"After discussing it, we've decided to reach an agreement with Orochimaru. But to prevent any mishaps during the transaction, I need to send someone with you," Tsunade told Uchiha Shunichi, her face expressionless.
She did not like this outcome.
But as Hokage, she would not willingly drag Konoha into an unnecessary war...
Looking at Tsunade, Uchiha Shunichi realized he had been right. The Hokage had no real freedom at all.
The higher your position, the more you had to consider. Sometimes, people who seemed to be on your side were actually holding you back all along.
The Hokage was really just a village chief, and the so-called shinobi world wars were really just five villages fighting one another.
Although shinobi possessed overwhelming strength, they were not the ones who held power in this world.
Nobles, daimyo, wealthy merchants, and shinobi... these groups maintained a delicate balance, seemingly connected yet fundamentally at odds.
In truth, Uchiha Shunichi hated being a shinobi...
"Yes, I understand. I won't hand over the Death God Mask. Orochimaru will get his arms back, and he'll guarantee that he won't act against Konoha. If he breaks that promise, someone will seal him again. Next time, it might not just be his arms!"
Uchiha Shunichi made this promise to Tsunade with great solemnity, while hinting that he was confident he could use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
Even though he did not know how to use it yet...
Seeing the confidence in Uchiha Shunichi's eyes, Tsunade fell into a brief daze. For a moment, she seemed to see the First Hokage...
"You'll have two teammates this time: Yamato, the Anbu ninja formerly codenamed Tenzō, and Ibiki Morino..."
"I trust you, which is why I've appointed you captain for this mission. But they have more combat experience. If anything