Chapter 66

Briefing Room Four was an auditorium situation in one of the buildings adjacent to the Hokage Tower, not in the tower itself, but in the same administrative complex. I arrived there and found myself the first of my team to arrive, though not the first of my age group. Neji and Shino were already there, as was Lee. Lee waved me over, only for Neji to grimace. I shrugged and pointed out that Neji was clearly uncomfortable with me sitting with them, only for Lee to be Lee about the situation, much to a few of the older Chunins' annoyance.

"Yosh! Neji! That isn't very youthful of you!" Exclaimed Lee.

"Oi! Newbie! Pipe Down!" Scowled a Scar-faced Chunin.

"Yeah! If you're gonna shout, do it on your own time!" Added a Chunin with an eyepatch.

"Sorry, Lee. Looks like I'm gonna be sitting over there." I shrugged, motioning over toward an empty group of seats.

"Indeed. It seems a logical outcome. Why? Because your protests are disturbing our seniors." Nodded Shino.

"Hmph. Indeed." Huffed Neji.

Lee looked dejected about the whole situation, but Neji looked relieved underneath all his bluster. I made my way over to the empty section of seats and sat down, just observing the room. Aside from some of the Chunin which I knew from various pieces of media, or from living in this world for more than thirteen years now, there were a lot more Chunin than I was anticipating. The Village had partially mobilized, I knew that much, and there were going to be around nine thousand Shinobi participating in the war against Oto, roughly three times Oto's projected numbers, but I had underestimated just how many Chunin that meant.

Like, I knew that the breakdown of numbers between Publicly-listed Chunin and Tokubetsu Jonin in the village was at around two-thousand-eight-hundred and one-thousand-four-hundred respectively, while there were around seven hundred publicly listed Jonin on the register of Shinobi. That meant that the top thirty-five percent of the Village's Shinobi were ranked Chunin and above. That meant that, publically at least, there was a sixty-forty split between Genin and upper-ranked Shinobi in the village forces.

Mind you, ANBU numbers were classified for the Hokage's eyes only, which threw off the numbers some, but seeing as there were eight-hundred-seventy-five seats in the briefing room, and there were three other rooms just like this one, I felt like I should revise my estimate of the number of Total Chunin in the Shinobi Forces up by another five percent to three-thousand-five-hundred. Doubtless, some of those were going to be from Danzo's Root organization, while others were likely ANBU sent to beef up the regular forces in wartime. Still, though, it was a sobering number.

Looking at the Chunin that had arrived already, and the ones that were arriving now, they all carried themselves with an air of confidence. Many of the Older Chunin bore scars or other hallmarks of battle. Looking at all of them, it hit me for the first time just what it meant to be Chunin in wartime. It meant being sent into heavy assaults that Genin couldn't deal with on their own. Tokubetsu Jonin often filled specialist roles in Wartime, while Jonin acted as a flying reserve to bolster the line or strengthen assaults. Meanwhile, Genin weren't really good for heavy fighting and would likely sit on the defensive unless the mission briefing called for them to bolster an assault. Chunin though? We were going to be the tip of the spear in a lot of cases.

I briefly wondered if I was going to look as scarred as some of the Older Chunin by the time this war was over. I decided it was unlikely, especially if what I'd heard about Lady Tsunade establishing a Wartime Medic Division headquartered at Konoha General was true. Given I'd heard that from Ino who had been drafted into said division as one of Lady Tsunade's apprentices, I believed it. If anyone could patch up a Shinobi without a scar, it was Lady Tsunade.

"Oi, you've got a look on your face, that's never good news!" Called out Naruto as he plopped down in a nearby seat.

"Just thinking, Naruto." I shrugged.

"Oh yeah? What about?" Questioned Naruto.

"He probably just figured out that we're going to be sent on a lot of troublesome heavy combat missions as Chunin." Groused Shikamaru, making his way over.

"Yeah." I confirmed.

"Well cut it out! You're bringing me down!" Demanded Naruto.

"Oi! What'd we say about shouting, Newbies?" Growled a Bald Older Chunin.

"Yeah, keep your voice down! Some of us had to work Logistics last night!" Barked a Lanky Older Chunin.

"Heh, sorry." Chuckled Naruto, sheepishly.

"Anyway, how did you beat Kiba here? You're always late and he's usually early?" Queried Shikamaru.

"Eh, Ero-Sennin sorta kicked me out of bed this morning. Said being on time was important today." Offered Naruto, rubbing the back of his head.

"I mean, he's not wrong. Even Shika here realized a Wartime Briefing wasn't a good day to sleep in." I nodded.

"Troublesome as it is." Agreed Shikamaru.

"Right. Hey, where's Ino? You guys usually show up to this sorta thing together." Frowned Naruto.

"She got drafted to be part of Lady Tsunade's Wartime Medic Corps. Perks of being the Hokage's Apprentice and being a damn good medic, I guess. She's not going to the front lines." I answered.

"Lucky her." Scoffed Shikamaru.

"Hey, lucky us. If anyone's gonna give us preferential treatment for healing, it's Ino." I insisted.

"Oh, Sakura went to that program too. She says Tsunade-Baa-Chan has been pretty cranky about the lack of high-quality Medics at the Hospital. I don't get it, though. Every time I've been to Konoha General, they've fixed me up in a day or two, even if I've been totally messed up, Dattebayo!" Shrugged Naruto, starting to get loud, but catching himself in time to just earn a glare from the Older Chunin.

"That's probably because you're a Jinchuriki. I've done some reading on that ever since we found out you had the Fox sealed into you. Supposedly, Jinchuriki heal quickly as a condition of the Demonic Chakra flowing into their systems. The staff at Konoha General probably had half the work done for them from that." Offered Shikamaru.

"Oh, neat! Good to know the Fox is good for something after all." Huffed Naruto.

"It's probably also responsible for your absurd chakra reserves too. I dunno if you ever noticed that, but you have more Chakra than the average Jonin. I know the Uzumaki Clan were supposed to have a lot of Chakra, but not that much." I pointed out.

As we chatted, Chunin kept filtering into the Briefing Room. Hinata came in escorted by a Chunin from the Main Branch of the Hyuga, with Kiba following two minutes later along with his sister, Hana. I didn't see Hana much, my Older Cousin ran a veterinary practice for Ninken that kept her busy a lot of the time, but she was a lot more easy-going than Kiba. So much so that it's weird to think that she's related to Auntie Tsume. She seemed a lot more like my Mom than my Aunt, after all.

Of course, the best part about seeing Hana is that her Ninken Trio, the Three Haimaru Brothers, were just the best! Hana came over to say hi and the Haimaru Brothers followed her. I couldn't help it, a massive grin split my face.

"Hey Squirt, long time no see!" Grinned Hana.

"Hana-nee, you need to come visit more often. It's like I don't have a cousin at all!" I protested.

"Heh, aww don't pout. I know I've been busy at the clinic, but I promise I'll make it up to you." Smiled Hana.

"I'm not pouting!" I insisted. I most definitely didn't pout, I was thirteen and a half, pouting was something kids did. The eldest of the Haimaru brothers made a groaning noise in the back of his throat as if to tell me I absolutely was pouting. The traitor.

"Look, I brought you something from my last mission. Here." Grinned Hana as she reached into a storage scroll and unsealed a bag of Dill Pickle Flavored Chips along with a six-pack of limited-edition grape-flavored lemonade.

"Dill Pickle Chips and Grape Lemonade from Hot Springs Country? All right, I forgive you." I nodded, sagely before sealing them away. The Youngest Haimaru Brother made a panting noise that was definitely a laugh. Traitor number two.

"That's what I thought you'd say." Grinned Hana. The Middle Haimaru Brother padded up to me and laid his head down on my lap, looking up at me with a questioning gaze.

"I'm all right, Haimaru. Just trying to shore up my abilities ever since I made Chunin." I grinned, scratching the Middle Haimaru brother behind the ears.

The other two made whines of protest, but I stood firm, saying, "No, no scratches for traitors."

"Huh. You know, I never really thought how being related to Kiba would make you a dog person. You totally are one, though." Interrupted Naruto.

"It helps that I'm his favorite cool older cousin." Chirped Hana.

"If you think this is a bit much, you should have seen how he acted around Hana's Ninken when we were younger." Smirked Shikamaru.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, including visiting with Hana. She went to take her seat and ensure Kiba wasn't causing trouble with any of the Older Chunin. Five minutes after that, the auditorium finally filled up. The last person to show up was Shikamaru's cousin, Kasuga. It figured that someone related to my teammate would be the last person to show up. Not one minute after Kasuga arrived, in walked a bearded Jonin I didn't recognize, though he carried a ninjato, implying some level of skill at Kenjutsu. The man wore the standard Lamellar Jonin Vest over blue a blue, boiled leather coat, and wore his Forehead Protector like a bandana over his head. We all focused up as the Jonin stepped up to the podium in front of the seats and cleared his throat.

"Good morning. I am Jonin Mimura Hamaki and I'm here to brief you all on the upcoming offensive, codenamed Operation: Grass-Cutter." Began the Jonin, Mimura.

What followed was a general explanation of the offensive, the reasons why we were doing it this way, and the various goals and objectives. I already knew all of that, but then he pulled up a map and a bamboo rod and got into the specifics of the whole thing and that was all new information to me. It forced me to pay attention as he spoke.

"Now, here is a map of Rice Country and the various bases in Southern and Eastern Rice Country that we'll be attacking. As you can see, intelligence points toward Otogakure as in the Kuju mountains in Rice Country's Seido Province. We believe them to have mined several ore deposits in the mountains there to fuel their experimentation with musical weaponry and then expanded their village into the mine tunnels once the ore seams played out. That's neither here nor there, however. What you need to know is that the first wave of attacks will fall here, on this line of southern bases near the border with fire country." Continued Mimura as he pointed with the bamboo rod.

"The Main attack will fall on this base here, in the Southeast of Rice Country. We've designated this base as Target One. Target One must fall for the second phase to begin, and to that end, we are devoting a full battalion of one thousand Shinobi to its capture. At the same time, these other bases, Targets Two and Three will be hit by a demi-battalion of five hundred Shinobi each simultaneously. The Battalion hitting Target One will be made up of Eight Hundred Chunin and Two Hundred Tokubetsu Jonin under Lord Jiraiya, while the Demi-Batallions hitting Targets Two and Three will be made up of Three Hundred Chunin and Two Hundred Tokubetsu Jonin under Hatake Kakashi and Maito Gai respectively." Pressed Mimura, tapping each base in turn.

"We will be keeping around a thousand Chunin, one-thousand-five-hundred Genin, and five hundred Tokubetsu Jonin back in the village to deal with potential complications, meaning that the reserve for Operation Grass-Cutter will be one-thousand-five-hundred Genin, one-thousand-one-hundred Chunin, and six-hundred-fifty Tokubetsu Jonin, in addition to the Jonin Flying Reserve of Seven-Hundred-Fifty. That means that yes, our reserves are larger than our estimates of Otogakure's full strength. The reason for that is phase two." Informed Mimura, moving his pointer toward the eastern bases.

"These bases will, once Phase One has been completed, be hit from behind by our three task forces. These bases, designated Targets Four, Five, and Six are where Operation: Grass-Cutter has the potential to go wrong. Shimogakure is believed to have covert bases across the border in Northern Hot Springs Country, though we do not have any reliable intelligence on exact locations. For that reason, Phase Two needs to be carried out entirely on the Rice Country side of the border, with no cross-border deviations. Even accidentally crossing the border might be enough to bring Shimo into the war, and doing so will also bring their allies in Kumo and Iwa in as well. As stated earlier, this is to be avoided at all costs. Do not cross the border into Hot Springs, is that understood?" Intoned Mimura, getting a chorus of nods and affirmations in response.

"Good. Once Phases One and Two of Operation: Grass-Cutter are complete, we can move on to Operation: Serpenticide, the plan for the Assault on Otogakure itself. You'll be briefed on that if and when Operation: Grass-Cutter is complete. For now, though, we expect stiff resistance at each target in Phase One equal to our own strength overall, though accurate troop numbers at each base aren't exactly known at this juncture. We do know that we have a qualitative advantage against the average Oto Shinobi. It seems that Orochimaru doesn't like to let his underlings play with the best toys for fear of a potential uprising. That means that in general, a Chunin of Konoha will be more skilled and better equipped than a Chunin of Otogakure. Phase One should be able to be successful, it's just a question of time and, unfortunately, casualties." Explained Mimura.

"Now, you will each be handed a scroll with your assignment and muster information on the way out. You are to report to your muster location no later than four hours from now. You will be issued antitoxins and other gear by representatives of the Quartermaster's Office when you report to your Muster Locations, but if you want anything extra, I'd suggest making those preparations now. Dismissed!" Finished Mimura.

And with that, the briefing broke up. Naruto, Shikamaru, and I filed out of the Briefing Room, grabbing our scrolls from a Tokubetsu Jonin with bags under his eyes and a goatee that none of us recognized on the way out. Breaking them open, I looked to see that I was to report to Training Ground fifty-nine for assignment to the Main Battalion. Apparently, I was being sent to fight in Lance Company under Tokubetsu Jonin Hagane Kotetsu. That was neat, I'd heard that Hagane and Kamizuri Sensei had both been promoted after the Chunin Exams. Unfortunately, Lance Company was the Company likely to be at the tip of the spear, judging by the information on my scroll.

"All right, it looks like I'm going to Lance Company in the Main Assault Force. What about you guys?" I questioned.

"I got Toad Company in the same force. Apparently, Ero-Sennin pulled some strings and I'll be working with him personally." Remarked Naruto.

"I got Shade Company under my mom in the Main Assault Force. The troublesome woman just won't let me out of her sight, apparently." Groused Shikamaru.

It transpired that out of all my friends, only one other person was assigned to Lance Company in the Main Assault Force, and that was Lee. Apparently, Gai-Sensei insisted that Lee go where he could do the most good instead of being under his personal command. Kiba, meanwhile, was fighting under Kakashi's personal command in Lightning Company while Hana was assigned to Dog Company under Auntie Tsume fighting in Gai-Sensei's Force. Neji was in Martial Company under Gai-Sensei's personal Command, while both Hinata and Shino were assigned to the reserves, which were being commanded personally by Hiashi Hyuga. That figured, honestly.

With Ino and Sakura in Lady Tsunade's Medic Corps, that just left Tenten-nee. Ironically, she had been snapped up by my Dad. Apparently, her expertise with explosive tags and weaponcrafting made her perfect for the Quartermaster's Office. I found this out via the expedient of being handed my Antitoxins, Soldier Pill, Kunai, and Explosive Tag Allotment, and combat field rations by her personally when I arrived at Training Ground Fifty-Nine on the edge of Konoha near the East Gate.

"I guess I got noticed by someone after all, even if I didn't exactly get promoted after the Exams." Shrugged Tenten-nee, handing me the storage scroll of issued gear.

"Could be worse, I guess." I offered, taking the scroll and putting it with my others.

"I guess. At least this way I can actually do something instead of sitting in the reserves the whole war. I'll be with the Logistics Section for this Attack Force the whole way." Grinned Tenten-nee.

"Yosh! Tenten! You are here too? This truly is the most youthful of forces!" Called out Lee as he came running up to the muster area.

"Yep! I'm part of your logistics section. Turns out, being the daughter of a Shinobi Blacksmith has its uses." Nodded Tenten-nee.

"Excellent! You will earn your Chunin Rank this way, I am sure of it! As for me, if I cannot get promoted in this war, I will race around Konoha one thousand times on my hands!" Vowed Lee.

"Lee, you just got your Chunin Promotion for that thing with the Kaguya. Isn't looking for another one so soon a bit much?" Queried Tenten-nee, cocking an eyebrow.

"I think everyone's looking to get promoted out of the war, Tenten-nee." I pointed out.

"Indeed! If war must come, then it is best to rush into it with your full heart, to show that your flames of Youth burn brightly enough! That way, promotion will be within your reach!" Called out Lee.

"Well, you're not going to do anyone any good without these." Sighed Tenten-nee, handing Lee his own storage scroll of issued gear. Lee took the scroll with a grin, slotting it into a haversack that was the same bright orange as his legwarmers.

We chatted for a few longer, only to need to move on as another Chunin came looking for his own issued gear. Lee and I made our way over toward where Hagane-Sensei was talking with various platoon leaders, all of which were more experienced Chunin with multiple years as Chunin under their belts. One of them, a Spiky-haired Chunin wearing the standard Lamellar Chunin Vest over a Kusari Katabira Jacket, waved me over. I made my way over to him and he nodded at me.

"Akimichi Choji, yeah? I've heard a bunch of good things about you, kid. I'm Kamano Saisu, your platoon leader." Grinned the Chunin, Saisu.

"I put in a good word since I know you from your time in the Academy. Saisu was already looking to make you his second in the platoon, though." Grinned Hagane-Sensei.

"Thank you Hagane-Sensei. I appreciate it." I nodded.

"Don't mention it, just do well and try not to let Saisu drag you in over your head." Smirked Hagane-sensei.

"Oi, Hagane, what's that supposed to mean?" Demanded Saisu.

"I'm just saying, you're pretty good at doing that. Do I have to mention the Itachi Incident back at the Academy?" Asked Hagane-Sensei.

"That was one year!" Protested Saisu.

"I know. Anyway, look out for Choji yeah? He's one of the brightest kids I've seen." Chuckled Hagane-Sensei.

"Yeah, that's why I wanted him as my second. You'll be too busy with your fellow Tokubetsu Jonin to pay much attention, right?" Grinned Saisu.

"You know we didn't ask to be promoted." Grumbled Hagane-Sensei.

They set to bickering for a bit and I took in the rest of the Attack Force. Naruto and Shikamaru had shown up, though Naruto was just sort of wandering around the training ground after getting his allotment of gear from Tenten-nee. Shikamaru in the meantime, was being pestered by his mom to stay close to her and not wander off, much to Shikamaru's annoyance. Fortunately, that stopped before they grabbed their gear from Tenten-nee and joined the others. I couldn't imagine that sort of treatment would do Shika any favors with his platoon. Lee was being Lee, getting in a few last-minute push-ups while he waited for his Platoon Leader, a Scarred Chunin wearing a pair of razored Tekko-kage Gauntlets, to finish talking with another Purple-haired Chunin Kunoichi who was apparently supposed to be part of Shade Company.

Meanwhile, Tenten-nee seemed to be going to grab more sealing scrolls full of supplies from a distant cousin of mine Akimichi Chogo, who was overseeing a group of Quartermasters in getting everything squared away on the supply front. Honestly, I wasn't surprised that a member of my Clan was heading the Quartermaster Section of our Attack Force. It was one of two areas that the Akimichi tended to excel in along with Taijutsu, after all. Mind you, with my Dad being the Quartermaster General of the Shinobi Forces, it opened up potential accusations of Nepotism for so many Akimichi to have rank in the Quartermaster's Office. Nobody would ever voice those accusations though because every Clan engaged in some amount of Nepotism. It would open the door to reciprocal accusations.

As the various Chunin and Tokubetsu Jonin filtered in, the time drew closer and closer to the deadline for departure. Just before that deadline was set to expire, Jiraiya made his way to the Training Ground. He wasn't alone either. Several Shinobi wearing armbands denoting them as part of the Medic Corps were with him, including Ino. Apparently, Jiraiya had stopped by Lady Tsunade's Office to talk with her before the start of the offensive and she'd had him escort the Medic Contingent. Funnily enough, Ino was apparently in charge of the Medic Contingent, looking pleased and bewildered at the responsibility by turns. I chuckled at that. She wanted to be one of Lady Tsunade's apprentices, she was just going to have to deal with it. I was betting Sakura was in the same boat over in whatever Attack Force her group of Medics was assigned to.

As the deadline expired, however, Jiraiya called out for everyone's attention. A hush fell over the training ground as one of the Legendary Sannin and the Commander of the Main Attack Force spoke his piece.

"All right listen up. You all know where we're headed and why we're headed there. If you don't, then I've gotta wonder what you're doing here." He started, pausing for effect as his opening line got a few chuckles.

"Anyway, this is the real deal. Some of you have never been to war before, so to you, I have one word of advice. Listen to those who have or you'll be very dead very fast. Those of you who have been to war before know what it's like. To you, I say that this might not be a major conflict like the last one, but don't treat it any differently than you did when we were fighting Kumo and Iwa. My treacherous former teammate is no slouch when it comes to fighting, so take it seriously." Cautioned Jiraiya.

"Now, I'm not gonna pretend like everyone is gonna make it back. You're all grown Shinobi and I won't insult you like that. I won't make that promise. I will make you this one, though. I will do my level best to get us all through this with as few casualties as I can and those of you who don't make will be avenged. That's a promise from the Sage of Mount Myoboku himself, so you can take that to the bank." Intoned Jiraiya.

"Now, fall out by platoon and follow me. We're going to war!" Ordered Jiraiya.

At that, the platoon leaders gathered up the various platoons. I'd stuck close to Saisu this whole time, so I was already there. Then we began to move out one by one, starting with Jiraiya and the various platoons under Toad Company and then with Lance Company's platoons following after that. I began running as soon as Saisu did, following him out of the training field and out the East Gate of Konoha.

And with that, we were off to war. . .

XXXX

AN: So yeah, here we see all the preliminary stuff that has to happen before troops can actually move out. They have to be briefed and mustered first, after all. Choji is going to be in for some heavy fighting going forward. His platoon is part of the Company that's going to be at the tip of the Spear, after all. They aren't at the very tip, mind you. That's going to the platoons with Tokubetsu Jonin in them, but he'll be among the first Chunin that will be fighting.

You may ask, why did Choza not pull strings to get Choji a job in the Quartermaster's Office, since that's clearly an Akimichi stronghold in the various units and departments that make up the War Effort? The answer is partly that Choji leans more heavily toward the combat side of things naturally than he does the logistics side of things. It's also partially that Choza knows that if Choji wants to be promoted past Chunin before he's sixteen, he can't be stuck in logistics with the Quartermaster's Office.

Choza also just plain has faith that Choji can get through this all right. He's a supportive dad, even if his duties on the Council, with the Wartime Advisory Committee, and as Quartermaster General limit the amount he's been able to show that lately.

At any rate, the next chapter will be an introduction to a few more of Choji's platoonmates as we start the war properly.

Stay tuned. . .