Survivors of the Uzumaki Clan

The office of the Third Hokage.

At this moment, not only the Third Hokage, Kushina, and Katsuki were present, but also Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, Danzo, and Orochimaru had all rushed over upon hearing the news.

Today, the upper echelons of Konoha have changed hands. Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo have all taken up the positions of elders and advisors. The village's power is basically in the hands of these former teammates and fellow disciples. Unless there are major changes in the next one or two decades, this structure should not change much.

As for Orochimaru, he was being carefully groomed by the Third Hokage to be the next Hokage. Although it was never officially announced to the public, Mitokado Homura and others were well aware of this and tacitly agreed to it. Even Danzo did not express any objection.

Therefore, Orochimaru had already begun assisting the Third Hokage with affairs, and this time he did not overlook it, summoning him to discuss the matter as well.

"Tell me about it, this matter... this matter... sigh!!"

The Third Hokage rubbed his temples, feeling extremely distressed. How could he have encountered such a mess? It was truly awful!

Katsuki insisted on going to Kirigakure, but how could the Third Hokage let him go so easily? He had no choice but to convene this temporary meeting.

The thin paper spun through everyone's hands before finally ending up in Danzo's. Even his sinister face couldn't help but reveal a strange expression as he asked a question.

"A survivor of the Uzumaki Clan, is this information reliable, Hiruzen?"

"Seven parts true. The spies planted over ten years have never had any problems, and the messages have been transmitted without error. Moreover, this intelligence is not particularly significant in terms of truth." As the Third Hokage spoke, he glanced at Katsuki. If it weren't for the emergence of a top-tier expert comparable to White Fang, it really wouldn't have caused any waves.

Kushina's status Jinchuriki meant she had little freedom of movement, and the village wouldn't allow her to be placed in danger. Even if she knew that there were survivors of the Uzumaki Clan in Kirigakure, she would have little power to do anything about it.

However, Katsuki is different. He is strong enough and not so restrained. Moreover, he is at the age of youthful vigor and is naturally restless. How could someone who can do something like a solo raid on Sunagakure be timid? Now he has his eyes on Kirigakure. If not handled properly, it could lead to another war.

"Hiruzen, what's your opinion?"

Utatane Koharu.

"I..." The Third Hokage sighed softly, "We cannot stand idly by. We did not expect the Mist Ninja to be so ruthless, which led to the destruction of Uzushio Village. Afterwards, we were unable to intervene because the Rain Ninja and Sand Ninja were making their moves. This time, we cannot afford to miss this opportunity again, otherwise, how can we face our allies again?"

The Third Hokage's words were resolute, and their meaning was very clear: this matter had to be addressed.

However, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo all knew very well that while that was the polite way of putting it, the real reason was quite different; the real reason was Katsuki, who was sitting opposite them.

The ninja world has always been a place that highly values individual strength. Katsuki is now one of the top ninjas in Konoha. Even the Third Hokage wouldn't dare to say that he is his match. Moreover, Katsuki is only seventeen years old and has endless possibilities for the future.

"The survivors of the Uzumaki Clan must be saved. The current discussion revolves around how to rescue them. The Mist Ninja are also formidable opponents; this matter requires careful consideration..."

"Lord Hokage, there's no need to go to such trouble. I can handle this myself." Katsuki interrupted the Third Hokage, "This matter ultimately concerns my Uzumaki Clan. It's not appropriate to trouble others with it; it's more suitable for me to take action."

"Katsuki, have you thought this through? The Mist Ninja notoriously ruthless and will stop at nothing to carry out their missions. You are all alone and weak. How can you possibly contend with an entire village? This is different from the Sunagakure. There is no large army to draw the Mist Ninja's forces away, and the top Mist Ninja shinobi will not leave without a reason. The dangers there are incomparable," Mitokado Homura said solemnly.

The reasons behind Katsuki's solo raid on Sunagakure were quite complex. On one hand, Katsuki was incredibly strong, but on the other hand, Sunagakure was vulnerable at the time, with many of its top Sunagakure, including the Third Kazekage and Chiyo, absent. This gave Katsuki the opportunity to act ruthlessly.

"This situation is different, but I haven't wasted my time these past few years. Even if Kirigakure is a den of dragons and tigers, it can't stop me in the slightest."

Katsuki's expression was indifferent, but anyone could tell that he had made up his mind.

The three elder advisors looked at each other, unsure of what to say. With Katsuki's attitude so resolute, there was no need for further discussion. Unless the Third Hokage used his authority as Hokage to suppress Katsuki, no amount of persuasive arguments would be of any use. Moreover, even if the Third Hokage did issue an order using his authority as Hokage, it would likely be of little effect.

All three of them were experts in Katsuki was a key person they were observing. How could they not know that although Mizuki and Sakumo were master and apprentice, their personalities were quite different? Sakumo was cold and ruthless to outsiders, but gentle and kind to his own people. He also strictly adhered to the rules of the ninjas. Although he was powerful, he was also easy to deal with.

But... the Katsuki is different.

Compared to the rule-abiding Sakumo, Katsuki is bolder. He is sentimental but not as stubborn as Sakumo. Even if his own people provoke him, he will not hold back when he takes action. Danzo learned this lesson the Danzo way. Two years ago, he set his sights on Kakashi, who was making a name for himself at the Ninja Academy, and wanted to recruit him into Root.

Before Sakumo, the father, could even react, Katsuki had already broken the legs of all the guys who were trying to bewitch Kakashi, leaving them all in front of Root's base.

Sakumo would never have done such a thing. With Sakumo gentle nature, he would most likely have tolerated it, or at worst, he would have gone to find the Third Hokage, rather than taking matters into his own hands.

"Katsuki- kun, since you've made your decision, then go ahead and do it." Orochimaru spoke slowly, his golden vertical pupils sweeping over Katsuki before looking at the Third Hokage, his smile sinister. "In my opinion, while the Mist Ninja are powerful, they can't stop Katsuki- kun. If things really come to a head, it's better to leave it to Katsuki- kun to handle. Whether you advance or retreat, it won't be a big problem."

"······"

The Third Hokage looked at his beloved disciple with a wry smile and offered an explanation.

"Things aren't that simple. Katsuki may be carefree as he travels alone, but if a member of the Uzumaki Clan is truly trapped in Kirigakure, how can Katsuki rescue them alone? The Kirigakure Mist Ninja might be unable to do anything to Katsuki, but how will the other Uzumaki Clan members escape? And if the Mist Ninja intend to retaliate afterward, a major war would break out, making things even more troublesome."

Orochimaru shrugged upon hearing this, not arguing with the Third Hokage, but merely glancing sideways at Katsuki.

"I'm sure you Katsuki- kun, have a plan for these things."

With a simple question, all the blame was placed on Katsuki. Since you intend to act alone, you must have a complete plan, otherwise, no one will take the blame if trouble arises.