Warlock Invasion of Naruto.

As long as a metal tag bearing the ninja's number can be found, even if the corpse is unrecognizable, the corresponding person can still be identified.

These fallen ninjas were all heroes of Konoha, but most of them probably didn't even have individual tombstones; they would just become another cold name on the memorial tablet.

......

Sakumo Hatake's feat of killing Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law proclaimed to the world the sharpness of his teeth.

Five years have passed since the Second Shinobi World War began.

The killing of Akashi and Shirasa was a major victory for Konoha in the battle against Sunagakure.

These two, in their early thirties, were already among the strongest in Sunagakure, and it was only a matter of time before they succeeded the Third Kazekage.

The deaths of these two were a blow to Sunagakure that was no different from the loss of the Sannin in Konoha.

Even the Third Kazekage was somewhat incredulous when he learned of this information. He had dispatched the Sand Village's most elite Jonin squad to launch a surprise attack on the Land of Fire, but he hadn't expected Konoha's White Fang to be such a powerful ace!

Despite their combined efforts, Chi You and Bai Sha were killed by Bai Ya, unable even to escape.

After this battle, Iwagakure, which had promised Sunagakure to join forces against Konoha, suddenly went silent.

The deaths of Chiyou and Baisha became the final straw that broke the camel's back.

In a short time, Sunagakure, which was already showing signs of decline on the main battlefield, gradually lost its ability to withstand Konoha's offensive due to a sharp drop in morale.

10132224

[Chapter 50 Rewards and Placement]

第1班、第12班、第17班去时12人，返回木叶的时候，就只剩下了8人。

"Kota, Shuichi, and I are going to see the Hokage. You guys go and rest first."

Sakumo Hatake breathed a sigh of relief upon returning to Konoha.

"Mr. Xiuyi, although your injury is no longer a major problem, it's best to go to the hospital for further systematic treatment," Bai Yu reminded him before leaving.

"Don't worry, I'll go." Hideaki Oshima nodded.

Subsequently, the three Jonin arrived at the Hokage Building together.

When the three entered the Hokage's office, they found that in addition to the Third Hokage, the other three advisors, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura, were also there, clearly indicating that the incident was taken very seriously.

"The Third Generation Lord, the Advisor."

The three bowed slightly.

"Sakumo, Shuichi, and Kota, your three teams did an excellent job on this mission! The torture department has already begun reading the memories from the bodies you brought back. I believe they will soon find more weaknesses in the puppeteers, which is of great significance to ending the war."

Hiruzen Sarutobi expressed high praise for the results of this mission.

"Yes."

For the three who frequently undertake highly difficult tasks, this was already commonplace.

"This mission has been upgraded to S-rank, and the reward will be equivalent to that of two S-rank missions. In addition, I can grant you access to the Book of Sealing, and you can choose any ninjutsu from it," Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.

For Jonin-level ninjas, monetary rewards are secondary; what matters most is the accumulation of battle merits and the right to read the Scroll of Sealing Techniques. These are extremely valuable to all Jonin of Konoha, as they contain numerous S-rank ninjutsu left behind by the First and Second Hokage.

Even if they can't learn it themselves, they can pass it down as a family ninjutsu, which will greatly help improve the family's heritage.

"Third Generation Lord, I didn't contribute much to this mission. I'm sorry I couldn't save Keita. I'd like to give up the reading rights to the Book of Sealing to the team members. After all, given my injuries, even if I recover, I'll probably have to take a backseat."

Hideichi Oshima.

"Shuichi, this was my oversight as Hokage. Keita's situation was not your fault. I misjudged Sunagakure's determination to continue the war. If I had sent more men earlier, perhaps the outcome would have been different."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked apologetic and took the blame upon himself.

He was heartbroken by Sarutobi Keita's death, but the injury of Oshima Shuichi, an elite Jonin, was a greater loss for Konoha. The key point was that he could have avoided the injury, but lost his arm while saving someone.

"Lord Third Generation, please don't say that." Hideichi Oshima was somewhat moved.

"Shuichi, I will provide a complete plan regarding your arrangements and those of the team later, so please rest assured."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly.

"Lord Third Generation, please distribute my reward as compensation to the fallen members of the squad." Kota Sakamoto decided to forgo the reward.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had no objection to this. Every Jonin of Konoha was an inheritor of the Will of Fire, and under the guidance of such a powerful will, they would overcome all difficulties.

"Shuichi, Kota, you two should go back and recover from your injuries."

"Yes."

Sakamoto Kota and Oshima Shuichi left the Hokage's office.

"Third Hokage, I'll also give up my access to the Book of Sealing to someone else. You know I don't need any other ninjutsu."

In addition, everyone performed exceptionally well in this mission.

Among them, Yagami Shiroha performed the best. If it weren't for his help at the crucial moment, I would probably be seriously injured now.

Based on his performance this time, I think he should be granted access to the Book of Seals.

Sakumo Hatake said.

He only needs to continue practicing the Hatake-ryu swordsmanship; he doesn't need anything else.

"I understand." Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Sakumo with a hint of helplessness.

Based on his military achievements and the number of high-level missions he has completed, it would be enough for him to directly read all the contents of the Book of Seals.

He just doesn't need it.

Therefore, there was nothing left to reward Hiruzen Sarutobi with.

"Sakumo, I think it's necessary to understand the details of this mission, especially regarding the Uchiha clan," Shimura Danzo, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up.

"Yes." Sakumo recounted the entire process of the mission.

This includes Uchiha Munehito's heroic battle and his words to Sarutobi Keita before his death.

Shuo Mao neither concealed anything nor added anything.

"The Uchiha people really don't fit in with the village," Danzo said coldly.

"Danzo, watch your attitude," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice, then looked at Sakumo Hatake, "Sakumo, you should go back and rest too. The village won't be assigning you any more missions for a while. Take good care of your injuries."

"Yes." Sakumo Hatake bowed slightly and left the Hokage's office.

Koharu Utatane suddenly exclaimed, "Among this generation of ninjas, Sakumo is the most outstanding, and he would be a very suitable candidate for the Fourth Hokage."

“Indeed, the Sannin are all very good, but they are still a little inferior to Sakumo.” Mitomon Homura chimed in, “He has made so many contributions, I think it is appropriate to promote him to the position of Jonin squad leader.”

"I agree." Xiaochun, who was switching dorm rooms, nodded.

Konoha has several hundred Jonin. Under normal circumstances, it's impossible for the Hokage to issue all missions directly. Other Jonin without missions can't stay in the Hokage Building all day long, so most Jonin will go to the special department called the Jonin Team to "clock in".

If there is an important mission, the leader of the Jonin squad will directly relay the orders on behalf of the Hokage.

The Jonin class leader has no real power, but the position is of great significance.

When he was young, Hiruzen Sarutobi was appointed as the leader of the Jonin team by the Second Hokage, which helped him build up some connections among the Jonin in the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent in response to their suggestions, then said, "Given Sakumo's abilities, it would be a waste of his talent to have him permanently assigned to the Jonin class."

Danzo noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression and added, "In terms of reputation, character, strength, and the battle achievements he has accumulated over the years, Sakumo is clearly superior to the Sannin. However, Sakumo is indeed not good at management."

“Many things take time to learn,” Mitokado said. “But what you said makes sense.”

"Hiruzen, among these juniors, who is your favorite candidate for the fourth generation?" Koharu Utatane couldn't help but ask.

“It’s not time yet. I can at least stay in this position for a few more years and give the next generation more time to grow.” Hiruzen Sarutobi did not give a clear answer.

“That’s true. If it were you, you could serve as Hokage for another ten years or so, and everyone would approve of that,” Mitokado Homura nodded.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Fifty years old is about right. We should give more opportunities to young people."

"Hiruzen, how do you plan to arrange these squads?" Danzo changed the subject.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly; it seemed Danzo was still not giving up on Shiraha.

After a moment's thought, he made a decision:

"Uchiha Munejin is qualified to be promoted to Chunin, both in terms of strength and battle achievements. Let him lead the team."

As for the members of Class 12... let Orochimaru take care of them for a while.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado exchanged glances. It seemed that although Hiruzen didn't say it, Orochimaru was still his favorite person.

By having the Uchiha and Hyuga clansmen follow Orochimaru, Orochimaru was clearly intended to emulate their teacher, the Second Hokage.

Moreover, as a genius in medical ninjutsu, Bai Yu also comes from a commoner background. If he follows Orochimaru, it will enhance his reputation in the future.

Otherwise, Bai Yu could have followed Tsunade, since Tsunade currently has the highest reputation among the Sannin.

"Bai Yu is fine, but aren't you worried that having the Uchiha and Hyuga follow Orochimaru might give them inappropriate ideas?" Danzo said pointedly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a deep voice, "The Hyuga and Uchiha are also part of the village!"

Although the teacher was wary of the Uchiha clan, he also acknowledged their existence.

Have you forgotten about the mirror? Any ninja who has inherited the Will of Fire is qualified.

Upon hearing him mention Uchiha Kagami, a strange light flickered in Danzo's eyes.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado agreed with his statement. Kagami Uchiha undoubtedly had the potential to become Hokage. It was just a pity that he died young, otherwise the village would have a higher level of trust with the Uchiha clan now.

As for whether the Uchiha and Hyuga clans will unite, that's simply impossible. The two ninja clans have been at odds for hundreds of years, from the Warring States period to the present.

Just as the Uchiha clan has always been hostile to the Senju clan, how could they possibly unite because of a few genin?

To become Hokage without the support of many people is simply a pipe dream.

Especially given Hiruzen's current prestige in the village, as long as he doesn't support the Uchiha clan in practice, the Uchiha clan will never be able to reach the position of Hokage.

Moreover, with them keeping things under control, they can't cause any trouble.

10132225

[Chapter 51. Please stop laughing!]

In a fruit shop on Konoha's East Street, Shiraha, Uchiha Maki, and Hyuga Eito were leisurely picking out fruit.