The Girl Named Ying

"Your name is Ying?"

The Uchiha Clan elders had taken note of Uchiha Jobu's talent and diligence. Coupled with Uchiha Tajima's subtle test last time, the clan's upper ranks had directly listed Uchiha Jobu as one of the hopes of the next generation.

As a result, his status and standing rose accordingly. The clan assigned him a maid, specifically responsible for his meals, daily routine, and all other aspects of his life.

"In reply, my lord, yes. My name is Ying."

The ten-year-old girl knelt before Uchiha Jobu.

Uchiha Jobu pondered for a moment. "Is that just your given name? What about your surname?"

"Ying was merely someone the Uchiha lords picked up. Ying is not qualified to have a surname, so Ying is only called Ying."

"Other than tending to daily matters, what else can you do? You have chakra. Do you know any ninjutsu?"

"Ying does not know any ninjutsu or taijutsu. The Uchiha lords said Ying should learn to use chakra in order to serve my lord better."

"Since you can use chakra but do not know ninjutsu, then I have another task for you."

The girl raised her head. A faint glimmer appeared in her emotionless eyes as she softly said, "Please give your orders, my lord!"

"Human lives are the cheapest thing in this world. This era has created an incomparably cruel environment, and many people would sell themselves for a single meal. Among the refugees the clan took in some time ago, I need you to recruit a group of obedient people for me. I will promise them the chance to eat their fill. Can you do it?"

If the Uchiha Clan was to become the strongest clan of the Warring States Era, then they needed to start preparing for the future now.

The Uchiha Clan only had around two or three hundred Main Family ninja. Their primary duties were fighting external wars and taking missions in exchange for supplies. There were far more Branch Family ninja, most of whom were responsible for forging equipment for the clan or handling logistical matters.

Beyond that, they also took in homeless refugees. On one hand, they needed ordinary people to serve the ninja. For example, daily chores could be handled by the refugees they took in. On the other hand, the Uchiha Clan possessed vast territory, and someone had to cultivate the land.

Ying's gaze sharpened. "Yes, my lord. Ying will do it. Ying will definitely recruit the most obedient and loyal subordinates for my lord."

Uchiha Jobu slowly nodded. "Very good. Come with me now. I will teach you some basic ninjutsu. I also need you to train the subordinates you recruit for me. When the time comes, you will become their captain, second only to me."

"Ying understands. Ying will never disappoint my lord."

"Very good. Watch carefully. The first thing I will teach you is the Transformation Technique. The key to this technique is..."

Not everyone was qualified to become a ninja. One needed talent to become a ninja. Even among the Uchiha Clan, many clansmen might not truly become ninja. Yet for Ying, she only needed to watch basic ninjutsu once to use it perfectly and with ease.

If Ying had not lacked a surname, and if he had not felt that she possessed no Kekkei Genkai, Uchiha Jobu would have suspected that she came from some great ninja clan.

The Hagoromo Clan had completely bound itself to the Uchiha Clan.

With the Hagoromo Clan joining them, the Uchiha Clan's strength had risen sharply. At the same time, they had already formulated an offensive plan, preparing to first wipe out the Kaguya Clan. At the very least, they would drive the Kaguya Clan out of the Land of Fire.

Otherwise, if the taijutsu-specialized Hyuga joined forces with the Kaguya Clan, then even a great clan like the Uchiha would have to temporarily retreat from a direct confrontation with the combined strength of the two clans.

Hagoromo Jiehe, the Hagoromo Clan leader, said, "Clan Leader Tajima, we have no objections to the plan to attack the Kaguya Clan. However, the Hagoromo Clan hopes to receive a larger share of the captured supplies during the attack. We hope Clan Leader Tajima will permit it."

Supplies were important to every clan, because they were the prerequisite for a clan's survival. Without sufficient supplies, even a Clan Leader Tier ninja could starve to death.

A pair of expressionless eyes stared at Hagoromo Jiehe, placing immense pressure on the Hagoromo Clan. Just as the atmosphere grew somewhat heavy, Uchiha Tajima calmly said, "In that case, I can raise the Hagoromo Clan's share of the captured supplies from the previously agreed thirty percent to forty percent. Do you have any objections?"

Being able to obtain additional supplies had already exceeded Hagoromo Jiehe's expectations. He hurriedly nodded. "Forty percent is more than enough. Thank you very much!"

Uchiha Tajima said, "Since that is settled, let us discuss how many Jonin and Chunin the Hagoromo Clan can send."

"Jonin? Chunin?"

"I forgot that Clan Leader Hagoromo does not yet know the ninja rank classifications. Then let me explain them first."

After listening to the explanation of the ninja rank classifications, Hagoromo Jiehe felt that the descriptions and requirements of every rank matched the standards of ninja strength quite well.

Hagoromo Jiehe said in a deep voice, "I understand. According to Clan Leader Tajima's classification, the Hagoromo Clan should have more than ten Jonin, over sixty Chunin, and more than a hundred Genin who have yet to mature."

"For this battle, the Hagoromo Clan can send at most eight Jonin and fifty Chunin. The Genin will not participate in direct combat."

"That will do. That number is sufficient. We Uchiha intend to send twenty Jonin and one hundred Chunin. The Genin likewise will not participate in this battle."

After agreeing on the number of ninja to deploy, the two clans began mobilizing supplies. Special supplies such as Military Ration Pills, where one pill could stave off hunger for half a day or even an entire day, had to be prepared before launching the attack on the Kaguya Clan.

The rest consisted of Explosive Tags, Shuriken, Kunai, senbon, and other weapons and ninja tools capable of direct attack.

Upon learning that the clan was preparing to launch an attack on the Kaguya Clan, Uchiha Madara believed he had both the qualifications and responsibility to fight alongside them. He sought out his father, Uchiha Tajima, and immediately asked to join the attack, only to be thrown out by Uchiha Tajima without another word.

Uchiha Madara said, "Jobu, what exactly does Father mean? My strength is clearly already at the Chunin level. I can join this attack on the Kaguya Clan, so why is he refusing to let me go? Does Father think I am still not strong enough?"

Uchiha Jobu rolled his eyes. "Have you forgotten what you said a few days ago? The Uchiha Clan has plenty of ninja who can go to the battlefield. We do not lack people willing to fight and shed blood for the clan. What we truly need is a leader who can carry the clan forward. Are you the person who can lead the clan onward?"

"Clan Leader Tajima is not allowing you to join the mission because he wants you to remain in the clan and become the pillar of support for those left behind. If even you leave to carry out a mission, do you think the clansmen remaining behind will still feel safe? What if enemies invade? Do not forget that the Kaguya Clan nearly breached our clan grounds."

Uchiha Madara nodded. "I understand. As expected, I am still not steady enough. You need to remind me more in the future. Do not let me keep making such basic mistakes."