Asuna understood that she hadn't been assigned to the aerial combat unit because there was another arrangement for her.
However, seeing her father send her sister away, leaving just the two of them in the room, possibly with a soundproof barrier, she vaguely guessed that the place she was being sent to must be extraordinary.
Fumori Masaki said that he needed to ask for her opinion on the matter, which made Asuna a little curious.
Generally, there was no need to specifically ask for her opinion when assigning work.
Since he said so, it was clear that the place she was going to this time would be relatively dangerous, and her father didn't intend to force her to go.
She wanted to know what it was.
"Recently, the capital intends to establish an organization called the Twelve Guardian Ninja,"Fumori Masaki said.
"The Daimyo hopes that we can arrange powerful ninja to join, preferably from prominent ninja families, because generally, ninja from such families are stronger.
But their real goal is not this; it's to use the members who join the Twelve as hostages to control the village."
Asuna didn't have a deep impression of the lord in the capital, but she knew her father didn't have a good impression of him.
Kana, who was always responsible for activities in the capital, also believed that this lord was not a good person.
After hearing about the Twelve Guardian Ninja organization and its underlying meaning, Asuna couldn't help but gasp.
This Daimyo was indeed not a good thing, harboring such sinister intentions, truly disgusting.
Living in a Hokage family, Asuna had some understanding of political matters.
She understood that this was a measure taken by the Daimyo to curb the Konoha Ninja Village, but it didn't prevent her from disliking him, because she belonged to the Konoha Ninja Village, not the nobles in the capital.
"Father, do you mean you want me to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja?" Asuna asked.
Connecting what her father had just said with the previous situation, she immediately understood that her father intended to send her there.
"I do have this idea, but I wonder if you are willing to go, Asuna?
This is not mandatory; if you are unwilling, you can absolutely refuse, and I will agree,"Fumori Masaki said with a serious expression.
Asuna believed that if she refused, her father would definitely not make her go.
From the meaning behind this matter, she understood that the Twelve Guardian Ninja was by no means an easy place.
This represented a power struggle between the nobles of the capital and the ninja village, further solidifying the already delicate balance between the two sides.
To maintain this relationship, the Konoha ninja sent there would undoubtedly bear a very important mission.
Asuna was not afraid to sacrifice herself; otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen to become a combat ninja back then.
Wouldn't it have been better to choose a support profession like her sister?
The reason she made that choice was because she had watched her father work tirelessly for the ninja village since she was a child.
She admired such a father, and she hoped that she could be like him in the future.
Therefore, she chose to become a combat ninja and fight on the front lines.
As the Hokage of Konoha Ninja Village, it was the correct choice to let his children reassure the Daimyo.
And as a father,Fumori Masaki asking Asuna for her opinion and stating that she could refuse if she disagreed was a sign of familial care.
She felt she had nothing to be dissatisfied with.
And with such determination, she should try her best to help her father.
This matter, though troublesome, was not particularly significant, because as long as the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was intelligent, he wouldn't anger the ninja village.
The Twelve Guardian Ninja existed to maintain balance, and from this perspective, Asuna could even be said to be relatively safe.
Asuna didn't even need to sacrifice anything precious; she only needed to contribute her combat power and her personal safety.
The former goes without saying, and as for the latter, the danger was even greater during ninja wars.
If she wasn't afraid then, what was there to fear about serving as a hostage by the Daimyo's side?
"I am willing to go, Father," Asuna said without hesitation.
"Is this your true feeling, Asuna? "Fumori Masaki looked into Asuna's eyes and asked.
"Of course," Asuna metFumori Masaki's gaze, her clear eyes showing unwavering determination, "From the moment I chose this profession, I was mentally prepared for this."
"Don't you feel I'm putting too much pressure on you?"
"Perhaps a little, but Father, you once said that people with greater abilities should bear greater responsibilities.
I was born into a Hokage family, enjoying much more than others, with a status and honor that ordinary people don't have.
Since that's the case, I should bear the corresponding responsibilities, shouldn't I?
Besides, the place you're sending me to is just that kind of thing; I don't think I have anything to complain about," Asuna said.
"Sometimes I truly wish you could live a more ordinary life,"Fumori Masaki's gaze held a hint of pity.
Asuna lowered her head slightly, smiled, and then said toFumori Masaki, "I believe Father loves me.
If Father is sending me, there must be a necessary reason.
I understand you, so I shouldn't make things difficult for you."
"Thank you, Asuna.
That makes me feel much better,"Fumori Masaki nodded and said, "There is indeed a necessary reason for you to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja this time.
This is a secret mission between us, and no one else must know about it."
"What is it, Father?" Asuna asked, while pondering what kind of secret mission it could be.
She was well-versed in the history of traditional ninja, understanding that ninja often went to important figures to carry out missions, such as gathering intelligence or turning certain individuals.
"Do you still remember the incident where your Uncle Kagami was ambushed by Uchiha Setsuna and others?"
"I remember.
Is there a problem?" Asuna was a little confused.
This incident, which shocked the entire ninja village, was known by almost everyone.
It was the first severe internal purge and the first public trial in the ninja village, both of which were deeply impressive.
"The direct cause of this incident was the actions of Uchiha Setsuna and other rogue ninja.
After the last purge, they all paid the price, and because of them, the entire village is much more stable now,"Fumori Masaki said.
Asuna nodded.
The purge of the rogue ninja indeed brought benefits to the ninja village, such as the cleansing of the hawkish members within the Uchiha clan.
Now, the Kagami faction members were the overwhelming force within the Uchiha family, and the promotion of reforms became smoother.
Originally, due to the expansion of territory, the Uchiha Police Force had to recruit civilian ninja, but at that time, due to the hawkish faction, the recruitment was limited.
Now, more and more non-Uchiha ninja are joining the Uchiha Police Force, and there are many other benefits besides this.
"Although Uchiha Setsuna's followers were the ones who directly acted, your Uncle Kagami and I suspect there's more to it, perhaps a shocking conspiracy,"Fumori Masaki said solemnly.
Then,Fumori Masaki told Asuna his and Uchiha Kagami's analysis, mixed with some of his own "prophetic" intelligence.
As she listened, Asuna's expression turned to surprise, whichFumori Masaki could understand.
A conspiracy that began in the mythical era and lasted for a thousand years—how could an ordinary person believe that?
"This… this is truly incredible, Father," Asuna was a little dizzy from the massive amount of information.
These things were truly beyond imagination, but she didn't think her father was exaggerating, because upon careful analysis, it could be said to be very reasonable.
"What does that have to do with me joining the Twelve Guardian Ninja?" Asuna asked Fumori Masaki after she had calmed down a bit.
"According to the intelligence we've received, the Daimyo had this idea because a fellow named Tobi appeared by his side.
This person's origins are mysterious, his background unknown, as if he appeared out of nowhere.
Your Uncle Kagami and I suspect that this guy is related to the conspirator.
To find that person, we have to use the method of 'luring the snake out of its hole' by sending the two reincarnated individuals there.
And to ensure that the situation doesn't get out of control and can be timely managed, we also need a trustworthy person there."
Asuna understood why her father wanted her to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
It was because she was a trustworthy person, chosen to ensure the successful implementation of the 'luring the snake out of its hole' plan.
This was the main reason, while being a hostage was only a secondary reason.
Feeling her father's trust, Asuna's heart pounded, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
She suppressed her emotions and murmured, "Can I do it?"
"Of course, you can.
Your abilities are evident to all, and I believe you can definitely do it.
You possess the power of a Sage, you are the closest to those divine children,"Fumori Masaki stroked Asuna's hair and said, "Compared to the Twelve Guardian Ninja, this matter is even more dangerous, Asuna.
It's still not too late; you can choose to withdraw."
"No, I want to go." Asuna grabbed her father's hand, feeling his warmth.
"Father, you trust me so much; I have no reason to withdraw.
If Father's guess is correct, once the conspirator succeeds, it will be a disaster for the entire ninja world, and no one will be able to escape.
I should fight."
"Once you go there, I won't be able to rush over immediately.
You must be very careful then, especially that guy named Tobi.
He probably possesses strange abilities that we can hardly imagine,"Fumori Masaki said with a solemn expression.
In the original timeline, Tobi was Obito Uchiha, but now that Madara was dead, who this Tobi was remained unknown.
However,Fumori Masaki could be sure that anyone sought out by Black Zetsu was definitely not ordinary.
If not exceptionally strong, then they likely possessed very strange powers, so she had to be careful.
"I understand, Father," Asuna nodded.
"I will try my best to provide you with some security, but ultimately, it still depends on yourself.
Although others are not aware, those who accompany you are also your comrades, so you must cooperate well,"Fumori Masaki instructed.
Then,Fumori Masaki imparted some experience to Asuna, guessing what kind of methods the opponent might possess, and they talked for a very long time before concluding.
When the two walked out of the room, Akemi, who had been waiting outside, immediately ran over.
Because of the soundproof barrier and her deliberate distance, she didn't know what Fumori Masaki and Asuna had discussed, and now she eagerly asked for the result.
"It's fine; I already know the reason.
There's nothing to worry about, Sister," Asuna said to Akemi.
"Is that so? That's good," Akemi guessed that there might be some secret behind the reason and didn't ask further.
She glanced at her father, and the matter was considered closed.
Just then, a knocking sound was heard.
Everyone looked to see Satomi leaning against the door, retracting her knocking hand, and saying, "You two have been talking for a long time.
The food is almost cold.
What were you talking about?"
"Some official business,"Fumori Masaki smiled and said to his two daughters, "Hurry and eat; the food won't taste good when it's cold."
"Okay," Asuna and Akemi replied together, then ran into the dining room, while Fumori Masaki and Satomi's gazes met.
Satomi always felt that Fumori Masaki and Asuna's conversation was not simple, but since it was a private conversation, she couldn't ask.
However, she vaguely heard some rumors, such as the matter of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
She had already heard about it, and she just hinted with her eyes, wondering if Asuna would encounter danger.
Fumori Masaki was silent for a moment, implying that there was some danger, but the matter was crucial, and it was a danger that had to be undertaken.
Satomi's gaze immediately became complicated.
After getting Fumori Masaki's confirmation, she worried about her daughter's situation, but it was her daughter's own choice to take this path.
She could only sigh helplessly and turn to enter the dining room.
Fumori Masaki shook his head slightly, only hoping that this 'luring the snake out of its hole' plan would proceed smoothly.
As long as Black Zetsu could be dealt with, all sacrifices would be worth it.
The next day, when Fumori Masaki met with Uchiha Kagami, he told him about the matter.
Uchiha Kagami said with a complex expression, "To make Asuna bear such a responsibility, it really makes one uncomfortable.
If possible, I really wish I could go in her place."
"Unfortunately, the Daimyo would not accept it.
Originally, Sakumo was also a suitable person, but Sakumo's identity was not suitable; he couldn't serve as a hostage."
Fumori Masaki was also somewhat helpless.
His most favored candidate was actually Sakumo Hatake, but Sakumo Hatake happened to be from a samurai family, which did not meet the conditions of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
Among the conditions for the Twelve Guardian Ninja, the only trustworthy person he could choose was Kushina.
"We can arrange six people.
Three people have already been confirmed, and we need to carefully consider the remaining three.
In the future, Asuna might have to rely on these people," Uchiha Kagami said.
"Indeed,"Fumori Masaki nodded.
Uchiha Ken and Fujimura Yuuki were at the center of Black Zetsu's conspiracy and would certainly be caught in the conflict.
In that environment, only the other people could help Asuna.