Second Battle of the Land of Fire Daimyo Palace

"Five times?!" Uchiha Jun somewhat surprised, and his hand holding the teacup paused for a moment.

"That's still a conservative estimate."

Orochimaru said, tapping his long fingers on the table a few times, "The revenue from selling land and leasing shops alone has already exceeded the total fiscal revenue for the entire year during the Third's term."

"Now Konoha has expanded by two rings, and various power lines and water pipe networks have been laid out. The taxes collected alone are outrageously high."

He paused, then added, "Moreover, this is just the beginning. Once the subsequent commercial streets are all completed, tax revenue will increase further. Based on the current trend, Konoha's fiscal revenue is expected to exceed 10 billion taels by the end of the year."

"Of course, with high income comes high expenses, and the annual maintenance costs are considerable."

"But it's still much stronger than during the Third Hokage's time, and Konoha has now regained its top spot among the Five Great Ninja Villages!"

"Hehe, the teacher just relinquished control and surrendered. After all, the Sarutobi Clan still needs to eat."

Uchiha Jun leaned back in his chair, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He remembered that in the original storyline, Konoha's strength had been declining since the Third Shinobi World War.

The ranking of the Five Great Ninja Villages has always been a battle between Kumogakure and Iwagakure for the top spot, with Konoha even falling to the bottom, competing with Sunagakure for the last place.

Now, under Orochimaru and Fugaku's management, Konoha has ushered in an unprecedented period of prosperity.

"What about the other ninja clans?" Uchiha Jun asked. "What's their attitude?"

"They've been very cooperative," Uchiha Fugaku continued, a slight smile on his face. "Especially those smaller ninja clans; they're practically worshipping Lord Orochimaru now."

Uchiha Fugaku smiled and offered an explanation.

It turns out that during the second battle of the Third Shinobi World War, Uchiha Jun- handedly defeated all the Kage from the other ninja villages, making a name for himself throughout the Shinobi World. This fame translated into tangible benefits, leading to a surge in the number of missions for Konoha, which greatly benefited the ninjas of Konoha.

In the past, you had to wait to accept a mission, and the mission reward was so small. After completing a B-Rank Mission, you would only get a few hundred thousand taels, which you had to share with your teammates.

Now, not only do you not have to wait, but you can also choose your own missions, and the rewards are much higher. A B-Rank Mission now has a higher reward than an A-level mission used to.

With such enormous profits at stake, the ninja clans that were initially somewhat dissatisfied with Uchiha Jun's violent rise to power instantly became the most loyal supporters of Uchiha Jun and Orochimaru.

"Jun-kun, do you know what's most popular in Konoha right now?" Uchiha Fugaku asked with a smile.

"What?"

"To curry favor with you"

"Right now, all the ninja clans are racking their brains to figure out how to curry favor with you. After all, the first Kurama Murakumo Kurama Clan, has transformed from a minor ninja clan into one of the most powerful factions in Konoha."

Upon hearing this, Kurama Murakumo immediately stood up and bowed to Uchiha Jun: "It's all thanks to Lord Jun's guidance!"

Uchiha Jun waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, then looked at Uchiha Fugaku: "What about the Konoha High Command? Has Sarutobi Hiruzen made any moves?"

"He wanted to move, but he couldn't."

Orochimaru sneered, his fingers lightly tracing the rim of his wine glass. "Now we hold Konoha's financial lifeline in our hands, and all the major ninja clans are supporting us. Even if he wanted to make a move, he wouldn't have the ability."

Uchiha Jun nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

The most important thing now is to consolidate our power and prepare for the next step of our plan.

Uchiha Jun looked at Hizashi Hyuga and Kurama Murakumo: "How about your side? How's your forces developing?"

Hizashi Hyuga spoke first, his tone respectful. "Lord Jun, with the support of Fugaku and Lord Orochimaru, I have trained thirteen new Jonin, covering Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu."

"In addition, there are more than twenty Chunin are ready to be deployed in battle at any time."

"Are all the members of the Hyuga Branch Family family willing to follow you now?" Uchiha Jun asked.

"I'm willing!" Hizashi Hyuga nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes. "Lord Jun has fought for so many benefits for us, and the clansmen have all seen it. Now, the branch family members trust me completely, and even the Main Family doesn't dare to suppress us as easily as before."

"That's good." Uchiha Jun nodded in satisfaction.

Kurama Murakumo followed up with a report, "My situation is similar. We have sixteen newly Jonin. Under your guidance, the Kurama Clan's Genjutsu tradition has been basically restored. Now, the Kurama Clan's overall strength has recovered to about 60% of its peak strength."

"Sixty percent?" Uchiha Jun, "That's not enough."

"Yes, I understand." Kurama Murakumo quickly bowed his head. "I will continue to work hard."

"It's not your fault." Uchiha Jun waved his hand. "The Kurama Clan's foundation is not as strong as those of the major clans. It's already quite good that they were able to recover to 60% in such a short time. Next, I will help you continue to improve."

Uchiha Jun, then took out two notebooks from his pocket and tossed one to Hizashi Hyuga and the other to Kurama Murakumo.

The two hurriedly caught it, and when they looked down, their pupils contracted simultaneously.

The paper of Hizashi Hyuga's note was yellowed and looked quite old, but the handwriting was clear and strong, exuding a sharp aura.

It was obviously an old item, but the contents on it shocked Hizashi Hyuga.

Although Kurama Murakumo's notebook appeared to be new, its contents shocked even Kurama Murakumo, an Elite Jonin- level Genjutsu master.

"Lord Chun, what... what is this?!"

"A guide to developing the Byakugan technique and applying Gentle Fist, and a technical manual on Genjutsu techniques."

Uchiha Jun said calmly, "Go back and study this carefully. Once you've mastered it, prepare to break through to the Kage Level."

Hizashi Hyuga and Kurama Murakumo were shocked upon hearing this, their faces showing disbelief.

"Lord Jun, you mean..." Hizashi Hyuga's voice trembled slightly, "Breaking through to Kage Level?"

"What? No confidence?" Uchiha Jun looked at him calmly.

"No, no..." Hizashi Hyuga hurriedly shook his head, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "It's just... the Kage Level, something we never even dared to dream of before."

"Just because you didn't dare to think about it before doesn't mean you can't do it in the future," Uchiha Jun said, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness. "Go back and train hard. Once you've thoroughly understood these two notes, I'll arrange a breakthrough plan for you to break through to Kage Level."

Hizashi Hyuga and Kurama Murakumo exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

Kage Level.

That was a realm they never dared to dream of before.

In the Shinobi World, Kage Level beings are those who stand at the very top of the pyramid.

A village can establish itself in the Shinobi World as long as it has one or two Kage Level powerhouses in charge.

The reason why those great ninja villages can become great ninja villages is because they have a stable lineage of Kage Level powerhouses.

Now, Uchiha Jun tells them that he will help them break through to the Kage Level.

This feels like a dream.

But they had no doubt about Uchiha Jun's words.

After all, this young man has already created too many miracles.

Defeating three Kage Level and supporting Orochimaru to become Hokage... these are things that seem unbelievable to them, Uchiha Jun accomplished them all.

Now that he says he can help them break through to the Kage Level, then he definitely can!

The two men simultaneously knelt on one knee and solemnly bowed. "Thank you, Lord Chun! We will serve you to the death!"

"Alright, get up." Uchiha Jun waved his hand. "Don't kneel all the time, I don't buy that."

The two then stood up, carefully put away the notes, and stepped aside.

Just then, a hint of hesitation appeared on Hizashi Hyuga's face, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Uchiha Jun noticed his expression and asked, "What's wrong? Just say what's on your mind."

Hizashi Hyuga took a deep breath and finally spoke, "Lord Jun, I have a favor to ask."

"Explain."

"About... the Caged Bird."

Hizashi Hyuga's voice was heavy, as if a Taiseki was pressing down on it, "As you know, all the members of the Hyuga Branch Family are under the Caged Bird Seal, and their lives are in the control of the Main Family."

"If the Main Family has even a single thought, we will die."

Uchiha Jun nodded. "I understand your concerns."

Uchiha Jun got up, walked to the window, and looked at the sky outside.

The sky was blue, the clouds were white, and everything was peaceful.

"I've figured out where the Caged Bird came from."

"Then... is there a way to break this?" Hizashi Hyuga asked nervously, his palms already sweating.

"Have."

"However, not now. I need some time to study how to break the cycle, but I can assure you that it won't be long before I can free you from the Caged Bird's shackles."

Upon hearing Hizashi Hyuga trembled, and his eyes instantly reddened.

He knelt on one knee again, his voice choked with emotion. "Lord Jun... Hizashi will never forget your kindness to Hizashi Hyuga Branch Family!"

The following day, at the Hokage Office Building.

This is a three-story building located in the center of Konoha, with the words "Hokage" on the roof shining brightly in the sunlight.

Uchiha Jun, Orochimaru, and Uchiha Fugaku were sitting in a spacious conference room on the top floor.

The table was covered with various ledgers and scrolls, the densely packed numbers dazzling the eyes.

"Alright, let's begin." Uchiha Jun leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms, and looked at Orochimaru. "Today, we'll be conducting Konoha's first 'dividend distribution'."

"Yes." Uchiha Fugaku took over the conversation, pulled one out from a pile of scrolls, and spread it out on the table.

It was a thick ledger, densely filled with all sorts of data.

Uchiha Fugaku turned to the last page, pointed to the numbers, and said, "This is a detailed breakdown of Konoha's financial revenue for this period of time."

Uchiha Jun glanced at it, his gaze landing on the total amount at the bottom.

Then, he froze.

"Eighty-five billion taels?"

"This is... the total income for this period of time?"

"That's right." Fugaku nodded with a smile, "Eighty-five billion taels."

Uchiha Jun remained silent for a moment, then leaned back in his chair.

Eighty-five billion taels.

What does this mean?

During the reign of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Konoha's annual fiscal revenue peaked at only around one billion ryo.

This also excludes the military funds allocated annually by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

How many years did the Third reign? A full thirty years!

The wealth accumulated over thirty years is less than what Orochimaru earned in the few months since he took office.

Now, under the management of Orochimaru and Uchiha Fugaku, Konoha has generated a staggering 8.5 billion yen in revenue in just a few months!

This is higher than the total income of the Third term!

No wonder the ninja clans of Konoha have completely changed their attitude towards him.

Faced with absolute self-interest, hatred and prejudice are insignificant.

"However, most of these 8.5 billion taels came from the sale of land and the leasing of shops."

Uchiha Fugaku added, his expression becoming more serious, "Although the money comes quickly, it's essentially a one-time income, and this kind of boom won't be repeated in the short term."

"And what about the rest?" Uchiha Jun asked.

"The rest is regular income."

Uchiha Fugaku said, turning to the other pages of the ledger, "Task bounty revenue and commercial taxes will continue to generate stable income. However, after the village expansion and infrastructure construction are completed, these incomes will increase further. Based on the current trend, the regular monthly income will be between 600 and 800 million ryo."

Uchiha Jun nodded in understanding.

"Then how should it be allocated?" he asked.

"As previously agreed, 50% will be handed over to the Land of Fire Daimyo Palace," said Uchiha Fugaku. "After all, the Daimyo Palace has put in a lot of effort and invested a lot of funds and manpower in this process."

"The remaining 30% will be used as public funds for Konoha's daily operations and infrastructure development."

"The remaining 20% will be distributed proportionally between us and the various ninja clans."

Uchiha Jun and asked, "How much will I get?"

Uchiha Fugaku thought for a moment and then gave a number, "Nine hundred million."

"Nine hundred million?" Uchiha Jun was slightly taken aback, then smiled. "Not bad."

"So, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has now received an inflow of over four billion yen?"

"Uh... yes."

Looking at Uchiha Jun was asking him a question, Uchiha Fugaku was taken aback for a moment, and then spoke.

For some reason, he sensed a chill in Uchiha Jun's seemingly calm words.

Is it just my imagination?

Forget it, whatever.

"Um."

Uchiha Jun gazed intently towards the distant Land of Fire Capital, his eyes deep and thoughtful.

' The Land of Fire Daimyo Palace is incredibly wealthy right now. It would be such a waste not to take a bite of such a large piece of meat!'

'Brother Danzo, use this last bit of your "credential" to restore my great cause...'

[Bite!]

[A new mission has been detected for the host: [Second Battle: The Land of Fire Daimyo Palace]]

[Mission Objective: To 'harvest' the Land of Fire Daimyo Palace without revealing one's identity.]

[Mission Rewards: 3000 Gold Coin, 10 S-Rank Ninja Fragment, 1 Random SS-Rank Secret Scroll.]

Uchiha Jun looked at the system panel that appeared before him, his smile deepened.

"I'm leaving." Uchiha Jun stood up, looked at Orochimaru and Fugaku, and said, "Prepare my share of the profits. I'm going out of the village."

"Also, start preparing for Kabuto Yakushi Itachi Uchiha. It will be held tomorrow at noon, and the entire village's ninja clan will be invited to attend."

"Yes!"

The Land of Fire Capital, Daimyo Palace.

In the dead of night, the moonlight was obscured by dark clouds, but the entire capital was brightly lit, and even the most remote corners were illuminated as if it were daytime.

It all comes down to the last time that Uchiha Jun, disguised as Shimura Danzō, attacked the Daimyo Palace's mansion.

For safety reasons, Uehara Zhenghui then installed a large number of lighting facilities to prevent assassins from sneaking in.

Inside the Daimyo Palace, Uehara Zhenghui, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, sat in his bedchamber, with a latest financial report laid out before him.

Looking at the astonishing numbers above, Uehara Zhenghui smiled with satisfaction.

"The Fugaku clan chief from Konoha is really capable," Uehara Zhenghui muttered to himself. "He's brought me so much income in just a few months."

Uehara Zhenghui picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and suddenly remembered something, speaking to the aide beside him.

"By the way, who are the ninjas stationed in the manor today? Are they still Uchiha Clan ninjas?"

"To be honest, the Uchiha Clan has a really great reputation. As soon as the Uchiha Clan took up residence in the Daimyo's Daimyo Palace, no rogue ninja or missing-nin within a radius of dozens of kilometers dared to approach."

An aide spoke up, "Lord Masahiro, a message came from Konoha yesterday saying that Uchiha Jun has returned to Konoha, Uchiha Clan ninja stationed there have all finished handing over their duties and returned to the village to celebrate."

"Hmm? What about the garrison ninjas during this period?"

Uehara Zhenghui raised an eyebrow and spoke.

"It's Anbu squad led by Kakashi Hatake."

"Hatake? What's his relationship with White Fang?"

"It is indeed the son of White Fang. In addition, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eldest son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, has also arrived."

"Sarutobi Clan, alright then."

Upon hearing that it was Sarutobi Hiruzen's eldest son, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, along with the son of White Fang of Konoha, stationed there, Uehara Zhenghui's brow relaxed.

The night was as dark as ink, the moon hidden and the stars few.

The Land of Fire Capital, Daimyo Palace.

The towering walls, the heavy security, the patrolling samurai, the ninja squads lurking in the shadows... all these things demonstrate the noble status of the owner of this place.

Compared to the 'loose' defenses during the last Uchiha Jun attack, the Daimyo's Daimyo Palace is clearly much more heavily fortified this time.

But at this moment, on the roof of the tallest castle tower in the Daimyo Palace, a dark figure was sitting quietly, overlooking the entire capital city.

Uchiha Jun.

At this moment, he had changed into the clothes of Shimura Danzō. If Uehara Zhenghui were to see him like this, he would probably make a huge fuss.

"Tsk, it seems the last attack left Uehara Zhenghui still shaken. The guards have more than doubled. Uehara Zhenghui is such a coward."

Indeed, the number of guards in the Daimyo Palace had at least doubled since his last visit.

A samurai stood guard every ten steps along the wall, and patrols moved back and forth in the courtyard.

Furthermore, Uchiha Jun sensed that at least five more sensory-type ninjas were hiding in the shadows.

Uchiha Jun stood up and stretched his limbs.

--Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Bang!

As the white smoke dissipated, two identical Shadow Clone appeared beside him.

"Go to the east and west sides and make some noise," Uchiha Jun instructed, "Draw all the guards there."

"Understood." The two Shadow Clone nodded, and at the same time, they disappeared from the spot using a Body Flicker Technique.

Uchiha Jun silently descended towards the sleeping quarters directly below.

Meanwhile, inside the sleeping quarters.

Uehara Zhenghui was lying on a large bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

He is 45 years old this year, in the prime of his life, but recently he has been suffering from insomnia.

The reason is simple—he was afraid.

Last time, that madman Shimura Danzō the Reverse Four Symbols Seal in the Daimyo Palace, creating dozens of huge craters and completely destroying the Twelve Guardian Ninja he Teuchi.

According to survivors, Shimura Danzō went crazy, with hundreds of Kunai stuck in his body, yet he managed to survive. In fact, in the blink of an eye, Shimura Danzō could resurrect on the spot without any damage!

Who could stand it? If it weren't for Shimura Danzō, leaving the treasury practically empty and unable to relocate, they would have been left with nothing.

He, Uehara Zhenghui, had already ordered the construction of a fortress.

And now, that fear has returned!

"Someone! Someone!!" Uehara Zhenghui shouted.

"Yes." A maid entered from outside the door and bowed respectfully.

"Go and summon the leader of the night watch."

"Yes."

The maid obeyed and left.

A moment later, a middle-aged samurai in armor entered and knelt on one knee. "Your Excellency, you summoned me?"

"How are the guard arrangements for tonight?" Uehara Zhenghui asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the guards tonight are twice as many as usual," the middle-aged samurai replied. "Fifty archers are positioned on the walls, three patrol teams are taking turns patrolling the courtyard, and there are also five sensory ninjas lurking in the shadows."

"In addition, ten elite samurai, all of whom are at the Jonin level, are stationed around your bedchamber."

"Kakashi Hatake and Sarutobi Shinnosuke are both leading the Anbu Anti-Secession Unit) and stationed around your bedroom."

"Not enough." Uehara Zhenghui shook his head. "Double it!"

"This..." The middle-aged samurai hesitated. "Your Excellency, we have already drawn most of the capital's troops. If we add more, there will be gaps in the defense of other areas."

"I don't care!" Uehara Zhenghui slammed his hand on the bed, his voice tinged with hysteria. "I said, double it! Go now!"

The middle-aged samurai had no choice but to lower his head and say, "Yes."

He got up, about to leave--

Suddenly, a commotion arose outside.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack from the east!"

"There's one to the west too! Enemies have infiltrated!"

"Quickly! Protect the Daimyo!"

The middle-aged samurai's expression changed, and he immediately drew his long sword, blocking the daimyo's path. "Daimyo, please come with me!"

But at that moment—

"Boom!"

The ceiling of the sleeping quarters suddenly exploded, and rubble and debris rained down.

A dark figure descended from the sky and landed steadily in the center of the sleeping quarters.

"Yo, Sashibuli, Your Excellency."

The shadowy figure's voice was deep and hoarse; it was Shimura Danzō, disguised as Uchiha Jun.

Uehara Zhenghui's face turned deathly pale instantly.

"You, you... it's you!"

"That's right, it's me again." Uchiha Jun stepped forward slowly, completely ignoring the middle-aged samurai holding a long sword beside him. "I've missed you dearly since we last met, so I came to see you."