Naruto: Power in Play

Chapter 30

The seals on the floor of the T&I department flared brightly, casting an ethereal glow across the tense faces of the shinobi within. The communication link was finally established, and Inoichi Yamanaka's relieved voice rang out: "Connection established. All units, report!"

One by one, the translucent figures of Konoha's leaders shimmered into view, their expressions reflecting the dire situation.

Shikaku Nara's calculating gaze immediately scanned the scene, taking stock of their condition. He noticed that almost all of Konoha's decision-makers were present, which was a good sign for the village.

"Thank you, Inoichi." A voice called out. All eyes turned towards the center of the projection where Hiruzen Sarutobi stood, even in the projection, his presence remained commanding and resolute.

"Shikaku," Hiruzen said with an urgent tone. "What's our best course of action?"

Shikaku, already analyzing the situation, spoke up. "Hokage-sama, the enemy's aircraft is the key. As long as it remains in the sky, their gliders and bombardments will keep our forces scattered. We need to force it to land, or we'll be worn down."

Hiruzen nodded grimly. "Agreed. That vessel needs to go down. But we can't focus all our efforts there. The evacuation must be prioritized before we force it to land. There's no point in taking down the enemy if all of our friends and family die in the process."

Shikaku continued, "Then we will need to use underground shelters. Inoichi, how much do we have that are currently operational?"

"Only four. The emergency Civilian Shelter, Anbu operations bunker, the medical bunker, and our own base of operation, the T&I." Inoichi rapidly supplied after consulting with the personnel in the T&I department.

"Alright. We'll have to make do with what we have. All ninjas without flight or long-range capabilities should be tasked with securing and escorting civilians to these points. The younger shinobi—genin, fourth-year academy students—and clan members will form the core of this force. Once the evacuation is complete, we can regroup and strike back."

Hiruzen nodded in approuval before ordering with a firm tone. "Follow the plan we have previously established! Hiashi Hyuga, you will deploy your clan members to monitor enemy movements and ensure the evacuation routes remain secure."

The hokage then turned towards Tsume Inuzuka. "Tsume, your clan's mobility and tracking abilities will be vital. Assign teams to retrieve critical resources and documents from key locations. Ibiki will guide you. The Inuzuka will take this responsibility. Time is short."

Tsume nodded, baring her teeth in a grim smile. "We'll get it done, Hokage-sama."

Shikaku added, "We'll also need a team to scour the village for potential infiltrations, traitors and troublemakers. Our enemies may not come only from the sky. With this level of coordination, someone had to assist them from within. I suggest Kakashi Hatake, the Aburame trackers, and our remaining chunin to handle this task."

Hiruzen's eyes hardened. He had thought about that possibility as he watched the one-sided massacre that was unfolding in his village. But he pushed it to the back of his mind.

He gave a firm nod towards Shikaku, and turned towards the rest of the members of the impromptu meeting. "Good. I'll lead a strike force to harass the gliders and draw their attention away from the shelters. That is all, Shikaku, find a way to take down that aircraft! Keep us updated."

With a chorus of "understood!", the meeting came to an end, and Konoha finally started fighting back. As the orders filtered through the communication lines, the village began to respond with newfound determination. The initial shock was subsiding, replaced by the sharp focus of survival.