Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha lacks motivation.

The group of eight set off from Konoha, leaping through the dense forest. Uchiha Madara, who was in the lead, moved with steady steps and swift movements, treading among the treetops as if on flat ground.

After traveling several dozen miles, he glanced sideways at Tobirama Senju, who was following closely behind but whose steps seemed slightly unsteady, and his brow furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

In his memory, this white-haired guy was fast and had good endurance, so why did he give up after running for a while?

Are you sick?

"Uh, I just started working on a new project recently, and I've been pulling all-nighters for a few days. It's nothing serious."

When asked the question, Tobirama Senju froze, his mind racing, before giving an impeccable answer.

"Don't hold others back."

Looking suspiciously at Tobirama Senju's excessively pale face, Madara Uchiha temporarily suppressed his doubts, coldly uttered a sentence, and then did not ask any further questions.

"Teacher, where are we headed?"

Seeing that the two in front had finished their conversation, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was following behind Tobirama Senju, asked in a low voice,

Upon hearing this, the others, except for Uchiha Kagami, were also filled with curiosity.

They were all notified last night to gather at the village entrance early this morning to accompany Tobirama Senju on a secret mission.

"The Land of Iron".

"That country where there are no ninjas?"

Tobirama Senju nodded. Their decision to attend the meeting was also related to the location of the meeting.

The Land of Iron is one of the very few neutral countries in the entire ninja world.

In the early days of the ninja profession, the old-fashioned fighting groups of the Land of Iron, led by samurai, signed a non-aggression pact with the ninjas.

This is why the Land of Iron has been able to maintain a stable situation in the war-torn ninja world.

"Although they don't have ninjas, they have samurai."

Mitokado Homura, standing to the side, pushed up his glasses, trying to project his image as a top student; otherwise, wearing those glasses on his nose would be pointless.

"The samurai, that dregs of the old era, haven't they been eliminated yet?"

Danzo, who was often away on missions, had some understanding of the samurai profession. He had also personally dealt with many samurai who used the guise of wandering knights to engage in banditry.

"Heh, a guy who can't even use chakra properly."

"They are not our target on this trip. Once we get there, let's not cause any trouble."

Looking at Danzo's arrogant expression, Tobirama Senju gently shook his head, then turned his gaze to the other disciples, a thoughtful look appearing in his eyes.

Over the past few years, he had been secretly observing his carefully cultivated disciples, hoping to select one or two talents who could be entrusted with important responsibilities.

However, the result was somewhat disappointing to him. Although the F6 members were already outstanding among their peers, each of them had some shortcomings to some extent.

Hiruzen is quite capable, but he is sometimes indecisive and easily swayed by emotions when handling matters.

Danzo is very efficient and decisive, but he is also petty and holds grudges.

Xiaochun and Yan lack self-confidence and have little opinion of their own, so they can only play supporting roles.

Qu Feng, a radical with a seemingly honest appearance, is easily swayed by emotions.

Even Jing, who was the least troublesome to him, had a habit of not keeping his mouth shut.

If we really had to choose from these few, only Kagami and Hiruzen would be truly capable.

"Which of you is interested in becoming a Jonin instructor?"

After mentally ranting about the F6 behind him, Tobirama Senju suddenly remembered Tsunade, who was about to graduate, and decided to choose a teacher for her from among his disciples.

"Instructing Jonin?"

The group exchanged glances upon hearing this. They already had regular jobs, and the sudden suggestion to switch careers to childcare was naturally met with reluctance.

"Is it a mission?"

Finally, after a brief silence, Hiruzen asked hesitantly, "I am currently a member of the Anbu under the Hokage's command."

If I continue like this, I should be able to climb to the position of team leader in a few years, and my future will be limitless.

"It's not a mission."

"I'm sorry, teacher, I'm not suited to teaching."

Upon hearing that the task was not mandatory, Danzo was the first to raise his hand, but not to accept it, but to refuse.

Besides being a ninja, he is also a father. He spends all his free time raising Shinnosuke and has no time to take care of his other children.

"Um."

Tobirama Senju didn't say much, but he had already mentally marked Danzo as an outcast.

"Teacher, the ninjutsu I'm good at is too unorthodox, so it's really not the best choice for leading a team."

Me too.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu also shook their heads and refused; of course, their reasons were barely acceptable.

Not everyone possesses spatial and medical talents.

Leading and instructing Jonin requires not only formidable strength but also extensive knowledge of ninjutsu and taijutsu. Warriors who specialize in only one area are indeed ill-suited for the task.

"Teacher, I think I can do it."

Unexpectedly, the first person to agree appeared so quickly, but looking at Akimichi Torifu's goofy grin, Tobirama Senju's face twitched slightly.

He didn't want the slender Tsunade to become as voluptuous and alluring as the Akimichi clan.

"Ahem, Qu Feng, you have more important tasks to complete, so don't get distracted."

Tobirama Senju shook his head. He had already heard that Akimichi Torifu would soon be succeeding as the clan leader, and he certainly wouldn't have time to spare.

"Okay."

Upon hearing this, Akimichi Torifu immediately showed a disappointed expression. He would much rather lead his men into battle than serve as the dull and boring clan leader.

"Where are you two?"

Turning his gaze to the last two candidates, Tobirama Senju's eyes were full of inquiry.

"I do." *2

Uchiha Kagami and Hiruzen exchanged a glance, and both raised their hands simultaneously, but their thoughts were completely different.

The meticulous Hiruzen had already deduced from his teacher's expressionless face that the other party was testing them, so he decided to take a gamble, the stake being his already limitless future.

There's no other reason than that Hiruzen Sarutobi was too eager to improve!

Jingzai, however, thought much more simply.

Becoming a supervising Jonin = Resigning from the position of branch secretary = No more overtime = End of my drudgery life

Uchiha Kagami really wants a 9-to-5 job!

"Oh? Then it's settled. I've already selected a few children. You can go back and choose which ones to become their instructors, Jonin."

Looking at the two who had raised their hands, Tobirama Senju nodded in satisfaction. Hiruzen and Kagami were both among the best in their age group in terms of knowledge and skills. If Tsunade could learn from either of them, she wouldn't be too bad off.

"What are you all talking about in your gibberish?"

Madara Uchiha, who was walking at the front, was drawn by the lively discussion behind him, so he turned around curiously and asked,

"Hokage-sama, our teacher just asked us if we wanted to become Jonin instructors."

Jingzai answered truthfully.

"You wouldn't agree to that kind of make-believe ninja game, Kagami, would you?"

"Forehead"

Madara Uchiha, his face displeased, looked at the embarrassed Mirror and scolded him with exasperation.

"You idiot, you're throwing away a promising future to become a Jonin instructor?"

"White Hair, was that you who did this?"

After berating Jingzi, Madara Uchiha turned his attention to the instigator.

"You've really gone to great lengths to prevent the Uchiha from having another leader."

"What did you say?"

Tobirama Senju was completely baffled. He was using this opportunity to recruit talent and plan for the future of Konoha. How did it become a trick in Madara Uchiha's mouth?

"Hmph! You just want to keep Kagami away from the higher-ups, so what? Being in the same office as three Uchiha clan members makes you this uncomfortable?"

Madara Uchiha's thinking was very simple: Tobirama Senju appointed Kagami as a Jonin instructor because he wanted to remove Kagami from his position as secretary. Everyone knows that the secretary of the Hokage and the branch secretary is the most likely successor.

"That's true. It's really uncomfortable to see Izuna hanging around in front of me."

Upon hearing this, Tobirama Senju nodded solemnly, then changed the subject...

"But I raised Kagami myself. Even if he becomes a Jonin instructor, he will still be my secretary. That will never change."

"ha?"

At that moment, Uchiha Kagami felt as if his world was collapsing; a visible expression of grief instantly filled his face.

So, not only did I not escape my misery, I also gained a second job.

They're treated like beasts of burden during work hours, and then they drive for Didi (a ride-hailing service) after get off work.

Are you serious?

After scrutinizing Tobirama Senju from head to toe, Madara Uchiha, observing his seemingly genuine expression, was filled with suspicion.

"Kagami is different from you Uchiha."

Tobirama Senju pursed his lips, glanced at the dejected Uchiha Kagami, and his gaze lingered subtly on Kagami's curly hair, his eyes full of certainty.

Only those with curly hair are good Uchiha.

All the other hairstyles make them look like naturally evil old devils, especially Izuna's.

After finishing their conversation on this unrelated topic, the group continued their journey. As the sun began to set, they decided to set up camp in the wilderness.

The latest novel is first published here!

"Crackling sound~"

Soon, thanks to the quick and efficient work of the F6 members, the spacious tents and warm campfire were ready.

"See, bringing a few people was the right choice, wasn't it?"

Tobirama Senju, reaping the benefits without lifting a finger, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Madara Uchiha beside him, his eyes filled with smugness.

"snort!"

Although he wore a disdainful expression, Madara Uchiha couldn't help but nod repeatedly in his heart.

It feels so good to be waited on.

"Hokage-sama, teacher, please have some water."

After setting up camp, the F6 members gathered around the two, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, quite perceptively, presented his water bottle with both hands.

"Tsk!"

This action aroused Danzo's strong dissatisfaction. He was also preparing to hand over his water bottle, but the quick-witted monkey beat him to it.

"No."

Madara Uchiha glanced at it and immediately shook his head in refusal.

"Lord Hokage, this is brand new."

Hiruzen Sarutobi assumed Madara Uchiha was upset that the water bottle was one he had used, and immediately explained...

"Don't worry about it, I'm just not thirsty."

Madara Uchiha glanced at the shrewd and tactful Hiruzen Sarutobi and shook his head in response. He wasn't complaining about the water bottle.

When he was out on missions, he never even flinched when he had to quench his thirst by eating moss.

This is the spirit of the older generation of ninjas. They kept the three ninja precepts in their hearts and forbade arrogance, extravagance and debauchery.

"teacher?"

"I don't need it anymore."

Tobirama Senju also shook his head and declined. His current body did not require food, so there was no need to waste supplies.

"All right."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, feeling snubbed after his attempt to be friendly, chuckled and took back the water bottle he had prepared beforehand.

"Lord Hokage, you've traveled for so long, why don't you have a drink?"

At this moment, Jing, who hadn't said much until now, suddenly spoke, and as she spoke, she began rummaging through the backpack behind her.

"Thank you, no need. Where did you get this?"

Madara Uchiha, who was about to refuse, hadn't even finished speaking when his gaze was drawn to the familiar object that Mirror had pulled out, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh, I packed this up this morning."

He shoved a cup of milk tea smeared with pearls into the bewildered hand of Uchiha Madara, then pulled out a caramel macchiato and handed it to the equally bewildered Senju Tobirama.

"There's some for everyone, so drink it while it's hot!"

Knowing that there would be a mission early this morning, the thoughtful Uchiha Kagami got up early and went to the store to order everyone's favorite sweet drinks, and put them in a storage roll to keep them as fresh as possible.

"We have them too?"

Akimichi Torifu followed the scent and came over, his eyes filled with surprise. He never expected to be able to enjoy his favorite sweet drink in the wild.

"I already said, everyone gets a share."

With a smile, Uchiha Kagami took out cup after cup of sweet water and distributed them to everyone.

"Mirror you."

Holding the still-warm bubble tea in his hands, Hiruzen Sarutobi bit his lip with a complicated expression, looking at Uchiha Kagami who was surrounded by the crowd, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Compared to Jing, I am so narrow-minded!

"Thank you, Mirror."

With a blush on her face, Koharu Utatane took the taro and boba milk tea from Kagami Uchiha's hand and said with seductive eyes,

"Mirror, I didn't expect you to remember that I like this!"

Mitokado Homura, standing to the side, looked deeply moved. As the least noticeable member of the group of six, he had always assumed that everyone only remembered his glasses. He never expected that Kagami would even remember his preferences.

"We're partners, after all!"

Seeing Mitokado Homura's tearful expression, Uchiha Kagami's lips twitched slightly.

People who enjoy drinking Hong Kong-style milk tea are not common.

"Hey, Danzo, why aren't you drinking?"

Turning his head, Uchiha Kagami saw Danzo holding a brown, unidentified liquid, his face contorted in confusion. Curious, he urged...

"Didn't you always say you only drink iced Americano, the double-strength kind?"

"Wow, that's so cool! That's the taste!"

Unexpectedly, his past boasting was remembered. Concerned about his image, Danzo had no choice but to bite into his iced Americano and forcefully give his evaluation, enduring the bitterness in his mouth.

"Jing, what a good child, both strong and humble."

Taking a small bite of the sweet caramel macchiato, Tobirama Senju watched with admiration as Uchiha Kagami mingled with the others.

"Jing is a child raised by my older cousin, how could he be bad?"

Madara Uchiha, standing beside him, had already downed half a cup of milk tea. Tobirama Senju's praise made him look smug.

"If you had to choose, who would you pick as Hokage and Party Secretary from among these people?"

"Um?"

Madara Uchiha, who was engaged in a fierce battle with the black pearl, frowned slightly upon hearing this strange question.

"I mean, if."

"If we're talking about hypotheticals..."

Madara Uchiha stroked his chin, his scrutinizing gaze sweeping over the group of people not far away, before finally speaking slowly.

"Could Jing use his shadow clones to perform multiple roles? That kid's pretty capable."

Alright, the only officially designated horse and ox of Konoha. (End of Chapter)