The Uchiha's Path to the Top, Starting from Konoha

Chapter 119 Ranking (7K)

"Third-tier magic - Healing of Minor Injuries~"

Warm magical energy permeated the carriage. The female warrior Sukama, who was lying on the ground in a horse-like posture, slowly turned her head and looked at the priestess Lilynet, who was casting a spell and whose whole body was radiating "holy and flawless" light, with her watery eyes.

She glanced at Uchiha Takeo, who was still doing bad things, and said with a coquettish tone.

"Young Master Wu'an, please don't use the priest's healing magic on this!"

The magic heals injuries and also has a certain physical recovery effect.

As the magic permeated her, Sukama, whose physical strength had been replenished, slowly sat up from the floor of the carriage, one hand protecting her chest and the other brushing away the strands of hair that were stuck to her mouth.

The female warrior's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes showed a satisfied yet tired expression, after all, she had just gone through a fierce battle.

Her beautiful eyes shimmered with a lustrous light, reflecting the goddess's figure.

The earth god's seal, representing the faith in the gods, which had been on Lilynet's snow-white neck, had fallen to the floor of the carriage.

Sukama's lips curled up slightly, and she spoke in a clear tone that was different from her usual heroic and spirited manner, with a cloying trailing tone.

"You lowly priest who disgraces the dignity of the gods! If the Earth God knew of your despicable behavior, he would surely punish you severely!"

"Nonsense, Lord Earth God... if you could see His... believers could skillfully use... the healing... magic He bestowed upon them, they would... ah~"

She tilted her head, which was covered in sweat, and looked at Sukama with her watery eyes. Then she turned her head to look at Uchiha Muan behind her, and said with a smile.

"Young Master Wu'an, do you think Lilynet is prettier, or am I?"

"Of course they're all beautiful."

After some time, Uchiha Wu'an waved his hand, and the magical light of [First-Tier Magic - Cleansing] appeared in the carriage, erasing all traces inside. Only the female warrior and the priestess still had blushes on their faces.

At noon, Sukama, full of energy, took the driver's seat, gripped the reins tightly, and drove the carriage toward the next city.

Sunlight and a gentle breeze fell on her face, and she couldn't help but show a contented expression, but it quickly vanished without a trace.

Along the way, they encountered several groups of powerful individuals dressed in smart military uniforms. These people moved by as swiftly as ghosts, causing Sukama to feel a chill.

Her years of adventure had given her a keen sense that some of these powerful individuals harbored malice.

However, when their gazes fell on the carriage, they simultaneously looked away and sped away from the spot.

"The upper half is red, and the lower half, including the handle, is white. The two parts are not connected... Hmm, does this pattern have any special meaning?"

Sukama glanced at the fan-shaped banner fluttering in the wind at the front of the carriage, and couldn't help but recall the respectful title the two powerful toads had given to Uchiha Muan. Some thoughts began to form in his mind.

Her fingers gently traced the strong yet resilient reins as she watched the eight galloping horses, a slight smile playing on her lips as she enjoyed the leisurely afternoon.

Inside the carriage, Lilynet, exhausted from physical exertion and the depletion of her magic, collapsed onto the small bed, her breathing gradually becoming steady.

Her beautiful figure sank deeply into the soft bedding, her nostrils trembling slightly, her face showing a hint of weariness, but her brows revealed a captivating charm, and even in her sleep, her little mouth was making soft noises.

This priestess must have been a succubus in her past life, someone who only knew how to attract attention.

On the other side, Uchiha Wu'an, who had already transformed into an avatar, sat in his seat in the carriage, intently opening his system interface.

—Uchiha Takehiko

Classes: Elemental Mage - Fire (LV10); Elemental Mage - Lightning (LV2);

Skills: First and second tier magic;

Overall combat strength level: LV12 (Gold-level adventurer, the strength of the top troops of human nations);

Sublimation points: ... (continuously increasing);

(It's rising so slowly.)

A barely perceptible hint of helplessness flashed in Uchiha Muan's eyes.

The [Elemental Mage - Lightning] class level increased by one yesterday, but to increase by another level, it will have to wait until tomorrow.

In the ninja world, the power to enhance one's body is basically related to chakra, and the power of the Grell Stone is extremely exclusive.

For this body, which has transitioned to a magic system, it will undoubtedly be difficult to borrow power from the ninja world.

Uchiha Muan lifted one of the curtains, and the warm sunlight immediately streamed into the carriage. His gaze fell on the rapidly passing scenery, and his thoughts raced.

(The frontline troops have already conquered 90% of the kingdom's territory, leaving only the last fortress city, [Ye-Lantir]. I remember there are quite a few powerful magical beasts in the Tob Great Forest north of the city.)

(In the original story, the "Forest King," that giant hamster, should be living in the forest, ruling over an area.)

Considering the research capabilities of Root, the leader of the Academy of Sciences' second basement level, Uchiha Takeo decided to have someone capture the giant hamster.

There's no need to kill them, just draw some blood.

After all, it's quite interesting to keep a cute hamster that gets shy when its head is stroked and has emotions like a girl.

Hamsters are also frank and simple in nature, and have a sense of gratitude that many humans lack, so their loyalty can be guaranteed. They would make good playmates for children in the future.

As for the other ugly monsters, keep only the number that can reproduce to ensure species diversity and the possibility of future genetic mutations; the rest are irrelevant.

(Further north of the Tob Great Forest lies the Angelicia Mountains, where a Frost Dragon King resides. Its strength should be around the Kage level, making it a perfect tool for enhancing this clone.)

Just like common sense, among all the true dragon species, the weakest is the white dragon, and the same is true for this continent.

The White Dragon, also known as the Frost Dragon, is the weakest of the dragon species, lacking both intelligence and strength compared to other dragon species.

But all Uchiha Muan needs is the blood of the dragon. As long as his bloodline changes and he has the power to grow stronger, even the weakest can become the strongest.

(Other powerful beings, such as the Frost Giants, can also serve as valuable resources.)

(Also, I wonder if the power of the Frost Dragon and the Ice Release of the Yuki clan of Kirigakure will create some unexpected sparks?)

(For example, a Frost Dragon Knight?)

Uchiha Takeo stroked his chin, lost in thought.

………………

As the sun and moon revolve, time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it is already the sixth day after the Ninja World Tournament.

Black Corner Region, Cloud Thunder Gorge.

This place brings together the four major forces: Kirigakure, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and the Ninja Alliance.

There weren't many ninjas standing in Yunlei Gorge this time, but they were all representatives of various forces and high-ranking officials in the village.

Uchiha Muan rarely used his true form to get down to business this time. He stood on a high platform built with earth-style techniques and had a Flying Thunder God kunai stuck in it. Next to him was Uzumaki Mito from the Military Intelligence Department.

The two teleported there using the Flying Thunder God Technique, immediately becoming the focus of everyone's attention, and Uchiha Takeo also opened his eyes to look.

The side of Kirigakure is led by the Fourth Hokage, Genji.

Beside him were Yagura Karatachi, who had just become the Three-Tails Jinchuriki yesterday and whose strength had jumped to the Kage level, as well as the heads of the three bloodline secret technique families: Hozuki, Yuki, and Kaguya. The three family heads were just one step away from entering the Kage level, and their aura was impressive.

The Sand Village was led by the Third Hokage, Chiyo, and her assistant, Ebina. The older sister's strength could barely be considered Kage-level, while the younger brother's strength was rather weak. Together, they were probably only slightly stronger than the clan leaders of Hozuki, Yuki, and Kaguya.

Beside them was a powerful figure dressed as a monk, whose aura was sometimes gentle and peaceful, and sometimes violent and ferocious. Everyone guessed that the monk's body contained the only tailed beast of Sunagakure, the One-Tail.

At the head of the Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) group stood a tall man wearing a straw hat, a red mask, and red armor. He was the current Fifth Hokage, Han, who had sealed the Five-Tails. He was accompanied by several elite Jonin, making the group appear rather shabby.

The Ninja Alliance team was divided into two camps: one was Hanzo, the powerful Kage of Amegakure, and the other was Kakuzu, the Kage-level shinobi of Takigakure, who was dressed in a black robe and had a cold and imposing aura.

After Madara Uchiha destroyed the resistance forces of Takigakure and took the Seven-Tails, the situation in the ninja world gradually stabilized, and underground gold exchange shops went bankrupt one after another. Kakuzu, a former rogue ninja from Takigakure, had no choice but to return to Takigakure to make a living.

They then formed an alliance with Hanzo of the Salamander, uniting with other small ninja villages to fight against Iwagakure.

"Apart from Konoha, the other ninja villages are too weak."

After looking around, Uchiha Wu'an's slightly disdainful words echoed in the audience. Everyone looked embarrassed, but no one dared to utter a word in rebuttal.

Especially those from Iwagakure and Sunagakure, were secretly cursing in their hearts—it's all because of you, the "human butcher," who killed too many people during the Second Shinobi World War!

The entire Kage-level force of Iwagakure was wiped out, and they also lost the Four-Tails, which they had bought at great expense from the First Hokage of Konoha. They still haven't recovered.

The Second Hokage and the Third Hokage candidate of Sunagakure were also wiped out, and the veteran Jonin suffered heavy casualties, which allowed the young Chiyo and Ebina to rise to power.

"To be honest, even if we take the Uchiha and Senju clans out of Konoha, the remaining power is enough to give us a good fight."

Uchiha Wu'an's statement is a bit of an exaggeration. Two-thirds of the Kage-level shinobi in Konoha are from these two clans. The remaining six or seven Kage-level shinobi cannot support the overall situation of Konoha. If another Shinobi World War were to occur, Konoha would have to deploy child soldiers.

The audience remained silent, their faces showing complete conviction.

The Military Intelligence Department has kept the list of combat ninjas in the ninja world, excluding Kage-level ninjas, in the Secretariat as classified documents. Only the number of civilian ninjas has been made public.

Eighty thousand living ninjas, accounting for one-third of the entire ninja world, a number that would leave the other ninja villages speechless.

Uchiha Muan's gaze swept over everyone—the ninjas below the stage, some with their heads down, some with their fists clenched, their hearts filled with helplessness and anger, but even more so with a deep awe of Konoha's powerful strength.

"Enough with the unnecessary words, Lady Mito. You will now present the rankings of each ninja village in the Black Corner Region by the staff."

With little interest, Uchiha Takeoshi handed the seat to Uzumaki Mito, whose beauty remained undiminished as she stood before him, serene and composed.

Her stern expression immediately silenced the entire scene, filling the air with a solemn atmosphere.

Mito Uzumaki nodded slightly, her voice deep and intellectual. She wore a white kimono printed with plum blossoms, exuding a mature charm.

"The first place is Kirigakure, the second place is Sunagakure, the third place is Iwagakure, the fourth place is Amegakure, the fifth place is Takigakure, and the rankings after that are not included in the statistics."

Under Uchiha Muan's mocking gaze, a commotion erupted in the Ninja Alliance's territory. Hanzo of the Salamander and Kakuzu felt a chill in their hearts and turned to reprimand the leaders of the various small ninja villages who had spoken out.

Han Ze of Iwagakure was overjoyed. His eyes were fixed on Chiyo of Sunagakure and the One-Tailed Jinchuriki. He was calculating their strength and gradually came up with a new plan.

Chiyo and Monk Bunpuku noticed the ill-intentioned looks from the Iwagakure village and responded with a similarly firm attitude.

"Lord Mito, I have a question."

After silencing the commotion in the group, Hanzo of the Salamander raised his hand. "Why does the Military Affairs Department separate smaller ninja villages like Amegakure and Takigakure? We belong to the same faction."

If the Ninja Alliance is not regarded as a whole by Konoha, the subsequent Kage-level battles will be extremely difficult, and even Takigakure will regard Amegakure as an obstacle.

Even Takigakure (the village of Takigakure) sees Amegakure (the village of Amegakure) as an obstacle.

Kakuzu is purely a mercenary. It's not surprising that people would oppose him as long as they have money or a way to make more money.

"Oh?"

Mito Uzumaki chuckled, glanced at the Ninja Alliance's position, and pointed with one hand, "The different ninja village headbands you wear all indicate your true stance."

"In the chaos of the Black Corner region, alliances are commonplace, but in the rankings, they are all calculated independently. Otherwise, if the other ninja villages also did this, and Kirigakure and Sunagakure formed a 'Sand Mist' alliance, wouldn't this ranking become a joke?"

Mito Uzumaki's cold yet reprimanding words left Hanzo of the Salamander speechless, but he clenched his fists, determined not to accept defeat.

"Lord Kakuzu, would you be willing to come to my Amegakure (Hidden Rain Village) so that we can be equals?"

Such a huge profit made Kakuzu's eyes twitch.

But at this moment, he sensed the gazes of Iwagakure and Sunagakure—while feeling smug, he was also calculating the gains and losses.

Clearly, the now independent Takigakure has become a favorable factor in the balance of power.

(Now is the time to hold out for the best price.)

Kakuzu, who didn't have much affection for Takigakure, wore a mask that revealed no extra expression on his face.

He bowed respectfully to Mito Uzumaki on the high platform, then spoke to Hanzo of the Salamander in a rather indifferent tone.

"Chief Hanzo, let's hear what Lady Mito has to say."

Hanzo the Salamander frowned deeply, said nothing more, and turned his gaze to the stage.

Mito Uzumaki's voice also rang out at the opportune moment.

"For forces dissatisfied with their ranking, they can continuously challenge the one above them. The challenge is limited to a duel between Kage-level powerhouses. The method of the duel is not limited; it can be a one-on-one duel or a group battle. After failing once, they will no longer be allowed to initiate a challenge."

"However, since this is an internal battle within the ninja world, I hope everyone will be mindful of their actions. The ninja world is vast, but the other continent is even larger."

Mito Uzumaki's final words of advice eased Chiyo's tense expression slightly—with Mito Uzumaki speaking, as long as she was careful, her life was still safe.

(But that guy from Iwagakure is really annoying!)

(Isn't third place enough for him?)

As Chiyo of Sunagakure muttered to herself, Han of Iwagakure stepped forward, his eyes, visible only to the outside, now brimming with boundless ambition.

"Lord Mito, may I ask how the territories should be divided after the ranking of strength?"

This is also a major concern for the others, but they also know that if the difference is not significant, Konoha would not bother to rank them.

If the difference is small, Han decides to solidify his third-place position and preserve the Shadow title and the continental teleportation array that will soon be placed in the village.

If the difference is significant, then for the future development of the village, we must give it our all!

With Sunagakure as an ally, only Kirigakure remained untroubled. Yagura Karatachi, in a relaxed mood, smiled at Ebina, his eyes seeming to say, "Good luck."

(He was still a bit too young and impetuous.)

This small action caught the attention of the master, who turned his angry gaze toward Yagura, who involuntarily lowered his head.

Ebina of Sunagakure remained expressionless, secretly resenting his own weakness.

Under the tense gazes of everyone, Mito Uzumaki spoke slowly.

"The entire ninja world will undergo a generational shift in power, and apart from the Konoha Alliance, the land will be divided into ten parts."

"30% goes to the top-ranked ninja village, 25% goes to the second-ranked ninja village, 20% goes to the third-ranked ninja village, and the remaining 25% goes to the other ninja villages according to their respective population proportions."

The leaders quickly began to think.

The ninja world is divided into six parts, with Konoha, the Black Corner Region, and its allies occupying about two-fifths of the total.

The remaining three-fifths, or 20% of the total area, is slightly smaller than the former Land of Lightning.

Among them, the villages that were cut off were undoubtedly the many small ninja villages, including Sunagakure, the village with the largest land area, which is mostly desert.

Even if we start planting trees now, we won't feel the pinch.

Only Kirigakure, ranked first, would receive a sizable piece of mainland territory, which instantly excited Kirigakure, a village that is mostly composed of islands.

The Fourth Hokage couldn't help but ask, "Lord Mito, are all the newly acquired territories located in the Black Corner Region?"

"This is a question that should have been communicated to you later, but since you've been asked about it now, it's fine to tell you."

Mito Uzumaki composed herself and spoke loudly.

"Konoha has successfully conquered a vast, fertile, mostly plains-based indigenous kingdom on another continent. The kingdom covers an area of ​​approximately 275,000 square kilometers and has a population of about eight to nine million."

(As expected of Konoha!)

Everyone was shocked. Only six days had passed since the discovery of the alien continent, and they had already taken over a piece of land that was no less than that of a great nation.

"Therefore, Konoha can guarantee that as long as any ninja village is willing to give up all its land in the ninja world, it will gain a territory that doubles in size on another continent. The abundant resources on that land will not disappoint you."

Upon hearing this, all the leaders of the ninja villages began to feel uneasy. Facing the behemoth that was Konoha, the great ninja villages were no different from the small ninja villages.

They had absolutely no idea what the future would hold if Konoha forced them to leave the ninja world.

"Rest assured, Konoha is fair, and so is His Majesty the Leader. The exchange of territory is entirely voluntary, and Konoha's various policies will ensure that you have no worries about the future."

Seeing that the group wasn't very interested, Mito Uzumaki changed the subject and started talking about the current business.

"Once the rankings are completed, Konoha's life ninja will accompany you to measure the new territory."

"Now everyone can get ready, we need the results today!"

After Mito Uzumaki finished speaking, she was taken away by Takeo Uchiha. Two members of the Military Intelligence Department's staff were then teleported in to serve as witnesses.

"Kakuzu, what are your thoughts?"

After Uchiha Muan and Uzumaki Mito, who had put pressure on them, left, Hanzo of the Salamander walked up to Kakuzu and got straight to the point.

"Only the Hidden Rain Village is willing to show the utmost sincerity!"

If he becomes the third-ranked village, Amegakure will be able to leap over the dragon gate and qualify as a Kage village. From then on, outsiders will call him Amegakure instead of the leader of any ninja village.

"Come on, Kakuzu, let's create the future of Amekage together!"

"From now on, the financial power of Rainshadow Village will be entirely in your hands."

Hanzo of the Salamander stretched out his hand, his fervent tone causing Kakuzu's eyes to gleam—such a condition would undoubtedly allow him to merge Takigakure into Amegakure on the spot. With his previous subordinates as a foundation, he was not afraid that Hanzo of the Salamander would go back on his word and sideline him.

As for joining Amegakure now and then leaving later, Kakuzu's act of toying with Konoha is only because he has a few more hearts due to his secret technique, not because he has a few more guts.

At the same time, such generous conditions put some pressure on Sunagakure and Iwagakure, who were standing nearby.

"Lord Kakuzu, before agreeing to Amegakure's terms, you should listen to Sunagakure's conditions."

Chiyo of Sunagakure, who was being eyed covetously by Iwagakure, was well aware of her own true strength. If Han of Iwagakure could maintain his rationality and transform into a tailed beast, she and Bunpuku, who had barely sealed one tail, might not be able to defeat Han.

If there are horns assisting from the sidelines, it will undoubtedly secure second place and prevent the country's land area from decreasing.

Actually, second and third place weren't what Chiyo was most worried about.

She feared that after being defeated by Iwagakure, the exhausted Sunagakure might not be able to maintain its third-place position under the covetous eyes of Amegakure!

The ranking battle is a test of a village's overall strength at the Kage level, its prestige, and even the decisiveness of its decision-makers.

(So ​​this is what the leader of the ninja world was thinking.)

(This is something I find difficult to learn right now!)

Chiyo, who admired Uchiha Takeoshi's strength, now also felt a sense of awe for Uchiha Takeoshi's deeper thoughts and ideas.

She said to Kakuzu, "Sunagakure is willing to offer you the position of Finance Minister. I believe that a mature and established ninja village can provide you with more substantial benefits than the up-and-coming Amegakure."

The people present gradually came to their senses, and even the master from Kirigakure frowned.

If we really have to count, the only ones they can actually fight are him and Yagura Karatachi. If they get into a series of matches, it's hard to say who will win first place.

(You only have one day. If you get injured, you'll be targeted.)

(The best approach now is to stabilize Sunagakure and let them act as the gateway to Kirigakure.)

(Or perhaps it prevents them from having the energy to sprint towards first place.)

Unable to remain carefree and at ease, the Fourth Hokage approached Kakuzu and spoke gently.

"Lord Kakuzu, if you are interested, you are welcome to visit Kirigakure. The benefits and treatment will be similar to those in Sunagakure."

Everyone was shocked, never expecting that Kirigakure, the village with the strongest overall strength, would personally step in to recruit Kakuzu.

(Damn it, I still didn't think things through and wasn't prepared enough!)

A perfectly good ally was poached by another force right in front of him. Hanzo the Salamander was so angry that he wanted to curse. He opened his mouth again and again.

In the end, he merely glanced at Kakuzu, gradually losing hope in this powerful figure who valued money above all else.

(However, as long as Kakuzu doesn't join Iwagakure, I still have a chance!)

Hanzo the Salamander, a jinchūriki from Iwagakure, is a powerful kage. He's confident he can give it a shot.

(It would be best if Kakuzu joined Kirigakure!)

(If Iwagakure wants to advance further, it will have to defeat Sunagakure, allowing it to pick up the pieces from Sunagakure, which would be even better.)

The salamander half-hidden in his heart as he pondered.

(What an unnecessary thing for an old man.)

Chiyo felt a surge of anger. Among all the ninja villages, Kirigakure had the greatest advantage. If Kirigakure were to seize Kakuzu, Sunagakure would have to act as the bridgehead.

(However, as long as Kakuzu doesn't fall into Iwagakure's hands, everything else is negotiable.)

Chiyo's thoughts were vaguely noticed by Iwagakure, and Han looked at Kakuzu.

"Lord Kakuzu is probably somewhat familiar with the situation in Iwagakure. Having inherited the Stone Will of Iwagakure through the ages, I will resolutely safeguard the interests of Iwagakure."

"Therefore, I will not relinquish any of the top three positions, even if it means dying in Cloud Thunder Gorge!"

The ruthless fear the stubborn, and the stubborn fear the reckless. Today, the Fifth Hokage of Iwagakure will be the reckless one!

"If Lord Kakuzu is willing to join Iwagakure, the entire village will gladly welcome him."

Han first made a subtle threat, then extended a sincere invitation. With the man's tall and upright figure and deep tone, no one present doubted the sincerity of Iwagakure.

"You all really think highly of me."

Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of many smaller ninja villages, Kakuzu, after much deliberation, headed towards his goal—Kirigakure!

By joining Kirigakure, the strongest village in the area, one can completely avoid the upcoming great war.

Sunagakure doesn't have the strength to challenge for first place. Even if Iwagakure defeats Sunagakure, they will still have to stop at second place. If Amegakure were to perform better and injure or defeat Han, today's rankings would come to an end.

Han from Iwagakure and Hanzo from Amegakure exchanged a glance. The latter sat to the side and began to adjust his state.

(If I can't defeat Chiyo from Sunagakure and the One-Tailed Jinchuriki, my third-place position will definitely be taken by Amegakure.)

(Should we play it safe, or take a gamble?)

Han then looked at Chiyo from Sunagakure and grinned under her tense gaze.

"Come and fight, Sand Village!"

(End of this chapter)