Naruto’s Strongest Force [translation]

In the following period, the Third Hokage resumed peace talks with Kumogakure.

Kumogakure, once a formidable force, frequently tested Konoha's strength. However, the robust support of the Uchiha clan transformed Kumogakure into a toothless tiger.

Unable to endure repeated defeats and unwilling to engage in prolonged conflict, Kumogakure had no choice but to surrender to Konoha's dominance.

Despite having Killer B, the Eight-Tailed Jinchuuriki, initially intended to maintain order, he was promptly admitted to the hospital and held as a hostage.

The peace talks resulted in substantial losses for Kumogakure, with compensation reaching a staggering 300 million, and some of Kumogakure's scientific research technology being handed over to Konoha.

Although these technologies might not be the latest, they were not readily available elsewhere.

The Third Hokage, wary of withholding such knowledge, created duplicates of all the information and forwarded it to Natsuki Uchiha.

...

On Konoha Eighth Street, a strange atmosphere lingered among the merchants today.

The entire Uchiha Guards, consisting of eight members, moved together, whether they were patrolling or enforcing the law.

The merchants, accustomed to the Uchiha maintaining order on the street, found the collective patrol intriguing.

Although it sparked curiosity among some, the Uchiha's vigilant presence kept any potential troublemakers in check.

Meanwhile, Danzo felt as uneasy as if he had swallowed a fly. Before he could take any action, he found the road blocked.

"Why aren't there any Uchiha members alone!?"

"Reporting to your lord, all members of the Uchiha Kaiyan clan now move in groups, with no instances of less than four people."

Root whispered below.

Recently, Danzo, in addition to implanting a Sharingan in his right eye, conducted experiments using the two remaining Sharingan.

His goal was to unravel the mystery of unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan.

However, his efforts proved futile. If the Mangekyō Sharingan had been easily researched, the Uchiha clan would not have maintained its mysterious status.

The Shimura clan, entangled in Danzo's schemes, severed ties with numerous ninja clans, losing benefits and financial support.

Moreover, the Third Hokage shrank many of Danzo's previous incidents.

Danzo, envious of Natsuki's mangekyo powers displayed at Hyuga's house, set his sights on the Uchiha clan's security team.

However, before he could make a move, the Uchiha, seemingly predicting, heightened their guard.

"Who leaked the news?"

Danzo's eyes darkened as he pondered. He suspected the old fox Sarutobi Hiruzen might be behind this.

The Third Hokage held significant authority over a large number of Anbu operatives, and they were the most informed about any issues within Konoha.

Danzo, feeling suppressed now that Natsuki wielded more power, reflected on the past when Danzo actively sought assistance.

"Go around the Uchiha clan and find any opportunities," Danzo ordered.

Kanoe expressed concern, "Is it too risky? Even the Hokage's Anbu can't infiltrate the current Uchiha clan."

Danzo, exuding confidence, smiled, "The Third Hokage is cowed by Natsuki. The Uchiha clan is vast; can Natsuki defend it alone?"

Recognizing the potential dangers of a large-scale operation, Danzo suggested a subtler approach, "It's not safe with too many people. Send Aburame Ryoma to investigate if there's a chance."

Kanoe, feeling uneasy, shared, "Sir, Aburame Ryoma is currently detained in the dungeon by the Third Hokage."

"Quietly release him and inform him that there's a cure for his illness. All he has to do is help me apprehend the Uchiha individuals."

Despite his reluctance to face him, Kanoe gritted his teeth and complied, "Yes."

...

In the dungeon, a man in a black trench coat leaned against the shadowed wall, his muscular body tainted with a faint greenish-gray hue.

Footsteps echoed—tap, tap, tap.

Kanoe approached the cell door and addressed the man within, "Ryoma."

Ryoma seemed distracted, yawning before walking to the door, "Who are you? Kanoe?"

He nodded, "Danzo-sama said there's a cure for your illness. The condition for treatment is to help Danzo-sama catch a Uchiha with a Sharingan."

'Sharingan? Catching the Uchiha clan should be easy, right?'

Isolated in the dungeon, Ryoma was unaware of the changes in the outside world.

"No problem. When do we start?" Ryoma asked casually.

Kanoe, feeling an inexplicable chill and slowed thinking in Ryoma's presence, answered, "The sooner, the better. Danzo-sama must be anxious."

He opened the cell door, and Ryoma strolled out leisurely, "Kanoe, do you even know why I'm locked up here?"

Kanoe, uneasy, gripped his numb scalp and explained, "I heard you were imprisoned for killing your teammates."

Ryoma replied calmly, "I won't do anything to you, but my baby hasn't eaten for a long time, so... I have no choice but to borrow you!"

"Hmm! What...what!" In an instant, he felt paralyzed, unable to move, and the chakra in his body fell silent.

His eyesight darkened, and he instantly lost his breath.

A buzzing sound accompanied the emergence of a large group of parasites, invisible to the naked eye, swarming out of his body.

Soon, his body resembled that of a mummy.

...

Outside the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Hitoki was diligently working alone on the ground.

He arranged the chakra transmission material on the ground and meticulously carved the barrier spell onto the material.

Despite the departure of many Uchiha members, the Uchiha clan, especially those serving in the police force, experienced a positive transformation under the leadership of Uchiha Natsuki, the deputy clan leader.

The security environment on Eighth Street, where the Uchiha patrolled and were stationed, became the best in Konoha.

Hitoki, not skilled in combat, found joy in witnessing the flourishing prosperity of the Uchiha clan.

With the clan's withdrawal from the turmoil within Konoha, the oppressive atmosphere that once prevailed had dissipated.

Although incomes had reduced due to the departure of Uchiha elites, the overall well-being of the clan was on an upward trajectory.

Encouraged by the clan leader, efforts were underway to replenish the clan's numbers.

The incentive included subsidies for families with two or more children, providing financial support for each child born.

Many families, excited by the prospect, were preparing to expand.

Uchiha Hitoki, engrossed in his work, focused on completing the barrier spell node.

Unbeknownst to him, danger loomed on the horizon. A swarm of black insects, dispersed widely, was slowly advancing towards him.

The ominous buzzing of the insects gradually reached his ears. Unconsciously, he infused chakra into the sealing technique in his hands.

An invisible ripple emanated from the node, revealing countless chakra signatures in his mind.

Buzz! The air resonated with the deafening sound of insects, accompanied by a scream.

A swarm of parasitic insects descended from the sky, creating chaos. Hitoki caught off guard, tumbled to the ground and narrowly avoided a potentially devastating attack that left a gaping hole in the earth.

Stumbling to his feet, he shouted defiantly, "Who dares to run rampant in the Uchiha clan!"

With determination, he activated his Sharingan, ready to confront the unexpected threat.

Unable to carry a signal flare, he resorted to shouting loudly to alert his fellow clan members.

The notion of being attacked on the outskirts of the Uchiha clan had not crossed his mind.

From the shadows emerged Aburame Ryoma, who calmly remarked, "You're unlucky to encounter me. Unfortunately, you have a second tomoe, so I'll just give you a try."

"You are Aburame Ryoma!" He recognized him, noting his powerful chakra and robust physique.

The realization struck him—wasn't Aburame Ryoma supposed to be locked in a dungeon?