The Land of Waves Incident Ends

"Is this really okay, Mufeng? The village won't just sit back and let you take control of the Great Bridge."

"Kakashi-sensei, I know you won't tell anyone, right? I'm just trying to earn a little spending money. Training takes money, after all, and you know the blood feud I carry."

Look at Konan in the original story. She used a hundred billion Explosive Tags to force Obito Uchiha to use Izanagi, sacrificing one Sharingan to get a Rinnegan. Right? Even Danzo, with more than a dozen Sharingan, still didn't have enough.

Money was important, though. Explosive Tags, Military Ration Pills, Kunai, and all the other materials needed for training cost money.

"This is awkward... The latest issue of Icha Icha Paradise. Ahem, I don't mean anything by it, sensei. I'm just a little short on cash lately."

Kakashi Hatake blushed as he spoke and scratched his head awkwardly. Mufeng Uchiha simply waved his hand and put the money into Kakashi's palm.

"Don't worry, Mufeng. I know what I can and can't include in the mission report."

After all their years together, their feelings went without saying. As long as Mufeng Uchiha didn't hurt Konoha, Kakashi didn't mind if he was greedy for money. Maybe it was for revenge. Either way, that was Mufeng Uchiha's choice. Kakashi only wanted to protect Konoha.

On the way back, Sasuke Uchiha was incredibly excited. During his battle with Haku, he had successfully awakened the Sharingan hidden in his bloodline. It gave him the illusion that he could surpass Mufeng Uchiha.

Once they got back, he would make Mufeng Uchiha call him big brother of his own free will. Then he would find that man and take revenge!

"Hey, after we get our mission reward, let's go eat at Ichiraku Ramen. I, Naruto Uzumaki, am treating!"

As soon as Naruto Uzumaki got back to the village, he made the suggestion to everyone.

They had just fought side by side, so the others readily agreed.

Even after they returned to the village, Mufeng Uchiha's thoughts remained in the Land of Waves. He had invested all of Gato's money there, making the Land of Waves the starting point for his future plans.

With Gato managing the Great Bridge's construction, Mufeng didn't need to worry about it. He had brought Zabuza Momochi and Yuki Haku back under his Blood Style's control, and the village's defenses were under their protection, so there was little to worry about.

"With the Land of Waves as my backing, I'll have somewhere to go if I ever leave Konoha. The village has no place for the Uchiha."

Over the years, no matter how much he showed that he embodied the Will of Fire, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others had never truly trusted him.

It was true that he had obtained Tobirama Senju's Water Style notes over the years, but they were only a small part of what he knew. He had worked out most of it himself.

Only by establishing an organization of his own could he free himself from some of his restrictions and gain more confidence in dealing with Shimura Danzō.

After they returned to the village, Kakashi Hatake went to the Hokage's office to report on the mission. The other four headed to Ichiraku Ramen first.

"The ramen here is amazing! Teuchi's the best cook in all of Konoha!"

"Haha, Naruto, no matter how nicely you put it, I'm not giving you a discount!"

"But it's true, Teuchi!"

Naruto Uzumaki chatted and laughed with Teuchi, the two of them getting along like a grandfather and grandson.

"Sasuke, I've awakened the Sharingan. Tonight, let me test your strength properly and see if you've been slacking off."

Since learning that he had awakened the Sharingan, Sasuke Uchiha could think of nothing but defeating Mufeng Uchiha and making him lower his head and call him big brother.

"Some other time. I have something else to take care of. You guys go on ahead."

It had been a while since he'd caught up with his little brother Kabuto Yakushi. It was time to get started on the Hashirama Cells.

Mufeng Uchiha finished eating quickly and left. The others couldn't help wondering about it. Lately, Mufeng had rarely spent time with them. What was he doing in secret?

"Boring. Why bother following Mufeng? He's probably going to train."

"Sasuke, aren't you curious if Mufeng's secretly training in some kind of secret technique?"

"Yeah, how did Mufeng come up with those amazing Breathing Styles he taught us? Maybe there's some special trick behind them. Aren't you curious, Sasuke?"

The topic of getting stronger immediately caught Sasuke Uchiha's interest. The three of them began secretly following Mufeng Uchiha in unison.

Along the way, Mufeng Uchiha stopped at a general store, a toy shop, and a clothing store. In the end, he carried several large bags and looked just like he'd been on a shopping spree.

"Sasuke, are you guys already stocking up on supplies?"

Naruto Uzumaki couldn't cook, so he always bought a pile of instant noodles to keep at home. That way, he wouldn't have to worry when he got hungry.

Sasuke Uchiha ignored Naruto Uzumaki. Aside from the daily necessities, all of those things were toys for little kids.

Given how mature they were, their imaginations quickly ran wild. He always talked about restoring the Uchiha Clan, but he sure was quick to get started!

"I can't believe someone as serious as Mufeng would do something like this!"

The three of them immediately decided to catch Mufeng Uchiha in the act.

"Brother Kabuto, I'm back to see you!"

Mufeng Uchiha carried his bags to the Konoha Orphanage, where Kabuto Yakushi was indeed waiting.

"You're here again, Brother Mufeng. Lord Orochimaru has prepared what you asked for. You'll just have to leave the village to meet him. You've even brought friends along."

As he spoke, Kabuto revealed the Three Genin behind Mufeng Uchiha. They had no choice but to come out.

"So Mufeng's been coming here to help out all this time! Let's help too!"

Naruto Uzumaki showed no embarrassment at being caught. He stepped forward to lend a hand.

Sasuke Uchiha gave a cold snort, but, warmhearted despite his cool demeanor, he went to help as well. Sakura Haruno apologized to Mufeng Uchiha, then stepped forward and took the things from his hands.

Without another word, they all got busy at the orphanage together. Naruto Uzumaki became like a little ringleader, regaling the children with the exciting details of their escort mission.

Sasuke Uchiha stared awkwardly at the children. When they asked how to become ninja, he still took the initiative to teach them how to throw Shuriken.

Sakura Haruno kept sneaking glances at Sasuke, while a precocious child nearby teased her, asking if she had a crush on him.

Mufeng Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi finally had a chance to talk while things were quiet.

"Don't worry. Lord Orochimaru will help you leave the village. He'll make sure you can walk out of it openly. It's getting late, Brother Mufeng. You should head home."

After a brief conversation, everyone prepared to leave.

"Mufeng, that's not fair! You should've invited us to help with something so meaningful. By the way, why did you want to come to the orphanage?"

"I feel sorry for them. Looking at them is like looking at ourselves now. They've all lost their families because of missions or suffered because of war."

"If there weren't all these killing missions and wars, it'd be better. Mufeng, can you do anything about it?"

"Idiot. As long as the Five Great Nations exist, these missions won't disappear."

"That's right. So we just have to make everyone one big family."

Before then, I needed to make sure that the two of you wouldn't stand in my way in the future. Think of this as a warning.