Hokage's Office.
"Hiruzen, the Uchiha are too arrogant! They're acting like they have no regard for anyone else!"
Shimura Danzo slamd his wooden cane angrily. Not only had Uchiha Shirou openly confronted him in front of so many people, but this ti his intentions were blatantly obvious.
Sitting behind the Hokage's desk, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned as he reviewed the list of this year's graduating ninja students.
"The overall rankings: Raidō Namiashi and Tsubaki Iwashi are slightly above average. Shizune and Genma Shiranui perford decently, while Kurenai Yuhi had the best results... and then..."
This ti, their relations with the major clans were strained, and without so compromises, it was impossible to get the clans to make sacrifices.
Even the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans had voiced concerns after the failed plan to destabilize the Kumogakure. If not for the fact that Hiruzen's clan had also sacrificed their elites, the situation would have been even more difficult.
"Anko Mitarashi is Orochimaru's disciple. Right now, there's no significant threat from Iwagakure, so inform Uchiha Shirou that Anko has already been assigned."
Shirou's selection of Genin was not nurous, but his true intentions were evident to anyone paying attention.
Let Uchiha Shirou try to cent ties with Orochimaru again.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, and without hesitation, removed Anko Mitarashi's na from the list.
"As for the others... Kurenai Yuhi, the daughter of Jonin Yuhi Shinku, is she?"
In Hiruzen's eyes, only Kurenai's father, a Jonin, stood out; the rest were unremarkable.
"Approve the rest of Uchiha Shirou's requests."
After organizing the list, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up and t Shimura Danzo's resentful gaze. Understanding his old friend's thoughts, he exhaled a puff of thick smoke and said:
"Danzo, rein in Root for now. The village still needs these major clans."
Shimura Danzo felt stifled by Hiruzen's earnest advice.
"The war hasn't fully erupted yet, but the first casualties will undoubtedly be from my Root. Everything I've done is for the village."
Root had always been responsible for infiltrating other villages and sowing discord. However, after the Kumogakure incident, the bla had fallen squarely on Root, leaving the ninja world on high alert. Villages began conducting strict spy hunts, causing unprecedented damage to Root's network.
Root's spies and intelligence systems suffered heavy losses, though the fear and infamy of Root's na still echoed across the ninja world.
Danzo felt frustrated. He had hoped to select so promising recruits to replenish Root's ranks, but now he couldn't even touch the major clans, and even the talented civilians had to be shared with others.
"Danzo!"
Seeing how hard Danzo had been working recently, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed in resignation.
"I'll allocate a suitable group of recruits to replenish Root."
You could criticize Root for its thods, but you couldn't deny its results. Root handled the village's darkest tasks—spying, instigating wars, framing others, and dealing with Konoha's shadows. The village couldn't function without this black glove.
...
dical Division.
"Shirou, just as you predicted, Anko Mitarashi was assigned directly to the frontlines under Orochimaru after graduation."
When Mikoto brought the assignnt report, Shirou smiled knowingly.
"As expected. No one wants us to form stronger ties with Orochimaru."
To outsiders, the move might seem like a failure for the Uchiha, but Shirou knew that soone like Orochimaru couldn't be won over with re gestures.
"These people are already blinded by power."
Shirou smirked disdainfully as he looked over the remaining nas, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.
"Assign Genma Shiranui, Raidō Namiashi, and Tsubaki Iwashi to Yashiro. Make sure Yashiro knows these three are not just for show—I hold them in high regard."
Although Mikoto didn't understand why three civilian ninjas were being prioritized, she never doubted Shirou's decisions.
"Understood."
"Assign Might Guy to Kakashi's team, pairing him with Shisui. As for Shizune and Kurenai, have Kushina take them on her next mission. Send the list to the Senju clan."
Sending the list to the Senju clan would at least create the appearance of a honeymoon period between the Uchiha and Senju.
"Mikoto, here's another list and assignnt."
When Mikoto saw the new list, she was montarily stunned.
"Shirou, I can understand promoting Might Duy from Genin to Chunin, but assigning him to the reserve unit for warti deploynt? That's supposed to be for the most elite forces!"
Might Duy's track record wasn't just average—it was abysmal. To call him a loser wouldn't be an exaggeration.
"Mikoto, don't underestimate this ninja that everyone looks down on. If you're careless, even you could be in danger."
Hearing Shirou's serious tone, Mikoto was taken aback. No one understood her strength better than Shirou. With her Mangekyo Sharingan and years of training, she was undeniably in the Kage-level ranks. Yet Shirou had warned her with such gravity.
"This person is a genius in taijutsu. The Eight Gates technique is even recorded in Uchiha's history."
Hearing about the Eight Gates, Mikoto frowned. Her extensive knowledge allowed her to respond gravely:
"The Eight Gates is a forbidden taijutsu technique that demands imnse physical strength and willpower. Most ninjas can't dedicate themselves to such constant training, and the difficulty of opening the gates increases exponentially. It's not inherently tied to taijutsu talent..."
In the original story, Uchiha Madara had once remarked, "So, it isn't the red steam... I underestimated you." This implied that he had encountered it during the Warring States period.
"Never underestimate anyone. Opening the Eight Gates requires extraordinary perseverance and dedication, and this man is a true taijutsu genius."
Shirou spoke with conviction. This man was a trump card—a talent that would be wasted if left unutilized.
Previously, Shirou had placed him in the police force. His enthusiasm and straightforward nature made him ideal for handling village affairs, but now it was ti to deploy him for sothing greater.
The Eight Gates technique required imnse ti and effort, making it unsuitable for Shirou himself. Moreover, its effectiveness depends on the user's base strength. For example, Might Guy at his peak was far stronger than his father, Might Duy, even with the sa technique.
"This ti, I'll be accompanying Kushina to Roran. The police and dical divisions are running smoothly, so there's no need to worry. We have enough capable people."
Mikoto nodded gently but hesitated before softly asking:
"Shirou, lately, the Deputy Head of the dical Division from the Sarutobi clan has been interfering quite a lot."
The police departnt was fine since the Uchiha valued strength, but the dical division was different. This Sarutobi clan ninja was planting his people.
"Just the incompetence of the weak. Ignore him."
Shirou smirked dismissively, his gaze shifting to the window. Below, he saw Konoha ninjas in hospital gowns strolling around the dical division grounds.
Many had already picked up books from their bedside tables. In the monotonous world of the ninja, books were their only source of entertainnt.
Among them, [My Struggle], this book of his, was almost a standard piece of literature placed beside every hospital bed.
At first glance, it seed unintentional, as if it was an act by subordinates trying to curry favor with him. However, it was also exactly what he wanted to see.
The best place to spread his true "Will of Fire" would be the Ninja Academy. However, the Third Hokage would never tolerate this, so he shifted his focus to the hospital instead.
In the eyes of so, the minds of seasoned ninjas were already mature and wouldn't be as easily influenced as those in the Ninja Academy. Therefore, no one paid much attention to this matter.
But only he knew—his books were never ant for students. They were for adults.
"For this ninja world, I understand it better than anyone else. The so-called 'Will of Fire' is far too hollow and lacks any substantial philosophy. I will fill the void in their hearts..."
Through the window, he could see a Konoha ninja in a hospital gown sitting in the pavilion, frowning as they read the red book [My Struggle]. At that mont, the ninja seed to be imrsed in it, continuously filling the emptiness within his soul.
For ninjas, a high-risk profession, few could avoid being hospitalized multiple tis in their lifeti. During the tedious recovery periods, reading beca a way to pass the ti.
Unknowingly, his ideology would spread. By the ti people noticed, a spark had already turned into a wildfire.
"Select the 100 mbers of the reserve force carefully. There's no rush. Rember Might Duy, the Chunin—assign him two suitable teammates and ensure he's not excluded."
"Understood!"
Shirou issued the instructions ticulously. For so important matters, he would personally intervene, while leaving the rest to his subordinates.
After finally reaching a high position, why did he still have to work so hard? What was it all for?
...
Ninja Academy
After the graduation exams for the ninja test concluded, the young students in each class could barely contain their excitent.
"Haha! I passed the exam! I'm going to beco a Genin!"
"I'm about to beco a Genin too! My parents will be proud of when I go ho tonight!"
In the lively classroom, most students were unaware of what they were about to face. However, so remained silent and spoke not a word, as if they had already seen through sothing.
"Rin, I'm about to beco a Genin! Soon, I won't be any worse than Kakashi!"
The passionate Obito continued to fawn over Nohara Rin, oblivious to the fact that he was about to attract the attention of a certain old man.
"Shizune, you need to be careful."
Normally quiet and reserved, Shizune now sat nervously at her desk. The team assignnt notice had already been issued, and she knew she would be on the sa team as Kurenai Yuhi.
But she was aware of certain things, which made her anxious. Kurenai Yuhi, on the other hand, tried to comfort her helplessly.
"It's okay. Although my uncle has had so bad rumors in the past, that's all in the past."
At this young age, Shizune forced a barely convincing smile. Her uncle, Dan Katō, had tried to pursue Lady Tsunade in the past, a fact that was no secret.
There were even rumors that he had taken advantage of the situation, but in the end, he t his demise during the Second Shinobi War. Shizune hadn't even inherited the Katō family na. As a distant relative, she had never thought much of it.
But now, the Jonin leading her team made her uneasy—it was none other than Kushina Uzumaki. Would this incident resurface?
While Shizune worried, Kurenai Yuhi also frowned slightly. Outside the Ninja Academy, her father, Shinku Yuhi, was also troubled.
"Shinku, perhaps this is a good thing. After all, it's Jonin Uzumaki Kushina, who represents the Senju Clan."
A fellow Jonin patted his shoulder enviously, but Shinku Yuhi sighed heavily. The last thing he wanted was to be drawn into the whirlpool of factional struggles.
Although Jonin held high status, in the face of such major power blocs, he had no choice but to accept the olive branch offered. Rejecting it would be seen as disrespectful.
There was no alternative.
In the spacious grounds of the Ninja Academy, many parents of the ninja students were secretly networking, forming an intricate web of connections.
Ninjas were no strangers to such social interactions. Who soone's guiding Jonin or elite Chunin was—a connection like that was invaluable.
Most of the parents of ninja students were also ninjas themselves, so none could avoid these social exchanges.
Especially with war imminent. Though others might not realize it, these veteran ninjas knew all too well. While forging connections, they sighed, hoping their children would grow up as quickly as possible.
In tis of war, strength was the only way to survive.
"Our guiding Jonin is an elite Jonin from the Uchiha Clan!"
Genma Shiranui, Raido Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami were excitedly discussing their assignnt. Their parents were rely ordinary Chunins, so they fully understood the prestige of having a Uchiha with the Sharingan as their guiding Jonin.
Especially since their grades weren't particularly outstanding compared to geniuses. At best, they were above average among civilian ninjas.
"A Genin forehead protector!"
Asuma Sarutobi silently observed his classmates in the room, gently touching the forehead protector he had once yearned for. At this mont, his heart was filled with complex emotions.
Once eager to prove himself, he had now matured and beco more composed. Yet, deep inside, he was tornted by the actions of his father.
"War! All of this is because of your ambition and arrogance, Father!"
Looking around the classroom, he wondered how many of his classmates he would see alive after the war. But one thing he knew for sure—the war was caused by his father's decisions.
"Asuma-sama, we'll be teammates from now on!"
Ebisu said excitedly. Asuma responded with a calm smile and nodded.
"Please take care of ."
Caught up in his excitent, Ebisu failed to notice Asuma's recent strange behavior.
Ever since the failure of the Kumogakure collapse plan and the ensuing uproar, Asuma has been consud by self-doubt. His father's so-called devotion to Konoha was nothing more than a guise for his ambition.
These soon-to-be key figures of Konoha's future were now just a group of excited young graduates.
The brutal war ahead would force them to grow quickly.
...
The Senju Clan.
"Really? You're not just doing this out of spite?"
Tsunade teasingly looked at him, causing Shirou to sigh helplessly.
"Sister Tsunade, Jonin Dan Katō and that girl are only very distantly related. If I were petty, I'd take it out on Dan, not her."
Seeing his expression, Tsunade couldn't help but smile.
"Alright, alright, I thought you were jealous. But it's fine. Since you say this little girl has dical-ninja potential, I'll give her so guidance when I have ti."
"By the way, are you going to let Kushina take on missions?"
Facing Tsunade's questioning look, Shirou shook his head.
"I don't want to either, but with the war about to break out, Kushina might have her freedom restricted. At most, she'll stick by your side."
"Making her a guiding Jonin is just to give her sothing to do. Besides, this scouting mission is more of a break before the war."
Shirou wore a casual smile, but in his heart, he was already thinking about this mission to Roran.
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