Uchiha's personal opinion

Although Uchiha Tokumitsu's words implied a fallacy of equivocation, Hatake Sakumo couldn't find a way to refute them.

"But... why has the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the village deteriorated to the point of drawing swords against each other?" Sakumo Hatake asked, based on the recent standoff.

"Because we're not convinced."

"You're not convinced?"

"Sakumo Jonin, the position of Hokage, is in principle elected by a vote of the Jonin Council, right?"

“Yes, uh…” Hatake Sakumo was about to answer decisively, but then he got stuck.

"So do you understand now?" Uchiha Tokumitsu glanced at him.

"Sigh..." Sakumo Hatake could only continue to sigh.

He felt he hadn't sighed as many times in a month as he had during today's conversation.

According to the village's original system, the position of Hokage should have been elected by a vote at the Jonin Council. This system was originally established by Tobirama Senju to exclude the unpopular but powerful Madara Uchiha. However, even the Second and Third Hokage were not elected through this mechanism; the system has effectively become defunct.

"I even suggested to Elder Setsuna that we support your candidacy for Hokage; but do you know what the Grand Elder said?"

"How so?" This question piqued Sakumo Hatake's curiosity.

"Elder Shaka said that would only kill you..."

Sakumo Hatake's eyelids twitched a few times.

"Jonin Sakumo, I'll say it again: the Uchiha clan doesn't actually ask for much." Uchiha Tokumitsu's tone was as calm as ever. "They just want fairness and respect, but are those things really that difficult?"

"But doesn't the village have a great deal of trust in the Uchiha clan? After all, there's no precedent in Konoha or even the ninja world for someone of your age to command a border force."

"Jonin Sakumo, after the reorganization of the Northwest Border Defense Force, most of the ninjas on the payroll are either Uchiha clan members or relatives by marriage," Uchiha Tokumitsu said, emphasizing each word. "The position of border force commander is indeed not something I obtained through ability or experience, but rather because the clan endorsed me with my strength, appointing me as their representative. Moreover, the village's intention was to weaken the Uchiha's strength, which allowed us to stand alone. It's just that the village didn't expect Iwagakure's strategic objective to be completely outside of the Land of Grass."

"Well... Tokumitsu-kun, you don't think I'll do well in the Hokage election either?" Hatake Sakumo deliberately changed the subject.

“Jonin Sakumo, there’s a saying among the samurai, ‘One general’s success is built on the bones of ten thousand,’ but I disagree with that,” Uchiha Tokumitsu said seriously. “I believe that if you’re going to choose, you should have the determination to burn your bridges and decide for yourself whether you live or die.”

"But... are you really mentally prepared? Do you really dare to accept the Uchiha clan's open support?"

Sakumo Hatake simply continued on his way in silence, offering no comment.

After a while, Sakumo Hatake finally said quietly, "Tokumitsu-kun, thank you..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu was also somewhat surprised.

"Although we have different philosophies, I still appreciate your frankness..."

“It doesn’t matter, we’re just looking for common ground while respecting differences.” Uchiha Tokumitsu remained straightforward. “The Uchiha have never tried to persuade others with words.”

"Seeking common ground while reserving differences..." Sakumo Hatake silently pondered the meaning behind this phrase.

Uchiha Tokumitsu said no more and continued on his way.

A large group of ninjas moved swiftly through the forest, leaving many figures behind. Under the setting sun, the mountains stretched like a sea, and the setting sun was like blood.

Chapter 47 Sakumo's Mission

Despite some disagreements during their conversation along the way, Hatake Sakumo and Uchiha Tokumitsu's friendship, despite their age difference, progressed by seeking common ground while reserving differences.

Therefore, when Hatake Sakumo expressed his desire to visit and learn from the Northwest Border Defense Force, Uchiha Tokumitsu readily agreed and dispatched Uchiha Kensuke to lead his subordinates back to camp as quickly as possible to inform the garrison to make preparations.

Upon entering the Land of Grass, Hatake Sakumo slowed his pace, carefully observing the villages, towns, mountains, lakes, and marshes he passed through. Although the settlements were relatively desolate compared to the Land of Fire, it was clear that the residents no longer displayed the same sense of fear and uncertainty they once did, and the markets were busier than before; moreover, the deep forests and mountains were no longer home to bandits and robbers.

"Tokumitsu-kun, it's said that Kusagakure used to collaborate with bandits to attack towns and shops. Is that still happening now?"

"I remember there were such organizations before, but since Commander Huomen led his troops to sweep through the land of grass after obtaining the title of Daimyo, almost all underground organizations have been wiped out; the numerous ninja groups and spies have been almost completely eradicated; and the ninjas who cooperated with bandits have all been killed one by one; so, although the land of grass is still poor, it is at least relatively stable compared to other small countries."

"The Grass Ninja who strangled the Grass Ninja who colluded with bandits... Doesn't the Grass Ninja Village object?" Hatake Sakumo asked, somewhat puzzled.

"The Jonin Sakumo and the entire Kusagakure community are very sensible and pragmatic," Uchiha Tokumitsu smiled confidently. "The headquarters has issued bounties to Kusagakure that amount to twice the village's total income. What can Kusagakure possibly use to resist me?"

"So, basically, we don't even need to lift a finger; the Grass Ninja will capture their fellow village ninjas who committed the offense and collect the reward."

Sakumo Hatake also found it quite amazing.

"At first, I found it quite unbelievable when you said that, but then I thought, since it's a Grass Ninja, it's normal," Hatake Sakumo said seriously.

"Spending money is also an art. We can use money to make the Grass Ninja fight amongst themselves, using incentives to create discord among them, dividing and controlling them, and thus undermining the authority of their leader. At that point, the Grass Ninja, who are like a disorganized mess, will be easy prey to manipulate." Uchiha Tokumitsu was quite confident about this.

"But... what use are the scattered Grass Ninja?" Hatake Sakumo asked, somewhat puzzled. "They can't possibly assist in the defense of Iwagakure, can they?"

"...Relying on the Grass Ninja to defend against the Iwagakure? Then the Grass Country's garrison camp is truly in danger!" Uchiha Tokumitsu laughed heartily. "Moreover, wouldn't it be better to directly assign the disorganized Grass Ninja to the command of the Konoha ninjas than to let them form an army on their own? At least they can still fight when things are going well."

"That makes sense..."

The two walked and talked, getting closer and closer to the camp of the northwestern border defense forces.

"Young Master Deguang, the patrol team has already made contact with you!"

A ninja on the march reports back.

“Alright, send the patrol back to carry out their mission. There’s no need to wait here.” After instructing the ninja to do so, Uchiha Tokumitsu said to Hatake Sakumo, “Jonin Sakumo, the camp isn’t far ahead. Let’s go straight into the camp.”

Sakumo Hatake naturally had no objections.

It felt really good to be back at the main camp.

The entire camp was extremely enthusiastic about Sakumo Hatake's arrival. Almost all the ninjas who weren't on missions came to meet their idol, shake hands, and get autographs.

Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo's eight accompanying ninjas entered the camp unnoticed under the cover of the Uchiha ninjas.

Uchiha Tokumitsu invited Hatake Sakumo to rest in the central tent. Uchiha Himon arranged a feast featuring specialties from the Land of Grass and summoned a group of Jonin from the camp to welcome Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hatake Sakumo.

After the banquet ended and everyone took their leave, Uchiha Tokumitsu said to Hatake Sakumo, "Sakumo Jonin, just tell me if there's anything I can help you with on your mission."

"Tokumitsu-kun is truly perceptive," Hatake Sakumo said somewhat awkwardly. "There is indeed something I need your assistance with, but I'm not sure if it will cause you any trouble..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't say anything, he just smiled and stared at him.

“Alright…” Hatake Sakumo smiled helplessly, took out a scroll from his pocket, and handed it to Uchiha Tokumitsu, indicating that he should read the contents himself.

This is a mission document issued by the Hokage, requiring him to infiltrate the Land of Waterfall to investigate the recent meetings between the Hidden Stone Village and the Hidden Cloud Village within its territory. The mission recipient, Sakumo Hatake, is given the authority to mobilize the ninja forces stationed in various locations for coordination and support.

Uchiha Tokumitsu fell into deep thought.

Judging from the documents, it was just a simple intelligence mission. The eight ninjas accompanying Hatake Sakumo were all veterans skilled in stealth operations, so theoretically, it was enough for them if it was just intelligence gathering.

"Jonin Sakumo, could you explain the true details of the mission a little?" Uchiha Tokumitsu stroked his chin and asked hesitantly.

"According to intelligence from the Anbu, the long-time enemies Iwagakure and Kumogakure are having a secret meeting somewhere in Takigakure, and the participants are all high-ranking officials from both villages. The villages are worried that they are discussing some kind of conspiracy, so they have asked us to investigate..." Hatake Sakumo also said with some helplessness.

An intelligence mission involves two major ninja villages, and it's located in another country, but the exact location isn't clear. Where do we even begin to investigate...?

Uchiha Tokumitsu also found it somewhat strange.

"Speaking of which... shouldn't our village and Takigakure be allies?"

“That is true… but Takigakure has always been a closed country, rarely contacting the outside world. It will be difficult to reach a conclusion in a short time, and this matter is quite urgent…” Hatake Sakumo also felt a bit helpless.

"And we can't be sure of Takigakure's stance on this matter, can we?" Uchiha Tokumitsu shook his head with a smile.

“Yes…” Sakumo Hatake sighed.

"So how do you need my cooperation?"

"If possible, please secretly deploy a ninja army to the border of Takigakure to lie in wait. If necessary, they can assist in the encirclement and killing of the meeting personnel from the two ninja villages based on the message sent to them."

This makes sense in explaining the transfer of troops from the northwestern border defense forces, since the Land of Grass happens to border the Land of Waterfall.

"How many people do you expect to need?" Uchiha Tokumitsu asked, having already made up his mind.

"Around a hundred people, the more Jonin the better, we don't need Genin, they won't be of any use." Hatake Sakumo's eyes lit up.

"Then... how about thirty Jonin and sixty Chunin?" Uchiha Tokumitsu roughly estimated the number of people in the camp and gave a lineup that could be described as luxurious. "That would make exactly thirty Jonin squads, and they are all long-term cooperative fighters. That should meet your requirements."

"That would be perfect." Hatake Sakumo nodded repeatedly, indicating his great satisfaction.

"What about time?"

"According to the intelligence from the Anbu, Iwagakure and Kumogakure will meet again in about three days. This time, there may be higher-ranking personnel making contact. I will lead my men to infiltrate and track down the meeting place, and try to eavesdrop on the intelligence." Hatake Sakumo took out a map from his pocket and explained the mission plan to Uchiha Tokumitsu.

"Then how will we communicate and confirm the command signals?" Uchiha Tokumitsu asked. "Especially if the meeting place is far from the border of the Land of Grass, it will be difficult to conceal our whereabouts during the long march..."

"I have twin brothers under my command who possess a family-inherited telepathic technique. They can sense and locate each other over extremely long distances. I will leave one of them with your support ninja army to lead the way..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu became interested in this secret technique.

“Furthermore, as an additional safety measure…” Sakumo Hatake formed hand seals and summoned a black ninja dog resembling a bulldog, “This is Bashar, one of my contracted ninja dogs. I can communicate with him through him…”

After whispering to the ninja dog for a moment, Sakumo Hatake nodded repeatedly and began to speak: "Lord Sakumo, I understand. Please rest assured, Lord Tokumitsu, I will do my best to complete the mission."

Uchiha Tokumitsu was also a little surprised. This was the second time he had seen a talking summoning beast. The last one was Uchiha Himon's ninja cat named 'Hanamaki'. He never expected that Hatake Sakumo would also have such a human-like summoning beast.

“Then I’m basically fine.” Uchiha Tokumitsu looked away, suppressing the urge to pet the dog. “But Sakumo Jonin, when do you plan to depart?”

"I will depart directly tonight. I will leave a shadow clone at the camp. I would appreciate it if you could take the shadow clone and walk around outside the camp a few times tomorrow. After that, the shadow clone will head south towards the Land of Rain to create the illusion that it has another destination."

Uchiha Tokumitsu nodded slightly. This arrangement was quite meticulous by today's standards, and he couldn't find any problems with it.

“Then I will lead my troops to infiltrate the border of Takigakure tomorrow night.” Uchiha Tokumitsu pondered for a moment and gave a time. “After all, thirty squads are quite a lot of people. It would be difficult to conceal our whereabouts if we mobilized them quickly. Tomorrow night is the most suitable time.”

"Then I'll leave it to you, Mr. Deguang!"

"You're too kind, Jonin Sakumo! I'm also looking forward to fighting alongside you!" Uchiha Tokumitsu smiled brightly.

"You plan to personally lead the ninja army into battle?" Hatake Sakumo finally realized what was happening and was shocked upon hearing this.

“Yes, I also want to meet the elites of Kumogakure and Iwagakure.” Uchiha Tokumitsu was somewhat eager to try.

“This…” Hatake Sakumo hesitated, “Wouldn’t this be too risky? It’s not a good idea, considering you’re also in charge of commanding the main camp.”

"That's alright, Uncle Fire Gate is here too." Uchiha Tokumitsu waved his hand. "Besides, I selected the elites of the Uchiha radical faction. If it were someone else, they might not be able to command them. In that case, it would be worse to miss the opportunity."

“That makes sense…” Hatake Sakumo thought about it and agreed. With so many Uchiha ninjas, apart from Uchiha Tokumitsu, who was a special person with the status of a faction heir, it was hard to say whether anyone else could really control them.

"Don't worry, Jonin Sakumo." Uchiha Tokumitsu was full of confidence. "Including you and me, there are a total of thirty-two Jonin. The other side will definitely not have many people to meet with. Therefore, we have the advantage in both the number and quality of ninjas. Unless Onoki or the Raikage come in person, we will make sure they don't leave alive!"

Chapter 48 A Big Fish Has Been Caught

Sakumo Hatake led his men and set off overnight.

Uchiha Tokumitsu stayed an extra day, cooperating with the shadow clones left behind by Hatake Sakumo to put on a show before returning to the camp to check on the personnel.

Regarding Uchiha Tokumitsu's initiative to join the battle, Uchiha Himon subtly expressed his concerns and suggested strengthening the ninja accompanying the team. Uchiha Tokumitsu naturally followed suit and fully accepted his elder's well-intentioned advice.