The Anbu Ninja moved at incredible speed, appearing at the Hokage Building in less than ten seconds. He knocked on Sarutobi Hiruzen's office door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in!" Sarutobi Hiruzen had just changed into his battle uniform and was about to go downstairs to announce their departure. He hadn't expected someone to knock.
"Reporting to Lord Hokage: Lady Mito is walking toward the army with Uchiha Xiao's hand in hers!" The Anbu Ninja's voice rang out, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen stunned for a moment.
"What? What did you say? Lady Mito..." The Lord Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen, looked toward the road from the Senju Clan Compound to the army below the Hokage Building.
Sure enough, he saw two figures walking hand in hand toward the troops! He hurriedly told the Anbu Ninja to notify Shimura Danzō and the council of elders to come at once.
Uzumaki Mito was the wife of the First, a legendary figure. Though she was now retired at home, she was not someone they could afford to ignore.
They might even need her support in the future. Sarutobi Hiruzen could hardly have overlooked that. He opened the door and hurried downstairs.
The three thousand vanguard ninjas stared wide-eyed as Sarutobi Hiruzen rushed down the stairs, while the Uchiha and Hyuga clan heads frowned.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't been in office long, but he handled matters carefully and thoroughly. Even they couldn't find fault with his work. So why was he in such a hurry now?
Following Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze, they saw a woman walking slowly toward them, holding a boy's hand. Once they recognized her, the three thousand vanguard ninjas promptly dropped to one knee and bowed.
This was the wife of the First, Senju Hashirama, the God of Shinobi: Uzumaki Mito! She was a legendary figure and the most esteemed woman in Konoha!
"Greetings, Lady Mito!" Everyone else knelt, while Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed. As Hokage, a bow was the greatest respect he could show.
Uzumaki Mito approached with a warm smile. She glanced first at Sarutobi Hiruzen, then at the council of elders and the army. With measured composure, she said, "Lord Third, don't be nervous. I'm just bringing a younger member of the family to the army. This boy is Uchiha Xiao, one of Tsunade's trusted subordinates."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up at Uchiha Xiao, his mind stirring. Senju and Uchiha? What was going on? His eyes darted about.
Then he ventured, "I wouldn't dare. Lady Mito, you can just call me Monkey. Please give the order and send the army off." Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head as he spoke.
This was a clash of power. Sarutobi Hiruzen was now Hokage, while Uzumaki Mito was the First's wife. If she gave the army her blessing, it would undermine the Hokage's authority.
Uzumaki Mito gave Sarutobi Hiruzen a long look. He was no longer the Monkey of old; power plays and calculations had entered his heart. But in her eyes, he was still far too green.
Still, she had no intention of taking issue with him. She smiled. "Then I'll presume on our familiarity and call you Monkey. You're Hokage now, so you should announce the start of the war. I have no right to interfere. But Xiao's taking part in a war for the first time, so please put him through his paces."
A flicker of surprise crossed Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, but he recovered quickly. He looked up at Uchiha Xiao and nodded. "Don't worry, Lady Mito. The boy looks like a pillar of talent. I'll do that."
With that, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward and patted Uchiha Xiao on the shoulder, showing him that he had his regard. Then he raised a hand and called out, "Tsunade!"
"Here!" Tsunade jogged over to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Xiao is one of your trusted subordinates. Take him back to your unit." Sarutobi Hiruzen then bowed to Uzumaki Mito and took his place at the head of the troops.
"Everyone, you are the heroes of Konoha! This battle cannot be avoided. Hanzo of the Land of Rain has challenged us to war. Can we just stand by and do nothing?" Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice brimmed with righteousness and anger toward the enemy.
The three thousand vanguard ninjas were instantly fired up. They roared, "No!"
"Then shouldn't we make the enemy suffer and fear us, so our loved ones can live in peace?" Sarutobi Hiruzen roared again.
Uchiha Xiao had to admit that Sarutobi Hiruzen was a real talent. Those words had hit the mark perfectly. No wonder he'd be called the Shinobi Hero after this battle!
"Yes!" the entire army roared once more.
"Army, heed my command! Move out! Our destination: the Land of Rain!" Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, and the ninjas all answered, "Move out! Destination: the Land of Rain!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the ninjas leave the village, lost in thought. He was now the Hokage of the village. The council of elders had told him not to go to the front lines, but this battle would decide whether he could secure his Hokage Position. There was no way he could stay off the battlefield.
So they had agreed on a compromise: he would travel to the Land of Rain with the main force, and only fight if Salamander Hanzo made a move!
In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen could only agree. He knew his brothers had his best interests at heart, and he didn't want to disappoint them.
Oh, right. Lady Mito was still here. Sarutobi Hiruzen turned and dropped to one knee before Uzumaki Mito. "Lady Mito, the army was here just now. Please forgive my lack of decorum."
"It's all right, Monkey. You did it for the village. You did nothing wrong," Uzumaki Mito replied with a smile.
"Thank you for understanding, Lady Mito." Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head. His voice gave nothing away, but Uzumaki Mito could sense the joy in his heart, as if he'd already won.
Uzumaki Mito glanced at him and helped him to his feet. "Monkey, there's something I'd like to ask of you."
Sarutobi Hiruzen hurriedly replied, "Lady Mito, just give the order. I'll do whatever you ask!" He bowed quickly. There was no helping it: she was the First's wife and a legendary figure, and he still needed Uzumaki Mito's support in the village.
Uzumaki Mito was pleased with his attitude. "Monkey, I've been missing my family lately. I'd like you to send an envoy to bring them to Konoha for a visit."
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, but agreed all the same. "Of course. As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Lady Mito has protected Konoha. If you want to visit your family, Hiruzen would be glad to arrange it!"
"How about I have Hatake Sakumo and Torifu Akimichi lead five hundred ninjas to bring them here?" Sarutobi Hiruzen offered, seeking her agreement.
"That would be fine. Thank you, Monkey. I knew you'd handle things thoughtfully as Hokage. Come by the Senju Clan Compound more often and keep this old woman company." Uzumaki Mito smiled gently.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up. This was Lady Mito showing him goodwill. The meaning was clear: from this moment on, she would fully support him as Hokage.
This was good news for him. With someone of her standing backing him, his Hokage Position was as good as secure. He hurriedly smiled and said, "Thank you, Lady Mito."
Uzumaki Mito shook her head. "Monkey, I'm the one who should thank you. I'll be going now; there are things to take care of at home."
"Goodbye, Lady Mito. Watch your step." Sarutobi Hiruzen was showing Uzumaki Mito the utmost respect now. There was no helping it: her standing spoke for itself, and she was willing to back him. What else could he do? Treat her like royalty!