At the entrance of Konoha Village, Tatsuma looked at the hurried Uchiha Tenko and chuckled, "In such a rush? Also, why are you wearing the uniform of the security department?"
Tenko took a few breaths and then said with a displeased expression, "The security department doesn't allow leave; we can only swap shifts or take days off. I swapped for a daytime shift yesterday, just finished it, and didn't have time to go back and change clothes."
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected such a situation to exist even within Konoha. Indeed, wherever there are those who control the means of production, their hearts cannot be pure.
Truly, the sinister Uchiha!
In fact, Tatsuma himself had misunderstood the Uchiha a bit. If this had been two years ago, a member of the security department wanting leave would surely have been approved unconditionally, after all, the Uchiha didn't lack one person like that.
However, that's not the case now. After all, with more than a year of war, although the Uchiha only participated for a year, the high-intensity and high-frequency clashes with Cloud Ninja have led to a severe reduction in the number of Uchiha ninjas.
Moreover, it's still the New Year period, and there are too many outsiders coming and going in Konoha. The security department has to deal with countless incidents, so everyone is working overtime. Squeezing out a system of shift changes and days off is already at its limit.
"Minato and Sento haven't arrived yet?"
Finally catching his breath, Tenko, without waiting for Tatsuma's answer, continued on his own, "The Hyuga clan members are are never on time."
Tatsuma chuckled but still explained, "They just arrived; it's just that Sento didn't have breakfast, so Minato went with him to buy some food and water."
Hearing that Sento had arrived earlier than himself, Tenko looked a bit embarrassed, but Tatsuma quickly diverted his attention with a different topic.
"I have to say, the Uchiha's sense of aesthetics is quite good; this uniform looks pretty nice."
The security department's uniform is indeed good-looking. Tatsuma's previous world had some high-end ready-to-wear clothes that might not even compare to the Uchiha's uniform in terms of appearance. Moreover, it greatly enhances the figure, making everyone look smart and handsome.
"Don't say that. I don't know who designed these sleeves; if you're hiding shurikens in your hands, you could easily cut them open."
However, Tenko shook his head and raised his hand, showing Tatsuma the traces of mending on his sleeves. Tatsuma looked at his somewhat loose sleeves, silent for a moment before saying, "Is it possible that it's your habit that's the problem? I often wear loose sleeves too, but it doesn't happen to me."
As he spoke, Tatsuma also raised his hand, showing that the clothes prepared for him by Mito all had loose sleeves. He never cut his sleeves because of concealed ninja tools, nor did he pay attention to it.
At first, Tenko was incredulous, but then he became somewhat embarrassed and angry, saying, "Are you questioning our Uchiha's ninja tool throwing?!"
"I'm just questioning you; don't casually belittle your own clan."
Tatsuma quickly denied it. He didn't want every encounter with an Uchiha to be met with disgruntled looks.
Seeing his attempt to shift the blame fail, Tenko's face turned red, and he said, "It must be the sleeves, it's definitely a problem with the sleeve design!"
"Isn't this uniform designed by you Uchiha yourselves?"
Tatsuma smirked. Tenko realized he had fallen into a trap. He had intended to make Tatsuma bear the "guilt" of defaming the Uchiha, but in a blink of an eye, it turned into him defaming the Uchiha himself.
While Tenko struggled to clear his name, Minato and Sento returned. Seeing Tenko, Sento directly remarked, "Did you feel guilty about your lateness until your face turned red?"
"Who's late?"
Seeing the two about to clash, Minato quickly intervened, smiling, "No one's late, right? We still have a few minutes. Tenko, did you have breakfast? I packed an extra portion."
Tatsuma observed the people around him and noticed that many were paying attention to their conversation, mentioning "Uchiha" and "Hyuga" repeatedly. Tatsuma chuckled inwardly; it seemed their alibi was becoming more convincing.
Given the state of Tenko and Sento, no one would believe they were leaving the village for anything other than a private feud.
"Alright, time to leave. Or do you two plan to turn this place into a battleground?"
As the two were about to end their argument, Tatsuma intervened along with Minato, smoothly pulling them apart. Tatsuma even stuffed a bun into Tenko's mouth, rendering him unable to speak for a short while.
"Senpai, hello. Here are our permits to leave the village."
Tatsuma approached the guarding ninja at the village gate and handed over their permits. After a brief glance, the guard ninja remarked, "Spring outing? Is it with the Uchiha and Hyuga?"
Tatsuma gave him a knowing smile and chuckled, "Yes, we are classmates. Apart from missions, we haven't had a chance to leave the village together before, so this time seems like a good opportunity."
The guarding ninja nodded and said, "You have permission for only one day. If you don't return within the specified time, an investigation will be launched. And please, no accidents, especially no casualties, or the investigation will become very troublesome."
"Understood, Senpai. Any other questions?"
Tatsuma accepted the permit returned by the guard ninja, who shook his head and said, "The sooner you go, the sooner you come back."
"Thank you."
Tatsuma quickly pulled Tenko, who had already swallowed the bun, out of the village gate and then began to lead the way.
As a member of the ANBU, Tatsuma also had the authority to view the village's internal and external defense maps. Therefore, he knew how far they needed to be from the village to minimize the chances of being detected.
After the four of them left, the guarding ninja quickly reported the situation.
In the Hokage's residence, Sarutobi Hiruzen also received the report. He looked at his two sons playing not far away and asked the masked Mandrill, "Have the causes been clarified?"
"It seems that the day before yesterday, Hyuga Sento came to provoke. It is speculated to be related to two months ago when Hyuga Sento began to contact that jutsu claiming absolute defense."
"Two months? Looks like I need to talk to Yaksha in a few days. As for today's operation, don't let Yaksha know about it. Also, inform the representatives of various clans and the Jonin class about convening the Jonin meeting."
Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Mandrill nodded. He understood that the Hokage was providing a legitimate reason for his actions today.
Perhaps with Tatsuma's keenness, once he discovers today's actions, he might guess the truth. However, as long as there is this layer of reason, even if he knows the truth, Tatsuma would definitely know not to interfere.
"Yes, Hokage-sama, I'll leave first."
After Mandrill finished speaking, *Hiruzen nodded. Then he raised his hand to stop Mandrill and gestured towards his two sons. He said, "What do you think of these two boys?"
Upon hearing this, Mandrill also glanced over. Hiruzen's eldest son had just turned eight after the New Year, while the younger one was only a little over a year old. It was hard to tell anything from the younger son, so Mandrill said:
"Shinnosuke has always been the top of his class, combining talent and hard work. He will definitely achieve something in the future.
Asuma... is very healthy."
Hiruzen nodded but didn't immediately give his opinion. After a moment of silence, he asked, "How do you think Shinnosuke compares to Tatsuma?"
"Well..."
Mandrill couldn't answer. However, Hiruzen had already nodded, understanding his answer. Then he asked, "What about compared to Minato?"
Mandrill remained silent, and Hiruzen nodded again, saying, "In a few years, you'll take charge of Shinnosuke. When the time is right, he can join the ANBU and take over your code name."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Seeing Mandrill agree so readily, Hiruzen smiled. Then he continued, "Do you know? I used to often think about a question: what did it feel like to face people of the same generation as the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara?"
"I couldn't understand before, but now I probably do. Among the peers who can contend with Tatsuma, perhaps only Minato remains, of course, it's best not to contend."
"Minato? His talent is indeed extraordinary, but when compared to Tatsuma..."
"Don't underestimate Minato. It's just that their past growth trajectories overlapped too much. Minato's brilliance was just overshadowed by Tatsuma. But now, they have begun to move in different directions. Let's wait and see."
Hiruzen shook his head. In fact, he wasn't entirely convinced. He was just afraid that if Tatsuma grew up without someone like Minato, as warm and radiant as sunshine, his future would be too bleak.
Thinking that Tatsuma could unhesitatingly unleash his dark side for the village, Hiruzen felt extremely worried. If this darkness couldn't be controlled, he might become like Danzo.
If Tatsuma could hold on, like Tobirama-sensei did in the past because of the First Hokage, then the village would have an extraordinary Kage.
The village now cannot provide an example like the First Hokage did. We can only hope that someone of the same age group will emerge to restrain Tatsuma's spirit.
Hiruzen squinted his eyes, looking at the rising sun. He hadn't asked Tatsuma for any follow-up suggestions regarding the Daimyo's demands. He hoped Tatsuma could figure things out on his own and handle them.
"Mandrill, do you think I've reached the age to call myself an old man?"
"You are already an elder in the ninja world."
Mandrill knew, of course, that Hiruzen wasn't asking about his age. A Ninja in his forties could indeed be considered old in the early days of Konoha, even during the warring states period. But now, it could be said to be early or suitable. Only an elder could call himself an old man without feeling awkward.
The current Hiruzen had enough qualifications. He had achieved victories against the Wind and Rain countries, although Hidden Rock Village and Hidden Cloud Village had suffered losses as a result.
In terms of appearance, Hiruzen started growing his beard early on. Initially, it was to appear more mature when he became the Hokage, and as a leader, his image was not easily changed, so he maintained it like that.
After keeping his beard for so many years, even when walking on the streets, some children began to call him "Hokage grandpa." Therefore, calling himself an old man had gained a certain popularity among the people.
Upon hearing Mandrill's words, Hiruzen also smiled and said, "Then I shall refer to myself as such in the future, and Yaksha can remind me when the time comes."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Well then, you may retire and carry out the tasks I assigned for today."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
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