Naruto: Forbidden Arts and an Immortal Agenda

On Saturday, Aozora woke up in his brand new bedroom.

Bright sunlight shone through the window, and fresh air filled the room.

If not for its remote location, the New Compound really was a pleasant place to live.

After washing up and eating breakfast, Aozora left early for the Police Force headquarters.

Since the Police Force was still located far away, he had to set off early.

When he arrived at the office, Aozora found Fugaku and Kyudai were already there.

Kyudai glanced at him briefly and softly snorted in disdain.

Aozora laughed. "Kyudai's so diligent!"

He had figured that even if Fugaku had an assistant, some weekend tasks like running errands or chasing people down would still end up on the boss's plate. But I never expected that Fugaku had hired such a workaholic—Kyudai had taken over all those weekend chores.

All Aozora could say was, "Well done!"

Seeing Aozora walk in, Fugaku said to Kyudai, "Go inform all captains and lieutenants. The meeting is postponed half an hour."

After Kyudai left, Fugaku motioned Aozora over.

"Aozora, you're here just in time."

Aozora walked closer, pulled up a chair, and sat diagonally opposite from Fugaku.

Fugaku handed Aozora a document. "The Third wants us to handle the supply escort mission, but we also need personnel staying behind at the Police Force. One jonin per team—that's still too risky."

Aozora accepted the file and carefully flipped through it.

Because of ninja—the superhuman combatants—the Ninja World's battles mainly relied on them.

While the number of fighters was small, the intensity of war dramatically increased, both destruction and consumption surpassing normal warfare by far.

First came food. Though few in number, ninjas consumed enormous amounts.

After intense battles, a single ninja might eat ten times the normal daily ration—a bottomless pit.

As for Military Rations Pills—those compact compressed foods—they staved off hunger well, but with many side effects. They were only used extensively during emergency wartime.

Food consumption was tremendous, and ninja tools cost money like flowing water.

Shuriken, Senbon, Kunai—all forged from high-quality iron, they were priceless commodities. Every battle didn't throw mere weapons, but rather white silver coins. If Shuriken-like tools represented silver, then Explosive Tags were gold. In fact, one Explosive Tag equaled ten of the highest-value bills—in wartime currency.

Supply escorts involved more than transporting food; they also moved vital military supplies like Explosive Tags.

This Uchiha mission was to protect three grain convoys heading toward the border.

Aozora asked, "How much food are we talking about? Can we use Sealing Scrolls?"

Fugaku shook his head. "Sealing Scrolls are fully used for critical supplies like Military Rations Pills and Explosive Tags. Grain takes up too much space—it would require too many scrolls."

Moreover, Sealing Scrolls were extremely expensive. Scrolls capable of sealing dozens of grain carts alone would be worth at least tens of millions in silver.

Wealth stirs hearts! (Especially in the Ninja World)

Such wealth wouldn't just tempt Rogue Ninjas—it could even turn regular ninjas into traitors.

Hearing this, Aozora instantly realized that apart from the three Uchiha teams, another covert unit must be secretly handling the transport of key supplies.

Aozora didn't dig deeper—it was top secret. He preferred not to know.

Aozora pondered for a while before replying, "There's no better solution. We can only choose the most elite ninjas and take a hidden route."

Fugaku sighed, "I suppose that's the only way."

He sighed outwardly, though inwardly he felt relieved.

Aozora had unexpectedly stood out during the Clan Meeting, and his wisdom and insight had made Fugaku feel pressure.

Now it seemed Aozora's intelligence also had its limits.

After finishing official business, Fugaku asked, "What did you say to Itachi last time? He stayed by himself in his room for a long time after going home. But recently I've sensed he doesn't seem to resent me much anymore, almost like things were before the clan's protest."

Raising one eyebrow, Aozora replied, "Nothing special. I mainly explained your situation as clan head. Itachi is a clever kid; once he thought it through, he accepted you."

He wasn't trying to claim credit, but he was definitely pleased with Itachi's change.

He couldn't deny that Itachi had incredible talent.

With proper guidance, within just a few years he'd become a powerful ninja.

The Uchiha lived under constant threat; having another strong ninja meant greater security.

Of course, this depended on those warriors being loyal to the Uchiha.

Soon, Kyudai returned after informing the higher-ups of the Police Force.

After resting briefly in his office, the three left for the meeting room just in time.

Once everyone was seated, Fugaku tapped the table to draw attention.

"Cutting formalities, I'll start directly.

Our first agenda item today is selecting escort teams.

Our Police Force is responsible for transporting logistical supplies, which will require three escort teams totaling sixty Chunin and three Jonin.

Please speak freely."

Without hesitation, Hachidai spoke up first, "I nominate Shintatsu as team leader."

Shintatsu was Hachidai's deputy. His strength had already reached Jonin level, but because he hadn't accumulated enough merit within the village, he couldn't be promoted. Clearly, Hachidai wanted to give Shintatsu an opportunity.

"That works!" Fugaku agreed. "I know Shintatsu's ability well. Please continue nominating candidates."

Other squad leaders quickly jumped in, fighting opportunities for their subordinates.

"I recommend Soyu!"

"I recommend Kenta!"

"..."

Fugaku listened to the list of nominees with growing concern.

Many of them lacked sufficient experience. Entrusting his clansmen to these individuals made him uneasy.

Considering the mission's danger, he wanted each team to have experienced Jonin.

But for other squad leaders, this mission represented an opportunity to earn merit, so they nominated Tokubetsu Jonin or even Chunin.

In the end, Fugaku had no choice but to conclude, "Then let's finalize the team leaders as Shintatsu, Genma, and... Shuichi Uchiha!"

Frankly speaking, Shuichi Uchiha was a reluctant choice for Fugaku.

Shuichi Uchiha was arrogant and conceited—definitely not ideal leadership material.

However, among all proposed candidates, Shuichi Uchiha's strength ranked second only to Shintatsu, truly reaching Jonin level.

Seeing Fugaku's dilemma, Aozora spoke up.

"This mission, while offering our clan a chance to prove itself, carries significant risks. I suggest appointing assistant team leaders for each squad. With two leaders consulting and supporting each other, we can ensure smooth mission execution and safe return of our clansmen."

Fugaku gave a satisfied nod toward Aozora.

The other captains considered this for a moment but raised no objections.

This time, Fugaku didn't give the other high-ranking members of the Police Force a chance to speak. "There's no need for nominations for the deputy captain positions—I'll appoint them directly. Anyone with concerns can voice them now."

The other captains of the Police Force had no objections.

"Deputy captain of First Squad—Huo Jian!"

"Deputy captain of Second Squad—Hongyen!"

"Deputy captain of Third Squad…"

He felt confident about the first two squads—they had only added two excellent Chunin. However, choosing a deputy captain for the Third Squad proved difficult.

Shuichi was proud and arrogant. Normally, he should be paired with a calm and steady second-in-command. But Shuichi looked down on others—even within the clan, if someone lacked strength, he wouldn't respect them.

Getting Shuichi to listen meant that person had to be exceptionally strong.

Yet right now, within the clan, where could one find a free ninja capable of overshadowing Shuichi?

As he pondered this, Fugaku noticed Aozora leaning casually back in his office chair.

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