Chapter 45

The war in the ninja world was not just about the strength of the Shinobi; logistics also played a crucial role. Even the smaller Hidden Villages had to bear the burden of supplying their forces. In a prolonged war, they would need support from the entire nation.

Assassinating the Logistics Bureau's Ōmaetsugimi in the Land of Stone was no easy task, especially during this sensitive period of war. The guards around the Ōmaetsugimi were likely to be even tighter than those around the Daimyō. If news of the assassination mission were to leak between countries, it could throw the whole world into chaos.

Killing the Ōmaetsugimi was a test for the Land of Stone's Daimyō and major Clans. It would determine whether they prioritized redistributing benefits or chose to invade the Land of Rain and engage in the four-country melee.

Five people walked out of the Hokage's Office, one after another. Fugaku understood that being the captain of an elite team was no easy task. The Hokage's order merely granted him a superficial identity. He truly wished for his team members to obey orders and execute their combat plans flawlessly. The most convincing way to achieve this was through strength, regardless of personal relationships and disregard for one another.

In an unmanned training ground in Konoha, five Jōnin appeared one by one.

"I didn't expect we'd have the chance to work together," Hyūga Tazumo broke the silence, taking the lead. "I'm convinced that you're the Captain."

Fugaku understood that Tazumo's words were meant for the others, testing whether they could measure up to him in battle. Fugaku nodded at Tazumo and replied, "I am Captain Uchiha Fugaku. Let's introduce ourselves and discuss our respective Ninjutsu specialties."

Fugaku glanced at everyone with his black eyes, but nobody challenged him. As a promoted Jōnin, he had proven himself in various situations, and no one dared to provoke him once he had been appointed by the Third Hokage. Additionally, both Tazumo and the Uchiha Clan commanded respect and fear from others. Until they had specific information, nobody would dare to provoke them.

Fugaku felt a slight disappointment. He had hoped to establish his authority as Captain through a challenging study, but no one stepped forward. At least the team maintained a superficial harmony for now.

The remaining three members introduced themselves one after another.

Hayate Shūichi, a descendant of the Kenjutsu Clan Hayate, was skilled in Konoha Kenjutsu and Tōton.

Yamaki Aoga was proficient in Crow Summoning Spell and Fire Release.

Mitarashi Akami excelled in two types of Ninjutsu.

From their names, Fugaku deduced that all three were from Konoha. Despite belonging to smaller Clans, these individuals possessed great strength. Although their numbers were not significant, Konoha had produced many exceptional Shinobi from such small Clans.

"Prepare what you need today," Fugaku said. "We'll meet here tomorrow morning and then disband."

The three silhouettes vanished from the training ground, leaving only Hyūga Tazumo behind.

"These guys won't be easy to handle," Hyūga Tazumo remarked. "Gaining their trust and convincing them will require a lot of effort."

Fugaku smiled and replied, "You used to underestimate me during missions in the Land of Rain. Though you performed admirably, it wasn't until we experienced battles together that you realized the insight of my Sharingan. Now you see me as a true Captain."

While these three members hailed from smaller Clans, their strength should not be underestimated. Before they ventured into the Land of Stone, Fugaku intended to dispel any biases and ensure their wholehearted cooperation.

Hyūga Tazumo laughed in embarrassment, surprised that Uchiha Fugaku had seen through his actions.

"Go back and prepare," Fugaku's expression turned serious. "This task will be more difficult than the last. Once we delve deep into the Land of Stone, we may face countless Iwa Shinobi trying to kill us the moment we're exposed. Even after completing the mission, it will be extremely challenging to escape alive from the heart of the Land of Stone."

Hyūga Tazumo's smile faded, and he replied, "Facing imminent death multiple times, yet emerging alive, even surviving ten deaths."

The two figures vanished from the training ground one after another. Instead of heading straight home, Fugaku strolled through the streets of Konoha, carefully listening to conversations at the end of the street.

The groundwork he had laid months ago had begun to bear fruit. It had been just over three years since the death of the First Hokage, and many villagers in Konohagakure had lived through that era.

Over the past twenty years, Konoha had endured numerous hardships, though it had never been defeated. During this time, no one had mentioned the First Hokage or Wood Release; people chose to forget. However, some were now reminiscing about the great influence the First Hokage had on the ninja world, which naturally brought back memories.

Occasionally, Fugaku caught snippets of conversation at the end of the street, whispers of the First Hokage's accomplishments and the power of Wood Release.

Fugaku estimated that by the time he returned from the Land of Stone, these rumors would have spread further. As for the research and development of Wood Release, he believed that someone within the village would take up the mantle.

Once he entered the Uchiha Clan district, Fugaku found his father working at the Police Guards' office. He could only inform his father about going on nighttime missions.

Fugaku furrowed his brow as he thought about the mission assigned by the Hokage. Killing the Ōmaetsugimi of the Logistics Bureau in the Land of Stone, even with their strict protection, was already a daunting task.

However, the real challenge lay in escaping the Land of Stone alive. Fugaku unrolled the mission scroll, examining the terrain near the country, which was clearly marked.

The Land of Stone was known for its rocky terrain and desolate countryside. Unlike Iwagakure, which had a large population and bustling trade, the Land of Stone had fewer people and relied on the daily flow of goods for its survival. Without efficient transportation, escaping would be nearly impossible.

Fugaku continued sketching the retreat route on the paper, but he kept finding weaknesses. Without an actual field visit, nothing on paper could be guaranteed.

In the evening, Uchiha Tenjō once again convened with several Uchiha executives in the living room. Fugaku attended the meeting, as he had become a representative of the Uchiha Clan's new voice.

Upon entering the room, he greeted the Uchiha seniors, then discreetly found a corner to sit in.

"Lord Patriarch," one of the Uchiha seniors began, "Uchiha Tenka and his group have been causing trouble lately. They disregard the Clan's overall well-being and form their own alliances, as if creating a separate faction within the Uchiha."

Uchiha Tenka had been at odds with the Patriarch and was more arrogant, looking down on Uchiha Tenjō, who stood on thin ice.

Fugaku had noticed that Uchiha Tenka had been absent from his duties at the Police Guards for a few days. Although he vaguely remembered the person, he had heard plenty of rumors.

Many arrogant clansmen rallied around Uchiha Tenka, believing that the Uchiha should be the most powerful, which only further fueled their pride and arrogance.

Fugaku understood that these clansmen were Uchiha diehards, and their behavior tarnished the Clan's reputation.