Uchiha's personal opinion

"Uchiha Tokumitsu gave the order."

While the official reception and farewell duties could be delegated, the most crucial protection of key personnel remained the responsibility of the Police Department and the Internal Affairs Department—this was Uchiha Tokumitsu's principle.

Just as he is willing to share power with allies in certain areas, he firmly holds onto the core military power.

"As ordered!"

Minato Namikaze immediately stood up and saluted, then turned and bowed to Sakumo Hatake: "Chairman Sakumo, please take care of me!"

"...Very good! Very energetic!"

Sakumo Hatake grew increasingly satisfied. "The police department is indeed full of talented people! Minato-kun is a man of exceptional talent with a limitless future!"

"I am deeply grateful for Speaker Sakumo's kind words; everything is thanks to His Excellency the Governor's cultivation!"

Minato Namikaze humbly replied, "This is my first time undertaking such an important mission. Although I am eager to do so, I dare not slack off in the slightest. If there are any shortcomings in my work, I would appreciate Sakumo's guidance at that time!"

Sakumo Hatake was even more satisfied.

He was a very disciplined person, so he naturally liked this kind of smart and capable subordinate who was also disciplined.

It's just a pity he's from the police department; otherwise, Hatake Sakumo would definitely have recruited him.

Uchiha Tokumitsu also smiled broadly.

"Do a good job! If you successfully complete this security mission for the exam, not only will your probationary period as an inspector end early, but a supervisory position in a police unit will also be waiting for you!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu also casually drew a tangible pie in the sky.

The positions and ranks in the police department are extremely valuable to ninjas from other clans, and even Hatake Sakumo was slightly surprised by Uchiha Tokumitsu's generosity.

"Looks like this kid really is a talent..."

Sakumo Hatake couldn't help but take another look at Minato Namikaze.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Excellency. I will certainly complete the mission successfully!"

For Minato Namikaze, this was a sign of Uchiha Tokumitsu's appreciation and promotion, for which he was naturally extremely grateful.

The human heart is something invisible, intangible, and very mysterious.

Today, Minato Namikaze is in no way inferior to his peers from the Uchiha clan in terms of strength or position. In addition, Uchiha Tokumitsu is willing to "give him more responsibility" and cultivate him, so his future looks bright. Moreover, his former teacher Jiraiya was forced into becoming a rogue ninja by Uchiha Tokumitsu. As a result, the two, who have never even met, naturally have no master-disciple relationship.

One wonders what the Myoboku-san lineage would think if they saw Minato Namikaze, so loyal to the police department.

Thinking of this, Uchiha Tokumitsu's smile widened.

Chapter 306 Establishing Factions

On the morning of May 10th, 1940, the Third Kazekage of Sunagakure and Hanzo of the Salamander, leader of Amegakure, arrived in Konoha. Three days later, they would join Konoha's Uchiha Tokumitsu, Hatake Sakumo, and Uchiha Shikata to attend the official Chunin Exams matches.

Since Kirigakure has become a vassal state of the Tokukō Shogunate, and the position of Mizukage has been abolished by Uchiha Tokukō, Hozuki Masahiko, who is in charge of Kirigakure's administration, will attend as the chief chairman of the Kirigakure Jonin Joint Conference. Moreover, since the Kirigakure Joint Conference is one of the governing bodies under the Shogunate, Hozuki Masahiko will not receive the same treatment as the other five.

Even so, Uchiha Tokumitsu still stood up for Kirigakure, insisting on placing it alongside the Five Great Ninja Villages. Whether it was the food and lodging during the Chunin Exams or the seating arrangements in the spectator area, Uchiha Tokumitsu specifically instructed that it be treated the same as Sunagakure.

In addition, the Minister of the Palace of the Land of Fire and the Minister of State of the Land of Water, Atsushi Konoe, announced that they would arrive in Konoha the day before the Chunin Exams and represent their respective countries in the Chunin Exams matches.

This was also what Uchiha Tokumitsu strongly demanded, and the reason for setting up such a scheme was to take advantage of the Chunin Exams to promote the formation of an alliance with a unified stance against Iwagakure and Kumogakure.

……

"Lord Fengying, how is the war situation in your country?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu received the Third Kazekage and Hanzo of the Salamander, who had traveled a long way, at a tavern in the Uchiha clan's territory.

Although the food and environment at the tavern run by the Uchiha clan were not particularly outstanding, the fact that it was located within Uchiha clan territory meant that Uchiha Tokumitsu's hospitality towards the two of them was a testament to his closeness.

"Thank you for your concern, General Deguang. The front line is basically stable now. Once the ninja villages have adjusted their deployments, we will launch a large-scale counterattack to crush the invading Iwagakure ninja forces in one fell swoop!"

Although they were indoors, the Third Kazekage still wore a veil on his face, only dressed in casual clothes, while Hanzo of the Salamander still wore his usual gas mask.

However, Hanzo's gas mask seems to have been modified; at least now he can drink some alcohol through a straw using a small valve.

"However, I still have to thank Lord Hanzo..."

The Third Kazekage then nodded slightly to Hanzo of the Salamander: "The advance of Amegakure into the Land of Birds has also restrained Iwagakure to some extent, which is why Sunagakure was able to quickly withstand the offensive momentum of the Iwagakure invading army."

"Your Excellency Kazekage is too kind. It's just a pity that the Rain Ninja were not strong enough to break through the Iwagakure's rear base. I am truly ashamed of Your Excellency's excessive praise..."

Hanzo the Salamander politely put down his cup and nodded slightly to the Third Kazekage in return. "Moreover, this matter was entrusted by General Tokuko. Amegakure was merely fulfilling its duty as a mercenary ninja."

Uchiha Tokumitsu was also very satisfied, feeling that the start of this private meeting was quite good.

During the western battlefield of the Land of Rain in the Second Shinobi World War, Sunagakure, led by its advisor elder Chiyo, fought a fierce battle against Hanzo of the Salamander's Amegakure, and the two sides developed a considerable grudge. Chiyo herself was killed by Uchiha Tokumitsu on the battlefield of the Land of Rivers not long afterward, and Sunagakure suffered a great defeat and was severely weakened in this battle.

However, when faced with common interests, those in positions of power are fully capable of restraining their emotional impulses and taking actions that are more in line with their interests.

Therefore, in this scheme orchestrated by Uchiha Tokumitsu, the Third Kazekage chose to take the initiative to show goodwill to Hanzo of the Salamander in order to achieve a reconciliation on the surface. Hanzo of the Salamander also tactfully accepted and attributed the credit to Uchiha Tokumitsu, who facilitated the matter, thus achieving a reconciliation among the three parties.

"These two are truly noble and virtuous, worthy of being the cornerstone of peace in the ninja world..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu calmly blatantly lied, "In my opinion, wars between ninjas are really unnecessary. The ninja world has enough space to accommodate the existence of ninjas..."

The Third Kazekage and Hanzo the Salamander also nodded in agreement.

"However, the remnants of the old era are still unwilling to give up. They are still trying their best to interrupt the ninja's path to self-improvement, determined to make the ninja submit to those corrupt, incompetent, and powerless nobles..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu raised his glass and said, "They! They are the enemies who hinder the rise of ninjas!"

Agreed!

I second that!

The Third Kazekage and Hanzo the Salamander also raised their glasses in agreement.

Especially the third Kazekage.

Since he transformed the village into a nation and took on the role of Kanpaku of the Land of Wind, he has been under pressure from all sides, both within and outside the village, both domestically and internationally. If it weren't for Uchiha Tokumitsu secretly providing a lot of military supplies to alleviate Sunagakure's urgent crisis, his faction would probably have been defeated by enemies both overt and covert.

As for Hanzo of the Salamander, his Amegakure had been hired by the Tokugawa Shogunate to fight many times, and the ninjas under his command had a special feeling for the Shogunate. Therefore, they had long accepted Uchiha Tokugawa's leadership in their hearts, although they were still a little awkward on the surface.

"The war should end as soon as possible."

Uchiha Tokumitsu uttered the question that the Third Kazekage was most concerned about: "The only fate of the Iwagakure invading army, which has violated morality, is defeat or annihilation!"

"Thank you for your support, General Deguang!"

Without inquiring whether Uchiha Tokumitsu would provide any support to Sunagakure, who was currently engaged in a fierce battle, the Third Kazekage picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

Then, Uchiha Tokumitsu turned to Hanzo of the Salamander and said, "The rise of Amegakure is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of ninjas, and it is also the legitimate right of a completely independent ninja village. The suppression and attacks it suffered in the past were all unjust."

"...The people of Yuren will never forget General Deguang's kindness!"

Hanzo the Salamander also bowed slightly to Uchiha Tokumitsu in a solemn tone.

After the Second Shinobi World War, the reconstruction of Amegakure was actually due to the Tokugawa Shogunate's repeated hiring of it. In particular, the Amegakure army suffered little loss but gained a lot of spoils in the wars it participated in, which allowed the impoverished Amegakure to escape its extreme poverty and begin the road to reconstruction and revival.

"With Mr. Hanzo around, I believe it's not impossible for Amegakure to become the sixth greatest ninja village in the world in the future..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu once again made empty promises: "The current Takigakure is colluding with the old guard of the ninja world, such as Kumogakure and Iwagakure, and is no longer worthy of its position. It is only right that Amegakure should take its place!"

"What do you think, Lord Fengying?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu then sought the opinion of the Third Kazekage.

"General Deguang is absolutely right!"

The Third Kazekage nodded to Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hanzo of the Salamander.

The sixth great ninja village...

The gas mask on Hanzo's face emitted faint but unusually clear breathing sounds.

Since Hanzo the Salamander became the leader of Amegakure, this has been the honor he has strived for but could never obtain.

Although the so-called "Sixth Great Ninja Village" may just be an empty title and may not bring much additional benefit to the Rain Village, this "empty title" has embodied the long-cherished wish of several generations of Rain Villagers and is the only remedy to comfort the Rain Villagers who died for it.

Hanzo the Salamander understood that Uchiha Tokumitsu must have something in mind, otherwise he wouldn't have made such a grand promise.

But he had no better options.

Moreover, Uchiha Tokumitsu's statement that the Third Kazekage agreed indicates that the three major ninja villages of Konoha, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure will all endorse Amegakure's status as the "sixth great ninja village." As long as he can defeat the current Takigakure, the three major ninja villages can rightfully recognize Amegakure's status.

"Rain Shadow... that name doesn't seem bad either..."

Even the resolute Hanzo the Salamander couldn't help but be captivated.

Ultimately, Uchiha Tokumitsu's dismissal of the Mizukage of Kirigakure did not conform to the traditional organizational structure of the ninja world. As a powerful figure from the old era, Hanzo of the Salamander naturally preferred to put himself under the shadow of a shadow.

"Of course, as mentioned earlier, the supporters of the old-fashioned village-state system and the corrupt and incompetent nobles have been relentlessly trying to stifle the progressive forces in the ninja world..."

After stirring up emotions to a sufficient degree, Uchiha Tokumitsu formally revealed his plan: "Therefore, we should put aside our old grudges and unite to curb those villains who attempt to interrupt the path of ninja self-improvement..."

"General Deguang, if we combine the strength of the Three Ninja Villages, along with Kirigakure... we should have enough confidence to wipe out Iwagakure and Kumogakure in one fell swoop..."

The Third Kazekage earnestly stated, "Iwagakure is lifeless, Kumogakure is on its last legs, and Takigakure is clinging to its old ways and easily defeated. If we join forces to launch a Northern Expedition, we are absolutely confident that we can annihilate these two uncooperative ninja villages. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Peace is the dominant theme of the ninja world..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu chuckled and offered a somewhat unconvincing explanation: "The Konoha ninja are already weary of war, and the Amegakure is in dire need of rebuilding. Gathering our ninja forces for battle now is not the best time. Moreover, with our alliance and the continued decline of Iwagakure and Kumogakure, we will surely be able to eliminate those unreasonable enemies at minimal cost in the future. So why needlessly waste the ninja villages' resources on this matter?"

After all, Uchiha Tokumitsu couldn't very well say that he hadn't found any trace of the reckless Uchiha Madara yet, and therefore didn't want to waste too much energy on Iwagakure and Kumogakure at this time.

Moreover, even if he wipes out Iwagakure and Kumogakure in one fell swoop, so what? He can't just turn his guns on Sunagakure immediately, can he?

"General Deguang is indeed the greatest and most righteous ninja in the ninja world..."

The Third Kazekage raised an eyebrow and politely replied with a perfunctory remark.

The so-called "pacification of the ninja world" was actually just a test by the Third Kazekage.

Although there are no proverbs like "when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold" or "when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked," every high-ranking member of a ninja village understands similar principles.

The Tokugawa Shogunate has now completely controlled Kirigakure and Konoha. If they were to launch a northern expedition to destroy Iwagakure and Kumogakure, the entire ninja world would fall under the control of the Shogunate and Konoha. Sunagakure and Amegakure, who had also contributed significantly, would either become vassals like Kirigakure or be eliminated by the Shogunate, which would turn its guns on them.

Therefore, even though Sunagakure and Iwagakure are still at war, the Third Kazekage does not want to see any major ninja village destroyed.

This stems from an instinctive sense of balance.

Uchiha Tokumitsu had already established a "policy of balancing the ninja world" after conquering Kirigakure, and naturally did not want to see the current balance being artificially disrupted, so as to allow enough time to continue accumulating power.

After all, the enemies of Konoha and the Shogunate are not just the Iwagakure and Kumogakure who band together for warmth. There are also the remnants of Madara Uchiha who are hiding in the shadows and barely surviving, the so-called savior of the Summoning Beast Holy Land, the Otsutsuki lineage of Hamura on the moon... All sorts of special beings are the ones that Uchiha Tokumitsu needs to go all out against.

"Then we shall do as General Deguang says..."

The Third Kazekage nodded. "Then it is indeed necessary for us to establish a mutually supportive alliance to jointly deal with the counterattack of the old forces..."