Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Special Jonin Uzumaki Kushina

Land of Rain, Konoha Camp.

"Lady Tsunade… This concludes our report on the recent mission."

Uchiha Yosuke, Uzumaki Kushina, and Uchiha Mikoto respectfully reported their mission outcomes to Tsunade, who nodded gravely.

"You've now experienced the battlefield in the Land of Rain. It's far more dangerous than the Land of Grass and not comparable in the least. Even I must be cautious here. Do not let your guard down," Tsunade warned the three, her gaze intense. Though their assigned area was relatively safer, it was still fraught with danger.

Aside from their family backgrounds, the trio’s talent and youth made them deserving of this preferential treatment.

"This is your next mission," Tsunade continued, handing Yosuke a green mission scroll and adding, "The Land of Rain is rich in metal resources. Your mission is to station yourselves at this town, recruit laborers, and continue mining operations there. Besides the existing ninjas stationed at this location, I’m deploying six additional teams."

Scanning the mission information, Uchiha Yosuke quickly understood. This was nothing short of exploiting another nation’s resources—an essential, if ruthless, part of war. The Land of Rain was indeed resource-rich, with an abundance of metal, as seen in the lavish metallic architecture of the Hidden Rain Village.

“I understand,” Yosuke replied seriously as he secured the mission scroll. In the tense atmosphere, Tsunade softened, breaking the tension with a slight smile.

"Don’t be overly worried. The current direction of this war is still dictated by Konoha, not Sand or Rain,” she said confidently. If it weren’t for the vigilance of the other nations, Konoha could potentially outlast both Sand and Rain.

"And Uzumaki Kushina, congratulations on your new promotion," Tsunade said, smiling as she handed Kushina a scroll. Kushina's face lit up in joy.

"Yes! I'm finally not a Chunin anymore!" she cheered.

At not even fourteen, Uzumaki Kushina had become a Special Jonin of Konoha. While Kushina was overjoyed, Yosuke’s expression grew serious. He knew that Konoha intended to draw Rain’s main forces into battle to end this war swiftly.

The legendary battle against Hanzo the Salamander would make the Three Legendary Sannin famous, but Yosuke was well aware of the high cost it would incur for Konoha. He was particularly cautious, knowing that this battlefield would claim even the life of someone as skilled as Dan Kato, a loss that would affect Tsunade deeply.

Yosuke discreetly glanced at Tsunade, who met his gaze, seemingly aware of his concern.

"This time, the six teams will include prominent clan members such as Hyuga Hizashi, Hyuga Hiashi, and members of the Aburame clan," Tsunade said, addressing him with a serious look.

She had carefully considered Yosuke and Kushina's mission assignments, especially after Yosuke shared information indicating someone might be targeting her.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade," Yosuke replied respectfully. Tsunade then gave him a look with a hint of meaning.

"The town you’ll be stationed in is deep within Rain territory. Including the ninjas already stationed there, you’ll be leading over fifty ninjas. You should also select a team of Uchiha elites yourself; a Senju team will be joining you as well. Watch over them carefully."

This was Yosuke's first time being given command over such a substantial number of ninjas since becoming a Jonin. He nodded firmly, meeting Tsunade’s gaze with newfound resolve.

"Don’t worry, Tsunade-nee. I won’t disappoint you!" Yosuke replied confidently. While he wasn’t a master strategist like the Nara clan, commanding a team for mining operations? That, he could handle. His experience in his previous life had prepared him well for this.

Something about this mine was clearly important, given Tsunade’s high regard for it, and involving Uchiha, Senju, Hyuga, and Aburame clans only underscored that significance.

"Alright, you’re dismissed."

Seeing Yosuke's understanding, Tsunade smiled in satisfaction, reassured that she’d chosen her team well.

"Hey, Mikoto! I’m a Jonin now!" Kushina exclaimed excitedly outside the tent, while Mikoto nodded, smiling.

"Yes, a Special Jonin, Kushina."

"Same thing! It won’t be long until I’m a full Jonin!" Kushina replied proudly.

Meanwhile, Yosuke made his way to another tent.

"Captain Fugaku."

Inside the tent, Uchiha Fugaku greeted him with a smile. "Yosuke, you’re a Jonin yourself now. No need to call me ‘Captain’ anymore.”

Yosuke smiled back. “Alright then, Fugaku-san. Lady Tsunade has authorized me to select a team of our clan’s elites for the mission.”

Fugaku nodded, as if he’d expected this. "Yosuke, this is a good opportunity. I’m confident you’ll handle this responsibility well."

He handed Yosuke a scroll. "Here’s a list of the clan’s elite members on the frontlines. I’d recommend selecting those with the most potential. With Elder Setsuna gone, our resources will gradually diminish if not managed well..."

Fugaku’s words hinted at an unspoken reality. Yosuke and his allies would need to build their own influence within the clan if they hoped to earn loyalty from those who had once served the previous Elder.

Yosuke nodded, smiling at the understanding they shared.