Naruto's civilian cannon fodder starts with the three-body technique

Chapter 324 Umino clan land
"Yes! I heard that the Pig, Deer, and Butterfly clans have all sent people to try and place their people around Lord Iron Wall. Those of us without any background should be even more proactive!"

An undercurrent was quietly surging within the Konoha Ninja Academy's job placement office, mission dispatch center, and even the Hokage Building's personnel department.

Countless Chunin and Special Jonin began trying every means to gather information, pull strings, and write self-recommendation letters, all with one goal: to be assigned to a department directly or indirectly under the Iron Wall Lord's jurisdiction, or to a new project that he might be in charge of in the future.

They don't aspire to become Jonin overnight; they only hope to enter this "circle" and be within the sight of Lord Iron Wall, this "Midas touch."

Under the command of Lord Iron Wall, if one were to achieve some merit and be "led" by the Lord to complete a key part of an S-rank mission, then the dream of becoming a Jonin would no longer seem so far away!
This fervent yearning for Sasuke Umino's personal charisma and his "path to advancement" spread like wildfire among the Konoha ninja.

It transcended the boundaries of ninja clans and even shook the loyalty of some young members within the clans. Many clan leaders of small and medium-sized ninja clans felt the pressure. Young ninjas who did not receive preferential treatment in their clans became noticeably more restless, and their gazes toward their clans were not as fervent as when they looked toward the senior ninja team building.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the window of the Hokage's office, overlooking the seemingly peaceful Hidden Leaf Village. In his hand was a report that the Anbu had just presented, which detailed the undercurrents and the opinions of ordinary ninjas.

The report repeatedly mentioned terms such as "Lord Iron Wall," "follower," "promoted to Jonin," "founding a ninja clan," and "S-rank mission record," with an alarmingly high frequency.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face was so gloomy it could drip water. He had just weakened Sasuke Unno's military power by using the position of Jonin squad leader and the "disbandment" of the puppet troops. Little did he expect that Sasuke Unno's Jonin title evaluation for a large number of frontline ninjas would ignite an even stronger and more difficult-to-extinguish flame in the hearts of Konoha ninjas!
The prestige and influence displayed by Sasuke Umino have far exceeded his expectations. He is no longer a simple "genius ninja," but a huge variable capable of shaking the power structure of Konoha.

"Luckily, I reacted quickly enough!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, forcing himself to calmly analyze the situation. "It seems that using the position of Jonin squad leader to keep him in check was the right move. If he had really gone to Root and joined Danzo's camp, I'm afraid..."

He could almost picture the terrifying scene. Danzo had been secretly building his power base for years, and what he needed most was a figurehead like Umino Sasuke, who had immense prestige in the sunlight and was deeply respected by the villagers and ninjas!
Once the two join forces, Danzo will be responsible for plotting and eliminating dissidents in the shadows, while Sasuke Umino will stand in the spotlight to unite people and seize the moral high ground. This is simply the most lethal combination!
"After the Mitokado Homura incident, my prestige has been greatly damaged. If Danzo were to gain the support of Umino Sasuke's 'banner', the consequences would be unimaginable!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.

He absolutely could not let this happen. The position of Jonin squad leader, while giving Umino Sasuke a huge stage and power, also kept him away from the front lines and placed him under his direct supervision. This was a hundred times, a thousand times better than letting him join the dark Root organization!
However, this "fortunate" feeling did not last long before it was replaced by deeper anxiety.

"We must end this war as soon as possible!" Hiruzen Sarutobi almost roared.

This damn war has dragged on for far too long.

It's like a giant merit-making machine, constantly providing opportunities for battlefield rising stars like Umino Sasuke and Hatake Saigumo to make a name for themselves!
Needless to say, Umino Sasuke and Hatake Sagumo were forced to promote eighteen Jonin at once, right before their eyes.

Although Hatake Sagumo is low-key, his formidable reputation as the "White Fang of Konoha" and his accumulated achievements are not to be underestimated, as are the new generation of ninjas who are showing their talent on the battlefield...

In peacetime, promoting a Jonin is extremely difficult, requiring the Hokage's approval and the interplay of various factions.

However, during wartime, as long as one has enough merit, it becomes a matter of course to promote one to Jonin. The reason why Sasuke Umino's absurd proposal was approved was because this damned war provided a lot of mission merit.

"We can't keep fighting like this!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flashed with determination. Continuing to fight would only make the situation more out of control. If ninjas like Sasuke Umino and Sagumo Hatake were to be recruited, wouldn't that give Danzo, Uchiha Kagura, and other covetous individuals even more opportunities to take advantage of the situation?
The thought of the Uchiha Fire Core reignited Hiruzen Sarutobi's anger.

"Uchiha! It must be you!" He gritted his teeth, almost convinced. "Mitokado Homura was forced to his death, and you instigated rumors within the village beforehand, manipulating public opinion... Such a precise and ruthless series of schemes, who else could it be but the Uchiha, who possess the Sharingan and are skilled in genjutsu to manipulate people's minds?! Have you finally lost your patience and decided to seize the Hokage position?!"

A strong desire for revenge surged into my heart. Since you Uchiha dare to step forward, then don't blame me for being ruthless!
"Guards!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was as cold as a knife.

A member of the Anbu wearing an animal mask instantly knelt on one knee: "Lord Hokage!"

"Issue the order!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a chilling voice, "Lift the restrictions on Uchiha clan ninjas. Effective immediately, Uchiha ninjas are permitted to participate in frontline combat missions!"

The member of the secret service was slightly taken aback, but immediately replied, "Yes!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips curled into a cruel smile as he continued to issue orders: "At the same time, order Uchiha Kanoku to immediately select elite ninjas from the clan to form a special operations force, led by the clan head Uchiha Kanoku himself or by appointing capable officers, to go to the battlefield in the Land of Dragons and be placed under the command of Commander Shimura Danzo, to fully support the operation against Iwagakure!"

"Yes!" The secret agent accepted the order and disappeared in a flash.

"Hmph!" Hiruzen Sarutobi snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a calculating light. "Uchiha Fire Core, didn't you want to go to the battlefield and make a name for yourself? I'll grant your wish! Danzo, don't disappoint me this time! You two, one born evil and the other treacherous and vicious, will 'cooperate' properly in that meat grinder of Longzhou! Let's see if Danzo wipes out your clan first, or if you can't resist turning against Danzo first!"

He wanted to make the Uchiha and Danzo fight like dogs. No matter which one of them was the mastermind behind the Mitomon Homura incident, or whether both were involved, neither of them would get away with it this time!
……

Uchiha clan.

Inside the largest council chamber next to Nanga Shrine.

"The restrictions are lifted! We can go to the battlefield?!"

"Great! Finally, I don't have to stay cooped up in the village anymore!"

"Chief Firecore, give the order quickly! Where are we going? The Land of Wind or the Land of Rain?"

When news arrived that Hiruzen Sarutobi had lifted the ban and ordered them to the battlefield in the Land of Tsukumo, the Uchiha clan members, who had been suppressed for so long, instantly erupted in excitement.

The young and ambitious clansmen were eager to prove the glory of the Uchiha clan on the battlefield and wash away the shame of being ostracized.

Only the clan leader, Uchiha Kaku, sat upright in the main seat, his expression unusually solemn, without the slightest hint of joy.

"Quiet!" His deep voice, carrying an undeniable authority, instantly silenced the commotion.

The hall quickly fell silent, and all eyes were focused on the clan leader.

Uchiha Kako looked around at everyone, and finally his gaze fell on Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Inahisa, and Uchiha Tetsuka, who were standing in the back row. These three were elites in the clan who had experienced actual combat under Umino Sasuke.

"Mikoto, Inahisa, Tetsuka, Fugaku, you stay here, the rest of you go and prepare."

When Uchiha Fire Core called out the roll call, the other Uchiha clan members were overjoyed and went off to make preparations for the expedition.

Seeing his clansmen leave, Uchiha Kanoko asked, "You three have been with Umino's group for quite some time now. Tell me, what is this person's attitude towards our Uchiha clan?"

Upon hearing this, Mikoto Uchiha immediately stepped forward, her bright eyes filled with undisguised admiration and goodwill: "Clan Chief! Commander Sasuke Umino has absolutely no prejudice against the Uchiha!"
He appoints people based solely on their abilities and performance!
On the front lines of the Land of Wind, both Brother Shun and we received fair treatment and full trust. He not only did not suppress us, but also gave us the opportunity to make contributions at crucial moments!
Shun was able to be promoted to Jonin, and the three of us were able to become Special Jonin, all thanks to the Commander's guidance!

He is a commander truly worthy of following!

Her words were clear, powerful, and full of sincerity, which made the Uchiha Inahashi brothers nod in approval.

However, no sooner had she finished speaking than Fugaku Uchiha, standing beside her, coldly objected, "Mikoto! You're too naive! Sasuke Umino is an extremely cunning man; how could you possibly see through him?!"

His face was gloomy, and his sharp eyes were fixed on Mikoto. His tone was filled with obvious jealousy and resentment: "His prejudice against the Uchiha is deeply rooted. Otherwise, why would he have publicly humiliated us in the Land of Waves?"
His special treatment of you and Shun is merely a ploy to use you to sow discord within the Uchiha clan, while simultaneously gaining a reputation for 'fairness'!

This person is definitely up to no good!

"Fugaku! You're talking nonsense!" Uchiha Mikoto immediately retorted, her pretty face flushed with anger. "The Commander humiliated us back then because he was provoked by the Mitomon ninjas. We were young and impetuous at the time, which led to the misunderstanding! He treated Shun differently because Shun was powerful and possessed an extremely strong Will of Fire. Were the merits and promotions that Inahisa, Tetsuka, and I earned on the front lines fake?"

You clearly harbor prejudice against the Commander, which is why you slander him at every turn!

“Mikoto is absolutely right!” Uchiha Inahisa couldn’t help but speak up, frowning as she looked at Uchiha Fugaku. “Fugaku, we saw it with our own eyes on the front lines. Commander’s actions are upright and fair, and his rewards and punishments are just.”

His views on the Uchiha clan are far more narrow than you might imagine.

It is unwise to draw conclusions based solely on a single instance of conflict instigated by others and subjective assumptions, without having experienced it firsthand.

Uchiha Tetsuka nodded in agreement.

Fugaku Uchiha was publicly refuted by Mikoto and the Inahikawa brothers, especially seeing Mikoto so protective of Sasuke Umino. His jealousy almost burst forth, and he shouted, "You've all been deceived by him! He's clearly a—"

"Shut up!" Uchiha Hikaru slammed his hand on the armrest, and a powerful chakra pressure instantly enveloped the entire area, forcibly suppressing Fugaku's next words.

His sharp, hawk-like gaze swept coldly over his heir, Uchiha Fugaku, on whom he had placed such high hopes.

Fugaku's performance just now greatly disappointed him.

That intense hostility towards Sasuke Unno was less based on rational judgment and more likely stemmed from Mikoto's admiration for Sasuke Unno, leading to an outburst of personal emotion.

"Fugaku, you have disappointed me greatly."

Uchiha Kaku looked at Uchiha Fugaku and shook his head. "As the future head of the Uchiha clan, you've been blinded by your personal likes and dislikes, losing your most basic judgment. Do you know what kind of unnecessary trouble your emotional words will bring to the clan?!"

Uchiha Hikaru was very disappointed, and a thought flashed through his mind: it seems that making Mikoto Fugaku's wife was not a wise move.

A woman who can easily influence the emotions of the heir and even sway his judgment is a huge hidden danger for the Uchiha clan.

This relationship appears even more dangerous and superfluous when the woman seems to have a clear affinity for another powerful figure.

Mikoto's value might be better placed outside, maintaining the important bond with Umino Sasuke and securing more Jonin positions and practical benefits for the clan, rather than being tied to Fugaku as a housewife and becoming a source of internal conflicts and decision-making errors.

As for a suitable match for Fugaku, Mikoto's older sister would be a good choice.

“Mikoto, Inahikasa, Tetsuka, I have remembered what you three have said.”

Uchiha Kakuno stopped looking at Fugaku, whose face was ashen, and turned to the three of them, his tone softening somewhat, "It seems that Umino Sasuke is indeed worth getting to know. His generosity in 'mentoring' my clan's scion is a kindness that my Uchiha clan cannot ignore."

Now, Uchiha Shun has been promoted to Jonin, and Mikoto, Inahisa, and Tetsuka have also become Special Jonin. While it's not certain that they will all be promoted to Jonin in the future, it's certainly not far off.

This means that, through Sasuke Umino alone, the Uchiha clan could potentially gain four more Jonin with the right to vote for Hokage.

This is of great significance in enhancing the Uchiha clan's influence among Konoha's higher-ups!
This is far more valuable than marrying Mikoto to Fugaku!
"Rice Fire!" Uchiha Fire Core made the decision.

"Clan Chief!" Uchiha Inahashi immediately bowed.

"Take this invitation from me and go to the Umino clan's territory. Invite Umino Squad Leader to come to my Uchiha clan's territory on a chosen day. Tell him that I have long admired him and wish to extend my hospitality as a host to discuss the future of Konoha."

Uchiha Hikaru solemnly took out a gold-embossed invitation card that had been prepared beforehand and bore the Uchiha Homura clan crest.

"Yes, clan leader!" Uchiha Inahashi accepted the invitation with both hands, feeling quite excited.

Uchiha Inahi didn't want to waste a moment and set off immediately.

When he arrived at the Umino clan's new territory with a mission, the scene before him shocked even this well-traveled Uchiha elite.

Although the Umino clan's territory is not as vast as the Uchiha clan's, it has an excellent location, right next to Konoha's most bustling main road.

What's even more stunning is its architectural style!

Instead of the heavy and austere architecture of traditional ninja clans, there are exquisite pavilions that blend with the aesthetics of gardens.

With its white walls and black tiles, upturned eaves, and carved beams and painted rafters, it exudes a low-key luxury.

The meticulously arranged artificial mountains, streams, and strange rocks create a constantly changing and elegant landscape, making the entire clan's territory feel like a sanctuary in the bustling city. It possesses both the heritage of the ninja clan and an artistic atmosphere that transcends the aesthetics of the ninja world, almost like a noble mansion.

"Who designed this?" Uchiha Inahisa was amazed and secretly planned to suggest to the clan leader that they invite this designer to renovate the Uchiha clan's territory.

This taste is absolutely amazing!

However, what shocked him even more was the scene outside the gate of the Umino clan's territory.

The long line stretched from the entrance all the way to the street corner. The people in the line were dressed in various ways, but their headbands all showed that they were Konoha ninjas. There were Chunin with eager eyes, Special Jonin with expectant faces, and even some messengers dressed in the clothing of other ninja clans!
They were all waiting patiently, their goal clearly singular: to meet Konoha's most sought-after rising star—Umino Sasuke!
On the long table in the gatehouse, stacks of exquisite invitations were piled up, dazzling Uchiha Inahikasa's eyes.

Almost every well-known ninja clan in Konoha, including Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Hyuga, Aburame, and Kurama, came, clearly sharing the same goal: to win over this newly promoted Jonin class leader and the meritorious "Konoha Demigod"!
"This is way too exaggerated!" Uchiha Inahashi was shocked and deeply realized the weight that Umino Sasuke now carried in Konoha.

Its influence has probably surpassed that of the veteran advisors and elders!
He stepped forward, revealed his identity and the clan chief's invitation, and was greeted by Umino Sasuke's older brother, Umino Tairou.

This honest-looking man had a hint of weariness on his face, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.

"So you are distinguished guests from the Uchiha clan!" Umino Dairo politely accepted the invitation. "I am truly sorry, my second brother has just taken over as the leader of the Jonin team and is very busy with various engagements. He is indeed unable to personally receive you at the moment. However, the Umino clan will remember the kind invitation from Chief Hikko! When my second brother has some free time, he will definitely pay a visit in person!"

Umino Dairo's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant; he expressed his apology while also giving the Uchiha clan ample face.

Uchiha Inahime knew that it would be difficult to see Umino Sasuke in person at this time, so after exchanging a few pleasantries, she took her leave.

However, he noticed that the two Jonin of the Umino clan, Umino Ikkaku and his wife, were receiving the queuing ninjas in an orderly manner.

They seem to have a screening mechanism. For ninjas with pure chakra, resolute eyes, and who look promising, Umino Ikkaku will whisper to them, seemingly asking them something, and then write it down. They are probably included in the Umino clan's "guest retainer" list, or are being prepared to be recommended to emerging departments such as the Air Force or puppet troops.

Those with slightly lower qualifications were directed to places like the Ninja Beast Breeding Base.

(End of this chapter)