"Greetings, Lady Mito!"
Everyone knelt, while Hiruzen Sarutobi bowed.
As Hokage, a bow was already the utmost respect he could show.
Uzumaki Mito stepped forward, her smile gentle.
She first glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, then at the elders and the army, speaking with measured composure:
"Third Hokage, no need to be nervous. I'm just here to send a junior to the army."
"This child is Uchiha Shin—he is Tsunade's trusted subordinate."
Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Shin, his thoughts stirring.
Senju… Uchiha?
What kind of situation was this?
His eyes shifted subtly.
Then he spoke cautiously:
"I wouldn't dare. Lady Mito, please call me Monkey."
"And may I trouble you to give the order to conclude the army's departure?"
Hiruzen lowered his head as he spoke.
This was a contest of authority.
He was the Hokage.
If Mito, as the First Hokage's wife, gave the order—
It would undermine his authority.
Mito looked deeply at him.
This Hiruzen was no longer the "Monkey" of the past.
He now carried calculation and political awareness—
Though in her eyes, still somewhat immature.
She had no intention of competing with him.
Smiling, she said:
"Then I will take the liberty of calling you Monkey."
"Since you are the Hokage, the declaration of war should come from you. I have no right to interfere."
"However, this is Uchiha Shin's first time on the battlefield. Please take good care of him."
A flicker passed through Hiruzen's eyes.
He quickly responded, lifting his head to look at Uchiha Shin.
"Rest assured, Lady Mito. This child looks like a promising talent. I will take good care of him."
He stepped forward, patted Uchiha Shin's shoulder, showing his regard.
Then he raised his hand and called out:
"Tsunade!"
"Here!"
Tsunade jogged to his side.
"Uchiha Shin is your subordinate. Take him back to your unit."
After speaking, Hiruzen bowed to Mito and stepped to the front of the formation.
"Everyone—you are the heroes of Konoha!"
"This battle cannot be avoided!"
"Hanzō of the Salamander has declared war on us—can we remain indifferent?!"
His voice carried righteous fury.
The three thousand vanguard ninja were instantly ignited.
"No!"
"Then should we strike our enemies hard—make them fear us—so that our loved ones can live in peace?!"
Hiruzen roared again.
Even Uchiha Shin had to admit—
Hiruzen was talented.
Every word hit exactly where it should.
No wonder he would later be called a "Hero of Shinobi."
"Yes!"
The entire army roared again.
"All forces—follow my command!"
"Depart! Target: the Land of Rain!"
With a wave of his hand, the ninja responded in unison:
"Depart! Target: the Land of Rain!"
As the army began leaving the village, Hiruzen fell into thought.
As Hokage, the elders had advised him not to go to the front.
But this battle would determine whether his position could be secured.
There was no way he could stay behind.
In the end, they reached a compromise—
He would accompany the main force to the Land of Rain.
He would only act if Hanzō himself made a move.
Hiruzen had no choice but to agree.
After all, his comrades meant well.
He couldn't disappoint them.
Then he remembered—
Lady Mito was still here.
Hiruzen turned and dropped to one knee.
"Lady Mito, please forgive my earlier lack of courtesy. The army was present."
"It's alright, Monkey. You were acting for the village. You did nothing wrong."
Mito smiled.
"Thank you for your understanding, Lady Mito."
Hiruzen lowered his head.
His tone was calm, but Mito could sense the satisfaction in his heart.
She looked at him and helped him up.
"Monkey, I have a request."
Hiruzen immediately responded:
"Lady Mito, your command is my duty!"
He bowed again.
There was no helping it—
She was the First Hokage's wife.
A legendary figure.
And he still needed her support.
Mito was satisfied with his attitude.
"Monkey, I've been missing my homeland."
"So I'd like you to send envoys to bring my clan members to Konoha for a visit."
Hiruzen frowned slightly, but still agreed:
"That is only proper. As the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Lady Mito safeguards Konoha's peace."
"If you wish to reunite with your family, I will naturally agree."
"How about this—I'll have Sakumo Hatake and Torifu Akimichi lead five hundred ninja to escort them. What do you think?"
He was negotiating.
"That is acceptable."
"Thank you, Monkey. I knew you would handle things thoroughly as Hokage."
"Come visit the Senju compound more often in the future—keep this old woman company."
Mito smiled faintly.
Hiruzen's eyes lit up.
This was goodwill.
And more than that—
It meant she would fully support him as Hokage.
With her backing, his position would be nearly unshakable.
He quickly smiled.
"Thank you, Lady Mito."
Mito shook her head.
"No, Monkey—it is I who should thank you."
"I'll take my leave. There are still matters at home to attend to."
"Please walk carefully, Lady Mito."
At this moment, Hiruzen showed her the utmost respect.
After all—
Her status spoke for itself.
And now she supported him.
What else could he do?
Treat her with utmost reverence.
—
On the march—
Most of the thousand ninja under Tsunade were from the Senju clan.
Seeing an Uchiha like Uchiha Shin following closely behind her made many of them displeased.
After reaching the border—
"Tsunade-sama, leave the reconnaissance to me."
A young man from the Senju clan stepped forward and bowed.
Tsunade looked at him.
Ryūichi—full name Senju Ryūichi.
A skilled reconnaissance specialist and a talented Jonin.
His words tempted her.
Uchiha Shin hadn't intended to speak—
But seeing the disdain in Ryūichi's eyes—
He had to respond.
"Tsunade-sama, I can conduct reconnaissance without any casualties."
"Not a single loss."
He spoke calmly.
He needed to demonstrate his ability.
Otherwise, these Senju clan members would endlessly question him.
He didn't care about himself—
But he couldn't let Tsunade's reputation suffer.
Tsunade turned to look at him, curiosity rising.
How could he say such a thing?
Even veteran scouts couldn't guarantee zero-risk reconnaissance.