章 86: Two Commanders As Anti-Hokage's Faction Victory

Hirayoshi's response was swift and firm, directly addressing Danzo's provocations, "No one is suggesting Hikari be appointed a Commander; indeed, his youth precludes such a responsibility.",

"However, he will also contribute to the battlefield this time despite his age, talent, and background because he wants to contribute to Konoha with his high strength wholeheartedly.",

"However, both Hiashi and Fugaku, whom our clans recommend as Commanders, are seasoned leaders, having spent decades being groomed for leadership within our respective clans.",

"So, when it comes to commanding experience, who is more qualified? Someone who has led a small unit, or those who have overseen the entirety of two of Konoha's largest and most influential clans?",

His tone conveyed a blend of 'disappointment' and defiance, challenging Danzo's assumptions about leadership and contribution to the village, "To imply they've contributed nothing to Konoha overlooks their significant roles.",

"Both Hiashi and Fugaku are not just to be counted as individuals, but as the speakers for the rights of their entire clans that, for example, oversee our village's entire internal and external imminent security currently.",

Hirayoshi then turned the tables on Danzo, questioning the underpinnings of his argument, "Are you implying that leaders and representatives of Konoha's shinobi clans that have continually served and sacrificed for the village, don't deserve a voice in its leadership?",

"That we should merely accept orders without question, like subordinates without rights or opinions? This perspective is not only disrespectful but dangerously shortsighted, ignoring the essential contributions and sacrifices our clans have made for Konoha's prosperity."

Danzo quickly countered, broadening the scope of his critique, "What about the other shinobi clans then? Do they not get a say? Or do you really see your clans as superior to all others, including Konoha's other shinobi families? Is this why you both missed the Ninja Clan Council meeting this morning?",

His sharp response not only challenged their stance but also implied that their absence at key village meetings indicated their perceived elitism.

Setsuna, seizing the moment to highlight the disparities within the village's clan council, responded with a mix of irony and disdain this time around instead of Hirayoshi,

"Haha, a 'Council' where clans like your Shimura, or the Sarutobi, have the same say as the Uchiha or Hyuga is fundamentally flawed. How is that any fair, Danzo?",

His rhetorical question underscored the inherent imbalance he perceived, pointing out the discrepancy in power and contributions between various clans, yet their equal representation in decision-making for 'some reason'.

It was indeed a bit daring and impolite to say something like this in the face of the leaders of the Shimura and Sarutobi clans, especially since the latter was also the Hokage, but such were the ways of the radical faction leader and the Great Elder of the Uchiha clan, Setsuna Uchiha.

However, Danzo didn't get visibly agitated too much this time and seized the opportunity to reinforce his argument. He addressed the assembly with a pointed observation: "Did everyone just hear that...?" he asked, capitalizing on Setsuna's remarks. This is the exact elitism of their two clans I was talking about..." he declared, using Setsuna's direct words as evidence.

Danzo's retort aimed to rally the assembly's sentiment against what he portrayed as an entrenched sense of entitlement, further stoking the flames of division within the council.

Meanwhile, Homura, sensing the deadlock, proposed a different approach to break the impasse. Rising to his feet, he suggested, "It seems this discussion is clearly going nowhere. We are never going to be able to reach an agreement this way.",

"Instead, why don't we have the people at this table vote for the Commanders? No, better yet, let's have those neutral Jonin observers we invited cast their votes on this matter and resolve it that way fairly."

However, to members of the Anti-Hokage opposition, Homura's proposal was transparent in its intent: to leverage the situation in favor of his faction.

Given the table's composition —with a significant presence from Hiruzen's supporters and the Jonin observers' tendency to be of civilian origin—thereby naturally inclined towards Hiruzen and less so towards the major shinobi clans like the Hyuga and Uchiha—it was clear Homura aimed to use this method to secure all the command positions for his own faction.

But then, Sakumo's sudden intervention cut through the tension, asserting his position with confidence. Standing up to face Homura, he declared, "There is no need for a vote to discern the general will of the village's Jonin regarding this matter.",

"As the village's Jonin Commander and the leader of the Jonin Council, elected fair and square, I am fully qualified to represent their collective will. And I state unequivocally that there is no need for a vote on this. We, the Jonin, also support Fugaku and Hiashi for the two command positions this time."

Sakumo's assertive declaration set off murmurs across the room, signaling a shift in the atmosphere once again.

Homura, Koharu, Hiruzen, and Danzo, caught off guard by Sakumo's confidence and the clear intent behind his words, realized the gravity of the situation.

It dawned on them that the opposition, led by Sakumo, wasn't merely negotiating for a single command position but was 'ambitiously' aiming for two.

This revelation marked a significant departure from what they had anticipated, challenging their expectations of a simpler compromise this time around.

The realization that the opposition was not only more determined but also possibly had a stronger backing or rationale behind their confidence caused the four leaders to adopt a more serious demeanor. Previously, they all thought that they would need to 'sacrifice' only one Commander position this time around in the most likely scenario, but not two instead.

However, Hiruzen also found himself ruminating on the strategic implications of losing direct control over the essential Jonin Commander position once again and lamented inwardly.

Jonins, in general, naturally led Chunin and Genin teams in all shinobi villages. Therefore, Sakumo, by commanding the Jonin force, as the current Jonin Commander, held de jure command over the entire Konoha's regular shinobi forces, a position that, by design, was meant to ensure a broad representation of shinobi interests within the village's military decisions.

Hiruzen also dwelled on the heightened stature shinobi attained during war scenarios, their "social worth" escalating, thereby enabling them to assert demands for autonomy in battlefield leadership.

This dynamic underpinned Tobirama Senju's rationale for establishing the Jonin Commander position and its 'de jure' power.

It was a strategic move designed to mitigate the Hokage's potential overarching influence in wartime, ensuring that those most acquainted with the immediacies of combat would guide military strategies.

The essence of this role was to prevent the scenario of an "out-of-touch Hokage" making impractical or outdated decisions that could lead to discontent or rebellion among the ranks.

Thus, the system of more frequent elections for the Jonin Commander was implemented, fostering a mechanism for change and responsiveness within Konoha's military leadership, grounded in the evolving realities of shinobi warfare and tactics.

This structure was a deliberate check and balance established by Tobirama Senju to mitigate the risk of a Hokage's potential disconnect from the realities of the front lines.

It was intended to democratize military leadership and safeguard against the risks of stagnation and unilateral decision-making, but it ultimately became what it was.

Therefore, seeing Sakumo acting so 'strongly' regarding this matter now and then reflecting on the situation further, Hiruzen began to consider a strategic concession,

'Maybe yielding tactically on this matter could be advantageous...' He pondered. The notion that Fugaku and Hiashi, despite assuming Commander roles, wouldn't likely surpass the merits Orochimaru and Jiraiya could accumulate under his faction played significantly in his deliberation. This realization led him to think, 'By granting them this; I could potentially leverage it later during the next critical discussions about shinobi placement on each front.'

With this strategic calculation in mind, Hiruzen internally solidified his decision. Despite Danzo's evident disagreement and without further ado, Hiruzen nodded, signaling his acquiescence, and said, "Very well, Sakumo, I will listen to you this time...", He voiced aloud, marking his formal agreement to concede the Commander position to Fugaku and Hiashi.