“We’ve completely exhausted our funds.”
Naoki Kaguya took the fresh ledger, looking at the staggering numbers that made his heart skip a beat. He couldn’t help but sigh.
War really is a bottomless pit.
This smooth-sailing war, without major setbacks, completely drained Hidden Mist Village of the resources it had accumulated over the years.
Even the funds to support his initial plans were now gone.
To think that ending the war and waiting for the village to recoup its funds would be absurd.
Under the leadership of the Third Mizukage, the village’s policies led to severe issues. They could barely maintain expenses, let alone discuss reforms.
As he pondered, furrowing his brow, Mei tentatively spoke up.
“Perhaps, Naoki, your plan to unite the major merchants and establish stable trade routes can be put into action now? This way, we can quickly recoup funds.”
Naoki Kaguya snapped out of his thoughts, put down the ledger, and pondered for a moment before shaking his head.
“In this chaotic country, filled with rogue ninjas, defectors, and criminals, where local lands are ruled by corrupt officials who only know extortion and theft, as long as we, the Hidden Mist, provide them with a peaceful and stable trading environment, countless people will flock to us like moths to a flame.”
“But,” Naoki continued, pointing to a spot on the map, directing Mei’s gaze to the lands previously marked for leasing or annexation from the Land of Fire.
“If we only build such trade routes within the Land of Water, how can we attract merchants with substantial economic power to join us?”
“How can we create our own wealth accumulation hub?”
“Only by controlling a stable trade route from the Land of Water to the Land of Fire can we attract truly powerful merchants to join us.”
Hearing this, Mei nodded in realization.
Nearby, the Third Mizukage couldn’t help but heavily mark the scroll he was reading, leaving a thick ink stain.
He was once the Mizukage of Hidden Mist, and despite his past failures, he could see the future implications of what Naoki was describing.
“There’s more to it, isn’t there?” Mei’s voice, now filled with excitement, interrupted her train of thought.
“Since its founding, the Leaf Village has never been defeated.”
“If we can sign a completely unequal treaty with the Leaf Village, won’t it cause a massive upheaval in the world?”
“They will trust in our Hidden Mist’s strength even more, and will have more confidence in this model, thereby attracting even more substantial funds.”
“Yes, Mei,” Naoki replied. “But for now, let’s not overthink it.”
“The initiative isn’t in our hands; it all depends on when the Leaf Village will formally discuss peace with us.”
At that moment, Naoki’s stomach grumbled.
“It’s time to eat.”
“Alright,” Mei stretched, revealing her graceful curves, and then lazily leaned on Naoki’s shoulder, looking at the starry sky outside the window with a hint of schadenfreude.
“I really wonder what the Leaf Village is like now.”
The Third Mizukage lowered his head and continued handling the paperwork.
In the Land of Fire, in the Leaf Village, under the starry night, the Uchiha compound was eerily quiet, except for one house from which angry shouts and arguments occasionally emanated.
Inside the house, an elderly Uchiha with graying hair and wise eyes spoke passionately.
“Clan leader, under the Third Hokage’s leadership, the village has suffered a terrible defeat. He is bound to step down.”
“In the past, with Minato Namikaze, our chances were slim. But now, he’s just a cripple. How can he compete?”
“Danzo has no achievements, Orochimaru is a defeated general, and Jiraiya and Tsunade lack ambition. Isn’t this the perfect time for you to ascend to the Hokage’s position?”
The room fell silent, followed by the glint of Sharingan eyes lighting up the dark room.
“Quiet.”
All eyes turned to Fugaku, who sat in the main seat and had just slammed his hand on the table, bringing the room back to silence.
The position of the Fourth Hokage.
Fugaku clenched his fists, feeling his heart race.
He had to admit this was his best chance to ascend to that position.
“This time, we must strive for the position of the Fourth Hokage.”
“But,” Fugaku’s tone turned serious, “you must follow my orders. No rash actions that could lead to unspeakable consequences with the village!”
Despite their fierce looks, the Uchiha present nodded in agreement.
It wasn’t just because Fugaku was the clan leader; it was also because he was currently the strongest in the Uchiha clan.
Only the strongest could command their obedience!
Clang!
Ignoring the noise behind him, Itachi maintained a calm expression. With a metallic thud, his kunai penetrated deeply into the target.
It’s still not enough.
He formed hand seals, gathering chakra, and a fireball erupted from his mouth, illuminating the dark courtyard.
It’s still not enough.
Adjusting his chakra, the reflection in the water showed his Sharingan and several kunai clashed mid-air, sparks flying, each hitting its mark.
It’s still not enough.
Muttering to himself, Itachi found his gaze drawn to the bright moon in the sky.
Shisui, if you could return, perhaps it would be enough.
Enough to stop unnecessary conflicts and cease the wars that continually claim lives.
But this is the world we live in.
Conflict, battle, death, tragedy, always constant, never changing.
Shisui, if you return, what will you do?
If you don’t return, what should I do?
Lost in thought, swinging his kunai, Itachi suddenly turned around to see his father, Fugaku Uchiha, smiling approvingly.
All traces of his worries vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, emotionless mask.
“Father.”
“Hmm,” Fugaku nodded in approval.
“I saw everything. As expected of my most outstanding child, the future of the clan will rest on you.”
Itachi bowed respectfully, his tone steady and formal.
“I will not fail you, Father.”
Fugaku nodded in satisfaction and turned away, reflecting on the scene just witnessed.
Itachi is always burdened with thoughts.
But that’s the price of excellence. Only the truly exceptional encounter such troubling issues as they grow.
The mediocre will never understand.
Grow quickly, Itachi, for the future will be in your hands.
An urgent shout interrupted his thoughts, snapping him back to reality. Looking up, he saw several Uchiha surrounding an Anbu ninja.
“Clan Leader Fugaku, please come to the Hokage’s office immediately for a meeting.”
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