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"Yahiko, are you alright?"
Returning to the Akatsuki base, Yahiko was still covered in blood, looking pale. Once inside, Konan chased everyone out, leaving only the core members of the Akatsuki.
Fugaku was allowed to stay, both to monitor him and because Yahiko had predicted the Konoha response almost entirely based on Fugaku's analysis.
"I'm fine, Nagato. No need to worry."
After everyone left, Yahiko immediately sat up, showing no signs of weakness. He had feigned serious injury to keep Hanzō's spies from discovering the truth.
Except for Fugaku, Yahiko trusted the core members inside the room. They had all been with the Akatsuki since its early days.
"Jiraiya-sensei orchestrated this to deceive Hanzō and Amegakure."
Yahiko recounted his and Konan's experiences in Konoha. Whether their ideals had convinced the Third Hokage was now irrelevant; the important thing was that Hanzō was already hostile and prepared to destroy them.
Listening to the involvement of Shisui and the Police Force stirred something in Fugaku. He wanted to see his son and find out how his former comrade, are faring.
But these three were Jiraiya's disciples. Wouldn't that mean Jiraiya knew about the Rinnegan? If so, why hadn't Konoha taken any action?
Did they deliberately leave the Rinnegan in the Land of Rain?
Fugaku grew suspicious of the trio's backgrounds but sensed the Akatsuki weren't closely tied to Konoha.
Could Jiraiya have hidden the information about the Rinnegan so Konoha had no idea?
Fugaku found it unlikely. Such crucial intelligence would surely have been reported.
"We need to adapt and prevent Hanzō from destroying the Akatsuki."
Yahiko surveyed the room and asked, "Any ideas?"
"Let's relocate the Akatsuki base. While we've grown, we're no match for Amegakure."
"Can Konoha support us? If they provide resources, they should also send help. With Konoha backing us, even Hanzō wouldn't dare make an enemy."
"That's dumb. Yahiko faked an attack with Konoha!"
"So, what now?"
After some discussion, they couldn't come up with an effective solution. Yahiko had always given the orders; the members just followed.
But facing Hanzō, Yahiko also found himself at a loss.
Hanzō, the demi-god of the ninja world, had a clear intent to eliminate them. If they weren't careful, the entire organization could be wiped out.
Suddenly, Yahiko looked at Fugaku, recalling his predictions, and asked, "Naga-kun, what do you think?"
"Me? I follow your lead."
Fugaku shook his head, but Yahiko didn't want to be brushed off.
"Naga-kun, we need your input. Your predictions were accurate about Konoha."
". . . I'll share a thought."
After a moment, Fugaku spoke up, "What if the core members renounce their ninja identities and continue their activities, rallying the people of the Land of Rain?"
He remembered his failure was because he ignored the will of the broader Uchiha clan, those who weren't ninjas.
When they took Yoichi's bribes, he was already beaten. Ordinary members weren't ninjas or allowed at clan meetings, but they could still sway their ninja relatives.
Fugaku had once overheard the peace faction questioning his motives against Yoichi, wondering why he always targeted Yoichi while facing complaints from their families.
Even his faction had been influenced, so trying to outmatch with strength was his last stand.
The Akatsuki could use this strategy. If half the Land of Rain's people stood with them, Hanzō couldn't easily oppose them.
"What good will that do?"
One member didn't understand the plan. They had already been rallying people, and without their ninja identities, how could they develop?
"Yahiko is our spiritual leader, and if he gives up being a ninja—"
"Hanzō is now trying to kill your leader! Yahiko was lucky an Uchiha intervened, or he'd already be dead."
Seeing no one objecting, Fugaku continued, "Building popular support is vital. If all civilians side with the Akatsuki, even Amegakure won't oppose its people."
By then, only orphans would stand against them.
This idea came from Fugaku's reflections on his own defeat. He wasn't sure what to do after rallying civilians, but learning from his victorious enemy couldn't hurt.
"We'll follow Naga-kun's plan."
As Yahiko spoke, some members wanted to dissuade him, but he added, "I understand your concerns. But we're up against Hanzō, and I don't want any of you getting hurt. Safety first."
With Yahiko's reassurance, the Akatsuki members fell silent.
Hanzō's reputation had convinced them. They'd grown up hearing about the demi-god. Before knowing he wanted them dead, Yahiko had also respected Hanzō.
After thorough discussions, Yahiko decided to spread the word.
They would temporarily renounce their ninja identities while continuing to spread the Akatsuki's ideals and aid civilians.
Hanzō hadn't dampened Yahiko's resolve.
---
Though conflict remained in the ninja world, tensions eased after the Chūnin Exams. However, competition over mission commissions continued.
Missions were how ninjas made their living. The Great Nations' ninja villages had generous funding, but small-nation daimyōs wouldn't provide as much.
Yet smaller-nation ninja leaders often had ambition and needed money for development, so missions were a priority.
Within Konoha, things returned to their pre-war state. With proper discipline and public notice boards, the Police Force had fewer issues to handle.
Not all villagers wanted to cause trouble and get detained.
Yoichi had used the Impure World Reincarnation to summon fifteen jōnin-level Cloud ninjas, each with about 70% of their original power.
Using quality sacrifices and Hashirama cells from Mina had strengthened them.
More Hashirama cells could further boost them, allowing them to reach 80% power. With White Zetsu sacrifices, they might reach their full potential.
Among these fifteen Cloud jōnin, Mabui's father was assigned to the commerce guild. His Heavenly Transfer Technique and the Amber Purifying Pot enabled 24/7 transportation.
A real-time delivery service!
The remaining fourteen were controlled via tags given to Uchiha Shinjū, Uchiha Shin'ya, and Uchiha Hideto.
Handling medicine and military gear often involved risks, so the trio could sweep away threats with the Reincarnated Cloud ninjas.
Besides these affairs, Yoichi spent his days training and discussing business with Mikoto.
Much of his work was delegated to Nonō. Despite being less active after leaving the Root, she had regained her skills, becoming the "Wandering Miko."
The Uchiha's business was expanding beyond the food district. Mikoto had bought another plot to build a ninja-themed amusement park near the village border, by the barrier.
Yoichi aimed to open it to all of the Land of Fire, but the village barrier conflicted with that plan.
Yoichi approached Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura.
In the end, he convinced them. With the Police Force in place, no spies or ninjas could slip past them.
The Sharingan could see chakra flow, and although not like the Byakugan, it could easily detect jutsu.
He also brought letters from the daimyo, requesting the amusement park for the nobles' families.
Though the letters weren't orders, Sarutobi had to tread carefully. Refusing would upset more than just the daimyo's office.
So Sarutobi and the elders agreed to Yoichi's request to build the park along the barrier, offering ninja games, merchandise, and entertainment.
The surrounding areas would also be developed.
Over the past month, this project had been Yoichi's main focus.
Though power was fundamental in the ninja world, his growth had plateaued.
He had absorbed all the star chakra from the meteorite, boosting his chakra and ocular power. Most of the star chakra had been absorbed by Godzilla, who went into another slumber.
This time, the slumber was for a transformation. Godzilla had absorbed most of the star chakra, leaving Yoichi with a little.
With this much energy, Godzilla was ready to evolve.
Under Yoichi's massive Yin Release chakra, Godzilla's spirit was almost entirely controlled by the Sharingan. Yoichi could manipulate Godzilla's power easily.
His aptitude for harnessing Godzilla's power had been tempered by repeated exposure.
He had stored up one use of extracting supernatural powers and was close to a second. With three, he could retrieve any power he had previously wielded.
If he chose [Empty Hand, Seize the Blade], he and Mina could kill anyone in the ninja world.
However, he hadn't decided and would choose based on the situation.
The greatest achievement of the past month was being able to sleep with both Mikoto and Mina.
Neither woman was willing to share a bed with the other, even Mina. But Yoichi had an old trick.
When Mikoto was out of her senses, Yoichi would carry her to Mina's room.
Mina, though annoyed, would yield while Mikoto couldn't even move.
The women's only regret was that neither was pregnant.
Mikoto longed to bear a son named Sasuke. She'd be fulfilled as a good wife and mother, dedicating herself to her family.
Mina wanted to have Yoichi's first child, but despite their efforts, her belly remained flat.
She secretly took samples for testing. The results showed Yoichi's vitality was extraordinarily strong, shocking the medical ninja.
Yoichi had no idea. If he did, he'd tie her up and discipline her for doubting his fertility.
After the Chūnin Exams, Rumi left the hospital. Team 8 reunited, and with Kurenai and Rumi promoted to chūnin, Yoichi resigned as the leader.
But Team 8 was retained, now led by Kurenai. Though a chūnin squad, the weakest member was still elite or special jōnin. Even A-rank missions couldn't trouble them.
Yoichi felt assured they'd handle the battlefield well.
But this period of peace didn't last long before being shattered by a sudden event.
(End of Chapter)
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The signal for the jōnin assembly had not been seen for months since the last war ended.
Yoichi hadn't noticed the eagle flying overhead, signaling the summons, as he was inside his home.
It wasn't until someone came to inform him personally that he realized Hiruzen was summoning all the jōnin.
"Why at a time like this..."
Reluctantly, Yoichi rose from the couch and glanced at Yugito, who stood blushing with her face flushed and dressed in knee-high white socks. She looked at him disdainfully, but Yoichi lifted a finger and said,
"This interruption counts towards tomorrow."
"In your dreams, pervert!"
Yugito replied angrily, stomping her feet in her white socks as she stormed back to her room.
After the incident with Samui, she had agreed to a back massage service. This method was quite effective at relaxation, so after some negotiation, it was extended to a weekly basis to cover lodging and food expenses.
Yugito's delicate face had turned beet red, but without any income, she had reluctantly accepted.
Although she had become a Konoha genin, she found it hard to take even D-rank missions due to the lack of trust. Penniless, she temporarily stayed in Yoichi's home.
Even if she wanted to move out, she would still be under his watchful eye, meaning she would need to build her own house nearby. Poor Yugito simply couldn't afford it, so she agreed to the back massage service.
'Once I start taking on missions, I will definitely move out of this pervert's house!'
Yugito fumed after returning to her room, determined to become independent and escape her current situation.
But after sitting on the bed for a while, she couldn't stop thinking about those nightly sounds. She wrestled with her embarrassment before finally crawling under the covers.
Moments later, soft rustling could be heard from beneath her blanket.
---
At the Hokage's Office, Yoichi entered the meeting room, nearly the last to arrive. He walked past the other jōnin to sit in the front, next to Orochimaru.
With his skill and status, he deserved to be in the front row.
"Most people are here. Shall we proceed?"
Sarutobi began gravely, "Three days ago, ninjas from Taki and Yugakure villages suddenly intruded into the Land of Fire. A confrontation broke out when our patrol tried to stop them, resulting in their deaths. Now, these two villages are demanding compensation and the culprits."
Huh?
Around 80% of the jōnin in the room were confused. These two villages thought they could intimidate Konoha?
Orochimaru spoke up in his hoarse voice, "Isn't this Iwa and Kumo's influence? The two smaller villages would only act this boldly if they were armed with a treaty from two of the Great Nations."
His words were a wake-up call to the others.
Takigakure was a relatively strong village with the Seven-Tails, but Yugakure had almost no real strength. Just a few jōnin could wipe them out, and they didn't dare compete for missions in their own country against Kumo or Konoha.
Their newfound boldness must have stemmed from the backing of two Great Nations.
"War again, huh..."
Sakumo muttered.
"It hasn't started yet, but we're preparing for the possibility. Fortunately, Kirigakure and Sunagakure are still busy with their own conflicts."
Sarutobi revealed intelligence from the Anbu, "If war comes, we'll be facing Iwa and Kumo."
Hearing about this potential alliance, most of the jōnin, except for a few like Yoichi, grew tense.
Both Iwagakure and Kumogakure were military giants, each supposedly boasting thousands of ninja.
In the Second Shinobi World War, dozens of Iwa elite ninja had pursued the Sannin. Without timely reinforcements, at least one of the Sannin would have perished.
Both Iwa's Four-Tails and Five-Tails Jinchūriki were renowned, capable of unleashing Bijūdama and even full transformations.
Kumogakure had lost the Two-Tails, but the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki was still formidable. Kumo also had thousands of ninja.
In comparison, Konoha barely had around 10,000 ninja, counting every clan.
Yoichi asked, "Third Hokage, when is the deadline given by Taki and Yu?"
"In two days. They claim it's the final deadline."
"Let's give them a lesson!"
Yoichi sneered. "If Iwa and Kumo intend to wage war, giving away half the Land of Fire won't satisfy them. If conflict is inevitable, let's teach these accomplices a lesson. Otherwise, every small village will think they can blackmail us."
Orochimaru added, "I agree with Yoichi. Otherwise, we'll be facing four villages united. Though Taki and Yu aren't strong, having them or not makes a difference."
"I also agree. We should eliminate these two villages from the battlefield."
Sakumo nodded. He also believed war was unavoidable, so weakening the enemy's forces early would be wise.
"Very well. We'll consider team compositions."
Sarutobi scanned the room. All the strongest jōnin were present, but careful consideration was required.
"Let me handle Takigakure, Third Hokage."
Yoichi volunteered, "I will make Taki regret framing Konoha. Even if Ōnoki coerces them, they won't dare join the fight."
"Are you sure?"
Sarutobi was concerned about the Seven-Tails. Yoichi seemed more interested in capturing another Jinchūriki than accomplishing the mission.
"You should take on Yugakure, Yoichi."
Sarutobi decided, "Takigakure is well-prepared and could have Iwa ninja lying in wait. I'm putting together a team around Minato to ensure a safe retreat if needed."
Turning to Minato, he asked, "Can you handle it?"
"I'll follow your orders, Third Hokage."
Minato affirmed confidently.
Yoichi saw that Sarutobi had decided, so he didn't press further. There would be other opportunities.
"With Jiraiya, Minato, Shin'ichiro, and Inuzuka Tōdō, you'll be going to give Taki a warning."
"Yoichi, who will be on your team?"
"Just me."
Yoichi replied, "I don't need help against Yugakure."
In the future, the entire village would be slaughtered by Hidan. For now, Yugakure's leader still had ambitions, likely coerced into this war.
"Alright, let's discuss wartime strategy."
They needed to determine where to engage the enemy and how many ninja to send. The clans dispatched their forces due to the looming danger.
Yoichi deployed 80 clan members in the first wave, which was significant for the Uchiha.
Despite the Police Force having many non-Uchiha members, Yoichi had to deploy many of his people since most others were managing business affairs.
Among these 80 were Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Yokokawa, Police Force squad leaders.
After his return from Ryūchi Cave, Yoichi had brought back herbs for Snake Heart Pills, distributing a second batch of Sage Cursed Seals to the clan.
Of the 80 Uchiha, 50 had the Sage Cursed Seal, most equipped with combat gear.
With these safeguards, their survival chances were better than other ninja. If they died, it would be due to poor luck and lacking skills.
The Uchiha were grateful for Yoichi. Under Fugaku's leadership, they provided just as many people with fewer survival tools. With no restrictions on secret jutsu, even a genin could choose two C and D-rank jutsu.
After spending hours in the Hokage's office, the meeting finally ended.
Assigned teams would depart the next day, and others within five days.
Yoichi returned home and brought down the Kiba blades, which had been gathering dust.
When Yugito heard him return, she got up from her bed and was surprised to see how much time had passed. She patted her cheeks and scolded herself for wasting time.
Exiting her room, she saw Yoichi cleaning the Kiba blades.
"War is about to start. I won't be home for a while. You can wander Konoha or the Uchiha grounds, but if anyone has ill intentions, leave Two-Tails' chakra with me so you can contact me anytime."
He noticed her damp bangs sticking to her forehead. Had she fallen asleep wrapped in her blanket?
(End of Chapter)
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