Start with a Zanpakuto and build the strongest Mist Village.

Is this something a six-year-old boy could say?!

Is this the kind of thinking a six-year-old child can have?!

Fugaku's expression was extremely complicated. He didn't dwell on why Itachi knew so much. In the process of nurturing Itachi, Fugaku provided comprehensive support. His study was almost always open to Itachi so that it would be easier for him to learn ninjutsu and increase his knowledge.

Information about these things is also stored there, so it's not surprising that Itachi occasionally sees some of it.

"Itachi..."

Fugaku composed himself: "Some things are not as simple as they seem on the surface. Our position in the ninja world is quite special. If it were Konoha in the past, it would naturally be fine, we would be unparalleled and stand out from the crowd."

“But it’s different now.”

"Konoha needs some allies to maintain this situation. Even if these allies can't bring us much real benefit, as long as they are nominal allies, that's enough."

"But what if this ally jeopardizes our interests? Are we just going to swallow our anger like this?!"

Itachi shouted at Fugaku, his excitement even causing him to activate his Sharingan and stare intently at Fugaku.

"Father, I know that Kirigakure is very strong, extremely strong, but is Konoha weak?"

“We have the Hokage, powerful Jonin, and elite Anbu. We also have you, Father, who possesses the Mangekyou Sharingan, just like our ancestors.”

"Even if our strength has been greatly damaged by the successive wars, can't we even do that—not invade others, but simply protect our own little territory?!"

It's impossible. Even with the Mangekyou Sharingan, you'd feel utterly powerless against Kirigakure, Seireitei, and those freaks!

Fugaku murmured bitterly to himself, but he knew he couldn't say it like that, nor could he show the slightest sign of cowardice.

He had already sensed the gaze directed at him, not only from Itachi, but also from several elite Uchiha members hidden in the shadows, as well as from the many Uchiha clan members who had been drawn by his loud conversation with Itachi.

A pair of eyes fell on Fugaku, putting immense pressure on him.

but.

This pressure might also turn into motivation!

Fugaku's mind was racing.

The super project cooperation between the three kingdoms of Feng, Shui, and Huo sounds impressive, but the actual project is only undertaken by the kingdoms of Feng and Shui. The kingdom of Huo is merely collecting tolls, and there are various hidden dangers, with a low profit share.

For all projects within the Land of Fire, the Land of Fire can only take 50% of the profits, while the remaining profits will be split equally between the Land of Wind and the Land of Water.

All the benefits generated by this project within the Land of Wind and the Land of Water, as well as in other countries large and small along the route, have nothing to do with the Land of Fire.

If it weren't for the sudden attack by the leader of the Akatsuki organization in the Land of Iron, and Mizuki Yoru's unparalleled and terrifying fighting power, they would have definitely spent another ten days or half a month negotiating this issue of interests.

The problem is that they simply don't have the time!

After the battle of the Land of Iron was over, the Nine-Tails crisis broke out. Konoha was busy with two things and couldn't take care of either one. Where did they have the time and energy to discuss these things?

We have no choice but to sign it first.

Therefore, this cooperation is indeed more harmful than beneficial to Konoha and the Land of Fire, and Itachi is absolutely right.

"I see."

Fugaku took a deep breath and nodded heavily to his most proud son: "You're right. Some things should be protected with our own hands."

"What Hiruzen Sarutobi and his ilk could do, I, Fugaku Uchiha, can do as well. What Hiruzen Sarutobi and his ilk could not do, I, Fugaku Uchiha, can do even better!"

"Rice fire! Iron fire!"

"Lord Patriarch!"

Inahi and Tetsuka instantly appeared behind Fugaku, their eyes burning with fervor as they looked at their clan leader.

This is their clan leader, the Uchiha clan leader, who inherited the will and eyes of his ancestor Uchiha Madara, and is destined to lead the Uchiha to true glory!

"Come with me to the Sarutobi clan's territory!"

"Yes!"

The Uchiha members bobbed their heads, watching Fugaku, Tetsuka, and the others depart, and erupted in unparalleled cheers.

Outside the Uchiha clan's territory, the corners of Hiruzen Sarutobi's shadow clone's mouth curved slightly upwards before he turned into a wisp of white smoke and disappeared from the spot.

Fish, you're hooked!

……

"As for the specific engineering cooperation projects, there's not much to say. We'll just stick to the original proportions. Of all the profits from the projects within the Land of Fire, Konoha will take 50%, and you and Sunagakure will take 50%."

Having already eaten, the tipsy Hiruzen Sarutobi, holding Mangetsu Hozuki's hand, said with a broad smile, "Your task these past few days, esteemed envoys, is simply to eat well and have fun in Konoha!"

"Lord Sandai is so generous!"

Hozuki Mangetsu gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a thumbs-up: "Now I can report back to the Fourth Hokage and get ready to start construction!"

"Hahaha, such a beneficial thing for the country and its people should naturally be done as soon as possible..."

"Benefit the country and the people? Hiruzen Sarutobi, I think you're getting senile!"

A furious shout suddenly rang out from outside the house, and Uchiha Fugaku descended like a divine warrior, barging into Sarutobi's camp!

Chapter 182 Just stay in Konoha and be the Hokage, Fugaku!

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, I think you're getting senile!"

The sudden sound, accompanied by the intruder's imposing presence, instantly drew everyone's attention to Uchiha Fugaku.

Those present were either taken aback, shocked, or incredulous.

While the Hokage was discussing matters with the Hidden Mist delegation, the head of the Uchiha clan barged in without permission and even directly berated the Hokage. Even if this Hokage was only acting Hokage, acting Hokage is still Hokage, and besides, Hiruzen Sarutobi himself was the Third Hokage.

Most importantly, the person who did all of this was none other than Uchiha Fugaku!

For a long time, Fugaku was seen by countless Jonin of Konoha as a person who, despite his great ambition and desire for the Hokage position, was an incredibly calm and composed individual.

To put it nicely, it's called considering the overall situation.

To put it bluntly, it's being overly cautious and hesitant.

That's why they couldn't believe that Fugaku Uchiha was capable of doing such a thing.

The expressions of those present changed slightly. They didn't know what Fugaku Uchiha meant by suddenly barging in. Logically speaking, the super project cooperation between the three countries of wind, water, and fire was something that Fugaku and the Fourth Hokage negotiated. What did Fugaku mean by jumping out to oppose it now?

He even publicly humiliated the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Could it be that the battle with Kumogakure, coupled with the current situation within the village, has driven the Uchiha clan leader insane?!

"Fugaku, do you know what you're saying?!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shouted coldly, but inwardly he was secretly pleased as he looked at Mangetsu Hozuki, whose face had darkened slightly.

He knew that Itachi Uchiha wouldn't let him down.

Using Itachi Uchiha as bait, they incited the Uchiha clan members who longed for the Hokage position and wanted to rise up, putting Fugaku, the clan leader, in a difficult position and forcing him to oppose the cooperation between Konoha and Kirigakure, thus incurring Kirigakure's displeasure.

It now appears that his plan has been a complete success!

"Do I need to repeat what I said to you again?!"

Fugaku Uchiha walked into the Sarutobi clan's encampment with an icy expression and looked at Mangetsu Hozuki: "Back then, the Fourth Hokage and I went to the Land of Iron to discuss a collaborative project on the super engineering of the three lands of wind, water, and fire, but due to various unforeseen circumstances, the meeting was forced to a halt."

"But you have already signed a contract."

Hozuki Mangetsu squinted, knowing that Fugaku's visit was ill-intentioned: "That agreement bears your own signature, Uchiha Fugaku. You signed it yourself, don't you acknowledge it?"

"I signed it myself, of course I acknowledge it, but will Konoha acknowledge it?"

Fugaku Uchiha snorted coldly, his words causing everyone present to pause in surprise. Hiruzen seemed to realize something, his expression changing drastically, and he directly retorted, "Clan Head Uchiha, please stop being unreasonable! The cooperation between Kirigakure and us is a matter of great benefit to the country and its people. We have no reason to refuse, much less to turn down!"

"Benefit the country and the people? Whose country and whose people benefit!"

"What does the alliance between the two countries have to do with Konoha? Not only will we not gain any benefit, but we are also actively introducing foreign forces into the Land of Fire, disrupting its trade and infrastructure. You even want to give up 50% of all the infrastructure in the Land of Fire. Hiruzen Sarutobi, you are using Konoha's resources to curry favor with foreign powers!"

Fugaku Uchiha showed no respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his words pointed out the drawbacks of the Three Kingdoms Super Infrastructure Alliance, plunging the entire venue into complete silence.

To demonstrate the importance attached to the Kirigakure delegation, Hiruzen Sarutobi not only personally welcomed the delegation and held the banquet at the Sarutobi clan's territory, but also rallied a large number of Konoha Jonin, including the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, to repeatedly express their determination to Kirigakure.

At this moment, Fugaku's words caused the expressions of dozens of Konoha Jonin present to change, and all their eyes fell on Hiruzen Sarutobi, trying to get an explanation from him.

They only had a general idea of ​​the specific details of the infrastructure alliance's cooperation. Even at the banquet just now, Hiruzen Sarutobi avoided the important points and simply agreed without discussing the details at all.

Looking back now, it seems that this alliance was more harmful than beneficial to Konoha!

"Nonsense!"

Feeling the gazes of everyone around him, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a little flustered, but he quickly calmed down and let out an angry shout.

"Fugaku, this agreement was signed by you and the Fourth Hokage. I was merely carrying out the terms of the agreement. Why are you accusing me?"

"Besides, you signed it yourself, only to deny it in the end." Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was icy: "I don't understand what you're thinking, but where do you place Konoha's reputation? Where do you place the alliance between Kirigakure and Konoha?!"

I know that the infrastructure alliance is harmful to Konoha in every way, but I did it anyway in order to be on good terms with Kirigakure.

Besides, I did exactly what you signed off on. If there are any problems, they are your problems, not mine!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude caused the Jonin in the arena to slightly relax their gazes, and their eyes fell on Fugaku with strange expressions, but Fugaku's expression remained unchanged.

"Gentlemen, and also the envoys from the Hidden Mist."

He glanced at everyone present, his tone firm.

"I did sign this agreement, but there are two points I need you to know."

"The first point."

"Back then, the situation was urgent. The Three Kage Summit in the Land of Iron was invaded by the leader of Akatsuki, and the summit was forced to end. When the summit was to resume, chaos broke out in our village, which forced the Fourth Hokage to return to Konoha, leaving me alone in the Land of Iron."

"Second point."

Fugaku paused slightly, his tone serious: "According to Konoha's regulations, all entrusted missions, including village diplomacy and international contracts, require the personal approval of the 'Kage'."

"I am merely a guard, not even an elder. Putting aside whether I actually signed this document, or what I signed, ultimately, what I signed has no legal effect."

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent. Each Jonin wore an extremely strange expression, and many hesitated to speak.

In particular, the current head of the Nara clan, the Hokage, subconsciously wanted to deny Uchiha Fugaku's words, but the words wouldn't come out.

The reason is simple: everything Fugaku Uchiha said was true and factual.

Konoha's laws clearly stipulate that all entrusted tasks must be personally reviewed and confirmed by the Hokage; this was established at the very beginning of Konoha's founding.

This applies not only to Konoha, but to all forces in the entire ninja world. Without the approval of the supreme ruler, the Kage, all contracts have no legal effect.

Otherwise, if any villager just signed a document, wouldn't they be selling off the village?

"Therefore, the infrastructure alliance has nothing to do with Konoha. If there is any connection, it is only because the acting Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, approved that document and re-affixed his 'Hokage' title on it!"

Fugaku's words were resolute and left no room for doubt.

"Lord Hokage."

Hozuki Mangetsu gave Uchiha Fugaku a deep look, then turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen: "What Clan Head Fugaku said makes perfect sense. You are now the Acting Hokage, so you see..."

"This……"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes were extremely gloomy. Feeling countless gazes directed at him, he wished he could tear Fugaku apart with his bare hands.

Would he agree to that?

If he agrees to this, won't he be cursed to the core by everyone in Konoha and the entire Land of Fire?!

His performance in the third war was a complete mess. He barely managed to salvage the situation with the Bliss Box. If he were to cause another incident like this now, then Hiruzen Sarutobi would not only be unable to continue as Hokage, but he would probably be condemned to death by the entire Land of Fire!

"I apologize, Your Excellency."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, feeling as if he had tried to play with a hawk but ended up getting pecked instead.

Originally, they wanted to use the power of Kirigakure to limit the Uchiha's almost unstoppable influence and prestige within the village, but now it has backfired and caused trouble for him!

Fugaku Uchiha, you're a ruthless guy!

Hiruzen Sarutobi forced a smile: "Konoha and Kirigakure are allies, and I naturally want to promote these collaborations as much as possible. But you may not know this, Your Excellency, but Konoha is currently at a rather awkward juncture. Even if I wanted to sign this agreement, I couldn't."

"Oh?"

Hozuki Mangetsu raised an eyebrow slightly: "What do you mean by that?"

"Is such that."

"Although I am the current acting Hokage of Konoha, an acting Hokage is still an acting Hokage. A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, and a village cannot be without a Hokage for a day. We are actually preparing to hold the election conference for the Fifth Hokage. Therefore, before the official Hokage election is held, I think no one in Konoha is qualified to sign this contract."

"The election of the Fifth Hokage?!" Hozuki Mangetsu exclaimed in surprise, "I see, then I was indeed rude."