While Saturday was a normal day off for most people, it was just another workday for Aozora.
Since leaving the village to capture Tanaka Shoko, Aozora had gone over half a month without rest—an unusual situation completely opposite from his usual slacking habits.
"After today's meeting," he told himself, "I'll take an extended vacation. Even if I don't go traveling somewhere, I should at least relax properly for several days."
With this goal in mind, Aozora left home at the calculated time.
When he arrived at the Chief's office, he found there were only ten minutes remaining before the meeting started. He thought with satisfaction: Right on time.
Seeing Kyudai diligently organizing documents, Aozora remarked, "Kyudai, you're so hardworking! I believe you'll quickly become an outstanding assistant!"
Upon seeing Aozora, Kyudai originally intended to snort slightly, but considering Aozora's recent contributions to the clan, he held back the sound and simply turned his head away.
"Kyudai," said Fugaku, "go notify all the captains and sub-captains that we're ready to begin the meeting."
Kyudai nodded, went outside, and closed the door behind him. By now, he understood that these were Fugaku's attempts to get him out of the way.
Initially, Kyudai had felt some resentment and jealousy inside.
But after witnessing one incredible achievement after another from Aozora, and especially during the Council Meeting where Aozora displayed exceptional strategy skills, Kyudai had recognized the gap between them.
Of course, this didn't mean he was willing to admit defeat yet. He still believed diligence could make up for shortcomings, and as long as he kept learning under the clan leader, eventually he would see Aozora's back disappearing into the distance.
As soon as the door shut, Fugaku said, "Aozora, I need to discuss something with you."
Aozora nodded, pulled up a stool, sat closer to Fugaku, and listened carefully.
"Natsuki has successfully advanced to the final round of the Guardian Ninja Selection. However, the Daimyo won't allow unknown ninja to serve as his bodyguards. Now someone has suggested she either withdraw from the competition or reveal her true identity."
Aozora nodded understandingly. Since the Guardian Ninja must protect the Daimyo's safety, naturally their background needed thorough investigation.
Fugaku continued, "Now Konoha is much more stable—should we still maintain our presence in Kyoto?"
Aozora thought briefly before replying, "In my opinion, we shouldn't abandon Kyoto. The saying 'a clever rabbit has three dens' means we should prepare alternative plans during peace, not wait until disaster strikes.
Besides, since the Daimyo is another major force within the Land of Fire, knowing his thoughts and movements can help us make many critical decisions."
Then Aozora added, "What about Natsuki's opinion? Since current circumstances are stable, we don't need to contact the Daimyo urgently right now, so perhaps we can adjust our approach regarding Kyoto."
Fugaku handed Aozora a letter and praised, "Natsuki is courageous! She wants us to help forge an identity for her so she can continue participating in the Guardian Ninja Selection."
Aozora took the letter and scanned it rapidly, absorbing the contents in seconds.
Upon learning that the Uchiha crisis had finally settled, instead of returning to the Uchiha Compound to resume her role as a proper young lady, Natsuki had firmly decided to continue competing in the Guardian Ninja Selection.
Her reasoning was that the Daimyo bore ill will toward Konoha.
Throughout the selection process, she'd encountered various hints and inducements trying to turn contestants against Konoha. And even after reaching the final round, another contestant came straight to her to gauge her loyalty to Konoha.
Aozora wasn't surprised. Among the Guardian Shinobi, there must be retainers directly loyal to the Daimyo. Who knows—maybe the radical faction's plan to destroy Konoha through the Twelve Guardians was secretly ordered by the Daimyo himself.
After reading the letter, Aozora asked, "Head Elder, what do you think is the probability of Natsuki's plan succeeding?"
Fugaku hesitated briefly before replying, "About a seventy percent chance of success."
Aozora nodded. "Then my opinion is to let her be, allow her to decide for herself."
"Then could I ask you…"
Before Fugaku could finish, Aozora decisively shook his head. "Head Elder, I haven't rested for half a month since capturing Tanaka Shoko!"
Fugaku sighed. "Your Jia Xing makes it hard to distinguish reality from illusion. If possible, it would still be better if you went."
Aozora didn't respond.
His Transformation Jutsu had evolved into the more advanced [Jia Xing] through the Heavenly Book's calculations, making it truly suitable for disguise. But without him, couldn't this mission still be completed?
Aozora wasn't so arrogant.
If Transformation Jutsu didn't work, couldn't they just use makeup? There's always a way around any problem.
Compared to being busy with these side missions, Aozora believed staying in Konoha to cultivate would benefit the Uchiha clan more.
After Danzo's defection and the high-level meeting, the Uchiha had gained an advantage within Konoha, and everyone—including Fugaku—felt much relieved.
But Aozora didn't believe the Uchiha were free from the danger of extermination.
Danzo had betrayed the village and was currently too preoccupied to threaten the Uchiha. But once he settled down, with his vengeful nature, he would surely retaliate against them. And coincidentally, he had connections with Orochimaru, who coveted the Sharingan. If two Kage-level experts worked together, even under Konoha's protection, the Uchiha would still face grave danger.
Besides Danzo and Orochimaru, Obito from Akatsuki was also secretly eyeing the Uchiha.
To completely free the Uchiha from the risk of extinction, the best method was to make the Uchiha even stronger.
Now the Uchiha already had one Kage-level fighter in Fugaku. As long as two more Kage-level fighters emerged, then the Uchiha could ride the storm calmly like a fisherman in rough seas.
Aozora guessed that his older brother Shisui had likely activated the Mangekyou by now, meaning the Uchiha needed only one more Kage-level fighter to escape annihilation.
Looking at the current members of the Uchiha, who had the greatest potential to become another Kage-level after Fugaku and Shisui?
Aozora first thought of himself. When it came to both talent and opportunity, no one in the Uchiha clan could match him!
Of course, Aozora had also considered other elite Jonin within the clan. They might only need one final leap to reach Kage-level. If he shared his [Yin Yang Eye] technique, perhaps it could help them take that crucial step forward.
He was willing to share [Mystical Technique], but not recklessly. The Uchiha had plenty of extremists among them. If he chose wrongly, it could bring catastrophic consequences, leaving him filled with regret.
Unable to convince Aozora, Fugaku shook his head slightly and set the letter aside.
Then pointing at a document on the table, he said, "This report was written according to your suggestion yesterday. Take a look. We'll discuss it at the meeting soon."
Aozora quickly skimmed through the report and found that every word he had said yesterday was recorded verbatim, with additional elaboration based on specific circumstances.
Aozora smiled. "It's already pretty solid. I'll just need to run it by the other captains before we implement it."
Fugaku's eyes lit up with a smile, though he still added, "Let's hear some more suggestions."
Aozora gave it a moment's thought. "What do you think of naming the unit the [Flying Tigers]? 'Flying' stands for fast response, and 'Tigers' means aggressive firepower."
Fugaku's eyes brightened. "Excellent!"
Soon, the meeting began, and the proposal regarding the Police Force gained widespread approval.
The meeting wasn't all smooth sailing—everyone was eager to lead the [Flying Tigers]. Candidates were already lined up from the Village Barrier Defense Division, but no one showed interest in positions from the Patrol Division or Prison Guard Division.
In the end, Fugaku decided to postpone the official appointments until after the meeting, allowing everyone to "amicably" sort things out—if that was even possible.
Additionally, considering the need for more hands on patrol and confident in the strength of the Uchiha clan, the meeting approved the proposal to allow the Police Force to recruit ninja outside the Uchiha clan.
They also unanimously agreed on the newly created honor titles and medals.
After the meeting ended, Aozora requested leave to return home.
After months of physical cultivation, he had finally sensed the first bottleneck of his [Lightning-Fire Golden Body].
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>