Chapter 41

"Sakumo is requesting additional personnel. What do you think?"

In the meeting room of the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, mentioned Sakumo's request for additional personnel.

"Is his strength not enough to deal with the hidden enemies within the Fire Country's borders?"

Adviser Tōno Koharu frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Sakumo's request for additional personnel.

"The opponents are two elite jōnin from the Sand Hidden Village's puppet corps, and there are three other jōnin in the team, one of whom can use large-scale earth techniques."

"But there is no direct evidence that they are from the Rock Hidden Village."

Koharu said.

Hiruzen shook the pipe in his hand and said, "I don't think Daidōji would do nothing at a time like this. We can't conclude this just because there are no mission changes in the Rock Hidden Village."

"If that's the case, the Cloud Hidden Village and the Mist Hidden Village are also major suspects."

Adviser Mitokado Homura glanced at Hiruzen.

"So when the Third Kazekage set out, I stayed in the village to prevent other villages from getting involved and making the battlefield even more chaotic."

"What do you plan to do? We can't trust the Uchiha Security Force, and Danzō is leading the Root at this time, executing secret missions and not in the village. Using two ANBU squads to guard the village is already a very risky move for us."

Homura's eyes revealed a probing intent.

"Homura is right. In the past, even in times of crisis, we would leave three ANBU squads to guard the village. Now, leaving only two ANBU squads is already a gamble."

Koharu also had no trust in the Uchiha.

"The Uchiha are also part of Konoha. We shouldn't be biased against them; they are Kagami's clan."

Hiruzen continued to blow a smoke ring, his expression serious.

Assigning the security force to the Uchiha clan was an arrangement made by his late teacher, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

There were many reasons for this. On one hand, it was out of caution, and on the other, it was to limit the Uchiha's power to the security force.

Because only the Uchiha clan had the ability to handle the security force's work.

The Uchiha Security Force's performance had its merits. Although there were indeed some people with abnormal minds who liked to cause trouble, there were also Uchiha ninja who truly wanted to maintain Konoha's internal security.

Hiruzen felt he couldn't generalize and condemn everyone.

Moreover, his teacher wanted to fully integrate the Uchiha clan into Konoha, rather than exclude them.

Unfortunately, the First Great Shinobi War broke out, and his teacher sacrificed himself on the battlefield, leaving the Uchiha issue unresolved.

In the years since, everyone could only wait.

Under his efforts as Hokage, the relationship had indeed improved, but there was little substantial progress.

"Kagami is Kagami, and the Uchiha are the Uchiha. They are different levels of existence. Among the Uchiha, there are many who inherit the radical ideas of Uchiha Madara. This clan is inherently dangerous."

In the end, the advisers did not trust the Uchiha, or rather, they did not trust the Uchiha ninja who possessed the cursed power and awakened the Sharingan.

"Then let's compromise. We'll split off two more ANBU squads. Only by eliminating the old rats within the Fire Country can Sakumo proceed to the battlefield and counterattack the Sand Hidden Village."

"But..."

"If the Uchiha do anything unusual, I will personally intervene to resolve the chaos. This should put your minds at ease."

A powerful and inviolable aura emanated from Hiruzen, even Homura and Koharu felt an unprecedented pressure.

This also indirectly told Homura and Koharu that with him as Hokage, the Uchiha would remain obedient on their territory, doing the work of the security force, and there would be no problems.

This confidence was deeply etched on Hiruzen's face.

"Since you put it that way, Hokage-sama, we have no choice but to agree."

"The Uchiha must not be taken lightly. They are a naturally evil clan and must always be on guard."

In the end, Homura and Koharu reminded Hiruzen once more before temporarily setting aside the issue of the Uchiha.

"Besides, the supplies sent to the front lines from the village are insufficient. Koharu and I need to go to the Daimyō's residence to negotiate and gather supplies there."

Homura and Koharu exchanged a glance, and Homura spoke.

"The supplies are insufficient again?"

Hiruzen paused in his smoking.

"Yes, medical supplies are the most lacking. Soldier pills and ninja tools are still sufficient."

"Go and return quickly."

Any ninja leaving the village needs the Hokage's written permission. Even advisers must obtain the Hokage's written permission to leave the village; otherwise, it is considered a violation of the rules and can be treated as a traitor.

Homura and Koharu received the permission to leave the village from Hiruzen and then left the meeting room.

◎

At a Konoha outpost in the northern part of the village, about twenty Konoha ninja were stationed, serving as a temporary supply station for Sakumo's team.

Fortunately, this outpost had a simple medical room.

Shiraishi carried the severely injured Konoha ninja he had found at another outpost and entered the new outpost's medical room to rest.

Although still unconscious, he had been out of danger, a fortunate turn of events.

Ruri and Ayane negotiated with the Konoha ninja at the outpost, securing supplies, food, water, and medical supplies, which were the most important.

Soon, Shiraishi and the others were ready.

Sakumo put away the scroll in his hand and said, "There's some good news. The Hokage has agreed to send reinforcements, experts in reconnaissance. However, we can't let our guard down. Since the supplies are ready, let's set out immediately."

"Yes!"

Shiraishi and the others responded, and followed Sakumo as they set out again.

Currently, they were in the southern central region of the Fire Country. Their next route was to head east into the Fire Country.

That area bordered the neighboring country of Hot Water Country, known for its hot springs.

If it weren't for the war, they could have enjoyed it there, but now, the mission was the priority.

After patrolling for two days, they detected no abnormalities and saw no sign of Sand Hidden Village ninja.

But considering this was the heart of the Fire Country, the Sand Hidden Village ninja would not be foolish enough to cause trouble here. Still, with a cautious mindset, Sakumo would not overlook any area.

On the third day, when the supplies in their backpacks ran out, they went to the nearest Konoha outpost for new supplies.

"To be so young and to undertake such a dangerous mission with Sakumo Jōnin, you are truly remarkable."

The captain at this outpost was a well-known jōnin in Konoha, a mature man in his thirties. Seeing the incredibly young faces of Shiraishi and the others, he expressed his admiration.

"In fact, our contribution is minimal. We often need Sakumo-sensei's care."

Shiraishi maintained a humble attitude.

"I know Sakumo Jōnin's character. If you hadn't earned his approval, he would never violate his principles to bring you on such a dangerous mission. In other words, your abilities have earned his respect. He is a man who values his comrades."

The Konoha jōnin seemed to recall something as he spoke.

"Do you know Sakumo-sensei?"

"We've worked together on missions before. Back then, he seemed cold, but he was actually very gentle and easily embarrassed. To enemies, he was the cold-blooded Konoha White Fang, but to his comrades, he was someone you could trust with your back."

"So Sakumo-sensei was like that in the past. I wouldn't have guessed."

Perhaps he had grown a lot over the years, so they couldn't see his easily embarrassed side.

Shiraishi and the others could only speculate.

"Tenboku, what are you telling my students?"

Sakumo walked over at this moment.

"Just sharing some ninja insights as a senior." Tenboku Jōnin said.

"By the way, he's a pervert."

Sakumo suddenly said this.

Ruri and Ayane instantly became wary and took a step back from Tenboku Jōnin.

"Hey!"

Tenboku Jōnin's face turned red.

"Especially towards men."

Shiraishi, seeing that Tenboku Jōnin was closest to him, felt his smile freeze.

Ruri and Ayane immediately relaxed. That was fine, then.

At that moment, a Konoha ninja, covered in fresh blood, suddenly ran out from a dense patch of grass at the outpost. He didn't run far before collapsing from his injuries.

"Be careful, there are... enemies..."