Starting as the mastermind behind Naruto

Chapter 151 Can't I have a reliable subordinate? (Fourth update! Bonus chapter complete!)

The Konoha leadership thought Uehara Naraku was probably mentally challenged.

The terms of the alliance agreement between Konoha and Amegakure can be fulfilled with money, but the conditions in front, such as Konoha acknowledging Hanzo as Amegakure and supporting the annexation of neighboring countries' lands, cannot be achieved no matter how much money is spent.

In essence, the title of Rain Shadow signifies that Konoha acknowledges the Land of Rain as one of the great powers, and that the Land of Rain has achieved an equal status with Konoha in terms of both prestige and diplomacy.

This is roughly similar to the Five Great Gangs of later generations.

If a country were recognized by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as a member of the "rogue club," it would probably rack its brains and jump around trying to join.

If Hanzo the Salamander knew that his chance to be recognized as the Amekage by Konoha had been ruined by the village's ninja, he would definitely tear that ninja to pieces!

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado secretly exchanged a strange smile. The two old men who played politics secretly cursed Naraku Uehara as a suicidal idiot.

After Uehara Naraku leaves Konoha, they will try to spread the news that Amegakure has given up the title of Amegakure to the Five Great Nations, and watch as Hanzo of the Salamander kills Uehara Naraku, the rising star of Amegakure.

"Alright, then let's do as you wish!"

Koharu Utatane slowly took the alliance document from Naraku Uehara's hand and quietly instructed the ANBU member beside her: "Prepare a new agreement, just follow this one."

"Yes."

The secret agents turned and left.

"You may take the orphanage's funds back with you first."

Koharu Utatane slowly sat down again and said softly, "As for the equipment for establishing the biological science research laboratory, we will make preparations soon. Once the Amegakure envoys bring back the agreement signed by Lord Hanzo of the Salamander, we will complete the handover."

Ha ha…

When that time comes, Hanzo will have to send over the head of that little bastard named Uehara Naraku as an apology!

After nodding, Uehara Naraku, looking like a complete novice in negotiations, even said somewhat reservedly, "I'm sorry, this is really too much trouble."

"You are welcome."

Koharu Utatane leisurely toyed with her teacup: "Supporting smaller ninja villages has always been Konoha's responsibility."

This is clearly just empty talk that's been slipping out of his head.

After a while, the agreement was returned, and Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado had Jiraiya sign it, clearly intending to make him the Fifth Hokage of Konoha.

Uehara Naraku took the agreement and a sum of money for poverty alleviation to build an orphanage, and left immediately. He was going to settle accounts with Yakushi Kabuto!

That bastard actually used this opportunity to seek personal gain, even though the orphanage and biological research lab are indeed what Amegakure needs...

After Uehara Naraku left the Hokage Building.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's smiles immediately deepened.

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and said in a low voice, "Looks like we'll be receiving this brat's head soon..."

"Hanzo the Salamander has been blinded by the title of 'Demigod of Shinobi,' and has been craving the title of Rainkage for decades. This brat is still too young!"

Koharu Utatane sighed softly and said, "Let him taste the bitterness of being betrayed by his own ninja village before he dies..."

In large ninja villages, it's not uncommon to sacrifice the life of a village ninja to secure peace, let alone in smaller ones.

Jiraiya was clearly aware of this as well.

So when Jiraiya left the Hokage Building and saw Naraku off as he departed Konoha, he whispered a word of advice: "Kid, take care!"

"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama."

Uehara Naraku nodded and turned to leave.

Naruto Uzumaki suddenly emerged from around the corner of the Hokage Building, shouting, "Perverted Sage, I'm going to say goodbye to Uehara!"

"..."

Jiraiya remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

On the way out of Konoha.

Many people cast hostile glances at Uehara Naraku and Uzumaki Naruto. Some hated Uehara Naraku for killing the Third Hokage and couldn't understand why the higher-ups would let him go; others hated Uzumaki Naruto for nearly going berserk.

Uehara Naraku looked down at the blond boy beside him and sighed, "Naruto, are there still so many people in Konoha who are hostile to you?"

"It's alright."

Naruto scratched his head, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face: "I already know why this problem occurred. I'll make them accept me."

This Nine-Tails rampage incident has made Konoha even more hostile towards him.

However, Naruto Uzumaki no longer cared about such things. Since the root cause, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had already died in battle, he believed that things would change in the future.

Even if many people still hate Naruto, he may not betray him in the future. As long as Naruto still has some bonds and warmth in the village, he will desperately try to get closer to that warmth and move towards the light.

Uehara Naraku stared intently at Uzumaki Naruto, who seemed oblivious to the hatred in everyone's eyes. This time it was Namikaze Minato's chakra that saved the day... He wanted to see who would step in next time!

Well, this time I've gained enough.

After leaving Konoha.

Uehara Naraku appeared before Yakushi Kabuto immediately, throwing the agreement at him: "Do you know how much trouble you've caused me! I could forgive everything else, but you even got Konoha to support the Land of Rain's civil war and assist in the suppression of Akatsuki!"

"Please let me explain, Lord Naraku."

Kabuto sighed and lowered his head to explain, "I thought such an agreement was impossible. Konoha generally wouldn't bow down to a small ninja village that makes such demands..."

"Then why this time?"

"I don't know, but I'll stay near Konoha to investigate for now."

Kabuto pushed up his glasses and said softly, "If Konoha really encounters some big trouble... perhaps we'll have a chance to seize Naruto Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"Forget about it, let's abandon this mission for now."

Uehara Naraku shook his head and whispered, "How about this: you go and induce Orochimaru to make Uchiha Sasuke defect, and I'll intercept Sasuke halfway."

Kabuto Yakushi: "..."

Why does this new boss always try to sabotage his former boss?

Kabuto lowered his head and pondered, "If I remember correctly, Itachi Uchiha is also in Akatsuki, right? If that's the case, won't there be any trouble?"

"rest assured."

Uehara Naraku clenched his wrist and said in a low voice, "We'll talk about the future later. Besides, it's also good that I take Sasuke away. It will prevent Orochimaru from staring at Sasuke's body and drooling every day, and it will also force him to take the initiative to study Zetsu."

The Chunin Exams have come to an end.

The main task next is to instigate a conflict between Black Zetsu and Orochimaru.

Uehara Naraku would then use Orochimaru's name to leak information about Black Zetsu, making Black Zetsu universally hated in the ninja world.

"I see."

Kabuto sighed and nodded.

Uehara Naraku looked at Yakushi Kabuto and said in a deep voice, "We can proceed a little slower with this matter, because Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame are near Konoha. We should wait until they leave Konoha before we begin our operation."

"Yes."

"Have Haku and Kimimaro take Karin back to the Land of Rain first. They're too much trouble staying here. Can you prepare a secluded place for me?"

Uehara Naraku said softly, "I'll be waiting in the Land of Fire for news of Sasuke's defection. While you're at it, could you sign the agreement with Hanzo of the Salamander? I'm also waiting to ask Konoha for the equipment from the biological science lab so I can bring it back to Amegakure."

A smile finally appeared on Kabuto's face. He pushed up his glasses and said without any politeness, "Thank you for your hard work, Lord Naraku."

"..."

Uehara Naraku couldn't help but glare at him.

These subordinates are all scoundrels!

If it weren't for that bastard Yakushi Kabuto making all these ridiculous demands, he wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble!

Kabuto casually pulled out a scroll and said understandingly, "Does Lord Naraku need money? I heard that you've been using explosive tags for expenses in Konoha, and Kakashi pays for your occasional outings. It must be inconvenient living outside..."

"Need not."

Uehara Naraku frowned and said, "I just received funds from Konoha to support the construction of an orphanage. Spending a little shouldn't be a problem..."

"Public funds should not be used lightly."

Kabuto shook his head solemnly, even offering to replace Uehara Naraku's money scroll with his own: "I'll secretly give these to Haku to Konan-sama! This is my personal savings; it should be enough for Lord Naraku's expenses."

Uehara Naraku opened the sealing scroll of Yakushi Kabuto, his eyebrows furrowing in anger: "Your private savings? Five hundred ryo? Is that worth sealing with a scroll? Kabuto, are you telling me to starve in the Land of Fire, eat clay, and sleep on straw mats...?"

"Cough cough cough..."

Kabuto coughed a few times and explained, "I've been helping orphans lately, and I've used up all the funds Lord Orochimaru gave me, so I'm a little short on cash."

"never mind."

Uehara Naraku sighed and said in a low voice, "I'll try to borrow some money from someone else! Hopefully, Kisame Hoshigaki is generous with his money!"

(End of this chapter)