"…Alright."
After hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly at Danzō Shimura, but in the end still nodded. "Very well. I'll speak with Fugaku Uchiha later."
Then Hiruzen turned to Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. "Koharu, Homura, I'll have to trouble you two with logistics and supply coordination. Also, Homura, make a trip to the Fire Capital. Inform the Daimyō of the situation, secure his support, and request funding and supplies."
Before the army moves, provisions must go first.
Funds and supplies were the top priority.
"Leave it to us."
Koharu and Homura nodded in agreement.
They were experienced partners—this kind of work was second nature to them.
At critical moments, these elders were still reliable.
After all, if Konoha and the Land of Fire lost the war, they wouldn't escape the consequences either.
Their own interests were on the line.
"However, shouldn't we also prepare for Kumogakure and Kirigakure? They won't stay quiet either," Homura added.
"Mm, I know."
Hiruzen nodded, a headache forming. "I'll send Jiraiya to guard against Kumogakure and the Land of Fields. As for Kirigakure… let Sakumo Hatake lead a force there."
"Sakumo?"
Homura raised an eyebrow.
The incident from before had just happened not long ago. Sakumo had already resigned from his ANBU Commander position and was currently staying at home. Would he even agree to fight?
After all, Homura and Koharu knew the truth behind that incident.
Wasn't it just Hiruzen and Danzō fearing Sakumo's rising prestige and deliberately suppressing him?
"I oppose this!"
Danzō immediately spoke up.
He had only just succeeded in suppressing Sakumo—now they wanted to use him again?
With Sakumo's strength, it wouldn't take long for him to rebuild his reputation and achievements.
That would make him a threat again.
Danzō absolutely wouldn't allow it.
Moreover, although their plan had mostly succeeded, Danzō wasn't satisfied.
He had lost his position as Hokage's advisor, his reputation had been ruined in Konoha, and Sakumo hadn't even died—only his reputation had taken a hit.
That outcome was far from what he wanted.
Hiruzen sighed helplessly. "Danzō, please think of the bigger picture. The situation is critical. If not Sakumo, then who? We can't ignore a Kage-level powerhouse while the frontlines are in danger."
Danzō knew his argument didn't hold up.
And it was impossible to leave Sakumo completely unused.
He could only grit his teeth and accept it. "Do as you wish. I'm done here."
With that, he turned and left.
War was imminent—he had preparations to make.
And more importantly, plans to maximize his gains.
War was dangerous—but danger and opportunity went hand in hand.
Compared to peace, he preferred war.
Only war could bring him greater opportunities.
As war approached, the atmosphere in the village grew tense.
Even the ninja hospital became busier.
Many medical-nin were being mobilized to the frontlines.
"The Third Kazekage disappeared? So the Third Great Ninja War is about to begin?"
After hearing the news at the hospital, Akira immediately grasped the situation and went to find Tsunade.
"Tsunade-nee, is the war starting?"
"Correct."
Tsunade nodded. "But this has nothing to do with you for now. Stay in the Academy and don't graduate early. Understood?"
She had already lost Nawaki and Dan.
She didn't want to lose this clansman and disciple too.
"No."
Akira shook his head firmly. "Tsunade-nee, I actually want to graduate early. I want to adapt to war sooner and gain combat experience."
"I don't think this war will end quickly. Eventually, students like us will still be sent to the battlefield."
"Instead of being thrown into war unprepared later, it's better to start early—take on lower-risk missions and build experience step by step."
That was part of it.
But more importantly—
He had already grown tired of staying in the village.
Over the past two months, with exchanges every three days, the rewards had steadily declined.
Nothing exciting anymore.
From the Pokémon world, he only got evolution stones, space backpacks, Poké Balls…
Or random items from other worlds—like guns and grenades from modern settings.
Those at least had some use against low-level ninja.
He had also obtained zombie crystals from a post-apocalyptic world.
Those were decent—enhancing his physique and mental strength.
But still too low-level.
There were also Sea King meat and dials from another world.
But truly high-value rewards?
Not a single one.
It was frustrating.
Of course, it also had to do with the limited items he could use for exchanges.
"You…"
Tsunade was about to get angry, but when she saw the determination in Akira's eyes, she stopped.
After thinking carefully, she realized—
He wasn't wrong.
This war wouldn't end quickly.
It might very well escalate into a full-scale Third Great Ninja War.
When manpower ran short, would staying in school really protect him?
Unlikely.
Back then, Nawaki had also graduated early and was sent to the battlefield.
And that was how he died.
Thinking of this, Tsunade looked at Akira seriously. "Fine. You make a good point."
"Go prepare yourself."
"In these past two months, you've already learned most of what I can teach. You've even mastered the Mystical Palm Technique and Super Strength. There's nothing left for me to teach you."
"Go. Just don't die."
Even she couldn't help but sigh at Akira's talent.
In just over two months, he had mastered high-level medical ninjutsu like the Mystical Palm Technique.
He had even learned her signature Super Strength technique.
With his chakra and physique—
He could probably already fight an ordinary jonin.
That—
Was why she allowed him to graduate early.
To Read More Advance Chapters Head Over To My Patreon
patreon.com/ted11
[NOTE: 30% Discount On All Memberships On My Patreon For Next 24 Hours Join Now]