Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 173 Releasing the Caged Bird, the Catalyst for Tobirama's Rescue: Uzumaki Shio (11,000 words long chapter!)

In the Internal Affairs Department of Kirigakure.

Nakamaro's whisper drifted lightly into Kisame's ears.

Although the volume was low, it caused wave after wave of tremors in Kisame's heart—

Are you ok?

How could it possibly get better!

Kisame was excited the moment he returned to Kirigakure.

Because we can see the changes in the village over the past year or so, under the governance of three generations of Mizukage—

After all, Madara Uchiha had given him a huge promise—

But just a few days after returning to the village, Kisame sensed something was wrong.

Unlike Guy, who calls himself the Fierce Beast of Konoha, he truly has the blood of a ferocious beast flowing through his veins and possesses the bloodline of a merman.

Therefore, they have a special intuition in one aspect—

From the numb face of the Hidden Mist ninja, he could smell the foul odor of the uninhabitable environment—

Kisame initially tried to comfort himself, thinking that it might just be necessary labor pains.

But later, wanting to learn more about the village, Kisame, through Nakamaro's machinations, joined the Kirigakure Internal Affairs Department, which was responsible for cleaning up the village.

Kisame initially thought that perhaps his vision and perspective were too narrow, preventing him from understanding the grand plans of the Third Mizukage and Master Genji, and that he was simply misled by the suffering before him.

He was working in the Internal Affairs Department with great enthusiasm.

But over the past three months, his stress has increased exponentially, and his mental state has become increasingly unstable.

If you kill one person, you can say that person was born evil.

Killing ten people could also be seen as a group of opposing forces that were colluding together.

What if we kill a few hundred?

These people are scattered among the various ninja clans of Kirigakure, and they do not collude with each other.

The old conflict between the remnants of Hozuki Gengetsu's forces and the Third Mizukage is constantly being dredged up—

Some were ninjas with bloodline limits, or had slight complaints about the Blood Mist policy, or were simply implicated in personal feuds within ninja clans.

It's obvious to anyone with eyes that the vast majority of these people are still loyal to Wuyin.

The problem is that the situation in the Blood Mist Village is getting worse and worse, and the situation is out of the control of the Third Mizukage.

The Kaguya clan, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and all the major bloodline clans harbored their own ulterior motives, using their names to scheme against each other and eliminate dissidents.

Furthermore, a group of ninjas suffered mental breakdowns under immense pressure, becoming increasingly violent and insane, turning the Village of Blood Mist into a vicious cycle of continuous deterioration.

Recently, Kisame executed a group of Kirigakure ninja who had rebelled against the Third Mizukage.

What shocked him was—

This group of Hidden Mist ninjas also has ties to Konoha!

They were rescued by Konoha from Kusagakure—

They were executed because they were too weak to be captured, which damaged the reputation of Kirigakure in the ninja world!

The ninja code also dictates that it is normal for ninjas who fail to complete their missions to be executed.

One of the more noteworthy charges is...

"To glorify the weak Konoha and denigrate one's own village is an unforgivable crime of espionage!"

One major reason Kisame and the others went to Konoha was that the Kirigakure ninjas sent to pick up the prisoners had been killed, and they came as the second wave.

These Hidden Mist ninjas, who had been in Konoha for three or four months, were under strict control, but they also sensed some differences in Konoha—

Ninjas have very keen observation skills.

The problem is, they didn't have Madara Uchiha disguised as a master to warn them not to speak carelessly. Under the high-pressure environment of the Blood Mist Village, comparisons were inevitable.

Being a prisoner in Konoha is more comfortable than being a ninja in Kirigakure!

Such words were obviously particularly jarring to the Third Mizukage—

It must be dealt with!

"What did those ninjas say wrong? Konoha is exactly as they described it, and what they said wasn't even complete; they only scratched the surface—"

Kisame ignored Nakamaro, turning his palms up and staring intently at his hands with his small eyes, as if he could see the bloodstains on them—

"As a Hidden Mist ninja, I was forced to kill my own comrades from the same village."

"It makes me feel like my existence is meaningless, like a walking corpse immersed in falsehood, not even as good as a fish in the ocean—"

"Fish do not easily prey on each other, and they will huddle together for warmth when faced with a severe cold wave."

"As a ninja, living is painful for me. Where can I find a place where there is only truth and inner peace—"

Kisame spoke calmly, but his body trembled involuntarily.

Nakamaro smiled slightly as he observed Kisame's reaction.

"Exactly the same as Second Uncle's judgment—"

"Stubborn ninjas shouldn't be given a chance to gradually adapt to their environment. We need to make Kisame face the bloodiest side of Kirigakure while he's still fresh from his return from Konoha—"

"As expected, he couldn't hold on any longer!"

Nakamaro spoke softly, "What did you think of the place we were in before?"

"You mean—" Kisame turned around abruptly, but then shook his head: "It's all fake too!"

Nakamaro smiled silently and gestured for Kisame to follow him into the Internal Affairs Department's lounge.

Kisame hesitated for a moment.

He no longer trusted most of his companions in the Hidden Mist Village.

But Nakamaro, Mei Terumi, and Yuki were different; the four of them lived under the same roof in Konoha and spent what could be described as a rather relaxed and enjoyable period of time.

Entering the secret room, Nakamaro gestured with his lip: "Can we use water magic to keep it secret?"

Kisame sighed and began forming hand seals meticulously.

The compressed, thick water walls sealed the lounge completely, ensuring that no sound could escape.

A complex expression flashed through Kisame's mind.

He didn't usually use such refined water-style techniques; he always relied on his abundant chakra and his special physique that allowed him to absorb chakra, relying on brute force to achieve miraculous results.

"I learned this back in Konoha from an old man named Maruboshi Kosuke, even though he was just a genin—"

"But he's really strong, and he's also very kind-hearted—" With the soundproofing around them, Kisame relaxed a bit and whispered to Nakamaro.

"Although he is a genin, he is actually a member of the Konoha committee and a ninja personally trained by the Second Hokage."

Nakamaro shrugged.

Under the tutelage of Hyuga Tenzo, he had already become a "Konoha expert".

They know far more about the key figures in the village and the history of Konoha than they do about Kirigakure.

"Is that so?" Kisame asked, his mood somber.

He then thought of the ninja academy in Konoha—

Compared to the death graduation method of Kirigakure, Konoha's ninja academy is simply a paradise that even genjutsu can hardly create.

Kisame highly doubted whether the genjutsu ninjas of Kirigakure could even imagine such a scene—

"Nakamaro, don't you know that Konoha is actually a fake?"

Kisame stared directly at his comrade, whom he still barely acknowledged in his heart: "Master Yuan said that Konoha's prosperity stemmed from overdrawing its own potential, and it simply cannot be sustained in the long run!"

"Although I dislike him, I have to admit that his analysis makes sense."

Kisame, after all, hadn't read many books, nor had he seen many things—

Madara Uchiha's words were extremely deceptive to him.

After all, most ninjas still find it difficult to understand the relationship between extraordinary goods and the secular economy, and they also lack access to the ins and outs of the "Holy Land Pill" project.

"Where does it make sense?"

Nakamaro chuckled lightly and said calmly, "Let me ask you first. You must have heard about the recent news in the villages about Konoha's weakness, right?"

Kisame nodded, his face grim. "That's an exaggeration. It's like Konoha is about to collapse!"

Although Kirigakure is a closed country, a certain number of caravans still come to visit.

This was specifically permitted by the Third Mizukage.

On the one hand, one needs to obtain information about other hidden villages from Konoha, and on the other hand, one needs to obtain information from another perspective through caravans. Only by cross-referencing the two can one ensure that one does not fall into an information cocoon.

The Third Mizukage's actions were not problematic.

He was, after all, just a shadow.

They understood the danger of relying solely on Konoha as their source of intelligence.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi was a kind-hearted person who was easily bullied, there was still Danzo Shimura around—

Konoha might not pass on all the true information to Kirigakure, so corroboration from other sources is needed.

The problem is that the source of the Third Mizukage's corroboration of Konoha's information, in a sense, also came from a former Konoha ninja, a man named Uchiha Madara—

Thanks to the hard work of Madara and Ah-Huo, a group of elite, intelligent White Zetsu temporarily abandoned some of their surveillance work on the ninja world and instead disguised themselves as a merchant caravan coming to Kirigakure.

It can be described as an artificial Infinite Tsukuyomi!

The information they revealed cleverly misled the judgment of the Third Mizukage, Master Yuan, and others, leaving them stuck at a crossroads where the issue could be interpreted from two sides.

Konoha is indeed very prosperous, but there are always ninjas who worry that it won't last.

"Oh dear, so many members of the Hyuga branch family are active in the village, but I haven't seen any members of the main family!"

The Uchiha clan is incredibly fierce, and they're not just in the police department anymore; they've even started doing missions here—"

The service attitude of the Konoha ninjas is really bad now. If they fail to complete a mission, they only have to pay compensation, and they don't even punish the shinobi who are not doing their job properly. The Hokage doesn't care either!

These details, which allow one to analyze things from small perspectives, gradually coalesced into a tangible network in the minds of the Third Mizukage and the Master of the Yuan Dynasty, carrying their thoughts along a rapid trajectory—

Conclusion: The Konoha leadership has completely lost control over the ninja!

As a result, the Third Mizukage and Genji became even more emboldened.

Even with immense internal pressure, military victories and plunder can easily resolve these sharp contradictions, perfectly proving that the Blood Mist Village's actions were correct!

First, deal sternly with those disobedient ninjas, then use the loyal troops to take a piece of Konoha's juicy flesh to replenish our forces.

This back-and-forth not only made the various factions in the village obedient, but also allowed them to gain something—

"Do you know why the Master and the Third Mizukage promoted themselves so much?"

Nakamaro slowly said, "Naturally, it's to ensure the continuation of Kirigakure's Blood Mist Village! If Konoha develops well, how could Kirigakure, which is essentially the opposite, possibly remain stable?"

"Furthermore, your statement that Konoha's policies are unsustainable is also a result of being deceived by Master Yuan."

Kisame's two small eyes widened instantly!

He wasn't shocked by the feeling of being deceived, but rather by a huge voice suddenly rising in his heart—

There is still hope for the ninja world!

If Konoha isn't a fictional village, then a village where people can work with peace of mind must truly exist!

Upon seeing Kisame's expression, Nakamaro felt an indescribable sense of exhilaration.

He had never used words to frighten any other ninja like this before.

Not to mention a genius like Kisame.

Other ninjas in the past only felt fear when they saw his Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse).

"Is this what it feels like to use your brain?"

Nakamaro carefully considered the feeling, then leisurely said, "Listen carefully, I am about to show you the operating logic of Konoha's economy and social security system!"

Kisame stared at Nakamaro in disbelief.

no--

This sounds like the tone of a research ninja. What's going on?

Is this still the Kaguya clan?!

"Let me tell you, this is how Konoha and the Hokage did it—"

Nakamaro recalled the words of his second uncle, Tenzo, which was a model text that he had read and memorized.

Starting with exchanging "Holy Land Dan" for the stagnant wealth of the nobility, the necessity of small, exquisite industries was highlighted.

Then there's the establishment of the ninja protection system, the practical manifestation of the Will of Fire, Hiruzen Sarutobi's status as the National Shogun and his reconciliation and binding with the nobility, and the intangible measures such as scientific research projects and orphanages—

Each and every one of these things was accomplished by Hyuga Tenzo working tirelessly day and night for Nakamaro over the course of six months.

When Nakamaro finally mastered it, Tenzo sighed with great satisfaction: "Actually, Nakamaro is quite talented, much better than Hiashi. That brat is nowhere near as good as Hiashi, and I had to shamelessly beg the Hokage to find him a job—"

"I wasn't much help with the Japanese errands either—"

"Nakamaro can be considered my most perfect work!"

Kisame listened intently.

When encountering something he didn't understand, he would bluntly interrupt Nakamaro to ask questions, as if he couldn't tolerate any deception or subtle manipulation.

But Nakamaro answered fluently and calmly.

Tianzang had already prepared the standard answers for him; all of this was a case of correctly predicting the answer.

finally.

Kisame let out a long breath, feeling like he was about to cry.

fine--

Although I'm not a Konoha ninja, the ninja world still exists in a village that genuinely treats people well, and isn't completely immersed in that damned falsehood—

As a student from Kirigakure, he was fortunate enough to experience a year of such a time compared to his fellow students.

It's not bad at all.

"Nakamaro, what do you want me to do?"

"You know Konoha so well, you must have seen through Kirigakure's hypocrisy long ago, right? Why didn't you tell me sooner!" Kisame said with a hint of anger.

"Because we are brothers."

Nakamaro stared directly at Kisame: "If I don't let you see this bloodshed, you might gradually get used to it, just like some strong fish can adapt to different water temperatures—"

Only a wake-up call can jolt you out of your illusions.

"If my actions have hurt you, I'm sorry—" Nakamaro said, bowing deeply to Kisame.

This caught Kisame off guard.

The Kaguya clan, bowing and apologizing to others?

It's not that he's ignorant, it's that he's never seen anything like this before in his life!

"Don't--"

Kisame quickly helped Nakamaro up: "I—I know your good intentions! If you didn't consider me a brother, why would you risk this danger to come to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and tell me all this?"

I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you, I'm sorry.

Kisame's face showed a simple and sincere apology.

Nakamaro smiled inwardly, slowly stood up, his face full of helplessness.

Just like Uncle Tianzang's judgment, this guy is an honest man, and speaking his mind is the surest way to kill him.

As for why Tenzo knew Kisame's personality—

This is because a large number of Hyuga clan members who have entered the Anbu can easily obtain information about anyone in the village, provided that the Hokage approves.

Hyuga Tenzo obtained the privilege of monitoring Kisame from Sarutobi Hiruzen, dissecting his personality profile from his every word and action, and making a tailor-made plan.

However, this was not instructed by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hyuga Tenzo really wanted to achieve something!

After all, their son, Rissa, was so successful as a member of the divided family.

As the clan leader and father, if he hadn't achieved anything, even with the title of Konoha committee member, he wouldn't be able to hold his head high.

"So what should we do?"

"The village is so awful; both the Third Mizukage and the Master are rotten to the core!"

"Are you thinking of defecting?" Kisame sighed. "I understand you. If you're going to defect, you can take me with you."

Surprisingly, Nakamaro shook his head.

"No--"

"Or rather, I originally intended to defect, but now I've changed my mind."

"Kisame, do you know who I am?" Nakamaro asked softly.

Kisame looked at him with suspicion: "The strongest genius of the Kaguya clan in thirty years?"

"I guess so."

Nakamaro nodded without any politeness: "Actually, at first, I didn't care much about villages or clans; I just wanted to kill to prove my existence."

.

"Because of the Kaguya clan's bloodline, and also because I have a severe bloodline disease."

"People who subconsciously know they won't live much longer are incapable of thinking long-term."

"But ever since the Hokage's fireside chat, I've become interested in Konoha. I've talked to Uncle Tenzo many times, and he discovered the problem with my body—"

"Uncle Tenzo not only used the secret techniques treasured by the Hyuga clan to heal my injuries with Gentle Fist, but also used his authority as a Konoha committee member to apply for treatment for me."

"I'm much stronger now than before!"

Nakamaro stared directly at Kisame: "So, do you understand now? I am a member of the Kaguya clan, and moreover, I am Kaguya, who is close to the Hyuga clan of Konoha—"

"The Hyuga clan has two Konoha committee members. One of them is Uncle Tenzo, who is the Hokage's strategist."

"The other one is Brother Hizashi—"

Upon hearing this name, the previously arrogant Nakamaro unconsciously lowered his voice, saying with a hint of fear, "That's the Hokage's right-hand man, his most trusted confidant!"

Whether it's the degree of trust the Hokage places in him, or his fighting prowess—

Hizashi's surgery had already been completed before Nakamaro left Konoha.

Nakamaro had witnessed how this Hizashi transformed his arm into a crossbow, using an extremely compressed Storm Release technique to kill an enemy scout from a thousand meters away—

Although the Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse) possesses astonishing defensive and regenerative abilities, Nakamaro thought about it for a long time and realized that if he were to ever face Hizashi, there was a very high chance he would be used as a live target and riddled with arrows.

To put it bluntly, if they really angered Hizashi, even if they broke the rules and killed him outright, Nakamaro didn't think the Hokage would say anything.

"You've been secretly in contact with Konoha all along?"

Kisame frowned deeply.

"certainly--"

"Because I saw the true nature of Kirigakure long ago. If you were like me, with two relatives from Konoha committee members explaining your confusion, would you still be blindly loyal to Kirigakure?"

Nakamaro said confidently.

Kisame was silent for a moment, then shook his head.

He wouldn't either.

He is honest, but not stupid.

If Kirigakure doesn't even consider themselves human, why should I be loyal to the Third Mizukage and Master Genji?

"If you're not going to defect, then what do you want to do?" Kisame asked again, puzzled.

"I want all the Hidden Mist ninjas to live the same lives as the Hidden Leaf ninjas—" Nakamaro's eyes lit up, his ambition and ideals shining through.

"I can run, but what about the others?"

"and--"

"If we join Konoha like this, although we are quite strong, the Konoha ninjas have paid blood taxes for generations to receive such comprehensive protection, which we do not have."

"If we're going to do it, let's do it big! We're still young, we need to be ambitious!"

Kisame's expression brightened: "Go on!"

"Kisame, do you know why the Village of Blood Mist is so terrifying?"

"Because this is the oppression of individuals by organized violence, the collective punishment in the Blood Mist Village makes everyone feel insecure, and the villagers' violent nature makes everyone lack trust in this extreme environment, so they will be defeated one by one."

Nakamaro continued reciting the Heavenly Treasury's key points: "But we are different—"

"You and I share the experience of living together in Konoha, along with Mei Terumi and Yuki. With the four of us forming an alliance based on trust, it will be enough to withstand the storms of the Blood Mist Village."

Nakamaro did not intend to fight the Third Mizukage.

Instead, they aim to form a secret, impenetrable alliance hidden within the fog.

"After all, the Kaguya clan controls the Internal Affairs Department, making them the most powerful ninja clan in Kirigakure on the surface. Add to that the Ice Release clan, the Mei Terumi clan, and you, a candidate for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist—"

"As long as we stick together, we have enough authority and resources to save a group of people from the Third Mizukage and recruit them into our organization."

Kisame frowned and asked, "The idea is good, but even though the Third Mizukage is ruthless, he won't be careless—"

"I'll prove my loyalty to him." Nakamaro revealed a cold smile: "You know, some people in the Kaguya clan are born with their brains corrupted by the desire for battle. They've been blinded by the authority of the Internal Affairs Department and are showing signs of wanting to take control of Kirigakure—"

"These people have no room to fight for themselves, and they cannot be educated."

"I will instigate them to rebel, then kill them, and report back to the Third Mizukage to prove my unwavering loyalty to him!"

Kisame stared at Nakamaro in utter shock.

Isn't this just killing your own people?

But upon closer reflection, he felt the situation was different, because the Kaguya clan's situation was indeed too unique.

There was a small group of Kaguya's clan members who were so extraordinary and inhuman that they purely enjoyed destruction and slaughter, rather than the pleasure derived from battle.

They can't be taught!

Rather than letting them disrupt Nakamaro's rhythm, it's better to make use of them to deceive the Third Mizukage.

"You—"

"Did Committee Member Tenzo teach you this too?" Kisame couldn't help but ask.

"No, this is my own idea." Nakamaro smiled proudly: "Uncle Tenzo is still too kind. The methods he came up with for me are too slow to take effect. I need to combine his wisdom with the current situation of Kirigakure and Kaguya—"

Kisame pondered for a long time and became increasingly convinced that the plan was feasible.

With Nakamaro at the core, sacrificing a portion of the Kaguya clan as capital, and contacting Ice Release, Kaguya, Mei Terumi, and his power, one can become a confidant of the Third Mizukage and rescue some innocent comrades—

This is clearly more meaningful than defection.

"What happens after that? We can't just keep making do like this. Kirigakure needs to change!" Kisame said in a deep voice.

"Given the actions of the Third Mizukage and Genji, the internal pressure on Kirigakure will only increase, and they will inevitably resort to external war to resolve the conflict within two years."

Nakamaro slowly said, "Their current propaganda is that the Village of Blood Mist can cultivate powerful ninjas, so a war is definitely needed to prove it."

Do you think Kirigakure can beat Konoha?

Kisame shook his head subconsciously.

Just those two, Aokiji and Minato Namikaze, combined, would overshadow the entire younger generation of Kirigakure.

Not to mention ninjas of other age groups.

Thinking of this, Nakamaro was also quite moved.

He was very curious as to where the Master and the Third Mizukage had gotten their information—

They actually think the Hokage has lost control of Konoha?

Their intelligence gathering capabilities are absolutely terrible!

Nakamaro felt that even before he learned to read and write, he wouldn't have been this incompetent. He could only conclude that this pair of insects truly deserved to be swept into the trash heap.

"We must understand that even if we can assemble a team, we cannot openly oppose the Third Mizukage."

"Once the war begins, let those radicals fight Konoha. We'll gather our strength on the sidelines. I'll contact Uncle Tenzo when the time comes—"

"Then, with the help of both inside and outside forces, we'll eliminate the Third Mizukage, that traitor, for the Land of Water!"

"From this day forward, the era of Kirigakure has begun!"

Nakamaro declared firmly, "I will have Uncle Tenzo plead on my behalf, so that Konoha and Kirigakure can reach a deep cooperation and form a close and inseparable community of interests—"

Next, Nakamaro explained the specific plan.

It's roughly the same as what Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hanzo said.

They all started with the sacred land of Dan, first appeasing the nobles and then providing work relief, gradually restoring normal order to Kirigakure and the Land of Water, and ensuring that all the ninjas found work.

Of course, this essentially turned the Land of Water and the Hidden Mist Village into a major rear base for Konoha.

But to Kisame, this was already an extraordinary day!

Compared to the Blood Mist Village, the fact that the children can attend the Ninja Academy normally and that the less talented Chunin and Genin can do some basic processing work is an invaluable blessing!

"only--"

"Will the Hokage agree to this move? After all, Kirigakure will attack Konoha—" Kisame said nervously.

In his view, Konoha, which took the initiative to attack Kirigakure, might not be wiped out if it was pushed back, but it was not impossible that it would be subjected to inhumane treatment.

After all, this kind of thing happens far too often among ninjas.

"Therefore, this is why we are necessary—we must help Konoha minimize its losses and win the war against the radical faction in Kirigakure!"

"We need to demonstrate our value so that the Hokage and Konoha will take us seriously—"

Nakamaro said softly, "Kisame, you should know that the Hokage is a man who believes in the Will of Fire—he inherited the peace beliefs of the God of Shinobi, and you should know that too."

"If it were the leader of another hidden village, such as Kumogakure, then we would naturally have to question it. They could very well turn their backs on us and storm into Kirigakure and the Land of Water to burn, kill, and plunder."

"But the Hokage is different; Uncle Tenzo made a promise to me."

"Besides, we have no choice—" Nakamaro stared at Kisame: "Are we just going to stand by and watch the Third Mizukage continue his rampage?"

"It's better to trust the Hokage than to trust the Third Mizukage—"

Kisame closed his eyes.

The memory of Hiruzen Sarutobi's fireside conversation resurfaced in his mind once again.

He was a man who truly practiced the Will of Fire, a disciple of Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, and a well-known kind-hearted person in the ninja world. The example of Kusagakure is right there.

They only killed the radicals who were threatening Konoha; Konoha did not touch the other ninjas and released all the prisoners.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation and fame were not solely due to Hashirama's promotion, but were supported by real-life examples that speak for themselves.

And soon, Amegakure will become the best example of Kirigakure.

"You're right, we have to do something—"

"I'm in! If there's anything you need me to do, just tell me, and I'll cooperate fully," Kisame said in a deep voice, as if he had made up his mind.

Nakamaro nodded in satisfaction.

After the soundproof water barrier was removed, the refreshed Kisame left first.

Nakamaro sat in a chair in the Ministry of Internal Affairs' lounge, deep in thought.

He didn't actually tell Kisame the truth—

Was it for Kirigakure? No, he dreamed of becoming a Konoha ninja!

But a mere ordinary Konoha ninja is not what Nakamaro wants.

He hoped to become a ninja with a certain status in Konoha, and his ideal was to become a Konoha committee member like Hyuga Tenzo. He also wore clothes with the pattern of the Hokage's robe!

But Nakamaro knew that to reach that point, he would have to make an extraordinary contribution to the village—

Kirigakure is his asset!

"Uncle Tenzo said that Konoha had no intention of annexing Kirigakure, because educating and managing these ninjas would be a huge cost, and an attempt to annex them from the outset would only lead to resistance—"

"The best approach is to have a proxy gradually assimilate and improve the quality of the Hidden Mist ninja to Konoha standards."

"And I will become that proxy! I will hold onto this credit tightly—"

This is a classic system dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties, known as the "tributary prefecture and state system".

This was also the general tone set after discussions between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tenzo.

There's no need to get fat overnight, or you'll suffer from indigestion later.

We still need to take things one step at a time, steadily and solidly.

Nakamaro slowly stood up.

He was thinking—

If Uncle Tenzo could become a member of the Konoha Committee, then it's not impossible for me, who inherited his will, to do the same!

"The Hokage is amazing—" Nakamaro looked towards Konoha.

Hyuga Tenzo had almost perfectly predicted Kisame's reaction and the situation in Kirigakure, fully demonstrating the judgment of a thousand-year-old clan leader.

but--

After returning to the Kaguya clan, Nakamaro read through the letters that the Hyuga clan had sent him before, and discovered something that shocked him.

The original Hyuga did not seem to be loyal to Konoha; he was more like someone who obeyed orders but not commands.

But in just four or five years, it has become what it is today—

"Even Uncle Tenzo couldn't possibly stand a chance against the Hokage?"

"Fortunately, the Hokage is a kind-hearted person. If he had a personality like the Third Mizukage, he would have brought the most terrifying disaster to Konoha and even the ninja world."

Nakamaro thought to himself with a sigh.

Meanwhile, a White Zetsu yawned while hiding underground in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Its command was to monitor changes within the Fog Concealment—

But this White Zetsu didn't expect that Nakamaro and Kisame seemed different from other Kirigakure ninjas; they were so cautious, even using soundproofing—

"Fine, if I can't hear it, I can't hear it—"

"Ban and Ah Huo have been having so much fun filming lately, they haven't even included me!"

This white zeolite was sulking and went on strike.

In Konoha.

Just as Nakamaro was pondering the original relationship between Hyuga and the Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also came to visit the Hyuga clan.

"Don't be shy, Ritsu—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a sip of tea and laughed heartily, "And Takashi, what's going on with you two? We just came here to chat about everyday things—"

In the Hyuga clan's patriarch's reception room.

Tenzo sat directly opposite Hiruzen Sarutobi, while the two main family members, Takashi Hyuga and Hiashi, sat somewhat restrained to the side.

"Thank you for coming in person, Hokage-sama!"

Tianzang, beaming, said, "Look, you even brought a gift! I'm so embarrassed!"

"The snacks your sister-in-law makes are alright, though."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand: "They're all family!"

Does Hyuga Tenzo need money?

He wouldn't mind having too much, but it's not something he absolutely needs.

As the head of the Hyuga clan, Hizashi, as a member of a branch family, challenged his authority. Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi later tried to make amends, his dignity was still challenged.

Therefore, what he lacks most right now is something that can enhance his prestige within the clan.

The vast majority of Hijiri's energy comes from the support of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Now, the Hokage is giving Tenzo some small, heartfelt gifts that are full of warmth and affection.

The items were cheap, but that only proved he was one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's men.

As expected, Hiashi and Hyuga Takashi's expressions changed slightly as soon as Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking.

So it turns out that my father and clan leader also have the Hokage's deep trust?

"I will definitely savor your cooking!" Tianzang laughed heartily; this address truly touched his heart.

Now in Konoha—

Who wouldn't want to be like Hanzo and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, able to call Hiruzen Sarutobi "big brother" in private?

Mentioning this casually in public is quite prestigious—

Tianzang could already imagine the look of surprise and envy on Yixin's face when he casually mentioned this matter during their walk together—

"I'm here today for two reasons: first, to see Tianzang, and second, to discuss matters related to the clan's work."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "Takashi, you've been waiting impatiently, haven't you?"

Hyuga Takashi smiled憨厚ly: "No rush, but I really want to serve the Hokage as soon as possible!"

The Japanese team nodded repeatedly.

"You probably already know about the cooperation between the village and Amegakure—" Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then took the cigarette from Tenzo Hyuga.

She's quite sensible.

Tenzo lit a fire for Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the Hokage patted his hand in thanks before exhaling a puff of smoke and continuing, "As for Amegakure, they lack the ability to handle noble affairs properly—"

"My idea is that the Hyuga main family is specifically responsible for the village's dealings with external nobles. You are a thousand-year-old powerful clan, and because of the hierarchical mechanism of the main family and branch families, the nobles are naturally close to you—"

Hyuga Takashi and Hiashi exchanged a glance, both of them very excited.

With such a hidden gem before them, they knew that diplomacy was no small matter.

Furthermore, Tianzang and the others had discussed this beforehand. One aspect was securing more money for the village by winning over the nobles of the Rain Kingdom; the more important aspect was laying the legal foundation for integrating with the Rain Kingdom.

This is absolutely a great achievement, and it's an unprecedented mission in the history of ninja missions!

"Thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama. Hyuga will do his utmost!"

Hyuga Takakazu and Hiashi said in unison.

"Don't thank me yet, there's a problem we need to discuss together—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his cigarette: "It's about the Caged Bird Seal."

Tianzang's heart tightened.

He had a premonition when Hiruzen Sarutobi mentioned that the Hyuga's social hierarchy was similar to that of the nobility—

"The Caged Bird Technique—the original intention of this technique is good. The Byakugan's unique nature makes it coveted by ninjas from other hidden villages. It protects and safeguards Konoha's strategic resources—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke, looking at Tenzo, Takakasa, and Hiashi one by one: "But this technique is fatal to the branch family."

"If you want to go out of the village to do diplomacy, you will inevitably come into contact with all kinds of ninjas—as you know, if an accident happens, you can read the information from the brain of a ninja's corpse."

"If the method for activating the Caged Bird Technique were to become known to others, it would be a catastrophic blow to the Hyuga branch family, and to the village as well—"

Tianzang instinctively wanted to explain, but after opening his mouth, he could only give up.

A caged bird needs the whites of its eyes to be motivated.

But the problem is, why can't someone just transplant white eyes?

No one can guarantee that—

Hyuga Takashi and Hiashi felt a chill run down their spines; they knew it was true—

"Of course, I'm not saying we should abolish the Caged Bird Technique. The village has always supported the protection of bloodline limits—"

"I, as the Hokage, don't want to interfere with how the Hyuga clan distinguishes between the main family and the branch family—but the problem is that the main family members who go out of the village to work cannot have the triggering method of the Caged Bird Seal in their memories."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said, "Furthermore, although the clan has its rules, the village's rules should be followed as the main principle. Using vigilante justice is a rather outdated practice. What do you think, Tenzo?"

"That's right!" Tenzo quickly chimed in, "Hokage-sama, I fully support you!"

Tianzang keenly detected the scent of the hat—

Clan rules supersede village rules, and a caged bird decides life and death to create a system of personal dependence?

What are you trying to do?!

Tenzo had no doubt that if Danzo were here, he would have already raised his voice to shout—

In fact, Danzo had done this before, and it had once left him drenched in sweat—

Furthermore, with a large number of Hyuga clan members now joining the Anbu ranks, the Caged Bird Technique can no longer be used on clan members directly under the Hokage.

That would be utterly suicidal.

"There's a mindset involved here; working for the head of the family requires using your brain—"

"Contact with nobles does not require frontline fighting."

"As for Amegakure, since the village sent people to provide guidance, Hanzo will pay a considerable reward, and the village won't take a cut of that money—"

"The benchmark is based on the price of the sacred Dan of the Land of Fire. One-third of the profit exceeding the price will be given as a sales commission as a reward to the head family."

Hyuga Tenzo exclaimed in surprise, "You mustn't do that, Hokage-sama!"

This amount of money is not a large sum for the village, but it is considerable for the clan.

"The remaining two-thirds will be used for charitable causes, and the Hyuga clan will be responsible for implementing them."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Take good care of the clansmen at the front lines, and think more about what they lack or need. This way, the main family and the branch family will naturally get along better, and the conflicts between you will be greatly reduced."

Hyuga Tenzo felt he understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's thinking.

Is this an attempt to help the Zong family transform its business?

Leveraging the Hyuga clan's millennia-old reputation as a powerful family, they facilitated connections between diplomatic experts and nobles.

For the branch family members fighting on the front lines and striving for the future of the family, their logistical support and future arrangements are fully secured, and they are given timely comfort and assistance.

There's really no other choice.

At the heart of all this lies Hiruzen Sarutobi's generosity—

Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed Tenzo Hyuga's expression and smiled without saying a word.

He could vaguely understand Tianzang's thoughts—

A good job is something everyone wants to hold onto forever, but that's not good for Konoha.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not intend to discuss these matters with Tenzo today; he was merely there to establish a framework.

Once the general policy of abolishing caged bird lynching is established, everything else will be easier to discuss, and Tianzang will have no room for wishful thinking.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"

Hyuga Tenzo said with heartfelt admiration, "I hereby order that the punishment of the Caged Bird Technique be abolished in the Hyuga clan from this day forward. No head family member may use it without the village's order; it shall only be used to protect the Byakugan."

"As for their memories of caged birds—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and continued, "Besides the food your sister-in-law made, I also included a secret technique provided by the mountain clan. You should be able to learn it."

Tianzang's mind finally calmed down.

He was truly worried about letting others know about the caged bird, not even the mountain tribe—

Doing it yourself is a different story!

"Everything will be as you wish!"

Hyuga Tenzo reiterated his assurance.

"Alright, I won't sit down. Tenzo, you and Takashi and Hiashi should talk more. You need to go to the Land of Rain as soon as possible. The ninja reorganization on Hanzo's side is almost complete, and we need to contact the nobles soon."

Hiruzen Sarutobi got up, and Tenzo escorted him to the door.

Tianzang couldn't help but think—

When will we find an opportunity to call Hiruzen Sarutobi "big brother" in private, to further strengthen our relationship?

We can't let Hanzo and the Daimyo have this good fortune all by themselves!

On the other side of the leaf.

Another family with eye techniques on par with the Hyuga, the Uchiha, has now completed its experiment with "Aoshui," the most talented young ninja.

With Orochimaru's help, they successfully developed a specific parasite that cleanses blood toxins.

and so--

It's time to treat Tomie Uchiha's illness!

Tobirama left the research department to determine the final ingredient for the medicine—

Uzumaki Shi!

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