Chapter 322: Frontline Commander! An even more desperate goal!
"Go see what's happening outside? Why is it so noisy…"
Inside the tent, just as Sakumo Hatake and a group of Elite Jonin were fretting over who to send to search for Fujiwara Tetsuya and Uchiha Mikoto.
Konoha Camp suddenly became lively… Even from a distance, Sakumo Hatake and the others could still hear the deafening, undulating shouts.
"Lord Sakumo, Lord Tetsuya is here…"
The person who went to investigate left quickly and returned just as fast.
The sudden good news made Sakumo Hatake let out a sigh of relief.
At least, things hadn't developed in the direction he had feared.
Amidst the crowd's cheers, Fujiwara Tetsuya and Uchiha Mikoto entered Sakumo Hatake's tent one after another.
"Senior Sakumo, I've kept you waiting…"
Looking at Sakumo Hatake in front and the dozens of Elite Jonin on both sides, Fujiwara Tetsuya's gaze paused slightly… and he bowed.
He and Sakumo Hatake had sparred countless times… Previously, during the Kawanin Village incident, he had also served under Sakumo Hatake… and received his guidance.
In a sense, his relationship with Sakumo Hatake was even closer than his relationships with Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.
"Phew~ It's good you're here. There were no accidents on the way, right?"
…Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't just send Fujiwara Tetsuya here to be a simple fighter.
Before leaving, Hiruzen Sarutobi sent someone to deliver a new appointment to Fujiwara Tetsuya: to become a new commander under Sakumo Hatake.
However… as for which aspect he would be responsible for, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't interfere too much, instead handing the final decision to Sakumo Hatake.
As a mature Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware of the consequences of haphazardly interfering with frontline command.
It was two hours later when Fujiwara Tetsuya emerged from the tent meeting.
During this time, Fujiwara Tetsuya not only learned about the latest developments in the Land of Rivers and the strength of Sunagakure's main forces… and their defenses, but also confirmed his new appointment.
He, along with several other Elite Jonin, would serve as a commander for the main attacking forces, responsible for leading them.
"Tetsuya… it really is you."
Just as Fujiwara Tetsuya was stretching and planning to find a place to settle down with Uchiha Mikoto… a familiar voice came.
When Fujiwara Tetsuya turned his head, Senju Seito, accompanied by several members of the Senju Clan, had appeared at the edge of Sakumo Hatake's tent.
"Seito!"
"Long time no see, you old guy… you've gotten stronger again."
Looking at his long-unseen good friend, Fujiwara Tetsuya's lips also curved into a gentle smile.
As he spoke, he clapped a hand on Senju Seito's shoulder. Although he didn't intentionally add force… the heavy power still made Senju Seito gasp.
"…Tetsuya, shouldn't I be saying that to you…?"
"When did your strength get so great, you guy?"
Rubbing his throbbing shoulder, Senju Seito complained helplessly… but the joy in his eyes showed no sign of diminishing.
"Are you Fujiwara Tetsuya?"
"Hmph~ My sister mentioned you. She said you're a hateful… boastful guy!"
"Fujiwara Tetsuya, I challenge you! I will definitely surpass you and become the strongest Ninja of Konoha's new generation."
While Fujiwara Tetsuya and Senju Seito were catching up.
The nearby Senju Nawaki couldn't suppress the excitement in his heart. Under Senju Seito's pained gaze, he jumped in front of Fujiwara Tetsuya.
"Nawaki… you, don't be rude to Lord Tetsuya."
Seeing Senju Nawaki's thick-headed demeanor, the faces of several Senju Clan Ninja behind him turned green.
Without another word, they quickly rushed to Senju Nawaki's side and pulled him back.
"Cough~ Tetsuya, Nawaki is Lady Tsunade's younger brother…"
"His brain works like that. Although he's hot-blooded and impulsive… he's not bad at heart. Don't take it to heart."
"I know… Speaking of which, I've actually met this brat once before."
"Besides…"
Saying that, Fujiwara Tetsuya slowly walked towards Senju Nawaki. The invisible pressure he exuded also made Senju Nawaki slowly quiet down.
"And, before I came to the Land of Rivers, Senior Tsunade once instructed me to take care of Nawaki as much as possible, lest he get a hot head and meet an early glorious end…"
"Glorious? Hmph~ You boastful guy, you'll be the one to meet a glorious end."
"I, Young Master Nawaki, will definitely surpass you… and become the new Hokage!"
Seeing Fujiwara Tetsuya's outstretched 'devil's claw,' Senju Nawaki quickly retreated backward… Hiding behind a Senju Clan Jonin, he defiantly made a face at Fujiwara Tetsuya.
"Become Hokage, huh?"
"Not a bad dream."
"However, little brat Nawaki… becoming Hokage is far from as simple as you imagine!"
"Once you truly decide to embark on this path, at that time… your teacher, Senior Orochimaru, as well as Senior Jiraiya… and Senior Tsunade, they will all be your potential competitors."
"To become Hokage, becoming strong enough to defeat them, that's just the most basic thing."
"You also need to learn politics, economics, balance… and most importantly, you need to gain the recognition of Konoha… and even the vast majority of officials in the Land of Fire."
"Only by reaching that level will you barely have the qualifications to become Hokage…"
According to the original plot, Senju Nawaki died on the battlefield between Konoha and Hidden Sand Village when he was about twelve years old.
Counting the time, it would probably be next year… Although his relationship with Tsunade was good now, that was limited to Tsunade and did not include Senju Nawaki.
If it was convenient, he wouldn't mind saving Senju Nawaki's life, but… if it was too much trouble, then forget it.
After all… he had now undergone the baptism of a man and become a mature adult.
"Uh~ Is becoming Hokage really that troublesome…?"
Hearing Fujiwara Tetsuya's explanation, not only Senju Nawaki fell into a daze, but even Senju Seito and the others… felt that becoming a Hokage was incredibly troublesome, beyond imagination.
"Of course. Otherwise… why do you think the leaders of the major Ninja Villages are respectfully called 'Kage'?"
Looking at Senju Nawaki's changing expression, a hint of playfulness flashed in Fujiwara Tetsuya's eyes.
"However, compared to becoming Hokage…"
"Later… what will make you even more despair is the first thing you just mentioned."
"The first thing? What thing?"
Faced with the numerous 'opponents' standing on the path to Hokage, Senju Nawaki was clearly disheartened.
His already slow mental reactions became even slower.
"That is to surpass me… and become the strongest of Konoha's new generation."
"Brat… my goal isn't to become Hokage, but to become the strongest person in the Ninja World, surpassing your grandfather, First Hokage Senju Hashirama."
"If you can do it, then chase after my back with all your might!"
"I look forward to the day you challenge me…"