In the blink of an eye, a year passed. Just like in the original story, Uchiha Itachi graduated after spending only two years at the Ninja Academy. Ming Jing, however, thought of having to run around everywhere after graduation and decided to stay for another year. Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan naturally stayed by his side without complaint.
Over the past year, the Kurama Clan's business had indeed progressed just as Ming Jing had predicted: on the books, there was virtually no improvement. After half a year of deliberation, Koji Kurama finally resolved to follow Ming Jing's plan. Thus, the Naruto World's first five-star grand hotel officially began construction in the Royal Capital of the Land of Fire.
The only disappointment that year came on July seventh. That was the day to refine the Seed Golden Elixir, but it had to be done under a full moon. Yet that day, dark clouds filled the sky, and not even a sliver of moonlight could be seen. As a result, not a single Seed Golden Elixir was produced, despite Koji Kurama's high hopes...
Time flew by, and another season of blooming cherry blossoms arrived. With such splendid scenery, how could an artsy young man like Ming Jing stay indoors instead of going out to show off? He changed into flamboyant clothes, brought along his two beautiful maids, and boarded his custom-made carriage. Just as he was about to depart, someone called out to stop him.
"Ah... What a waste of such fine weather and beautiful scenery. If you can't give me a satisfactory explanation, I'll be angry." Ming Jing stepped down from the carriage and looked at Hong Lian, who stood in his way.
"The Clan Head wants you back." Hong Lian did not take Ming Jing's threat seriously at all. After delivering the message, she turned and left. As for Ming Jing's reaction? What did it have to do with her?
"What an unlovable girl!..." Ming Jing tapped his forehead. He might as well head back. He climbed into the carriage again, and Tsukishiro Yuexi gestured to the driver. Before the luxurious convoy had even left the Kurama Clan compound, it turned around and returned.
Yet when they reached the gates of the Kurama Clan compound, they found that the clan members had assembled another convoy. Ming Jing stepped down from the carriage and saw Koji Kurama standing at the entrance, seemingly waiting for him.
"Is the Clan Head going out to enjoy the flowers too? Looks like you're going somewhere quite far away," Ming Jing said as he walked to Koji Kurama's side, his tone carrying a hint of grievance.
"You brat, I'm not going flower-viewing." Koji Kurama gave a wry smile and explained, "Did you forget that the hotel in the royal capital is due to be completed this month? I'm a little worried, so I've decided to go take a look. I called you back to tell you that while I'm gone, the Kurama Clan will be entirely under your command!"
"I'm still young. I'm afraid I can't shoulder such an important responsibility." Ming Jing frowned slightly. He felt that things were quite good as they were. With Koji Kurama out front drawing the attention of the old foxes in the village, he could peacefully plan the clan's development from behind the scenes.
"You're just lazy." Koji Kurama patted Akira Kurama's shoulder. "This trip is also a good opportunity for you to get some experience. In short, speak less and listen more."
"Then I'll give it a try." Ming Jing considered it for a moment, then nodded.
"Good. Then I'm off. Oh, your aunt and Yakumo are still at home. Take good care of them." Koji Kurama swung up onto his horse. For this journey, he had brought Hong Lian and Hisashi Kurama with him. In the current circumstances, that much fighting strength was enough.
"Have a safe journey, Clan Head!" Ming Jing waved goodbye to Koji Kurama and watched the convoy depart.
"Young Master, are we still going to admire the flowers?" Once the convoy had vanished from sight, Qing Yan spoke up.
Ming Jing sighed and turned toward the residence. How could he still be in the mood to admire flowers now? He should first pay Mai Kurama a visit, then properly arrange the Kurama Clan's affairs. After all, Koji Kurama had taken many people with him, leaving a great number of positions vacant.
After paying his respects to Mai Kurama and taking his leave, Ming Jing said to Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan, "I have a feeling something will definitely happen in the village while the Clan Head is away!"
"Why? The village has seemed very peaceful lately." Tsukishiro Yuexi tilted her head and asked in confusion.
Ming Jing looked up at the cherry blossoms drifting down on the wind. Judging by the timeline, the Cloud Ninja were probably about to arrive. And now Koji Kurama had left the village. It seemed he could gain quite a few benefits from this incident!
"Nothing. Just a feeling." Ming Jing smiled and headed toward the study. In any case, he should first arrange the Kurama Clan's internal affairs.
Seven days later, a delegation bearing "friendship" slowly entered Konoha. It was a group from Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning. This time, they had come under the banner of an "alliance." Konoha therefore did not make things difficult for them and allowed them directly into the village.
That evening, the Third Hokage personally hosted the envoys who had come from afar. Several of Konoha's elders also attended the reception.
"Konoha truly lives up to its reputation! The goods lining both sides of the streets on our way here were too numerous to count. For the Third Hokage to govern Konoha so well at such an advanced age, I truly admire you!" Istada, the Cloud Ninja jonin leading the delegation, said with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
"How dare you! How can you speak so rudely to Lord Hokage?!" Mochizuki Matsumoto, the jonin standing behind the Third Hokage, stepped forward and rebuked him.
"Ah..." Only after Matsumoto had finished did the Third Hokage raise a hand to stop him. Then, wearing a kindly smile, he said, "Konoha's current prosperity was earned through the efforts of every villager. It is not my accomplishment alone."
"I see. Copy Ninja Kakashi, Konoha's Beast Might Guy... and... who else was there? Ah! Cold Lord Orochimaru as well. Konoha truly is brimming with talent! Hahaha..." Istada laughed heartily. If his earlier words had been veiled mockery, this was a blatant slap to the face. After all, everyone knew that Cold Lord Orochimaru had been wanted by Konoha for researching forbidden techniques.
"At least Konoha still has the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan. Oh, the Hyuga Clan Head had matters to attend to today and could not join the reception. Please forgive the discourtesy." The Third Hokage truly was an old fox. His face still bore a kindly smile, but his words left every Cloud Ninja simmering with rage. Over the course of several Ninja Wars, they had suffered far too many losses at the hands of the Hyuga Clan! As for the Uchiha Clan, its reputation was renowned throughout the world. It was only that the Cloud Ninja had not suffered quite as much at the Uchiha Clan's hands as they had at the Hyuga Clan's.
At the Hyuga Clan compound, Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuga sat on the floor before a chessboard. Unfortunately, neither of them had their mind on the game.
"Hizashi, do you think the Cloud Ninja truly came this time to form an alliance?" Hyuga Hiashi asked his younger brother in a grave tone.
"It is hard to say. At the very least, they did not come merely for an alliance." Hizashi Hyuga frowned. During the three Ninja Wars, the Hyuga Clan had fought the Cloud Ninja countless times and had always held the advantage. They understood this old enemy rather well.
"Unfortunately, the village elders do not see it that way." Hyuga Hiashi sighed helplessly.
"I'm afraid it isn't just the village elders, is it?..." Hizashi Hyuga glanced at his brother but did not voice the words in his heart. Instead, he changed to a lighter subject. "Has Hinata made any progress with the Gentle Fist lately?"
"That child..." Hyuga Hiashi's brow furrowed even deeper. "Perhaps... she truly has no talent for it. Hm? I didn't notice it had gotten so late. Hizashi, you should go home too. Don't keep Neji waiting."
"Neji isn't the sort of child who would do that." Hizashi Hyuga smiled. "Then I'll be going. Clan Head, you should rest early as well."
"Good." Hyuga Hiashi nodded and watched Hizashi Hyuga leave. Only then did he begin putting away the pieces and chessboard.
At the same time, at the Kurama Clan compound, Ming Jing sat on the windowsill with a bottle of wine in one hand, taking a swig from it now and then. Tsukishiro Yuexi walked over, shook her head, and said, "Young Master, minors aren't allowed to drink."
"This isn't wine. Try it if you don't believe me." Ming Jing smiled slightly and tossed the bottle to Yuexi. Tsukishiro Yuexi caught it, and a powerful scent of alcohol escaped from the bottle, nearly knocking her unconscious.
Yuexi said angrily, "Young Master, if this isn't wine, then what is it?"
"It is loneliness." Ming Jing smiled faintly. He was not drinking wine. He was drinking loneliness.
The loneliness only he knew in the entire world!
"Ah..." Tsukishiro Yuexi sighed helplessly. The Young Master was probably drunk.
"A dark and windy night—the perfect time for kidnapping and arson." Ming Jing narrowed his eyes. What would the Hyuga Clan choose? What would the Third Hokage choose? Would Fugaku Uchiha truly stay out of it? And what was Danzo planning?
None of this had anything to do with the Kurama Clan!
Ming Jing stood up. He had pushed aside layers of fog and found what he wanted.
With a casual flick, he threw the wine bottle away. Then he turned and went back inside. "I'm going to bed. You should rest early too."
"Yes..." Tsukishiro Yuexi and Qing Yan exchanged baffled looks, then went off to rest in utter confusion.
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