my consideration, there's no place more suited to attract attention than here. To Konoha's higher-ups, this place is absolutely crucial, and they cannot afford to lose it."
Hakushi explained.
"I understand." Since Hakushi had already decided, Ayane could only choose to trust his ability, without saying much more.
"Overall, the plan is not much different from before, and to prevent accidents, I've also kept some means in reserve to delay Konoha Ninja's pursuit time. If there are any changes to the plan, I'll inform you in advance. Any other questions?"
At this moment, Ayane's expression hesitated for a moment, and then she turned serious.
"I only have one question."
"What question?"
"Regarding Ruri... how do you plan to explain that?"