Uzumaki Mito's Endorsement

The Anbu operative moved with extreme speed, appearing at the Hokage Building in less than 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, unexpectedly, someone knocked.

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

"What? What did you say? Lady Mito is..." Following this, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, glanced toward the direction of the Senju compound and the army gathered below the Hokage Building.

Sure enough, he saw two figures walking hand-in-hand toward the troops! He hurriedly ordered the Anbu to notify Shimura Danzo 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.

In fact, should any issues arise in the future, they would still require the support of Lady Uzumaki Mito. Sarutobi Hiruzen could not possibly overlook this, so he opened his office door and rushed downstairs.

The three thousand vanguard ninjas watched the hurried Sarutobi Hiruzen with wide eyes, while the clan heads of the Uchiha and Hyuga frowned.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen had not been in power for long, he handled matters with meticulous rigor, leaving even them unable to find fault. Why, then, was he in such a rush?

Following Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze, they saw a woman walking slowly while holding a young man's hand. Once they realized who the woman was, the three thousand vanguard ninjas immediately dropped to one knee in salute.

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!" While the others knelt, Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed deeply. After all, he was the Hokage, and a bow was the greatest sign of respect he could offer.

Uzumaki Mito walked up to them with a warm smile. She first glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, then at the Council of Elders and the army. With great tact, she said, "Lord Third, do not be nervous. I am simply sending a junior to join the army. This boy is named Uchiha Xiao, and he is a confidant of Tsunade."

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

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 lowered his head and shouted.

This was a clash of power. Sarutobi Hiruzen was the Hokage, and she was the First Hokage's wife; if Uzumaki Mito were to give orders to 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 Uzumaki Mito's eyes, he was still far too immature.

However, she had no intention of bickering with him. She smiled and said, "Then I shall be presumptuous 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 Xiao well, as this is his first time participating in a war."

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

Having said this, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward and patted Uchiha Xiao on the shoulder to show he valued him, then waved his hand and shouted, "Tsunade!"

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

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

"Everyone, you are the heroes of our Konoha. This battle is unavoidable. Hanzo of the Land of Rain has issued us a challenge; can we really remain indifferent!" Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice was filled with righteous indignation and fury 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 good lives!" Sarutobi Hiruzen roared again.

It had to be said that Uchiha Xiao considered Sarutobi Hiruzen a talent; these few words hit the nail on the head. It was no wonder that after this battle, he would be known as the Shinobi Hero!

"Yes!" The entire army roared again.

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

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the ninjas leaving the village and fell into deep thought. 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 could be secured, so he could not afford to stay away.

Thus, they had reached a compromise: he would follow the main army to the Land of Rain, but he would only take the field if Salamander Hanzo himself made a move!

In the end, Sarutobi Hiruzen had no choice but to agree. He knew his brothers were doing this for his own good, and he didn't want to leave them feeling cold.

Oh, right, there was still Lady Mito. 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 lack of decorum."

"It is fine, Monkey. You did it for the village; you did nothing wrong," Uzumaki Mito said with a smile.

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

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

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

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

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, but he still agreed. "It is only right. Lady Mito, as the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, you protect Konoha's peace. Now that you wish to see your family, Hiruzen is naturally willing to agree!"

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

"That is perfectly fine. Monkey, thank you. I knew you were a thoughtful Hokage. From now on, come to the Senju compound often to chat with this old woman," Uzumaki Mito said with a faint smile.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up. This was the goodwill Lady Mito was extending to him, and the implication was self-evident: from this moment on, Lady Mito would fully support his tenure as Hokage.

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

Uzumaki Mito shook her head. "Monkey, it is I who should thank you. I will be going now; I have things to attend to at home."

"Please walk slowly, Lady Mito, and watch your step." At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen was incredibly respectful toward Uzumaki Mito. There was no other way—her status was set in stone, and since she was willing to back him, what else could he do? Treat her like royalty, of course!