Chapter 73: Long-Term Mission, Winning Sarutobi Over
A few days later, in the Uchiha Clan District, Uchiha Tonan sat cross-legged beneath the eaves of his home, eyes closed, tuning into the murmurs that rippled through the entire district.
This was Fūton: Kūchū Shinchin — Wind Release: Airborne Sensory Technique — a wide-area sensory ninjutsu he had learned from Hatake Sakumo. It allowed him not only to catch the faintest sounds within a vast radius but also to sense disturbances carried by the wind—subtle anomalies in the flow of chakra or movement.
Suddenly, Tonan's ears twitched. In his perception, a figure approached swiftly, moving like a blur—a clear sign of the Body Flicker Technique in use, moving just outside the district's central area.
Why come to the Uchiha District? he wondered.
"Why are you here in the Uchiha district?" Tonan's voice was calm as he opened his eyes.
"The Hokage-sama sent me to find Uchiha Tonan," came a firm voice.
"Come in."
Tonan's gaze fixed steadily on the door. One, two, three—he counted silently.
Knock, knock, knock…
His sensory ninjutsu proved accurate. Smiling faintly, Tonan said, "Please enter."
An Anbu operative, wearing the distinctive cat-face mask, cautiously pushed open the door. Gone were the days when such intrusions could happen unannounced. The Uchiha district's central area was now heavily guarded. Any breach here invited severe consequences.
In a deep voice, the Anbu said, "Uchiha Tonan, the Hokage requests your presence."
Tonan nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for taking the trouble to deliver the message."
With that, his figure dissolved into the air, disappearing without a trace.
In the Hokage's office, Tonan entered calmly. He bowed respectfully before Sarutobi Hiruzen, whose weathered face bore a mixture of compassion and concern.
"Hokage-sama, may I ask why you summoned me?" Tonan inquired.
Hiruzen's kind smile never wavered as he responded, "Tonan, I understand how deeply the White Fang incident has affected you. There are rumors about you circulating throughout Konoha, causing you no small amount of trouble. But youth must not be crushed by grief. Sometimes, the best remedy is to focus on something else."
He leaned forward, exhaling a soft plume of smoke from his kiseru pipe. "There is a long-term A-rank mission available in the Fire Capital. It comes with a handsome reward and relatively light duties. I worked hard to secure it for you."
Tonan frowned. "An A-rank mission? For me, alone?"
"Don't worry, hear me out." Hiruzen's eyes twinkled with reassurance. "The Northern Wall Guard Unit captain in the Fire Capital is being relieved of his post. Someone needs to take over. The assignment involves monthly patrols, with weekly duties ramped up during times of war."
"In other words, it's like completing an A-rank mission each month. The Daimyō's residence funds the remuneration. Your responsibility will be to lead genin and soldiers in guarding the city gates and maintaining security in the surrounding area."
Tonan absorbed the details, his expression serious. "I will do my utmost to complete the mission."
Hiruzen waved a hand, smiling gently. "No need to be so formal. Danger is rare on this post. Also, Shinnosuke is one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and his leave is almost over. You two can travel together. Both being Konoha shinobi, Shinnosuke can look out for you in the Capital."
Just then, the door opened quietly, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke entered. Tonan bowed respectfully. "Shinnosuke-senpai, I will be counting on you."
Shinnosuke returned the smile and placed a warm hand on Tonan's shoulder. "No need for such formality. I'm happy to assist a talented kōhai of the village."
Hiruzen added, "Your mission papers are with Shinnosuke. He'll assist you with the formalities upon arrival."
Tonan nodded again. "Thank you, Shinnosuke-senpai. I appreciate your help."
"We leave tomorrow morning. Prepare what you need," Shinnosuke said with a reassuring smile.
"Hokage-sama, I will take my leave." Tonan bowed deeply and exited the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen exchanged a knowing look with Shinnosuke. After Tonan left, Shinnosuke locked the door and moved a chair opposite his father. The elder took a solemn puff from his pipe and said, "I intend to retire in a few years. Remember what I told you—earn the trust of His Majesty, and when he becomes the Daimyō, secure his backing for the Hokage election."
"The Sarutobi clan and the Ino-Shika-Chō will back you without question. I will also do my best to sway other clans to your side."
Hiruzen's eyes gleamed as he continued, "Over these years, I have found two promising young shinobi for you. One is Kakashi. He's capable of taking over Anbu operations someday. I had considered Minato before, but his personality is ill-suited for use as a tool, and his bond with Kushina is too strong. We cannot risk exposing him to powers beyond his control."
"The other is Tonan. He stands apart from the typical Uchiha. Simple-minded and… susceptible to influence. Although I haven't paid him much attention recently—he's been through a lot. He's become reserved, and his personality has shifted. You should get close to him in the Capital. If things go well, when I step down, even if he doesn't fully command the Uchiha clan, he could become a powerful ally—your confidant, someone to succeed and support you… Root's right hand."
Shinnosuke nodded seriously. "Understood. What about Asuma? He's been eager to go to the Capital recently."
Hiruzen's gaze narrowed as he exhaled smoke. "If he wants to go, take him with you. Also, make time to train him. As long as he returns in time for the graduation exams, that's sufficient."
"Understood, Father."
Back in the clan district, Tonan stocked up on essentials: poison, antidotes, kunai, shuriken, food pills, explosive tags, and white pigeon feed. He sealed everything in a storage scroll and casually informed the Great Elder of his upcoming mission.
That evening, Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina arrived and whisked Tonan away to a celebratory feast—an unofficial farewell party.
Late that night, Tonan lay on his futon, his mind racing with plans.
Now that I have strength, I'm worthy to pursue true dignity. Hiruzen treating me like a mere pawn for his son insults my pride. This journey to the Capital is the perfect chance to find an opportunity to eliminate Shinnosuke. But he's strong—maybe not strong enough to beat me in a direct fight, but he probably has some trump cards.
No. Reckless fighting and killing won't do. Strategy must come first. Force is just a tool.
Tonan felt his thoughts slipping into dangerous territory.
When unsure, prioritize safety. Don't take unnecessary risks or I'll end up drowning in defeat. As for Shinnosuke, I'll assess him in the Capital. My main goal is to keep growing stronger. I already wield powerful ninjutsu; now I need to increase my chakra reserves and spiritual power.
The best way is to establish a welfare institution—start with the children. Teach them chakra cultivation, then harvest it when the time comes. To do this, I must accomplish two things: first, raise enough funds to set up the institution. The Capital is a hub of wealth—I can find a way.
Second, find a method to rapidly increase chakra output, even if it costs potential or lifespan. I can't do that yet. I'll look for it while traveling.