Chapter 79 Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto (Patreon)

After a brief moment of consideration, the F4 elders' group began to shift their focus toward matters of upcoming conflicts.

While it hasn't escalated into an all-out confrontation between one village and four villages, the current situation remains far from optimistic.

Rock Shinobi and Mist Shinobi commenced their march in succession.

Given Konoha's current combat capabilities, it is absolutely insufficient for a direct confrontation, necessitating the dispatch of reinforcements.

Especially in the southeast coastal region.

Historically, the Uzumaki clan acted as a natural barrier between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water.

But now, the Uzumaki clan is no more.

If the Mist Shinobi successfully cross the sea, they will have a direct route into the Land of Fire.

"Who remains in the village with enough combat power to be sent to the front lines?"

Hiruzen glanced at the other three and asked.

"The major clans have all rushed to the front lines, leaving behind Sarutobi and Shimura, Hayate, Shiranui, and a few others remain."

Danzo squinted.

At this moment, he had replaced his Anbu's gray attire with his own black robe, bandages concealing his entire right arm and right eye.

His right arm had been replaced with a research-based Hashirama artificial limb.

The other three were aware of this, but they were oblivious to the fact that Orochimaru had performed the transplant surgery on Danzo.

In Orochimaru's experimental facility, Danzo had also glimpsed Asuma's presence, much to his surprise. The fact that Orochimaru hadn't killed this young man suggested that Orochimaru had more nefarious plans in mind, likely involving revenge against Asuma's father.

Hayate and Shiranui were small-time ninjas who seldom made a mark in the village, even in death.

They couldn't hold a candle to some civilian ninjas, but they remained loyal supporters of Hiruzen.

"It would be advantageous if Orochimaru were here,"  Hiruzen muttered to himself.

Danzo heard this and nearly choked on his water. Hadn't they taken Orochimaru away themselves?

Nonetheless, Danzo dared not bring up the topic of Orochimaru due to his right-hand artificial limb.

"Any word from Jiraiya yet?"

Hiruzen thought of his other disciple, capable of shouldering significant responsibilities.

"Given the current dire circumstances in Konoha, it's highly likely he'll return. However, we can't afford to wait for Jiraiya any longer," Koharu stated, her wrinkled face forming a ball as she hesitated before continuing, "Hiruzen, I believe... you should go to the frontlines."

As soon as she said this, Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.

"I concur. The strongest individuals should remain in the village," Homura added after some contemplation. "Furthermore, Tatsuya's actions, particularly his killing of the Third Raikage's son, have been of significant merit. As Hokage, it's imperative to contribute substantially to this war if as Hokage you don't make some contributions. After the war..."

Danzo remained silent, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

Ever since he lost his arm and stood behind  Hiruzen, he had become a pariah in the eyes of countless Konoha Village residents.

His friendship with  Hiruzen, his once-close friend, had fractured.

If Hiruzen were to enter the battlefield, it would be preferable for him to lose a limb or two as he currently had.

"Master Hokage, I bring the latest report from the frontline!" At that moment, a special Jōnin from the Shiranui clan pushed his way in, knelt before the four, and began his report,

"The four thousand Mist Shinobi troops, led by the Third Mizukage, have penetrated our army's first line of defense and are poised to land on the ruins of the Uzumaki clan soon!"

Did the Third Mizukage personally lead the mission?

Upon hearing this news, the expressions of the elder group shifted once more.

Hiruzen motioned for the Shiranui ninja to withdraw. He knew waiting for Jiraiya to return was an impossibility.

He had to take action.

Once the Mist Shinobi army occupied the Uzumaki country's ruins, their next target would be the Land of Fire.

"Well then, allow me to go!" In the end,  Hiruzen made this decision, feeling almost helpless.

"As expected of you, Hiruzen!"

"May your name, God of Ninja,' echo throughout the entire Ninja World once again," Homura and Koharu exclaimed, expressing their support.

"Don't fret about Konoha's situation, Hiruzen; I will..." Danzo's usually stoic face suddenly brightened, displaying a warm smile, as he tried to console Hiruzen, reassuring him that Konoha would be well-managed in his absence.

However, before he could finish, Hiruzen interjected, "The three of you must return immediately and prepare. The entire army will be mobilized!"

When these words left his mouth, the three individuals who had just shown support were left flabbergasted.

They couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong with their hearing.

Koharu's squinted eyes immediately glared at their leader.

"Hiruzen, what did you just say?"

"Huh? Wasn't I clear enough?"  Hiruzen frowned.

"Hurry back and prepare; join me at the coastal frontline immediately."

Are they supposed to go as well?

The three of them were thrown into confusion.

Inwardly, Hiruzen found their reactions amusing.

The old man was prepared to fight on the front lines, and they thought they could sit in the rear, sipping tea and reaping the rewards.

Dream on.

Are they planning to make him join the battlefield alone?

Well, then they'd better be ready!

Hiruzen wouldn't be the one to suffer alone.

"Yes, but Hiruzen, with all of us gone, who will manage Konoha?" Mitokado Homura attempted one last argument.

"Fear not, I've got that covered. I'll dispatch Anbu directly to handle significant matters in my absence. As for minor concerns, I'll appoint Biwako as temporary Hokage."

Now that's something!

Where's the dignity?

Danzo and the others couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. Hiruzen was appointing his wife, Biwako, as the acting Hokage.

Besides giving birth to their two children, what qualifications did she have?

"Alright, let's not waste any more time. Return and prepare; we'll set off immediately."

Hiruzen waved his hand and made it clear that his decision was final. Hiruzen had that look on his face. The three who had known him for nearly half a century understood. This decision was irreversible.

On the battlefield, their roles were set!