Setsuna's opposition was not based on tactics, but stemmed from suspicion and fear that the higher-ups might use this opportunity to deplete the Uchiha's strength.
He perfectly portrayed the image of a "conservative elder who feared damage to the clan's interests and deeply distrusted the higher-ups."
Uchiha Tenjima, in coordination, displayed expressions of "difficulty" and "insistence," "arguing" with Uchiha Setsuna for a few sentences and stressing that this was for the future of the Uchiha and the Village's trust.
This sudden display of internal Uchiha disagreement caused Advisors Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, and the others present to exchange glances, while Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes slightly, unconsciously tapping his fingers on the desk.
"Elder Setsuna, I understand your concerns."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, his tone calm.
"Clan Head Tenjima's request is also for the public good. This matter is too important; allow me to discuss it further with the Advisors. You two may withdraw for now."
After dismissing the two Uchiha higher-ups, only Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and the two Advisors remained in the Hokage Office.
"Hiruzen, what do you think?"
Homura Mitokado pushed up his glasses.
"There seems to be a division within the Uchiha. Tenjima wants to use the war to show loyalty, but Setsuna strongly opposes it, fearing we will deplete the Uchiha's strength."
"Hmph, just putting on an act!"
Danzo Shimura snorted coldly, his remaining eye flashing with a sinister light.
"Uchiha Tenjima, that old fox, would he really be so kind as to volunteer? I think he wants to use this opportunity to insert Uchiha influence onto the front lines and expand their power. As for Uchiha Setsuna..."
He paused, his tone becoming more certain.
"That old man actually spoke some truth. What he fears is us depleting the Uchiha, especially consuming the restless Hawk Faction members within their clan."
Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his pipe and took a deep drag. Surrounded by smoke, his gaze was profound.
"For the past year or so, our strategy toward the Uchiha has focused on placation and division, primarily suppressing the Hawk Faction while winning over potential Dove Faction members. What are the results?"
Utatane Koharu responded.
"According to reports from Root and Anbu, the internal division within the Uchiha is indeed intensifying."
"A portion of the younger and middle generation, represented by Uchiha Tenjima, are dissatisfied with the current situation but prefer to gain ground by easing relations with the Village. They are skeptical of radical methods and can be seen as potential Dove Faction members or moderates."
"Conversely, the radicals led by Uchiha Yashiro and Uchiha Inaho were greatly encouraged by Uchiha Shao Yu's successful defection, frequently connecting in private, harboring deep resentment, and are typical Hawk Faction members."
Danzo took over the conversation, his voice hoarse but carrying the coldness of someone in control.
"Those Hawk Faction members will eventually become a disaster if left alone. They worship power, despise rules, and have no loyalty to the Village whatsoever. Uchiha Shao Yu is the best example. This war in the Land of Rain is the perfect opportunity."
He would never forget the humiliation Uchiha Shao Yu had inflicted upon him, and since Shao Yu was one of the Hawk Faction leaders, it made him despise the Uchiha Clan's Hawk Faction even more.
He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, his single eye glinting with cold light.
"Since Uchiha Tenjima voluntarily requested this, and Uchiha Setsuna fears depletion... we should go along with it and grant Tenjima's request, but the personnel sent... must be determined by us."
"What do you mean?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"We will assign all the core members of the Uchiha Hawk Faction, as well as those troublesome individuals who harbor resentment toward the Village and are powerful but difficult to control, to the forces heading to the Land of Rain."
Danzo's tone carried a hint of cruel pleasure.
"Let them fight desperately against Hanzou, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure. The battlefield is merciless, and casualties are inevitable."
"This will both eliminate these destabilizing elements, weakening the radical forces within the Uchiha, and ensure they die serving Konoha, silencing those who sympathize with the Uchiha."
He paused and added.
"As for the Dove Faction and moderates who are starting to show signs of obedience or whose attitude is ambiguous... we should try to keep them in the Village or assign them relatively safe missions."
"After this depletion, the Hawk Faction's power will be greatly diminished. The remaining Uchiha, leaderless and having seen the fate of the resistors, will only become more fearful and obedient."
"If we then apply appropriate appeasement measures, over time, it is entirely possible to completely tame the Uchiha, this savage beast, into a... guard dog obedient to the Konoha higher-ups."
This plan was cruel and efficient, entirely consistent with Danzo's usual methods, and secretly aligned with Hiruzen Sarutobi's deep-seated wariness and desire for control over the Uchiha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long time, his pipe flickering. Finally, he slowly nodded.
"Proceed as Danzo suggested."
His voice carried a trace of weariness, but also resolution.
"Approve Uchiha Tenjima's request and allow the Uchiha Clan to form a unit to participate in the Land of Rain war. The specific personnel list... will be drafted by Anbu in coordination with the Guard Unit. Ensure that everyone's talents are utilized, sending the right people to the right posts."
He glanced at Danzo.
"You will be responsible for following up on this matter. Be mindful of boundaries and do not make it too obvious, lest it provoke a violent backlash from the Uchiha."
"Don't worry, I know what to do." Danzo's lips curved into a cold arc. Eliminating hidden dangers, weakening the Uchiha, and having them sacrifice themselves for the nation—there was no more perfect arrangement.
The Konoha higher-ups' resolution was quickly finalized.
Ostensibly, the Hokage had acknowledged the Uchiha Clan's loyalty and courage and approved their participation in the war.
In reality, a roster of participants, carefully screened and specifically "attending to" the Uchiha Hawk Faction members, had been quietly drawn up in the shadows.
After Uchiha Setsuna learned of the higher-ups' final decision and vaguely sensed the specific bias of the list, he revealed a complex and inscrutable smile when alone.
"Shao Yu... the future of the Uchiha Clan might truly have to be entrusted to you."
Hidden Cloud Village, the Confidential Operations Room next to the Raikage Office.
A massive map of the Ninja World hung on the wall, with the Land of Rain prominently marked. The atmosphere inside was severe, and only a handful of people were present.
Uchiha Shao Yu stood before the map, his posture straight. His dark Kumogakure Elder Attire made his expression appear even more severe.
His left eye was slightly lowered; the Mangekyo Sharingan was not activated, but the profound aura was enough to make everyone present feel an invisible pressure.
Two people stood beside him.
To his left was Young Ai, the son of the Third Raikage, and the future Fourth Raikage.
As the Vice Captain, he represented the strongest military force of Kumogakure's younger generation and the absolute trust of the Raikage.
To his right was Uchiha Renka.
After more than a year of life and experience in Kumogakure, his demeanor was calmer and more reserved, but the occasional flash of light in his Three-Tomoe Sharingan showed the refinement of his strength.
As the Uchiha's top expert in Kumogakure besides Shao Yu, and the other Uchiha representative in this mission, he served as the other Vice Captain.
Behind the three of them stood ten Kumogakure Jonin, whose auras were sharp and whose eyes were as keen as blades.
They were elites carefully selected from various units, not only possessing exceptional strength and reliability but also skilled in special operations tasks such as stealth, tracking, infiltration, and capture.
At this moment, they stood like ten unsheathed sharp blades, quietly awaiting orders.
The Third Raikage, Ay, stood in front of everyone, his single eye sweeping over every face. His voice boomed in the room like muffled thunder.
"Everyone! You are all clear on the mission objectives! The Land of Rain is now a chaotic mess, with the forces of Konoha, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure intertwined, and Hanzou's Hidden Rain Village fighting desperately! Chaos is our opportunity."
He pointed toward the Land of Rain on the map.
"We of Kumogakure will not directly participate in their messy war! However, amidst this chaos, many treasures are inevitably scattered outside."
Those genius Ninja possessing special talents or Bloodline Limits, or members of small Bloodline Clans—they might be forced to fight, their clans might be destroyed, or they might feel lost and despairing about the future."
The Raikage's gaze became fervent and aggressive.
"Our mission is to find them and bring them back."
"Elder Shao Yu will serve as the Captain, fully responsible for the decisions and command of this operation. Ai and Renka will serve as Vice Captains, assisting the Captain and handling assault and tactical execution."
"The rest of you will follow the Captain's deployment and ensure the mission is completed."
"Yes! Lord Raikage!"
The thirteen people responded in unison, their voices strong and resounding.
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808