Kumogakure's Visit

In the blink of an eye, a year had passed. Uchiha Itachi, just as in the original story, graduated from the Ninja Academy after only two years. As for Ming Jing, the thought of running around everywhere after graduation made him decide to stay for another year. Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan, naturally, followed him without any complaints.

During this year, the Kurama Clan's business, as Ming Jing had predicted, showed no progress on paper. After half a year of settling in, Koji Kurama finally made up his mind to follow Ming Jing's plan. Thus, the first five-star hotel in the Naruto world officially began construction in the Royal Capital of the Land of Fire.

The only setback this year occurred on July 7th. This was the day to create the Seed Golden Elixir, but it could only be done on a full moon. However, on this particular day, the sky was covered in thick clouds, making even the slightest glimpse of the moon impossible. Consequently, not a single Seed Golden Elixir, which Koji Kurama had placed so much hope in, was produced.

Time flew by, and it was once again the season of cherry blossoms in full bloom. With such beautiful scenery, how could a literary youth like Ming Jing not go out to show off? He changed into vibrant clothing and brought along two beautiful maids. Just as he was about to depart in his custom-made carriage, he was called to a halt.

"Sigh... what a waste of such fine weather and beautiful scenery. If you can't give me a satisfactory answer, I'll be angry," Ming Jing said as he got out of the carriage and looked at Hong Lian, who was blocking his path.

"The Clan Head requests you return!" Hong Lian didn't pay Ming Jing's threat any mind. After delivering her message, she turned and left. As for Ming Jing's reaction? It was none of her business.

"So unlovable!..." Ming Jing tapped his head. He supposed he had to go back home! He re-boarded the carriage. Tsukishiro Yuexi waved to the driver, and the luxurious entourage turned back before even leaving the Kurama Clan's territory.

However, upon returning to the gates of the Kurama Clan's compound, they found that the clan members had already organized another convoy. Ming Jing alighted from the carriage and saw Koji Kurama standing at the main entrance, seemingly waiting for him.

"Is the Clan Head also going out to admire the flowers? It looks like you're going quite far!" Ming Jing said with a hint of resentment as he walked up to Koji Kurama.

"You child, I'm not going to admire flowers!" Koji Kurama explained with a wry smile. "Have you forgotten that the hotel in the Royal Capital is completed this month? I'm a bit worried, so I've decided to go take a look. The reason I called you back is to tell you that after I leave, the Kurama Clan will be under your full control!"

"I'm still young, and I'm afraid I can't handle such a great responsibility!" Ming Jing frowned slightly. He felt that his current situation was quite good. With Koji Kurama drawing the attention of the other old foxes in the village, he could focus on planning and development behind the scenes.

"You're just lazy," Koji Kurama said, patting Ming Jing's shoulder. "This trip of mine is also a good opportunity for you to gain some experience. In short, speak less and listen more."

"Then I'll give it a try," Ming Jing said after thinking for a moment, nodding his head.

"Alright, I'm leaving then. Oh, and your aunt and Yakumo are still at home, take good care of them." Koji Kurama mounted his horse. This time, he brought Hong Lian and Hisashi Kurama with him. In the current environment, this level of combat power was sufficient.

"Clan Head, please be careful on your journey!" Ming Jing waved goodbye to Koji Kurama and watched the convoy depart.

"Young Master, are we still going to admire the flowers?" Qing Yan asked after the convoy was out of sight.

Ming Jing sighed and turned to walk back into the mansion. At this point, he had no mood to admire flowers! He should first go and greet Mai Kurama, and then properly arrange the specific affairs of the Kurama Clan! After all, Koji Kurama had taken many people with him, leaving many positions vacant.

After paying his respects to Mai Kurama and leaving, Ming Jing said to Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan, "I have a feeling that something will happen in the village while the Clan Head is away!"

"Why? I think the village has been very peaceful lately!" Tsukishiro Yuexi tilted her head, asking with some confusion.

Ming Jing looked up at the cherry blossoms falling with the wind. Judging by the timing, the Kumogakure might be coming soon! With Koji Kurama leaving the village at this time, he seemed to be able to gain some benefits from this incident!

"It's nothing, just a feeling!" Ming Jing smiled and then walked towards the study. In any case, he should arrange the internal work of the Kurama Clan first!

Seven days later, a convoy bearing "friendship" slowly entered Konohagakure. It was indeed a delegation from Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning. They had come this time under the banner of "alliance," so Konohagakure did not make things difficult for them and allowed them direct entry into the village.

That evening, the Third Hokage specially hosted the envoys who had traveled from afar. Several elders of Konohagakure also attended the reception.

"Konohagakure truly lives up to its reputation! The countless goods on both sides of our journey, and the Third Hokage, at his age, can still govern Konohagakure so well, I am impressed!" said Istada, the Jonin leading the Kumogakure delegation, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"How dare you speak so rudely to the Hokage-sama?!" Matsumoto, a Jonin standing behind the Third Hokage, stepped forward and reprimanded him.

"Ah..." The Third Hokage waited for Matsumoto to finish before raising his hand to stop him, then said with a kind smile, "The prosperity Konohagakure enjoys today is the result of the efforts of all its villagers, not just my own."

"I see, Copy Ninja Kakashi, Konoha's Beast Might Guy... and... and who else? Ah! And the Cold Lord Orochimaru. Konohagakure is indeed full of talented people! Hahaha..." Istada laughed heartily. It was clear that the earlier remark was a veiled insult, and this was now an open one. Everyone knew that the Cold Lord Orochimaru was a wanted criminal in Konoha for researching forbidden jutsu!

"At least Konohagakure still has the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan. Oh, right, the Hyuga Clan Head was unable to attend the reception today, which was quite impolite." The Third Hokage, worthy of being called an old fox, said with a kind smile, but his words made the Kumogakure ninja seethe with anger. After several Ninja Wars, they had suffered too much at the hands of the Hyuga Clan! As for the Uchiha Clan, their reputation preceded them. It was just that Kumogakure hadn't suffered as much at the hands of the Uchiha Clan as they had the Hyuga Clan.

In the Hyuga Clan compound, Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi sat on the floor, a chessboard laid out before them. However, neither of their minds was on the game.

"Hizashi, do you believe Kumogakure is truly here for an alliance this time?" Hyuga Hiashi asked his brother with a serious tone.

"It's hard to say. At the very least, it won't be a simple matter of an alliance." Hizashi frowned. The Hyuga Clan had clashed with Kumogakure countless times during the three Ninja Wars, yet they had always maintained an advantage. They understood this old rival relatively well.

"It's a pity the village elders don't think so," Hyuga Hiashi sighed, somewhat helplessly.

"I'm afraid it's not just the village elders, is it?..." Hizashi glanced at his brother, not voicing his inner thoughts. He changed the subject to a lighter topic, asking, "Has Hinata's Gentle Fist improved recently?"

"That child..." Hyuga Hiashi's brow furrowed even deeper. "Perhaps... she truly lacks talent. Hmm? I didn't realize it was this late. Hizashi, you should be heading home too, shouldn't you? Don't keep Neji waiting."

"Neji wouldn't be like that," Hizashi said with a smile. "Then I'll be going back. Clan Head, you should get some rest too!"

"Alright!" Hyuga Hiashi nodded and watched Hizashi leave. Only then did he begin to tidy up the chess pieces and the board.

Meanwhile, in the Kurama Clan compound, Ming Jing sat on the windowsill, a wine bottle in one hand, taking sips from time to time. Tsukishiro Yuexi walked over and shook her head, saying, "Young Master, minors are not allowed to drink alcohol."

"This isn't alcohol, try it if you don't believe me?" Ming Jing smiled slightly and tossed the bottle to Yuexi. As Tsukishiro Yuexi caught it, a strong aroma of wine wafted out, almost making her dizzy.

Yuexi said somewhat angrily, "Young Master, if this isn't alcohol, then what is it?"

"It's loneliness!" Ming Jing smiled faintly. He wasn't drinking alcohol; he was drinking loneliness.

A loneliness that only he in the whole world knew!

"Sigh..." Tsukishiro Yuexi sighed helplessly. The Young Master was probably drunk.

"A dark and windy night, perfect for kidnapping and arson." Ming Jing narrowed his eyes. How would the Hyuga Clan choose? How would the Third Hokage choose? Would Fugaku Uchiha truly stay out of it? What were Danzo's plans?

None of this had anything to do with the Kurama Clan!

Ming Jing stood up. He pushed aside the layers of mist and found what he was looking for.

With a casual flick of his wrist, he threw the wine bottle away and turned back into the room, saying, "I'm going to bed. You two should get some rest too!"

"Yes..." Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan exchanged a confused glance and then went to rest, completely bewildered.