Uchiha's personal opinion

Following Sakumo Hatake's advice and discussions among those who came to his aid, the Eastern Border Defense Force and the newly arrived Konoha Ninja Army each dispatched a contingent to re-enter the Land of Whirlpools to search for survivors of the Uzumaki clan.

Even though they were filled with immense grief, the surviving members of the Uzumaki clan knew they were powerless to return to the Land of Whirlpools and rebuild their home. After treating their injuries, they wiped away their tears and followed the Konoha ninja toward Konoha.

……

At this moment, at the entrance of Konoha Village, led by the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, almost the entire village of Konoha ninja and villagers turned out to welcome the triumphant mobile force and the Uzumaki clan.

However, because the proportion of Uchiha clan members in the Mobile Force was significantly higher, the significance of the Mobile Force Commander, Sakumo Hatake, was highlighted at the triumphant ceremony, while the contributions of the Uchiha clan were only mentioned briefly.

In response, both the Uchiha Jonin who accompanied Uchiha Tokumitsu on his expedition and the members of the Uchiha Police Department responsible for maintaining order showed great indignation. Their eyes were strange, and they gripped their sword hilts as if they were about to immediately carry out the tradition of military remonstrance and teach Sarutobi a lesson.

Uchiha Tokumitsu forcefully suppressed the unusual movements of the Uchiha clan members.

Neither the current balance of power nor the setting is a suitable place to cause trouble.

Moreover, if the joyous celebratory atmosphere at this moment is ruined, the resentment towards the Uchiha clan in Konoha will likely intensify, making it a losing proposition and unnecessary.

Especially since the Uzumaki clan leader himself was well aware of who had contributed the most to the rescue efforts in the Land of Whirlpools, and the Uchiha clan had received a promise to learn the Uzumaki Sealing Technique, maximizing their own benefits, there was no need for them to act like vicious dogs fighting for food in this situation and needlessly lose face.

"Hui territory!"

Seeing that the Third Hokage's speech was about to come to an end, Uchiha Tokumitsu did not hesitate to order his men to go home first. Listening to the Hokage's nonsense at the village entrance was already giving them enough face; there was no need to stand there and watch someone else put on a one-man show.

"Ouch!"

The Uchiha Jonin of the Mobile Force followed Uchiha Tokumitsu's orders completely, forming a line and walking in the direction of the clan's territory with their hands on their sword hilts, seemingly oblivious to everyone else. The Uchiha Police Department ninjas responsible for guarding and maintaining order in front of the city walls and the crowd also responded loudly at the same time.

As the Uchiha Jonin approached, the crowd at the village entrance parted like a tide to make way for him. Neither ninjas nor civilians dared to cause trouble for the Uchiha clan at this moment.

The Hokage's speech was thus interrupted and could not continue. Subsequently, under the arrangement of the advisor Koharu Utatane, the Uzumaki clan members, who had been blocked at the door for a long time listening to the Will of Fire's brainwashing, were finally allowed to enter the village.

Although the Uzumaki clan leader remained calm, he had taken in all the Uchiha clan's actions. However, as the clan leader, he was naturally quite shrewd and did not say anything about it.

Upon returning to his clan's territory, Uchiha Tokumitsu naturally went home first to see his parents, report that he was safe, and undergo a check-up by the clan's medical ninjas before heading to Elder Setsuna's residence.

He intended to have Elder Setsuna, who had fought the Senju clan for half his life, verify the Thousand Hands Ninjutsu scroll he obtained from the Uzumaki clan chief.

"Elder!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu's arrival was unimpeded, and he was greeted by attendants who met Elder Setsuna.

"You've worked hard, Tokumitsu-kun." Elder Setsuna was very satisfied with Uchiha Tokumitsu's performance in the War of the Land of Whirlpools, and changed his address from the affectionate 'Little Tokumitsu' to the respectful and equal 'Tokumitsu-kun'.

For ninjas, strength equals dignity, and victory represents the right to speak.

This also means that from now on, all doubts within the Uchiha clan regarding Uchiha Tokumitsu's origins, strength, age, and command abilities will quietly disappear with this glorious victory in the war.

The victor is not questioned and enjoys everything; this is a rule that is generally accepted by the Uchiha clan and most ninja clans.

After exchanging pleasantries, Uchiha Tokumitsu took out the ninjutsu scroll given to him by the Uzumaki clan leader and briefly explained the situation.

He then calmly began to sip his tea.

Two Uchiha Jonin died in this battle, and the rest were all wounded, but compared with the rich rewards gained in this battle, it was still very worthwhile.

"Darkness Release: Technique, Flying Thunder God Technique, Impure World Reincarnation, Multiple Rashomon Techniques, Four Symbols Sealing Technique, Four Red Yang Formation... and Tobirama's unique Water Release technique..."

Even the well-informed Elder Setsuna was astonished by the contents of the scroll.

Although most of the forbidden techniques in this collection are initial versions, and their learning difficulty and practical power may be slightly inferior, this is still an invaluable collection of ninjutsu materials. Whether it is used to popularize these techniques among Uchiha ninjas to enhance their strength or to assess the strength of the Hokage lineage, it is extremely precious.

“Lord Deguang…” Elder Shana didn’t know what to say.

Tobirama Senju's reputation was built on his killing of Izuna Uchiha, who also possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan. Even though the Uchiha clan deeply resented him, they never denied his extraordinary talent in ninjutsu.

For decades, Uchiha ninjas have tirelessly tried to uncover or decipher the series of forbidden techniques left behind by Tobirama Senju, believing that they could discover the characteristics and weaknesses of the Hokage lineage's ninjutsu, but so far, they have found nothing.

Now, the forbidden technique that the Uchiha clan had been dreaming of was right in front of Elder Setsuna.

This naturally made Elder Shana excited as well.

Moreover, Uchiha Tokumitsu's report also mentioned the Uzumaki clan chief's promise to teach him the Uzumaki Sealing Technique.

"Lord Deguang..." After a long while, Elder Setsuna, who had gradually calmed down, slowly said, "May I make a copy of this scroll?"

"Elder, now that the scroll vortex has been handed over to you, it is naturally up to you to handle it." Uchiha Tokumitsu put down his teacup, placed his hands on his knees, and answered sincerely.

"This forbidden technique scroll is too precious..." Elder Shana didn't hide anything, "I don't know how to reward you..."

"It was the Elder and the clan who nurtured me, so it is only natural to repay them," Uchiha Tokumitsu said solemnly, his expression serious.

Although the night of the clan's annihilation was still far off, ever since he crossed over into the ninja world, a knife had been hanging over his heart. Fear of the future, wariness of outsiders, distrust of his own clan... all sorts of uncertainties remained.

The real change came precisely from this war in the Land of Whirlpools.

In war, fighting with all one's might when there is an absolute disparity in numbers, maneuvering across the perilous battlefield, leading troops to break through enemy lines as a vanguard when facing a powerful foe... all of this is like the heavy hammer of the Iron Workshop, the blazing sword blade being forged by the divine craftsman, washing away the last trace of impetuosity in the flames and blood, revealing its profound sharpness.

The last trace of weakness and habitual compromise stemming from his previous life as an ordinary person completely faded away, leaving behind only the pride of being an Uchiha ninja.

“You did very well,” Elder Setsuna said again.

Aside from this relatively bland statement, he didn't know how to evaluate Uchiha Tokumitsu, the descendant who always brought him miraculous and glorious victories.

Even though he had completely regarded Uchiha Tokumitsu as his successor and believed he would definitely lead the radical ninja group in the future, Elder Setsuna still felt that he had wronged Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Uchiha Tokumitsu was only nine years old.

But whether it's the achievements he made after taking charge of the ninja army or his contributions to the clan, they are absolutely unprecedented and unparalleled.

Elder Setsuna found a blank scroll, used a transcription technique to make a copy of the forbidden scroll, and then returned the original scroll to Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Seeing Uchiha Tokumitsu's serious expression, he couldn't help but reach out and tug at Uchiha Tokumitsu's long, smooth hair.

Then came a hearty laugh.

……

The next day, an order was given to the Anbu to summon Uchiha Tokumitsu to the Hokage Building for a meeting.

Upon receiving the notification, Uchiha Tokumitsu calmly washed up. The Anbu messengers probably knew Uchiha Tokumitsu's personality and the consequences of their previous actions in angering the Uchiha, so they were not in a hurry. They simply waited calmly at the entrance of Uchiha Tokumitsu's house, under the unfriendly gazes of the group of Uchiha ninjas, for Uchiha Tokumitsu to come out.

The theme of today's meeting is naturally to commend achievements and reward merits.

While the triumphant ceremony may have suppressed the Uchiha ninjas' performance in the war, their contributions cannot be ignored in the final showdown. Otherwise, the village's Jonin would surely become suspicious of the Hokage.

In Konoha, political struggles are normal and commonplace, and are something the Jonin are used to. However, rewarding merit is the foundation for maintaining the village's existence and unity, and cannot be taken lightly.

Therefore, Uchiha Tokumitsu was not particularly concerned about the content and outcome of this meeting.

Upon arriving at the Hokage's office, the Hokage, his three advisors, and the Uzumaki clan leader were already there. Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu were sitting on their usual sofa, Danzo was habitually hiding in a dark corner next to the Hokage's desk, and Hatake Sakumo was talking quietly with an elderly woman with dark red hair in a wheelchair. A little girl with bright red hair was standing next to the wheelchair.

Uchiha Tokumitsu glanced around the office, greeted the Third Hokage as usual, ignored everyone else, and pulled up a chair to sit down.

"Gentlemen, now that everyone is here, let's begin." The Third Hokage habitually picked up his pipe, seemingly to fill it with tobacco, but then, as if considering something, casually put it down again.

Uchiha Tokumitsu couldn't help but glance at the red-haired old lady again.

The only person who could make Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, so wary was probably Mito Uzumaki, the wife of the First Hokage, the great-grandmother of Konoha and the Uzumaki clan, and the Jinchuriki of the First Hokage.

"...Regarding the reinforcements from the Land of Whirlpools, although Konoha was short of manpower and unable to spare any ninja troops to assist, the mobile force led by Sakumo-kun still completed this special mission quite well." Perhaps because Mito Uzumaki was present, the Third Hokage didn't want to boast, so he quickly got to the point after saying a few words.

"Of course, the ninjas under the mobile unit also performed exceptionally well, especially Jonin Tokukō, who led the charge against the enemy on several occasions and made indelible contributions to the victory."

Uchiha Tokumitsu simply sat in his chair without saying a word.

Danzo, who was in the corner, glanced at Uchiha Tokumitsu upon hearing this.

Uchiha Tokumitsu seemed oblivious.

"Thank you, Tokumitsu-kun, for your help to the Uzumaki clan," Uzumaki Mito said directly. "The Uchiha clan, as a founding clan of the village, fought and contributed greatly in the War of the Whirlpool Country, and their noble deeds are a model of the Will of Fire of Konoha..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu could no longer ignore it, so he got up, bowed to Uzumaki Mito, and said some nice words about his duty.

Danzo's gaze was like a poisoned dagger, fixed on the composed and spirited Uchiha Tokumitsu.

"grandmother!"

The door to the Hokage's office slammed open, and a blonde woman stood panting in the doorway.

It's Tsunade.

Chapter 65 Controversy! The Uchiha's Petty Arguments

Tsunade, panting heavily, stood at the door after rushing back from the Land of Rain.

"grandmother!"

After calming herself down at the door, Tsunade stepped into the Hokage's office and greeted Mito Uzumaki, who was sitting in a wheelchair.

"Grandpa Ashina!"

When she turned to the Uzumaki clan leader, Tsunade couldn't stop her tears from falling.

The Uzumaki clan chief, also known as Uzumaki Ashina by Tsunade, trembled slightly, and her eyes suddenly reddened.

"Tsunade..."

However, neither of them calmed down for long, but the extent of their inner turmoil remained unknown.

Uchiha Tokumitsu remained seated, unmoved.

He had never been interested in these melodramas, and although Tsunade was quite beautiful at this time, she was not as old as she would be in later years, so Uchiha Tokumitsu naturally had no interest in her.

The ninja world is inherently a despairing world filled with tragedy and suffering. Whether ninja, daimyo, lord, wealthy merchant, samurai, or commoner... they all play insignificant supporting roles in the ethical drama of the Ōtsutsuki clan. Just as a commoner in the Land of Rain might be accidentally killed by a kunai that appears out of nowhere one day, there are no surprises, no unexpected events, only endless sorrow.

However, he wouldn't be so ungrateful as to mock them. Even though the Senju and Uzumaki clans were once mortal enemies of the Uchiha clan, they had reached a superficial reconciliation during the founding of the village. Moreover, the Uchiha clan was the main force in rescuing the Uzumaki clan in the Land of Whirlpools and benefited greatly from it. Therefore, he wouldn't make sarcastic remarks without thinking.

"Thank you for your help, Jonin Sakumo!"

Wiping away her tears, Tsunade bowed to Sakumo Hatake in gratitude.

Sakumo Hatake quickly stood up to make way, repeatedly saying that it was his duty and there was no need to mention it.

After exchanging pleasantries, Tsunade promised to treat Sakumo Hatake's left shoulder injury, then turned to look at Tokumitsu Uchiha, who sat motionless in his chair.

"Thank you for your help, Deguang-kun."

"You're too kind, Tsunade-hime."

Uchiha Tokumitsu did not back down, but simply bowed slightly in return, saying calmly, "The success in supporting the Uzumaki battle was entirely due to the hard work of the Mobile Force."

Tsunade simply nodded silently, then walked behind Mito Uzumaki, lowered her head, and gently stroked Kushina Uzumaki's red hair with an unconcealable sorrow in her eyes.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

"The attack on the Land of Whirlpools was a tragedy that no one wanted to see, but fortunately, under the leadership of Sakumo-kun and Tokumitsu-kun, the invading armies of the three great nations were successfully defeated, and the Uzumaki clan was also saved; here, on behalf of Konoha, I once again extend my deepest greetings to the Uzumaki clan leader..."