Naruto: The Ninja World's Life Buyer

Chapter 221 The Cracks in the Uchiha Clan: The Warring States Period Never Ended!

Upper reaches of the Naka River, Uchiha Armory.

The Eighth Hokage of Uchiha stood atop the towering watchtower, looking down below.

He was wearing a security force uniform and carrying a broad-bladed ninja sword. His hair was gray, a rare hair color among the Uchiha clan.

"The Eighth Generation Senior".

A voice rang behind him.

Uchiha Sōji approached. This young clan leader, dressed in a well-fitting silk robe and holding a report, looked more like a nobleman than a ninja.

"This month's production has broken records again."

There was a hint of pride in Zongsi's tone.

"The dividends have been calculated. Each household will receive 200,000 taels this month. Even the elderly who haven't yet learned their lesson will receive 50,000 taels as a pension."

The chief priest thought the eighth generation would be pleased.

But Yashiro didn't laugh.

Yashiro turned around, his narrow eyes filled with nothing but indifference.

"money."

The eighth generation uttered this word.

"Zongsi, all you ever talk about is money."

Zongsi was taken aback.

"Isn't this good? Senior. We no longer need to go to the front lines to die. We control the economy, and even the Hokage has to be mindful of our behavior."

Yashiro sneered.

"Zongsi, look at your clansmen now, look at your security force. Besides catching thieves and maintaining order, what else have we done that's worthwhile?"

"We are the Uchiha clan, born from battle, and our reputation has resounded since the Warring States period—but now, our Sharingan is deteriorating."

Zongsi remained silent.

He understood the anxieties of the eighth generation. It was a clash between old and new ideas.

"Times have changed, seniors."

Zongsi sighed and closed the report.

"The Sharingan is indeed important. But the clan needs to eat."

"Chief Fugaku sacrificed his life for our current peace. I cannot let my people return to the days when they were ostracized by the village and lived in constant fear."

"Mr. Takaya once said: Only by mastering productivity can one have a voice."

"Mr. Takaya——Mr. Takaya——"

Yashiro gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead.

"You keep referring to that businessman. Are you still the head of the Uchiha clan?"

"I am."

Souji's eyes hardened.

"It is precisely because I am the clan chief that I am responsible for the lives of all the clan members."

"Hachimo-senpai, please understand. The ninja world today is no longer the Warring States period."

Zongsi bowed and turned to leave. He still needed to check the parts for the city-breaking crossbows sent to Daming Prefecture.

Yatsushiro stood alone atop the tower.

The wind blew past the hem of his clothes.

He looked down at the bustling factory below and felt it was blinding.

"Isn't this the Warring States period?"

Yashiro clenched his fist.

"No. As long as ninjas exist, the Warring States period will never end."

"We were castrated. Castrated by that man named Takaya Sousuke with money."

A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.

"Someone must tear this false peace apart."

On this day, Sosuke came to the fruit shop.

"Boss, are this batch of watermelons ripe yet?"

"Perfectly ripe! Lord Takaya, look at the grain; it was just brought from the Land of Rice Fields last night, it's so sandy!"

-

"Give me the two biggest ones. And they have to be sweet."

Sosuke paid the money, picked up the two large watermelons that were packed in a straw rope net bag, and headed towards the Uchiha clan's territory.

Although the Uchiha clan now devotes most of their energy to the factory, their core members still live in the old house in the village.

Mikoto's mansion.

"Mr. Sosuke?"

The same old maid opened the door and couldn't help but chuckle when she saw Sosuke carrying two large watermelons.

"Why did you bring it over yourself on such a hot day?"

"On the way."

Sosuke changed his shoes and handed the watermelon to the maid.

"Take it and chill it in the well water."

Enter the inner courtyard.

The cicadas chirped incessantly.

Mikoto was sitting on the side of the edge, holding a round fan in her hand and gently fanning herself.

Her belly was already quite big, and her due date was approaching.

Hearing footsteps, Mikoto tried to get up.

"Lady Mikoto, don't move."

Sosuke walked over quickly and gestured for her to sit down.

He sat down at the other end of the edge, neither too close nor too far from Mikoto.

"It's very hot today." Sosuke unbuttoned one button on his collar.

"yes."

Mikoto wiped the fine sweat from her forehead. Her face was swollen, typical of late pregnancy, but she remained dignified and beautiful.

"I originally wanted to go to the factory to take a look, but I was too heavy to walk."

"With the chief priest keeping an eye on things over there, nothing will go wrong."

Sosuke looked at the startled deer in the courtyard, and with a "thud," the bamboo tube struck the stone, and clear water flowed out.

How have you been feeling lately?

"I feel a little panicked."

Mikoto stroked her belly, her eyes filled with both anticipation and worry.

"This child is too quiet."

"Quiet?"

"Hmm. It's different from before. He's barely moved these past few days. And I can feel it—"

Mikoto paused, seemingly searching for the right words.

"He's observing outside."

Zongsuke's heart moved.

Uchiha Itachi.

Was this child truly different from others even from the womb?

"don’t worry."

Zongsuke said with relief.

"Director Nono will personally deliver your baby. She will ensure the safety of both you and your child."

He said this with great confidence. He had faith in Nonou.

Mikoto was taken aback.

She had certainly heard of Nonou's reputation; she was a top-tier medical ninja. She never imagined that Sousuke would actually get Nonou to deliver her baby.

"—Thank you, Mr. Sosuke. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me—"

At this time.

The servant brought in a sliced ​​watermelon. The melon was red with black seeds and steamed with the coolness of well water.

Sosuke picked up a piece and took a bite.

"No need to be so polite, Lady Mikoto. Have some watermelon to cool off."

17

Mikoto also picked up a slice of watermelon and ate it in small bites.

Takaya Manor, West Garden Tea Room.

This area was specially allocated for Princess Yuuna to live in.

The courtyard is filled with hydrangeas, which are in full bloom and create a beautiful, clustered display.

Uchiha Hachimoku stood outside the tea room with a cold expression.

He was the duty captain for the day. Although he loathed this job of guarding the house, it was the daimyo's daughter, and protecting her was part of the guard's job.

"Sir, please come in and have a cup of tea."

A soft female voice came from inside the paper door.

Yatsushiro frowned.

"Your Highness, I am on a mission."

"This is Lord Takaya's residence, not a battlefield. Why be so formal?"

The paper door was pulled open.

Princess Yuanna knelt before the tea table. She was dressed in simple, elegant clothes and was brewing a pot of sencha.

Her movements were elegant and fluid, exuding royal grace.

"Please come in. I have a few questions about the history of the Uchiha clan that I'd like to ask."

Upon hearing "Uchiha history," the Eighth Hokage paused for a moment.

He hesitated for a moment, then took off his shoes and went into the tea room.

But he didn't sit down; instead, he stood at the doorway.

"What does Your Highness wish to ask?"

Yuan Nai didn't mind his rudeness. She pushed a cup of tea to the opposite side.

"Please sit down."

The eighth generation still stood there.

Yuanna smiled and said to herself, "I read some records about the Warring States period in the library of the Daimyo Prefecture."

"Back then, the Uchiha clan was the dominant force in the ninja world."

"Even the name of Lord Uchiha Madara commands respect."

Mentioning Madara, the Eighth Hokage's eyes flickered. Madara represented the highest taboo and the deepest glory of the Uchiha clan.

"That's all in the past," Yashiro said coldly.

"Yes, it's in the past."

Yuuna sighed, her tone tinged with regret.

"The Uchiha clan seems to have declined now —"

These words pierced the deepest wound in Yashiro's heart.

His breathing became heavy.

"Your Highness, please be careful with your words."

"I'm sorry. I'm just a woman living deep within the palace, and I was just saying it casually."

Yuanna picked up her teacup and took a sip.

"I just feel it's a pity."

"Those noble eyes, that powerful strength—for so many years, you haven't been able to get the Hokage position, or even an advisory seat."

Yashiro squinted his eyes.

"What are you trying to say?"

"It's nothing, I just feel regretful."

Yuan Nai looked at the hydrangeas outside the window, her tone leisurely.

"I've always thought, what glory it would be if the Uchiha were still that awe-inspiring, independent clan—someone who commanded the respect of all? Unfortunately, that glory only exists in ancient texts now, doesn't it?"

The eighth generation remained silent.

"My father often lamented that in ancient times, powerful clans stood directly with the landowners, and they were the pillars of the nation, not the henchmen of the village. Back then, there was no such thing as a ninja village."

Yuanna turned around, revealing a gentle yet profound smile.

"Why are you telling me all this?" Yashiro stared at Madoka.

Yuuna looked at Yashiro with clear eyes.

She smiled.

"Because I figured it out."

"In the Uchiha clan, who live a life of debauchery and decadence."

"Only in your eyes—"

"It's still burning."