Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 216 The Bond Between Obito and Madara, Konoha's New Territory and Future Plans (10,000-word Chapter)

Recently.

Inspired by Ah-Huo, Obito's efforts reached a new level.

And his goal has evolved from "wanting to become Hokage" to "sharing the burdens of the Hokage."

Simply saying you want to be Hokage shows a narrow-minded perspective.

We must take a long-term view and think about problems from the perspective of Konoha, like a Hokage!

Obito wholeheartedly agreed, because his idol in the clan, Fugaku, often said, "My son will think like a Hokage in the future, after all, he was raised by Aozumi!"

What he really meant was to try and bleed some blood from Aoisui, but Fugaku just stumbled upon it by accident—

According to Ah-Huo's interpretation, as Konoha grew stronger, its requirements for the Hokage became increasingly demanding, reaching a very strict level.

That's not hard to understand.

Because Konoha is now essentially the main body, Kirigakure, and half of Sunagakure, and also holds the position of Grand General of the Fire and Water Kingdoms, it cannot relax its infiltration and management of nobles from other countries.

Although you don't have to do everything yourself, these are still points that need attention within the scope of your work.

Strength, connections, and vision—

Unlike previous ninja leaders, the current Hokage has entirely new requirements in terms of "economics," "culture," and "top-level design," and must possess comprehensive abilities.

This is an inevitable requirement arising from the massive internal distribution of interests and changes in the external environment.

Interestingly, after Hiruzen Sarutobi made arrangements for the new situation, the question of who will be the next Hokage of Konoha has become a hot topic in the Mountain Graveyard.

The six shadows huddled together, and from time to time they would discuss this serious issue.

After hearing about it many times, Madara Uchiha also became concerned about this issue and fell into deep thought.

This is indeed a big deal!

The influence of a Hokage on a village is enormous.

The difference between "Hiruzen", "Hashirama" and "Tobirama Senju" is as big as that!

It must be carefully selected.

This day.

Obito, who finally got another half-day off, was busy washing Madara Uchiha's clothes, cleaning his ninja tools, and grilling meat when he overheard the old Sengoku men next door starting to talk—

Even the scorpions that came to visit their parents were there.

The Monster Association is unusually full today!

Madara Uchiha glanced at Obito, who had been training very hard lately and was also handling housework and making people laugh, and nodded slightly without even realizing it.

That's interesting!

It has a bit of the feel of Izuna from back then!

As a lonely old man, even though Madara Uchiha's body has become younger—

But the strong inertia of decades of seclusion has not changed, and there is an innate fondness for a young person who takes care of oneself.

Moreover, thanks to Ah-Huo's mediation, Obito's initial statement of "opposing Tobirama and supporting the clan head" laid a good foundation for their relationship.

Even if Madara didn't say it, Obito was definitely more than just a simple pawn in his heart.

As for its specific positioning—

Even Ban himself couldn't explain it.

"Obito, come here." Madara Uchiha coughed lightly.

Obito paused, put down the mop, and flashed a wide smile: "Clan leader, you wanted to see me! What are your instructions—"

At the beginning, Obito, who was still a boy, had some complaints about his intense training.

Such intensity is indeed a torment for both a person's body and mind.

Each sparring partner was several ranks higher than him, and the blow was all-encompassing.

But Ah-Huo became Obito's pillar of support, helping him persevere.

If you want to become a star, you have to endure hardship! Do you know how valuable the resources you have are?

Throughout the entire ninja world, no one has had such an opportunity as you!

Six Kage-level masters will train with you, covering everything from taijutsu and sensory perception to sealing techniques and ninjutsu. Plus, there's the legendary clan head, a phenomenal figure—"

Whether it's the Hokage, the clan head, or Hashirama, who had this opportunity when they were young?

Not to mention that your body was made from the essence of the divine tree. A small portion of Afei's body was given to you, but the clan leader was too lazy to say it. Do you really think your own body can withstand such a training intensity?

Don't think about a slow and steady approach. True geniuses experience bursts of brilliance in stages. One year of training here is equivalent to thirty years outside! It's enough to benefit you for a lifetime—”

If you don't want to practice anymore, tell Madara right away so as not to waste each other's time!

The clan head chose you, a young and fortunate person, because he knew that after the Hokage stepped down, the vast Konoha needed a member of the Uchiha clan who was loyal to the village and had a pure Will of Fire.

This instantly elevated Obito's understanding to several levels—

Yes, isn't that right?

Obito immediately thought of Kakashi.

Obito once greatly envied Kakashi for having the famous father, Sakumo Hatake.

Having strong sparring partners since childhood has saved me from many detours in my cultivation.

He was just an orphan, and even though the Konoha Ninja Academy had abundant resources, he was still too low in rank.

If Obito were to return to Konoha and tell Kakashi about his former sparring partners, he couldn't even imagine how abstract the cold-faced kid's expression would become—

They must have thought it was just them bragging!

Furthermore, even Asuma, the Hokage's son and classmate, only had Hiruko and Kakuzu as his teachers, which is completely incomparable to Obito's current resources.

Or rather, in the past thousand years of the ninja world, apart from Ashura and Indra, no one has been able to compare with him!

So Obito understood.

From this perspective, any way of serving the clan leader is reasonable!

One must willingly and sincerely humble oneself to the extreme.

Under Ah-Huo's design, Madara, who embodies the quintessential Uchiha stereotype, inevitably develops a higher regard for this humble, studious, persistent, and flattering junior.

This is a virtuous cycle!

"Have you mastered Wood Release?" Madara Uchiha examined Obito's body with his Rinnegan, noting that the synthesis with Hashirama's cells was quite perfect.

To be fair, this is an extraordinary talent.

Just like how he fused with Hashirama's cells, his rough suturing method would have caused anyone else to either explode or die, let alone obtain the power within.

Tobi's limbs are not something ordinary people can bear, which is why Konoha's research on Hashirama's cells has been moving towards "reducing the intensity to achieve universality".

"I got it! I got it!"

Obito chuckled, his smile simple and even a little silly: "Clan Head, you taught me in great detail. Just feel Hashirama-sama's power, and then release it with your chakra—"

At that moment, Ah Huo also rushed back from Konoha, covered in dust.

As the only White Zetsu currently able to roam freely in Konoha without being perceived as malicious, Ah-Huo regularly goes to the Konoha bulletin board to copy new policies and compiles them into briefings for Madara and other organization members.

Madara Uchiha could certainly try to control the White Zetsu himself, but that would be too undignified—

It makes it seem like outsiders are spying on us!

Through his own efforts, Ah Huo enabled Ban to have a sense of participation in village affairs.

Keep this sensitive old man calm and prevent him from overreacting and getting stuck on a fuss.

Upon witnessing this scene, Ah Huo blinked and quietly observed from the sidelines.

"You've mastered it? Show me!" Madara was slightly doubtful. He had actually mastered Hashirama's power, and it had taken him quite a bit of effort back then.

Of course, after awakening the Rinnegan, he became very proficient in Wood Release.

"Yes, clan leader!" Obito nodded obediently, channeling his chakra: "Wood Release: Wood Spike Technique!"

Obito clasped his hands together, his gaze fixed solemnly on the humanoid target in the distance, a tree branch with immense vitality sprouting from his palm—

Madara Uchiha was somewhat surprised.

He never taught Obito this technique; this was Obito's own development of Wood Release.

However, Obito's eyes lit up with joy as he realized the release had gone smoothly.

But the branch that should have become a javelin withered at that moment, turning into a crooked willow branch—

Obito's expression instantly turned awkward, and he stared blankly at Madara, stammering, "Um, um—"

Madara Uchiha's gaze was subtle, as if he were looking at an idiot.

Ah Huo held his forehead and sighed.

In fact, being able to master the variations of Wood Release in such a short time is already quite remarkable.

However, the unexpected nature of Obito created a unique atmosphere that turned what should have been a genius performance and scene into something rather comical.

It's hard to judge.

Madara Uchiha was about to speak, preparing to unleash his Warring States-style oppressive education from his comfort zone, when a thought struck him. He noticed Ho looking thoughtful to the side: "You're back, Ho?"

"You're back, Lord Madara—"

Ah-Huo, carrying two stacks of documents, jogged up to Uchiha Madara and handed one of the documents to the chairman of the Sengoku Monster Association.

Madara Uchiha was taken aback. Why was he only given half?

Ah Huo, understanding perfectly, explained, "Lord Ban, your copy is an optimized version with a mind map. I thought your time was valuable, so I made a table of contents to make it easier for you to view the original document—"

"The remaining backups are for the other people in the organization. They don't have much to do all day, so they can just take a look. Besides, they're all people who have nothing to do with Konoha—"

Madara Uchiha gave an "oh" and cleared his throat: "Hmm, not bad."

But deep down he was quite satisfied!

Compared to his so-called clone Black Zetsu, who only ever hides in the shadows and wastes his days, Ah Huo, this rising star, is actually quite useful.

Ah-Huo keenly noticed Madara's reaction and couldn't help but think to himself, "Konoha is still the most advanced!"

The idea of ​​this service area wasn't actually Ah Huo's own.

Rather, it comprehended Hiruzen Sarutobi's training journey and understood a principle.

By following in the footsteps of those who came before us and learning from those who succeeded, the cost of trial and error can be greatly reduced.

"In the early days of the Hokage, he was known as the 'Professor of Ninjutsu,' but unlike Tobirama Senju, he didn't expend a lot of energy creating all sorts of complicated and unskilled ninjutsu. Instead, he laid a solid foundation—"

"Whether it's Lightning Release Chakra Mode, Boil Release, Lava Release, or the Myriad Seals of Body Sealing," these are all mature techniques verified by predecessors, refined over decades before the emergence of Spirit Release."

Ah Huo looked at the few pixels of Madara's smile and thought to himself, "I have no talent for cultivation, but the Hokage once said that if you understand one thing, you understand everything. Different work thinking models have commonalities—"

"So for me, as a secretary," I should first study Committee Member Hiruko, and then thoroughly understand how Hyuga Tenzo and Uchiha Isshin treat the Hokage—"

"Only after thoroughly understanding these three people can I confidently say that I possess certain professional skills."

During the days of hiding in Konoha.

Ah-Huo not only copied the bulletin board, but also listened to a lot of speeches given by Uchiha Isshin and Hyuga Tenzo within their clans and by the Konoha Police Department.

An interpretation of the village system.

Ah Huo went to great lengths to infiltrate the secret service, enduring hardships that can be described as a process of enduring hardship and biding his time.

Often, it would take hours to move even a few steps underground before finally obtaining one or two work reports, which I would then carefully study for their format.

Ah-Huo is trying to find Obito's future role.

And naturally, one must also find a place for oneself in the future.

Its vision for itself is similar to that of the administrative department work of "Koharu Utatane" and "Homura Mitokado".

Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of communication between higher and lower levels, promoting smoother organizational operation, and avoiding meaningless internal friction.

"Hmm, how would you rate Obito's Wood Release?"

Madara Uchiha flipped through a few pages, only to find that he couldn't quite understand them.

But as Izuna said, don't make a sound when you don't understand.

Instead of speaking, Madara Uchiha waited for others to analyze the situation before speaking, and instead passed the conversation to Ho.

The clan chief gradually rediscovered the feeling he had when he was in the clan.

Madara Uchiha had no choice but to admit it.

In terms of village system building, Hiruzen, his successor to the will of his youth, might be slightly more adept than himself.

"Obito, try again, you can do it!"

Ah-Huo loudly encouraged Obito: "Don't be discouraged by a small matter. Don't forget that the clan leader ignored the doubts of ignorant people about when he opened his Sharingan and laid a solid foundation step by step."

"Although you cannot compare to the Great Clan Chief's talent, you must learn from his spirit!"

Madara Uchiha nodded slightly as he listened.

Ah Huo always knows how to give examples—

"Yes, Chief Clan Head, Mr. Ah Huo!"

Because of Ah-Huo's presence, Madara Uchiha's sarcastic provocation was interpreted as a silent, encouraging form of education, even before he uttered it.

Obito's expression brightened as he once again sensed the Tobi cells and chakra within his body.

This time, the Wood Release: Wood Splintering Technique was used once again.

From his palm, a javelin-like branch shot out swiftly, piercing through the human-shaped target deep within the cave, and exploding inside the target upon reaching its depths!

Its power is quite remarkable.

"Not bad at all—" Madara Uchiha finally said something nice: "Although there is a gap between you and me when I was young, you still have some ability. Your talent in the Sharingan is average, so using Wood Release to make up for it is a viable option."

"I wasn't even interested in Wood Release when I was young, but I can't hold you to my standards—"

"Things are different now than in the Warring States period. Uchiha clan ninjas can't rely solely on bloodline power anymore. You should rest today and listen to what's been happening in Konoha lately—"

Obito nodded repeatedly, "Thank you, Clan Chief!"

Madara Uchiha chuckled: "Kid, don't thank me too soon. Fate's gifts always come with a price—"

"In any case, I am very grateful to you, Patriarch."

Obito looked at Madara Uchiha with unusual sincerity in his eyes: "You are a good person. If it weren't for you, Kakashi, Rin, and I would all be dead on the battlefield."

"You're exactly as described in the ninja academy's textbooks, although your methods—well—are different from others, but it's definitely for the good of the village, your comrades, and your clan!"

Madara Uchiha felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this and turned his head away: "Kid, that's enough. I don't need your flattery. I've never needed to explain my actions to anyone."

Obito chuckled, "Of course, of course! You're always right—"

Although Obito wasn't as smart as Akane.

However, having made up his mind to become Hokage and relieve Hiruzen Sarutobi's burdens, he has decided to do things in the style that Ah-Huo had tailored for him.

As for Madara, ignore what he says, just treat him like any other strange old man from Konoha, showering him with praise and emotional support.

Why are you talking to an old man?

Obey him!

Madara Uchiha couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth into a smile.

Seeing Ban's reaction, Ah Huo felt much more at ease.

The problem is more than half solved!

With the relationship between Madara and Obito developing in this way, it can then conveniently offer some suggestions regarding Madara's plan to provoke Obito.

To avoid leaving an irreparable rift between the two sides, we should proceed in a controlled manner.

Ah-Huo realized that, given Madara's awkward and eccentric personality, he couldn't imagine how strange the relationship between him and Obito would have developed if Ah-Huo hadn't intervened.

In fact, Ah Huo's guess was quite accurate.

Without its involvement, future conversations between these two would become incredibly difficult, perhaps even reaching the bizarre level between the reincarnations of Indra and Asura.

Ban, I've never considered you a companion.

"Yes, that would be best."

"Ban, what am I to you?"

To me, you are nothing but a freckle.

It can only be said that among all the great bonds in Konoha, the Uchiha clan is the most terrifying one.

Black Zetsu, hidden in the shadows, silently watched this scene.

At the very beginning of the conversation, it was internally complaining about Madara Uchiha's antics!

When you were young, you longed to possess Wood Release, but your physical condition wasn't up to par, and you lacked the necessary knowledge.

If you hadn't altered the stone tablet, would you have been able to awaken the Rinnegan in this lifetime?

But upon hearing the rest, Black Zetsu became focused.

The combined offensive of Ah-Huo and Obito was indeed much more effective than the thousand-year deception of Indra!

It was entirely integrated into the atmosphere and character design that even managed to soften the attitude of someone as stubborn as Madara.

"I underestimated the heroes of the world—"

"A low-grade White Zetsu from the Divine Tree has actually reached this level through learning—"

"I can't be arrogant anymore! It seems like I haven't made any progress in a long time—"

Black Zetsu realized a problem.

Objectively speaking, its mother, Princess Kaguya, also had some issues with her personality; she was somewhat inept at leadership and lacked combat awareness.

There is some knowledge about Black Zetsu.

If Kaguya didn't rely on overwhelming numerical superiority, her combat skills might not even be as good as Obito's.

"The Infinite Tsukuyomi has actually been shelved by Madara, so even if Mother is resurrected, she will most likely only be able to rely on Hiruzen Sarutobi to train according to the stone tablet!"

"Let his body serve as a degraded version of the Gedo Mazo, using a small amount of chakra from the nine tailed beasts as a catalyst, so that his mother's will descend upon his body—"

"But this is far from being at its peak. Given Mother's fighting skills, the probability of problems arising is actually quite high if we consider some unforeseen factors."

Black Zetsu thought to himself with deep concern.

First is the Sage of Six Paths—

The thought of the Sage of Six Paths gave Black Zetsu a headache.

His older brother, Kaguya's rebellious son, has displayed a talent that can be described as "atavistic"!

The two of them, Hamura and I, were actually able to seal Kaguya, who had eaten the complete chakra fruit of the ninja world—

His self-created sealing technique even allows him to fight opponents of higher levels.

The Impure World Reincarnation technique used by Tobirama Senju, combined with Madara Uchiha's repeated use of it—

It also made Black Zetsu realize that this was a "pure land" within the ninja world, seemingly having absorbed the souls of all ninjas—

Not only special Asuras and Indras, but all other ninjas were also accepted.

Such a venue clearly has a powerful force behind it.

"The so-called Pure Land is probably just a chakra recovery technique that Hagoromo imitated based on the Divine Tree—"

"He had already experimented with the Box of Bliss, so he had a foundation. He also became the complete Ten-Tails Jinchuriki. The souls of thousands of dead people in the ninja world gathered in his hands. His power must be terrifying!"

"This bastard might be able to create a Six Paths level fighter—"

"I have to face reality and learn from those two inferior creatures, Ah-Huo and Obito. I can give up on Madara now. What I need to think about now is persuading my mother to do things according to my plan—"

"Otherwise you'll suffer!"

Black Zetsu abandoned his indifferent attitude, preparing to lower his head and humbly ask Ho about what he had learned in Konoha, intending to use it on Kaguya—

Madara Uchiha flipped through the documents in his hand again, his brow furrowing.

What happened?

I still don't understand!

"Ah-Huo, take this to the neighbors for a look. After all, they are all powerful figures from the Warring States period. You can discuss it with them, and Obito can go over and learn as well—"

"Alright, Lord Madara!" Ah-Huo's heart stirred.

Understood--

It's likely that Lord Madara himself didn't quite understand it, so he had the think tank next door analyze it.

Obito and Ah-Huo arrived next door.

Madara Uchiha breathed a slight sigh of relief.

He had actually been a little afraid of Obito, who was like a puppy. If he were to ask about Konoha's current policies, how would he answer?

Always putting on a cold face won't work; Madara Uchiha understood this much.

Fortunately, he now has Ah-Huo and those former "Kage" ninjas to help him understand—

"Come, everyone, take a look at the freshly baked Konoha briefing—"

Ah Huo greeted him with a beaming smile, "Yo, Brother Scorpion is here too? Long time no see, I've missed you! How have you been in Sunagakure lately? I saw that Loulan has broken out of the area, the situation in your village isn't very stable—"

"Have you thought about how to deal with the Third Kazekage and Rasa?"

Scorpion had just finished chatting with his parents, and couldn't stop smiling as he said, "No, Mr. Ah Huo, do you have any insights?"

He never really cared about Sunagakure; he just brushed it off.

Even if the Third Kazekage hadn't been crippled by Hanzo, according to Sasori's plan, they would have found an opportunity to eliminate him!

"This is my weakness. Do the Tsuchikage and Raikage have any good suggestions?" Ah-Huo turned to look at Mu and the Second Raikage, the only two people among the six Kage who had any brains.

The reason for asking this question is that Raikage and Muto had privately contacted Ah-Huo.

It means, could you please lend a hand out of consideration for fate, and say a good word for them to Tobirama-sama, so that Kumogakure and Iwagakure don't end up like Kirigakure next door? That would be too ugly.

Both Mu and the Second Raikage now have no doubt about Tobirama Senju's power.

Because of the sheer number of those six and their formidable White Zetsu intelligence network, no village other than Konoha could possibly withstand them.

If they want Ah Huo to speak up for them, then they naturally have to do things for Konoha.

"That's easy—"

A glint flashed in the Second Raikage's eyes: "I suggest that Sasori, upon returning, have the Third Kazekage repent and apologize in front of the Sand Village ninjas, stirring up everyone's emotions—"

"Don't you know how to use poison? While the Sand Village ninjas are throwing stones and spitting at this peace-breaker, just let him die suddenly in fear as he confesses his sins. It'll be a good way to make use of him."

"In that case, he'll be like Kiritori, forever unable to rise again after he dies."

"As for Rasa—"

The Second Tsuchikage picked up where the Raikage left off, saying enthusiastically, "There's no need to kill him. He has a talent for gold mining, and his gold reserves are invaluable."

"I've read his intelligence; he values ​​his wife and children quite a bit. Sending his family to Konoha as hostages, and then having him mine for gold while writing a public confession would be the best course of action—"

"As for the other hawks, I think most of them are pretty much dead. You just need to find a few typical examples. For instance, when Feng Ying repents, there will definitely be some stubborn people who will speak out against it—"

After witnessing that Hiruzen Sarutobi could even block Dust Release, Mu completely lost the will to fight.

Calling Hiruzen Sarutobi a "demigod of the ninja world" is no longer considered excessive flattery.

Hozuki Gengetsu burst into laughter.

Although he was very unhappy about being caught and brought back, he felt quite superior looking at Wu at this moment, and it didn't feel so bad.

Oh my—

This person is in such a hurry!

Why?

So hard to guess—

With a dark expression, he ignored Hozuki Gengetsu's shrill laughter, feeling that it was very unfair.

From a results-oriented perspective, the worst-ever Shadow Mist Takeover in history seems to have inadvertently led the village onto the right path!

Where can I go to seek justice?

"I suggest you offer more compensation, both in terms of techniques and gold. First, sincerely demonstrate your utmost sincerity and try to establish some economic ties with Konoha."

Hozuki Gengetsu said leisurely, "I've been there, and I know that cooperating with Konoha won't hurt you. As long as Hiruzen Sarutobi is still Hokage, I think win-win cooperation will be the norm."

"He is a truly kind and honest person."

Wu glanced at Hozuki Gengetsu and curled his lip.

The lazy, winning dog is causing a ruckus!

"I see--"

Sasori carefully noted down the ideas of the various Kage, intending to make the Third Kazekage's death more meaningful when he returned.

Then make sure everything is arranged clearly for Luo Sha.

As for negotiations with Konoha, he could simply give them the green light all the way, leaving the actual work to Yekura and Chiyo.

He's busy researching puppetry!

These days, Chiyo has been very proud of her grandson's "Kazekage thinking".

He accurately assessed the situation before the battle even began, and didn't follow the Third Kazekage's mistake.

What the old lady didn't know was that Scorpion mainly played the role of a puppet in this matter, and was too lazy to think for himself.

Just entrust it to Ah Huo and these shadows, that's all.

"Let's take a look at Konoha's latest policies—"

The Second Raikage shook his head, and the others picked up the intelligence report and began to read it.

Madara Uchiha, standing to the side, began reading in sync, awaiting the explanations and discussions of the others.

The initial map is a territory with Kirigakure and Amegakure as its two wings, Loulan as a newly developed area, and Konoha as its absolute core.

After this war, the neutral Loulan was incorporated into Konoha, but its treatment was slightly worse than that of Amegakure, which had paid the blood tax.

Amegakure enjoys 80% of the treatment afforded to Konoha ninjas.

Like Nagato, meritorious ninjas in Amegakure enjoyed official Konoha membership.

It is worth noting that, through the impetus of the war, Hiruzen Sarutobi managed to have all the ninjas of Amegakure kept in Konoha with detailed files.

Although it hasn't been officially and completely merged into Konoha, it's practically already a village.

As for Kirigakure, since the Third Mizukage ultimately broke the alliance and Kirigakure still took the initiative to start a war, they could not enjoy the same level of integration as Amegakure.

Files for all the ninjas of Kirigakure were also created.

However, in terms of treatment, the focus should first be on its own economic cycle. After repaying the war reparations to Konoha, integrated construction will be carried out, starting with 50%.

During this period.

Hiruzen Sarutobi made it clear that Iwagakure and Kumogakure would serve as training grounds, and Konoha would shift from a defensive to an offensive posture.

The emphasis was on "limited and controllable warfare" to train the basic qualities of Konoha ninjas with minimal casualties over a period of two years.

What they want isn't land; Konoha is already well-fed.

The immediate priority is to capitalize on these benefits, as there are no spare personnel to deal with the Land of Earth and the Land of Lightning.

Furthermore, the lack of sufficient legal basis makes the governance costs of such attacks extremely high.

The Hidden Mist ninjas will be integrated into Konoha's squads along with the Hidden Rain ninjas, further eliminating their differences and building a sense of belonging amidst the flames of war.

"Still as steady as ever."

Wu sighed: "The core benefits and sense of superiority for Konoha ninjas, the further integration of Amegakure, and the promises made to Kirigakure have all been taken care of—"

"A tiered system was established to ensure that Konoha always maintained a developmental gap with Amegakure, Rouran, and Kirigakure, preserving its absolute core status while ensuring the continuous improvement of their respective living standards—"

"At this rate, all the ninjas in the world will eventually fall into the Hokage's clutches!"

The Second Raikage remained silent for a long time: "As expected of the disciple of Tobirama Senju and the God of Shinobi, the Hokage has learned the essence of both of them."

"If Hashirama Senju were facing this situation, he might have simply swept Kirigakure, Roran, and even Amegakure into Konoha without making any distinctions."

"If it were Tobirama Senju, then other regions outside of Konoha would be in for a lot of trouble, just like the Konoha Guard did to the Uchiha clan. He had plenty of underhanded tricks up his sleeve—"

"But Hiruzen Sarutobi inherited Hashirama Senju's ideals while also incorporating Tobirama Senju's rationality—"

Ah Huo listened attentively, which was a kind of progress for him as well.

A thought struck it; realizing that Lord Madara next door might still not understand, it asked, "Mr. Raikage, could you elaborate?"

The Second Raikage pondered for a long time: "Simply put, Hiruzen Sarutobi approached the issue from four main aspects: legal principles, gradation, benefits, and integration, thus avoiding the accumulation of generational hatred under high pressure, or the creation of ungrateful wretches through excessive blood transfusions—"

"I can't believe he's a ninja! No wonder he became the leader of the nobles—"

"The key management positions in the Land of Rain and the Land of Water are now filled by people from the Land of Fire. The situation is already set. Now, Iwagakure and Kumogakure are going to have a tough time and can only be used as whetstones!"

"Once these territories are completely absorbed by Konoha, Iwagakure and Kumogakure will have no ability to resist—"

He began without a heavy voice, "Hozuki Gengetsu and I witnessed everything Hiruzen Sarutobi did in the Land of Water—"

"The strong can decide the outcome of a war, but those who can truly defend their territory and achieve effective rule are the large number of middle and lower-ranking ninjas and low-level bureaucrats who are loyal to Konoha."

"Hiruzen Sarutobi is making up for Konoha's shortcomings in various aspects."

Upon hearing this, both Obito and Madara Uchiha simultaneously showed expressions of sudden realization.

So that's what happened!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's approach is somewhat similar to the Western Zhou Dynasty's five-tiered system, emphasizing an absolute central region and close relationships with vassal states.

The surrender of distant vassal states is divided into three levels.

It also combined the Han and Tang dynasties' tributary system with the Qin and Han dynasties' military merit system, supplemented by the border trade system of various dynasties, further binding them together in terms of economy and interests.

"In research projects—"

"The aggressive reduction of interstitial cells has entered a new stage, and it may soon be widely applicable."

"The area of ​​natural energy and immortal mode has also entered the second phase of experimentation, and we plan to roll it out on a large scale within the next two to three years."

Wu Nian's brow furrowed deeper as he held the intelligence report in his hand: "Wait, what is Hiruzen Sarutobi doing?"

"If he really succeeds, let alone those Konoha committee members, even if the ninjas filling in the lines all have Hashirama Senju's cells, even if the purity is very low, it would still be terrifying enough—"

Everyone's practically a Konoha prodigy now.

At that point, the enemy soldiers from Iwagakure and Kumogakure won't even be able to break through; their first priority will be avoiding being bounced back by the line-filling strategists.

Not only that, Wu also thought of something terrible.

When the elite ninjas from the Hidden Mist, Hidden Rain, and Roran regions entered Konoha, the way they further forged an unbreakable bond of identity was through the transplantation of Hashirama's cells!

Everyone has Hashirama's cells in their bodies, so there's no need to say anything more; we're all family.

"Uh-huh—"

"Fortunately, although Konoha is preparing to implement the Cursed Seal, it seems that the Hokage has no intention of training at the moment."

"In the meeting minutes, he even joked that he couldn't cultivate Sage Mode. His special sealing constitution makes it inconvenient for him to wield the cursed seal. In the end, he's not that omnipotent, and he won't really become Hashirama Senju—"

Golden Horn coughed lightly and said.

Those knowledgeable Sengoku ninja knew that Sage Mode was Hashirama Senju's true power.

He is considered the founder of the popular two-stage fighting style among the current Konoha powerhouses.

"Hard to say."

Wu Youyou said softly, "You haven't seen him dismantle my Dust Release. I highly suspect the Hokage is hiding something. I wouldn't be surprised if he suddenly entered Sage Mode with his hands clasped together one day—"

"Playing dumb was one of the First Hokage's specialties; I've heard Lord Ishigawa mention it!"

Uzumaki Ashina waved his hand: "That's unlikely. Sage Mode is very difficult to cultivate, and there's no time to juggle cultivating the Ten Thousand Seals Body Seal."

"First, we need to establish the cycle of the Five Elements seal, and then fill in the four beams and eight pillars—"

"But it doesn't matter. With my forbidden techniques that are comparable to those of immortals, what's one more Sage Mode?"

Most others also agreed with Ashina Uzumaki's view.

"And then there's the development of the Dragon Vein resources. Sunagakure hasn't managed to develop this land in all these years, and now they've just handed it over to Konoha to develop. I really don't know what to say!"

"With such a huge advantage, you can still restrain yourself and let Iwagakure and Kumogakure slowly erode your strength—"

The Second Raikage felt utterly exhausted: "Hiruzen Sarutobi is so composed, as if he's lost something. Who exactly is his imagined enemy? He seems to want all the Konoha ninja to participate in the next war—"

"Otherwise, it would be impossible to allocate so many resources to the lower-level ninjas."

"But what about dealing with Iwagakure and Kumogakure?"

Wu Du laughed: "It shouldn't be. Our two families aren't that influential—"

"This is like a battle against the Sage of Six Paths!"

"That's really true—"

Silverhorn said solemnly, "This is how they prepare for the battle against the Sage of Six Paths? Natural energy seals and Hashirama cells—they want everyone in Konoha to have the ability to inflict damage on strong opponents!"

"So Hiruzen thought about all this?" Madara Uchiha nodded thoughtfully. "But he's thinking the same thing as me. For the Will of Fire to have vitality, everyone has to become stronger—"

The group continued chatting.

Suddenly, their gazes inexplicably fell upon Obito!

Wait a moment--

Among them, there seems to be a boy who could become Hokage in the future!

If we can build a good relationship with this kid, it will affect our future attitudes towards Kirigakure, Sunagakure, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and even towards the Uzumaki clan and the Ten Thousand Seals Body Seal—

They should all have at least one relatively friendly Hokage to manage them.

Obito shivered involuntarily as he looked at the intense gazes the men were giving him. "No—"

"Please don't look at me like that, I'm scared. Let's talk this out—"

Madara Uchiha was pondering a deeper question, staring at a sentence by Hiruzen Sarutobi on the briefing.

If a country has no wise advisors or capable ministers within, and no external enemies to contend with, it is destined to perish.

"That makes sense. Hiruzen is indeed more cultured than Hashirama."

"Iwagakure and Kumogakure are playing the role of so-called external enemies," but their strength is too weak, and they are beyond my control.

Madara Uchiha narrowed his eyes: "We need to find an opportunity to make the 'Scarlet' organization appear! Take over Iwagakure and Kumogakure, and create a situation where the ninja world is divided in two—"

"However, we cannot disturb Hiruzen's training; this is what he deserves after clearing the game."

"About a year later, when we've trained enough, we'll use Danzo as a breakthrough point to solve the problems of taking over two villages and Obito's Kaleidoscope in one fell swoop—"

"Hmm, that's fair enough!"

And at this moment.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to Konoha.

Otsutsuki Isshiki followed, posing as a border merchant from Amegakure. After making a backup of his identity, he strolled leisurely around the village.

The ninja world is so vast, who can stop him?

But when he turned his head, his gaze met that of the Fairness Sage of the Ninja World and the Ramen Sage of Konoha!

The two looked at each other, and their hearts skipped a beat!

Something's not right—

There's something very wrong with the other party!

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