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Tsume Inuzuka, a master tracker, was the optimal choice for the role. Might Guy was also included in the team. Furthermore, as the greatest strategic mind of the younger generation, Shikaku was to formulate the entire operational plan. Finally, a branch family shinobi from the Hyuga clan was assigned to the squad. And so, the tracking unit tasked with pursuing Pain and "Madara" was assembled.
Before they set out, Hiruzen gave them explicit instructions: their sole objective was to locate the enemy's position. Once found, they were to relay the information back immediately. Under no circumstances were they to act rashly. "He is not an opponent you are capable of facing," Hiruzen stated.
Shikaku was not a man who failed to adapt, and he also understood perfectly well that if Pain ever detected their presence, regardless of whether the enemy chose to kill them or not, Pain would inevitably relocate. Their mission would be deemed a complete failure.
After the tracking squad departed the Hidden Leaf Village, Hiruzen formally turned his attention to handling the Uchiha clan's rebellion. This matter was, in some ways, even more complicated to resolve than the Akatsuki's sneak attack on the Leaf. There was simply no clean and perfect solution. On one hand, only a faction of the Uchiha clan had rebelled, not the entire clan. On the other hand, the root cause of the incident was the Akatsuki's assault on the village, during which genjutsu had been used to hypnotize a number of shinobi, ultimately leading to this tragedy. From that perspective, those Uchiha who had turned traitor were also victims themselves.
But could they simply be let off just like that? Would the villagers who had been harmed ever agree to that? Indeed, the renegade shinobi were also victims. But then, who wasn't a victim in all of this? If Hiruzen consulted Utatane or Mitokado, their stance would undoubtedly be brutally direct: execute the traitors. Yet Hiruzen believed that should be the absolute last resort.
After seeing the tracking squad off, Hiruzen sank into deep contemplation on his way back to the Hokage Tower. Eventually, his thoughts turned to Tsunade. During her tenure as Hokage, the Hidden Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan had enjoyed a virtual "honeymoon period"—their relationship had reached its zenith. She might have a different perspective. After mulling it over, Hiruzen made his way to the medical unit.
Tsunade and Shizune were frantically busy treating patients. Hiruzen cleared his throat lightly, catching the attention of the other medical shinobi, but Tsunade's eyes never once left her patient's wound. Hiruzen waited patiently until she finished the operation before clearing his throat again. Only then did she finally notice his presence.
"What is it?" Tsunade asked, removing her medical gloves and wiping the sweat from her forehead.
Hiruzen succinctly laid out his purpose for coming, and finally added, "As you know, the current situation is extremely delicate. The matter of the Uchiha clan's rebellion is still at an impasse. They've injured people and clashed with Leaf shinobi. I can't just pretend nothing happened—even if I agreed to that, the village elders and the other clans certainly wouldn't."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "During your time as Hokage, your relationship with the Uchiha clan was quite good. So, in your opinion, how should this matter be resolved so that both the Uchiha clan and the Leaf Village can accept it... Can you share your thoughts?"
Tsunade rubbed her chin and pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm sorry, I really can't think of a way. However, you might try asking Midorima."
"Him?" Hiruzen's head was filled with question marks. He was about to ask why when he suddenly recalled the conversation Midorima had with the Deva Path. Nodding, he turned and took two steps away, then stopped and looked back. "Have you formed any theories about Madara's identity?"
"I'm still waiting for Kakashi's report," Tsunade replied. Hiruzen nodded and said nothing more.
...
Midorima had been stabbed through the abdomen by the black rod, but by the time he returned to the Leaf Village and prepared to receive treatment, he discovered that the wound had already scarred over. Whether it was the work of the Cell Laboratory or the Hashirama Cells, he wasn't sure. In any case, this speed of recovery far exceeded his expectations. Since his own injuries had healed, Midorima turned his attention to Mei Terumi. Mei's injuries were also mostly external, though a few were quite deep—her collarbone, for example, had been fractured. Still, within the scope of Midorima's abilities, treating her wasn't overly complicated.
During the treatment, Midorima also inquired about matters related to Kisame. "Him? His situation wasn't much better than ours. We nearly took off one of his shoulders. But then he fused with Samehada and fled at incredible speed. Even Lady Tsunade couldn't pursue him in the water, so we had no choice but to let him escape." By the end, Mei wore a deeply regretful expression.
Midorima's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected that Tsunade and Mei Terumi working together could actually inflict severe injuries on Kisame. With Samehada in his possession, Kisame's true combat strength was by no means inferior to a Kage-level shinobi. As Midorima mulled over Kisame's situation in his mind, the force in his hands unconsciously increased, causing Mei to grimace in pain and involuntarily grip Midorima's arm tightly.
"Just bear with it a moment longer," Midorima said, applying more force, and Mei cried out audibly. Once the bone was set, a soothing warmth gradually suffused her entire body.
"Ahh, that feels so good," Mei breathed out a long sigh, her whole body going limp.
Midorima's face was covered in black lines. "If someone heard that, they'd misunderstand."
"Who would be so bored as to press their ear against the door and eavesdrop on us?" Mei wrinkled her nose, completely unconvinced by Midorima's words. As she spoke, she couldn't resist glancing at the door. However, no sooner had the words left her mouth than a soft cough sounded from outside.
The two looked at each other, a hint of awkwardness passing between them. Finally, Midorima spoke first. "Is that you, Lord Hokage?"
"Yes."
They exchanged another look, their expressions shifting from awkwardness to surprise. "Is there something you need?" Midorima asked.
"Yes, a small matter. Is now a convenient time?"
Midorima was slightly taken aback. There was genuinely nothing improper going on between him and Mei Terumi, but the Hokage's phrasing made it sound as if there was. "Convenient," Midorima answered immediately.
Hiruzen then pushed open the door. He saw Mei Terumi lying flat on the bed while Midorima sat beside her, his chakra scalpel still not yet dismissed. "What are you two..."
"Before I became a rogue ninja, I was once a medical shinobi. Although I can't handle very complex surgeries the way Lady Tsunade can, I'm able to deal with most external injuries," Midorima explained.
"I see. I never imagined you knew so many different types of jutsu," Hiruzen said with a nod.
"Lord Third must be here on business, I assume?" The great battle had just ended, and the Hokage had come directly to the room where he and Mei were staying. It would be strange if there weren't something important.
"Uh... do I need to step out?" Midorima asked.
"No, no!" Hiruzen quickly waved his hand. "It's you I came to see." He had come specifically for Midorima. If Midorima excused himself, wouldn't the trip have been a complete waste?
"Me?" Midorima was momentarily stunned. "Is there something I can help you with?"
Hiruzen nodded and recounted the situation regarding the Uchiha clan once more. Then he asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
Midorima's brow furrowed slightly as he sank into thought.