Early the next morning, after breakfast, Asuka found Mei Terumī and expressed his desire to meet the elders of her family.
"What? You want to meet our family elders?"
Seeing Asuka nod, Mei Terumī couldn't help asking again,
"Why did you suddenly change your mind and want to meet our elders?"
"The current war situation is complicated, so I wanted to learn from their experience."
"Really?" Mei Terumī looked unconvinced by Asuka's excuse, but she didn't press further. She nodded and said, "Alright, I'll talk to our elders for you. But you're at the border now—how will you meet them?"
"You don't need to worry about that. Our squad has been stationed here providing support for quite a while, and it's time for a rotation. Moreover, the Fourth Squad has suffered heavy casualties, so it's reasonable for us to apply to return to the village for rest and recuperation."
After speaking with Mei Terumī, Asuka went to find Terumi Kenshi and explained his request.
Terumi Kenshi was silent for a moment before speaking.
"Asuka-kun, your request is reasonable. However, we are currently in a tense period, so I cannot make the decision directly. How about this—I will ask Mizukage-sama for instructions first. What do you think?"
"That's fine. I'll trouble you with it, Kenshi-kun. I'll go on patrol first."
Watching Asuka walk out of the tent, Terumi Kenshi couldn't help muttering to himself.
"What's going on? This kid used to be the most active one. Why is he suddenly asking to return to the village for rest?"
After thinking about it for a moment, Terumi Kenshi ordered someone to call Mei Terumī.
As soon as Mei Terumī entered the tent, she shouted,
"Clan Uncle, why did you call me? I was just about to go on patrol!"
Ignoring her protests, Terumi Kenshi waved his hand and motioned for her to sit down.
"Mei, Asuka applied for rotation. Do you know why?"
"Ah? He already told you? He's really fast."
Terumi Kenshi's eyes lit up when he heard this.
"You really know? Quickly tell me what happened."
"Actually, it's nothing much. Asuka just wants to talk with the elders of the clan."
"Oh? Really? Has he come around?" Terumi Kenshi asked in surprise.
In truth, he had long known that the clan intended to win over this genius of the Kaguya Clan, which was why he had always been so enthusiastic toward Asuka. However, Asuka's attitude had always been rather indifferent. His sudden request to meet the elders genuinely surprised Terumi Kenshi.
"Of course. Why would I lie to you?" Mei Terumī said. "I've already sent a message back to the clan. I believe the elders will be very happy to hear the news."
The two chatted about recent events for a while before Mei Terumī hurried back to her squad to prepare for a mission.
After learning that Asuka wanted to return to the village in order to speak with the clan elders, Terumi Kenshi immediately raised the priority of the matter and submitted a report to the Mizukage for approval.
Meanwhile, after Mei Terumī returned to the squad, Asuka gathered the members and counted them. After confirming that everyone was present, he announced their departure, beginning a new round of patrols.
The patrol went smoothly. They did not encounter any enemy scout squads, and the members of the squad felt much more relaxed.
By the time they returned to the camp, Terumi Kenshi had also brought good news.
"Asuka-kun, I have received a message from Mizukage-sama. He has approved your squad's return to the village for rest and recuperation. In addition, in recognition of your squad's outstanding performance, you will receive a substantial bonus."
"Is that so? Thank you for your support, Kenshi-kun."
"Hahaha, not at all. It's the credit of Asuka-kun leading the squad. I only reported the facts. It's getting late today, so you and your squad should rest well tonight and depart tomorrow morning."
After thanking Terumi Kenshi, Asuka returned to inform the squad members. As expected, they erupted in cheers when they heard the news.
The most excited one was Hōzuki Mangetsu, who raised his arms and shouted,
"Yoho! Long live Boss Asuka! We can finally return to the village and rest! When we get back, I want barbecue, ramen, and mochi dumplings!"
His words immediately caused a burst of laughter.
"Hahaha, Mangetsu, why are you always thinking about food?"
"Exactly! Mangetsu, how old are you? Hurry up and find a girlfriend."
"Don't say that—now you've made me hungry too."
Knowing they were finally returning to the village for rest, everyone relaxed, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.
Watching the animated discussion, Asuka smiled and clapped his hands.
"Alright, alright. I know everyone is happy, but you still need to get enough rest. We're leaving for the village tomorrow morning."
"Don't worry, Captain. We know our limits."
"Yeah, we'll chat for a bit and then rest."
The squad members responded one after another.
Seeing how excited they were, Asuka didn't say anything more. Shaking his head with a helpless smile, he returned to his tent.
"The main purpose of returning to the village this time is to get close to the elders of the Terumī Clan, and ideally provoke their dissatisfaction with the Third Mizukage. That would make it easier to plant subtle suggestions."
"However, one clan alone might not be enough. The best outcome would be for the Terumī Clan to unite with other ninja clans and speak out together."
Asuka continued planning his actions after returning to the village. Only by bringing more clans onto the same side could he secure greater benefits.
This meeting with the clans might only be the beginning.
Overthrowing the Third Mizukage required more than just strength—political considerations were equally important. Asuka wasn't particularly skilled in politics, but he could rely on his knowledge of the future to plan ahead and encourage the major clans to place their bets early.
Before he realized it, the lively voices outside gradually faded away, and Asuka eventually fell asleep while thinking.
---
Early the next morning, the squad members packed their belongings and happily set out on the journey back to the village.
The trip was filled with a relaxed atmosphere. The squad maintained a steady pace as they traveled toward Kirigakure.
Hōzuki Mangetsu's cheerful voice rang out.
"Boss Asuka, after we get back to the village, we're planning a get-together. Are you coming?"
Walking at the front, Asuka looked back at him and teased,
"Mangetsu, you're targeting my wallet, aren't you?"
With his intentions exposed, Mangetsu showed no embarrassment at all.
"As expected of Boss Asuka, you saw right through me! But this time everyone agreed, so get ready for your wallet to bleed."
The other squad members quickly distanced themselves after hearing this.
"Mangetsu, don't talk nonsense! When did we ever say that?"
"Exactly! Mangetsu, don't slander us!"
Listening to them shift the blame, Mangetsu complained loudly.
"Hey! You bastards! That's not what you said before!"
Watching the noisy group, Asuka smiled and said,
"Alright, stop acting. After we return to the village, meet at the barbecue restaurant. I'm paying."
"Long live Captain!" the squad members shouted in unison.
Traveling day and night, the squad continued their journey.
A few days later, the outline of Kirigakure appeared in the distance.
The moment they saw the village, their excitement could no longer be contained, and everyone instinctively quickened their pace.