Promotion

The snow started to intensify until it was a full-blown blizzard. The ground piled high with snow up to waist height. Despite being trained shinobi, they still found it difficult to travel in those conditions. Because of this, it took them another 2 days to return to headquarters. During that time, the camp had upgraded to more permanent structures. Seeing this, Natsume realized that this mission was far from over.

Natsume had fully cleared the poison from her body at this point and discovered her sharingan was a lot more stable and sustainable than before. Due to being parasitized before, she was unable to get the full potential of her strength. But now it felt as if her power exploded from being suppressed for so long. However, she attributed part of that rapid growth to her finally using her Mangekyou. Although blindness was a side effect, it would still become stronger with more use in the early stages.

After getting another day of rest in camp, Tajima called for a general meeting of all the warriors. Natsume noticed that a portion was not there. She guessed they were sent back to strengthen the clan's defenses. Tajima explained to everyone what had occurred on the last mission. Everyone was impressed and some were saddened to hear of Hideyoshi's state.

"Next, I would like to announce Uchiha Sahiro and Uchiha Natsume as entering the top-rank warriors of the clan. From now on, they shall hold authority below me and in seniority order with their fellow top-ranking warriors. They have proven themselves in battle despite their lacking chakra reserves. Any that object, speak up now."

No one had any issues with the two father and daughter. They didn't think there was any issue with Tajima's decision. If he said they proved themselves, then they naturally would agree. If this were in the clan… some of the civilian leaders might have issues. But everyone currently in the camp were warriors that spilled blood for the clan. Everyone cheered to have two new powerful warriors.

Natsume was not surprised. Since they had shown mastery over Mangekyou sharingan to many Uchiha, then not promoting them would be profaning the dojutsu. Being a top-rank warrior gave her a lot more autonomy in the clan. Since the general trend between the clans was to hold back their strongest forces, Natsume would have the option to not enter a war immediately. This meant she could spend more time increasing her skills.

This was a very important dynamic in the current world since the small differences between top-ranking warriors were vital to the ultimate outcome of a battle. Many top-ranking warriors spent every day constantly improving themselves, this was why they were hardly seen in the clan. Although their room for growth was limited, even a 1% increase in strength could topple the scales. However, this autonomy had limits. The current clan leader could always summon them to battle, as is the case for the current mission.

"During the attack on the joint camp, I investigated the ruins. I discovered several encrypted documents. During the last few days, we have successfully deciphered them and have confirmed the existence of the gold mine. However, the location was a trap. It seems that we chose the least dangerous ambush site. The fake gold mine site contained the main force of the Senju clan with some minor allied clans…"

"The real goldmine is further south in the tiny country called Land of Rice Fields. It seems that the Daimyo of this tiny country discovered the gold mine in their borders, and knowing they couldn't protect it, reached out to the Land of Fire. The information ends there. Once the weather clears, we will move out. Jun, Riku, go ahead and scout the area."

The two nodded their heads and disappeared. The Uchiha finished listening to Tajima's explanation and felt excited. They were worried that this was all a farce and the built-up energy from the mission would be wasted. However, now they had something to look forward to. Everyone wanted to leave immediately to fight, but the weather was just too intense. It would be a waste of energy.

"Everyone is dismissed. Rest well until the snow settles down. Sahiro, Natsume, stay behind."

The Uchiha saluted Tajima and left for their respective huts. After everyone was gone, Tajima sat down and sighed. "Do you think it is foolhardy to continue pursuing this mission?"

Sahiro frowned and replied immediately, "It is not my place to question or comment on the leader's decision…" hearing his response, Tajima sighed again. However, Natsume did not say anything and instead had a thoughtful expression. Normally, she would be of the same opinion as her father. However, with her inherited memories, she acquired some unique world views.

"Tajima-sama, it may be foolish to continue—"

"Natsume!" Sahiro cut her off, but Tajima waved his hand to let her finish speaking.

"Speak."

"As I said, it may be foolish, however, it is exactly that reason as to why it is a good idea."

"Oh? Elaborate."

Natsume wasn't very confident in her analysis, but she had good instinct and a vast amount of knowledge from a whole lifetime of memories. "The enemies this time are certain they have dealt us a severe blow. This, combined with the weather, would make them certain of our retreat. Actually, even if they predict that we may attack, they will likely expect us to wait until summer."

"Why summer?" Tajima seemed to already understand but was trying to figure out how developed Natsume's skills were.

"Well, the spring right after heavy snowfall would leave the Land of Rice Fields flooded in many places and muddy in others. Since the Senju mainly use Earth and Water release, while the Uchiha mainly use Fire release, they wouldn't think us so reckless to attack with such a disadvantage. This is also because historically, the Uchiha prefer to battle in the summer."

"Well spoken, Natsume-san! Your analysis and understanding of war rival my own. Perhaps I should promote you to the war council."

"Tajima-sama, I wouldn't dare." Natsume humbled herself. She had some thoughts, but it was not comprehensive knowledge.

"We will discuss that more in the future. For now, I want you two to return to the ancestral grounds and visit the Naka shrine."

Natsume and Sahiro were momentarily surprised before replying simultaneously, "Yes Tajima-sama!"

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Bonus Chapter!