Agree or Disagree? The question itself is not really important.
Though Sōgen doesn't particularly like the Third Hokage, he doesn't believe in dismissing everything related to him. He despises the man, but that doesn't mean he rejects everything tied to the Third Hokage.
"As long as our allies do not make the first move to harm our relationship, Konoha will never betray them."
Under the gaze of the Eki no Gyosha, Sōgen voiced his true thoughts without any filter.
Regardless of how he felt about it, the Eki no Gyosha indeed lent Konoha a helping hand during the Second Shinobi War.
Konoha had been in a tough spot at that time, with the Sannin not yet shining in their glory and the Third Hokage bound to defend Konoha. Danzō and Sakumo Hatake struggled to hold the front lines, making Eki no Gyosha's assistance significant—perhaps not life-saving, but certainly valuable.
In Sōgen's view, as long as the Tsuchigumo Clan didn't foolishly act against Konoha—such as being manipulated by the likes of Kōma—there was no reason to break the alliance.
Hearing Sōgen's assurance, a smile appeared on Eki no Gyosha's weathered face.
"The Tsuchigumo Clan may not be what it once was, but we are not ones to break faith." With Sōgen's words, the clan might continue peacefully for a few more decades, barring any major upsets. As for whether they could regain their former glory—that would depend on the ambition of future generations; Eki no Gyosha, an old man close to death, couldn't manage so much.
He did not doubt Sōgen's sincerity.
Shinobi do not consider deception dishonorable in battle; some even argue that deception is the essence of ninjutsu. Killing an opponent needn't require a forbidden technique—a simple kunai to the throat can be just as effective.
But this way of thinking is not the prevailing one.
After all, the age of overwhelming force under Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha has left a lasting impression. Now, shinobi seek bloodline limits, secret techniques, and powerful forbidden jutsu. But Eki no Gyosha did not see Sōgen as someone who would deceive him.
Unlike the rivalries between the other ninja villages, Konoha—Fire Country's military backbone—has numerous allies, including the Tsuchigumo Clan. To deceive them would only foster distrust; a true leader would not act this way.
"Did you come here only to discuss this matter, Elder Tsuchigumo?"
Noticing Eki no Gyosha visibly relax, Sōgen couldn't help but ask.
For such a matter, would he really travel so far to the daimyo's residence?
Though Mount Katsuragi is within Fire Country, Eki no Gyosha's age makes travel challenging even for a ninja.
"Our clan's situation has worsened over the past two years. For the safety of my clan, I have to push myself," Eki no Gyosha sighed. Because of the forbidden techniques, many have targeted the Tsuchigumo over the years.
Previously, Eki no Gyosha's strength allowed him to protect his clan. But as he aged, his power declined, and no new talent emerged, leaving the Tsuchigumo increasingly vulnerable. There was even an irreconcilable conflict between the clan leader and Eki no Gyosha himself.
The once-united Tsuchigumo Clan split in two—one half stayed in the village at Mount Katsuragi's base, while the other, led by Eki no Gyosha, retreated into the clan's old territory deep in the mountain.
"Family rises and falls. If we're weak now, then we need to endure, rebuild, and prepare for the future. The Tsuchigumo once had to flee from Mount Katsuragi but eventually regained it. Yet now, the younger generation..."
Eki no Gyosha sighed multiple times, his sense of helplessness apparent.
"Every family has its troubles."
Sōgen shook his head, not finding it particularly surprising.
After all, doesn't every family face some troubles? Even the Uchiha are still trying to clear their tainted name—a process that will take time.
Many families, villages, and countries all have their share of issues.
"But there is another small request." A look of hesitation appeared on Eki no Gyosha's face as he glanced at his adorable granddaughter sitting quietly beside him, then at Sōgen.
Sōgen waited patiently, not pressed for time. He often conversed with his grandfather, Uchiha Genshi, at home, though as he's under twenty, he only drinks non-alcoholic beverages.
After about twenty seconds, Eki no Gyosha took a deep breath and said, "I'm too old, and my clan is in constant turmoil. Would it be possible for my granddaughter Hotaru to attend the Konoha Ninja Academy for a few years?"
After speaking, the elder's face grew more conflicted.
The little girl, who had been quiet all along, looked up, her green eyes filling with tears. She reached out to grab her grandfather's sleeve, her voice quivering. "Are you leaving me behind?"
At six or seven, a child in the ninja world is already old enough to understand some things, though not all. Hotaru clearly understood that the Konoha Ninja Academy meant leaving her home on Mount Katsuragi.
Her soft voice was filled with fear and sadness.
Only the most understanding children can endure such emotions.
Seeing his granddaughter's reaction, Eki no Gyosha almost regretted his request. Yet recalling the clan's instability, he steeled himself.
He patted her head gently. "Don't worry, Hotaru. Grandfather could never abandon you. But you need to meet new friends..." The old man comforted her and looked toward Sōgen, waiting for a response.
To be honest, Sōgen was a bit surprised!
From Eki no Gyosha's demeanor, he had guessed that the elder might request extra care for Hotaru.
But...to attend the Konoha Ninja Academy?
He hadn't expected that.
Other techniques like the Uchiha-style swordsmanship, Uchiha-style throwing techniques, and Uchiha-style Fire Release are things you can't learn in the Ninja Academy; they're taught within the family. Sōgen once considered establishing a formal "Clan Academy," but various circumstances prevented it from happening.
"This shouldn't be a big issue; the Konoha Ninja Academy does have a precedent for admitting students from outside the village," Sōgen remarked. This was no lie. For example, Kushina Uzumaki, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, transferred into the Academy. Although it was rare, there were always some outside students joining the Academy for one reason or another.
Some of these external students eventually became Konoha ninjas, while others left Konoha after their training, and Konoha didn't restrict them. After all, the Ninja Academy didn't have any highly sensitive information requiring secrecy.
"However, Senior Tsuchigumo, are you sure you want to send your granddaughter to the Ninja Academy to study instead of training her yourself? At the Academy, no one will be able to guide her in your clan's secret techniques. If she misses the prime age for training because of this... don't blame it on me," Sōgen warned.
"No worries, I'll have Tonbee take care of Hotaru. Just building the basics will be fine under his guidance. As for how far Hotaru can go... even I can't determine that," replied Yaku, the traveling elder, without hesitation.
It was clear he had considered this for some time. In fact, he had been troubled by the disorder within his clan. Despite his determination, his old age left him powerless, and even the loyal followers who once accompanied him back to their clan's old territory on Mount Katsuragi gradually couldn't endure the harsh mountain life and left.
As he felt his body deteriorating, he worried about what might happen to Hotaru if he were to pass away. Although Tonbee was there, Tonbee might not be able to fully protect her. Besides, the current state of the Tsuchigumo clan wasn't exactly the most secure environment for her growth.
During his investigation into Sōgen as part of their alliance with Konoha, Yaku had an idea: perhaps he could send Hotaru to stay in Konoha for a while. Once she matured a bit, she could return to the clan, or perhaps she could even remain in Konoha. While Yaku himself couldn't abandon his responsibilities to the clan, Hotaru... didn't need to be bound by the same obligations.
With this in mind, he went through the trouble of bringing his granddaughter along on this trip.
"This isn't a big deal; the main thing is whether or not you're truly ready, Senior Tsuchigumo. Enrolling a transfer student in the Ninja Academy is easy for me," Sōgen assured him. As he said, this really wasn't a complicated matter.
He didn't even need Hokage's approval—he could handle it all on his own.
"…It doesn't need to be immediate. If possible, I'd like to wait until after my time…then have Tonbee escort Hotaru to Konoha to study. Would that be feasible?" When Yaku voiced this request, even he, a man hardened by life's trials, felt a bit embarrassed.
He felt like he was continuously pushing for more.
"No problem, anytime," Sōgen replied. He didn't mind Yaku's requests. To him, these things were trivial, and, given Yaku's age, any thoughts he'd had of testing himself against this legendary figure were gone. Latest content published on novel·fıre·net
For now, Hotaru was finally quiet again. The little girl seemed sharp; though she didn't fully understand what her grandfather meant by "after," she sensed she wouldn't be separated from him soon. Her unease eased, and she returned to her well-behaved, sensible self.
In a private hospital suite in a town in the Land of Fire:
"The bones have healed nicely, no issues left. You can be discharged," the doctor announced after a thorough examination, granting the discharge that the long-suffering patient was eager for.
The doctor wasn't surprised; being part of a well-known private hospital with a reputation for only caring about payment, he had seen all sorts of patients. This patient was clearly not a conventional good person, but what did that matter to him? As long as the bills were paid, it was all fine.
"Kohaku, you're in luck! I just received word, and you're already being discharged," Houma said as he entered the room moments after the doctor left.
"Are we ready to move? Who's the target?" Kohaku asked, changing out of his hospital gown into his own clothes.
"It's a dangerous legend. Though he's old…to be honest, he's still incredibly formidable. If you want in, be prepared—you could die at any moment," Houma replied seriously.
"Ha!" Kohaku laughed, a smug and wild grin on his face. "Isn't that even better? Weak prey is no fun at all; hunting something…untamed is so much more interesting."