Chapter 29: Painting a Dream for Elder Setsuna
Chapter 29: Painting a Dream for Elder Setsuna
After successfully convincing Elder Senju Mokaze and securing the Senju Clan's support, Uchiha Tsukiko wasted no time. His next target was the Uchiha Clan.
Elder Uchiha Setsuna, a prominent hawk among the Uchiha, had previously expressed his hope for Tsukiko to become Hokage, seeing it as a path to restore the clan's prestige and mend its fractured relationship with the village. This time, Tsukiko planned to win Setsuna's support by presenting a vision of "Making the Uchiha Great Again."
Tsukiko made his way to the Uchiha compound, heading directly toward Setsuna's residence. The elder's home was an imposing, traditional structure, exuding an air of authority and resilience built through years of experience.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Tsukiko knocked on the door, ready to present his case.
The door creaked open, revealing Elder Setsuna. Upon seeing Tsukiko, a flicker of warmth and expectation passed through the elder's sharp gaze.
"Tsukiko," Setsuna greeted, nodding approvingly. "You're here at the right time. I had something I wanted to discuss with you."
Tsukiko bowed respectfully. "Elder Setsuna, I also have something important to discuss."
Once inside, they seated themselves in the spacious yet austere room. Tsukiko wasted no time and went straight to the point.
"Elder Setsuna," Tsukiko began, his tone serious, "you once told me that you hoped I would become Hokage, to lead the Uchiha Clan back to greatness and resolve the tensions with the village. I've never forgotten your words, and I've been working toward that goal ever since. However, becoming Hokage is no simple task. I believe we need more than just strength—we need leverage and preparation."
Setsuna nodded slightly, signaling for Tsukiko to elaborate.
"In the ninja world," Tsukiko continued, "intelligence is as crucial as strength. It can determine the outcome of wars and political struggles. To achieve the Hokage seat, raw power won't be enough. We must have complete control over the political landscape and foresee threats before they materialize. That requires a robust intelligence network."
Leaning forward, Tsukiko's voice grew firmer. "I intend to build an intelligence organization—not just within Konoha, but extending across the entire ninja world. This network will allow us to monitor the movements of other nations, predict emerging threats, and ensure we remain several steps ahead of our rivals. Only with such foresight can we secure victory and truly restore the Uchiha to their rightful place."
Elder Setsuna's eyes gleamed with newfound interest. He remained silent, studying Tsukiko intently, clearly intrigued by the proposal.
"Go on," Setsuna said after a moment of contemplation. "You've made a compelling argument, but establishing such an organization would require considerable manpower and resources. How do you plan to accomplish this?"
Tsukiko had already anticipated this question.
"Elder, the Uchiha Clan possesses both strength and resources, yet these assets remain confined within Konoha. That's precisely the problem. Our influence should extend far beyond the village's borders. By mobilizing the clan's latent potential and forming alliances, we can create a network that spans the entire ninja world."
Tsukiko's voice grew more passionate. "Without a robust intelligence network, the Uchiha will always be vulnerable—blind to political maneuvers and susceptible to ambushes. Even if I possess the strength to contend for Hokage, a lack of information could spell disaster, allowing others to outmaneuver us when it matters most."
He locked eyes with the elder, unwavering. "Elder Setsuna, the Uchiha Clan was once the strongest in the ninja world. Our strength shouldn't be confined or squandered. With this intelligence network, we'll reclaim our dominance, not just in Konoha but across all nations. 'Making the Uchiha Great Again' isn't just my personal ambition—it's the mission of our entire clan!"
Tsukiko's words struck a chord. He had skillfully tapped into Setsuna's long-held frustration with the clan's marginalization, presenting a vision that aligned perfectly with the elder's aspirations.
Setsuna sat quietly, deep in thought. After a long pause, he spoke, his tone measured yet resolute.
"Tsukiko," Setsuna began, "your vision is bold, and you clearly understand the importance of intelligence in shaping power. It's rare to see someone so young think beyond personal strength and embrace the broader strategic picture."
He leaned back, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Very well. I'll support your plan. The Uchiha Clan's strength will stand behind you, providing the resources and personnel necessary to build this intelligence network."
Tsukiko suppressed a smile, knowing he had just secured another crucial pillar for his plan. But he wasn't finished yet.
"Thank you, Elder," Tsukiko said sincerely. "To make this plan truly effective, I'd also like to leverage one of the Uchiha Clan's oldest alliances—our bond with the Ninja Cat Clan. Their unique abilities in surveillance, tracking, and message delivery would make them indispensable assets for the intelligence network."
Setsuna's lips curled into a knowing smile. "You're as thorough as ever. The Ninja Cat Clan has served the Uchiha for generations. Their proficiency in reconnaissance and covert operations is unparalleled. Very well, I'll reach out to them and ensure their full cooperation."
Tsukiko exhaled quietly, relief washing over him. With the Ninja Cat Clan's support, his intelligence network would gain a significant operational edge.
"Thank you, Elder Setsuna," Tsukiko said earnestly. "With your support and the backing of the Uchiha Clan, I'm confident we'll succeed in not only establishing this network but also achieving our ultimate goal—making the Uchiha great again."
Setsuna nodded, satisfaction evident in his expression. "Tsukiko, you're proving yourself worthy of the trust we've placed in you. The future of the Uchiha now rests with you. I'll mobilize the clan's resources and ensure that your plan unfolds without hindrance."
Tsukiko stood and bowed deeply. "I won't disappoint you, Elder Setsuna."
---
As Tsukiko left the elder's residence, a quiet determination burned within him. He had succeeded. With the support of both the Senju and Uchiha Clans, the foundation for his intelligence network was firmly in place.
The next steps would involve recruiting operatives, establishing communication channels, and securing safe houses across the Land of Fire and beyond. Every step brought him closer to his goal—not just of becoming Hokage but of reshaping the ninja world itself.
---
In the following weeks, Tsukiko threw himself into rigorous training and organization-building.
Under Sakumo Hatake's tutelage, the training regimen for Tsukiko's squad intensified. Sakumo frequently pushed them to their limits, refining their combat skills, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Tsukiko's rapid growth continued to astonish his sensei, especially in taijutsu and battle tactics.
With Sakumo's guidance, Tsukiko mastered the Sixth Gate of the Eight Gates—the Gate of View—allowing him to unleash bursts of speed and strength while maintaining precise control. He also honed his proficiency in both Wood Release and Fire Release, developing seamless combinations that overwhelmed opponents through relentless, multi-layered assaults.
Beyond physical training, Sakumo imparted invaluable wisdom drawn from years of field experience—lessons on decision-making, risk management, and adapting to unpredictable battlefield conditions. Tsukiko absorbed everything like a sponge, transforming knowledge into instinct.
One evening, after an intense sparring session, Sakumo crossed his arms and regarded Tsukiko with a rare smile.
"Tsukiko," Sakumo said, voice laced with admiration, "you're advancing faster than I expected. If you maintain this momentum, it won't be long before you surpass most Jonin."
Tsukiko bowed respectfully, determination burning brighter than ever. "I can't afford to slow down. The future demands strength—not just for myself but for everything I'm building."
---
Meanwhile, the intelligence organization—Shadow Curtain—quietly took shape.
True to their word, Elder Mokaze and Elder Setsuna mobilized their respective clans. The Senju provided personnel embedded within Konoha's civilian and administrative sectors, while the Uchiha contributed skilled operatives for reconnaissance and security.