Chapter 21: Chapter 21. Kumogakure with malicious intentions
Kumogakure Village
Killer B and Yugito, who were about to set off, were called back by the Fourth Raikage.
"Brother! Why did you call us back again? Yo! Yo! You guy! Stupid guy!" It was Killer B who spoke.
He has a strange accent every time he speaks. Let's not talk about whether his rapping talent is good or not.
But he really loves rap, Ai has become immune to the way he talks.
As the Eight-Tails Jinchuuriki, he has suffered enough resentment in the village, and even having a hobby is a trivial matter.
"We received news that Uchiha Itachi led half of the Uchiha elites to flee Konoha."
"Those Uchiha folks can't endure it any longer, yo! Yo! You, dumb guy!"
Several major ninja villages maintain undercover agents in each other's territories. Given the size of the villages, having undercover agents is unavoidable.
Therefore, they were aware of the incident involving Danzo digging out Shisui's eyes in Konoha two days ago. This event nearly made Konoha the laughingstock of the entire ninja world.
Killer B lacks any political acumen, especially given his young age. He will likely remain politically naive for decades to come.
On the other hand, Yugito is much smarter than him and immediately grasps the key point: "Has Konoha been weakened again? Should our target be the Uchiha this time?"
Ai shook his head, saying, "Things have become more complicated."
He then handed the intelligence information to her. Killer B, poking his head, noticed a depiction of the mighty Susanoo.
"Is this... Susanoo...yo! Yo! You, silly guy!"
After reading the information, she realized that even though more than a hundred Uchiha elites had left, there were no human casualties within the clan, apart from the buildings.
It was also revealed that both Fugaku and Itachi possessed powerful Mangekyo Sharingan.
The current situation between the Uchiha and Konoha Village seems to be tangled, but there is no clear and open break.
Moreover, it is uncertain whether Itachi's departure was the result of some deal with the third Hokage.
If war breaks out again, it's unclear whether Itachi and Fugaku can assist Konoha or not. However, they will most likely not support Kumogakure, at least not for now.
The financial strain on Kumogakure made it imperative for them to take the initiative in negotiations, and this is precisely what's happening now.
"Yondaime-sama, what are your thoughts?"
The Fourth Raikage tapped the intelligence report on Uchiha.
"Our original plan remains unchanged, but we need to pay attention to Uchiha's stance. The current Uchiha is formidable..."
Although Killer B is the nominal leader of the mission, he is more of a mascot. After all, he is Ai's younger brother.
With the separation of Uchiha and Konoha and the aging of the third hokage, the two Jinchuuriki are heading to Konoha now, and self-protection is not a problem.
Whether they go for peace talks this time or for other purposes depends on the state of the other party.
...
The deep changes in the Uchiha clan stirred intense discussions among the villagers, giving rise to various rumors.
One such rumor suggested that during the Nine-Tails Rebellion, Danzo prevented the Uchiha from participating in the fight to safeguard the villagers, leading to years of targeting and discontent.
Another story circulated about the young Uchiha leader fleeing due to Danzo's alleged act of gouging out Shisui's eyes, with the Third Hokage's reprimand having little impact.
Despite these speculations, Danzo continued to hold the position of consultant elder, questioning the efficacy of the Third Hokage's actions.
A particularly intriguing rumor claimed that the Uchiha's discontent with the village and the perceived incompetence of the third generation were the reasons behind Itachi and Shisui's coup.
The Third Hokage's leniency, as per this rumor, was evidence of his unworthiness for the title of Hokage.
However, the villagers, having witnessed Shisui's resilience even after having his eyes gouged out, dismissed these claims about the Uchiha's supposed rebellion. They questioned why, if the Uchiha intended to rebel, they would wait until now.
Moreover, the villagers, attuned to daily life, noticed the positive impact the Uchiha clan had on the village.
Wherever the Uchiha were on duty, security was heightened. The patrols were thorough, work efficiency was commendable, and their experience in handling incidents was extensive.
The Hyuga family emerged as the next reliable source of vigilance, possessing the Byakugan, an ability that could not overlook any incident, no matter how distant.
While their response to accidents might be somewhat slow, the villagers found it acceptable.
The situation was less favorable in the 1st to 4th streets, rumored to be under Danzo's control. Residents faced severe consequences for not intervening in accidents or incidents, often resulting in detentions and brutal punishments, such as losing limbs.
These streets became undesirable, with a pervasive sense of fear and depression lingering in the air. The once-unknown elder, Shimura Danzo, was now recognized for his divisive tactics—framing the Uchiha clan and tarnishing the reputation of the third generation.
Danzo, despite realizing the issue, urged the police force to adopt a gentler approach. However, breaking the habits formed over time proved challenging.
The villagers, having solidified negative impressions, found it difficult to view Danzo favorably. If not for his role as Konoha's advisory elder, many would express their discontent directly at his doorstep.
...
Currently, the Uchiha clan is actively engaging construction teams to rebuild their clan lands. However, the new location is quite a distance from Konoha.
To facilitate travel for Uchiha civilians operating businesses in Konoha, the Uchiha clan promptly constructed a road. While some find it inconvenient, the improved business prospects have helped garner acceptance.
Despite assumptions that the Uchiha clan is financially affluent, their buildings exhibit a modest standard.
The road, though meticulously paved with fine stones, reflects a commitment to functionality rather than luxury. The sparse decoration and simplicity of the new structures indicate a practical approach.
In discussions between Natsuki and Fugaku, the decision to prioritize practicality over extravagance was deliberate.
The clan's focus lies in sustained development rather than the superficial appearance of wealth. The use of average building materials and a straightforward design align with this perspective.
An interesting twist in this narrative involves a rice merchant who arrived in Konoha. The road's construction is viewed as a testament to the Uchiha's foresight.
Had the anti-meter range been larger, the current aesthetic appeal might have been reduced to junk. The choice to maintain simplicity is an investment in the long-term sustainability of the clan's development.
Meanwhile, Natsuki, keen on exploring the culinary landscape of the Land of Fire, has delved into investigating local delicacies and snacks.
Armed with knowledge of food preferences in this world, he has outlined various Chinese dishes in a planning book.
Matching these recipes requires continuous experimentation by Itachi and others, considering variations in raw materials across different regions.
Also, what are the tastes of people in this world?
Fortunately, the Uchiha clan still had plenty of funds accumulated over the years, providing them with the resources to sustain their efforts for an extended period.
In case the funds prove insufficient, Itachi and Shisui can also take on roles as bounty ninjas. After all, their high-end combat capabilities make them valuable assets, and there's no need to overlook such a resource.
The black market offers numerous rewards, presenting a lucrative opportunity for those with the necessary skills. It serves as the quickest way to amass a fortune.
Haven't you noticed that this is how Akatsuki built its wealth?
Despite being deceived later on by the seemingly extravagant Konan.