When Madara Uchiha returned home, he first told his parents and Sasuke that he would be traveling far away. By the way, he explained that the mission was expected to take half a month.
Fugaku and Mikoto have long been accustomed to Madara going on missions. Although Sasuke is dissatisfied that Madara has to leave for so long, he is sensible and will not act nonsense. After simply appeasing Sasuke After 's mood, Madara Uchiha packed up a few changes of clothes and went out. At this time, outside the Uchiha Clan's territory, Kazuhiko Sarutobi had been waiting here for a long time.
Unlike Hayato Hyuga and Sōsuke Aburame, Third Hokage had to summon him once before Madara Uchiha set off.
Madara Uchiha followed Kazuhiko Sarutobi to the place where he last met Third Hokage. Although it had only been about a year, Third Hokage's beard is almost completely white, and there are some spots on the face that only the elderly have. It can be seen that Hiruzen Sarutobi has put a lot of thought into the position of Hokage.
"Itachi, after learning about Shinhiko Kōzuki, what do you think of him? How do you plan to carry out this mission?"
After not seeing each other for a year, Madara Uchiha has grown much taller than last year. Third Hokage looked at Madara's calm face and asked his questions about Madara Uchiha's trip.
"Shinhiko Kōzuki's idea of taking the main battle is stupid at present. I will do my best to protect the safety of Shinhiko Kōzuki during this mission."
"Can you tell me the reason for your choice? Why you are stupid and why you want to protect him."
Madara Uchiha's answer is the perfect answer in Third Hokage's mind, but Third Hokage hopes to hear Madara's derivation process in addition to the results. He hopes to use this to peek into Madara Uchiha's inner thoughts.
Why stupid?
The next four generations of Nine-Tails' Attack died. A huge Konoha. The only top combat power on the surface is a dying Old Man son like you. Let's count him as Danzo also has the strength of Kage Level, but Nine-Tails' Attack doesn't come out to help. Do you expect him to let his Root help in a foreign war?
The only person in Konoha who counts in Madara's eyes is Ninja named Might Guy, but I don't know how many doors he can open at this time, and the role of the one-time Eight Gates Formation in the war is indeed limited.
As Hokage, Root, who was indulged by himself, did not listen to his orders in the end. The big families below him were also a group of weaklings who would kill their own people and send them away, not to mention the potential threat of the Uchiha Clan's rebellion in the village.
If Shinhiko Kōzuki knew that Land of Fire's strongest combat power, Konoha, is now in such a vulnerable situation, he himself would think it was stupid to want to start a war with other countries to compete for territory.
This is the analysis, but Madara definitely can't say that to Third Hokage now.
"Third Shinobi World War has only been over for a few years. The people need to recuperate, and Ninja Village also needs time to cultivate the next generation's fighting power. It would be unwise to give up this rare peace just because of a moment of anger."
Resisting the urge to yell at Third Hokage, Madara Uchiha modified his wording, put himself in Third Hokage's position and gave the most perfect answer in Third Hokage's mind.
When facing Obito Madara Uchiha, he can pretend to be a strict master and a loving father. When facing Third Hokage, Madara Uchiha can naturally pretend to be a weakling Hokage who has exactly the same thoughts as Third Hokage.
After hearing Madara Uchiha's views on the war, Third Hokage showed an expression of appreciation. He nodded and signaled Madara Uchiha to continue.
"To protect Shinhiko Kōzuki, from the most basic point of view, this is the task that we, Konoha, have undertaken. Since we have accepted the task, no matter what kind of person the protection target is, as Ninja, we should fulfill our responsibilities. If the protected target does not complete the task well because of the thoughts and personality of the protected target, this will also be a devastating blow to our Konoha's reputation in Shinobi World."
As a Ninja who abides by the rules, Madara Uchiha gave one of the reasons for protecting Shinhiko Kōzuki with all his heart. Seeing that Third Hokage had no objection, Madara Uchiha continued.
"The second reason is that Shinhiko Kōzuki is the leader of Land of Fire Hardliners. If Shinhiko Kōzuki really died on his way back home, and died under the protection of Konoha, Land of Fire and other Hardliners characters are bound to put everyone in danger, and they will find the murderer at all costs. If people from other countries kill Shinhiko Kōzuki, then a new war will not be far away, and we Konoha will also give Hardliners an excuse for failing to complete the task, so Shinhiko Kōzuki will definitely not die."
After listening to Madara Uchiha's answer, Third Hokage nodded happily. Unfortunately, Madara Uchiha was too young, and he was too old. If this child could have been born decades earlier, this talented young man might have Hokage can be called the first Uchiha Clan of Konoha. If so, the hidden dangers of the Uchiha Clan will naturally be solved, and there is no need for me to be this Hokage at my old age.
"Please step aside first. I still have something to say to Kazuhiko."
After confirming that Madara Uchiha's understanding of this task was correct, Third Hokage let Madara Uchiha leave first.
"Kazuhiko, you have a very good subordinate."
After Madara Uchiha left, Third Hokage sighed lightly and started a topic with Kazuhiko Sarutobi.
"Lord Hokage, you are so concerned about Itachi's thoughts, but you have the idea of cultivating him?"
Kazuhiko Sarutobi is a member of the Sarutobi Clan, and was entrusted by Third Hokage with the important task of teaching Madara Uchiha. He is naturally Third Hokage is a trustworthy person. Seeing that Third Hokage specifically asked Madara Uchiha for questioning before this task, Kazuhiko directly asked what he was thinking.
"Although Uchiha Itachi is only eight years old, his ideas have surpassed those of many people who have lived for most of their lives. The older a person gets, the more powerless they will find themselves. I am not sure how long I can suppress Danzo, and I am not sure how many people Konoha are willing to follow me. After I die, if Weasel can become Hokage and continue my political thoughts, the whole Uchiha Clan who is united and separated, then at least Konoha will not cause trouble again. This mission is in danger for you, Kazuhiko, please take good care of Uchiha Itachi for me, even if he cannot become Hokage in the future, as long as he is here, Uchiha Clan and Konoha will not be too tense."
When the news that Shinhiko Kōzuki was expelled by Daimyo from Kyoto reached Konoha, Danzo was already planning something secretly. Third Hokage even suspected Danzo got the news faster than he did. If it weren't for the fact that Kazuhiko Sarutobi is the only person in the village that he can completely trust and is strong enough, it's not that Third Hokage doesn't want to send others. Now Third Hokage can only hope that Kazuhiko Sarutobi and their trip goes smoothly.