The Anbu moved extremely fast, arriving at the Hokage Building in less than ten seconds. He knocked on Hiruzen Sarutobi's office door.
Knock knock knock
"Enter!" Hiruzen Sarutobi had just changed into his combat uniform and was about to go downstairs to announce the expedition when someone suddenly knocked.
"Report, Hokage-sama! Lady Mito is walking toward the army, holding Uchiha Ryun's hand!" The Anbu's voice was loud, causing Hiruzen Sarutobi to freeze for a moment.
"What? What did you say? Lady Mito is..." Then, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked in the direction from the Senju clan's territory toward the army gathered below the Hokage Building.
Sure enough, he saw two figures walking hand in hand toward the army! He immediately ordered the Anbu to inform Danzō Shimura and the elders to come quickly.
Uzumaki Mito was the wife of the First Hokage, a legendary figure. Although she was now retired, she was not someone they could ignore.
In fact, there might be situations in the future where they would need Uzumaki Mito's support. Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware of this. He quickly opened the door and hurried downstairs.
The 3,000-strong vanguard shinobi widened their eyes as they watched Hiruzen Sarutobi rush downstairs. The heads of the Uchiha and Hyūga clans frowned.
Although Hiruzen Sarutobi had only recently taken office, he handled matters meticulously, leaving no room for criticism. So why was he in such a hurry now?
Following Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze, they saw a woman holding a young boy's hand as they walked forward slowly. When they recognized the woman, the entire vanguard army immediately knelt on one knee in salute.
This was the wife of the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju—Uzumaki Mito! A legendary figure and the most respected woman in Konoha Village!
"Greetings, Lady Mito!" While the others knelt, Hiruzen Sarutobi bowed in respect. As the Hokage, a bow was the highest form of courtesy he could show.
Uzumaki Mito walked forward with a gentle smile. She first glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, then at the elders and the army. With perfect tact, she said, "Lord Third Hokage, don't be nervous. I'm just here to send a junior to the army. This boy is Uchiha Ryun, Tsunade's trusted subordinate."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at Uchiha Ryun, his mind racing. Senju and Uchiha? What was going on here? His eyes darted around.
Then, he tested the waters, "No need for formalities, Lady Mito. You can just call me Monkey. Please give the order to send off the army, to mark the beginning of their mission." Hiruzen Sarutobi bowed as he spoke.
This was a battle of authority. Hiruzen Sarutobi was now the Hokage, while Uzumaki Mito was the First Hokage's wife. If Uzumaki Mito gave the order, it would undermine the Hokage's authority.
Uzumaki Mito gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep look. This "Monkey" was no longer the same as before. His heart was now filled with schemes and calculations, though in Uzumaki Mito's eyes, they were still immature.
However, she had no intention of arguing with him. She smiled and said, "Then I'll take the liberty of calling you Monkey. Monkey, you are the Hokage now. The declaration of war should come from you. I have no right to interfere. But this is Ryun's first war, so please train him well."
A strange glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, but he reacted quickly. He looked at Uchiha Ryun and nodded. "Don't worry, Lady Mito. This child is clearly talented. I will."
With that, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward and patted Uchiha Ryun's shoulder, showing his approval. Then, he called out, "Tsunade!"
"Here!" Tsunade quickly ran to Hiruzen Sarutobi's side.
"Ryun is your subordinate. Take him back to the team." After speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi saluted Uzumaki Mito and stood at the front of the army.
"Everyone, you are the heroes of Konoha! This war is unavoidable. Hanzo of the Salamander has challenged us. Can we remain indifferent?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was filled with righteous anger.
The 3,000-strong vanguard army was instantly fired up. They roared in response, "No!"
"Then we must strike our enemies hard, make them fear us, so that our loved ones can live in peace!" Hiruzen Sarutobi roared again.
Uchiha Ryun had to admit that Hiruzen Sarutobi was talented. These words struck the right chord, which was why he would later be called the "Professor."
"Yes!" The army roared once more.
"All troops, follow my orders! Move out! Destination: the Land of Rain!" Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, and the shinobi responded, "Move out! Destination: the Land of Rain!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched as the shinobi left the village, lost in thought. As the village leader, the elders had advised him not to go to the front lines. But this war would determine whether his position as Hokage was secure, so he had no choice but to go.
After discussion, they reached a compromise: Hiruzen Sarutobi would follow the main army to the Land of Rain. He would only take action if Hanzo of the Salamander appeared.
In the end, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no choice but to agree. He knew his brothers were looking out for him, and he couldn't let them down.
Oh, right. Lady Mito was still here. She hadn't left yet. Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and knelt on one knee before Uzumaki Mito. "Lady Mito, the army was watching earlier. Please forgive my rudeness."
"It's fine, Monkey. You were acting for the village. You did nothing wrong." Uzumaki Mito smiled.
"Thank you for your understanding, Lady Mito." Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his head. His voice betrayed no emotion, but Uzumaki Mito could sense his inner triumph.
Uzumaki Mito looked at him and helped him up. "Monkey, I have a favor to ask."
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately responded, "Lady Mito, whatever you command, I will obey!" He bowed again. There was no other choice—she was the First Hokage's wife, a legendary figure, and someone whose support he needed in the village.
Uzumaki Mito was satisfied with his attitude. "Monkey, I miss my family. I would like you to send an envoy to bring them to Konoha for a visit."
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly but still agreed. "Of course. Lady Mito, as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, you protect Konoha's peace. Now that you wish to see your family, how could I refuse?"
"In that case, I will send Hatake Sakumo and Akimichi Torifu to lead a team of 500 shinobi to escort them. How does that sound?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was negotiating.
"That will do. Monkey, thank you. I knew you, as Hokage, would handle this perfectly. Come visit the Senju clan often in the future. Keep an old woman like me company." Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up. This was Lady Mito extending her goodwill. The implication was clear: from now on, she would fully support him as Hokage.
This was excellent news for him. With such a figure backing him, his position as Hokage was practically secured. He quickly replied, "Thank you, Lady Mito."
Uzumaki Mito shook her head. "Monkey, I should be thanking you. I'll take my leave now. There are still matters to attend to at home."
"Lady Mito, take care. Watch your step." At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was extremely respectful toward Uzumaki Mito. There was no other choice—her status demanded it, and she was willing to endorse him. What else could he do? Treat her like royalty!