After successfully persuading Elder Senju Mufeng and gaining the Senju Clan's support, Uchiha Ying Yue didn't stop there. He immediately turned his attention to the Uchiha Clan.
Elder Uchiha Setsuna was a representative of the Uchiha Clan's Hawks. He had once expressed his hope that Ying Yue would become Hokage, and this time, Ying Yue decided to win his support with the slogan, "Make the Uchiha Great Again."
Uchiha Ying Yue arrived at the Uchiha Clan's compound and headed straight to Elder Setsuna's residence. The place was simple yet imposing, bearing the air of a home that had weathered many storms.
Uchiha Ying Yue drew a deep breath, fully prepared for what lay ahead.
The door opened, and Elder Setsuna stepped outside. When he saw Uchiha Ying Yue, a hint of relief and anticipation flickered in his eyes.
He nodded, inviting Ying Yue inside.
"Ying Yue, you've come at just the right time. There are a few things I've been meaning to discuss with you," Elder Setsuna said, his tone warm.
Uchiha Ying Yue bowed respectfully. "Elder Setsuna, I also have some important matters I'd like to discuss with you."
Once they were seated, Ying Yue got straight to the point. "Elder Setsuna, you once said that you hoped I would become Hokage and lead the Uchiha Clan back to prominence. I've always remembered your words and have been working toward that goal. However, becoming Hokage is no easy feat. I believe we need more leverage and preparation."
Elder Setsuna gave a slight nod, inviting Ying Yue to continue.
Uchiha Ying Yue went on, "In the Ninja World, information is an extremely valuable resource. It can even decide the outcome of a war. Becoming Hokage requires more than just strength; it also requires a clear understanding of the entire situation. And that calls for a powerful intelligence network."
Uchiha Ying Yue's voice grew more emphatic, his gaze resolute. "I plan to establish an intelligence organization—not just within Konoha, but across the entire Ninja World. It will help us keep track of other countries' movements, anticipate potential threats, and provide a basis for decision-making at critical moments. Only then can we gain the upper hand in the struggles to come and truly make the Uchiha Clan great again!"
A spark of interest appeared in Elder Setsuna's eyes. He watched Ying Yue quietly, clearly fascinated by the plan.
"Ying Yue, you make a good point," Elder Setsuna said slowly after a moment's thought. "But building an intelligence organization like that won't be easy. It will require a great deal of manpower and resources. How do you intend to go about it?"
Uchiha Ying Yue was ready with an answer. "Elder, the Uchiha Clan has great strength and abundant resources, but we shouldn't confine them to Konoha. We should look to the entire Ninja World. We need to consolidate every resource we can and put our clan's strength to use to expand our influence."
Uchiha Ying Yue continued passionately, "Without a powerful intelligence organization, we'll struggle to gain an advantage in the contest for Hokage. Even if I'm strong, without enough information, other factions could catch us off guard, and we might even lose the initiative at a crucial moment."
He looked at Elder Setsuna, determination shining in his eyes. "Elder, the Uchiha Clan was once one of the strongest clans in the Ninja World. Our strength shouldn't be buried. With this intelligence organization, we can regain control of the situation in the Ninja World and ensure the Uchiha Clan remains invincible in the struggles to come. Making the Uchiha great again isn't just my personal goal—it's the mission of our entire clan!"
With the slogan "Make the Uchiha Great Again," Uchiha Ying Yue painted Elder Setsuna a grand vision. It not only appealed to the elder's ambition but also kindled his hopes for the Uchiha Clan's future.
Elder Setsuna fell silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Ying Yue, your plan is far-sighted. The importance of intelligence in the Ninja World cannot be overlooked. The fact that you recognize that shows you have the wisdom and strategic vision to become Hokage."
He slowly nodded, a hint of resolve in his eyes. "Very well, Ying Yue. I'll support you in establishing this intelligence organization. The Uchiha Clan's strength will provide the strongest possible backing for your plan."
Uchiha Ying Yue was delighted, but he knew he still needed to work out the details. "Thank you, Elder Setsuna. I hope to make use of all the Uchiha Clan's resources, especially the Ninja Cat Clan, our longtime summoning partners. They have a natural advantage when it comes to gathering and transmitting information. With their support, our intelligence network will be immensely powerful."
Elder Setsuna smiled slightly. "You really have thought this through. The Ninja Cat Clan is indeed the Uchiha Clan's most loyal ally, and its intelligence-gathering abilities are second to none. I'll contact them and have them do everything they can to help you build this network."
Hearing Elder Setsuna's promise, Ying Yue felt relieved, as well as deeply grateful.
The Uchiha Clan's strength, especially the support of the Ninja Cat Clan, would greatly strengthen his intelligence network.
"Thank you, Elder Setsuna," Ying Yue said sincerely. "With your support, I'm sure we'll succeed and make the Uchiha Clan great again!"
Elder Setsuna nodded with satisfaction. "Ying Yue, I believe in you. The future of the Uchiha Clan rests on your shoulders. I'll give you my full support and put all the clan's resources at your disposal to ensure your plan goes smoothly."
Uchiha Ying Yue nodded solemnly and took his leave of Elder Setsuna, even more determined about the plans ahead.
With the support of both the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan, the intelligence network would soon be up and running.
After securing the support of Elder Senju Mufeng and Elder Uchiha Setsuna, Uchiha Ying Yue threw himself into intense training and the work of building the organization.
Hatake Sakumo trained the Ying Yue Squad even more rigorously, constantly pushing them to their limits. Ying Yue demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and talent during their training, and his rapid progress in taijutsu and combat strategy in particular astonished Sakumo.
Under Sakumo's guidance, Ying Yue made rapid progress in training with the Eight Inner Gates. He could now open the sixth gate, the Gate of View, with ease and use it flexibly in battle.
He further honed his Wood Release and Fire Release Ninjutsu as well. By combining taijutsu and ninjutsu, Ying Yue could now unleash a barrage of attacks in an instant that was almost impossible to defend against.
During breaks in their training, Sakumo also shared combat experience and strategic insight with Ying Yue. These were valuable lessons he had gained over years of missions. Ying Yue absorbed them earnestly, quickly turning that knowledge into instinct.
"Ying Yue," Hatake Sakumo said after one training session, looking at him with a note of praise, "you're progressing even faster than I expected. Keep this up, and before long, you'll reach a whole new level of strength."
Uchiha Ying Yue nodded his thanks, his resolve to grow stronger through training firming even further. The challenges ahead would only grow more daunting; he had to keep improving if he wanted to face the dangers no one could foresee.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Ying Yue's intelligence organization, Shadow Curtain, was also quietly beginning to take shape.
Elder Senju Mufeng and Elder Uchiha Setsuna honored their promises. They each put the strength of their respective clans to work, helping Ying Yue build the intelligence network.
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