I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 209 Taking leave and holidays should not be replaced by shift changes and time off in lieu.

At the entrance of Konoha Village, Tatsuma looked at Uchiha Tenka who was rushing towards him and said with a smile, "So rushed? And why are you wearing a police uniform?"

Tianfeng took a few breaths, then said with a resentful look, "The garrison won't let us take leave, we can only change shifts or take time off. I changed to the daytime shift last night, and I just finished handing over the shift. I didn't have time to go back and change my clothes."

Upon hearing this, Chenma was stunned. He hadn't expected that such a situation existed in Konoha Village. Sure enough, no matter where you are, those who control the means of production can never be innocent.

What an evil Uchiha!

Actually, it was Tatsuma himself who misunderstood the Uchiha. If it were two years ago, a member of the security force would definitely be granted leave without question, since the Uchiha wouldn't be short of such a person.

But that won't work now. After all, it's been more than a year of war. Although the Uchiha only participated for a year, the high intensity and frequency of small-scale skirmishes with the Cloud Ninja have resulted in a severe reduction in the number of Uchiha ninjas.

In addition, it is currently the New Year period, and there are too many outsiders coming and going in Konoha Village. The Security Department has countless incidents to deal with, so everyone is working overtime. Squeezing out a shift adjustment system is already the limit.

"Haven't Minato and Sento arrived yet?"

Once Tianfeng had caught his breath, he said to himself before Tatsuma could answer, "Hyuga's is still no good, he's never punctual."

Tatsuma's lips twitched, but he still explained, "They've already arrived, but Sento didn't have breakfast, so Minato went with him to buy some, and also some water and such."

Hearing that Sento had arrived earlier than him, Tenfeng looked a little embarrassed, but Tatsuma quickly changed the subject.

"I must say, the Uchiha people have pretty good taste; this uniform is quite nice."

The uniforms of the Security Department are really good-looking. Even some designer clothes from Tatsuma's previous life might not be as good-looking as the Uchiha uniforms. Moreover, they have a great effect on shaping the figure, making everyone look straight and handsome.

"Stop talking. I don't even know who designed these sleeves. If you're hiding a sword in your hand, you might accidentally cut yourself."

Tianfeng shook his head, raising his hand to show Chenma the mending marks on his sleeve. Chenma looked at his somewhat oversized sleeve, paused for a second, and then said:

"Is it possible that there's something wrong with your habits? I often wear wide-sleeved shirts too, so why don't I experience this?"

As he spoke, Tatsuma raised his hand. The clothes that Mito Uzumaki had prepared for him all had wide sleeves. He never tore his sleeves while hiding ninja tools, and he never really paid attention to it.

Tenka was initially incredulous, then somewhat annoyed, said, "Are you questioning the Uchiha's ninja tool throwing technique?!"

"I'm just questioning you, don't go around putting down your own family like that."

Tatsuma quickly denied it; he didn't want to be stared at with resentful eyes whenever he encountered an Uchiha.

Seeing that his attempt to shift the blame had failed, Tianfeng's face flushed red as he said, "Then it's definitely not my fault, it must be the sleeve, it must be a problem with the sleeve design!"

"This uniform was designed by your Uchiha clan yourselves, wasn't it?"

Tatsuma revealed a wicked smile. Tenka knew he had fallen for a trick. He originally wanted Tatsuma to bear the "crime" of slandering the Uchiha, but in the blink of an eye, he became the one who slandered the Uchiha.

Just as Tianfeng was trying to clear his name, Minato and Sento returned. Upon seeing Tianfeng, Sento said directly, "Are you blushing with guilt for being late?"

"Who's blushing? No, wait! Who's late?!"

Seeing that the two were about to clash, Minato quickly intervened, saying with a smile, "Neither of you are late. There are still a few minutes left. Tenka, have you had breakfast? I packed an extra portion."

Tatsuma observed the people around him and noticed that many were paying attention to them, and their conversations frequently mentioned "Uchiha" and "Hyuga." Tatsuma chuckled inwardly, thinking that their testimony was becoming more convincing.

Given Tianfeng and Qiandou's current state, no one would believe they left the village for a private duel.

"Alright, it's time to leave the village. Or are you planning to use this place as a fighting arena?"

Just as the two were about to finish arguing, Tatsuma intervened, working with Minato to pull them apart. Tatsuma even stuffed a steamed bun into Tenka's mouth, rendering him unable to speak for a short time.

"Hello, senior. This is our certificate for leaving the village."

Tatsuma approached the ninja guarding the village gate and handed him their exit permits. The guard glanced at them and then asked, "A spring outing? Or are the Uchiha and Hyuga going together?"

Chenma gave a knowing look and chuckled, saying, "Yeah, we're classmates. We've never left the village except for missions. This time we had the chance."

The guard ninja nodded and said, "You only have one day's permission. If you don't return within the specified time, you'll be investigated. Also, don't let anything go wrong, especially don't lose any members, otherwise the investigation will be very troublesome."

"Yes, I understand, senior. Are there any other questions?"

Tatsuma accepted the proof returned by the guard ninja, who shook his head and said, "Go and come back soon."

Thank you.

Chenma quickly pulled Tianfeng, who had already swallowed the bun, out of the village entrance and then began to lead the way.

As a member of the Anbu, Tatsuma also has the authority to view the village's defense deployment map, so he knows how far away from the village he needs to be to minimize the chance of being monitored.

After the four left, the guarding ninja quickly reported what had happened.

Inside the Hokage's residence, Hiruzen Sarutobi also received the report. He looked at his two sons playing not far away and asked Xiao, who was wearing a mask, "Have you found out what happened?"

"It seems that it was the day before yesterday that Hyuga Sento came to provoke us. It is speculated that this is related to the fact that Hyuga Sento began to learn about that so-called absolute defense technique two months ago."

"Two months? Looks like I'll need to talk to Yasha about this in a few days. Don't let Yasha know about today's operation. Also, go and inform the representatives of each clan and the Jonin team about the Jonin meeting."

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Xiao nodded, understanding that the Hokage was trying to find a legitimate reason for his actions today.

Perhaps with Tatsuma's keen perception, he would have guessed the truth once he discovered today's actions. However, as long as this reason exists, even if he knew the truth, Tatsuma would definitely know that he shouldn't ask questions.

"Yes, then, Hokage-sama, I'll be taking my leave now."

After Xiao finished speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then raised his hand to stop Xiao. Hiruzen then gestured with his chin towards his two sons and asked, "What do you think of these two boys?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao also looked over. Hiruzen Sarutobi's eldest son was eight years old after the New Year, while his youngest son was only a little over a year old, so it was impossible to tell anything about him. Therefore, he said:

"Shin-nosuke has always been number one in his grade. He has both talent and hard work, and he is sure to achieve great things in the future. Asuma is very healthy."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, but didn't immediately offer his opinion. After a moment of silence, he asked, "What do you think of Shinnosuke compared to Tatsuma?"

"this"

Xiao couldn't answer, but Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, knowing his answer, and then asked, "How does it compare to Minato?"

Xiao remained silent, and Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded again, saying, "In a few years, you can take over Shinnosuke's training. When the time is right, he can also join the Anbu and take over your codename."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Seeing Xiao agree so readily, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and then said, "You know what? I used to think about a question: what does it feel like to be in the presence of the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha?"

I didn't understand it before, but now I think I do. Among his peers, only Minato could rival Tatsuma; of course, not competing is best.

"Minato? He is indeed exceptionally talented, but compared to Tatsuma..."

"Don't underestimate Minato. It's just that their growth overlapped too much in the past, and Minato's brilliance was overshadowed by Tatsuma. But now the two of them have started to move in different directions. Let's wait and see."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. In truth, he wasn't entirely convinced either. He was just afraid that Tatsuma's future would be too dark without anyone to accompany him on his path of growth, without Minato's warm and gentle presence like the sun.

The thought that Tatsuma could unleash his dark side without hesitation for the sake of the village filled Hiruzen Sarutobi with immense worry. If this darkness were not controlled, he would become like Danzo Shimura.

If Tatsuma can hold on, just like Tobirama held on because of the First Hokage, then a remarkable figure will emerge in the village.

However, the village can no longer provide a role model like the First Generation Leader, so they can only hope that someone among their peers will emerge to restrain Tatsuma's mind.

Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes and looked at the rising sun. He had not asked Tatsuma for his advice on the Daimyo's demands. He hoped that Tatsuma could figure things out and resolve things on his own.

"Xiao, do you think I'm old enough to call myself an old man?"

"You are already an elder in the ninja world."

Xiao knew, of course, that Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't asking about age. A ninja in his forties would indeed be considered old in the early days of Konoha or even earlier, during the Warring States period.

But nowadays, it could be said to be early, or it could be said to be appropriate, but only an elder would not feel out of place if he referred to himself as "this old man."

Hiruzen Sarutobi now has enough experience to achieve a positive victory against both the Kaze and Ameonna kingdoms, and Iwagakure and Kumogakure have suffered considerable losses as a result.

In terms of appearance, Hiruzen Sarutobi started growing a beard very early on. Initially, it was to make him look more mature when he took office as Hokage. As the leader, his appearance was not easy to change, so he maintained it like that.

Having grown a beard for so many years, he's even started getting called "Grandpa Naruto" by some children on the street, which has given him a certain amount of public support for calling himself "Old Man."

Upon hearing Xiao's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Then I will refer to myself as such from now on. I'll have Yasha remind me when the time comes."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Hmm, step down and carry out the instructions I gave you today."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

(End of this chapter)