Uchiha Qi: Huh? I've become the Great Elder? Really?

"What? If the Genjutsu Game is released as a normal product, will other villages gain the same benefits?"

Theoretically, yes, that's true.

"However, since the core technology originates from Konoha, can't the Genjutsu Game sold outside the village be 'castrated' to a certain extent?"

"Even if some people eventually manage to infiltrate Konoha and buy the uncastrated version of the Genjutsu Game, the quantity would surely be small. Compared to Konoha's overall strength and the benefits that all Konoha Ninja can gain, the so-called risks are negligible."

Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't lack this much foresight and vision. Moreover, even if he suddenly had a brain fart and didn't realize it, his greatest advisor, the Nara Clan, would tell him—after all, when the Nara Clan also holds shares in the Konoha Gaming Guild, even a clan that likes to slack off will become proactive.

Next, all Hiruzen Sarutobi needed to do was wait and observe, and then decide on the next step based on how the game's expansion progresses.

"Phew... I hope... this can truly bring about some positive changes..."

Standing in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed out the window at the now-dark Konoha, muttering softly.

What this Ninja Hero didn't tell his old friends was that his indulgence of the Uchiha Clan this time was also a trial and preparation.

The Ninja World's situation was currently akin to oil in a raging fire, brimming with the ominous scent of an impending storm.

Among the Five Great Nations, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth were sharpening their knives, and the distant Land of Water, overseas, was also eyeing them covetously. According to intelligence reports from spies, their targets were all the Land of Fire, and they were frantically spreading anti-Land of Fire hatred within their own countries. Only the Land of Wind, having suffered the most severe losses in the Second Great Ninja War, appeared relatively stable.

However, once the other great nations made their move, the Land of Wind would inevitably follow suit, and then, the Third Great Ninja War would descend.

Furthermore, it was highly likely that Konoha would directly face a 1 vs 4 situation. After all, the Land of Fire was the biggest victor in the previous two Ninja World Wars, and had gained the most benefits.

Once the Third Great Ninja War broke out, the Land of Fire would inevitably become everyone's target.

As the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi had long discussed this with his think tank, so even though Konoha was currently well-equipped and strong, he remained deeply worried.

Although Konoha had faced encirclement in the previous two Ninja World Wars, those nations were also fighting among themselves while attacking the Land of Fire. It was primarily a chaotic battle, so the pressure Konoha faced back then wasn't as great as one might imagine.

However, the Third Great Ninja War would be different. If it broke out, there was a high probability that the Land of Fire would face a full-scale assault from four great nations.

If they couldn't hold out, Konoha would truly be in danger.

This was what troubled Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As it turned out, Hiruzen Sarutobi's worries were not unfounded, because the intensity of the Third Great Ninja War surpassed the previous two, and Konoha was even pushed to its doorstep, almost triggering a full-scale defense of the village.

While Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know at the time that such a tragic event would occur, he was indeed diligently preparing for the Third Great Ninja War out of concern.

The Genjutsu Game presented by the Uchiha Clan was an absolute open strategy, something Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Hokage, could not refuse, because it was genuinely something that could greatly strengthen the village's power and increase its income.

With this fundamental premise, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't mind changing his policy of suppressing the Uchiha Clan. He made an unprecedented move to give the Uchiha Clan some leeway and support.

Of course, the most crucial factor was that the Uchiha Clan's actions this time were so brilliant that even Hiruzen Sarutobi had to exclaim, "Damn, that's brilliant!" and then, in his admiration, simply went with the flow.

Shaking his head, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat back down, continuing to deal with the mountain of official documents, and quietly strengthening the defenses of several important border strongholds.

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha Clan Compound, a banquet was underway.

It was a celebration of the perfect conclusion of the press conference, and also of the successful collaboration between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha's major Ninja Clans.

And even...

A celebration of the Uchiha Clan's improved image within the village.

Although the higher-ups hadn't detailed the subsequent plans, they were already promoting the idea that, through this press conference, the Uchiha Clan had embarked on the right path. As long as they closely followed the higher-ups' lead and steadfastly advanced along the correct path planned for the Uchiha Clan by Lord Qi, the Uchiha Clan would surely become great again!

The main theme was to pop champagne and celebrate to their heart's content.

Although the situations were actually different, it did feel a bit like celebrating prematurely at halftime.

However, Uchiha Qi didn't pour cold water on their enthusiasm, because the Uchiha Clan had indeed been suppressed for too long and had always seen no hope. Now that the situation was looking excellent, there was no harm in the entire clan celebrating a little.

But Uchiha Qi soon realized he had still underestimated the Uchiha Clan's extreme tendencies—

"Fellow clan members, on this memorable day, the time has come for our Uchiha Clan to seek change and usher in a new era!"

"From today onwards, I, Uchiha Masanobu, will formally pass on the position of Clan Head to my son, Fugaku. From now on, he shall be the one to control our Uchiha Clan!"

"At the same time, Elder Setsuna will also step down from the position of Grand Elder. Our clan's new Grand Elder shall be the one who led us to all of this—Uchiha Qi!"

"Under the leadership of Clan Head Fugaku and Elder Qi, our Uchiha Clan shall surely move towards a new glorious chapter!"

"Everyone, drink up!"

As he spoke, Uchiha Masanobu, seated at the head table, raised his cup high and then drained it in one gulp.

Drinking along with him were the high-ranking members of the clan, led by Uchiha Setsuna. Clearly, these individuals had planned this beforehand.

After a moment of stunned silence, the Uchiha Clan members erupted into even more enthusiastic cheers, then drank their fill, each one overwhelmed with excitement. Many even activated their Sharingan.

Some Uchiha who hadn't even awakened their Sharingan before awakened them at this moment—these individuals had awakened their Sharingan due to the morning's press conference. Under the impact of the atmosphere of communal frenzy, and the subsequent stimulation of the major Ninja Clans actively showing goodwill and establishing cooperation with the Uchiha, some Uchiha had awakened their Sharingan due to overwhelming emotion.

For a moment, it felt like a chaotic dance of red-eyed demons.

Uchiha Qi, meanwhile, was speechless. Although he had indeed calculated to gain a transcendent status within the Uchiha Clan, he only wanted a transcendent status; he didn't want to bear overly 'onerous' responsibilities.

Moreover, what the hell was a Grand Elder? This was, theoretically, a position within the Uchiha Clan that held authority and status equal to the Clan Head.

Although Uchiha Qi had previously received the highest level of treatment, that was just treatment. Now that the position of Grand Elder was thrust upon him, it meant that the corresponding power was also being directly thrown at him. It was a position that could truly control and influence everything within the Uchiha Clan.

Was it really okay for such an important position to be suddenly thrust upon him?

Uchiha Qi looked at the high-ranking members and found that they were all very happy. Even the most stubborn old-timers had happy smiles on their faces, and their gazes at him were a mix of relief and respect.

"Seriously, Uchiha Clan, can you guys please get your heads on straight?!"

How old was Uchiha Qi anyway?

Eighteen, maybe nineteen in a few months at most.

Could someone that young really be the Grand Elder?

Uchiha Qi opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

However, Uchiha Setsuna smiled faintly. "Qi-kun, there's no need for you to say anything else. This is what all of us believe is most suitable. I'm already old, and though I believe I've spent my entire life fighting for the Uchiha Clan, in reality, I'm just a failure. I haven't been able to bring any real change to the Uchiha Clan in my lifetime."

"The new era no longer has a ship large enough to carry an old relic like me from the old era. Rather than continuing to occupy this position and becoming a complete burden to the clan as I age, it's better to pass the Grand Elder position to you, the most suitable person. Let you guide our Uchiha Clan to continue sailing on the right course."

Uchiha Qi: "..."

Elder Setsuna, did you go and study in the One Piece world or something?

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