Chapter 17. Yuto's Theory
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In the following days, there wasn't much happening in the Land of Rain.
The main purpose for coming here was to have a physical check-up, leave Kana some blood and tissue samples, and practice some ninjutsu.
In Konoha, you can only use simple ninjutsu like the Three Basic Jutsu (Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques) and kunai throwing could be practiced. Uchiha's kunai throwing technique was especially renowned throughout the ninja world.
As a former Uchiha genius with strong "Will of Fire," Yuto was particularly skilled at kunai throwing, so no one said anything when he threw darts at the store.
However, the ancestral Fire Release and Genjutsu had to be practiced elsewhere.
Apologies.
He was Uchiha Yuto, a wealthy merchant of Konoha.
By day, he was an ordinary rich man, but by night, he was actually a powerful rich man.
The Land of Rain had abundant iron ore, which explained how they later managed to construct such a grand underground drainage system.
Yahiko had already arranged for workers to begin the underground drainage project, and with Yuto's advice, if successful, it would likely turn into a modern, wealthy small town.
After staying for more than a month, it was time for Uchiha Yuto to return to the village. Having been away for nearly two months, the atmosphere in the ninja world was becoming more and more tense. On Yuto's suggestion, Yahiko decisively sealed off the surrounding area, preparing to avoid the chaos.
As for Hanzo of the Salamander… using Yahiko's name, Yuto had planned to invite the visible leaders of the Land of Rain for a meal before his departure to see if they could "cooperate" and get rich together.
He was a legitimate businessman, after all—never one to use underhanded tactics.
Unfortunately, Hanzo never showed up in the end.
Of course, for a figure like Hanzo, who had lived half a lifetime as a warlord, it wasn't so easy to lure him into someone else's territory with just one letter.
People like him usually stayed secure in the rear, not taking risks by running around.
A meeting?
That would have to be on his turf!
So, after giving Yahiko and the others a few more instructions, Uchiha Yuto prepared to leave.
"Are you really not staying, Brother Yuto? We need you!" Yahiko held Uchiha Yuto's hand with deep emotion, his eyes full of reluctance. "The country needs you!"
"If you need anything, send a letter. I'm just in the neighboring country!" Uchiha Yuto, expressionless, withdrew his hand. "I can't stay right now; this place is in your hands!"
He had defected from the village.
By tomorrow, this group would be joining the ninja world war.
Was all this emotion really necessary?
Yahiko and his companions were the pillars of the Land of Rain!
The Land of Fire was a massive market. If he stayed in the Land of Rain, the bubble tea shop would probably be shut down.
"Remember, don't go into Hanzo's territory unless absolutely necessary. If you have to go, take a stack of explosive tags and a group of people! You're ninjas—you don't need to talk about honor. If you encounter an enemy, just charge forward!" He turned and slapped Nagato, who was yawning nearby, in exasperation.
"Especially you! Stay calm when things happen! Hide if you can, avoid direct confrontation. If you can use explosive tags, blow them up! Don't be a fool and charge in when provoked."
If your legs get blown off by an explosive tag, what will you do then?
"Do you remember the mantra I taught you?"
"…" Nagato rolled his eyes, clearly wanting Yuto to leave.
Uchiha Yuto, still exasperated, patted Nagato on the head. "Say it again, quickly."
Taking advantage of his status as the older brother figure, he could tap Pain on the head whenever he wanted!
Was Nagato really going to ask him to lift sacks of rice now?
Staring seriously at Nagato, Nagato had no choice.
Reluctantly, he muttered under his breath, "Kunai smeared with [Beep-], ninja god will be reborn."
"And the rest?"
"Grab the [Beep-] with bare hands, the Six Paths will be in distress. Use explosive tags for the kill in [Beep-], the tailed beasts will suffer. Strike his [Beep-], he'll collapse in pain. [Beep-] on his face, the god will descend. Speak no more, and you're sure to win."
The more Nagato spoke, the softer his voice became.
But Uchiha Yuto nodded with satisfaction. "Looks like you've remembered well!"
"…" No, I wish I'd never heard it in the first place.
However, Uchiha Yuto glanced at the strange looks from those around him, clenched his right fist, and placed it under his chin, coughing twice. With a serious tone, he explained, "I didn't actually mean for you to literally smear [Beep-] on the kunai. What I wanted to convey was that when you face difficulties, don't panic. There are always more solutions than problems. Don't let a moment of impulsiveness land you in a trap. The crudeness of the phrase was only meant to help you develop a strong mindset."
Really!
It's all for your own good!
After he finished speaking, except Nagato, who rolled his eyes, and Kana, who smiled while covering her mouth, everyone else nodded in realization.
Better write down Yuto's life lessons!
Yuto then looked at Konan and, after a moment of silence, sighed, "Girls need to rest well."
"Got it, Brother Yuto!" Konan nodded, folding the paper in her hands into a small flower. She handed it to him with a cheerful smile, "Brother Yuto, take care of yourself too."
"Mhm, same goes for you. Don't run around recklessly. What if you get captured? Stay safe at home, alright?" Yuto gave a few more warnings, then smiled gently at Kana. "Thanks for everything!"
With that,
"Stay safe, Lord Yuto," Kana said, placing her hands at her waist and bowing with a warm smile. "You don't need to worry about us."
"Well then… Goodbye, everyone!" Uchiha Yuto waved with a smile and, accompanied by the two guards who came with him, quietly began his journey back to Konoha.
By the time he got back, the barbecue restaurant that Suzune was building was probably finished. With this, Yuto Group would take another step forward.
Meanwhile, behind him…
"Sister Kana, we should head back," Nagato yawned. "Don't worry, Brother Yuto is so reckl—ahem…" He glanced nervously at Kana's gentle but intense gaze and chuckled awkwardly. "He's so smart; he'll be fine."
"Exactly!" Konan nodded with a smile. "Sister Kana, don't worry. And if you ever want to see Brother Yuto, we may not be able to go, but if you write him a letter, he'll definitely come."
"You're such a chatterbox!" Kana smiled helplessly, patting Konan's head. "Just remember what Lord Yuto said, and you better not run around, little girl."
"I won't!" Konan said cheerfully.
However,
As the two of them continued chatting, Nagato suddenly frowned, muttering, "I overheard Brother Yuto's guards saying something about him being involved with a Hyuga girl in Konoha… Uchiha and Hyuga… Brother Yuto might be in some—"
Before he could finish,
A cold shiver ran down his spine as icy rain began to fall. Nagato looked up in frustration. "It's raining again, and there's thunder this time… Wait, Yahiko, why are you pulling me?"
"Stop talking and get back to digging. Kyusuke is waiting for you!" Yahiko said, exasperated, looking at his clueless younger brother.
'Does he even realize what he's saying?'
If Brother Yuto hears about this, he'll have Nagato digging for three days straight!
...
Meanwhile,
It was also raining in Konoha, a rare occurrence.
The tense atmosphere from the war seemed to ease a bit as the village quieted down. Many villagers stood silently, watching the gentle rainfall from the sky.
A girl with Byakugan smiled softly, her eyes curving as she gazed at the neon sign in front of her, which flickered with the words - Yuto BBQ. In a soft murmur, she said, "Yuto should be back soon, right?"
Just then,
The village erupted in excited chatter. The villagers were all looking joyfully toward the entrance.
"Lord Jiraiya is back! Lord Jiraiya is back!"
A figure riding a giant toad appeared before everyone's eyes, wearing a mischievous grin and waving at the villagers from atop the toad.
It was none other than one of the Legendary Sannin—Jiraiya, the Toad Sage!