The purpose wasn't crucial; it was just a protective measure. The local administrators would handle the internal details; Torifu wouldn't need to intervene. However, a Kage figure needed to be present, or the administrators would feel constrained when carrying out their plans. Torifu's role was exactly that: to lend his authority.
"Good. Since the Hokage has agreed to it, I have nothing to worry about. Once I've handled the immediate matters, I will personally travel to the Amegakure region."
The Kazekage shared the same attitude. Only Mifune stood by without speaking. He simply needed to wait in the Land of Iron for a signal requesting aid. If he sent troops without being asked, it would be viewed as meddling in the affairs of other nations. Although their current relationship was good, and everyone knew his intentions were pure, it would still cause a certain amount of confusion and create problems. If the enemy were to seize that moment to attack, it would throw everyone into disarray. Therefore, the key was to follow the established command structure.
After chatting for a while at the gate, the time arrived at precisely nine o'clock—the perfect time for departure.
After bidding farewell to Torifu, the Tsuchikage and Kazekage kicked up a storm of flying sand and gravel, sweeping up their attendants before they vanished. Torifu couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "Honestly, they always have to put on a show like that. They'll probably be out of chakra and revealed in less than ten minutes."
Mifune scratched his head, choosing to leave Konohagakure by running alongside his apprentice and the young samurai competitors. He thought, I'm being so modest; surely the Hokage won't complain now? But only a few steps out, he heard Torifu's faint voice drift over: "The Samurai… still so ordinary. Not a bit of innovation."
Mifune stumbled. Why was it always something? No matter what he did, it wasn't right! What did he have to do? At that moment, the desire to put on a show consumed Mifune's mind, but there was nothing he could do. He simply lacked the means. Samurai who only used swords couldn't pull off the techniques of a ninja. They could only steel themselves and quickly leave the bounds of Konohagakure, enduring Torifu's endless complaints.
Seeing his friends depart, Torifu sighed. He had to admit, having them around made Konohagakure a lot more fun. However, joyful times are always fleeting. The departure of the Kage meant the New Year had truly passed, and it was time to get serious about work… actually, not really. Work could be handed over to the Puppet. Torifu only needed to keep an eye on the Amegakure situation. If necessary, his body would go.
But for now, the situation was unclear. Although they had a suspect for the mastermind, they couldn't locate the base of operations. The current state was one of stalemate, and dispatching a single Clone was more than enough. There was absolutely no need for his body to take action.
"Alright, the Kage and the General have all returned to their own nations. Let's head back too."
As soon as Torifu spoke, the crowd of hired performers instantly dispersed, flocking to the Mission Assembly Hall to collect their wages. The genuine villagers who had come to see them off also gradually dispersed, starting their new day of work.
In the end, only Torifu, Amado, and Anka remained, walking leisurely down the street.
"Hokage-sama, many shinobi wanted to leave for the Amegakure region alone, but I held them all back. They are constantly asking when they can depart."
Torifu had already considered this matter, so he said directly, "They can be released today, but each group of shinobi must gather one hundred companions to form a team before they are allowed to leave."
"This number is flexible: a minimum of ninety people, with no maximum limit."
Anka's mind was quick. As soon as Torifu finished speaking, she understood his intention and didn't ask any questions.
When the three returned to the Hokage's Office, Anka immediately took out paper and a brush, wrote a notice, and had it posted.
"What? We must form a team to go? A minimum of ninety people to form a team? Why is that?"
"Do you even have to ask? The situation in the Amegakure region is clearly still unclear, and the Hokage-sama is worried we'll run into danger if we go alone."
"Just like the Hokage-sama! He cares so much about us."
The shinobi who had signed up had various thoughts upon seeing the notice. A few felt the Hokage was underestimating them; a mere rebellion didn't require such anxiety. However, the majority strongly agreed with the rule, especially shinobi with slightly less power or combat ability. This rule protected them significantly, and they fully supported it. They immediately started organizing teams.
"Forming a team! Forming a team to go suppress the Amegakure rebellion! We're almost full! We're leaving soon! Join now! Join now!"
"Hey! Me, me, me! How many people do you still need? Can I join?"
"Of course! Ninety minus eighty-nine! Hurry and join! We're leaving right away!"
"...Do you think you're funny?"
"Ehe~"
Recruitment calls like this were flying everywhere in Konohagakure! Those who weren't so well-informed heard the constant calls to form teams and recruit and momentarily wondered if they were still asleep. Only after asking around did they understand what was happening, and they quickly found a team to join.
"Hey, my luck is good. I joined a ninety-nine-person team. My safety on the road is definitely guaranteed. I don't want to get taken out halfway."
"Yeah, the Hokage-sama's rule is really great. Even I, as a medical ninja, don't have to worry now."
The most eager teams, as soon as they reached the minimum of ninety people, couldn't wait and immediately set off for the Amegakure region. There were also some more cautious groups. They planned to recruit a thousand or several hundred people before moving out together, which would give them greater peace of mind. Regardless, everyone was quite proactive.
Upon hearing the news that they had to join a team to go to the Amegakure region, Minato immediately pulled Kushina, Yahiko, and Konan into a large team and waited for their departure. According to the team leader, they would have to wait two more days for the scattered shinobi who hadn't joined a team to sign up before they all left together. Minato wasn't in a rush. He just wanted to reserve their spot so he wouldn't miss the mission.
In the office, Torifu was deeply gratified to see the shinobi actively forming teams. This policy was not just for the shinobi's safety on the road. Once they arrived at the Amegakure region, they would undoubtedly need to team up to execute missions. Naturally, they would prioritize their fellow team members, as they had traveled together and were somewhat familiar with one another.