In a forest somewhere in the Land of Fields.
Not far from the river was the camp of Konoha Village.
After Tsunade completed her mission, she led Natsume, Kabuto Yakushi, and Shizune to the large tent in the center.
There were already quite a few people waiting inside.
"Lady Tsunade."
The first to speak wasn't Fugaku Uchiha, but Shikaku Nara with a pineapple-shaped haircut.
He is the father of Shikamaru Nara, one of the Konoha 12, and the deer in this generation's Ino–Shika–Cho.
The Nara clan is well-known for their high intelligence, so they usually serve as advisors or strategists.
This war is no exception.
"Regarding Shito, on behalf of the Ino–Shika–Cho, I'd like to thank you. If it weren't for your timely rescue, he might not be able to be a ninja anymore."
Shikaku Nara showed a grateful expression.
The Ino–Shika–Cho have always stood by each other through thick and thin and share a bond of life - and - death friendship. So it's natural for him to express gratitude on behalf of the unconscious Shito.
"It's what I should do."
Tsunade waved her hand and got to the point. "So, how's the situation now?"
"Not good."
Fugaku Uchiha said in a deep voice, "Within just one week, thirty of our outposts and strongholds have been destroyed."
"Did we send all hands out?"
Tsunade had learned about the situation beforehand, but she was still a bit surprised to hear such a large number.
"Yes."
Fugaku Uchiha nodded and said, "We were caught off guard and had to lay low for the time being. But Shikaku noticed something off."
Outposts and strongholds are very useful in war as they can form a fixed line of defense. Regular tents or obstacles can't block Ninjutsu, so without outposts and strongholds, we'd be constantly on edge when resting outside.
"Everyone, look at the map."
Shikaku Nara took over the conversation and spread out a map of the Land of Fields. He said, "Although there's no pattern in the distribution of these thirty outposts and strongholds, we've unknowingly retreated to the southern part of the Land of Fields, which is the area downstream of this river."
After he finished speaking, he drew a big circle on the map.
"Is it just a coincidence, maybe?"
Tsunade glanced at it and asked, "This area is so large. Even if they set an ambush, it'd be hard to succeed."
"What Lady Tsunade said is exactly what we find strange."
Shikaku Nara nodded and said, "But Fourth Raikage's goal should be far more than just these outposts and strongholds."
"Yes."
Tsunade put forward her conjecture. "Most likely, Kumogakure wants a great victory to negotiate for more compensation."
"We also think so after discussion."
Fugaku Uchiha glanced at Hiashi Hyuga and said, "The ninjas of the Hyuga clan have investigated, and the two Jinchuriki of Kumogakure haven't moved and are still in Kumogakure."
"Kumogakure must have paid a high price to destroy so many outposts and strongholds in such a short time."
Hiashi Hyuga noticed his look and said, "There must be something fishy going on. We can send Hyuga ninjas deep behind enemy lines to investigate."
It is dangerous, but if they really find out something, it'll be a great achievement.
"The Byakugan is truly a powerful scouting tool. But if one with insufficient strength is discovered using it, it'll bring trouble instead. If the head of the Hyuga clan is willing to go in person, I have no objections."
Fugaku Uchiha naturally understood what he was thinking.
To outsiders, the Hyuga clan and the Uchiha clan were equally famous, known as the two great Dojutsu - using ninja clans in Konoha.
But within the Uchiha clan, this view was never shared.
Fugaku Uchiha especially held a different opinion.
He was aware of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
How could the mere Byakugan match up to it?
Hiashi Hyuga's face suddenly changed.
He really didn't dare to venture deep behind enemy lines.
As the head of the main family, he didn't have the Caged Bird Seal. If he failed, the Byakugan would fall into the hands of outsiders.
During the Third Great Ninja War, an elder from the main family participated in the battle, and as a result, his Byakugan ended up in the hands of Jonin Ao of the Kiri village.
This also earned Ao the title of the "Byakugan Killer".
Such a precedent made the main family even more cautious.
All dangerous tasks were assigned to the branch family.
After all, with the Caged Bird Seal in hand, they had no choice but to obey.
"Alright, I'm curious to hear what the Uchiha clan head has in mind."
Hiashi Hyuga frowned a bit and said.
"I suggest that Lady Tsunade lead the mission, and have Team Shisui assist."
Fugaku Uchiha seemed to have prepared his plan in advance. Without any hesitation, he stated his proposal.
Needless to say about Tsunade.
In this tent, she had the highest status and was among the top five in terms of strength.
As for Shisui Uchiha, he earned the title of 'Shunshin Shisui' during the Third Great Ninja War. His achievements in this war were even more remarkable.
In terms of personal contributions, he was second to none.
Even without using the Mangekyo Sharingan, his strength was far greater than it had been three years ago.
"I have no problem with that."
After a moment of hesitation, Tsunade agreed.
She joined this war to train Natsume and the others.
Their performance against Toroi earlier had impressed her greatly.
Venturing deep behind enemy lines was indeed dangerous, but it was also an excellent form of training.
Tsunade thought their current strength was up to the challenge.
"Yes."
Shisui Uchiha stepped forward and also accepted the mission.
He had been among the Jonin before. Because of his age, he was the shortest.
It was only then that Natsume noticed him.
"Shisui, are you leading a team as a Jonin now?"
Tsunade glanced at him and asked, "Who are your team members?"
There were two teams.
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She believed that Natsume and the others wouldn't be a burden. However, she wasn't so sure about the other team.
After all, geniuses were few and far between.
"The Hokage gave me special permission to lead a team as a Jonin."
Shisui Uchiha replied with a gentle expression, "My team members are the three disciples of Lord Orochimaru: Itachi Uchiha, Anko Mitarashi, and Yugao Uzuki."
"So they're Orochimaru's disciples."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and said, "That guy always stays in Konoha and never comes out. He's actually willing to let his disciples participate in this."
Shisui Uchiha remained silent.
It's none of his business when the bigwigs are at odds.
In fact, it wasn't because of Itachi Uchiha that he chose this team.
It was Orochimaru who specified that he lead the team.
He still hasn't figured out what Orochimaru's intentions are.
"In that case, I'll leave this matter to Lady Tsunade."
After seeing the two finish their conversation, Fugaku Uchiha spoke up promptly.
He glanced at Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha without saying a word, but his meaning was clear: perform well.
At this moment, due to the drastic changes within the Uchiha Clan, he has realized that the most dangerous moment has arrived.
So, on one hand, he tried to appease the overly extreme clan members. On the other hand, he planned to learn about the movements of Konoha's high - level through Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha.
He was trying to find a balance by taking both approaches.
Fugaku Uchiha didn't want to rebel.
In the original story, he was forced to take the lead out of desperation.
As a result, when he faced Itachi Uchiha, he was willing to be captured without resistance, allowing Itachi to massacre the entire clan.
His way of thinking was difficult to understand and utterly absurd.
As for the present situation.
Fugaku Uchiha was neither a qualified clan leader nor a qualified father, so he had no idea what Shisui Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha were really thinking.
His inaction was like hitting the accelerator in the process of the Uchiha Clan's destruction.
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