Ambition

"No!" Genma quickly calmed himself down.

"Nagato's Rinnegan belongs to Madara; transplanting it into my own eyes would only create a burden."

"I already possess the Sage Eye that is most compatible with me. There is no need to be impatient. With the power of Oonamuchi, I have all the time in the world. I only need to cultivate steadily and surely!"

"Transplanting Madara's Rinnegan would be putting the cart before the horse. There is no necessity for it."

"Then, the most urgent matter now is..."

Senju Genma did not finish his sentence; a sense of ambition simply sprouted from the depths of his heart.

Since those who possess peerless power all love to stir up trouble, why should he, who possesses both the Sage Body and the Sage Eye, remain a mere spectator?

Even children playing games know that it is only fun when everyone plays together. Since that is the case, I shall join you all in this game!

One life is, in fact, ten thousand lives!

This ninja world is mine!

Only then will I have more motivation to stand against the Otsutsuki Clan!

Protecting the ninja world can be a voluntary act.

Protecting my ninja world, however, becomes an obligation!

"Since I have now become the head of the Senju Clan, the next step... is to become Hokage!"

As the emotion known as ambition took root, Senju Genma felt a burning heat in his chest.

The man named Senju Genma had lost the restraint known as Uzumaki Mito!

"Big Brother Genma!"

Senju Genma was startled by the sudden, familiar voice. He turned around to see Kushina looking timid.

Kushina took a deep breath, as if gathering her courage, and asked:

"Big Brother Genma, are you alright?"

The ruthlessness in Senju Genma's heart vanished instantly. He hurriedly adjusted his expression, replacing it with a gentle smile.

"I'm fine."

"But Big Brother Genma's expression just now was so scary!"

Senju Genma gently patted her little head.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about some scary things."

"Is it still scary now?"

Senju Genma made a funny face, which made Kushina giggle.

"It's not scary anymore!" Kushina shook her head and said with a smile.

Genma stood up and asked, "Tell me, what do you need?"

Reminded by Genma, Kushina tapped her head, remembering the important matter. "Big Brother Genma, someone from the village is here to see you!"

Senju Genma was somewhat puzzled.

"The village? What do they want now?"

Kushina shook her head and pouted adorably.

"I don't know, but the person looks like an Anbu ninja. He is waiting outside the clan grounds!"

"Well, that's fine. I was just looking for something to do!" Senju Genma took out a black robe and put it on. "Stay home and be good. The situation is unstable right now, so don't run around."

"Tell Mikoto and Konan as well."

"Yes!" Kushina replied in a cute voice.

Senju Genma patted her adorable little head, then transformed into a black shadow and left the Clan Head Residence.

Arriving outside the clan grounds, an Anbu wearing a dog mask was waiting there.

"Let's go!"

"Yes, Captain!" The Anbu replied, leading Senju Genma toward the Hokage Building.

Senju Genma pushed open the door to the Hokage Office and saw Hiruzen Sarutobi wiping his nose with one hand, while his other hand was hidden behind his back, concealing something.

This old guy was definitely looking at something indecent!

What he was hiding behind his back must be the Crystal Ball used in conjunction with the Telescope Technique.

This item is destined to be mine!

"Genma, you're here?" Hiruzen Sarutobi wore a kind smile on his face.

This old guy's expression was so punchable; there must be something wrong.

Could it be that he wants to replace Mito's place in my heart?

Dream on. Mito is unique in my heart!

Senju Genma spoke up: "Lord Hokage, I wonder what business you have with me?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed and replied, "The situation on the front lines has been intense lately. You have been an Anbu squad leader for half a year now, and I believe you are ready to head to the battlefield to assist Sakumo Hatake."

Half a year ago, after the spoils from the victory over the Land of Rain had been divided, Hiruzen Sarutobi had pushed aside all objections to promote Senju Genma to the position of Anbu squad leader.

Meanwhile, Sakumo Hatake had been promoted to deputy commander of the Anbu, and it was expected that he would be promoted to commander once this war concluded.

Senju Genma rubbed his chin.

Tsunade had kept in constant contact with him, and he recalled that the current situation in the Land of Rain should have Konoha holding the upper hand.

He is sending me there to pad my military record!

"I understand! When should I leave?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Within seven days, the sooner the better. This battlefield does not require reinforcements."

This statement confirmed Senju Genma's suspicions, and he immediately agreed to depart as soon as possible.

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed determined to play the role of a mentor to Senju Genma.

After finishing their official business, he kept Senju Genma behind to chat for a while about mundane daily life.

Senju Genma took the opportunity to lament that he had failed Uzumaki Mito and had been unable to manage the Senju Clan properly, leading to its current dwindling population.

Watching his dear junior look so heartbroken, Hiruzen Sarutobi's resolve softened.

Although he did not abolish the policy of integrating the Senju Clan into the civilian population, he promised that the implementation of this policy would henceforth be handled by the Senju Clan themselves, and the village would no longer interfere.

The art of leadership was just like this; one could not simply expect others to obey, but had to offer some benefits to win their hearts.

By the time he returned home, it was already evening, and Senju Genma informed Mikoto and the others about his deployment.

Upon hearing the news, they refused to let him go to the battlefield; after all, the front lines were fraught with danger, and no one could predict what might happen.

Helpless, Senju Genma had no choice but to appease Mikoto first, then have her soothe Kushina and Konan.

Under the gentle comfort of their big sister Mikoto, Kushina and Konan finally stopped their fussing.

However, after the commotion, the atmosphere turned somewhat somber, and the four of them finished dinner in a heavy, silent gloom.

Late at night, Genma slowly opened his eyes and walked out to the balcony, where he found Mikoto gazing up at the starry sky.

He didn't need to guess to know that her heart was filled with worry.

"Must you really go to the battlefield? War is too dangerous. Can you truly rest easy leaving Kushina and the others behind?"

She did not mention herself, but Genma knew that "the others" included her.

Genma nodded, his hands gripping the railing so tightly it began to warp, and affirmed, "That's right. Rest assured, this isn't my first time on the battlefield."

"To me, this is merely a necessary exercise. Trust me, I will be fine."

Going to the battlefield was simply a means to accumulate military merit, a preparation for a smooth transition to the position of Hokage.

Moreover, given his strength, the battlefield could hardly be considered a place of peril for him.

The two chatted for a while under the moonlight, and after much persuasion, Mikoto finally agreed to let Genma leave for the front.

After seeing Mikoto back to her room, Genma finally felt at ease and drifted off to sleep, a heavy burden lifted from his mind.