The Hakimaster of Naruto

Chapter 211 CHAPTER 211: THE UCHIHA'S CONCERN

Konoha Camp. Commander-in-Chief's Tent.

Uchiha Mikoto stepped inside, her posture respectful as she approached the figure seated at the desk, surrounded by stacks of documents. Hatake Sakumo looked up from his work, a gentle and kind smile crossing his features.

"Mikoto. You're here."

As ANBU Captain, Sakumo knew every member of his force intimately. It was the most basic responsibility of his position.

Uchiha Mikoto was descended from Uchiha Kagami's line—considered part of the Hokage faction. Her choice to join ANBU represented support for and trust in the Hokage's leadership.

Sakumo had known Uchiha Kagami personally. Had learned from him. So he naturally treated Mikoto like a junior, watching over her with care.

Today, she wore no mask—not even the Tengu that represented her ANBU identity.

"How is Ragnar's recovery?" Sakumo asked directly.

"Sir, Lord Ragnar has awakened. He looks much better." Mikoto's reply came readily, but as she spoke, her thoughts drifted to Ragnar's cold demeanor earlier. A different emotion stirred in her chest—a subtle sense of inadequacy. She felt, somehow, that she hadn't done well enough.

"That's truly reassuring. Mikoto, I wouldn't feel comfortable letting just anyone care for Ragnar. But you're different. Though you're from the Uchiha clan, I know you're a good girl."

"This is my duty, sir. Ragnar-kun is Konoha's hero. It's an honor to care for him."

A gentle smile graced her soft features, radiating healing warmth.

Sakumo observed her expression and sighed inwardly. He had his own reasons for assigning Mikoto to this task.

The relationship between Ragnar and the Uchiha clan was strained. Mikoto might serve as a bridge—a connection to restore what was broken.

With Tsunade fighting Demigod Hanzo on the front lines, few female ninja remained in camp. And Sakumo trusted few others with this responsibility.

Ragnar was special. He needed someone... reliable.

"Take care of him, Mikoto." Sakumo's sincerity was evident.

Mikoto nodded, committing his words to memory. They spoke a while longer before she slowly departed.

Not long after she left, an ANBU materialized from thin air before Sakumo's desk, dropping to one knee.

"Sir. Frontline battle report. And the Hokage's secret message."

"The battle report first."

Sakumo rose from his desk, expression growing solemn as he approached the kneeling ninja.

"Tsunade-sama, Jiraiya-sama, and Orochimaru-sama are engaged with Hanzo. They are at a disadvantage. Do we send support?"

"Dispatch a jonin team to extract them. Ensure their protection. Hanzo's reputation is well-earned—they call him a demigod for a reason. He's not ordinary."

Sakumo's response was immediate. The three had held on this long, buying precious time for Konoha to regroup. Now they could turn their attention to the Rain ninja.

"Understood."

"The Hokage's secret message."

The ANBU produced a scroll and formed hand seals. Its contents materialized before Sakumo's eyes.

The message was concise: The Third Hokage could not reach the front lines in time. Sakumo was authorized to act in his stead—to sign armistice agreements with the Kazekage and Tsuchikage. All matters concerning the Land of Rain fell under his authority.

"You may go."

Sakumo's expression remained solemn as he waved the ANBU away. The ninja vanished in a puff of smoke.

Though the Hokage's message contained few words, the weight behind them pressed down on Sakumo like a mountain. This was the Hokage's trust. He could not betray it.

Beyond the ongoing battle with the Land of Rain, the armistice negotiations with two Kage demanded equal attention. These talks would determine peace between three nations.

Sakumo understood: though Iwa and Suna had lost the war, the negotiating table would host an entirely different battle—invisible but no less fierce.

When interests were at stake, the Land of Earth and Land of Wind would likely concede little.

Across the camp, Uchiha Mikoto had returned to her quarters. She gathered ingredients—ramen noodles, mushrooms, meat cubes, various items purchased from a Rain Country town—and began preparing a fresh pot of restorative soup.

She worked meticulously, carefully, allowing no detail to escape attention.

The captain's assignment filled her with sincere happiness. Being able to care for Ragnar-kun—to repay the kindness he had shown her—was genuinely wonderful.

She wasn't skilled at expressing feelings. She simply gave silently. If Ragnar-kun was happy, her own mood brightened. Everything she did became worthwhile.

After simmering the soup for nearly an hour, Uchiha Mikoto gently ladled it into a lunch box. Every movement was deliberate, tender. Her eyes shone with warmth. Joy radiated from her face.

Lunch box in hand, she stepped from her tent and headed toward Ragnar's quarters.

She hadn't taken more than a few steps when a figure materialized before her, blocking her path.

The man before her bore the distinctive hedgehog hairstyle of the Uchiha clan. His clothing displayed the clan's blue and red fan emblem. And the three tomoe Sharingan spinning in his pupils marked him as yet another young genius of that illustrious family.

"Where are you going, Mikoto?" The man's voice was tight.

Uchiha Mikoto's expression remained calm. "Fugaku. Move. I have things to do."

Uchiha Fugaku. One of the Uchiha clan's geniuses in his youth.

In truth, in this era of war and turmoil, the Uchiha family had never lacked for geniuses. Every year, young clansmen awakened three tomoe Sharingan. But few truly survived the chaos. Few endured.

Uchiha Fugaku had survived. That alone proved his exceptional nature.

"You've changed, Mikoto." Pain flickered in Fugaku's eyes. "We barely speak since you joined ANBU. I remember when you used to tell me everything. Now you avoid me."

"Fugaku-nii." Mikoto's voice was calm, measured. "Joining Konoha ANBU was my grandfather's wish. I respect his decision. As for us talking less... we were children then. We all have to grow up, don't we?"

"I don't believe it's just about growing up." Fugaku's gaze dropped to the lunch box in her hands. "Mikoto. Who is that for?"

"That is my own business. Please stop asking."

Her voice cooled. Without waiting for a response, she stepped past Uchiha Fugaku and continued on her way.

(End of Chapter)

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