As glasses clinked, Fugaku and the other two began discussing strategies for infiltrating Kyoto.
First came the issue of personnel recruitment.
"I suggest primarily drawing from the Police Force while supplementing with idle Jonin from the clan. They should be low-profile individuals skilled in Taijutsu, preferably orphans without close family ties..."
Next was the rationale and methodology for recruitment.
"I think we should appeal to their sense of clan duty—explain that this mission is crucial to our clan's future. Offer them police positions upon return, emphasize clan honor, and of course, monetary rewards and Ninjutsu techniques are essential..."
Then they discussed methods of communication.
"I believe summoning beasts can carry messages. The information must be encrypted, perhaps using a book as a cipher key, converting intelligence into numerical codes..."
Fugaku kept raising questions one after another, while Aozora answered them effortlessly.
Although Aozora had never worked in espionage, he'd read many spy novels and watched numerous spy films in his previous life. Therefore, he had more ideas than Kyudai and considered every aspect more carefully than Fugaku did.
As he spoke, Aozora noticed Kyudai gradually falling silent, while admiration filled Fugaku's eyes.
Sensing something was off, Aozora hurriedly prepared to stop talking.
But he realized too late. Nodding appreciatively, Fugaku declared, "Aozora, your plan is truly thorough—you must've studied hard behind the scenes. In that case…you shall lead the Kyoto operation!"
Aozora smiled bitterly and protested, "Chief, no! I'm just theorizing here; let someone else handle actual execution. Didn't you promise me time to train earlier? Don't overwork a minor like me!"
Fugaku didn't fully understand Aozora's words, but grasped the meaning.
However, this time he refused to let Aozora off the hook.
"Your strength has already hit a plateau; breakthrough won't come soon. Rather than idling at home, better contribute to the clan."
With an unyielding tone, Fugaku continued, "The fewer people involved, the safer it'll be. Most in the clan are honest and straightforward, lacking intricate thinking like yours. This mission requires none other than you."
Listening carefully to Fugaku's earnest words, Aozora lowered his head, weighing pros and cons.
First, would the mission interfere with his cultivation?
At first, it would take some time to screen suitable candidates and train them in necessary skills. Once leaving Konoha, however, it wouldn't demand much effort.
Second, how vital was the Kyoto mission?
It was extremely important!
Back when he'd jokingly referred to the Hokage as a village official, he was trying to get Fugaku to aim higher—at the Daimyo himself, the true ruler of the Land of Fire.
Currently, the Land of Fire had two suns above: the Daimyo and the Hokage.
To Aozora, becoming Hokage alone felt too small—why not aim to be the one shining sun, the singular jewel ruling over the Land of Fire?
Still, he kept his final thoughts to himself.
For now, establishing the "Second Safe Haven" was enough.
When the time is right, I'll talk to Fugaku about the "One and Only Jewel."
After thinking for a long time, Aozora gently nodded.
However, Aozora made a condition. "Chief, I can take on this mission, but you have to agree to a few of my requests."
Fugaku felt somewhat speechless—every time he assigned a mission to Aozora, he always felt a bit bitter inside.
What others would have considered a great honor, Aozora treated like a burden—making Fugaku feel like he was always pleading with him.
Still, after his frustration passed, he nodded in agreement.
Ever since Aozora had shared his dream, Fugaku understood—he wasn't interested in power.
So for Aozora, this wasn't a reward, but rather a task accepted out of love for the clan.
But Fugaku had his own thoughts too. His constant delegation of tasks to Aozora wasn't just due to reliance—it was also meant to involve him more in clan affairs, to foster a sense of honor, and deepen his bonds with other clan members.
Of course, there was also a petty ulterior motive behind it.
Since placing a chair in his office for Aozora, every time he worked late and saw that empty chair, it left him feeling slightly resentful.
Fugaku works overtime every day while Aozora enjoys endless vacations!
After giving Aozora an unusually heavy burden, feeling like he'd finally gotten a little revenge, Fugaku picked up his teacup, blew at it leisurely, and began savoring it slowly.
"Alright then, what are your requests? As long as they're not unreasonable, I can agree."
Aozora thought for a moment, then asked an irrelevant question first. "Chief, regarding the [Sharingan Awakening Ritual] we discussed before, how far along have your studies progressed?"
Kyudai looked confused. Glancing between Fugaku and Aozora, he felt like a third wheel yet again.
"I did recruit some clan members to test it out, but the success rate hasn't been high—actually quite low. Out of twenty test subjects, only one awakened the Sharingan."
At this point, a look of guilt crossed his face. He continued, "Also, several individuals sustained severe psychological trauma due to the realistic nature of the experimental environments. Although we offered psychological counseling afterward, they still struggled with some issues in daily life. Since then, with everything else going on, I've paused the experiments."
Aozora frowned upon hearing this. After a brief pause, he asked, "Chief, could you briefly describe the strength and personalities of those who participated in the tests?"
Fugaku nodded and briefly introduced the twenty test participants to Aozora.
Halfway through the description, Aozora sighed helplessly. "Chief, with tests conducted like yours, getting even one person to awaken is already lucky!"
Frowning, Fugaku asked, "Was there a problem with my testing method? Or the illusion design?"
"The method and the illusions weren't the main issues. The primary problem lies within the clan members themselves."
Aozora explained, "The awakening ritual is merely an auxiliary tool. Whether someone awakens the Sharingan depends mainly on their innate talent and strength. In my opinion, the essential condition for awakening the Sharingan is whether the individual possesses sufficient spiritual strength—emotional turmoil serves only as a catalyst. Most of the clan members you selected for the initial tests lacked both talent and strong willpower; their spiritual strength likely wasn't enough to awaken the Sharingan."
After a brief silence, Fugaku sighed, "I was too greedy, foolishly hoping most of our clansmen could awaken their eyes through this method."
Aozora fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then said, "Actually, if we can figure out the exact requirements for awakening the Sharingan, most of our clansmen might still have a shot—if we address their issues individually. For example, if someone lacks spiritual stamina, we simply find ways to improve their spiritual training."
Aozora indeed already had the necessary techniques, but it still wasn't the right time to spread them yet.
Fugaku's eyes briefly lit up, then dimmed again. Not only were such Secret Jutsu rare to begin with—even if they found some, not everyone would be capable of cultivating them.
Aozora shifted the topic back, saying, "I think the Sharingan Awakening Ritual is perfectly fine. I hope you, as clan head, can perform a special ceremony for them when the time comes."
Although Aozora's ocular abilities were strong, he wasn't particularly skilled in genjutsu. Asking him to construct an intricate and complete illusion was simply too much.
Fugaku didn't hesitate and nodded directly.
Aozora continued, "If I need personnel, the clan head must help me secure cooperation—other squad leaders must release them unconditionally."
Fugaku thought it over before replying, "I can help push for that, but ultimately it will depend on the clansmen's own willingness."
...
After lengthy discussion, Fugaku and Aozora finally reached an agreement.
Fugaku took a sip of tea and said, "The plan for Kyoto has finally taken initial shape. Kyudai, organize the discussion points into a formal proposal."
Kyudai nodded. As Fugaku's personal assistant, organizing notes was part of his daily duties.
Fugaku confirmed, "The plan will be classified as top secret. Other than us, only the next Police Force Commander will know about it."
Suddenly, Kyudai interjected, "Clan Head, what should the codename be for this plan? And what name should the squad take?"
Fugaku frowned and asked, "Any suggestions from you two?"
He never had much talent for naming things—in fact, when Sasuke was born, he couldn't think of a suitable name and ended up using the name of the Third Hokage's father.
Kyudai suggested, "How about 'Covert Operation Plan' and call the squad the Yotaka Unit?"
"It's decent, but nothing special," Fugaku replied.
Then he looked over at Aozora.
Aozora considered briefly before suggesting, "What about The Sleeping Dragon Plan? And the team could be called the Sleeping Dragon Squad?"
Fugaku paused momentarily, then narrowed his eyes, a flash of admiration appearing in his gaze. He couldn't help but clap enthusiastically.
"Perfect! Aozora, you've got quite the knack for names!"
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