Chapter 23: The Little Puppy Uchiha
Konoha.
The news spread like wildfire through the village: Tsunade of the Land of Fire had found herself a little puppy—and he was from the Uchiha clan. Conversations erupted across Konoha. More importantly, the Uchiha clan had stepped into the limelight.
Though many Uchihas disapproved of Yosuke's actions, the clan still reaped the benefits, as the situation sent out a strong signal. Tsunade's identity was far from ordinary, and this implied a softening in the relations between the Senju and Uchiha. Other clans in the village, noticing this shift, began reaching out to the Uchiha.
The Uchihas had been isolated not only because of their pride but due to their history. The Uchiha were blamed for the death of the First Hokage, and they had once rebelled during the Second Hokage's era. Most were wary of touching upon this "forbidden" clan, fearing the taboos surrounding them.
But now, things had changed. If Tsunade wanted a little puppy, why make it so public? The other families were smart enough to recognize this was intentional. Those who had good relations with the Senju took the hint and began reconnecting with the Uchiha.
**Uchiha Compound**
"Yosuke, the family will not forget your sacrifices and contributions," said Uchiha Fugaku with an unusual smile, looking quite pleased.
"Yosuke, you know, the clan has already reached out to the Aburame. The clan has allocated a forest on the outskirts of the village for them..."
Listening to Fugaku's words, Yosuke couldn't help feeling speechless. It was as if he had sold himself to support the family.
"Captain Fugaku, all this is to restore the Uchiha's honor!" Yosuke replied with a serious expression, concealing his disdain. His face showed a willingness to sacrifice everything for the clan.
Fugaku, seeing Yosuke's earnest expression, snapped out of his excitement, feeling slightly embarrassed. This was indeed a significant step for the Uchiha, marking the start of something positive.
But for Yosuke, it was more of a headache.
"Yosuke!"
Fugaku hesitated, looking like he wanted to comfort him but not quite knowing how to say it. Instead, he awkwardly changed the topic.
"Yosuke, the situation at the frontlines is tense. There are signs of Iwagakure forces mobilizing. The village has decided to send a ninja corps to guard the Land of Grass..."
The Land of Grass lay between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, bordering the Land of Rain. With signs of Iwagakure's movement, the village aimed to prevent any surprises. If war broke out, the battleground would likely be on the Land of Grass's soil—a classic case of smaller nations getting caught up in the conflicts of great powers.
"Is war about to start?" Yosuke's face grew serious.
In this real-world shinobi world, records of past conflicts were limited, especially regarding the three Great Shinobi Wars, with only fragments of information available. He could only speculate based on bits and pieces.
Seeing Yosuke's concern, Fugaku reassured him.
"Yosuke, the main fighting will be in the Land of Rain. The Land of Grass will see only covert skirmishes between the great nations, as they are understood to be unofficial engagements. This time, the ninja corps is no ordinary group."
Noticing Yosuke's curious look, Fugaku continued solemnly.
"The frontline commanders will be Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. The selected ninja corps will include members of the Hyuga, Nara..."
As Fugaku listed the team, Yosuke realized this was Konoha's next generation's training ground. The frontlines in the Land of Grass were comparatively safer.
"Ah, I see," he said, understanding.
Wait! The Land of Grass is on guard against Iwagakure!
A sudden thought struck Yosuke. Frowning, he asked, "Captain Fugaku, I understand the two nations positioning their battlefield in the Land of Grass, but didn't you mention an Iwagakure ninja corps?"
"According to intelligence, this time Iwagakure only sent around 500 ninjas to the Land of Grass border—not many. Compared to the Land of Grass, the Land of Rain deserves more attention."
Great nations always involved small nations in their conflicts. If a minor nation resisted, they would crush it like "weeds and rabbits," sweeping them away as collateral damage.
"I will personally lead the team," Fugaku stated. This announcement indicated that each clan's second generation would be present on the Land of Grass's border. Because of Tsunade, Yosuke had also been selected as a promising clan member to build his experience.
"The enemy this time is Iwagakure!"
In the original story, the Three Legendary Sannin were encircled by Iwagakure forces during the Second Shinobi War. If not for timely backup, Jiraiya, who was severely injured, might not have survived. Moreover, this incident did not occur in the Land of Rain!
Yosuke realized that this "training mission" could turn into something dangerous.
War was never a simple matter. Between great nations, they might be enemies one moment and allies the next.
"When do we set out, Captain Fugaku?"
"In three days. Gather outside the village. The clan will equip you with the necessary supplies for battle."
Fugaku's visit today was to inform Yosuke of this mission and to show the clan's appreciation for him. They would equip him as if he were at the level of a higher-tier Uchiha with a two or three tomoe Sharingan, despite his one-tomoe Sharingan.
But Yosuke only felt frustration.
"I understand. I'll be ready."
Yosuke nodded gravely. Having glimpsed the horrors of war on the Rain Country's battlefield, he knew this time he would face even harsher conditions.
After Fugaku left, Yosuke stood outside his house, gazing up at the grand Hokage Rock. He narrowed his eyes.
"Unknown dangers, the feeling of being unable to control my fate—it's downright frustrating, especially being so passive!"
"But taking blows isn't my style. If I want to take the initiative, I can't rely solely on personal strength right now. I'll need outside support!"
With this realization, he glanced toward a particular direction within the Uchiha compound, a smile forming on his lips.
"Elder Setsuna, Clan Leader—I'm the bridge of trust between the Uchiha and the village. You'll need to protect me well."
In a world where he couldn't lead events, Yosuke knew he had to learn to blend in and use every available power to strengthen himself.
***
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