Hidden and visible, a total of one hundred Jonin are to undergo surgery.
When the Third Hokage spoke, he wanted to take two-tenths of them, which is twenty spots.
This amount is enough to turn most of the Jonin in the Anbu into even stronger Wood Style ninjas.
Naturally, no one present had any objections.
If divided by strength, the Hokage Anbu is Konoha's largest and most elite force, and should naturally be prioritized.
This is also because after the Nine Tails Attack, the Anbu has not fully recovered. Otherwise, the Third Hokage would have taken a larger share.
"..."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances. Koharu spoke first, "The number is not a problem, but the order needs to be discussed further. We can't have all the Anbu Jonin done before others."
After all, although many methods will be used next, it is still uncertain whether the Akatsuki organization's eyes and ears can be truly evaded.
In such a situation, if the initial spots are all given to the Hokage's faction, then if fighting breaks out, won't the Anbu have to charge in first?
The answer is naturally yes, otherwise, it would look too selfish and cause resentment among the ninja clans and civilian ninjas.
The two of them said this to remind the Third Hokage not to be too greedy and get carried away by the 'Body Strengthening Surgery.'
"I have my own considerations for this matter," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly and said slowly, "The Anbu Jonin needing surgery will be ranked high, but they will be evenly distributed among the one hundred slots..."
In fact, from a rational perspective, once the Anbu Jonin all complete the surgery, they will be able to exert greater effect in a possible war.
But human nature and emotions push reality into a less than ideal option.
Danzo lowered his eyelids and glanced at the Third Hokage, who was discussing with the Hokage's advisors. A hint of darkness flashed in his eyes.
If in the past, with the complete Root, he would have had the right to profit like the Third Hokage and act meek.
This year, although Root has recovered some of its vitality through smuggling with Kusagakure Ninja,
But people are not flowers and grass that can grow by scattering seeds. The combat power is still far from sufficient.
"...Since no one has any objections, then it is settled."
The Third Hokage called in the guards at the door and ordered, "As previously decided, please invite the clan leaders of each clan."
"Yes!"
The Anbu guard bowed slightly and then swiftly departed.
...
Most of the clan leaders arrived quickly, as if they had already done preparatory exercises like runners at the Hokage Building.
After Orochimaru returned, although he was directly summoned by the Hokage and did not appear much in the village, the squad ninjas who returned with him dispersed after submitting their missions at the mission center.
The news of Orochimaru's return naturally spread.
Just one year was not enough to cool down the fervor of the 'Body Strengthening Surgery,' let alone the samurai from the Land of Iron, who would show their presence at the mission center every four or five days.
Therefore, as the developer of the 'Body Strengthening Surgery,' the news of Orochimaru spread rapidly during this period. …
Everyone was very curious—what was the specific success rate of this surgery? Would Orochimaru perform surgery on fellow villagers after his return? Why was Lord Hokage so urgently summoning him...
No one was uninterested, so while the Konoha higher-ups were discussing the details, public opinion outside had already ignited.
Influenced by this atmosphere, every clan leader who entered the Hokage's office had their gaze fixed on Orochimaru.
After the usual astonishment at the changes in Orochimaru's appearance, their gazes turned to burning admiration. They came with their own expectations.
After everyone took their seats, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was in the head seat, tapped the table with his pipe.
The crisp clatter brought silence to the conference room. The Third Hokage began with the matter everyone cared about most.
"I have just confirmed with Orochimaru that the success rate of the strengthening surgery previously applied to samurai has been improved to a considerable extent and can now be applied to the ninjas of this village."
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became heated again, with everyone whispering and discussing, their uncontrollable noise causing the Third Hokage to tap the table again.
"I understand your excitement, but please calm down and think. The reality is not as you imagine."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked around and slowly exhaled smoke,
"Although the improved strengthening surgery has a good success rate, its scope is only at the Jonin level. Other ninjas attempting it would still risk their lives."
This explanation was naturally a lie, but coming from the Third Hokage, it set the scope of the surgery.
Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter; it's just a matter of whether Orochimaru's 'hand shakes or not.'
Therefore, as soon as these words were uttered, everyone felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on them.
It wasn't that they were completely disheartened; even if it was only for Jonin, it was still quite good.
But some people frowned. The Meat Bullet... ah no, the Akimichi Clan leader Akimichi Choza asked,
"Why is the improvement of the surgery first focused on Jonin? In the village, Chunin and Genin are the largest groups. Developing surgery suitable for them can greatly improve the village's core strength."
Akimichi Choza said this, not to champion the Chunin and Genin.
The Akimichi Clan is a hereditary clan with secret jutsu, capable of expanding their bodies and crushing enemies with 'Human Bullet Tank.'
Leaving aside Jonin for now, if mid-level ninjas undergo body strengthening surgery, they can perform Ninjutsu with more power and freedom, making them the most improved group.
Therefore, as the Akimichi Clan leader, he also had great expectations for this surgery.
But at this moment, his hopes were slightly dashed.
The Third Hokage did not directly answer the question but turned his gaze to Orochimaru, signaling him to explain.
"Clan Leader Akimichi, you have misunderstood."
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly as he emphasized,
"It's not that we improved it for Jonin first, but that the improved surgery can currently only be endured by Jonin."
Akimichi Choza was initially confused, but after pondering for a moment, he suddenly understood.
The research order of the surgery was from top to bottom. Orochimaru himself would not be so kind as to specifically develop body strengthening surgery for Genin and ordinary people.
This was weakening and modifying the surgery originally applied to himself, which could now be performed by Jonin.
For Chunin and Genin to be able to undergo it, further research would be needed.
This offers hope for the future!
Thinking of this, Akimichi Choza responded, "Thank you, Lord Orochimaru, for the clarification. I understand."
Others also accepted this situation. Regardless of the future, having a group of immortal Jonin in the village would be a great improvement.
Those present were all Jonin, in other words, they could all be beneficiaries of the 'Body Strengthening Surgery.'
"Lord Hokage, when will the surgery officially begin?"
Hyuga Hiashi suddenly spoke, his eyes suppressing a longing, "What is the cost of the surgery?"
As one of Konoha's two great Dojutsu clans, with the Uchiha Clan becoming more active over the past year, the Hyuga clan appeared to be somewhat dim.
It was not a decline; rather, as the village's threat level from White Zetsu clones continuously increased, the Hyuga clan members' work actually increased.
The village relied on the power of the Byakugan; long-range reconnaissance was indispensable.
But the more this was the case, the more it seemed that the Byakugan, aside from its 'telescope' ability, was not worth mentioning.
On the other hand, as the village lifted restrictions on the Uchiha Security Force, these elites began to participate in village activities, and others truly recognized their strength.
Strength and weakness are relative. As both were Dojutsu clans, they were naturally compared, and in this context, the Hyuga clan seemed rather awkward.
Although rationally speaking, "You are strong, and I will remain steadfast," humans are emotional beings.
For Hyuga Hiashi, the 'Body Strengthening Surgery' was an opportunity.
Wasn't the Uchiha Clan's opportunity to become stronger by latching onto Orochimaru and the mysterious 'Body Strengthening Surgery'?
In response to Hyuga Hiashi's question, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and shook his head, "We are not yet planning to completely lift the restrictions on the 'Body Strengthening Surgery'."
This statement surprised the clan leaders present, and Hyuga Hiashi anxiously asked, "Why is that? Is it a cost issue? Or are the medicinal ingredients too rare?"
Hyuga Hiashi himself didn't believe this question. If there were such restrictions, why could the samurai undergo so many procedures?
"The problem is not that,"
The Third Hokage slowly exhaled smoke, "Although the 'Body Strengthening Surgery' has many limitations, these internal factors are easy to resolve. The real problem is external."
"Currently, Konoha and Kusagakure Ninja are still engaged in small-scale conflict. The enemy will never stand by and watch us significantly increase our strength."
The Third Hokage surveyed the room and said slowly, "Not only Kusagakure Ninja, but Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and even Sunagakure will not stand idly by."
Possessing treasure brings trouble. The Uzumaki Clan had a sealing jutsu that could turn rampaging Tailed Beasts into Jinchuriki, which is why Whirlpool Village was destroyed overnight.
Konoha is stronger than Whirlpool Village, but it may not be able to protect this 'Body Strengthening Surgery'.
"Furthermore, you have all seen the analysis of the Akatsuki organization's strength."
The Third Hokage's words made everyone's mood even heavier.
As the most powerful ninja village in the ninja world, the past year had been very frustrating. They were powerless and were being oppressed by a small Kusagakure Ninja.
But as Konoha ninjas, they had all endured it without exception.
Why? It was because the leader of the Akatsuki organization was too powerful.
Even ninjas like Orochimaru were beaten and disappeared for over a year, which spoke volumes.
"Therefore, after discussion, at present, the village can only perform fifty doses of the surgery."
The Third Hokage furrowed his brows and said solemnly, "Two-tenths of this belongs to the Anbu, which means only forty can be allocated to others."
Frankly speaking, this number is not small, close to one-fifth of the village's total Jonin.
But the problem is, how should it be allocated?
The clan leaders of the various ninja clans exchanged glances, and a glint flashed in their eyes.
What was originally just a matter of order has now become a case of "more wolves than meat."
Based on the principle of "if you haven't eaten enough, you're still hungry," such matters should be fought for.
Everyone's gaze turned to the Third Hokage, waiting for him to explain the allocation method.
"I understand everyone's feelings. Let's be frank and discuss it now."
The Third Hokage put down his pipe, his expression becoming serious, "Before discussing the allocation of surgery slots, let's first talk about the conflict with Kusagakure Ninja."
Everyone was slightly taken aback, but the voice did not stop.
"The 'peace' between Kusagakure Ninja and the Akatsuki organization cannot last. A full-scale war is inevitable in the future."
The clan leaders naturally understood this.
Not to mention anything else, the tolerance of the past year had already accumulated a lot of resentment among the village's Chunin. Due to the reduction in missions, even a small portion of people could not make a living and needed village relief.
This trend, although small, was already disrupting the normal ninja cultivation ecosystem.
If it continued to develop, it might end up like Sunagakure Village.
War, for ninjas, is necessary; it is a process of selection and metabolism.
"Our village's mid- to high-level combat power far surpasses theirs,"
The Third Hokage said with a grim expression, "but there are some issues with the top-level combat power."
Sasori and Kakuzu are relatively easy to deal with; they can be held back by one or more ninja squads, and even more elite ones can counter-kill them. However, ninjas like the Six Paths of Pain, who are beyond conventional logic, cannot be countered by numerical superiority.
The clan leaders present had not witnessed the power of the Six Paths of Pain, and their imaginations were somewhat distorted.
But they had witnessed the power of the rampaging Nine Tails, which was toyed with by the First Hokage back then.
The Six Paths of Pain are only slightly weaker than the First Hokage.
The Third Hokage said slowly, "It can be predicted that to restrain the Six Paths of Pain, at least the 'Konoha Sannin' will need to join forces."
Upon hearing this, the clan leaders present nodded slightly.
Currently, the 'Konoha Sannin' led by Orochimaru is the highest combat power in the village, and they must work together to stop the enemy.
"But besides Pain, there is another difficult enemy to deal with..."
"The 'Satori,' within the 'Box of Ultimate Bliss,' is no weaker than a Tailed Beast and is also an extremely powerful enemy. If allowed to use its abilities, it will also cause huge casualties."
The Third Hokage tapped the table and said sternly, "Therefore, the ninjas who undergo body strengthening surgery must first be selected from those who can restrict the 'Satori'."
In other words, use the best for the best.
Upon hearing this standard, the other clan leaders showed no particular reaction, but Hyuga Hiashi's face turned pale.
The Hyuga clan's heritage is the Gentle Fist.
The ability to precisely strike nerve centers, even a ninja of Orochimaru's caliber could not completely ignore.
But on the other hand, against enemies without meridians, the effect would be terrible.
Whether it's Tailed Beasts, large summoned beasts, or the Satori they are clearly outside the scope of the Gentle Fist.
Furthermore, the condition proposed by the Third Hokage completely dashed the idea of using surgery slots for members of the Main family with pure Byakugan.
This Body Strengthening Surgery clearly offers no opportunity for the Hyuga clan to evolve.
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