บท 27: Retaliation Against the Hidden Rain Village
A shinobi's strength is a very private matter. Inquiring about someone's limits in the shinobi world is akin to asking: "Hey, if I wanted to kill you, what's your breaking point?"
"Why ask this?" Fuma maintained his smiling face from their earlier casual chat.
"Well, the village is going to war. We're facing two other shinobi villages, and I'm just not confident," the Third Hokage admitted.
It was understandable for him to be anxious. Although the Third Hokage was now fifty years old, this was his first time leading a large-scale shinobi war as the commander. His worries were not without reason.
While the Second Shinobi World War was smaller in scale compared to the Third, involving only the Sand Village, Konoha, the Rain Village, and a few insignificant small countries, the outcome was less than favorable.
On the battlefield of the Land of Rain, led by the Three Legendary Sannin, Konoha's forces, apart from the so-called "Sannin," were completely wiped out.
Only the White Fang-led battle in the Land of Wind yielded considerable results, killing the genius puppet masters from the Sand Village, who were also Sasori's parents.
However, for Konoha, which held a dominant position in the shinobi world, this was hardly a proud victory.
Currently, with Fuma rising to prominence in the village, his stance carried significant political weight. The main figures leading this war would be Fuma Uchiha, the "Three Sannin," and the White Fang.
Fuma didn't respond immediately. He still felt that the Third Hokage didn't fully trust him. After all, the Eight Gates technique, despite being labeled a forbidden jutsu, hadn't yet demonstrated its true power.
Its inclusion in the Scroll of Seals likely stemmed from the significant damage it inflicted on the body, similar to the reasons for including the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.
The fact that the Third Hokage hadn't given it to him indicated that the higher-ups in Konoha were consciously trying to limit his growth.
Recalling the attitudes of the higher-ups, Fuma put away his smile and responded calmly, "I suppose I can hold my own against Hanzo of the Salamander."
The Third Hokage smiled wryly at this. What did "holding your own" even mean? You already dared to single-handedly fight a Mangekyou Sharingan user and a direct descendant of the Senju. What more could you achieve in the future?
With a paternal demeanor, he spoke earnestly, "Since the First Shinobi World War, Konoha has suffered great losses and hasn't fully recovered. Among your peers, Fuma, you have far outperformed everyone else."
"It's time for you to shoulder some responsibilities for Konoha. We want to give you more tasks."
Hearing these familiar words, Fuma sensed the Third Hokage is about to start his usual bullshit about 'Will of Fire' and making big promises.
Nice words, but your good disciple, Jiraiya, was promoted to Jonin at the mere age of fifteen. Fuma, due to his Uchiha heritage and his early bloodthirsty nature, had his rank suppressed by the Hokage's office until now.
"You don't need to say more. I will do my part for the village. You know about my relationship with Tsunade. This is also a decision the Uchiha clan has made after weighing the pros and cons."
Fuma subtly represented the Uchiha clan. After all, the clan was there to be used.
The Third Hokage was visibly surprised. He had only heard rumors about Fuma and Tsunade.
His spying techniques, such as the Telescope Jutsu and the ANBU in the village, didn't dare monitor or approach the Senju ancestral home or the Uchiha compound.
"If that's the case, congratulations to both of you," the Third Hokage said dryly.
The Second Hokage's policy of dividing the shinobi clans was his governing strategy. If the Uchiha and Senju truly united, it might not bode well for the Third Hokage's administration.
"In that case, I will give the order. We need to respond to the Hidden Rain Village's provocation, but we must control the scale. The Elder Council believes you are the most suitable for this task."
This assignment was extremely perilous. Retaliating against Hanzo, who had shown hostility, was fraught with danger. However, as a shinobi of Konoha, it was difficult to refuse the Hokage's orders.
After a brief consideration, Fuma asked, "What exactly is the mission objective?"
The Third Hokage smiled and handed him a scroll. "The main task is to re-survey and map the Hidden Rain Village's geography, marking important strategic points. If you encounter any key figures, eliminate them; no need to capture anyone alive."
This was the tragedy of small shinobi villages. If it were a major nation, even if there were skirmishes, there was still a chance to capture someone to use as a bargaining chip.
Fuma didn't argue further. Until he could establish his prestige and reputation throughout the village, he wouldn't engage in unnecessary disputes with the Hokage.
The Third Hokage, still looking kindly, said, "Be safe, Fuma. I wish you great fortune in battle."
.......
In Konoha, at the Root headquarters.
Danzo, leaning on his cane with a grim expression, looked at the visiting Fuma.
"What do you want?" he asked curtly.
It seemed Danzo was still deeply affected by Fuma's previous remark about why he didn't stay behind.
Fuma glanced at the empty table. This man was truly pragmatic; he didn't even offer tea anymore.
"The Third Hokage has assigned me to scout the Hidden Rain Village and retaliate against key personnel. Having worked in ANBU for a long time, I know that when it comes to intelligence, Root is the most reliable under your command, Lord Danzo."
Despite Danzo's poor character, extreme views, and flawed moral compass, he undeniably had a set of professional skills.
Danzo's expression softened slightly. He snorted, and a Root shinobi handed Fuma a scroll of intelligence.
Danzo's authority was nearly on par with the Hokage's.
Danzo laid out a photo from the intelligence report in front of Fuma.
"This is Hanzo's only son, Iga. He's no more than a Jonin in terms of strength. Killing him is the best way to respond to Hanzo's provocation."
Fuma nodded, smiling, "Is there anything else you need me to handle?"
Danzo, finally losing his sour expression, laid out a map pointing to the Land of Bears near the Hidden Rain Village.
"There is an underground exchange point in the Land of Bears where Root funds were stolen by unknown rogue shinobi, amounting to eighty million ryō. A squad was wiped out as a result. Check the situation for me. If they can't return the money, destroy the exchange."
Fuma pondered over the map. The Land of Bears, funds stolen... unknown rogue shinobi capable of killing a Root squad likely pointed to some master of shuriken.
However, what truly intrigued Fuma was Hoshigakure in the Land of Bears. The secrets it held might be key to his breakthrough.
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