The Land of Hot Springs is known for its famous hot springs. However, it's awkwardly situated between the major countries of Lightning and Fire.
On the map, the country looks like a narrow corridor squeezed between two giants. Because of its strategic location, it has often become a battlefield during conflicts between these two countries, dating back to the Warring States Period.
With the possibility of war between the Land of Lightning and Fire, merchants are avoiding the Land of Hot Springs. Even people who can afford to leave are migrating elsewhere, leaving behind only the poorest residents to manage a few scattered hot springs.
Uchiha Sogetsu, wearing a bamboo hat and black robe, looked around at the desolate streets. Most shops were closed, and he sighed in disappointment. "We picked a bad time to visit. We wanted to enjoy the hot springs here."
The Cloud Ninjas and Konoha Anbu searching desperately for him would never expect that the man who had recently caused chaos in Cloud Village and publicly beheaded the Third Raikage was now in the Land of Hot Springs, looking to enjoy the "hot spring" culture.
Konoha is currently in a panic! Danzo has sent multiple teams to find the "missing" Uchiha Sogetsu before the Kumogakure does.
The truth? The real culprit isn't in the Land of Lightning but is in the Land of Hot Springs.
With determination, Uchiha Sogetsu eventually found a "hot spring shop" with a sign that had been there for a hundred years.
Due to the war, the shop had no customers. The elderly owner greeted him warmly despite his simple appearance.
Soon, Uchiha Sogetsu was experiencing the unique hot spring culture of the Land of Hot Springs. The hot springs were at the perfect temperature, the water was clear and rich in minerals, and the air had a faint sulfur smell.
As he relaxed in the water, Uchiha Sogetsu leaned back with his eyes closed and thought, "As expected from a hundred-year-old shop, it feels special."
"Lord Sogetsu~"
At that moment, a green head emerged from the hot spring. It was White Zetsu.
Uchiha Sogetsu, who was relaxing in the hot spring, didn't even bother to look up. "What's going on?"
"Lord Sogetsu, something major has happened in Konoha!" White Zetsu said urgently. "Sarutobi Hiruzen collapsed during a public speech. He might have been poisoned and is unconscious. Danzo has been appointed as the acting Hokage. Danzo has united several clans and is pressuring Uchiha Fugaku, trying to sell you out to Kumogakure!"
"So, Uchiha Fugaku gave in?"
Uchiha Sogetsu seemed unfazed, asking slowly without lifting his gaze.
"You're not angry?"
White Zetsu was surprised by Sogetsu's calm reaction.
"Why should I be angry?"
Uchiha Sogetsu lifted his eyelids slightly, a hint of sarcasm on his face. "Isn't this expected? With Uchiha Fugaku's character, this was bound to happen sooner or later."
"Lord Sogetsu, did you predict Sarutobi Hiruzen would be poisoned and fall into a coma and appoint Danzo as the temporary Hokage?"
White Zetsu looked at him skeptically. Despite bringing such big news, Uchiha Sogetsu seemed completely unfazed. It seemed very odd.
"Guess."
Uchiha Sogetsu gave a slight smile and didn't answer.
"I don't really get it, it all seems too complicated."
White Zetsu, despite his intelligence, couldn't piece together the connection. He scratched his head and said, "But, Lord Sogetsu, Danzo and Uchiha Fugaku have agreed to hand you over to Kumogakure to appease them. I think you should just stay away and rebel against the village directly!"
"Why should I stay away?"
Uchiha Sogetsu smiled playfully and replied softly, "Not only do I want to return, but I want to come back as a hero when Konoha is at its most critical point."
"But if this happens, even if the crisis is resolved, Danzo won't just let you go, right?"
White Zetsu, looking puzzled, tilted his head and asked, "Also, with your current strength, why do you need to stay in Konoha Village?"
"Because I still need Konoha Village."
Uchiha Sogetsu leaned on the edge of the hot spring, enjoying the warm water. "As for being targeted by Danzo later, that's actually what I want."
He needed the right moment to end his grand plan, and having Danzo make his final move would be ideal.
"Do you want me to cause some trouble for him? Lord Sogetsu."
White Zetsu, ever loyal and skilled at stealth, was ready to act as Sogetsu's eyes.
"Heh, don't worry about him for now. Let Danzo enjoy his time for a bit."
Uchiha Sogetsu closed his eyes and said, "Doesn't he like playing these games? He calls himself the 'root' in the shadows, so let him experience betrayal from his ideals and abandonment by his friends."
"Understood. I will keep an eye on Danzo, Lord Sogetsu."
White Zetsu then slipped into the water and vanished silently.
As time passed, Uchiha Sogetsu felt refreshed after a good rest. He got out of the hot spring, dressed, and left the room.
"How was your stay?"
The boss approached, looking nervous but attentive. He rubbed his hands and said, "The food is ready. Please follow me."
Noticing the boss's nervousness, Uchiha Sogetsu, in his moon-white kimono, placed his hands in his sleeves, thought for a moment, and smiled. "Alright, let's go see."
The boss led him to a room, and when the door was opened, it revealed a spread of delicious food.
Uchiha Sogetsu sat at the table, grinning as he looked at the feast spread out before him. The elderly man next to him was visibly nervous, rubbing his hands and chuckling. "Boss, are you really sure you can offer this huge meal for just a few thousand taels? It can't be a scam, right?"
"W-What? A scam?" The boss's face went blank for a moment, but he quickly put on a forced smile. "You misunderstand. With the war coming up, we haven't had many customers lately. I feel like it's fate that you're here. Since it's just sitting here, why not treat you? My shop has been around for a century; we're definitely not a scam!"
"Oh, it's not a scam? That's a relief," Uchiha Sogetsu said, realizing something. He patted his chest and sighed deeply. "I'm so lucky, and you're so generous. Thank you for the hospitality, boss!"
With that, he relaxed and enjoyed the meal in front of him.
"Please, take your time," the boss said with a flattering bow before slowly leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
As soon as the door shut, the boss's smile vanished. His face turned cold and twisted with a hint of madness, eyes gleaming with cruel intent. He muttered to himself, "Hehe, fool. Eat up. Eat more, hehehe."
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