Konoha.

  News of Tsunade-hime from the Land of Fire seemingly taking in a man from the Uchiha cn spread through the vilge like wildfire. For a while, it became the hottest topic of gossip. More importantly, it marked the Uchiha cn stepping back into the spotlight.

  Although Shirou's actions were seen as disgraceful by some within his cn, they couldn't deny the benefits it brought—a signal of change. Tsunade's status was no small matter. By aligning with her, the Uchiha sent a clear message to all of Konoha: the once-strained retionship between the Uchiha and Senju cns might be thawing.

  This prompted other cns within the vilge to cautiously reach out to the Uchiha. The Uchiha had been isoted, not just because of their pride, but also due to their history. They were burdened with the bme for the First Hokage's death and, during the Second Hokage's reign, had even attempted a rebellion. No one wanted to risk being burned by the votile Uchiha.

  However, things had now changed. Even if Tsunade truly wanted to keep a Uchiha as her man, why make it so public? No cn leader was foolish enough to overlook the deliberate intent behind this move. Cns that had previously been on good terms with the Senju naturally picked up on the subtext and began building bridges with the Uchiha.

  At the Uchiha Compound.

  "Shirou-kun, the sacrifices you've made for the cn will not be forgotten!"

  Fugaku's expression was brimming with approval as he addressed Shirou, even smiling warmly.

  "Did you know? The cn has already initiated contact with the Aburame cn. We've even allocated a forest on the outskirts of the vilge for their use..."

  Hearing Fugaku's words, Shirou's eye twitched slightly, feeling a mix of amusement and helplessness.

  This... it almost sounded like he had sold his body for the cn's sake.

  "Captain Fugaku, it's all for the restoration of the Uchiha's honor!"

  Though he was inwardly scoffing, Shirou outwardly adopted a solemn and steadfast demeanor, decring his loyalty with fervor.

  Fugaku, taken aback by Shirou's sincerity, awkwardly coughed to mask his discomfort.

  Indeed, this was a significant step for the cn—a positive beginning, at least.

  But for Shirou, this wasn't exactly great news.

  "Shirou..."

  Fugaku hesitated, as though trying to offer words of encouragement, but seemed at a loss for how to proceed. Eventually, he shifted topics to avoid the awkwardness.

  "Shirou-kun, the situation on the frontlines is looking grim. There are signs of activity from Iwagakure's forces. The vilge has decided to send a ninja corps to fortify the Kusagakure (Grass Country)."

  The Kusagakure, located between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, also bordered the Amegakure. Strategically, any movements by Iwagakure warranted caution. If war broke out, the Kusagakure would inevitably become a battlefield. This was the harsh reality of ninja wars—small countries were often the first to suffer.

  "Is war about to begin?"

  Hearing this, Shirou's expression turned grim.

  This was the real ninja world, not the simplified version from the Naruto series. His knowledge of the Three Great Ninja Wars was limited and fragmented.

  While Shirou pondered, Fugaku misinterpreted his concern as worry over the looming conflict.

  "The true battlefield will be in the Amegakure. In the Kusagakure, any confrontations will likely be covert. Still, this time, the ninja corps includes some exceptional leaders."

  Noticing Shirou's curious gnce, Fugaku continued, his tone serious:

  "The commanders this time are Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. Among the ninja corps are representatives from the Hyuga, Nara..."

  As Fugaku listed the prominent participants, Shirou quickly pieced things together.

  Ah, this was a gilding mission.

  The younger generation of Konoha's cns needed battlefield experience to grow, and the Kusagakure, given its current conditions, was a retively safer stage for that.

  "I see," Shirou nodded.

  But something felt off.

  The Kusagakure was on Iwagakure's front...

  A thought struck Shirou, his brows furrowing.

  "Captain Fugaku, while I understand using the Kusagakure as a buffer, are you saying Iwagakure's forces near the border only number around 500?"

  "That's correct. According to our intelligence, the ninja corps stationed at the border is retively small. By comparison, the Amegakure warrants much more attention."

  Shirou exhaled sharply.

  In wars between great nations, smaller countries were often drawn in as pawns. If they resisted, they were swiftly crushed.

  "I'll personally lead the cn's forces this time."

  Fugaku's words revealed the significance of the operation. The mission was not only to defend the Kusagakure but also to provide Konoha's younger generation with vital combat experience.

  And Shirou? His involvement was another step in solidifying the cn's reputation.

  "Understood. When do we depart?"

  "Three days from now. Assemble outside the vilge gates. The cn will ensure you're equipped with adequate supplies."

  After Fugaku left, Shirou stood outside his home, gazing at the monumental Hokage Rock in the distance.

  "This uncertainty... this ck of control over my fate—it's intolerable. But passively enduring isn't my style."

  His gaze shifted toward a particur part of the Uchiha compound, a smirk forming on his lips.

  "Since I'm the bridge between the cn and the vilge, they'd better protect me well."

  In a world where power dictated survival, Shirou knew one thing: when you couldn't push the world forward, you had to become part of its current, using every avaible resource to rise.