Joining the Land of Whirlpools (2, Large Cup)

The deepest dungeon of the Anbu has always been used to imprison death row inmates and Konoha Ninja who have committed serious offenses and have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

It's dark, damp, and quiet here. Prisoners imprisoned here might initially shout or lament, but over time, after being locked up for a long time, they gradually become numb.

Only a few people showed a sense of satisfaction when they saw Danzo, a man of immense power in Konoha, being imprisoned here one day.

But when they saw that the Third Hokage was still outside the prison, they knew that Danzo would eventually get out.

Seeing Hiruzen fall silent, Danzo knew his old teammate had taken his words to heart, and continued:

"The Uchiha Clan and the Uzumaki Clan are sworn enemies, and after the Uzumaki Clan was destroyed, only one in ten of its members survived."

Even if only half of the Uchiha moves to the Land of Whirlpools, they will still have an overwhelming advantage over the Uzumaki Clan in terms of the number of ninjas.

The current situation is only because Yagami Shiraha and Kushina Uzumaki are using their individual strength to maintain the fragile balance of the Land of Whirlpools.

Does leaving Konoha really guarantee that the Uchiha Clan will gain the same political status in the Land of Whirlpools?

Ultimately, it was just that Yagami Shiraha took advantage of this opportunity to win over some of the Uchiha's split members.

For the sake of Konoha's future, we must make good use of the Kurama ' power and firmly grasp the Jinchuriki in our own hands.

Because Danzo himself was that kind of person, in his mind, Shiraha was naturally that kind of person as well.

Shiraha only values the military strength of the Uchiha Clan, wants to weaken Konoha, participate in the struggle for supremacy among various villages, and hopes to replace Konoha as the dominant force in the Shinobi World.

The Uchiha were simply deceived.

Of course, if we don't take an opposing viewpoint, Danzo thinks that Shiraha did nothing wrong, because he himself hoped to use the Uchiha Clan to win the war during the war, weaken the Uchiha Clan's political status during peacetime, and then eventually seize the Sharingan through various means.

Danzo even believed that Shiraha's ultimate goal was also to Sharingan, but these ignorant Uchiha Clan members left Konoha for short-term gains.

The Uzumaki Clan is currently very strong, but it lacks any foundation. When Shiraha and Kushina grow old and frail, the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools will inevitably repeat itself, and the Uchiha Clan will perish along with them.

"I'll consider it."

Sarutobi Hiruzen finally spoke.

Today's experience is so similar to when Shiraha publicly stated that he would leave Konoha with Kushina.

That time, Konoha lost the Kurama, and he, as Hokage, lost public support.

This time, the strongest Ninja Clan in Konoha also chose to leave Konoha.

Sarutobi Hiruzen also had to reflect on his actions.

However, just as Danzo said, in the Shinobi World, strength ultimately prevails.

If Shiraha hadn't arrived in Konoha to support the Uchiha Clan, things might have turned out differently.

It seems that making Naruto the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki is imperative.

Seeing that Hiruzen had been persuaded by him, Danzo continued:

"In addition, if anyone makes trouble because of the Uchiha Clan, you can take the opportunity to propose to step down and suggest that a more suitable candidate be chosen for Hokage, thus retreating to advance."

Anyway, you're just the Acting Hokage. Before the Fourth Hokage awakens, there will definitely be people who support the Fourth Hokage and hope that you can continue to serve as the Acting Hokage instead of electing the Fifth Generation.

While the Uchiha Clan's proposal might tempt many, other Ninja Clan, while eager to wrest the Hokage position from the Hokage lineage, also fear that others might benefit, and thus they wouldn't easily unite.

Furthermore, all of my Root members will join the Anbu and obey your orders.

Hiruzen, you can't give up so easily.

Don't forget, the Sarutobi Clan is behind you!

"Danzo." Sarutobi Hiruzen felt incredibly conflicted as he watched Danzo still offering him advice even at a time like this.

Recalling decades ago when he followed the Second Hokage to Kumogakure for negotiations, was appointed Hokage in a time of crisis, and then faced suppression from other clans after returning to the village, he finally stabilized the internal situation and secured his Hokage position with the help of Danzo, Koharu, and En.

During Second Shinobi World War and Third Shinobi World War, they went through the most difficult times together. Danzo really did a lot for the village.

In fact, he placed all the pressure and responsibility on Danzo regarding the Uchiha Clan issue. Even though he was the Hokage, he made Danzo deal with the Uchiha problem, which led to the current situation.

As the Hokage, he also bears undeniable responsibility; he is the one who should be in prison.

The lower-level cells had no electricity; only the faint flames of lamps burning on the walls emitted a dim, flickering light.

In the Firelight, the shadows cast by the iron bars of the prison were imprinted on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face, intertwining with the wrinkles that covered his face, like crisscrossing ditches in a field, making him appear even older.

"Hiruzen, what's with that expression?!" Danzo frowned as he looked at Hiruzen's guilty expression.

He doesn't need sympathy.

"Danzo, we've all grown old." Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh. Time waits for no one. If he were young, how could he be so hesitant and indecisive?

Our era is not over yet!

Danzo said with a resolute expression.

Once the Wood Release Experiment is fully completed, his body will be able to regain its former glory. Even if he only gains one-tenth of the First's power, it will be enough for him to make a comeback.

Outside the Uchiha Compound.

As Sasuke, carrying his little schoolbag, finally escaped Naruto's pestering ways, his steps home became much lighter. He couldn't wait to show Itachi his grades; this time, his brother had no reason to say "next time."

This was something that had been agreed upon long ago, and Itachi had repeatedly assured it.

However, when Sasuke returned to his clan's territory, he discovered something strange.

The Uchiha Clan's territory is quite large, and with thousands of ordinary clan members, they are able to achieve a certain degree of self-sufficiency within the clan, with various shops available.

But now all the shops selling clothes and food are closed, and even the uncles and aunties who used to greet Sasuke every time he Sasuke school are gone. All the houses in the entire clan area are closed.

"What happened? What's going on?"

Sasuke looked puzzled.

Although there are usually fewer clan members when the Uchiha hold clan meetings, it shouldn't be that there's not a single person on the entire street, not even children his age.

Moreover, only those who have opened their eyes are qualified to participate in the clan meeting; there will be no exceptions.

Thinking of this, Sasuke panicked and quickly ran towards home.

"What exactly happened?"

Why are you telling us to leave Konoha?

"Were the Uchiha driven out of the village?"

"Why should we leave!"

"We Uchiha are the founding fathers who worked alongside the Senju Clan to establish Konoha. We are heroes. Why are we being treated like this!"

"Fugaku, it's all because of your weakness that Chiho and other Radical Faction ninjas have completely broken with the village!"

"You owe us an explanation!"

When Sasuke was about a street corner away from his house, he heard a commotion.

He quickened his pace, running breathlessly across the street, and what came into view stunned him.

Hundreds of the Uchiha Clan surrounded the entrance to his house, shouting excitedly as if they were denouncing something.

His father, Fugaku, could only look apologetic and remain silent when criticized by the uncles and aunts who had previously treated him well.

Sasuke's favorite older brother was also being pulled and pushed by some ninjas, and he didn't even try to fight back.

"Get out of the way!"

"Stop! Don't treat my brother like this!"

Sasuke excitedly rushed into the crowd and squeezed his way to the very back.

By the time he finally managed to squeeze his way to Itachi, his backpack was gone, and his clothes had been torn by the excited crowd.

"Sasuke?" Itachi was stunned when he saw Sasuke's disheveled appearance.

"Let go! Let go of your brother!"

Sasuke punched the ninjas surrounding Itachi with all his might.

When the Uchiha saw young Sasuke's pitiful state with tears streaming down his face, they also let go of Itachi's hand.

"Brother!" Sasuke hugged Itachi tightly, wiping away his tears as he asked, "Brother, what happened? Is what they said true? Is the Uchiha Clan going to be driven out of the village?"

"I'm sorry, Sasuke." Itachi's eyes flashed with deep self-reproach. He had failed to strike a balance between his clan and the village, and he had failed to prevent the Uchiha Clan from splitting apart.

"Everyone, this is the decision of Clan Chief Chiho, and also the choice of many clan members themselves. The Third Hokage did not stop it. The clan members voluntarily left the Uchiha Clan and joined the Land of Whirlpools."

Seeing that his youngest son had returned, Fugaku did not remain silent any longer, but tried to explain again.

"What do you mean the Third Hokage didn't stop it!?"

"We won't listen!"

"Why not execute Danzo!?"

"So many people have left, what are we going to do? If we stay in the village like this, how will we be able to live with other people in the future?!"

Fugaku's explanation failed to satisfy the remaining Uchiha Clan members.

The Uchiha were the strongest Ninja Clan in Konoha and the founding members of the village. As the clan head, Fugaku bears an undeniable and enormous responsibility for how the village has come to this point.

Now, the clan leader Chiho has taken away more than half of the Uchiha Clan members, and the number of ninjas among them accounts for two-thirds of the total number of Uchiha ninjas, of which nearly three-quarters have awakened their Uchiha.

Moreover, they only now realize that the Uchiha Clan actually has four powerful members who have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, three of whom are from the Uchiha that left Konoha.

If the Uchiha had this power, why didn't they launch a coup, kill Danzo, force the Third Hokage to abdicate, and take control of the clan themselves?

As ordinary members of the Uchiha, they generally got along well with other ordinary people in Konoha. Moreover, because they were backed by the powerful Uchiha, they enjoyed better treatment than ordinary villagers.

Perhaps the Uchiha ninjas were suppressed and ostracized in Konoha, but they were not.

As a result, most of the Uchiha ninjas have now left, which will inevitably cause the Uchiha's status in Konoha to decline sharply.

Given their past history of splitting up, it's certain that ordinary people like them won't have an easy time in Konoha in the future.

As for why they didn't leave with the clansmen who had left Konoha, it was because they were used to the peaceful life in Konoha.

Konoha proved its strength with its victories in the Third Great Ninja War.

The Uzumaki Clan was wiped out at the beginning of the Third Shinobi World War. Although the current Uzumaki Clan has two top-tier experts, Shiraha and Kushina, they don't have much foundation. If war breaks out, they are very likely to suffer the same fate as the Land of Whirlpools, having their homeland raided and destroyed while their elite troops are out fighting.

Moreover, even if Shiraha makes nice promises, if he goes there and isn't treated well, he won't be able to leave the Land of Whirlpools.

After all, once you leave Konoha, there's no turning back.

In short, they only want to enjoy the same rights as before and do not want any changes.

Chiho, who caused all this, has already led her clansmen to pack their bags and prepare to go to the Land of Whirlpools. The only person they can blame is the former clan leader Fugaku, who has chosen to stay in Konoha.

Even if it doesn't help, someone still has to bear the consequences of their anger and dissatisfaction.

As the clan leader, Fugaku, who did nothing, naturally became the first target and the object of everyone's anger.

Sasuke watched his father being criticized by everyone without saying a word, and he was unhappy and wanted to stand up for him, but Itachi stopped him.

Just then, an even more excited commotion suddenly erupted from behind the crowd.

"The Shisui has come!"

"It's Shisui!"

"Get out of the way!"

The Uchiha Clan members surrounding the entrance to Fugaku's residence parted to make way for them.

Shisui walked solemnly to the center of the group, approached Itachi and Fugaku, and greeted them. "Lord Fugaku, Itachi. Chiho asked me to consult the clan members again."

With that, Shisui turned to the remaining members of his clan. "If you have changed your minds and are willing to leave with us, then go and pack your things now. Just bring enough food and clothing for the next two days of travel; the Land of Whirlpools will prepare everything else in advance."

"Traitor!"

"Why did you do this?! Why did you betray us?!"

"Why didn't you kill Danzo?!"

"What's so great about the Land of Whirlpools!?"

"We will not leave Konoha!"

Shisui's words instantly drew away most of the criticism, and everyone turned their attention to him.

Originally, Shisui was a perfect figure in the eyes of the Uchiha people: powerful, gentle, and full of kindness to everyone.

However, now that Shisui is facing a crisis, he has chosen to leave Konoha just like Chiho, leaving his clan members who remain in Konoha in a very awkward situation.

"I'm sorry, but this is perhaps the best outcome for the Uchiha Clan." Shisui bowed deeply to everyone with an apologetic expression.

For Shisui, he loved the Uchiha Clan, and every member of the clan was his family.

But at the same time, he also loves Konoha, and every villager is like family to him.

However, the conflict between the clan and the village had reached an irreconcilable point, and because of Danzo's affair, the two sides were now irreconcilable enemies, making internal strife almost inevitable.

As Chiho and Issei said, in order to resolve the conflict, the village must first make changes, which requires the higher-ups to have great courage to tolerate the Uchiha Clan.

However, the key issue is that the village is waiting for the Uchiha Clan to change first.

Both sides are waiting for the other to make the first concession.

And when the Uchiha Clan began to back down, the higher-ups became even more demanding, wanting the Uchiha Clan to make even greater changes, forgetting that in the beginning, the Uchiha wanted the higher-ups to change first.

From the very beginning, it was the relentless pressure from higher-ups that completely pushed the Uchiha Clan to the opposite side.

The Uchiha Clan simply wants the higher-ups to return to their former state. If even that cannot be achieved, there is no point in further negotiations.

Even if Danzo is eliminated and the Third Hokage is forced to abdicate, and a new Hokage is appointed, it won't be easy to reach a consensus with the Uchiha Clan in a short time.

If any friction or confrontation occurs during this period, it could easily lead to even greater conflict.

Moreover, while the Uchiha and Senju did rely on their formidable strength to establish Konoha during a chaotic era, they could not simply win over the people by resorting to violence when resolving internal problems.

Moving to a more suitable environment for the Uchiha Clan to live in is not necessarily a bad thing for the Uchiha now.

As Issei said, the Uchiha too strong, but not strong enough to make everyone submit to them.

Now, most of the Uchiha Clan's power has left Konoha. The remaining Uchiha in Konoha are still considered a major Ninja Clan Ninja Clan compared to other ninja clans, no less powerful than the Hyūga and Sarutobi Clan. However, they are no longer as powerful as they once were, to the point of inflating one's ego.

The Uchiha Clan who remain in Konoha have essentially proven their attachment to and loyalty to the Konoha, and pose little threat to the village or its leadership. Therefore, the weakening of the Uchiha's strength is actually a good thing for them.

The crowd could not understand Shisui's ideas, nor could they understand the ideas of Chiho and other Radical Faction.

In their view, it's like parents and children arguing. No matter how much the child makes a fuss, it's not like they would actually run away from home and never come back, right?

Unfortunately, as ordinary people, they couldn't see how harsh the living conditions were for the Uchiha ninjas in Konoha. They did the hardest work, the most dangerous jobs, and made the most contributions, yet they received completely unequal treatment.

"Itachi, I think I should at least say goodbye to you formally before I leave." Shisui listened to the curses of the clansmen, turned around and came to Itachi's side, and said apologetically, "I broke my promise to you. I promised to work with you to change the clan and the village, but now I have chosen to withdraw. I'm sorry."

"Shisui."

When Itachi was being criticized by his clansmen, he didn't show much change in expression, but Shisui's words moved him deeply, and his chest tightened.

Anyone can be blamed, but Shisui is the only exception.

He was truly devoted to his family and village.

Itachi knew the hardships and pain Shisui endured, caught between his clan and the village. He knew that the village had let Shisui down, and had let down the Uchiha.

"Take good care of yourself." Shisui patted Itachi's shoulder, his expression full of reluctance, then looked at Fugaku beside him, "Lord Fugaku, please take good care of yourself as well."

Fugaku nodded solemnly. Although he firmly disagreed with leaving Konoha, he did not hate Shisui, Chiho, Issei, and the others, because they were also doing it for the Uchiha Clan.

Although they led most of their clansmen away from Konoha, they paved a new path for the Uchiha Clan, and they remained the Uchiha.

It's just a different method.

"Traitors! Why did you betray the family? You are all traitors to the family! Sooner or later, I will make you pay!"

At this moment, Sasuke shouted angrily at Shisui. He had remained silent until he finally understood what had happened. It was Shisui and his people who had betrayed their clan, leaving Konoha and taking many clansmen with them, causing his brother and father to suffer the blame from everyone. This was a disgrace to the clan.

"Shut up! Sasuke! What do you know!? You have no right to speak here!"

Fugaku rebuked Sasuke, interrupting his childish remarks.

Sasuke was startled by Fugaku's reprimand, his eyes widening as he stared at Fugaku in disbelief.

Sasuke didn't understand why he was being reprimanded even though he was speaking up for his father.

Even Itachi, the older brother who was always praised by their father, failed. So why can't we trust him just once?

"I will never forgive you!"

Sasuke, fighting back tears that he couldn't hold back, ran into the house shouting.

He secretly vowed that one day he would revitalize his family and gain his father's recognition.

After a five-day journey, the Uchiha Clan finally arrived near the Land of Whirlpools Peninsula in the East Sea Blue from Konoha.

This is because the Uchiha Clan members, even without Chakra, generally have a physique that surpasses that of ordinary people, and they spend more than ten hours traveling every day.

However, as they crossed the depression outside the Uzumaki Clan grounds, they saw the sinkholes left from the previous battle.

"I heard this used to be a valley, but it was destroyed in a battle!"

Hearing the ninjas' chatter, the Uchiha Clan members subconsciously slowed down their journey and couldn't help but gaze into the sinkhole.

When the gates of the Uzumaki Clan grounds came into view, enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted.

"Welcome!"

"Welcome to the Uchiha Clan!"

"Very good!"

"Everyone, you're too slow!"

The Uchiha clan members were taken aback by the enthusiasm of their greeters.

The joy on everyone's face was genuine, and that intense emotion touched the hearts of the Uchiha Clan members.

Many of them were not really willing to leave Konoha, but because their ninjas wanted to leave, they had to coax and persuade them to go with them.

In many people's minds, they were driven away by Konoha.

But seeing the enthusiasm of the Uzumaki Clan, they suddenly felt like they had come to the right place.

Kushina and Shiraha slowly walked out from the crowd and came to the Uchiha group.

Chiho's expression was slightly tense. In terms of appearance, she didn't think she was inferior to Kushina. She just lacked the charm of a mature woman, but she would have those sooner or later after marrying Shiraha.

However, the powerful aura emanating from Kushina and the oppressive feeling brought by her terrifying Chakra made Chiho feel somewhat uncomfortable. Even though she knew that Kushina was not targeting her, she was still shocked by Kushina's strength.

"Chiho, I didn't expect to see you again." Kushina smiled and stepped forward, extending her hand to Chiho. "As the head of the Uzumaki Clan and the future king of the Land of Whirlpools, I welcome the Uchiha Clan on behalf of all the people!"

Seeing the sincerity in Kushina's smile, Chiho couldn't help but admire Kushina's magnanimity. She stepped forward, held Kushina's hand tightly, and then, to Kushina's slightly surprised look, hugged her tightly, saying, "From now on, we are a loving family, Kushina- neechan!"

The news that most of the Uchiha Clan, led by their clan leader Chiho, had left Konoha and joined the Land of Whirlpools swept across the entire Shinobi World like a hurricane.

The first reaction from all sides was disbelief, feeling it was fake news.

But when I heard that it was Danzo who attacked the Uchiha Clan's Kage Level shinobi, and that the Third Hokage protected Danzo, which led to the Uchiha Clan's defection, I felt I could accept it.

After all, it was before the Third Shinobi World War, Konoha's public opinion had driven the legendary White Fang, who was renowned throughout the ninja Shinobi World, to his death.

Towards the end of the Third Shinobi World War, for reasons unknown, Shiraha and Kushina, two top-tier Kage Level fighters, left Konoha together.

Now, most of the Uchiha ninja and clan members have left Konoha.

The outrageous things all happened in the later part of the Third Hokage's reign, so it's not surprising.

In Iwagakure, after learning of this information in the Tsuchikage's office, Ōnoki immediately dispatched people to the Demon Country to increase cooperation. Iwagakure would purchase large quantities of medicines from the Serpent Spirit Corporation and significantly reduce trade tariffs.

After the messenger ninja left, Ōnoki got up and went to the window, his heart unable to calm down for a long time.

"It would be great if the Uchiha Clan joined Iwagakure."

The Third Hokage's incompetence is so extreme that it's both delightful and infuriating.

What's good is that the enemy's leader is so foolish, making one blunder after another.

What's infuriating is that even without the Uchiha, Konoha is still the strongest ninja village in the Shinobi World in terms of overall strength.

The legacy left to Konoha by the First and Second Hokage was truly immense!

It's truly enviable. If their village had the foundation of Konoha, they probably would have unified the Shinobi World long ago.

At the same time, Ōnoki couldn't help but feel alarmed by Yagami Shiraha's methods.

This young man's methods are truly shrewd and experienced.

The Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan and their arrogance are well-known in the Shinobi World, so it is no easy task to get so many Uchiha to sincerely join them.

With the addition of the Uchiha Clan, the Land of Land of Whirlpools ' resources are now comparable to those of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

Even if Shiraha and Kushina were to announce the formal reconstruction of the Land of Whirlpools right now, all the forces in the Shinobi World would only offer their congratulations and dare not have any other thoughts.

It's easy to imagine that in less than ten years, the Shinobi World will have Six Great Ninja Villages.

The next Ninja World War will be a time of complete reshuffling of the Shinobi World, and there may even be instances of major powers being destroyed.

In a short time, apart from Kirigakure and Konoha, all the other villages sent envoys to the Uzumaki Clan.

The Third Raikage, A, even publicly proposed holding another Five Kage Summit.

At this time, within the Uzumaki Clan, which was at the center of public opinion, Shiraha, after helping with the initial tasks, hid in the underground laboratory and used the solidified Innate Spell "Soul Projection" to completely merge with the Wood Spirit Avatar "Uchiha Issei".

He received a message from Kakuzu and Sasori, learning of something extraordinary, so he prepared to strengthen his Wood Spirit Avatar and go to investigate.

The Uchiha Clan has already joined forces with the Land of Whirlpools, and "Uchiha Issei" can now retire gracefully.