Winning Hearts

Konoha Base

"Iruka, is today's patrol mission complete?"

A silver-haired Genin greeted a somewhat humble boy with a hearty smile. The boy was none other than Umino Iruka, who had graduated from the Ninja Academy a year ago.

"Oh, it's Mizuki. I've been switched shifts today, haha. The next patrol is the day after tomorrow."

It's obvious that the two were classmates and had a good relationship. After graduating and becoming Genin, they were already experienced Genin within a year. Later, they were transferred to the front line, where people grow the fastest.

Just as Mizuki and Iruka were chatting and laughing, a figure suddenly approached from afar. The two quickly composed themselves, bowed respectfully at a ninety-degree angle, and shouted, "Lord Yoru!"

They are Genin, and they need to show respect to Jōnin, especially in this world where rules are still very important.

When Uchiha Yoru saw the two, he immediately smiled and nodded, saying, "It's Iruka and Mizuki. I was just looking for you. Let's go."

As the highest-ranking commander here, he actually remembered their names, especially since Uchiha Yoru's status far exceeded that of an ordinary Jōnin. This calm reply immediately made the two of them blush with excitement.

They were surprised that the other person actually responded. Genin usually just nods when Jōnin, but this person not only spoke to them, but also smiled gently and gestured to them with his eyes. The two were so excited that they couldn't describe it.

Although the two were already mature Genin at this time, their perspectives were still too narrow due to their commoner backgrounds.

Mizuki and Umino Iruka are both important characters at the beginning of the story. Although their strength is not high, the former is obviously a minor villain who admires Orochimaru's power, while the latter is an ordinary Chunin teacher who has been brainwashed by the Will of Fire, but he is also an important person in the protagonist's life.

Whether or not the two will follow the same path as in the original story, the fact that they were able to make an appearance and have their names remembered proves that they are Destiny people.

Uchiha Yoru casually led the two into a nearby grove of trees. The two behind him had very different expressions. Mizuki, who was pursuing power, was excited. His father had been a loyal follower of Lord Orochimaru, so he naturally admired Orochimaru's power, which influenced him. Uchiha Yoru, who inherited everything from Lord Orochimaru, had become the object of Mizuki's current worship.

As Umino Iruka looked at Uchiha Yoru, he thought of his uncle and the Prison guards from back then. Although he knew nothing back then, things were different now. Kindness doesn't mean stupidity. Becoming Chunin in the end might only prove his ninja aptitude, but to reach the level of the Ninja Academy teacher definitely shows he has some talent.

"Umino Iruka and Mizuki, you two were classmates and had above-average grades when you were in the Ninja Academy. Because of your commoner backgrounds, after graduation you both focused your training on Taijutsu such as Shuriken and Kunai, right?"

Uchiha Yoru calmly recounted the two men's information, and Mizuki and Iruka quickly and respectfully nodded, "Not bad."

"After graduating from the ninja, you two were assigned to... and have now been Genin for a year, carrying out missions... and were transferred to the front lines, which is here. Although it has only been a little over two months, it is clear that you have already adapted to the battlefield."

He had his men do some work on investigating the two. Although Mizuki was also pursuing power, he hadn't yet revealed the ugliness of his humanity, nor had he started abandoning his teammates.

From some intelligence, it can be seen that even Mizuki and Mizuki are still full of confidence in the future, so some of their darker psychological sides have not yet developed. No one is born bad, and no one is born good. Everyone is born a blank slate, and what they become depends entirely on their personal experiences.

"Grown ups."

Both men gazed at the legendary ninja before them with excitement. To them, Uchiha Yoru was like a legend, rising to a position they never dared to dream of.

"While your skills may be somewhat lacking, I believe you have great potential."

Uchiha Yoru looked at the two with a smile that suggested he had high hopes for them, which immediately excited them. However, his next words made them blush with even greater excitement.

"Because of your potential, I have recommended you to the village as having the ability to become Chunin."

"Thank you, sir, thank you." Mizuki and Iruka were just teenagers who had recently graduated Genin, not yet the mature characters they would become in the future. They were quite tempted by the prospect of being promoted Chunin.

Chunin! That's already a squad leader level for ordinary ninjas, a lifelong goal for countless people.

"But don't be too happy. Although I've recommended you, the village will still have a testing period, so you'd better work hard in your cultivation during this year and don't let me down."

At Uchiha Yoru's casual act of kindness, Mizuki and Iruka nodded excitedly and repeatedly.

"Alright, go down and prepare properly. Make the most of your time to cultivate, so you don't fall behind."

To Genin, what he considered a small favor was seen as a great kindness by the other ninjas, like a thoroughbred horse meeting its discerning owner.

"By the way, because the captain in charge of your operation needs to return to the village to recuperate due to his injuries, I've decided to transfer Chunin Guy, an elite Might Guy, to take over your squad. Don't underestimate Might Guy; you should know that he's on track to become Special Jonin, and more importantly, he's a commoner ninja."

Beneath their casual, lighthearted smiles, Mizuki and Iruka were moved to tears, bowing deeply once more, "Thank you, sir."

"Alright, Might Guy is a very kind person. You two should get along well from now on."

Uchiha Yoru smiled and waved, then headed off to patrol another area, leaving behind two excited ninjas who were ready to die for him.

As the story goes, a general used drugs to treat a soldier's wounds. When the soldier's mother heard about it, she cried, "I don't know where my son is going to die." After the villagers asked her what was wrong, the mother told them a cruel reality.

"Back then, my husband was treated for his injuries by the general using drugs. Out of gratitude for the general's kindness, he soon died fighting bravely. Today, my son is also being treated for his injuries by the general using drugs. I'm worried that he will follow in his father's footsteps out of gratitude. I don't know where my son will die in battle soon, which is why I'm crying so sadly."

The same principle applies: small favors from superiors are a lifelong blessing to those at the bottom. They will remember it for a lifetime and will be willing to give their lives for you when needed.

Uchiha Yoru first called out their names, letting them know he remembered them, and then said he valued their potential and was going to promote them. This already moved the two deeply, making them think they had gained the appreciation of their superiors. Then, he arranged for a Special Jonin, who was also a commoner, to lead the team. Wasn't this a clear indication that he valued and appreciated them, giving them an opportunity?

Uchiha Yoru's casual bestowal of small favors yielded a tremendous reward: the unwavering loyalty of his subordinate ninja.

After the snowstorm, the spring breeze arrived, and as the snow melted, all things began to revive. Konoha and Mist Ninja once again engaged in fierce battles and plundering, with both sides suffering losses.

Just as the battle at the front lines remained deadlocked, a transfer order suddenly arrived, immediately causing unrest among the people of Konoha.

Inside the Konoha Village camp.

"Damn it, it's happening again. Two years ago, Lord Orochimaru had just stabilized the Border Instability when someone came to reap the benefits. And now it's happening again."

"Lord Yoru, I'm not having it! Why should we stabilize the situation and let others reap the benefits for free?"

"That's right, I don't accept it."

"That's outrageous! Is it just because his surname is 'Sarutobi'?"

Inside the tent, everyone was buzzing with discussion. Uchiha Yoru looked at them and waved his hand with a smile, saying, "Alright, what are you thinking? This is a good thing."

Facing the indignant looks from the crowd, Uchiha Yoru deliberately feigned a relaxed demeanor, waving his hand with a smile and saying, "Tell me, how long have you been on the front lines since the Nine-Tails' Rampage? It's been at least two or three years, hasn't it? Such a good opportunity to go back and recuperate, are you really unwilling to give up this chance to make contributions on the battlefield? Are you forbidding others from coming?"

One sentence immediately eased the atmosphere, and Uchiha Yoru waved his hand with a smile, saying, "I know what you're thinking. Don't worry, I've already reported your contributions to the village. Those who deserve promotions will be promoted, and those who deserve rewards will be rewarded. The village will definitely not treat you unfairly. It's time for us to rest."

"Besides, this is our rear commander coming to the front line, which proves that the turbulent situation in our village has begun to stabilize. It is expected that all of you will be replaced in rotation within six months, and new people will be brought to the front line, while we can go back and rest."

As Uchiha Yoru reassured them, everyone suddenly realized what was going on. Upon reflection, it made sense; they hadn't been back to the village for several years, and it was only right that they retreat to the rear to rest after the frontline troops were relieved.

Last year, because of the Lord Orochimaru incident, they were afraid to go back to recuperate, let alone face retribution from the village. It was only Uchiha Yoru that their morale was stabilized.

Although Uchiha Yoru appeared relaxed, he sneered inwardly. "What a clever tactic! I just managed to appease the people on the front lines and stabilize the situation in the village, and now I'm discarding him like a used tool."

He even directly recalled this force, a group bearing his mark. After returning, they either continued to join the Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force, carried out routine missions, or were assigned to various places, disrupting the loyal followers he had just recruited.

At first, it might not matter, and they might even remember the name Uchiha Yoru for two or three years. But what about five or six years? Seven or eight years? Gradually, the passion for loyalty in their hearts will fade.

At that time, Uchiha Yoru only had the Seventh Division of the Konoha Military Police Force at his disposal, which shows how skillfully the higher-ups were handling things.

Just as the crowd below calmed down, Hatake Kakashi raised an eyebrow. Having experienced so much, and with Uchiha Yoru's actions revealing information, he already knew everything. Now that it had actually happened, he fell silent, but he secretly gave Shiranui Genma a look.

Sure enough, Genma Shiranui, a member of Genma Squad who had long been a Shiranui Genma confidant of Uchiha Yoru, snorted coldly and said in a deep voice with dissatisfaction, "You still have the nerve to laugh? Do you even know where your promotions and rewards come from?!"

Instantly, everyone stared in astonishment at Shiranui Genma's gloomy face. However, Uchiha Yoru, who was sitting at the head of the table, secretly praised the scene, but still pretended to look at Shiranui Genma with an imposing and dignified expression.

"Genma, we've finally made it back to the village, what are you yelling about!"

Faced with Uchiha Yoru's harsher tone, this time Shiranui Genma lowered his head in shame and resentment, saying, "Lord Yoru, where is your credit? You gave us all your credit in exchange for the chance to go back! I!"

"Genma! Shut up!" Before Shiranui Genma finish speaking, Uchiha Yoru glared at him angrily, his face turning ugly, and slammed his hand on the table, silencing him from saying anything more.

However, at this moment, everyone suddenly came to their senses, and countless people turned their heads to look at the young face at the head of the table. Although Uchiha Yoru was not old, they seemed to have already forgotten his age and regarded him as someone of equal status to Sannin, one of the legendary Orochimaru.

But now, with Shiranui Genma's words, everyone suddenly understood. These people secretly recalled when they signed their names on the merit book some time ago, where their merits were clearly recorded. Upon closer reflection, it seemed that some of the merits were exaggerated. They were also secretly grateful to Uchiha Yoru.

Looking back now, their achievements weren't exaggerated; rather, their commander Uchiha Yoru, distributed the credit among his subordinates.

Many people have the strength, but the selection criteria for Special Jonin are extremely strict. Not only do they need a certain level of leadership and a calm mind, but they also need a certain amount of merit. They just happen to be a little lacking in these aspects.

Some people not only lacked merit, but their strength was also extremely weak. However, upon closer reflection, they seemed to realize that their commander-in-chief Uchiha Yoru, had inadvertently given them guidance, and even arranged for them to cooperate with ninjas who were capable of working together.

"Lord Yoru."

However, facing everyone's gazes, and just as they were about to speak, Uchiha Yoru looked down at them with an unapproachable expression and said calmly, "Alright, I'm tired today. Go and rest."

However, everyone looked at each other with some shame. Seeing this, Uchiha Yoru said calmly, "As the strongest clan in Konoha and even the Shinobi World, the Noble Houses Uchiha Clan has never lacked powerful Ninjutsu. So don't have any thoughts. We are all doing this for the village."

He had something on his mind that he didn't say aloud: his Uchiha Clan had no shortage of Ninjutsu, and now that he had reached this position, what else could possibly attract him?

Given the way the higher-ups treat the Uchiha Clan, even the greatest achievement wouldn't be rewarded with a Ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals, so the achievement is truly meaningless to him.

It would be better to use these trivial matters to gain enough public support and prestige.

Right now, the only thing that can attract him is the position of Hokage of Konoha, so his goal has never been these trivial achievements. What is this loss? He wants to obtain the greatest value, not some meaningless rewards from the village.

To silence the gossip, I buried this guilt deep in my heart, waiting for it to erupt one day.

Thanks to '_Maltose' for the 100 coins!

Thank you for your support, brothers!