Chapter 473: How can you have face when attending a meeting without bringing a few lackeys?

Morning.

Konoha,

Uchiha clan grounds.

Uchiha Madara looked at the two sets of attire placed before him with furrowed brows, falling into a difficult choice.

On the left was a set of dark red armor that had been well-maintained; it had followed him for over thirty years and could be considered an old partner through life and death.

On the right was an indigo clan uniform with very exquisite workmanship; the delicate trim at the collar exuded bursts of nobility, and the materials and design fully displayed the style of an upper-class person.

The Wife of Humble Origins vs. The Sweet and Tender Model

"Which set should I wear?"

If it were in the past, Uchiha Madara would have chosen the set on the left without hesitation, but times had changed, and his status was already very different; his attire and behavior represented the face of Konoha.

"Big Brother, do you really not need to bring a guard team?"

Compared to Uchiha Madara, who was struggling with his outfit, Uchiha Izuna on the side was more worried. He really couldn't rest easy with his big brother teaming up with that white-haired man, Senju Tobirama, who had crooked intentions.

"It's too much trouble, and besides, in recent years..."

Uchiha Madara turned his head, looked at his brother whose face was full of worry, and shook his head gently, his eyes carrying a faint sadness.

Dong—

"It's my mistake."

Looking at Uchiha Madara's appearance of wanting to say something but stopping, Uchiha Izuna knelt down to his own big brother on the spot, his tone full of self-reproach.

Ever since the establishment of Konoha, the population growth rate of the Uchiha clan had for some reason remained stagnant, and even showed a trend of negative population growth.

The reason for this was that in the early days of the village's establishment, in order to seize the mission market, the Uchiha clan had risked their lives to brush up their mission completion rate.

However, the world was unpredictable. Although the mission success rate went up, the sacrifice rate of clan members also remained high, and basically, they were all "neither seen alive nor found dead."

"Every clan member is precious. The village was built to protect everyone; don't end up putting the cart before the horse and using the people who should be protected as fertilizer for the village's development."

"Understood, Big Brother, I will strengthen supervision and urge the clan members to practice."

Even with such a high casualty rate among clan members, the two brothers had always been looking for reasons in themselves, thinking that the clan members were too weak, and hadn't suspected at all that it was the work of someone with a hidden agenda.

Little did they know, these "fallen" clan members were living quite comfortably in the Land of Waves, separated by a sea; one could say they were enjoying themselves so much they forgot about Fire.

"Decided! This set."

After the sadness, Uchiha Madara locked his gaze on the clan uniform with the fan embroidered on the back. He wanted to use this to commemorate those clan members who sacrificed themselves in missions.

After dressing up, Uchiha Madara picked up the fan enshrined in the main hall. After pondering for a moment, he put it down gently and instead picked up the driver on the side that was a bit dusty.

This thing was much easier to use than the fan.

"Izuna, after I leave, the family will be handed over to you. If there's anything, you can discuss it with the elders. If there's no money, go find the big cousin."

"Big Brother, you're just going to attend a meeting, you don't need to explain it in such detail, right?"

Izuna, who was following behind him, scratched his head and asked with a face full of confusion.

"I'm just speaking from feeling, but you're also about ready to take over the position of clan head."

"I don't want to; the position of clan head is yours, Big Brother, and it will be the same in the future. Even if it's left empty, I'll wait for you to come back."

The position of Hokage wasn't a lifetime appointment, so Uchiha Madara would definitely have a day of retirement, so the position of clan head would always be reserved for him.

"Hmph! You think I don't know what you kid is thinking? Isn't it just coveting my current position? Don't even think about it; by the time I retire, you should be holding your great-grandson."

Glancing at the impassioned Izuna, Uchiha Madara snorted with disdain.

He grew up with his brother following behind his butt; could he not guess the other party's little thoughts?

"Hehe~"

On the other side,

Senju Tobirama, dressed in his classic blue armor, was meticulously organizing his weapons and equipment when he heard the long-silent gate being knocked upon with a loud thudding sound.

"Who is it?"

Opening the gate in confusion, he found his slightly haggard sister-in-law standing at the door, along with little Tsunade, who was ten years old.

"Sister-in-law, little Tsun, you..."

"We are here to see you off."

Senju Toka, dressed in a simple and elegant kimono, bowed slightly.

"Thank you for your trouble; it's just an ordinary meeting, you don't need to worry."

Senju Tobirama, whose face was excessively fair, nodded gently, while Tsunade on the side impatiently stretched her head into the courtyard, looking around as if searching for something.

"Second Grandpa, I heard you have an illegitimate daughter who came knocking; where is she?"

"???"

Senju Tobirama's skin twitched slightly upon hearing this, and his fist was tightly clenched.

Kagami, this child, is good in every way, but his mouth is too loose.

"Little Tsun, this kind of thing, if your Second Grandpa wanted to say it, he would naturally tell you; he wouldn't hide it."

Senju Toka understood Senju Tobirama very well. She patted little Tsunade's head and explained softly.

"Thank you for your concern; after I return from this trip, I will give the clan members an explanation."

"Really? Then am I going to have a new aunt?"

Tsunade raised her small fist with excitement, looking full of vitality.

"Little Tsun, you are also about to graduate from school; I will arrange a competent teacher for you."

Looking at his granddaughter who talked too much, Senju Tobirama decided to fill her schedule with courses after he returned, so she wouldn't hang around him, lest she break his secret.

"Ah? No way~"

"By the way, I came here this time, and there is one more thing to tell you."

"What is it?"

Discovering that Senju Toka, who had always been full of sorrow, actually revealed a trace of a gentle smile, Senju Tobirama was extremely confused.

"News just came from the capital of the Land of Fire; little Tsunade has a younger brother."

This might be the only good news Senju Toka had heard since Senju Hashirama went missing.

"Yes, I am someone who has a younger brother now!"

Tsunade on the side put her hands on her hips, lifting her small nose with great pride.

"Really? That's truly great; has a name been chosen?"

"It has already been chosen; his name is Nawaki, and he will be sent to Konoha in a while."

Senju Tobirama revealed a rare smile on his face; it was a pity that Big Brother couldn't hear this good news.

"So... Hashirama's matter, I'll leave it to you."

Senju Toka suddenly bowed to Senju Tobirama. Intelligent as she was, she had already guessed that the purpose of Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Madara's trip was definitely not as simple as just attending a meeting.

What kind of meeting would require both people in charge of the village to go together? Even if the Daimyo summoned them, it wouldn't be like this.

So it must be related to Senju Hashirama.

"Unless I am dead, I will definitely bring Big Brother back safe and sound."

Sighing secretly in his heart, Senju Tobirama reached out to help his sister-in-law up. His voice was very soft, but his tone was full of determination.

"I wish you a successful journey."

Village entrance,

The entrance to Konoha was still deserted. Several figures walked slowly from the east and west directions, finally converging together.

"Yo, you guys are late~"

Uchiha Gin, who had been waiting for a long time, waved to the two groups of people while yawning.

There were no villagers lining the road to see them off because of Uchiha Madara and the other's departure. In order not to cause unnecessary trouble, their departure itinerary was highly confidential, known only to a very few people.

"Big Cousin..."

Looking at Uchiha Gin waiting alone, a trace of warmth appeared on Uchiha Madara's face.

"Big Cousin, you were actually able to get up so early?"

Izuna, following behind Uchiha Madara, looked up at the sky that hadn't brightened yet, speaking as if he had seen a ghost.

"Look at what you're saying; I've never been late when seeing people off."

Rolling his eyes at his little cousin who questioned him, Uchiha Gin landed his gaze on Uchiha Madara, who was dressed exquisitely, his eyes full of admiration.

"This outfit is quite spirited; don't lose the face of us Konoha people when you go out~"

"I originally wanted to wear the limited outfit you designed for me, but the skinny jeans shrank a bit..."

Uchiha Madara nodded, saying with deep regret.

He had actually prepared three plans at the beginning, but during the initial selection, he eliminated the one he liked the most.

For no other reason, he couldn't pull up the pants.

"It's fine, I'll send you another set after you come back."

"Big Cousin, mine also..."

"Go aside, you're almost a grandfather, and you're still here pretending to be a spirited young man for me."

Waving his hand at Izuna, who was licking his face and leaning over, Uchiha Gin rejected the other party's request with great disgust.

"Woooo..."

"Curly-hair, what are you doing here?"

Senju Tobirama, who had come alone after saying goodbye to his sister-in-law and grandson, came to the three brothers. Seeing Uchiha Gin waiting here early, his brows furrowed slightly.

"What else could I be doing? Of course, I'm here to see you off."

Uchiha Gin turned his head, squinting his eyes and looking at Senju Tobirama, whose face was excessively fair, intentionally or unintentionally, then gave the other party a subtle wink.

"Branch Secretary, you've prepared quite well~"

"I naturally give it my all."

Senju Tobirama replied expressionlessly, but the unnatural twitching of the corner of his eye didn't escape Uchiha Gin's eyes.

"Better safe than sorry; don't be blindly confident. As long as the green hills remain, there's no need to worry about firewood."

"I know."

"Huh?"

Listening to the conversation between Uchiha Gin and Senju Tobirama, the two Uchiha Madara brothers were both confused.

They couldn't figure out even if they died why Uchiha Gin, who had always looked at the white-haired man with displeasure, would be so concerned about Senju Tobirama.

"Are you two going alone?"

After finishing the exchange with Senju Tobirama, Uchiha Gin looked around curiously, not finding the guards who had followed the two.

"Mm, I didn't arrange any guards for this trip."

Uchiha Madara nodded; he was very confident in his own combat power, and bringing subordinates would only be a burden.

"How can that work? You are, after all, the face of Konoha. How can you not have a few lackeys surrounding you? If people from other villages see this, they'll think Konoha has no one."

"That won't be necessary, right? Our trip is dangerous; what if we encounter..."

Hearing Uchiha Gin speak as if it were reasonable and well-founded, Uchiha Madara scratched his face in a dilemma. He also discovered that his trip indeed lacked a bit of style and didn't fit the Hokage persona.

Whoosh—

Whoosh whoosh—

Just as he was hesitating, several figures suddenly flashed from the distance and landed steadily in front of them.

"Konoha F6, here to pay respects!"

Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, who hadn't shown their heads for a long time, kneeling on one knee, their faces glowing as they shouted at Uchiha Madara and the others,

"..."

The appearance of the six people silenced everyone instantly.

Uchiha Madara looked at the few losers who were wearing brand-new equipment and dressed themselves up as if they were about to perform, and asked through gritted teeth,

"Who told you to come? And this F6, who came up with this crappy nickname?"

"Me." *2

Senju Tobirama and Uchiha Gin raised their hands simultaneously with great tacit understanding. The two looked at each other in surprise; it was clear that this wasn't a plot they had colluded on beforehand.

"I told them to come. This meeting is not only to discuss Big Brother's matter, but Konoha also wants to take this opportunity to let those guys see the strength of Konoha's new generation, so they don't think we have no successors."

He had made two-handed preparations.

If they participated in the meeting without any danger, and conflicts and friction occurred between the two sides during the meeting,

The people in charge would definitely not be able to lower their faces to do it themselves. To avoid escalating the conflict, it would definitely be the young people who would come out to perform, thereby demonstrating their abundant martial virtue and foundation.

On the other hand, even if they encountered an attack by clones, with the strength of F6 far exceeding ordinary Jonin, they might be able to help.

"F6 is what I came up with, is there any problem?"

After Senju Tobirama finished explaining, Uchiha Gin, who was squinting his eyes, stood out, looking at his big cousin who questioned his nickname-giving level with a smile.

"No, no."

Uchiha Madara, who was stared at by Uchiha Gin until his back felt cold, shrank his neck.

"That's right, the Fighting 6 group is a combination specifically for cheering you guys on."

Uchiha Gin nodded and explained the meaning hidden behind this nickname, which left everyone, including the F6 themselves, confused.

"Isn't it the Fighting Six group... mmm mmm mmm!"

Danzo, who was kneeling on the ground, really couldn't hold it in anymore and couldn't help but complain, scaring the Kagami and Hiruzen beside him into quickly covering his mouth.

"Little Dan-dan, you talk a bit too much."

Glaring at Danzo, who spoke his mind without looking at the occasion, Uchiha Gin turned and walked to Uchiha Madara, reached out and patted his shoulder, saying earnestly,

"Big Cousin, go early and return early; don't wander around outside, and don't easily believe the words of strangers."

"I'm not a child, Big Cousin, you're overthinking it."

Looking at Uchiha Gin who suddenly patted his shoulder, Uchiha Madara replied helplessly. He was just going out to attend a meeting; why did it feel like a life-and-death separation?

However, no one present noticed that a small "Candy" character had appeared on the shoulder of Uchiha Madara's clothes.

"We should set off."

The eight-person small team assembled. Uchiha Madara, who was at the head, waved to Uchiha Gin and Izuna, and led the team to disappear at the end of the road.

"Eh! Little Cousin, why do you have such a bitter face?"

After putting down his waving hand, Uchiha Gin found that Izuna beside him was frowning, looking like a completely different person from the relaxed expression he had just now.

"When Big Brother left, he didn't leave a clone, and that guy Senju Tobirama is the same. Now even Kagami, the only one who can help, is gone. Doesn't that mean all the work has to be done by me?"

So the little cousin had been promoted to Konoha's number one ox and horse; it was truly something to celebrate!

Just at the same time Uchiha Madara and his party stepped out of the Konoha gate,

Inside a laboratory hidden in the deep mountains, a pair of black eyes lit up.

"Time to set off."

As the voice fell, a dark red portal opened. In the incomparably deep darkness, nine pairs of eyes flashed with a red glow simultaneously.

"Beginning recovery." (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 474 =====