Uzumaki Mito's Endorsement

The Anbu operative moved with extreme speed, appearing at the Hokage Building in under ten seconds. He knocked on the door of Sarutobi Hiruzen's office.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in!" Sarutobi Hiruzen had just finished changing into his combat gear and was about to head downstairs to announce the deployment when someone suddenly knocked.

"Report, Lord Hokage! Lady Mito is walking toward the army, holding Uchiha Kō's hand!" The Anbu ninja's voice was so loud that Sarutobi Hiruzen was momentarily stunned.

"What? What did you say? Lady Mito is..." The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, glanced toward the direction of the army, which was stationed between the Senju Clan Compound and the Hokage Building.

Sure enough, he saw two figures walking hand-in-hand toward the troops! He hurriedly ordered the Anbu to notify Shimura Danzō and the Council of Elders to arrive immediately.

Uzumaki Mito was the wife of the First Hokage and a legendary figure. Even though she was currently living in retirement, she was not someone they could afford to ignore.

There might even be matters in the future that would require her support; Sarutobi Hiruzen could not possibly overlook this. He opened his office door and hurried downstairs.

The three thousand vanguard ninjas widened their eyes as they watched Sarutobi Hiruzen rush down the stairs, while the heads of the Uchiha and Hyūga clans frowned.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had only recently taken office, he was meticulous and rigorous in handling affairs, leaving even them unable to find fault. Why, then, was he in such a hurry?

Following Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze, they saw a woman walking slowly, holding a young man's hand. Once they recognized who the woman was, the three thousand vanguard ninjas immediately knelt on one knee to pay their respects.

This was the wife of the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama—Uzumaki Mito! She was a legendary figure and the most distinguished woman in Konoha!

"Greetings, Lady Mito!" As the others knelt, Sarutobi Hiruzen also bowed. After all, he was the Hokage; a bow was the greatest sign of respect he could offer.

Uzumaki Mito walked up to them with a warm smile. She glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen first, then at the Council of Elders and the army. She spoke with great tact, "Lord Third, don't be nervous. I've simply come to send a junior to the army. This boy is named Uchiha Kō, and he is a confidant of Tsunade."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up at Uchiha Kō, his heart stirring. Senju and Uchiha? What was the meaning of this? His eyes darted around.

He then probed, "I wouldn't dare. Lady Mito, please just call me Monkey. I ask that you give the order to signal the army's departure." Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed his head and said.

This was a clash of power. Sarutobi Hiruzen was now the Hokage, and she was the First Hokage's wife. If Uzumaki Mito were to give the order for the army, it would be a blow to the Hokage's authority.

Uzumaki Mito looked deeply at Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Sarutobi Hiruzen of today was no longer the "Monkey" of the past; his heart now held political schemes and calculations, though in her eyes, he was still far too green.

However, she had no intention of bickering with him. She smiled, "Then I shall be bold and call you Monkey. Monkey, you are the Hokage now; you should be the one to announce the start of the war. I have no right to interfere. I only ask that you train little Kō well, as this is his first time participating in a war."

A flicker of something strange crossed Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, but he reacted quickly. He looked up at Uchiha Kō and nodded, "Rest assured, Lady Mito. This child is clearly a pillar of talent; I will see to it."

With that, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward and patted Uchiha Kō on the shoulder to show he valued him. He then waved his hand and shouted, "Tsunade!"

"Present!" Tsunade trotted over to Sarutobi Hiruzen's side.

"Kō is your confidant; take him back to the ranks!" After saying this, Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed to Uzumaki Mito and then stood at the very front of the formation.

"Everyone, you are the heroes of our Konoha! This battle is unavoidable. Salamander Hanzō of the Land of Rain has issued us a challenge; can we simply remain indifferent?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was filled with righteousness and anger toward the enemy.

The three thousand vanguard ninjas were instantly ignited, and they roared, "No!"

"Then must we not strike the enemy until they are hurt and afraid, so that our loved ones can live in peace?" Sarutobi Hiruzen roared again.

It had to be said, Uchiha Kō thought Sarutobi Hiruzen was a talent. These few sentences hit the nail on the head. It was no wonder that after this war, he would be called the Professor!

"Yes!" the entire army roared again.

"All troops, hear my command: Move out! Destination, the Land of Rain!" Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, and the ninjas replied in unison, "Move out! Destination, the Land of Rain!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen fell into deep thought as he watched the ninjas leave the village. He was now the shadow of the village; the Council of Elders had told him not to go to the front lines, but this battle would determine whether his position as Hokage would remain secure. Therefore, he could not afford not to go to the battlefield.

In the end, they had reached a compromise: he would follow the main army to the Land of Rain, but he would only enter the fray if Salamander Hanzō made a move!

Sarutobi Hiruzen had no choice but to agree. He knew his brothers had his best interests at heart, and he didn't want to let them down.

Oh, right—Lady Mito was still there. She hadn't left yet. Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and knelt on one knee before Uzumaki Mito, "Lady Mito, the army was present just now; please forgive my earlier rudeness."

"It is fine, Monkey. You did it for the sake of the village; you did nothing wrong," Uzumaki Mito laughed.

"Thank you for your understanding, Lady Mito," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, bowing his head. His voice betrayed no emotion, but Uzumaki Mito could sense the joy of victory in his heart.

Uzumaki Mito glanced at him and helped him up, "Monkey, there is something I would like to ask of you."

Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly replied, "Lady Mito, whatever your command, I would not dare disobey!" He bowed again. There was no helping it; she was the wife of the First Hokage and a legendary figure, and he needed her support within the village.

Uzumaki Mito was satisfied with his attitude, "Monkey, I have been missing my kin. I would like you to send envoys to bring them to Konoha for a visit."

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, but he agreed nonetheless, "It is only right. As the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, you have kept Konoha safe. Now that you wish to see your family, I am naturally willing to agree!"

"How about this: I will have Hatake Sakumo and Torifu Akimichi lead a team of five hundred ninjas to bring them here. How does that sound?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was negotiating.

"That is perfectly fine. Thank you, Monkey. I knew you were a thoughtful Hokage. Come visit the Senju Clan Compound often to chat with this old woman," Uzumaki Mito smiled slightly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up. This was a gesture of goodwill from Lady Mito, and the implication was clear: from this moment on, she would fully support his tenure as Hokage.

This was a good thing for him. With a figure like her backing him, his position as Hokage was essentially secure. He hurriedly smiled, "Thank you, Lady Mito."

Uzumaki Mito shook her head, "Monkey, it is I who should thank you. I will take my leave now; there are still things to attend to at home."

"Please take care on your way, Lady Mito, and watch your step." Sarutobi Hiruzen was incredibly respectful toward her now. There was no other way—her status was set in stone, and since she was willing to back him, what else could he do? He had to treat her like royalty!