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Under the bright sunlight, a powerful ninja corps appeared outside the gate of Konoha, numbering more than two hundred members.
"Captain, all 113 ninjas from the Seventh Division of the Police Force heading to the front lines have arrived."
Ever since the members of the Genma team pledged their allegiance, there was no turning back for them. They were fully committed to the possibility of dying on the battlefield rather than returning for an investigation by the Foundation.
Unaware of Genma's loyalty, he respectfully reported the details of the corps, while the other two also carried out their respective duties.
Looking back at the three members of the Genma team, Uchiha Yoru displayed a determined smile. "From today on, your Genma team will serve as my guards. I entrust my safety to you three."
Hearing this, the three were clearly stunned for a moment. Then their eyes began to redden, even the usually composed Genma felt a twinge in his nose.
They were geniuses, but they had also experienced ups and downs. Now, the feeling of being valued and trusted again filled them with emotion.
"So, do you lack the confidence?"
Uchiha Yoru joked, and Genma suppressed his emotions, showing a determined expression. "The Genma team will definitely protect Captain Uchiha Yoru."
Their current reputation was not the best, but still, they were chosen as guards, a clear sign of trust and encouragement.
"Yoru, let's head to the battlefield. I'm ready," came the excited and hearty laugh from Mitarashi Anko. She looked radiant in her battle attire.
By her side, Kurenai touched her forehead in a troubled manner, "Anko, please be less surprising."
Anko wore a naive smile, "This time we'll be fighting side by side, it's rare." But deep within Kurenai's eyes was a sense of trepidation.
Though Anko seemed to be back to her old self, Kurenai knew that her cheerful demeanor was merely a front.
"Kakashi, let's settle the score on the battlefield," exclaimed Might Guy with enthusiasm. Kakashi stood by his side looking grim, the only visible eye fixated on the Hokage rock, reflecting nothing but shadows.
The mission the Third Hokage gave him was still to gain the enemy's trust, find out the truth behind the Nine-Tails chaos, and have more influence in the Seventh Division.
Kakashi glanced at Uchiha Yoru. Seeing his old classmate's determined smile made him momentarily silent.
"Big Brother Yoru, the elite team of 15 from the Uchiha clan has assembled."
At that moment, a squad with stern faces appeared. However, upon seeing Uchiha Yoru, they all showed respect, shouting in unison, "Uchiha team salutes Lord Yoru!"
Though young, Yoru's recent battle with Jiraiya had already proven his strength. The Uchiha clan, who valued strength, naturally held their talented kinsman in high regard.
"Shisui, you're familiar with the battlefield situation. Let's form a strike team with the elites from the Uchiha and the Seventh Division."
"Yes!"
This time, Yoru's status had risen significantly. At his command, all the ninjas executed orders respectfully. Those left in the Seventh Division were mostly loyalists.
Whether they were trapped without options or were loyal to Orochimaru, those who were wavering had already left. How many among them were spies remained unknown.
"Captain Hizashi, you might want to stay behind to manage the Seventh Division."
This gathering was an assembly of elites. Yoru turned his head and said with emotion, to which the stern-faced Hyuga Hizashi directly responded, "The areas under the Seventh Division's jurisdiction will be temporarily handled by other divisions. Only a prison remains, and those of us left are more than enough."
Almost all the key elites from the Seventh Division had been deployed, including a good number from the Hyuga branch family.
Both the Hyuga branch family and the Genma team had no options left, they were trapped.
Looking around, Yoru saw determination in everyone's eyes. These ninjas were his foundation, and the next time they returned, he would be powerful enough to truly participate in the village's struggles.
"Big Brother Yoru, we will come back."
The ninjas heading to the battlefield had mostly been there before. Although they were numb to it, as they were leaving, some couldn't help but look back at the village, seemingly imprinting its scenery deep in their minds, perhaps fearing they might be on a road of no return this time.
"As we go to the battlefield, I can't promise you anything, but when we return, I, Uchiha Yoru, assure you! I will aim to become the Hokage, fulfill Master Orochimaru's regrets. I, Uchiha Yoru, will surely bring you all into the light of peace."
Under the bright sunshine, Uchiha Yoru emanated a charming glow. At this moment, he was full of determination and raised his hand high to swear his Ninja Way to everyone present.
This was also the first time anyone had publicly mentioned Orochimaru since the incident. Almost everyone here had once served under Orochimaru. Regardless of the reason, the personal charisma of the Sannin Orochimaru was undeniable.
They could never wash away the mark of Sannin Orochimaru, but this matter has already become a regret. This time, when Uchiha Yoru candidly spoke, the numb and disheartened hearts of countless ninjas seemed to be activated.
Pairs of unbelieving eyes eventually showed tears. They all firmly believed that Lord Orochimaru would become the Fifth Hokage of Konoha. However, nobody had expected this to happen, and Uchiha Yoru, as the heir, shouted, causing some commotion in the crowd.
"Long live Lord Uchiha Yoru!"
"Long live!"
After the first person vented, a second followed, and then more and more suppressed people began to vent loudly.
"Haha, then let's wait and see Lord Uchiha Yoru become Hokage."
"Go for it; we believe in you."
The ninja corps seemed to regain their fighting spirit instantly, each shouting excitedly, while Uchiha Yoru showed a smile.
He wanted to send a signal that Orochimaru's actions were never wrong but merely a failure. He wanted everyone to lift their spirits; this was also his political capital.
By taking on his teacher's legacy, if he were to dismiss his teacher's past actions, it would seem like admitting guilt, when they were clearly not in the wrong. Hence, he wanted to send out a signal that they were not wrong.
Even if they were wrong, he would step up to acknowledge the mistakes of his predecessors. Everything he did was for the quickest inheritance of his teacher's legacy.
"Depart!"
With a loud shout, Uchiha Yoru waved his hand, and instantly more than 200 ninjas shouted spiritedly, turning into black dots, leaping through the forest."
Hokage Tower.
Through the crystal orb, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen observes everything outside the gates of Konoha. He watches the departing figures and exhales a ring of smoke.
"If only you weren't an Uchiha," Hiruzen murmurs, dismissing the thought. Unbeknownst to him, the Uchiha he underestimates will eventually subvert his rule over Konoha.
Uchiha Yoru is skilled, but on the front lines, he's more of a mascot. A symbol emitted by Konoha's high-ranking officials to stabilize people's hearts.
Reputation—something intangible but real.
Orochimaru has led countless shinobi into battles over the years. Especially on the front lines, his prestige is unparalleled, and this too stirs people's emotions.
Even those close to Orochimaru worry about their futures; some are angry.
The elevation of Orochimaru's disciple to a high position and his deployment to the front lines bring stability. This marks the end of the matter.
Time erodes all. Who now remembers the once god-like shinobi?
"I hope the border wars end soon," Hiruzen muses, reviewing battle reports from the front lines. Konoha faces malice from the entire shinobi world.
No ninja village is idle; even the Hidden Sand Village makes discreet moves. Small villages are even more malicious.
"Danzo, the Hidden Mist is getting aggressive; skirmishes have already begun," Danzo storms in, throwing a scroll on the Hokage's desk.
Hiruzen advises restraint, citing this as a test from the Hidden Mist Village. Neither wishes for a Fourth Great Ninja War.
Danzo coldly snorts, insisting the territory of the Land of Whirlpools must not fall to the Mist. He also mentions covert activities by the Hidden Cloud Village to provoke conflicts.
"The Hidden Cloud Village is most conspicuous," Hiruzen observes, maintaining his composure despite the hostile environment.
Danzo agrees. Both know what must be done.
"Aren't you worried about sending an Uchiha to the front lines?" Danzo questions.
Hiruzen is confident. "Orochimaru's influence is strong but also a double-edged sword."
In the worst-case scenario, Hiruzen has plans to involve the Uchiha as well.
Danzo scoffs at Hiruzen's cunning ways. "You always manipulate people."
Hiruzen points out the village urgently needs economic recovery due to Orochimaru's influence. "Keep the atmosphere of war suppressed on the front lines. Konoha needs peace, even if it's just an illusion, for rapid economic recovery."
Orders are given to allocate more forces for trade protection and eliminate internal disturbances.
Hiruzen finalizes his plans. Danzo breathes a sigh of relief, only to be caught off guard by the next order. "Danzo! Starting today, the Wood Style users from the Root division are to be transferred to the Anbu."
Danzo is furious. Hiruzen slams the table and yells, "I'm the Hokage! The Root secretly restarted the Wood Style program, and I've yet to hold you accountable!"
"Hiruzen! Fine! You're ruthless!" Danzo's teeth grind in anger, …