Chapter 119: Application

Toshiro, now over ten years old, had benefited greatly from years of nutritious diet, rigorous training, and the secrets of Yang Release techniques. His height had surpassed 140 centimeters, making him taller than his peers and looking like a young adolescent.

At this moment, he was dressed in a green Chūnin uniform, with a comfortable sweatshirt and mesh undershirt underneath. He wore gray cropped pants and ninja sandals on his feet, giving him a clean and tidy appearance.

Toshiro was currently walking towards the office of the head of the Konoha Police Force. From the unique insignia on his shoulder, it was clear that he was now a member of this unit. It was unexpected that a civil servant position, elusive in his previous life, would be so easily obtained in this one.

This had to be traced back to the events following the Chūnin Exams. After the exams, he and his teammates successfully earned the title of Chūnin. However, before they could enjoy the benefits of this title, the Third Shinobi World War broke out.

As the clan head, Uchiha Jusan had to lead a portion of the clan's elite to the battlefield, creating a significant manpower shortage in the Konoha Police Force. Thus, the newly appointed Chūnin, along with his comrades Yen and Tetsu, and other young clansmen of the same generation, were drafted into active duty in the Police Force.

Every day, they patrolled the village, handling trivial matters. Occasionally, they dealt with ninja crimes or captured spies. While this daily routine of clocking in and out was enviable to many during this time, it was far too leisurely for Toshiro, prompting him to make other preparations. After all, he wouldn't have such an easy life once he went to the battlefield.

One had to admit, the Uchiha clan was exceptionally good to their own, especially to the younger generation who had yet to fully mature.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Come in!" 

Upon knocking and opening the door, Toshiro found Uchiha Fugaku, who looked somewhat haggard, sitting behind his desk. With clan leader Jusan on the battlefield, all police force matters were now handled by Fugaku, the young clan head. He was so busy that he barely had time to visit his newborn child. Yes, his child! Not long ago, a baby named Uchiha Itachi was born!

As a member of the Uchiha clan, Toshiro had followed the tradition of submitting a gift of money. This indirectly led Toshiro to interrupt Fugaku during this tense wartime.

"Is that you, Toshiro? What's the matter?" Fugaku asked directly without looking up, his gaze still fixed on the documents in his hand. Despite the stern expression from the lines on his face, his attitude was still gracious.

"Excuse me! I have some matters that need to trouble you, Fugaku-senpai!" With just a glance, Fugaku's brows furrowed slightly. Why was Toshiro bringing such an application at this time?

Without replying immediately, he looked up at Toshiro, hoping for a satisfactory explanation.

Not in a hurry, Toshiro calmly began, "The pressure on the front lines is increasing, and it's only a matter of time before us young ones head to the battlefield. To further improve my strength, I have no choice but to take this measure. I hope Fugaku-senpai will approve!"

It turned out that Toshiro was submitting a leave application to go out and seek a powerful summoning beast to help enhance his combat ability. Improving his strength would benefit both the clan and the village. The issue was the timing. The application stated a three-month leave period, which was impossible given the manpower shortage.

After contemplating for a moment, Fugaku said, "Three months is out of the question. At most, I can give you a month's leave under the pretense of procuring supplies."

Given that Toshiro was his uncle's disciple and thus considered family, although it was a bit of a hassle, there was a batch of non-crucial supplies that needed to be delivered to the Neko-baa in the neutral territory. Granting Toshiro this favor wasn't entirely without merit.

After clarifying this arrangement, Fugaku picked up a cup of tea from his desk and began to sip.

"Thank you, Fugaku-senpai! I'll take my leave now!"

Bowing slightly, Toshiro took his leave. The customs here were quite troublesome, but since he had transmigrated to the world of ninjas, he had to adapt.

Though he didn't get the three months he wanted, Toshiro couldn't complain. He knew that if it weren't for his teacher's influence, he might not even have gotten a month's leave.

Leaving the police force headquarters, Toshiro slowly made his way home, silently praying for his teacher's safety on the battlefield in the Land of Wind. His teacher, Uchiha Shigemasa, had already gone to the front lines with his brother.

Despite the ongoing war, the Uchiha clan, due to their commitment to the Police Force, hadn't mobilized extensively. Only some of the clan's strong individuals and older ninjas had joined the main force in battle. 

This was still early in the war, and each ninja village had some reserve strength. Once the war dragged on for a year or two, depleting the village's combat power, even the younger ninjas, like Toshiro, would inevitably be sent to the battlefield.

He had heard that the Ninja Academy was already preparing graduation exams for fourth-year students, indicating that the village leaders realized the war wouldn't end easily.

Toshiro had to devise a plan for his future. Despite awakening the Sharingan, it wasn't nearly enough in this large-scale war involving tens of thousands of participants. 

The End