At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen set aside the "embarrassing" reports from the Root Organization and casually picked up the dossier concerning the Uchiha clan.
Recently, the notable changes within the Uchiha clan seemed to center around Uchiha Fugaku. Known for his calm and non-aggressive nature, Fugaku's leadership had shifted the focus of the clan towards intensive training and practice. Their strength improved rapidly, and their collective temperament became noticeably more composed.
To put it simply, they were so occupied with training that they had little time for anything else.
Restrict Uchiha from undertaking missions?
Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up a task report. Surprisingly, despite their traditional aversion to missions, the Uchiha had been taking on more tasks than they had the previous year.
What are these people planning?
"Send Shisui to me," Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered after a long moment of contemplation, unable to pinpoint the source of his concern. If anyone could offer insights, it was Uchiha Shisui, a trusted member of the Uchiha clan who was privy to its inner workings.
"Lord Hokage!"
Uchiha Shisui, recently returned from a mission, was currently assigned to guard duty at the Hokage's office.
"Shisui, the Uchiha have been thriving recently," Sarutobi Hiruzen began, a gentle expression on his face. "Their enthusiasm for missions has increased, and they've handled the village's security with perfection. It's as though the Uchiha have become the village's pillar. As a member of the clan, are you pleased with these changes?"
"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama," Shisui replied with a smile behind his mask. "Yes, the current state of the clan is quite positive." He had always aspired to guide the clan towards harmonious integration with the village, moving away from the friction and discord of the past. This was the reality he had long envisioned.
"We can all see the progress in the Uchiha," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued. "But tell me, Shisui, what prompted such a significant transformation? What was the turning point? If we could understand and replicate this, it would greatly benefit the entire village."
"An opportunity?" Shisui echoed, momentarily at a loss. "I'm not entirely sure, but it might be that everyone is short on funds. Recently, our training has become quite expensive..."
Mid-sentence, Shisui's eyes flickered with realization, recalling what Reiki had once hinted at.
"Training costs money?" Sarutobi Hiruzen mused aloud. "I see. You may go, Shisui."
Shisui nodded and exited the office, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen deep in thought. He pulled another file from the pile—this one concerning Reiki.
If the Uchiha's newfound motivation was tied to training expenses, it was likely related to the potions developed by Tsunade and Reiki. That would explain the clan's increased activity and their perfect mission completion rate. Were the benefits of these supplements truly that significant?
Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Tsunade's profile, and he reached a decision.
In Tsunade's courtyard, an ANBU operative with a mask appeared suddenly.
"Tsunade-sama, the Hokage requests your presence. Additionally, the medical ninja Reiki should accompany you. The Hokage has stated there is no rush, so you may come at your convenience."
After delivering the message, the ANBU ninja vanished, leaving Tsunade puzzled.
"When did the ANBU become so polite?" she muttered. "And if they know already, why is there no urgency?"
"Teacher, has anything unusual happened in the village recently?" Reiki asked, equally perplexed. The request seemed out of character for the Sarutobi Hiruzen he knew.
"It's fine, let's handle our business first." Tsunade replied before pulling out a stack of documents. "Reiki, I've compiled all the data from this period. Take a look."
Reiki's eyes widened at the mountain of papers, feeling a twinge of exasperation. The sheer volume was daunting, making him reconsider his ambitions to manage village affairs.
The documents bore detailed analyses:
- [Battlefield Outcomes Post Medical Ninja Integration]
- [Mission Success Rates with Medical Ninja Support]
- [Participation Ratios of Medical Ninjas in Assignments]
- [Recent Konoha Casualty Reports]
- [Comparative Performance of Combat-Only Missions]
Reiki read through the reports, his head beginning to ache as he sifted through the details.
Three hours later, he finally set the documents down. "The conclusions are solid," he admitted. "But, teacher, there are some concerns."
"What issues?" Tsunade frowned. She had believed her data was thorough enough to support her plan without question.
"Here," Reiki said, pointing to a section, "this shows direct combat involvement by medical ninjas during missions. Is that their primary role? And here, Master Biwaku intervened in mission leadership decisions, overriding the captain's command. And here..."
Reiki continued outlining his observations.
"Is that...really an issue?" Tsunade asked, puzzled. "Doesn't it just highlight how well medical ninjas perform in combat scenarios?"
"Teacher, even if medical ninjas grow stronger, their primary role shouldn't change," Reiki explained. "The captain should always have the final say during missions. Otherwise, it'll breed dissent and undermine trust."
He paused, reflecting on his own past missteps, mistakes he had only just recognized after reading Tsunade's analyses.
"Left unchecked, such behavior could lead to conflicts," he added. "Conflicts that would put you, Tsunade-sama, in a difficult position. If tensions arise, you'd likely side with the medical ninjas, which could make their status more precarious. Ability alone has never secured a stable position in Konoha."
He gestured at the pile of documents. "Look at the Uchiha."
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 450 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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