[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha":3,"chapter-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-121":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting Off with Horse and Sword in Konoha",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2349172,4591,"Chapter 121: Recruiting Talent!","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-121",121,"\u003Cp>After leaving the Hokage Building, Fujinaka Genma walked toward the Hidden Leaf Hospital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Genma!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this time, Fujinaka Genma had been busy with Root affairs; though they were both in the village, their meetings had been scarce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a round of polite greetings, Hyuga Mio’s colleagues finally left, glancing back with every step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fujinaka-sama is so gentle…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So handsome—Mio is truly lucky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fujinaka-sama is so young and already leads Root—surely he’ll be the Fifth Hokage!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course—he’s a disciple of the Fourth Hokage!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, their murmurs reached them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio wore a blissful expression, her eyes brimming with quiet pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men they were talking about—were her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Genma, let’s go eat at Ichiraku Ramen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma ruffled her short hair and smiled: “How about we go to your place today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio froze, then blushed softly: “Won’t that be too sudden? Father and Mother won’t have prepared anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled: “We’ll be family soon—no special preparation is needed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, dinner at your house, then I’ll accompany Itachi to meet the Hyuga clan head.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio nodded, then asked: “Wait—why do we need to see the clan head?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Some work matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma found this slightly frustrating, and made an effort to appear calm and approachable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overall, the meal went well—harmonious and pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fujinaka-sama, my elder brother is already awaiting Itachi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon receiving word, Hyuga Hizashi personally came out to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma nodded, then turned to Hyuga Mio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio immediately bowed politely: “Genma, Lord Hiashi, I’ll return to the hospital now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, I’ll pick Itachi up this afternoon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Mio nodded, waved, and turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma then followed Hyuga Hizashi to the reception hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hiashi waited for him at the veranda.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clan Head Hiashi, I apologize for the sudden visit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma greeted with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fujinaka Leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hiashi responded with great courtesy, inviting Fujinaka Genma to sit and pouring tea himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hiashi was not surprised by Fujinaka Genma’s purpose—he had anticipated it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he did not beat around the bush: “How many do Itachi need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter proceeded smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asking directly for a number clearly meant the Hyuga clan had no objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Itachi may select the number and individuals yourself,” Fujinaka Genma said, glancing at Hyuga Hizashi before adding: “But I specify one person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hiashi looked at his younger brother, hesitating: “Hizashi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyūga Hizashi looked at his younger brother, hesitating: “Hizashi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled: “I want Hizashi to serve as my deputy in Root. I’ve already consulted the Fourth Hokage—he approved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi were startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The position was no trivial matter—it carried great power and influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hiashi was deeply tempted; this meant the Hyuga clan would enter the core of Konoha’s power structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Hizashi was also his indispensable right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After only a moment’s hesitation, Hyuga Hiashi made his decision: “I have no objection—as long as Hizashi agrees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both men turned their gazes to Hyuga Hizashi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… accept.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hizashi replied after a brief pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyuga Hiashi felt both loss and quiet joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma, however, was only pleased: “Excellent, Hizashi—report to Root in three days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma only smiled with delight: “Good. Hizashi, report to the Root in three days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma discussed the specifics of Hyuga ninja joining the Anbu with Hyuga Hiashi, and left an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the Hyuga lands, Fujinaka Genma did not pause—he went straight to the Uchiha clan territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than a minute after entering Uchiha lands, Uchiha Fugaku appeared in person with a retinue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than a minute after entering the Uchiha district, Uchiha Fugaku appeared in person with a group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fugaku Clan Head!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma sipped his tea and smiled: “I intend to recruit personnel from the Uchiha clan to join the Anbu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku was startled, but his composure was deep—he showed no outward reaction, instead asking gravely: “Is this the Fourth Hokage’s order?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is my request—and the Fourth Hokage’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, the Uchiha clan may refuse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is not mandatory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku was startled again—he had not expected Fujinaka Genma to have already visited the Hyuga clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few sentences, he sensed the difference between the current power-holder, Minato Namikaze, and the past leaders—Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Joining the Anbu is an honor for the Uchiha clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku immediately declared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having clan members enter the Anbu brought great benefits to the Uchiha—he had no objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma was unsurprised, smiling: “Additionally, I request that Uchiha Shisui join Root as one of my deputies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku’s expression changed—almost identical to Hyuga Hizashi’s earlier reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. It is Shisui’s honor—I will inform him personally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku accepted without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank Itachi, Clan Head Fugaku.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled, took another sip of tea, then changed the subject: “What do Itachi think of Obito?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma smiled, took another sip of tea, then changed the subject: “What do Itachi think of Obito, Clan Head Fugaku?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uchiha Fugaku froze in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>",1156,"2026-06-21T02:29:34.312Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","6f92f769c33928e61a307462e3b90b9489c2580b8632ea3bab602fc1376128de","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-122","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-120",157,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-cover.jpg"]