The Hand of God Creates the Strongest Hidden Mist Village

Chapter 174 Everything for the continuation of the clan

"What's inappropriate about it?"

Gouju Cheng nonchalantly took a swig of wine.

"You know better than I what the Uchiha clan's situation is in Konoha right now. What, you're not afraid of people doing this, but afraid of people talking about it?"

Uchiha Hachimoku gave an awkward smile, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Goujucheng is right.

The Uchiha clan's situation in Konoha was indeed awkward.

Despite possessing the strongest eye technique and bloodline limit in the ninja world, and despite fighting desperately on the battlefield, the village's higher-ups have always been more wary than trusting, and more suspicious than trusting them.

Especially the so-called "Uchiha Makoto" incident, although everyone now knows that it was Makoto Uchiha who did it, the seeds of suspicion have already been sown.

"Squeezed out of the core of power, relegated to the edge of the village for your clan's territory, barred from the Anbu, excluded from the Hokage's guard duties, and even used as cannon fodder on the battlefield. Is this the treatment you receive after risking your lives for Konoha?"

Uchiha Hachimoku's face turned pale and then red, but he couldn't refute it.

"I know that the Uchiha clan is not in a good position in the village." Uchiha Yatsuho remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "But this is ultimately our own business. Lord Karatachi is from Kirigakure, so these matters—are none of your concern."

"Worry about it? I don't have time for that." Makoto shrugged. "I just think you Uchiha are quite interesting."

"He clearly possesses the power to change everything, yet he chooses to act like a coward. He could clearly stand tall, yet he insists on begging. He clearly holds a knife, yet he kneels and begs others to spare him a little dignity."

"You guys aren't tired, but I'm tired just looking at you."

Uchiha Hachimoku's fingers tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white.

The surrounding Uchiha clan members also lowered their heads, their faces filled with a complex mix of humiliation and anger. Many even roared inwardly, "Isn't all this thanks to you, Makoto Karatachi?"

If it weren't for you, Makoto Uchiha, targeting the Uchiha clan and killing Shinnosuke Sarutobi, they wouldn't have been so suspicious of the higher-ups.

If it weren't for you, Makoto Karatachi, killing Fugaku and so many of their elite Uchiha, how could the Uchiha have become what they are today?

If not————

"Lord Karatachi is right, the Uchiha are indeed in deep danger."

The sudden sound interrupted the inner monologues of several Uchiha, and an elderly figure appeared to the side.

Gouju Cheng looked up and saw an old man with gray hair and a thin face slowly walking towards him.

He was wearing the standard combat uniform of the Uchiha clan, his left arm in a sling, clearly also injured. But his eyes were exceptionally bright, the three-tomoe Sharingan glowing with a dark red luster in the afterglow of the setting sun.

"An elder from the Jin Dynasty!"

The Eighth Hokage of Uchiha quickly stood up, and the other Uchiha clan members also bowed.

Gouju Cheng raised an eyebrow.

Uchiha Kindai, an elder of the Uchiha clan, temporarily assumed the position of clan head after Fugaku's death. He had met Kindai on the battlefield in Kirigakure; Kindai was a mature and prudent character, highly respected within the Uchiha clan.

When the Eighth Hokage of Uchiha sought cooperation with him, it was at this man's behest.

"Your Excellency Gouju, I have long admired your name."

Uchiha Kindai stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said in a humble yet respectful manner: "Thank you for saving me today."

"If it weren't for your timely arrival, our Konoha flank defenses would likely be in grave danger."

"You're too kind." Gouju Cheng waved his hand. "I told you, I'm just doing this for money. Elder Jin doesn't need to take it to heart."

"Money is money, and kindness is kindness."

Uchiha Kindai sat down opposite him: "There are quite a few of my Uchiha children in there. Lord Karatachi saved my Uchiha people, and the Uchiha will naturally remember this favor."

Gouju Cheng smiled but didn't reply.

After a moment of silence, Uchiha Kindai suddenly spoke: "I heard everything that Lord Gouju said just now."

"7

The Uchiha clan members around him changed their expressions slightly, and Uchiha Yatsuho clenched his fists nervously.

Gouju Cheng remained calm and composed: "Oh, then does Elder Jin think I'm right?"

"Yes and no."

Uchiha Kindai's voice was as calm as still water.

"Oh?"

"That's right, the Uchiha's situation in Konoha is indeed not good. That's a fact, there's nothing to deny." Uchiha Kindai said slowly, a complex look flashing in his Sharingan eyes: "From the Second Hokage onwards, the village's higher-ups have never stopped being wary and suspicious of the Uchiha. We've been squeezed out of the core of power, monitored, guarded against, and even deliberately marginalized."

"That's true."

The Uchiha clansmen around them lowered their heads, their faces filled with humiliation and anger.

"But that's not right—" Uchiha Kindai changed the subject, "The Uchiha have never intended to act like a subservient person, much less humbly beg for help."

Gouju Cheng raised an eyebrow: "Then what are you?"

"It's about patience." Kindai Uchiha looked directly at Makoto Karatachi. "The Uchiha are part of Konoha, ever since the village was founded. We endure not out of cowardice, but because we believe that one day, the village will truly accept us."

"Trust?" Gouju Makoto laughed. "Elder Jin Dai, you've lived most of your life, you should know better than me that trust isn't something you can earn through patience."

Uchiha Kindai was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "You are right, trust cannot be gained through mere patience. But—"

He paused, a glint of light flashing in his Sharingan eyes.

"Does Your Excellency know why we Uchiha must endure?"

Gouju shook his head.

"Because the power of the Uchiha clan is too strong."

Uchiha Kindai's voice was soft, yet it struck the hearts of everyone present like a heavy hammer.

"The power of the Sharingan makes the Uchiha clan strong, but it also makes them feared. If we don't endure, don't restrain ourselves, and don't prove that we are willing to integrate into the village, then what awaits the Uchiha clan will only be more severe suppression, or even—purification."

He looked at Makoto Kojiri with a calm gaze: "You should be well aware of the consequences if we Uchiha do not exercise restraint and patience in our current situation."

"6

"Please follow me, sir."

Uchiha Kindai spoke softly, gesturing for Makoto Karatachi to come with him.

Makoto Kujira did not refuse and followed Kindai Uchiha through a group of tents where wounded soldiers were resting, arriving at a secluded corner on the edge of the position.

There was no one else there, only a few old trees whose crowns had been half-shaved off by the aftershocks of ninjutsu, rustling in the night wind. The stench of blood from the distant battlefield had not completely dissipated, mingling with the smells of gunpowder and earth, drifting faintly in the air.

Uchiha Kindai sat down on a rock and gestured for Makoto to do as he pleased.

Gouju Cheng didn't stand on ceremony, plopped down opposite him, and casually pulled out a wine flask from his pocket and took another swig.

"Elder Jin, please speak frankly."

Uchiha Kindai remained silent for a moment, his three-tomoe Sharingan glowing with a dark red light in the night.

"Your Excellency Gouju, I have a question for you."

"ask."

Do you think the Uchiha clan has a future?

Gouju Cheng paused slightly as he poured the wine, then looked up at the elderly man with gray hair.

This is a very serious question.

In the original story, the Uchiha clan's fate was to be wiped out by their own people. Their Sharingan was collected and transplanted like commodities, and all the clan members died, leaving only the two brothers, Sasuke and Itachi, one burdened with hatred and the other with infamy.

The root of all this, besides Danzo's conspiracy and the Third Hokage's indecisiveness, also stems from the Uchiha clan's own problems, which cannot be ignored.

But that's the original work.

Now—many things are different.

"Does Elder Jin want to hear the truth?" Gouju Cheng put down the wine pot.

"nature."

"Then I'll tell you the truth." Makoto Karatachi straightened up and looked directly at Kindai Uchiha. "Your Uchiha are indeed in a very bad situation right now. Fugaku is dead, the clan's elite suffered heavy losses on the Kirigakure battlefield, the village's higher-ups are more suspicious of you than before, and Danzo is eager to devour you completely."

"but."

He then changed the subject.

"To say there's no future is nonsense."

A glint flashed in Uchiha Kindai's eyes.

"Your Uchiha clan has the Sharingan, strength, and resources. As long as you can get through this ordeal, once the war ends and the situation stabilizes, you might still have a chance to turn the tide."

Gouju Cheng paused, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

"Besides, haven't you already prepared a way out for yourselves?"

Uchiha Kindai was silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a soft sigh.

"It's all for the continuation of our race."

"We Uchiha have been serving Konoha since the day the village was founded. It was the same during the time of the First Hokage, the Second Hokage, and the Third Hokage. We desperately try to prove ourselves, desperately try to integrate into the village, and desperately try to be accepted."

"But what was the result?"

He gave a bitter laugh: "We risk our lives, only to earn deeper suspicion instead of trust. The stronger we are, the more afraid they become. The more loyal we are, the more suspicious they become."

"Is this the fate of the Uchiha clan?"

There is no such thing as destiny; if there is, it is life and death.

Makoto Koji shook his head: "I can help you. If you'd like, I could even bring in a Kirigakure Uchiha to help you continue your lineage. For me, this would be entirely beneficial."

"—Actually, it's not that I haven't considered this."

Uchiha Kindai gave a wry smile: "To be honest, after you appeared, I really can't see much of Miyo's future."

"Konoha has been established for nearly fifty years and has gone through three Hokage."

"Among them, the First Hokage was strong, but he was too idealistic. The Second Hokage was strong, but he was too prejudiced against the Uchiha. The Third Hokage was strong, but he was indecisive—but you are different."

"You have the power of the First Hokage, but not his naiveté. You have the cunning of the Second Hokage, but not his prejudice. You have the wisdom of the Third Hokage, but not his weakness!"

"Kigakure has someone like you, but Konoha has entered a period of decline and weakness. With one side gaining at the expense of the other, what future does Konoha have?"

"Elder Jin, your flattery is so blatant, I don't even know how to respond."

Goujucheng laughed heartily.

Everyone loves to hear nice words, especially when they come from the current head of the Uchiha clan.

Uchiha Kindai smiled, a bitter smile tinged with his own: "This isn't flattery, it's the truth—"

"I know."

Makoto Kuraki stood up and dusted off his clothes. "Alright, if I get any news about Uchiha Taka, I'll let you know. I'll bring him directly to your Konoha, or even to your Uchiha clan."

"However, there's one thing I hope you'll remember."

"I, Cheng, value relationships the most and hate betrayal the most. I'm completely open and honest with those who want to be my friends. But if anyone dares to stab me in the back—"

"You all know what happened to that pufferfish demon, right?"

Uchiha Kindai felt a chill run down his spine and nodded emphatically.

"Our Uchiha clan will never do anything that is treacherous or disloyal."

"That's good."

Gouju waved his hand, turned around and walked out of the camp, leaving behind a sentence without looking back.

"Take good care of your injuries, Elder Jin. This battle is far from over."

Uchiha Kindai watched Makoto's figure disappear into the distance, remaining silent for a long time.

A gentle breeze ruffled his gray hair, and the light in his Sharingan eyes, adorned with three tomoe, flickered uncertainly.

After a long silence, Uchiha Yatsuhoku walked to his side and asked in a low voice, "Elder Kindai, is this person—truly trustworthy?"

Uchiha Kindai did not immediately reply.

He raised his head and looked towards the direction of Konoha's main camp in the distance.

The place was brightly lit, and one could vaguely see the figures of patrolling ANBU and busy messenger ninjas.

Whether it's believable or not is not important.

"The important thing is, we Uchiha have no other choice now."

Uchiha Eighth Hokage, Porcelain.

Yes, do the Uchiha clans have any choice now?

Their situation is already difficult enough during the ongoing war; if they wait until the war ends—

A gentle breeze blew, landing on the weary and silent Uchiha clan members, drifting across the small, war-torn land. In the distance, Makoto Uchiha's figure had long since vanished, leaving only a faint scent of sake lingering on the wind.

Makoto Karimoto swaggered through the Konoha camp with Mangetsu, ignoring all the stares that came his way.

Some were wary, some were curious, and some were observing.

One who is grateful.

Clearly, his performance at Qi Yi's position today has already spread among the Konoha ninjas.

A ninja from Kirigakure saved the legendary Sannin of Konoha, rescued hundreds of Konoha ninja, and repelled an attack from Iwagakure. Such a dramatic event was bound to be legendary.

"Brother Cheng, where are we going now?" Yue asked in a low voice.

"Let's find a place to sleep." Makoto Goji yawned. "I'm exhausted after a long day."

"Over there in Konoha—"

"Let them think about it at their own pace; we're not in a hurry."

Gouju Cheng casually pointed to a secluded corner at the edge of the camp: "That'll do, it's quiet there."

Liang Fang walked over and sat down to the side, while Yue, like Doraemon, took out a tent from the storage scroll and set it up.

After resting for a while, when the moonlight enveloped them, an unexpected figure appeared before them.

"Your Excellency Gouju."

Orochimaru stood by the moonlight, his body wrapped in bandages, his face pale, but his golden snake eyes shone brightly. He carried a food box and a flask of wine, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"Sorry to bother you with this late-night visit."

Gouju Makoto raised an eyebrow: "Orochimaru and Daifumi, instead of recuperating, came to drink with me?"

"The injuries are nothing serious." Orochimaru sat down opposite him, placing the food box and wine in the middle. "However, I did not thank you in person for your help today."

"Just doing a job for money." Gouju Cheng waved his hand dismissively, not at all polite, and glanced at the food box. "Wow, the food is pretty good."

The food box contained several exquisite side dishes, including grilled fish, pickles, simmered dishes, and a plate of sashimi that looked very expensive.

"Supplies at the front are limited; this is all we could find." Orochimaru personally poured a cup of sake for Makoto Karatachi. "Please."

Gouju Cheng picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and his eyes lit up: "This wine is good."

"It's something the old man treasured." Orochimaru poured himself a glass. "I took it out secretly."

Gouju Makoto almost choked, then burst into laughter: "Orochimaru, you're so filial!"

Orochimaru smiled, a rare hint of relaxation in his expression.

The two women sat facing each other, drinking wine, and remained silent for a while.

The moonlight was like water, and the occasional cry of night birds could be heard from the distant battlefield. The campfire crackled in the camp, mingling with the low groans of the wounded soldiers, forming the unique background sounds of a war night.

After a few drinks, Orochimaru suddenly said, "Old man, you're determined to continue employing us, but I wonder how much you're asking for to help us stabilize the battle and even defeat Iwagakure?"

"Oh?"

Goji Makoto picked up a slice of sashimi and stuffed it into his mouth: "A wise move, but that's not how you calculate the money."

"How so?"

"I'm helping you fight Iwagakure, not just for my sake, but for yours."

"For example, if Rain Spirit were to have the Nine-Tailed Fox Pillar assist me, I could directly recreate the scene from that day with Kazama and Tani, and then easily wipe out the Iwagakure calamity."

"In this situation, I'll ask for less, after all, Fang has put in a lot of effort."