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

Chapter 338 Political Connections
Just as the atmosphere was lively, Umino Sasuke was talking with the heads of the Hyuga and Uchiha clans.

Chief Kurama walked over with Kurama Qingyin and Kurama Nanatsuki. Although Kurama Nanatsuki's face was still pale from recovering from a serious illness, her eyes were bright and she moved freely, completely different from before, attracting a lot of attention.

Uchiha Hikaru frowned almost imperceptibly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

In his view, the Kurama clan had long since declined, and for them to arrive after the Hyuga and Uchiha clans on such an occasion was simply disrespectful. A faint sense of "being offended" emanated from him, which was keenly noticed by Umino Sasuke.

Chief Anma seemed oblivious, or rather, he simply didn't care about any of this.

He led his two granddaughters to Umino Sasuke and bowed deeply, saying, "Clan Chief Umino, the Kurama clan congratulates Umino on the founding of the clan!"

His emotions were filled with gratitude, excitement, and even a sense of resolute determination.

Kurama Kone and Kurama Nanatsuki also bowed. Kurama Kone's eyes were filled with deep gratitude and an indescribable emotion, while Kurama Nanatsuki looked at Umino Sasuke with curiosity and affection.

Chief Anma presented a long, narrow scroll box covered with mysterious sealing runes with both hands. His voice trembled slightly, but was exceptionally clear: "This is just a small gift, nothing more. I hope Chief Haiye will accept it with a smile!"

Kenjiro Umino, who was standing by and recording the gift list, immediately stepped forward and respectfully took the scroll box. When he broke the seal, opened the lid, and saw the ancient mark and the first few words on the scroll inside, his expression changed drastically.

He abruptly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock. He even forgot to immediately perform the salute, and instead quickly walked to Umino Sasuke's side, leaned close to his ear, and said urgently in a very low but barely concealed voice:
"Clan leader! It's the core heritage of the Kurama clan, the 'Secret Record of Sound-Sensing Illusion,' which contains all their secret techniques of illusion from basic to advanced, as well as a complete system for training illusion ninjas! This is far too valuable!"

He dared not utter the words on his own initiative, for the significance of this gift was enough to shake the entire ninja world!

Sasuke Umino was also shocked. He had guessed that the Kurama clan would offer a generous reward, but he did not expect that they would be willing to take out their most treasured legacy. This was no simple "gift," but rather a stake that almost half of the clan's future was placed on the Umino clan.

He looked at the Kurama clan chief and said in a deep voice, "Senior Kurama, this gift is far too generous. Treating Qiyue is our duty; how could the Umino clan—"

"Chief Umino!" Chief Kurama raised his head, tears glistening in his aged eyes, but his voice was resolute. "You have not only saved the life of July, but also given my Kurama clan hope for rebirth. This is a decision made unanimously by the entire Kurama clan. Please accept it!"

His emotional tone was filled with a desperate trust and goodwill.

Looking at the resolute look in the old man's eyes, and then at Kurama Kone's firm gaze and Kurama Nanatsuki's trusting eyes beside him, Umino Sasuke remained silent for a moment before finally nodding slowly and solemnly saying, "I admire the Kurama clan chief's sincere heart. The Umino clan will certainly make good use of this legacy and live up to your expectations!"

Kenjiro Umino took the scroll box, took a deep breath, straightened his back, channeled his chakra, and spoke in a high-pitched voice that echoed throughout the entire plaza.

"A gift from the Kurama clan—the complete volume of the Kurama family's secret manual, 'The Secret Record of Sound and Illusion,' containing eighteen basic illusion techniques, nine intermediate illusion techniques, and three advanced illusion techniques, along with a complete system for training illusion ninjas!"

"hiss--"

The entire square fell into a deathly silence! You could hear a pin drop.

Then, just like cold water being poured into a boiling oil pan, it exploded with a bang!

"What?! The core heritage of the Kurama family?!"

"My God! Did I hear that right? They even gave us a system for training genjutsu ninjas?!"

"This is insane! What is the Kurama family trying to do? Are they giving away their entire fortune?"

"This is an incredibly generous gesture! Illusion techniques are rare to begin with, and advanced illusion techniques are priceless!"

"The Umino clan is defying the heavens! They've even seized a portion of the Kurama family's foundation!"

"It seems the Kurama family is determined to befriend the Unno clan!"

Exclamations of amazement and discussion, along with gasps of disbelief, rose and fell. All eyes were fixed on the deep purple scroll box, filled with emotions of shock, greed, envy, and jealousy.

Even the proud Uchiha Kakuzo and the profound Hyuga Muneyoshi showed undisguised surprise on their faces at this moment.

The value of this gift far exceeded any treasures they brought. It represented the all-out investment of an ancient and powerful illusion-making family. Hyuga Muneyoshi's wariness deepened, while Uchiha Kakuzu's previous displeasure had been replaced by shock, and his gaze towards the Kurama clan chief was now more complex.

The shockwaves from the samurai celebration had barely subsided when the crowd stirred again.

Mitomonda, the newly appointed head of the Mitomon clan, led dozens of elite Mitomon ninjas, dressed in neat clan uniforms with a distinct wave pattern, and walked heavily but firmly to the gate of the Umino clan's territory.

Their appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention, and many guests who were unaware of the situation showed expressions of anticipation.

"Mitomon? What are they doing..."

"Hmph, Mitomon Homura has fallen from power, and they still have the nerve to come out and embarrass themselves?"

"Looks like they're trying to cause trouble, trying to make things difficult for someone on the Umino clan's joyous occasion?"

"This is going to be interesting. How will the Umino clan respond?"

Some ninja clan representatives who were close to Umino looked wary and hostile, unconsciously glaring murderously at the Mitomon ninjas.

However, what happened next made everyone who was expecting a laugh stare wide-eyed.

Mitomonda suddenly stopped five steps away from Umino Sasuke. He took a deep breath, his eyes resolute, and then, under the gaze of countless horrified eyes, led all the Mitomon clan members behind him to kneel down on one knee in unison.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, producing a dull thud!

Mitomonda raised his head, his voice booming, carrying a tragic, do-or-die spirit, resounding throughout the hall:
"Mitomon clan head, Mitomonda, along with the entire clan, pays homage to the head of the Umino family!"
From this day forward, the Mitomon clan is willing to submit to the Umino clan, to be their vassal, to follow them for generations, to be their follower, and to go through fire and water without hesitation!

We humbly request that the head of the household take us in!

Dead!

The silence was even more profound than during the salute to the saddle horse!
Everyone was stunned by this sudden declaration of loyalty. A once-powerful ninja clan actually swore allegiance to this newly established clan on the very day the Umino clan was founded, willing to become its vassal?!
After a moment of stunned silence, an even greater uproar erupted.

"Vassal?! The entire Mitomon clan has submitted to us?!"

"My God! Has this completely abandoned all sense of shame?!"

"A bankrupt family is a bankrupt family; they'll abandon all respect for their ancestors just to survive!"

"That's not entirely true. With Mitomon Homura's downfall, their elimination is almost a certainty. Seeking refuge with Umino might be their only way out."

"Wise! Absolutely wise! The Umino clan is at the height of its power; it's good to take shelter under their big tree!"

"The Hyuga and Uchiha must be furious! Why didn't they make a move before?"

"Hmph, the powerful families are too proud to take in such 'defeated troops,' but now the Umino clan has benefited from it!"

The discussions were sharp and complex, filled with disdain, mockery, understanding, and amazement.

Many eyes instinctively glanced at Hyuga Muneyoshi and Uchiha Kaku, and sure enough, the faces of these two clan leaders turned extremely ugly.

Hyuga Muneyoshi's eyes were gloomy, his knuckles were slightly white, and Uchiha Kakuzu snorted coldly, a trace of annoyance and disdain flashing in his eyes. Now that he saw Mitomon bringing his last strength and resources to serve Umino, he couldn't help but feel regret for "missing a good opportunity" and displeasure for "being taken advantage of".

Sasuke Umino showed little emotion on his face in the face of the Mitokado clan's loyalty, as if it had been planned all along.

He stepped forward and personally helped Mitomonta to his feet, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable strength: "Please rise, Ta-kun! The Mitomon clan still possesses its foundation, and it is our clan's fortune that they chose to trust our Umino clan in this time of turmoil! From this day forward, the Mitomon are the most steadfast allies and partners of the Umino clan! We will share both fortune and misfortune, and never abandon each other!" He looked around at the kneeling Mitomon clan members and proclaimed loudly: "Please rise, everyone! Today is the founding day of our Umino clan, and the beginning of the Mitomon's rebirth! From this moment on, you are all family to us! I urge Ta-kun to lead the clan in contributing to today's grand celebration and to entertain guests from all directions!"

Umino Sasuke's words not only gave Mito Kadota great respect, referring to him as an "ally and partner" rather than a lowly servant, but also immediately assigned him the responsibility of participating in entertaining guests, truly incorporating him into Umino's system.

A flicker of gratitude and determination flashed in Mito Monda's eyes as he loudly replied, "I will obey the master's command!"

He then led his people to their feet and quickly integrated into the ranks of the Haiye tribe, beginning to guide the guests and maintain order.

Those guests who had initially looked down on the Mitomon clan quickly became polite and even ingratiating when they saw Umino Sasuke treat the Mitomon clan with such courtesy and when the Mitomon clan members immediately got to work.

The power of the Umino clan was such that no one dared to underestimate their "vassals".

Just as the climax reached its peak and the atmosphere became extremely enthusiastic,...

A calm and authoritative voice rang out: "Hehe, how lively! I'm not late, am I?"

The crowd parted like a tide.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his divine robes and with a warm smile on his face, walked slowly towards them, accompanied by his advisor Koharu Utatane and his son Shinnosuke Sarutobi. Behind him were several composed ANBU guards.

"Lord Hokage!"

"Lord Koharu!"

Everyone in the square immediately bowed, and the atmosphere instantly became extremely solemn.

Umino Sasuke quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "The Hokage's presence is an honor to the Umino clan. I am deeply sorry for not greeting you properly!"

"Haha, Sasuke, no need for such formalities. Today is a big day for the Umino clan, and I naturally have come to ask for a cup of celebratory wine."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled Sasuke Umino along to show his closeness, his gaze sweeping over the luxurious yet understated decorations of the plaza, a hint of barely perceptible amazement flashing in his eyes, before he looked at Sasuke Umino with a deep look in his eyes.

Sasuke Umino's keen spiritual perception instantly captured the extremely complex emotions emanating from Hiruzen Sarutobi. There was recognition and appreciation for the strength of the Umino clan, expectation and reliance on their potential, hidden worries about the emerging power disrupting the original balance, and vigilance and fear of Sasuke Umino's own methods... All these emotions intertwined to form the most authentic inner picture of a politician.

Koharu, standing beside him, was much calmer. She showed no obvious hostility towards Sasuke Umino; rather, she was scrutinizing and assessing him with the caution inherent in an advisor.

As for Sarutobi Shinnosuke, his emotions were like the rising sun, filled with pure and ardent goodwill, admiration, and closeness, without any impurities.

"Sasuke, you don't need to be so polite." Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Sasuke Unno on the shoulder, then turned his gaze toward the door. "I'll stay here and wait with you for our distinguished guests."

His meaning was clear: an even more important figure was coming, and the Hokage needed to be there to personally greet him.

Thus, Sasuke Umino and Hiruzen Sarutobi stood side by side beneath the magnificent gate, welcoming the distinguished guests who were about to arrive.

"Lord Minamoto no Koumitsu, the Finance Minister of the Land of Fire, has arrived!"

With a clear announcement from a member of the Umino clan, imbued with chakra, a magnificent carriage drawn by four pure white horses and decorated with intricate gold-lacquered family crests slowly came to a stop in front of the Umino clan's gate, escorted by several composed guards.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Finance Minister Minamoto no Mitsuaki, dressed in deep purple brocade and with a lean and dignified face, stepped down from the carriage with the help of his attendants.

His arrival added an even greater solemnity to the already somber atmosphere.

"Your Excellency, Minister of Finance!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's face instantly lit up with a smile as he stepped forward with unprecedented enthusiasm, his posture slightly humbled, even bowing slightly. "Your busy schedule has allowed you to take the time to attend the founding ceremony of the Umino clan. It is truly a blessing for Konoha and for Umino!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's humble attitude shocked the clan leaders of the powerful clans in Konoha. It seemed that the Minister of Finance was staying in Konoha to attend the founding ceremony of the Umino clan!
Has the influence of the Umino clan within the power center of the Land of Fire grown so quietly?!

Following closely behind Hiruzen Sarutobi, Sasuke Umino stepped forward, his face displaying just the right amount of respect and gratitude, and bowed respectfully: "Lord Minamoto's presence is an honor for the entire Umino clan! Sasuke is deeply grateful!"

His tone was sincere and his posture respectful, yet this respect carried a calm composure that contrasted subtly with Hiruzen Sarutobi's fervor.

His keen senses allowed him to clearly perceive the subtle awe and submission hidden deep within Yuan Guangming's calm gaze when he looked at him. However, at this moment, he had to perfectly portray the patriarch of a newly established clan that needed the support of a powerful figure, and he could not reveal the slightest hint of this.

Yuan Guangming nodded slightly, a formulaic, gentle smile on his face: "Clan Chief Haiye, there's no need for such formality. The Haiye clan has rendered meritorious service to both Konoha and the Land of Fire. Establishing a clan and household is a momentous occasion. I was passing through Konoha when I heard the news, so I came here to offer my congratulations."

He casually attributed his stay to "passing by," and had his servant hand him a gift box engraved with a flame emblem: "A small token of my appreciation."

Kenjiro Unno immediately stepped forward and respectfully accepted the gift, announcing, "Lord Minamoto no Mitsuaki, Minister of Finance of the Land of Fire, presents a congratulatory gift—a pair of Fire Emblem Jade Discs!"

Jade disc!

It is still a jade disc with the Fire Emblem, a special gift from the Daimyo's residence, symbolizing the noble status of the Land of Fire!

This is not just about being valuable; it's also a symbol of political status!

Once again, a collective gasp of suppressed breaths filled the arena.

Hiruzen Sarutobi personally led Minamoto no Mitsuaki into the VIP seats in the plaza, his attitude extremely attentive.

Umino Sasuke remained at the door, continuing to wait.

Before the shock caused by the Finance Minister had subsided, another announcement rang out: "Daimyo of the River Province! Arrive—!"

A carriage decorated with the unique landscape patterns of the Land of Rivers arrived, and the daimyo of the Land of Rivers, dressed in fine clothes, stepped down from the carriage with a smile, escorted by several ninjas of considerable bearing.

"Clan Chief Umino!" The Daimyo of the Land of Rivers, upon seeing Umino Sasuke, disregarded his status and rushed forward, grasping Umino Sasuke's hand with an excited expression. "If it weren't for Clan Chief Umino's miraculous rescue of me from the clutches of Sunagakure, and his assistance in restoring our Land of Rivers' territory and driving out Sunagakure, I and the people of the Land of Rivers would be eternally grateful! How could I not come today, with Umino leading the clan?"

With a loud voice, he publicly proclaimed Umino Sasuke's illustrious achievements in the Land of Rivers.

"Wow——!"

"So you're the daimyo of the land of rivers!"

"I knew it! Captain Umino performed an unparalleled feat on the front lines of the Land of Rivers! Not only did he save the daimyo, but he also defeated Sunagakure and drove them out of the Land of Rivers. No wonder even the daimyo of the Land of Rivers came to congratulate him in person!"

The onlookers suddenly realized what was going on and began to discuss it amongst themselves, their eyes filled with admiration as they looked at Umino Sasuke.

The appearance of the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers is undoubtedly the strongest endorsement of Unno Sasuke's personal strength and military achievements!
The daimyo of the land of Kawano presented a generous gift, which Umino Sasuke responded with humility. He led the daimyo to the VIP section, where he sat next to the Minister of Finance, Minamoto no Mitsuaki. The two important figures conversed in hushed tones, further highlighting the high status of the Umino clan's founding ceremony.

Then, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

"Lord Shibuki, leader of Takigakure Village, has arrived!"

A middle-aged man dressed in dark green ninja attire, looking solemn and weary, walked quickly with several Takigakure ninjas who also looked worried. The one leading them was none other than Shibuki, the current leader of Takigakure.

"Clan Chief Umino!" Shibuki bowed to Umino Sasuke with clasped hands, but said in front of everyone with urgency and pleading, "Congratulations on the founding of your clan! Shibuki's purpose in coming here is twofold: first, to congratulate Clan Chief Umino on the founding of his clan on behalf of Takigakure Village; and second, to shamelessly request assistance!"

He took a deep breath and quickened his pace: "Since Clan Chief Umino was transferred from the front lines of the Land of Mountains, the Iwagakure offensive has intensified dramatically. Although our Takigakure village has fought desperately, our defenses have been breached, and the Iwagakure forces are now poised to strike deep into the heart of the Land of Waterfall! The situation is extremely critical! I implore Clan Chief Umino, for the sake of our past camaraderie, to plead with Konoha and request reinforcements immediately! Otherwise, the Land of Waterfall may face annihilation!"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

(End of this chapter)