Uchiha's personal opinion

"Since you are an envoy, please rest in the guest house. Lord Deguang will see you when he has time."

The Uchiha ninja replied quite politely.

"I wish to meet with General Deguang immediately."

Atsushi Konoe said firmly.

"Lord Deguang is not someone you can see whenever you want..."

The Uchiha ninja didn't bother to say much, and casually summoned a few Chunin to drag the messenger to the guest quarters.

"Don't worry, I will report to the attendants. As for whether Lord Deguang is willing to see you, that's another matter!"

Attendant's Office...

The messenger, Konoe Atsushi, stopped struggling and instead carefully considered the job titles that the Uchiha ninja had inadvertently revealed.

A well-developed military and political system and clearly defined responsibilities are the most direct ways to judge the vitality of a regime.

Furthermore, the vitality of the regime can be used to determine whether this so-called Tokugawa Shogunate is a bandit-like ninja who will make a quick buck or intends to seize territory and establish a regime.

Judging from the title of this position, it is most likely the latter...

The messenger, Konoe Atsushi, became even more uneasy.

He was born into a collateral branch of the royal family of the Land of Water, but was neglected due to a falling out with the Kanpaku during his lifetime. Although he considered himself intelligent, he never had the opportunity to display his talents. This mission was only given casually by the Daimyo, and he seized the opportunity on his own initiative.

"I wonder if I can even discuss classical texts, literature, ethics, and morality with such a reckless and impulsive person..."

As Konoe Atsushi was being led away, he was still pondering what to say.

……

Uchiha Tokumitsu was talking with Hanzo the Salamander, who had arrived at Midway Island.

The two had clashed on the battlefield in the Land of Rain, and Uchiha Tokumitsu's tone had been quite impolite at the time. Now, when they met again, one was the employer and the other was the mercenary, and the difference in their status made them both a little awkward.

However, Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't mention the old battlefield events at all. He only talked about the Way of Chakra with Hanzo of the Salamander. In addition, Hanzo of the Salamander also put down his airs a bit, so the conversation between the two was quite pleasant.

Since Hanzo, who possessed a deadly poison, could not remove his mask in public, and Tokumitsu Uchiha was unable to host a banquet, they simply changed the banquet to a discussion among their subordinates about their experiences in chakra manipulation and ninjutsu optimization.

After their "discussion," Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hanzo of the Salamander developed a mutual respect for each other, and the slight grudge they had on the battlefield dissipated.

Uchiha Tokumitsu admired Hanzo of the Salamander the most for his ability to figure out more profound ninjutsu techniques from rudimentary ones, and to optimize and extend existing ninjutsu. It can be said that most of the unique water-style ninjutsu system of Amegakure was due to Hanzo of the Salamander.

Hanzo of the Salamander was extremely envious of Uchiha Tokumitsu's exquisite chakra manipulation, and his mastery of fire release techniques also broadened his horizons. However, he could only lament that talent was innate and that hard work could never make up for it.

While Uchiha Tokumitsu's mastery of ninjutsu was enhanced by the broad perspective brought about by his memories of his previous life, the most important factor was his Uchiha clan bloodline and his innate extraordinary chakra manipulation. In addition, he had access to almost all of the Uchiha clan's secret texts, which contributed to his remarkable achievements.

After the two exchanged their opinions, the group of Jonin still felt a little unsatisfied.

Especially the ninjas from the Hozuki and Mizuki clans who came from Kirigakure, originally thought that their Water Release was the purest source of ninjutsu besides the Second Hokage of Konoha, but after some exchanges, they realized that there are always people more skilled than them, and the Water Release tradition of Amegakure is indeed unique.

In short, this unique "discussion" was a great success, with both hosts and guests enjoying themselves, and everyone feeling a little reluctant to leave.

At this moment, the Uchiha ninja who had been waiting in the outer courtyard entered the room and whispered to Uchiha Tokumitsu that the daimyo of the Land of Water had sent an envoy.

"An envoy from the daimyo of the Land of Water?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu was also taken aback, not understanding why the Daimyo of the Land of Water would send an envoy at a time like this.

We can't exactly persuade the Tokugawa Shogunate to repent or surrender, can we?

"Mr. Hanzo, the daimyo of the Land of Water has sent an envoy to our headquarters. Why don't we meet him together?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu turned to Hanzo the Salamander and said.

"...That's acceptable."

Hanzo the Salamander was somewhat surprised.

His hearing was pretty good; he had heard everything the Uchiha ninja had reported.

So he prepared to get up and leave.

He just didn't expect Uchiha Tokumitsu to be so straightforward, actually inviting him, an outsider, to participate in such "important" internal affairs.

"Those who are renowned and powerful are no ordinary people..."

Hanzo the Salamander felt an even greater appreciation for Tokumitsu Uchiha.

Led by the Uchiha ninja, the Daimyo's envoy from the Land of Water, Atsushi Konoe, slowly entered the inner hall.

Two people sat in the hall. One was a boy with a curious expression, while the other wore a mask that completely covered his features.

“Uchiha Tokumitsu…”

Konoe Atsushi silently recited names in his mind, "And the legendary 'demigod' Hanzo the Salamander..."

Now look at the left and right sides.

Looking to the left, nearly half are handsome black-haired, black-eyed ninjas with a somewhat gloomy and cold expression; these are Uchiha ninjas. There are also a few red-haired men and women among them, presumably members of the Uzumaki clan. As for the others, each with distinct appearances, they are likely members of the so-called affiliated ninja clans of the Uchiha family.

Looking to the right, however, most of the people there resembled those from the Land of Water, with members of the Hozuki, Minazuki, and Kaguya clans sitting proudly among them. There was also a group of ninjas with impoverished appearances; if there were no surprises, they were likely the Rain Ninja hired by Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Konoe Atsushi only glanced at it before he had a pretty good grasp of the ninja forces under Uchiha Tokumitsu's command.

"I am Atsushi, the Grand General of the Water Country, and I am here by order of the Daimyo of the Water Country to rule over the vast seas by divine mandate..."

"Get to the point!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu interrupted Konoe Atsushi, "Stop spouting all this useless nonsense!"

The Jonin on both sides chuckled inwardly upon hearing this.

"The lord sent me to ask General Deguang why he has sent troops to invade our borders!"

Konoe Atsushi took a breath and said loudly, "The peace between the two nations was signed because the daimyo was considerate of the suffering of the common people. Now, General Tokumitsu has deliberately destroyed it..."

“The Great Name is without virtue, and the Water Shadow is without morality; therefore, we raise an army to uphold justice.”

Uchiha Tokumitsu interrupted Konoe Atsushi once again.

What evidence do you have?

Konoe Atsushi glared at him angrily.

"The Hozuki, Minazuki, and Kaguya clans were originally pillars of Kirigakure, but they were framed by the Mizukage for no reason, and thus fell into disarray..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu pointed to the three clans' ninjas on his right, "The thousand-year heritage of the ninja clans cannot be underestimated. Such a ruthless shadow is naturally someone any ninja in the ninja world can defeat!"

The ninjas in the inner hall all nodded in agreement.

"Since it's a battle between ninja villages, why are nobles and commoners also affected?"

Konoe Atsushi's voice was high-pitched, like a warrior shouting: "To plunder our eastern islands and kill our noble officials, is this something a ninja should do?"

"If I can have such a prestigious reputation, why can't I?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu grinned, "When the Daimyo was secretly instigating riots among the ninja villages and clans in order to take the opportunity to interfere in the affairs of the ninja villages, I didn't see how much pity the Daimyo had for the ninjas!"

"you……"

The envoy, Atsushi Konoe, seemed somewhat bewildered.

This doesn't seem to be the situation I imagined!

Logically speaking, either a 'rogue ninja leader' like Uchiha Tokumitsu was made ashamed by his words, or the rogue ninja leader was hit where it hurt and became angry.

“The daimyo regards ninjas as worthless, and the ninjas regard the daimyo as their enemies.”

"The one village, one country system is a peace policy established by Lord Hashirama. Since the Land of Water has abandoned it like trash, then there will be loyal and righteous ninjas in the ninja world to uphold justice!"

Upon hearing Uchiha Tokumitsu's words, even the Rain Ninja straightened their chests.

Yes! My purpose in joining the war is not for something as vulgar as money, but to uphold the system established by the 'God of Shinobi', Hashirama Senju!

"The Daimyo did not participate in framing the ninja clan..."

The envoy, Konoe Atsushi, quickly defended himself, saying, "The power of the ninja in our country is under the command of the Mizukage. The massacre of the Kirigakure clan has absolutely nothing to do with the Daimyo!"

"Maybe you're right, but I don't care."

Uchiha Tokumitsu stroked his chin and said slowly, "More importantly, the nobles of the Land of Water are also hindering free trade."

The Jonin on both sides continued to sneer, and even Hanzo of the Salamander shrugged slightly.

"Since...free trade?"

The messenger, Konoe Atsushi, was a little stuck.

How exactly should this word be understood?

Logically, after the two major powers end the state of war and restore peace, they should resume trade and commerce.

But isn't the one who has been plundering merchant ships at sea the very Uchiha war maniac in front of us, spouting nonsense about free trade?

When did the word "smuggling" become so noble and righteous?

When did ninjas learn to distort the truth?

"Speak, what conditions did your esteemed lord have for you to bring him here?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu quickly rendered the messenger speechless, and then felt quite bored.

"Disband the ninja army, apologize, and hand over the rogue ninja!"

The envoy, Atsushi Konoe, straightened his back once more and said loudly, "If General Tokukatsu is willing to submit, the Daimyo will not hesitate to bestow upon him noble official titles and hereditary ranks!"

"Ah~"

Uchiha Tokumitsu was very disappointed upon hearing this.

The group of ninja from the three Hidden Mist clans who were asked to hand over the ninja showed no sign of worry.

"Mr. Hanzo, do you think the Daimyo might have drunk too much fake alcohol, causing him to become confused?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu said to Hanzo the Salamander.

"It's not surprising that high-ranking officials, who are used to being high above others and consider themselves to be incomparably noble, would say such things."

Hanzo the Salamander chuckled, "I just wonder if he'll still be able to maintain such ignorant arrogance when he's on the guillotine."

"Oh dear~ Maybe by then they'll be scared out of their wits."

Minazuki Chino echoed from the side.

"They might scare themselves to death before they even reach the guillotine!"