Konoha's Corruption

Inside the Akatsuki Organization's shadowy base.

"Nagato, this is the latest intelligence."

Sitting atop a bizarre puppet, the gaunt Nagato slowly opened his eyes. His usually gloomy demeanor had completely changed since he found his purpose in life.

Upon receiving the information, Nagato couldn't help but exclaim, "The Fire Temple's Senjutsu, though not yet fully mastered, truly lives up to the name 'Senjutsu Art'!"

Upon seeing Konan, Konan's usually cold expression softened slightly. "Nagato, your leg?"

Seeing Konan's worry, Nagato laughed confidently and said, "Although I haven't succeeded in mastering it yet, Senjutsu Chakra does indeed have the miraculous ability to nourish the body. At least my legs won't get any worse."

No one wants to be crippled, let alone a ninja with world-destroying power. His body, which had been overdrawn, seemed to have a sense of stability under the influence of Senjutsu.

Upon opening the intelligence scroll, Nagato narrowed his eyes, a serious expression on his face. "Mr. Yoru has already begun his journey in the direction of his Nindo way."

The intelligence report clearly documented recent changes in Konoha, especially the Konoha Military Police Force led by Uchiha Yoru, which has directly formed a new Political System and is now openly clashing with the older generation of Konoha's Political System.

In Nagato's eyes, Uchiha Yoru was his guiding light, the person he admired most in the Shinobi World.

"Nagato, Mr. Yoru doesn't know our true identities, but the Konoha Military Police Force has recently contacted our Akatsuki Organization."

Konan slowly took out a mission scroll. "Ever since the Uchiha Clan's industries and trade Land of Fire became public knowledge due to their conflict with the Third Hokage's faction, they have faced considerable suppression. However, the current situation is quite strange."

"Following this, another ninja squad appeared to protect the Uchiha's assets. According to intelligence, these people should be from Iwagakure and Kumogakure. It seems Mr. Yoru was somewhat uneasy and actually ordered the hiring of an elite ninja squad to intercept and kill these ninjas who made the move."

Even Konan could see it clearly: the other ninja villages had waited so long for Konoha to be in turmoil, how could they possibly let Konoha have an easy time?

Uchiha evil? Uchiha trying to split up? You, the Third Hokage, are secretly trying to weaken the Uchiha's business empire, so they'll secretly help you.

In short, Uchiha have any difficulties, they'll step in without you even having to ask. It would be best if they could cause an internal power struggle and coup in Konoha.

"Alright, the Akatsuki Organization accepts the Uchiha Clan's mission."

There's money to be made, and free help too; only a fool wouldn't take the job.

"Also, this is Uchiha Yoru's private letter, sent to the address we left behind last time."

After finishing their business, Konan took an envelope from her Nagato. Upon seeing it, Nagato's expression turned serious, even more so than when he had given the intelligence report earlier.

Upon opening the envelope and reading the contents of the letter, including a medical prescription preparation, Nagato's face broke into a smile.

"Mr. Ye, you are truly a man of integrity."

He hadn't expected that Uchiha Yoru would still remember his body, and now, after a period of research, he had even formulated a suitable medicine to match the other party's identity.

Seeing Nagato so obsessed, Konan frowned with worry. "Nagato, this Mr. Yoru will likely be our greatest enemy in the future."

Given the current situation, it's clear that other ninja villages will secretly assist the Uchiha, with the sole purpose of weakening Konoha.

However, as long as the Third cannot quell the rebellion with overwhelming force, Uchiha Yoru will only grow stronger.

Seeing Konan's worry, Nagato revealed a confident smile, "Our goals are the same, only the processes are a little different. But who will succeed in the end? Hehe, I believe my eyes can see further. I'll let Mr. Yoru see it then."

"His thinking is too one-sided. Setting rules for the Shinobi World is, as Mr. Ye wrote in his book, the human heart is the most unpredictable thing."

Both of them ultimately aimed for peace. Nagato wanted to create powerful weapons from the Tailed Beast, just as the Senju and Uchiha once dominated the Shinobi World and deterred any potential war.

As for Uchiha Yoru! Thinking of this, Nagato couldn't help but shake his head and say, "Perhaps this is a matter of perspective. If Mr. Yoru knew this method, perhaps he would change his mind."

At this moment, he could only attribute it all to Uchiha Yoru not knowing that the Nine Tailed Beasts could create the strongest weapons.

Stone Village.

In the Tsuchikage's office, Ōnoki looked at the Konoha intelligence report and couldn't help but sneer. "Sarutobi, you've been so proud your whole life. It seems you're going to ruin your reputation for the rest of your days."

"Pass down the order to me: among the trade goods coming from the Land of Fire, prioritize those bearing the Uchiha name."

"Yes!"

"Also, keep a close eye on them. Any ninja who disrupts trade with the Uchiha, regardless of their identity, must be silenced."

"Yes!"

"Lord Tsuchikage, is this appropriate?" An assistant in the office looked puzzled upon hearing this.

Without even looking, Ōnoki knew the expressions on everyone's faces. He sneered, "A golden opportunity! Konoha was almost completely wiped out Third Shinobi War Fourth Hokage appeared. Konoha has so many geniuses, it's a pity that Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't know how to use them."

At this point, Ōnoki's face showed a strong sourness, and he cursed inwardly, "Don't even mention a genius like the Fourth Hokage, even if you gave me someone a level below him, I would worship him."

"Konoha suffered heavy losses in the Third Shinobi War, and even experienced the Nine-Tails' Rampage, yet it's only been a few years! Not to mention the geniuses that have emerged in Konoha, their military strength alone far surpasses ours."

At this point, Ōnoki became even more envious. "Your Konoha is full of geniuses, and you occupy the most fertile land. With a strong economic recovery, Konoha is recovering at an incredibly fast pace."

"This is a rare opportunity! Uchiha Yoru has awakened the Mangekyo Uchiha Yoru, all we need to do is give him time!" As he said this, Ōnoki revealed a sinister, gloating smile.

"Haha, this time I must seize the opportunity and take advantage of Konoha's internal strife to fully develop its military strength."

Although Ōnoki was old at this time, his eyes revealed a strong ambition. The Mist Ninja was already fighting among itself, and the Sand Ninja Village, which was at the bottom of the list, was also showing signs of internal division. Not to mention Konoha, with so many people in the Shinobi World watching it now.

At this moment, Ōnoki couldn't help but sigh, "What an eye-opener! He actually managed to seize the opportunity to rise to power during my lifetime."

Of the Five Great Ninja Villages in the Shinobi World, only Kumogakure and Iwakage remain. Taking advantage of Konoha's internal strife, he is focusing all his efforts on developing his military strength. In the next Shinobi World War, he is determined to tear a piece of fat flesh from the fertile land of the Land of Fire.

The Land of Rice Fields.

"Ahhh! Glug glug~"

A scream followed, then what sounded like drowning. Inside a huge container, a boy struggled in agony as countless liquids poured into his body, and he lost consciousness in a short time.

At the same time, a faint orange-red Chakra lingered in the air, and Uchiha Yoru, watching this scene, chuckled and waved his hand mockingly, "It seems that the Daimyo's Mansion has quite a few tricks up its sleeve."

"Heh, what I'm more curious about is your methods, Lord Yoru, that you've even infiltrated the Fire Temple." Orochimaru's sinister laugh was laced with an eerie undertone.

Uchiha Yoru shrugged, unconcerned, and joked, "The Uchiha Clan has been ostracized and isolated for so long, how could they possibly sit idly by and not look for some allies? If there aren't any in the village, then naturally they can go to the Land of Fire."

"However, it is obvious that the Daimyo's Mansion has always been timid, or rather cautious, and fearing a backlash, it has always turned a blind eye to the Uchiha's goodwill. It is only natural that the Fire Temple has some spies."

Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh at Uchiha Yoru's explanation. It was reasonable and logical, but what did it have to do with him? They were just his experimental subjects.

"Teacher Orochimaru, this child is the son of Kazuma, one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja of the Daimyo's Mansion. He received a portion of the Nine-Tails Chakra from a young age and is now considered a pseudo- Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. I need this child to grow up quickly."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru frowned and said hoarsely, "The nutrient solution can accelerate growth, but it will also damage the child's future potential."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yoru's face immediately revealed a strange smile. "The current situation does not allow me to have a merciful heart, and besides!"

At this point, Uchiha Yoru turned his head, watching Orochimaru's smile gradually fade, "Right now, my power is only allowed to protect my own people."

"Besides, he's not one of us!" From the very beginning, Uchiha Yoru never treated the other party as one of his own, but merely as a weapon.

The other party was originally just a weapon, only now it has a different owner.

"Hehe, Lord Yoru, you're becoming more and more perfect."

Amidst their nonsensical words, Orochimaru and Uchiha Yoru exchanged a glance and both smiled. They saw ambition in each other's eyes, but their ambitions could be mutually beneficial.

Their ambitions never clashed.

The Fire Temple imitated the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki 'Ku', and he sold the information to Orochimaru early on. Orochimaru naturally took this weapon with him when he returned from the Land of Water.

"Hehe, I'm really looking forward to Lord Yoru's future."

For the first time, Orochimaru felt a strong interest in someone, and his golden snake eyes seemed to want to see that person's future.

First, there was half of the Nine-Tails, belonging to the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze. The Nine-Tails' terrifying power would be immeasurable if Karin, this little girl, truly mastered it.

However, that's all in the future; the False Nine-Tails Jinchuriki right now is the present.

The future requires nurturing and refinement, while the present is ready for immediate use; in other words, 'emptiness' has always been a weapon in their hands.

When necessary, Uchiha Yoru will be unleashed directly.

Uchiha Yoru made no attempt to hide his ambition and plans from Orochimaru, directly working himself to the bone to become False Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Although he could only unleash four tails, he still possessed Kage Level destructive power.

Konoha, a tavern.

"Hey, things have finally gotten a bit easier lately."

"Who can argue with that? The shadow of war has finally lifted."

"Haha, a Rebel Army Kirigakure. The Mist Ninja have no intention of fighting us now. Their own Land of Water is in a mess."

The ninjas gathered in the tavern, mostly there to relax their long-suppressed spirits. Boasting, joking, and even drinking were all ways to relieve stress.

"Why is there been no movement from the village since the Fifth Hokage was appointed?"

"All Third Hokage are over sixty. Didn't they all resign a few years ago to take responsibility? Why don't they want to step down now that they're in office?"

"Shh, shut up. What does this have to do with us?"

"Hmph, do you remember when we signed up before the mission? Guess what? The teachers at the Ninja Academy accepted Sarutobi Hi."

At a dinner table, two ninjas openly showed their displeasure. The third ninja finally sighed helplessly, "Save it. Go back and get a good night's sleep. Just pretend nothing happened. We're not cut out for that."

"Hmph, Third Shinobi War they said it was because of shortages that all goods went up in price. And now? Peace has been restored, but look at how these resources are monopolized."

"Shut up! If you think it's too expensive, you can go buy it from the Uchiha Compound."

"Are you saying I didn't go? The Uchiha Clan itself has more supply than demand; they don't sell much to outsiders at all."

Inside a private room, two figures listened quietly to the complaints of the various ninjas, and eventually both of them frowned.

"Kakashi, the Hokage's faction has monopolized the village's Ration Pill and some precious medical resources."

Looking at Kakashi, Uchiha Shisui couldn't help but frown and said in a deep voice, "The Land of Land of Fire is fertile, and even the Konoha Ninja are powerful, but almost half of the reward for each mission goes to medical expenses."

"I hadn't paid much attention before, but after Brother Yoru reminded me, and with the Konoha Military Police Force's hospitals only allowed to operate internally and not for profit, I finally understood."

"It was clearly a simple injury, and the actual material consumption was less than ten thousand, but the ninja had to pay ten times that amount. Nearly half of the tasks that the ninja risked their lives to complete were handed over to the Medical Department, and the rest had to be used to purchase various supplies."

Listening to Shisui's investigation, Hatake Kakashi sighed, a rare occurrence for him. "Shisui, the Medical Department was initially established at Lady Tsunade's suggestion, but later, due to the village providing substantial financial and material resources, and given that Lady Tsunade has been gone for so long, the village also needs money."

"Money?" Shisui looked at Kakashi with a disdainful gaze, as if to say, "Don't take me for a fool, Orochi."

"The injury could have been treated with Medical Ninjutsu and healed in half a month after returning home, but instead, he was hospitalized in the Medical Department for a month and given a bunch of high-profit drugs, which of course wouldn't have any effect on his body."

At this point, Shisui revealed a self-deprecating, mocking smile. "I almost forgot, Sarutobi is currently in Sarutobi of the Medical Department."

"Furthermore, after the Nine-Tails' Rampage, when the village was rebuilt, Shimura Danzō and the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans joined forces to divide and rebuild the village. Not only were the Uchiha marginalized, but what about the countless ordinary ninjas? It sounds nice, but in reality, it was a replanning project, yet their clan occupied the best land and even turned these so-called replanned areas into commercial districts."

"This has driven up housing prices; now, prices in the village center are ridiculously high."

"Let's leave those aside for now! What does it mean by the higher-ups drinking ninja blood?!" Shisui's eyes showed a hint of weariness. After experiencing the use of Kotoamatsukami, he learned more about the inside story.

"The Nine-Tails' dead ninja, what about their property? Even the Fourth Hokage's property was misappropriated under the pretext of rebuilding Konoha, but what about the property allocated by the Daimyo's Mansion? Heh, it's an absolute irony."

"Kakashi, did you know that the Sarutobi and Ino-Shika-Cho clans are secretly using the pretext of leading teams to Genin to pay money to learn advanced techniques? These are basic skills that should be taught by the leading ninjas, but they've turned them into this mess."

"There are even more shameless ones, such as certain positions in various departments, like Prison guard ninjas, clerical positions in certain departments, or patrol missions. It's not enough for you to just meet the ninja level and mission standards; you also need to make deals."

After learning from the higher- Shisui about the various families' methods of accumulating wealth, Zhi Shui almost collapsed. The village had become so corrupt, with everyone from top to bottom acting this way.

Something came up at home, so I can only update once today. I'll update twice tomorrow.

There's also a bonus image showing that the military strength of the Five Great Ninja Villages was preserved before the Five Kage Summit, when Konoha had already fallen out of first place—this is official data.