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

Chapter 438 Crossing the Red Line
"My lord, you already dare to control the daimyo's key financial ministers and place so many pawns in your positions. What will happen in the future—"

A hint of worry flashed in Danzo's single eye. He lowered his voice and asked with a touch of pleading, "Is it that you want to... want to control the daimyo?!"

Sasuke Unno chuckled inwardly. The Daimyo of the Land of Wind and the entire Land of Waves were already under his control, so why wait "later"?
However, on the surface, he remained calm and composed, waving his hand dismissively.

"Danzo, you're overthinking it. Controlling the Daimyo? How could I dare to have such a thought? If we were exposed, wouldn't Konoha become the target of everyone's attacks, besieged by the four great ninja villages and even the entire ninja world? I don't want to bring Konoha to its doom."

Sasuke Umino spoke in a relaxed tone.

However, Danzo, who was watching him closely, accurately caught his seemingly denial but fleeting indifference.

Danzo's heart skipped a beat. Instead of feeling relieved, he became even more worried.

This new leader is incredibly audacious! He's actually considering taking control of the daimyo, and it seems he thinks it's a trivial matter, completely unaware of the enormous consequences.

"My lord! You mustn't!"

Danzo was now truly anxious. He even disregarded his respectful demeanor, taking half a step forward and urgently advising, "Disrespecting the Daimyo and secretly seeking more funding and autonomy are things we can do, and all the Hokage throughout history have done them to varying degrees. However, directly controlling the Daimyo is a taboo in the ninja world! It is an act that subverts the entire order of the ninja world!"

He tried to warn Sasuke Umino with the most severe consequences: "If this matter is leaked even slightly, not only will the four great ninja villages immediately put aside all their prejudices and form an allied army to attack our Konoha! Even neutral countries like the Land of Iron, as well as all other countries large and small, will feel fear and will inevitably unite to besiege us! At that time, no matter how strong Konoha is, it will be impossible to stand against the entire world! Konoha will really be in great danger!"

Looking at Danzo's anxious and earnest appearance, Umino Sasuke found it incredibly amusing. Not long ago, this guy was Konoha's recognized "radical leader" and "hawkish representative," always thinking about expanding Konoha's influence through extreme means, and even willing to start a war.

But now, before he, the self-proclaimed "moderate," has even said anything, this "hawk" has jumped out to advise him to be "conservative," to abide by the conventions of the ninja world, and not to play with fire and get burned.

Even Umino Sasuke couldn't help but look Danzo up and down with an expression that said, "So you're a conservative after all."

Danzo felt extremely uncomfortable under that gaze, and at the same time became even more certain of his judgment: he, the new leader, definitely had the ambition to control the daimyo, and might have already begun to make plans!
He took a deep breath, as if making a firm decision, and said in an almost tragic tone, "My lord! I know you have great ambitions and wish to lead Konoha to surpass the previous Kage, but controlling the Daimyo is a matter of too great importance, and it really cannot be rushed! If you truly want to, truly want to take that step..."

He gritted his teeth, lowered his voice, as if he were saying something treasonous: "At the very least, at the very least, we should wait until Konoha is truly revived, until we have the absolute strength to fight against the combined attack of the four great ninja villages, before we consider whether to proceed! Now, now is really too early, too dangerous!"

Danzo Shimura, known for his boldness, radicalism, and ruthlessness in achieving his goals, felt a long-lost sense of trepidation when facing Sasuke Umino, a "radical young man" who was even more reckless and directly challenged the existing ninja world order.

Danzo, at most, would argue with the daimyo's envoy at high-level meetings over military spending issues, or secretly exert pressure through underhanded tactics. As for the idea of ​​directly controlling the daimyo, it wasn't entirely out of the question, but that was an ultimate taboo he dared to touch only after Konoha had already dominated the ninja world with absolute strength.

Deep down, he was still a traditional ninja, deeply influenced by the concept of a separation between ninjas and nobles. The idea that "the daimyo is a descendant of the gods and the legitimate symbol of secular power" still held considerable weight in his heart. For him, the "dark side of the ninja world," such a heinous act as regicide required immense courage to cross that red line.

Looking at the future Fourth Kage before him, who was excessively young, ridiculously strong, and had terrifyingly radical ideas, he was filled with complex emotions. He felt both admiration and fervor for the man's courage and ambition, as well as deep concern that the man might lead Konoha into utter ruin.

At this moment, Shimura Danzo, the biggest hawk in Konoha, hoped more than ever that his Fourth Hokage would be a little more "conservative".

Sasuke Umino took in Danzo's reaction, secretly amused, but outwardly feigned hesitation, finally nodding reluctantly.

"Yes! Danzo, what you said makes sense. This matter does need to be considered carefully. We should wait until Konoha has overwhelming strength before making any decisions. For now, we should focus on improving our own strength."

Hearing that Umino Sasuke seemed to have temporarily abandoned this dangerous idea, Danzo finally breathed a long sigh of relief, as if he had just won a major battle, and a cold sweat broke out on his back.

He bowed and said, "Your Excellency is wise!"

At the same time, he secretly resolved to build up the West Factory as soon as possible to enhance Konoha's strength. Even if it was exposed, Konoha would still be able to sweep across the ninja world.

Danzo's worried and cautious demeanor, which he kept advising him to be steady, shattered Ryoma's worldview.

He had followed Danzo for many years, and had never seen this man so "conservative" before? In the past, Danzo had always thought that others were not radical enough or ruthless enough, but now, in front of Sasuke, Danzo seemed so "cautious".
This contrast did not cause Aburame Ryoma's faith to collapse; on the contrary, it made his awe and fanaticism for Umino Sasuke even more intense!

Ryoma Aburame couldn't help but exclaim in his heart, "Even Danzo-sama had to be cautious in his advice and even felt fear. This is the true leader who can lead Konoha to greatness!"

His gaze toward Umino Sasuke was filled with unparalleled devotion. The filter he once had for Danzo had quietly shattered and begun to fade. Umino Sasuke's image had risen infinitely in his heart, completely replacing Danzo and becoming his new pillar of faith.

Meanwhile, Moonlight Night's mindset also underwent a subtle change.

He used to have some respect for Danzo, the senior elder who was in charge of Root. But now, they both serve Sasuke. He is in charge of the East Depot, which has tentacles all over the ninja world, while Danzo has just taken over the West Depot, which is still just a shell. In terms of real power, he is not much weaker than Danzo.

In terms of strength, he believed that although he was not as good as the veteran Kage Danzo, he was confident that he could fight against him in the nighttime environment where he was good at it, with his Konoha-style swordsmanship and assassination techniques.

Most importantly, he is still young and in the period of rapid growth in strength, so surpassing Danzo in the future is not out of reach.

Moreover, if the Eastern Depot is completely completed and makes a great contribution, he will be able to exchange for more attribute-enhancing elixirs, and his strength will only increase faster!

Strength and power are the greatest source of confidence.

Having figured this out, Gekkoya's last trace of restraint vanished when facing Danzo, replaced by an attitude of equality, even a slight scrutiny. Umino Sasuke observed this shift in Gekkoya's mindset with considerable satisfaction; this was exactly the situation he had desired.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Eastern Depot, and the Western Depot operated with a separation of powers, cooperating with each other while also checking and balancing one another.

If Moonlight Night cannot stand up and is suppressed by Danzo, allowing Danzo's tentacles to easily extend into the Eastern Depot, coupled with the Embroidered Uniform Guard which was originally reorganized from Root, then Danzo's sharp blade will become a bit thorny and not conducive to balance.

Now that Moonlight Night can stand tall and not fear Danzo, the Eastern Depot can effectively check and balance the Western Depot.

Meanwhile, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has the infinitely promising Senju Nawaki in charge. Given time, when his Wood Release is fully awakened, even Danzo will have to avoid his sharp edge.

Only when the three departments are in competition can he rest easy.

Danzo's only advantage now is his personal strength and remaining influence, but the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard have already established a solid foundation, while Danzo's Western Depot is still a lone commander and has already lost the initiative.

The competition of the future has only just begun.

Just then, Moonlight stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported the latest military intelligence to Umino Sasuke:
"My lord, according to the latest intelligence from the Eastern Depot, Onoki has not fled back to the heart of the Land of Earth, but has instead established a strong defensive line along the border. At the same time, Iwagakure has issued a village-wide mobilization order, gathering more than 10,000 ninjas, preparing for a counterattack!"

He then gave a detailed report on the Iwagakure Legion's deployment details, troop composition, and logistical supply routes, with an astonishing level of intelligence.

Danzo, who was listening nearby, was terrified.

Such detailed intelligence could not possibly have been obtained solely through peripheral reconnaissance; the Eastern Depot must have planted a high-ranking spy within the Iwagakure Legion!

He couldn't help but ask, "Moonlight Jonin, the Eastern Depot not only has deep roots in the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire, but could it have also completed such a deep infiltration and layout in the Land of Earth?"

Moonlight Night smiled slightly, neither admitting nor denying, appearing unfathomable.

He naturally wouldn't tell Danzo the core secret of the Eastern Depot infiltrating the Land of Earth through the Land of Waves' trade alliance channels.

After witnessing Danzo's "conservative" behavior, he felt it was best to keep such "radical" matters as controlling the Land of Waves a secret from this "conservative" elder for the time being, lest he overreact and cause him unnecessary trouble.

He only revealed some non-core developments: "Some nobles in the Land of Earth, especially local nobles, have some 'commercial dealings' with us. Through these channels, we are able to obtain a lot of valuable information."

Even so, Danzo was already shocked enough: "The Eastern Depot can actually influence so many nobles in the Land of Earth. Although they are not top-tier nobles, the intelligence network they have formed has far surpassed that of the Root at its peak!"

He recalled the underground intelligence network that Root had carefully maintained in Iwagakure, which was worlds apart from the vast and powerful network of the Eastern Depot that could even directly influence nobles in other countries.

Not to mention the terrifying extent of the Eastern Depot's infiltration into the Wind and Fire kingdoms. As for things like controlling the Minister of Finance, which cross the red line, Danzo could only comfort himself that as long as he didn't actually commit regicide and cause universal outrage, being a little more aggressive for the sake of Konoha's military expenses was not unacceptable.

At this point, the slightest resentment Danzo felt about stepping down from Root completely vanished, leaving only absolute recognition and admiration for Umino Sasuke's methods and strategic abilities.

He used to think that Sasuke Umino was strong and had outstanding achievements, but now he realized that he was completely wrong!
Whether in military command, political strategy, or intelligence deployment, Sasuke Umino has demonstrated terrifying all-around abilities. He is truly worthy of being Tobirama's successor, and is practically omnipotent!

Moreover, all of this was accomplished quietly, and this ability to be patient and strategic is truly chilling.

Both he and Hiruzen Sarutobi misjudged him back then; he was simply a born "Kage"!
Whether in terms of strength, magnanimity, or methods, they have reached a level that is beyond the reach of others!

After listening to Gekko Yoru's report, Umino Sasuke's eyes sharpened, and his attitude became unusually firm: "Onoki is unwilling to accept defeat and wants to gather forces for a counterattack? In that case, let's fight! We'll cripple them completely!"

Danzo immediately chimed in, "What you say is absolutely right, sir! Our main force is still intact, and with the more than two thousand reinforcements led by Mitarashi Shishou, as well as the two thousand ninja clan troops and one thousand mobilization troops led by Akimichi Torifu who are about to arrive, our total strength is close to seven thousand! With such a force, even if we face Iwagakure and Kumogakure at the same time, we will have the strength to fight!"

Umino Sasuke shook his head: "We should still finish this quickly and avoid involving those two thousand ninja clan soldiers and one thousand mobilized troops in this decisive battle."

Danzo was taken aback, somewhat puzzled: "Why is that? With three thousand more fresh troops, our chances of winning are greater, and our casualties will be reduced."

"Those thousand mobilized troops are mostly students from the Ninja Academy and retired disabled ninjas. Their combat effectiveness is limited. Sending them to the battlefield will only increase casualties. As for the two thousand ninja clan legions..."

Umino Sasuke snorted coldly, "They've come here now simply because they see the great victory on the western front is imminent and want to share in the credit and take advantage of the victory. The major ninja clans of Konoha are already powerful enough, and they often hinder the Hokage's decisions. We can't let them use this victory to further expand their influence in the village and the number of Jonin positions."

Danzo nodded in deep agreement upon hearing this: "Your Excellency has thought things through! Indeed, we cannot allow these ninja clans to gain merit so easily. Weakening their influence is a necessary political consideration."

Moonlight Night was somewhat worried: "But sir, if we exclude this ninja clan army and the mobilized troops, the forces we can use, including Mitarashi Shishou's troops, are only about four thousand men. Facing Onoki's tens of thousands of ninja troops, won't we be overwhelmed by the sheer number of troops? Even if we win, it will probably be a Pyrrhic victory."

Danzo, however, was full of bravado: "What's there to be afraid of! Every one of our Konoha ninjas is an elite, each one capable of taking on ten! Those mediocre Iwagakure ninjas, no matter how many there are, are nothing but chickens and dogs!"

(End of this chapter)