Konoha 23rd year
Now that the Daimyo's mission was complete, he naturally couldn't stay in Konoha for long.
A grand farewell ceremony was held in Konoha. The Daimyo's procession was extremely elaborate, and the planning and preparation alone took a whole day.
The farewell ceremony was attended by all the high-ranking officials of Konoha.
" Hokage, there's no need to see me off any further."
"This parting is inevitable, and I don't know when we'll meet again. Your Highness, please take care of yourself."
"."
The two parted reluctantly, displaying an air of harmonious relationship between ruler and subject.
The Daimyo's carriage quickly left Konoha, Uchiha Nan stood at the Konoha gate, watching the Daimyo's departing figure.
"Guards! Guards! Cut down that entire grove of trees!"
" Lord Hokage, why is this?"
"He obscured my view of Daimyo's back, blocking my line of sight."
Camera, keep up!
Profile!
Hurry, hurry, hurry!
"Are you done filming?"
"Filming is finished."
"Hey you, what are you doing with that axe?"
"Cut down the tree!"
"You're really going to cut it? We've already finished filming, what are you still cutting?"
After saying goodbye to Daimyo, the New Year holiday has finally arrived. Although there are only four or five days left, it's finally time to rest.
As the Hokage, Uchiha Nan naturally stayed with his subordinates until the very last moment, as there were many important occasions that required his presence.
Although Uchiha Nan was slacking off, his mere presence was enough.
Even during the holiday, Uchiha Nan's residence was still bustling with people, with guests coming and going in waves to visit Uchiha Nan and bring New Year's gifts.
Thanks to the Lord Hokage's kindness, the year-end accounts of each ninja clan are still dazzlingly good compared to last year.
That year, Konoha's expansion was almost predatory, forcing some loyal ministers and generals of the Land of Fire to secretly plot some treasonous acts.
All the ninja clans ate heartily, their mouths brimming with oil, becoming strong and plump.
Even the Senju Clan had a prosperous year, Uchiha Nan intentionally allocated more funds to the Senju Clan.
As for why...
Toma Senju and Mito Uzumaki knew perfectly well what was going on. It was, of course, because of that huge sum of money used to cover up the mess from the Hashirama Cells experiments.
Furthermore, the agreement involves the merger of family businesses and intermarriage within the family, which will be implemented this year; this certainly cannot be kept secret.
Toma Senju chose an opportunity to reveal this to a small group of high-ranking Senju Clan.
The Senju Clan's higher-ups were initially furious and demanded an explanation from Toma Senju.
It is clear that this agreement is primarily in favor of the Uchiha, which blatantly infringes upon the core interests of the Senju Clan.
"Even if the Uchiha is powerful, our Senju Clan isn't made of clay. Do you think we can let the Uchiha do whatever they want?"
"So what if you're rich?"
" The Clan Head chief is foolish!!"
"."
Then, Toma Senju demonstrated his newly acquired power— Wood Release.
You only realize the true value of some things once you've acquired them. In reality, they're not all that special. Despite a significant leap in strength, Toma Senju's Wood Release and Hashirama Senju's Wood Release are fundamentally different.
Your father is still your father.
Toma Senju her fate.
However, the symbolic meaning of Wood Release is extraordinary. The Senju Clan's high-ranking members' eyes shone brightly as they stared intently at Toma Senju.
Clan Head, I understand what you mean.
He endured hardship and humiliation, humbled himself and obeyed his duty, and even flattered the Uchiha, waiting for an opportunity to soar to great heights.
The Fourth Hokage position belonged to the Senju Clan!
" The Uchiha have deciphered Father's power, and they are willing to share Wood Release with the Senju Clan. This agreement is the price."
I agree.
The Senju Clan's higher-ups, who were still looking forward to the future, were immediately dumbfounded and repeatedly confirmed the truth of the matter with Toma Senju.
Hashirama Senju, the God of Ninja world, possessed the supreme power of the Senju Clan — Wood Release. The Uchiha deciphered this technique and then intended to share it with the Senju Clan?
Is this a hellish joke for the New Year?
But that's just how it is.
For a moment, the high-ranking members of the Senju Clan went into a frenzy, crying loudly.
One of the older men even bit his finger and wrote a large "misery" on his clothes.
Even if they don't want to accept it, they have to.
" Clan Head Chief, how did the Uchiha obtain Lord Hashirama's power?"
This was the biggest question on the minds of every high-ranking Senju Clan present.
"This is Madara Uchiha's trump card left for the Uchiha."
After discussing it with Mito Uzumaki, Toma Senju and Mito Uzumaki unanimously decided to shift all the blame onto Madara Uchiha.
Because Toma Senju naturally couldn't reveal the truth. He had been secretly researching Hashirama Cells, and was then captured by Uchiha Nan.
Ultimately, Uchiha Nan followed the clues and, based on his own experiments, actually managed to develop a mature Hashirama Cells solution. He thus gained his father's power— Wood Release.
Madara Uchiha fought Hashirama Senju his entire life, and he was the one most familiar with Wood Release.
It makes perfect sense that, in order to counter Hashirama Senju's Wood Release, he secretly researched some techniques and left a trump card for the Uchiha when he left Konoha.
Most importantly, Madara Uchiha is already dead.
There's no way the dead can prove it!
The silence of the Senju Clan's high-ranking members was perfectly reasonable.
" Lord Hokage, promise me that five outstanding clansmen will gain Father's power in the coming year, and there will be more in the future."
"So, what do you all think of my promise?"
Then the higher-ups of the Senju Clan started arguing, not about the agreement itself, but about the precious spots available.
Some of them are still very young, and some have young children at home.
Originally, they thought that obtaining Hashirama Senju's power was very difficult, and only Hashirama Senju's direct blood relatives had a chance to get their hands on it.
But... this can actually be mass-produced.
Lord Hokage, we truly respect and love you!
A conflict that could have caused internal strife within the Senju Clan was thus quelled; Hashirama Senju's power was truly captivating.
Hokage Otaku
"Why did you bring anything when you came?"
Each clan Clan Head brought along a pretty young girl.
Who exactly is spreading the rumor that you must bring a pretty girl as a gift when giving New Year's presents?
Who is it?!
( Nara Luyuan: Don't mention it)
Uchiha Nan was furious; he really thought he was some kind of lecherous scoundrel.
But since they were already there, Uchiha Nan certainly couldn't turn them away.
Soon, a very important guest arrived at Uchiha Nan's house— Madara Uchiha.
Madara Uchiha still went to see Uchiha Hikari every day; the two of them were regulars at the arcade.
There are quite a lot of people.
"This is a New Year's gift."
Madara Uchiha took out a beautifully packaged box and handed it to Uchiha Nan, then followed Uchiha Hikari into the room.
Clearly, while Uchiha Hikari was engrossed in arcade games, her potential competitors multiplied.
The clan Clan Head present, seeing Madara Uchiha's familiar hairstyle, instinctively assumed that this old man was some old relic from the Uchiha who had come to visit.
For a moment, Uchiha Nan's house was as lively as a party.
The girls, who were just there to make up the numbers, chatted and laughed, occasionally exchanging a few words with Uchiha Nan before ending the conversation. They were all ninjas from the same circle, and almost all of them were classmates, so they knew each other very well. They then went to a room to the side and started a girls' private tea party.
The well-dressed adults chatted about their families' recent developments amidst clinking glasses, reminiscing about past hardships before appreciating present joys, and finally praising Uchiha Nan's brilliant guidance.
Uchiha Nan sat next to Hyuga Asuka Nan on his private sofa.
She has always been very brave in showing herself, I really don't know what kind of ideas Hyuga Noboru instilled in her.
Uzumaki Yangyue was a little shy, but after being prompted several times by Old Deng Yuki, she bravely rushed forward.
Tsunade was always very bold. She snuggled directly into Uchiha Nan's arms, but her chest was still flat, and the little girl's figure really didn't arouse Uchiha Nan's interest at all.
Tsunade, when exactly did you go through puberty? That divine gift wasn't something you created yourself, was it?
Uchiha Nan's mind wandered for a moment.
Uchiha Hikari, a tsundere brat, sat to the side, staring intently at Uchiha Nan.
" Uchiha Hikari, I remember you said that Uchiha Nan liked you."
I believe he didn't lie to you.
"But it seems Uchiha Nan likes more than one person."
Madara Uchiha was nagging in Uchiha Hikari's ear, seemingly still recovering from the injuries he sustained at the last banquet, and now he was going to escalate his slander against Uchiha Nan.
Madara Uchiha, what kind of blunt truth are you spouting!
Uchiha Nan kept her attention on Madara Uchiha, and heard him lecturing Uchiha Hikari Madara Uchiha how to date.
Uchiha Nan was completely overwhelmed by what he was hearing!
Madara Uchiha, can't you do something serious? Go and work on your Rinnegan, will you?
Do you know how to date?
You're just being nosy!
If it weren't for Madara Uchiha's strength, Uchiha Nan would have punched his head off.
"Listen to me, Uchiha Hikari. Men of the Uchiha are conquered by strength. If you can defeat Uchiha Nan, I guarantee he will only be infatuated with you."
This is spreading rumors and misleading the public!!
Uchiha Nan was truly panicked. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Uchiha Nan Uchiha Hikari's eyes were glowing red.
Madara Uchiha, you old bastard, is this how you plan to overthrow Konoha?
I need to keep building up my favorability!
Uchiha Nan found an opportunity to pull Uchiha Hikari into a small room. After a deep conversation that lasted for thirty minutes Uchiha Hikari emerged from the room with a rosy complexion, having transformed back into Steam Princess.
" Madara Pillar, Uchiha Nan was just putting on an act. He's the Hokage of Konoha, and he did it all for Konoha!"
After saying one sentence to Madara Uchiha, Uchiha Hikari walked over to Uchiha Nan, leaving him standing there alone.
Uchiha Nan stroked Uchiha Hikari's smooth hair, Madara Uchiha with a slightly provocative look in his eyes.
Splat!
The cup in Madara Uchiha's hand was crushed.
This little incident did not spoil the joyful atmosphere.
Arriving with a sense of fulfillment, leaving with a sense of fulfillment.
The party lasted from morning until afternoon, and only ended when Uchiha Nan's living room was filled with gifts.
A dark study.
Uchiha Nan specifically kept the representatives of the industrial faction behind.
The two exchanged pleasantries, with the industrialist representative making mushy remarks in an attempt to build rapport with Uchiha Nan.
Both sides have profited greatly from the cooperation in recent months. The industrial faction has only thought about making money in the past. If it weren't for the arrogant nobles who were so overbearing and always trying to treat them like pigs to be slaughtered, they wouldn't have needed to switch sides and offer their loyalty to the Lord Hokage.
In retrospect, that decision was absolutely the right one.
After exchanging pleasantries, we got down to business.
" Lord Hokage, is there something you need to tell me?"
The industrialist representative looked cautious; Uchiha Nan clearly had something special he wanted to assign him to do alone.
"How much influence do you have in the court of the Land of Fire?"
"If you need our help, Lord Hokage, even the Daimyo cannot ignore our power."
The representatives of the industrial faction smiled. Although they had always been in a weak position in the court, the power they could unleash when they joined forces was something even the most powerful figures would be wary of.
"Very good. In the not-too-distant future, Konoha will need your strength."
"I am unaware of the conflicts among the princes of the Daimyo."
"What does the Lord Hokage mean?"
The industrialists looked shocked, clearly taken aback by what they had just heard.
"Right now, some people are eager to see the Daimyo move up in rank."
Uchiha Nan took out a stack of documents from the drawer. Every little detail about what Daimyo second son of the daimyo's uncle had been doing recently was recorded on the paper.
The reason why ninjas cannot interfere in politics has become completely clear. The outrageous things that those important figures do in private are exposed to the ninjas like their underwear has been pulled down, revealing their clean buttocks.
"Is the second young master's uncle plotting a rebellion?"
The industrialist representative's voice trembled.
"Don't worry, Konoha won't get involved."
I think the current Daimyo is fine. I will protect the Daimyo's life; it is Konoha's responsibility and duty.
"But some people, if they really do something unforgivable, will always have to pay the price."
Many people in the imperial court will be implicated. Therefore, many positions will be vacant.
As everyone knows, I'm a ninja, and it's not convenient for me to get involved in these matters.
"I am willing to serve the Lord Hokage like a dog."
The industrialist representative instantly understood Uchiha Nan's meaning.
The Lord Hokage is going to mentor them!
Kumogakure of the Land of Lightning
Hatake Sakumo's progress in Kumogakure is progressing well. Following Kakuzu's instructions, he carried out a series of charity events in Kumogakure during the New Year period.
Visit nursing homes and show care for orphans in orphanages.
To build a good reputation for Blue Sky Project Co. Ltd.. as much as possible.
Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo promoted the project extensively in Kumogakure. The Raikage of Kumogakure led the village's high-ranking officials in investing a full ten million taels in Blue Sky Project Co. Ltd..
Raikage's investment in Blue Sky Project Co. Ltd.., doesn't that prove that this company is conscientious and trustworthy?
Using the reputation of the Third Raikage, Hatake Sakumo held one pyramid scheme conference after another, successfully absorbing a large amount of money from the villagers of Kumogakure.
"Sleep on the floor today, be the boss tomorrow!"
"We are the next billionaires!!"
"."
This style of slogan quickly became popular throughout the streets and alleys of Kumogakure.
Although the number of people willing to invest is not very large, the name of Blue Sky Project Co. Ltd.. has been thoroughly established in Kumogakure.
All that's left is to scatter the bait, and the fish will bite hard.