Chapter 60
"Oh, so the previous agreement really was just for show," Saitama muttered. He knew that the Uchiha clan and Konoha had made a special arrangement—Uchiha could refrain from participating in the war unless the situation became critical.
This was a protection policy meant to preserve Konoha's key clans. The Hyuga clan had a similar arrangement—but they were the Hyuga, after all.
"The elders think the Uchiha are too powerful, yet they're holding back on the battlefield. They feel like the clan doesn't consider itself truly part of Konoha."
Uchiha Mori's tone was a little strange. In his view, the relationship between the clan and the village had never been smooth. Many of the younger members were openly critical of Konoha, drawing a firm line between family and village.
"What does the captain think?" Saitama asked. He knew Mori was a close aide to Uchiha Fugaku, and many of the clan head's decisions were made after discussions with him.
"What else can we do? The captain doesn't plan to send more troops to the Sand front. But there's also tension with Kirigakure now. The elders want us to deploy forces there instead." Mori sighed, scratching his head.
"So far, the younger generation in the clan hasn't been informed. The captain hasn't decided on who to send."
"Well, it'll probably be next year. I'll be available by then. Count me in," Saitama said with a grin as he casually adjusted the blade at his waist.
"Alright. If there's nothing else, you should get going," Mori waved him off. He knew Fugaku had already spoken to Saitama recently.
Saitama wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and turned to leave. On the far side of the training ground, several members of the Konoha Military Police Force were still practicing. They weren't assigned to the front lines, and Shisui was still away on a mission.
As he walked, Saitama slowed his breathing and adjusted his posture, syncing the rhythm of his movements. Even his sweat began to dry as his body recovered.