Chapter 121: Recruiting Talent!

After leaving the Hokage Building, Fujinaka Genma walked toward the Hidden Leaf Hospital.

It was nearly noon, the end of the workday; when he arrived at the hospital, he Qiahao met Hyuga Mio as she finished her shift.

“Genma!”

Seeing Fujinaka Genma waiting for her from afar, Hyuga Mio waved enthusiastically, then, amid the envious glances of her colleagues, threw herself into his arms.

During this time, Fujinaka Genma had been busy with Root affairs; though they were both in the village, their meetings had been scarce.

Holding Hyuga Mio’s soft, warm body and inhaling the scent of her hair, he lingered for a long while—until laughter from behind drew her attention, and she blushed, pulling away from his embrace to introduce him to her coworkers.

After a round of polite greetings, Hyuga Mio’s colleagues finally left, glancing back with every step.

“Fujinaka-sama is so gentle…”

“So handsome—Mio is truly lucky.”

“Fujinaka-sama is so young and already leads Root—surely he’ll be the Fifth Hokage!”

“Of course—he’s a disciple of the Fourth Hokage!”

…

From afar, their murmurs reached them.

Hyuga Mio wore a blissful expression, her eyes brimming with quiet pride.

The men they were talking about—were her husband.

“Genma, let’s go eat at Ichiraku Ramen!”

Hyuga Mio suggested.

Fujinaka Genma ruffled her short hair and smiled: “How about we go to your place today?”

“Huh?”

Hyuga Mio froze, then blushed softly: “Won’t that be too sudden? Father and Mother won’t have prepared anything.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled: “We’ll be family soon—no special preparation is needed.”

“First, dinner at your house, then I’ll accompany Itachi to meet the Hyuga clan head.”

Hyuga Mio nodded, then asked: “Wait—why do we need to see the clan head?”

“Hmm. Some work matters.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded.

Hyuga Mio knew Root’s secrecy was strict; she dropped the subject, instead tugging his hand and swaying it playfully, shifting the conversation as they walked and chatted.

Less than twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination.

Fujinaka Genma and Hyuga Mio’s parents had met before, but now his status was different—so her parents were noticeably more courteous than before.

Fujinaka Genma found this slightly frustrating, and made an effort to appear calm and approachable.

Overall, the meal went well—harmonious and pleasant.

After eating and sipping tea, Fujinaka Genma took his leave, and Hyuga Mio led him to the mansion of Hyuga Hiashi, the newly appointed Hyuga clan head.

“Fujinaka-sama, my elder brother is already awaiting Itachi.”

Upon receiving word, Hyuga Hizashi personally came out to greet him.

Fujinaka Genma nodded, then turned to Hyuga Mio.

Hyuga Mio immediately bowed politely: “Genma, Lord Hiashi, I’ll return to the hospital now.”

“Mm, I’ll pick Itachi up this afternoon.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled.

Hyuga Mio nodded, waved, and turned away.

Fujinaka Genma then followed Hyuga Hizashi to the reception hall.

Hyuga Hiashi waited for him at the veranda.

“Clan Head Hiashi, I apologize for the sudden visit.”

Fujinaka Genma greeted with a smile.

“Fujinaka Leader.”

Hyuga Hiashi responded with great courtesy, inviting Fujinaka Genma to sit and pouring tea himself.

Fujinaka Genma took a sip, then cut straight to the point: “Clan Head Hiashi, I’ve come to request that Itachi select personnel from the Hyuga clan to join the Anbu.”

Hyuga Hiashi was not surprised by Fujinaka Genma’s purpose—he had anticipated it.

Thus, he did not beat around the bush: “How many do Itachi need?”

The matter proceeded smoothly.

Asking directly for a number clearly meant the Hyuga clan had no objection.

“Itachi may select the number and individuals yourself,” Fujinaka Genma said, glancing at Hyuga Hizashi before adding: “But I specify one person.”

Hyuga Hiashi looked at his younger brother, hesitating: “Hizashi?”

Hyūga Hizashi looked at his younger brother, hesitating: “Hizashi?”

Fujinaka Genma smiled: “I want Hizashi to serve as my deputy in Root. I’ve already consulted the Fourth Hokage—he approved.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled and said: “I hope Hizashi will join the Root as my deputy—I’ve already consulted the Fourth Hokage, and there’s no issue.”

Both Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi were startled.

The position was no trivial matter—it carried great power and influence.

Hyuga Hiashi was deeply tempted; this meant the Hyuga clan would enter the core of Konoha’s power structure.

Yet Hizashi was also his indispensable right hand.

After only a moment’s hesitation, Hyuga Hiashi made his decision: “I have no objection—as long as Hizashi agrees.”

Both men turned their gazes to Hyuga Hizashi.

“I… accept.”

Hyuga Hizashi replied after a brief pause.

Hyuga Hiashi felt both loss and quiet joy.

Fujinaka Genma, however, was only pleased: “Excellent, Hizashi—report to Root in three days.”

Fujinaka Genma only smiled with delight: “Good. Hizashi, report to the Root in three days.”

Fujinaka Genma discussed the specifics of Hyuga ninja joining the Anbu with Hyuga Hiashi, and left an hour later.

Leaving the Hyuga lands, Fujinaka Genma did not pause—he went straight to the Uchiha clan territory.

Less than a minute after entering Uchiha lands, Uchiha Fugaku appeared in person with a retinue.

Less than a minute after entering the Uchiha district, Uchiha Fugaku appeared in person with a group.

“Fugaku Clan Head!”

They exchanged formal greetings; Uchiha Fugaku led Fujinaka Genma into his parlor, served tea, dismissed his attendants, then asked: “Fujinaka Leader, what brings Itachi here?”

Fujinaka Genma sipped his tea and smiled: “I intend to recruit personnel from the Uchiha clan to join the Anbu.”

Uchiha Fugaku was startled, but his composure was deep—he showed no outward reaction, instead asking gravely: “Is this the Fourth Hokage’s order?”

“It is my request—and the Fourth Hokage’s.”

Fujinaka Genma’s tone was deliberate, then added: “I’ve already agreed with the Hyuga clan head: ten Hyuga ninja will join the Anbu. The Uchiha clan will receive the same number.”

“Of course, the Uchiha clan may refuse.”

“This is not mandatory.”

Uchiha Fugaku was startled again—he had not expected Fujinaka Genma to have already visited the Hyuga clan.

In just a few sentences, he sensed the difference between the current power-holder, Minato Namikaze, and the past leaders—Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo.

“Joining the Anbu is an honor for the Uchiha clan.”

Uchiha Fugaku immediately declared.

Having clan members enter the Anbu brought great benefits to the Uchiha—he had no objection.

Fujinaka Genma was unsurprised, smiling: “Additionally, I request that Uchiha Shisui join Root as one of my deputies.”

Fujinaka Genma was not surprised and smiled: “Also, I hope Clan Head Fugaku will agree to let Uchiha Shisui join the Root as one of my deputies!”

Uchiha Fugaku’s expression changed—almost identical to Hyuga Hizashi’s earlier reaction.

“No problem. It is Shisui’s honor—I will inform him personally.”

Uchiha Fugaku accepted without hesitation.

“Thank Itachi, Clan Head Fugaku.”

Fujinaka Genma smiled, took another sip of tea, then changed the subject: “What do Itachi think of Obito?”

Fujinaka Genma smiled, took another sip of tea, then changed the subject: “What do Itachi think of Obito, Clan Head Fugaku?”

Uchiha Fugaku paused.

Uchiha Fugaku froze in surprise.