Uchiha's personal opinion

Uchiha Tokumitsu nodded in return, "Sakumo Jonin."

The Third Hokage also invited Sakumo Hatake to sit down and began to get straight to the point, "Sakumo-kun, the reason I summoned you here today is also about the newly formed mobile unit, which has been decided upon by the village..."

“Tokumitsu-kun, based on the village’s previous decision, it has been decided that he will be transferred from the Northwest Border Defense Force to the Mobile Force as deputy commander.” The Third Hokage pointed at Uchiha Tokumitsu and said to Hatake Sakumo.

Uchiha Tokumitsu bowed slightly. Since it was confirmed that Hatake Sakumo would be the commander of the mobile unit, there was no harm in accepting the appointment.

"Regarding the selection of combat ninjas for the mobile force, some will be drawn from the list nominated by Sakumo-kun. For any vacancies, please ask Tokumitsu-kun to take the trouble to draw personnel from the Uchiha clan. In addition, regarding the support ninjas in the mobile force, the village will draw elites from the medical department and sealing team, and will also select elites from the Hyuga, Inuzuka, Aburame and other ninja clans..."

Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame are all powerful ninja clans in the village, known for their formidable fighting skills and expertise in tracking.

"Sakumo-kun, Tokumitsu-kun," the Third Hokage explained the composition of the mobile unit, then asked the two, "Any further questions?"

“No objection,” Sakumo Hatake replied, head held high.

The formation of this mobile force was a long-held tactical concept of his, and now that his wish had come true, he naturally had no objections.

Uchiha Tokumitsu shook his head, indicating that he agreed and had no objections.

"In that case, please proceed with the preparations." The Third Hokage picked up his pipe and took a satisfying puff. "The Administration Department will handle matters such as the Mobile Unit's location and equipment."

Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hatake Sakumo then rose to take their leave.

The third generation's smile became increasingly kind and approachable, like an old man selling goldfish.

……

"Tokumitsu-kun, I'd like to trouble you with the selection of some of the main combat ninjas for the mobile force..." After leaving the Hokage Building, Hatake Sakumo scratched his head and said to Uchiha Tokumitsu with a slightly embarrassed expression.

“Since it’s a partnership with Sakumo-kun, then there’s no problem.” Uchiha Tokumitsu smiled slightly. “However, the specific candidate still needs to be reported to the clan and then appointed by the clan head and elders. So please allow me to discuss it with the clan first, Sakumo-kun.”

"That would be even better." Sakumo Hatake seemed very pleased. "With Tokumitsu-kun's assistance, the formation of the mobile force is already half successful."

That's right. The mobile unit has a total of 21 Jonin, and the Uchiha clan will send 12 of them, which is 4/7 of them.

"Tokumitsu-kun, how about we grab lunch together?" Hatake Sakumo invited Uchiha Tokumitsu. "The yakiniku Q restaurant run by the Akimichi family is pretty good; the Jonin from the village all love going there..."

“Uh… I already have a prior arrangement with my clansman Fugaku, so it’s just bad luck…” Uchiha Tokumitsu hesitated for a moment before politely declining, “Maybe next time. Since we’re working together, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future…”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two parted ways, agreeing to meet again the next day to discuss the specifics of the mobile unit.

Chapter 57 Sakumo's Strength

7 PM.

The sun had already set, and night was gradually falling. The streets were becoming deserted. Due to the increasingly frequent conflicts between countries recently, the impact on trade routes was growing. The large caravans that used to be everywhere were shrinking rapidly at a visible rate. In addition, more and more Konoha ninjas were being conscripted by the village to guard other areas, which made the streets much quieter.

The impact of war is not limited to death; the decline and desolation in commerce are also among the traumas of war.

Compared to the village streets, the Uchiha clan's territory was much quieter at this time.

Hand-burning workshop.

This is a small restaurant run by an ordinary elderly Uchiha couple on their clan's territory. Originally, they mainly served casual meals such as pancakes, but recently they have added sushi, yakitori, and other dishes. They also offer small private dining rooms, so Uchiha ninjas come here quite often.

Although the merchants in the village's commercial street dared not disrespect the Uchiha from the police department, even the Uchiha felt quite uncomfortable eating and drinking under the watchful and fearful attitude of others. Therefore, they were more likely to spend their money at the merchants in their clan's territory.

The paper lanterns hanging at the entrance emitted a soft orange glow, and the three large, dark characters "Handmade Workshop" printed on the lanterns were particularly eye-catching.

When Uchiha Tokumitsu arrived at the shop entrance, the enthusiastic shop owner, Uchiha Tessho, and his wife, Uchiha Jun, greeted him warmly.

"Young Master Deguang, welcome!"

"Good evening, Uncle Tekki." Uchiha Tokumitsu greeted the two politely, showing no disdain for them just because they were ordinary people. "I have an appointment with my cousin Fugaku. Has he arrived yet?"

"The young clan leader has arrived, please follow me." Uncle Tessho warmly led Uchiha Tokumitsu into a private room inside the house.

Pushing open the door, I found Fugaku Uchiha already sitting upright, drinking tea.

From a etiquette standpoint, Fugaku Uchiha's conduct was impeccable.

At least, he practiced 'self-discipline' when he was alone.

……

"This matter does indeed need to be discussed with Elder Shana."

Uchiha Tokumitsu slurped up the ramen made by the teppanyaki uncle. It tasted good, and the soup was authentic. It was no worse than Ichiraku Ramen.

"Why? The position of deputy commander of the mobile force is a rare and valuable real post. Do you think Elder Setsuna would disagree?" Fugaku Uchiha frowned, looking somewhat annoyed. "Or is it that you don't have enough subordinates, Tokumitsu-kun? I can transfer some personnel to you."

“It has nothing to do with manpower.” Uchiha Tokumitsu ate his ramen and tempura without a care in the world. To be fair, the fried food made by the tsunaki uncle was indeed quite good, and he ate with great relish. “It’s not wrong to discuss important matters involving factions with the old man.”

The two disagreed on the position of deputy commander of the Mobile Force that Uchiha Tokumitsu was about to assume, as well as the matter of transferring twelve Uchiha Jonin to the Mobile Force.

Uchiha Tokumitsu clearly didn't show much enthusiasm, while Uchiha Fugaku took it very seriously.

In Uchiha Tokumitsu's eyes, this so-called newly formed ninja army, which was very likely used to deplete the Uchiha clan's manpower, had little power but heavy responsibilities, making it a tough nut to crack; but in Uchiha Fugaku's eyes, it was a springboard for the Uchiha clan to gain more power.

“I have no right to interfere with the freedom of any clansman, especially a Jonin. That would be an insult to his strength and dignity.” The sushi and sashimi were also quite good, and Uchiha Tokumitsu couldn’t stop eating. It was just a pity that because of the somewhat ridiculous three prohibitions on alcohol among ninjas, the tsubaki uncle didn’t sell him any alcohol, even though he was an underage Jonin. “Even the Hokage cannot arbitrarily restrict the actions of a Jonin. Even in wartime, a forced conscription can only be issued after a resolution is passed by the Jonin Council. What’s more, it’s about transferring the clan’s Jonin into this ninja army that is destined to carry out dangerous missions.”

This is also a long-standing paradox within Konoha.

Jonin, as the highest rank of ninja, are naturally commanders at the ninja army company level or above, possessing a transcendent status. However, since the Third Hokage came to power, he has been committed to strengthening the power of the Hokage Building, which has weakened the status of Jonin and suppressed ninja clans. In particular, the Uchiha clan, which was already a target, clearly felt increasingly restricted.

The turning point came when Uchiha Tokumitsu and Uchiha Himon jointly took command of the northwestern border defense forces. With a combination of opportune timing and considerable power, the Uchiha clan easily gained control of the Land of Grass. The substantial profits spurred the Uchiha clan to pursue even more power and wealth with greater ruthlessness and urgency.

Fugaku Uchiha wanted all twenty-one main combat Jonin of the Mobile Force to be drawn from the Uchiha clan, while Tokumitsu Uchiha felt that even sending twelve Jonin was too many.

He was also thinking that when he and Hatake Sakumo finalized the other nine Jonin tomorrow, they might be able to pick a few Jonin from the Sarutobi or Shimura clans to serve as scapegoats.

The meal with Fugaku was not very pleasant.

Although the two did not part on bad terms, they did not get along very well either; it could only be said that they had a fairly thorough exchange of opinions.

After saying goodbye to Fugaku, Uchiha Tokumitsu did not rush home. Instead, he bought another serving of sashimi from the sashimi bar and headed towards Elder Setsuna's residence.

Compared to Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and young clan head Fugaku Uchiha, he was more willing to respect and accept the opinions of the elders.

……

The next day, after discussing with Elder Setsuna, Uchiha Tokumitsu legitimately obtained the right to transfer twelve Uchiha Jonin.

Although Elder Setsuna did not place much importance on the position of deputy commander of the mobile force, he regarded participating in the mobile force as a good place to hone the skills of a Jonin.

Compared to the ninja predecessors who survived the Warring States period, the strength of this generation of Jonin is relatively weak, and they seriously lack the test of life and death.

Uchiha Tokumitsu had no objection to this, since the twelve Jonin summoned under Elder Setsuna's orders were all warmongers from the Uchiha clan who usually carried out various special missions for the clan. They also regarded joining the mobile unit as an opportunity to hone their skills, so it was not against the Jonin's wishes.

Therefore, when Uchiha Tokumitsu joined forces with twelve Jonin with three tomoe and Hatake Sakumo, even the well-informed Konoha White Fang was amazed by Uchiha Tokumitsu's efficiency.

He had thought it would take at least four or five days for the Uchiha clan to complete the recruitment of Jonin, but he didn't expect it to be done overnight. Moreover, each of them exuded a strong and capable aura, clearly experienced and seasoned Jonin.

Sakumo Hatake was extremely excited about the addition of the first batch of main ninja. His long-cherished dream of building a higher-level ninja combat force had finally made a good start.

Similarly, the Konoha administration was quite efficient, quickly approving a base and training ground for the mobile force, though both were located in the forest outside the village.

Unfortunately, there was simply no suitable place to be found in Konoha Village, where land is extremely valuable.

As for digging a basement?

Don't be ridiculous. As a gathering place for ninjas, Konoha Village has long been riddled with holes dug by generations of ninjas. Everyone likes to build basements under their houses like mole rats, doing things that are inconvenient to show to the public. Over time, the tunnels are naturally full of traps, so there is no room left for fancy tricks like underground basements.

In addition, Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hatake Sakumo initially selected another nine Jonin based on ninja data. He also specially selected two Jonin from the Sarutobi clan and two Jonin from the Shimura clan, all of whom were regular ninjas.

As for the reason, it was mainly because Uchiha Tokumitsu felt that the elites of Sarutobi Shimura couldn't be missing, otherwise it wouldn't feel complete.

By the afternoon, the mobile unit's personnel were basically in place, all twenty-one Jonin responsible for combat were present, all the logistics and internal affairs personnel transferred from the political affairs department were present, and the auxiliary ninjas were also transferred in one after another. The entire organizational structure began to work together.

The internal affairs ninjas from the Ministry of Political Affairs handled the base matters in an orderly manner, which pleased Hatake Sakumo the most. After having some free time, he couldn't resist the urge to play, so he invited the Jonin to a battle under the pretext of getting the comrades together.

The Jonin were naturally eager to try it out.

Although the name of "White Fang" is well-known in Konoha, young and old alike, they are all Jonin and have some skill. Naturally, they don't fear White Fang like a tailed beast, unlike ninjas from other villages. They all want to test White Fang's strength.

The result of the battle was that everyone on the training field understood the meaning of the saying that "the gap between Jonin can be greater than the gap between a human and a dog."

Two Jonin from the Sarutobi clan, one Jonin from the Shimura clan, and one Jonin from the Uchiha clan took turns challenging him, but were all decisively defeated by Hatake Sakumo.

Moreover, they didn't rely on any fancy ninjutsu; they were all defeated by Sakumo Hatake with a sword held to their necks.

His swordsmanship was simple and direct, coupled with unparalleled speed and perfectly controlled force. It seemed simple, yet every aspect had been honed to perfection. With this, Konoha's White Fang became invincible.

"Commander Sakumo, let me give it a try!" Uchiha Tokumitsu couldn't contain himself any longer. He was also eager to try and took the initiative to challenge Hatake Sakumo.

Although the two had known each other for some time, they had not yet officially tested their skills against each other.

“Okay.” Hatake Sakumo was equally delighted.

After watching from the sidelines for a while, Uchiha Tokumitsu gained a direct understanding of Sakumo's strength.

Simply put, he is a ninja who uses a thrusting attack with unparalleled speed.

Therefore, Uchiha Tokumitsu immediately put his hands together and began to refine and transform the chakra within his body.

"Fire Release Chakra Mode!"

A deep purple flame aura enveloped his entire body.

Facing Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, he naturally wouldn't be so arrogant as to use the Uchiha-style swordsmanship. To try and fight with swordsmanship when he was far inferior in speed, strength, and experience would be nothing short of humiliating.

Hatake Sakumo gripped his swords with both hands, adopting a stance reminiscent of the Yin Formation. It seemed he didn't intend to strike first, but rather to wait for Uchiha Tokumitsu to make the first move.

Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't hold back either, quickly forming hand seals.

"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"

This fire-style ninjutsu, passed down through generations of the Uchiha clan, has become even more powerful after being restructured using flame-style chakra.

The enormous fire dragon pounced on the waiting Hatake Sakumo with unstoppable speed.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Tokumitsu wasn't idle either. He didn't expect to achieve anything with just one ninjutsu; he was merely using this B-rank fire-style ninjutsu to test the waters.

He then continued to form hand seals, and clusters of fireballs split off from the flames of his body, hovering around him.

"Instant cut!"

The fire dragon came fiercely, and Sakumo Hatake, who had been waiting with his sword raised in the Yin Formation, suddenly made his move, unleashing countless extremely sharp sword lights.

The blade of light, composed of lightning chakra, sliced ​​the chakra fire dragon into several pieces with lightning speed, triggering a secondary explosion.

At the same time, the blade's momentum remained undiminished as it slashed towards Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Such power almost caused Uchiha Tokumitsu to lose his composure, and he nearly made a mistake in his hand seals.

"Tu Dun·Tu Liubi!"