The Uchiha and the Hyuga clans have always been in a competitive relationship.
These two families don't get along.
However!
Unlike the retreating Hyuga, the Uchiha are aggressive and have been given special attention by the Hokage.
Moreover!
There's one undeniable fact: The Uchiha clan is filled with talented individuals.
In contrast, the Hyuga clan, if you trace their lineage, can only really boast of one standout—Hyuga Tennin.
But!
The Hokage needs the Hyuga clan to face off against the Uchiha!
So, the Hyuga clan became quite prestigious.
This belief, with the Hokage's guidance, slowly gained acceptance—especially by the Hyuga main family, who completely bought into it!
Itsuki found this family ridiculous.
The main family was corrupt.
The branch family were slaves!
Does this mean that no one in the Hyuga clan wants to change things?
Of course not!
Unfortunately, either they lacked ability, or their strength wasn't enough, or they were too indecisive and lacked the courage to act.
Occasionally, a few competent individuals tried to bring about change, but the main family didn't approve, and neither did the Hokage.
They believed the current state of the Hyuga clan was perfect.
What if, through reform, they became another Uchiha?
The current head of the family, Hiashi Hyuga, wasn't bad overall.
But!
The Hyuga clan's prison not only bound the branch family but also shackled him and the main family.
It was a pitiful family!
Now!
The Third Hokage and others have assigned a mission, placing the Uchiha and Hyuga together. Even with just a bit of thought, it's clear they're setting up for more games, chaos, and conflict!
Itsuki was speechless.
As the Hokage, can't you act with a bit more dignity?
Like me, I enjoy playing around, but when it's time to act, I don't hesitate.
In one go, I eliminated more than ten Jonin from the Root, causing their Jonin team to lose a third of its strength.
Danzo was also publicly humiliated by me.
Since that day, who dared to underestimate me?
"What do you need me to do?"
Yakura looked at Itsuki.
"You don't need to do anything."
Itsuki said with a smile: "For this mission, just ignore the Hyuga and Uchiha. I've already made arrangements. You just need to hit the Sand Village hard, make sure they don't cause any trouble, and the harsher, the better. I'll provide the necessary support."
"That's it?"
Yakura was stunned.
"That's it!"
Itsuki shrugged.
Yakura stared at Itsuki quietly, and suddenly said, "Itsuki, thank you!"
She understood.
Itsuki was giving her a way to vent.
She had been plotted against by the Sand Village, and it must have left her feeling wronged and full of anger.
Itsuki was giving her a channel to release it.
She was touched!
Compared to the coldness of the Sand Village, Itsuki's gesture made her feel genuine warmth.
Kotoamatsukami effect +1!
Itsuki blinked.
This woman... Is she adding drama to the situation?
From her expression, she was clearly overthinking things.
He just wanted Yakura to use her strength and knowledge of the Sand Village to severely punish them so they wouldn't interfere with his plans.
Why did this feel off?
Forget it!
Don't disturb a woman lost in her emotions.
Itsuki turned to Kurenai, about to speak, and suddenly realized she was also looking at him with gentle eyes.
Itsuki: "..."
Oh man!
Are all women this emotional?
Should I write a couple of novels about all your colorful thoughts?
...
The mission was quickly issued.
The Konoha ninja were sent to various villages to keep an eye on their movements, ensuring they didn't deploy troops, buying time for Konoha's defense.
Kakashi led a team to the Mist Village.
Uchiha Itsuki took an entire ANBU squad to the Cloud Village.
The Uchiha and Hyuga teamed up to go to the Sand Village, with Uchiha Yashiro as captain and Hyuga Yamahiko as vice-captain.
The last village, the Rock Village, surprised Itsuki.
The Aburame clan and the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were responsible.
Among them, Aburame Shibi was the captain, and Nara Shikaku was the vice-captain.
This was interesting.
Kakashi, part of the Hokage faction, was dispatched, but the rest were all clan ninjas?
And!
Aburame Shibi was a quiet ninja, yet he was known as a well-rounded one, even earning the title of "Perfect Ninja" for a time.
He was proficient in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, and had impressive leadership and strategic abilities.
But!
Making him lead the Ino-Shika-Cho trio...
"Sigh, the Third Hokage really loves to play games," Itsuki murmured. "Despite being so weak."
Whoosh!
A ninja appeared in front of Itsuki, kneeling on one knee, and asked, "Captain, when are we departing?"
"Tonight!"
Itsuki glanced at the ANBU kneeling before him, showing a gentle smile.
Deep within that smile, however, there was a hint of regret.
"Yes!"
The ANBU responded swiftly and left.
Itsuki kept staring at his back until he disappeared, reluctantly pulling back his gaze.
Such a fine body… too bad it can't be cremated at the funeral parlor.
He returned to the Uchiha compound.
Some arrangements still needed to be made.
Since the Third Hokage likes playing games, fine, let's all play together—until you cry.
At Naka Shrine!
As soon as Itsuki walked in, an angry gaze shot toward him.
Itsuki turned his head.
It was Uchiha Fugaku!
"Yo, Clan Leader, what's with that look?" Itsuki asked in a curious tone. "Do you have some kind of misunderstanding with me? You look like I've stolen your wife or something."
Fugaku: "..."
Don't people usually talk about vengeance for killing one's father?
You bastard, what are you implying?
Fugaku's eyes were bloodshot.
Are you after my wife? This is too much!
"Ahem!"
Uchiha Setsuna coughed twice and said, "Itsuki, thank you for your contributions to the Uchiha clan."
"Oh, are you talking about those 2.5 million explosive tags?"
Itsuki waved his hand dismissively. "No need to thank me. Share them with the clan members. Konoha is unstable right now; they need something to defend themselves."
He didn't care how they handled it.
"I will," Setsuna nodded with a smile.
"Brother Itsuki, can you get a few more?"
Sitting beside Fugaku, Itachi suddenly spoke up.
Itsuki rolled his eyes. "Do you think they're cabbages?"
"Heh, in my mind, Brother Itsuki is capable of almost anything."
Itsuki froze for a moment, then gave Itachi a playful look.
Now that Itachi was the deputy clan leader, he really had changed. That flattery came out of nowhere.
"Alright, I've requested a meeting with the clan's top members because I have something to say."
Itsuki casually sat down, looking at the group. "Elder Zongyi, don't look so grim. We're not planning a rebellion."
"Elder Setsuna, don't be too happy about those 2.5 million tags either."
"As for you, Clan Leader Fugaku, don't worry too much about me and Mikoto for now!"
For now?
Are you serious?
Fugaku nearly jumped up, gritting his teeth. "Uchiha Itsuki, that's enough! Stop provoking me! I haven't even dealt with you for throwing out those explosive tags!"
He glared at Itsuki. "Releasing 2.5 million explosive tags at once—aren't you worried something might go wrong? It's not just me in my house; there's Sasuke too! What if there had been an explosion..."
Everyone else smiled bitterly.
Hearing about it had given them all cold sweats.
2.5 million explosive tags—what kind of destruction would that cause if they went off?
Itsuki immediately looked concerned. "Oh no, is Mikoto okay?"
Everyone fell silent.
Even Itachi.
I thought of you as a big brother, but are you really after my mom? That last comment didn't sound right at all.
(End of the chapter)