Reporting back to the village!
Although the order wasn't phrased exactly like that, the meaning was clear.
Upon receiving the order, Takashi was not worried at all; in fact, he was extremely pleased.
Here comes the fun!
As someone who thrives on excitement, he couldn't just sit back and miss out on the action.
At the time of departure.
"I'll leave Mount Kikyo to you guys!"
Takashi gave Nara Jukumo and Shimura Setsuna a meaningful look.
Even if he knew there might be some tricks, it was up to them to be smart enough.
If they really messed up under his watch, they couldn't blame him for being ruthless.
He didn't care who was backing them.
Even if it was the Second Hokage, he would still deal with them just the same, let alone the 'mere' Shimura and Nara clans.
If they dared to stir up trouble, they had to be prepared to pay the price.
"Yes, Lord Takashi!" Both Nara Jukumo and Shimura Setsuna shivered.
Clearly, they understood the threat in Takashi's words.
After Takashi left with his team, Nara Jukumo turned to Shimura Setsuna to lay his cards on the table.
"No matter what plans you have, I won't get involved unless you have an official order from the village!"
Being a smart person, he knew that the other party had ulterior motives for exchanging positions to become the deputy commander of the ninja army.
"Alright!"
Shimura Setsuna hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Although having the other party's help would make the plan easier to execute, the Nara clan was not easy to deal with, so it was better not to create unnecessary trouble.
On the other side! "Takashi-kun, aren't you worried that after we leave, Shimura Setsuna might do something?"
Hyuga Aotsuki asked curiously.
Yes, she and Yamakawa Koji were also returning to the village this time.
As for the others, they were just heading back to the village for a break.
Takashi specifically wanted to bring them along.
As the commander, wasn't it normal for him to have some guards?
Although no one thought that someone who had just escaped from Onoki's pursuit and even injured his 'Purifying Flame' needed protection.
But since he asked, naturally, no one would foolishly try to stop him.
Thus, among the southwestern ninja army, which had been stationed outside for years without a chance to return to the village, there was now a group of 'guards.'
Quite a number! Over a hundred guards, and if not for Nara Jukumo's persuasion, Takashi thought bringing a few hundred wouldn't be a problem.
"If he wants to do something, isn't that a good thing?"
Takashi answered Hyuga Aotsuki's question with a hint of anticipation.
Yes, he was actually hoping for Shimura Setsuna to stir up trouble.
After all, he only saw the southwestern ninja army as a tool and wouldn't mind if something happened. If it did, it would just be more fun.
"True!"
Hyuga Aotsuki understood Takashi's mindset and nodded in agreement.
With their strength, even if the other side wanted to cause trouble, the end result would only be a painful defeat.
"By the way, I've brought some gifts this time, and I'm sure they'll surprise you!"
As Takashi spoke, he glanced at the package Yamakawa Koji was carrying.
The package was tightly sealed, and if someone were to open it, they would find not a treasure, but a lush green 'branch.'
However, this tree was quite unique.
The Fusang Tree! It was also Takashi's most carefully cultivated treasure.
Even the Otsutsuki used the 'Divine Tree' to harvest the ninja world, so Takashi naturally wanted to 'borrow' the successful experience.
The branches of the Fusang Tree could be used to refine 'Natural Energy' potions.
In the past, due to its small size, he only used it for himself.
Now, it could be used as a resource.
Only he could do this; the three great sacred places would never offer such precious resources.
Take Mount Myoboku, for example.
One can only imagine how many good things those toads have, but apart from being able to use toad oil in the sacred place, what other resources did Jiraiya and Naruto get?
From this perspective, it's clear how stingy the three great sacred places are.
While Takashi's Yutani may not be as developed as the three great sacred places, he had full control over the resources and could directly use the hot springs and the Fusang Tree.
As for the three great sacred places?
Better stop dreaming. The team, eager to return home, made it back to Konoha in just half a day.
"We're finally back!"
"Yeah!"
"All thanks to Lord Takashi!"
...
Expressions of gratitude echoed from the mouths of the hundred 'guards.'
They naturally understood why Takashi brought them along, so they appreciated the gesture.
Even the two gatekeeping ninjas didn't insist on them registering before entering the village, standing respectfully on either side of the gate to welcome them.
A Kage-level powerhouse, the main commander of the ninja forces—who would dare make him register?
But that's just them. If it were the next generation's Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu, the gate guardians, it definitely wouldn't be like this.
Because they were so 'strong' that even Nagato, who came to Konoha to carry rice, didn't dare to storm the main gate and had to choose to attack from elsewhere.
The might of the gate guardians was terrifying! If it were the other way around, Takashi would also comply with registration.
"Dismissed!"
After entering the village, Takashi announced the dismissal.
The guards naturally dispersed to return home, leaving only the three members of Team 404 at the spot.
"Koji, Aotsuki, you two go home first. Meet at the Hokage building tomorrow!"
Takashi gestured for the two to leave.
Next, he planned to head back to the Uchiha clan grounds to take care of some matters and rest well for a day, preparing to enjoy some entertainment tomorrow.
"Alright!"
Hyuga Aotsuki turned and left, as if they were just ordinary teammates.
It must be said, her acting and disguise skills were indeed strong, making outsiders think her relationship with the remaining two members of Team 404 wasn't great.
Meanwhile, Yamakawa Koji handed over his things to Takashi before turning to leave.
At this moment, he was the pride of the Yamakawa clan.
After all, his Jonin-level strength was enough to restore the family's honor.
It's just that the promotion to Jonin is extremely complex; otherwise, he could directly be promoted to Jonin.
Jonin!
It's not just a representation of strength but also a reflection of power and status.
Every Jonin is considered part of the village's middle echelon, and even their trust votes are needed for selecting the Hokage.
Of course, that's the rule.
Some who are less concerned with appearances just skip the trust vote and take the position directly.
Anyway, a Jonin is enough to support a small ninja clan.
The once-declining Yamakawa clan instantly became highly sought after.
In fact, many people came to propose marriage alliances.
Yes, you heard that right.
Yamakawa Koji, this guy, actually has multiple pretty girls pursuing him.
Even knowing he's bald, they still do.
Ninjas admire strength! Power is the hard truth.
So don't underestimate Yamakawa Koji, who became a bald tough guy due to the Ascension Surgery.
But with elite Jonin strength at not even fifteen, he's definitely at the 'super genius' level.
If it weren't for Takashi, the 'inhuman' sage, he could easily be called Konoha's strongest genius.
Envy, jealousy, and resentment! Others in the village are completely envious of Yamakawa Koji to the point of molecular separation.
This time, Yamakawa Koji's return to the village requires dealing with the family's 'marriage alliances.'
Hmm... and also a special task given by Takashi.
Poaching! Right now, he's in dire need of reliable and potential subordinates.
Where else has more talent than Konoha Village?
Ninja! It's a kind of talent.
It's not impossible for ordinary people to become ninjas.
But the improvement gained from one resource in Konoha Village would require dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of resources for these ordinary people to achieve the same enhancement.
Now you understand why the ninja ratio in ninja villages is so high, and the birth ratio among ordinary people is so low, right? It's not just a resource issue but also a bloodline talent issue.
With Yamakawa Koji as an example, he can completely attract these declining small ninja clans.
The kids in the orphanage, though promising for the future, still need some time before they can be directly utilized. It's best to use these people to support them for now.
You could say Yamakawa Koji is like an advertisement for recruiting talent.
While things are going smoothly for Yamakawa Koji, it's a different story for Hyuga Aotsuki.
(End of this chapter)