"Shikimaru Hatake!"
"Report!"
"At dawn tomorrow, lead a small team into the Uzumaki lands. Scout the enemy, and rescue all the injured."
"Along the way, observe what your teammates are capable of, and ensure at all costs the safety of one person Seijitsu Byakko."
"Yes, sir."
As Shikimaru received the orders, a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes, but he straightened his back like a drawn blade, unwavering.
"Enma Mito, coordinate the supply lines and dispatch shinobi to the borders of the Land of Fire to establish refugee camps. Koharu Utagawa, take several medics and the essential medical supplies act swiftly."
"Yes, sir."
The two advisors responded without hesitation.
They had not yet been tempered by power. Standing before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, they retained the instinctive loyalty of youth.
Although they had previously objected to helping, at a single order, they obeyed without question.
"Danzo Shimura, monitor enemy movements outside the village. If three or more jonin move simultaneously, report immediately."
"Also, keep close watch on rumors inside the walls. Anyone caught inciting unrest "
A cold glint flashed in his eyes. " execute them."
"Yes, sir."
Danzo bowed slightly, a subtle smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
These two tasks were like two snakes: one to bite external enemies, the other to suppress internal chaos. The monkey entrusted both to him.
He cherished the heavy responsibility.
"Notify the heads of the Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans inform all ninja families that war is coming. Prepare yourselves."
"Brew a large batch of the tricolor pills, especially the red chili pills. When war breaks out, we will need blades sharp enough to cut despair instantly."
"Yes, sir."
These three small clans had always stood united, supporting the Hokage.
They obeyed his orders without question.
"As for the three of you "
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly studied his young students, pride shining in his eyes. He believed that in this coming war, they would shed their old selves.
"Grow stronger, quickly."
"I want to go on a mission too!"
Jiraiya set aside his usual frivolous tone and said quietly, "Old man, give the order!"
At that moment, Jiraiya's heart was transparent like a young adult wanting to repay the father who raised him.
It was not just a demonstration of skill it was gratitude.
In Jiraiya's eyes, Hiruzen Sarutobi was like a father.
But Hiruzen slowly shook his head.
"Not yet. First, strengthen yourselves. Once the war begins, all sides will try to carve a piece of Konoha for themselves."
"We may fight on four fronts simultaneously. When that happens, you may have to fight alone."
Jiraiya opened his mouth to reply, but Orochimaru tapped his shoulder. Their eyes met, and Jiraiya fell silent.
Tsunade, after a moment, said in a low voice, "Understood, Hokage."
As each order was given, the fear and anger in the room gradually faded, replaced by calm.
Perhaps Hiruzen would face setbacks in the days to come, but tonight he was a stabilizing force a pill to calm the storm, a beam holding back the sea.
While the council burned with the intensity of a blazing fire, the home of Mito Uzumaki was quiet.
The three young people introduced Daimate and his son, and they shared a pleasant dinner together.
To maintain peace, they only mentioned Whirlpool in passing as they left.
But that night, Hiruzen Sarutobi came to visit Mito.
It was the same elegant tea room, only with a different teapot.
On the tray sat three pots.
The first pot was solid, deep brown, weathered like old wood polished by time.
It was full and smooth, with no sharp edges only gentle, steady strength.
Its glow was soft, not glaring, emanating from within; calm and composed.
The short, slightly upturned spout, and the curved handle pressed against the body every line conveyed serene dignity.
The second pot sat in the center, but its edges could not be hidden.
Silver-white clay, fine and cold, gleaming sharply; every angle felt austere and untouchable.
Its spout was straight like a drawn dagger, forbidding any softness.
Silent, yet it promised that once poured, its water would be as sharp as steel.
The third pot was plain, undecorated.
Its base bore no marks; the clay was a rough, yellow-brown, like field soil.
Its body simple and round, with only a slight bulge at the waist.
The spout was short and straight, with no intricate curve.
The thick walls were suitable for carving anyone could shape it at will.
Mito waited behind the three pots, as if she had known he would come.
Hiruzen bowed deeply, holding a box of tea leaves, and stepped forward silently.
"Lady Mito, these are tea leaves I personally roasted, sourced from the finest farmers in the country. Though humble, I offer them sincerely."
She smiled, accepted the gift, and gestured for him to sit.
Boiling water poured into the first pot, and the leaves released a rich aroma.
She poured the dark drink into a fairness cup, then emptied the remainder into the second pot.
The leaves in the first and second pots were different.
The second pot's spices gave a colder fragrance a winter-like freshness with a faint sweetness.
She poured into the fairness cup again, filling both cups.
"Taste it. Tell me if my skill has grown rusty."
Hiruzen did not refuse, yet he did not intend to savor it. He took a sip and began discussing the Uzumaki clan.
Mito, however, ignored him.
"Enough, monkey. No heavy topics tonight."
"You've worked all day have a cup first."