[My bad! This is the chapter!]
"Itachi, this is the clan head. We'll be living near his home from now on."
Mikoto had come to visit with Itachi. She hadn't told him about her relationship with Yoichi yet, planning to reveal it when Itachi was a bit older.
Though some in the clan may have guessed Mikoto and Yoichi's relationship, they wouldn't gossip openly, especially since one of them was the clan head and the other handled the clan's finances.
Yoichi had relied on sheer strength to defeat Fugaku, who had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, ultimately leading him to defect. However, Itachi wasn't aware of this as no one had told him.
"Clan head, I am Itachi."
Yoichi nodded slightly and said to Itachi, "Train diligently. If you need anything, feel free to ask the clan."
"Thank you, clan head."
Itachi bowed in gratitude, then looked at his mother, uncertain about what to do next.
Holding Itachi's hand, Mikoto smiled apologetically at Yoichi, feeling sorry she hadn't been able to spend time with Yoichi-kun in recent days.
"In a few days, the third round of the Chūnin Exams will begin. You can take Itachi to watch it. The Uchiha clan has front-row seats."
Yoichi continued, "Tomorrow, I will accompany Sakumo-senpai to meet the Daimyō. We might discuss new business."
"I understand. I've been talking with Nono, the head of the orphanage we funded last time. She seems interested in helping me, and she's quite capable. If she joins, it'll ease my burden significantly."
Mikoto gently patted Itachi's hair and smiled.
"Yakushi Nono?"
"Yes, Yoichi-kun. Do you know her?"
"She should be a ninja who left Root. Her espionage skills are strong, so it's not surprising you found her impressive."
Yoichi stroked his chin. This woman's abilities had even prompted Danzo to threaten her, especially given her experience in high-difficulty espionage missions.
Hearing "Root," Mikoto frowned slightly and asked quickly, "Yoichi-kun, should I stay away from her? What about funding the orphanage?"
"No need to worry. Just provide normal funding. She should have left Root and isn't inclined to work for Danzo anymore."
Shaking his head, Yoichi said, "Pay her adequately. Business management shouldn't be difficult for her and will save you time. Besides, don't worry about betrayal. We're the Uchiha!"
Would Danzo provoke a powerful enemy?
If angered, the Uchiha wouldn't react like other villages suffering intelligence breaches. They're in the heart of Konoha, and their retaliation would be open unless you join the Anbu.
"I understand, Yoichi-kun. I'll reach out to her."
Mikoto then discussed other matters with Yoichi while Itachi listened silently.
His mother missing their agreed meeting had saddened him, but her recent company had helped him gradually forget about it.
The only thing that puzzled Itachi was why he couldn't ask about his father. No one would tell him, and his father's previous words were strange.
Mikoto's gaze was gentle while she spoke to Yoichi, seemingly brimming with warmth. She hadn't come to see Yoichi-kun for days.
Having just moved into their new home nearby, Mikoto planned to sneak over quietly after Itachi fell asleep.
After Mikoto left with Itachi, Yoichi left home to wander around.
---
In the Hokage office, Danzo opened the door directly, but his heart sank when he saw Orochimaru inside.
Besides Orochimaru, Hiruzen, Koharu , and Homura were present.
Hiruzen watched Danzo expressionlessly. After he entered and shut the door, he asked, "Danzo, do you have anything to say?"
"What about? Wood Release? Hiruzen, there's nothing to say."
Danzo replied calmly, "You'll see the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai in the third round of the Chūnin Exams, and nobles and ninjas from other villages will also know. It's far more impactful than a mere exam."
The powers that settled the Warring States era—the Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release—have proven their prowess. The Uchiha had displayed Mangekyō Sharingan's strength on the Kumogakure battlefield, rivaling the perfect Jinchūriki.
Wood Release's appearance in this Chūnin Exam would intimidate the other villages.
"Danzo, experimenting on the First Hokage's remains violates the orders left by our teacher. This desecrates the remains of our predecessors, which is strictly forbidden in Konoha!"
"Sarutobi-sensei, I had no idea. I thought it was your order. After all, Danzo-sama is your assistant. Heh, I suppose I was oblivious..."
Orochimaru's raspy voice chuckled. He could deny knowledge and claim Danzo was in charge.
Hiruzen was at a loss for words before ignoring Orochimaru and turning to Danzo, saying, "Danzo, the Wood Release ninja will be handed over to Anbu, and I'll arrange matters accordingly."
"That won't work, Hiruzen."
Danzo had considered this and sneered internally at Hiruzen's words. "Shin was a Root ninja tasked with covert operations. He has two curse marks. Even if transferred to Anbu, his ties to Root make integration difficult."
Enraged, Hiruzen exclaimed, "Then remove the curse marks!"
"If Root's assignments could be undone easily, wouldn't enemy villages extract intelligence from Root ninjas?"
Danzo said righteously, "I can't do that. Root curse marks are irreversible."
Hiruzen's expression darkened. He suspected this was deliberate, but he then turned to Orochimaru, asking, "Orochimaru, can you create more Wood Release ninjas?"
Danzo scoffed internally at Hiruzen's change in stance. He had called it desecration earlier, but now he wanted Wood Release in Anbu.
"I can, but it'll be expensive, and the current Root ninja with Wood Release didn't fully inherit the First Hokage's powers. I'm working on a new study."
Orochimaru smiled and said, "If Sarutobi-sensei supports me, I can develop a stronger Wood Release. But if you're satisfied with the current state, I can replicate the experiment."
"How much support do you need?"
"200 million ryō, and the Sealing Scroll. I'll handle the rest."
Orochimaru's demand left Hiruzen silent. Two hundred million would be costly even if the village could afford it.
After a moment, Hiruzen said, "I'll start with 30 million ryō. You continue your research, and I'll assign two Anbu ninjas to inherit the Wood Release. You can select a jutsu from the Sealing Scroll."
He glanced at Koharu and Homura before continuing, "These two Wood Release Anbu will be tasked with guarding the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
Koharu and Homura nodded in agreement. Though Kushina could control some of the Nine-Tails' chakra, having a Wood Release ninja nearby would offer reassurance.
Even though Orochimaru said this Wood Release wasn't the same as the First Hokage's, it should still suppress a Tailed Beast. Through his crystal ball, Hiruzen had seen the Root ninja's Wood Release in action.
"I understand. Have Anbu contact me directly."
Orochimaru spoke calmly, inwardly thinking how stingy his teacher was. Danzo had put up 200 million, yet Sarutobi Hiruzen only offered 30 million ryō. He doubted Sarutobi would provide more later.
The Sealing Scroll offer was meager too, while Jiraiya's student had already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique.
After more discussion, Orochimaru found an excuse to leave. After exiting the Hokage building, Danzo quickly caught up.
"Orochimaru, you used Root's funds to develop the Wood Release, and now you're helping Hiruzen!"
Danzo's face was grim. Hiruzen was getting his research for free.
The worst part was that Orochimaru hadn't given him the Wood Release. Having it himself would be entirely different.
"Give me the method for fusing Hashirama's cells, and we'll call it even. Otherwise, I'm not so easy to deal with."
"No chance, Danzo-sama. Before you arrived, Sarutobi-sensei warned me against sharing the fusion method with anyone. He's already wary of you."
Orochimaru smiled. "I can conduct a fusion experiment for you, but you'll need to supply more Hashirama cells. This is the most I can offer without Sarutobi-sensei noticing."
"Hiruzen..."
Danzo's face turned ashen. He knew his threats had little effect on Orochimaru, especially with Hiruzen's warning.
"Fine. I'll send someone to you."
With that, Danzo turned and left.
Orochimaru chuckled, surprised that Danzo believed him. He then headed home.
No wonder Sarutobi-sensei demanded two Wood Release ninjas but gave almost nothing in return.
---
"Greetings. I am Hatake Sakumo, and this is the Uchiha clan head. We seek an audience with the Daimyō."
Sakumo arrived at a secluded courtyard gate. The area housed various nobles and the Daimyō, cordoned off for them by Konoha.
It was previously home to the Senju clan, but as their numbers dwindled, Konoha repurposed the empty houses.
Though secluded, the security was tight, with personal guards for the nobles, and the Konoha Police Force and Anbu patrolling.
"Please wait a moment."
The Daimyō's guard recognized the names and went to report. He soon returned, saying, "Hatake-san, Uchiha clan head, please enter."
After passing through the corridors guarded by the Daimyō's men, they met the Fire Daimyō, a middle-aged man who smiled at Hatake Sakumo.
"Hatake-kun, long time no see."
"Daimyō-sama, you're still in good health as always."
Sakumo replied without flinching, even though the Daimyō looked far from healthy.
Even Yoichi, who lacked medical expertise, could see the dark circles and drowsiness. The Daimyō was clearly a loyal customer of their Uchiha pharmaceuticals.
"This is Yoichi, the Uchiha clan head. He asked me to introduce you."
After sitting down, Yoichi said, "Daimyō-sama, I am Yoichi. Our Uchiha pharmaceuticals manufacture that particular medicine."
"Oh, it's yours, hmm."
The Daimyō nearly coughed but quickly covered his face with a fan.
Afterward, Yoichi used business as an excuse to discuss matters with the Daimyō, and Sakumo left to wait outside.
Once he was gone, Yoichi began talking to the Daimyō about the next Hokage.
His vision was a Fourth Hokage for development and a Fifth Hokage for expansion.
The two talked for hours before Yoichi finally left the Daimyō's room, calling Sakumo to leave.
After exiting, Hatake Sakumo was curious why the conversation had taken so long but refrained from asking.
At the intersection, they parted ways. Yoichi wanted to thank Sakumo for the introduction by inviting him to hotpot.
Sakumo politely declined with an excuse before turning and leaving.
As Sakumo left, Yoichi grinned and walked back toward the clan grounds.
The meeting had gone well. The Daimyō was a greedy man and already favored Sakumo for the Fourth Hokage. With a solid first agreement, further talks went smoothly.
When selecting the Hokage, the Daimyō hadn't necessarily been frightened by Danzo's words. He might have been swayed by Danzo's militaristic style.
Winning wars yet constantly compromising for peace agreements might have grown tiresome.
So when Yoichi spoke his mind, the Daimyō pondered before agreeing. He had seen enough peace-oriented Hokages and wanted change.
Approaching the clan grounds, Yoichi suddenly saw the [Strategy Guide] prompt.
[Go to the strategy target (Tsunade) and ask why she's back immediately.]
"Tsunade is back?"
Yoichi looked in confusion at the direction indicated. The strategy target only appeared if it was within a kilometer.
The direction seemed to be near the Uchiha clan's supermarket.
(End of Chapter)