Ten Billion Subsidy Arrives, Ninja Clans Offer Secret Techniques at the Apprenticeship Banquet

That demon, why is he here again?!

Uehara Zhenghui's mind exploded instantly. The scene of the last time his treasure vault was looted was still vivid in his mind. That night, he lost billions of yen in wealth, and the entire Daimyo Palace was turned upside down.

And now, this beast has come again!

"Someone! Someone!" Uehara Zhenghui shoved aside the maid beside him, scrambled to his feet from the couch, and shouted toward the back of the bedchamber.

Uchiha Jun watched his performance expressionlessly, slightly raising the sword in his hand, the tip pointing directly at Uehara Zhenghui's throat.

Before he finished speaking, more than ten figures appeared in the bedroom, protecting Uehara Zhenghui behind them.

The two leaders were dressed differently. One wore a dog mask and carried a short sword on his back, his eyes sharp as a hawk's; the other wore an ape mask, held a katana, and exuded a steady aura.

Kakashi Hatake, Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

The strongest fighters of Konoha's Anbu have all appeared here.

"Danzo, how dare you cause trouble on Konoha's territory!"

"Sarutobi Shinnosuke said coldly, his katana already drawn, the blade gleaming with a cold light."

Uchiha Jun looked at the two people in front of him with great interest, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Sarutobi Clan's eldest son... Kakashi Hatake, White Fang's son... Tsk tsk, Hiruzen is quite generous, sending both of you to protect the daimyo."

Uchiha Jun's tone was as relaxed as if he were chatting, but his eyes, visible through the bandages, were as cold as ice.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke's heart sank.

Shimura Danzō has been a defector to Konoha for some time now, and he has managed to survive the combined attack by the Anbu of the Five Great Ninja Villages. Moreover, it seems he is living quite comfortably.

He's gone back to his old ways.

This is enough to show that Shimura Danzō's strength is probably even more terrifying than the intelligence reports suggest.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke a deep breath and whispered to the Anbu behind him, "You guys, escort the daimyo away from here immediately."

"Yes!"

Several Anbu Ninja immediately stepped forward, intending to help Uehara Zhenghui escape.

However, Uehara Zhenghui suddenly broke free from their grasp, glaring angrily at Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

"Evacuate? You want me to evacuate?! Sarutobi Shinnosuke, you're an elite member of Konoha's Anbu, a bodyguard I paid a fortune to hire! And now you're telling me to run away with my tail between my legs when faced with a missing-nin?!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke gritted his teeth and said with a forced smile, "Daimyo, Shimura Danzō's strength is extraordinary. He is not only proficient in various Wind Release techniques, but also possesses the ability to revive multiple times in a short period of time."

"Even in a situation where certain death is certain, like the Reverse Four Symbols Seal, we cannot truly kill him. In a direct confrontation, we have no guarantee of victory. For your safety, it would be best to move out first."

"Bullshit!" Uehara Zhenghui roared. "I give Konoha so much funding every year, and you bunch of Anbu guards are given the highest bounty for every S-Rank Mission I give you. And this is the level you're at? You're scared of a missing-nin? You're all useless! Good-for-nothings!"

Uehara Zhenghui grew increasingly agitated, his finger almost poking Sarutobi Shinnosuke's face. "I want the Uchiha Clan! Where are the elite of the Uchiha Clan? Send them here! I want to see if all the Konoha ninja clans are spineless cowards!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke's face turned pale and then red, but he still suppressed his anger and signaled the Anbu members to forcibly take the daimyo away.

"Excuse me, Lord Daimyo, please escort us to safety!"

Without further hesitation, several Anbu Ninja grabbed Uehara Zhenghui and rushed towards the rear hall.

"Let me go! You useless trash! You good-for-nothings! I'm going to fire you!" Uehara Zhenghui's curses grew louder and louder until they disappeared behind the sleeping quarters.

Uchiha Jun remained motionless, simply watching this farce with great interest.

After the daimyo's figure had completely disappeared, he slowly spoke, "Tsk tsk, what a touching display of master-servant affection. Sarutobi Shinnosuke, being scolded like this yet still risking his life to protect him. The Hidden Konoha's Anbu are truly loyal."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke did not answer. He slowly drew his katana, a layer of fire-attribute Chakra already condensing on the blade.

His mind raced, frantically recalling all the information about Shimura Danzō in the secret intelligence room of the Anbu.

Shimura Danzō, leader of Konoha's Root, is proficient in various forbidden and secret techniques.

The most troublesome ability is the ability to revive multiple times in a short period of time. Its strength is so high that even a forbidden technique like the Reverse Four Symbols Seal, which is meant to cause mutual destruction, cannot completely kill him.

Secondly, the latest intelligence suggests that Shimura Danzō may also possess a secret technique that can unleash bursts of power comparable to Space–Time Ninjutsu in a short period of time, and he used this ability to escape during several raids.

Even when facing an encirclement and attack by the Anbu led by the Fourth Raikage, he was able to successfully force them to retreat!

Even setting aside his supernatural abilities, Shimura Danzō Shinobi World was an extremely rare Wind Release Kage Level ninja, a master of Wind Release Ninjutsu with unparalleled skill. Coupled with the powerful cutting ability and undetectable nature of Wind Release Ninjutsu, his level of danger was even comparable to that of the Five Kage!

It's unbelievable that Shimura Danzō, who was supposed to be at the age where he was just waiting to die, had somehow experienced a 'second spring'. It's simply outrageous!

Thinking of this, Sarutobi Shinnosuke felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

But he still gritted his teeth and made the first move!

"Fire Release: Fireball Jutsu!"

A massive fireball, over ten meters in diameter, erupted from Sarutobi Shinnosuke's mouth, carrying scorching heat as it hurtled towards Uchiha Jun.

At the same time, Kakashi Hatake also moved, forming a hand Hand Seals with one hand. "Lightning Style: Lightning Blade!"

A dazzling light condensed in Kakashi's hand, and the next moment, he transformed into a bolt of lightning, rushing straight at Uchiha Jun from the side.

With the Sharingan's enhancement, he has successfully mastered this S-rank forbidden technique and will no longer be dominated by Ninjutsu!

Seeing this, the other Anbu Ninja also used their Ninjutsu to provide support from the sidelines.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

"Earth Release: Earth Dragon Bullet!"

"Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

In an instant, various Ninjutsu surrounded them from all directions, sealing off all of Uchiha Jun's escape routes.

There was nowhere left to retreat!

Faced with the overwhelming attack, a hint of amusement flashed in Uchiha Jun's eyes.

That's it?

He suddenly swung his sword.

"Wind Release · Vacuum Great Sphere!"

A highly compressed Wind Release Chakra shot out from the tip of the sword, exploding in mid-air and transforming into countless tiny wind blades that swept out in all directions!

boom--

The wind blades collided with the Ninjutsu, creating a deafening explosion.

Kakko, smoke, and dust mingled together, shrouding the entire sleeping quarters in chaos.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke's heart tightened. Just as he was about to search for Uchiha Jun's location, a figure rushed out of the smoke and charged straight at him!

"So fast!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke instinctively raised his short sword to parry.

Clang!

The two weapons clashed, sparks flying.

Uchiha Jun's sword pressed down on Sarutobi Shinnosuke; the two were very close, their eyes locked.

"Shinnosuke, your strength is only at the Elite Jonin," Uchiha Jun said calmly. "You're still far from Kage Level."

"How boring."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke gritted his teeth and pushed his katana upwards with all his might, trying to force Uchiha Jun back.

But Uchiha Jun simply flicked his wrist, and with a swift movement, his sword slashed at Sarutobi Shinnosuke's wrist at a tricky angle.

Sarutobi Shinnosuke contracted, and he quickly withdrew his hand and stepped back, but a shallow bloodstain was still left on his wrist.

"What a fast sword!"

Sarutobi Shinnosuke was horrified and quickly created distance.

Uchiha Jun did not give chase, but stood still, shaking his head in disappointment.

'I was hoping to play with you more and gain some combat experience, but your skill level... has really disappointed me.'

The next moment, Uchiha Jun vanished from his spot.

The next moment, he appeared behind an Anbu Ninja, sweeping his sword with the back of its blade—

Puff!

The Anbu Ninja didn't even have time to scream before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

"One."

Uchiha Jun's figure flashed again, appearing in front of another Anbu Ninja and delivering a precise chop to the back of his neck.

"Two."

"Three."

"Four."

His movements were as fast as a ghost; with each flash, an Anbu Ninja fell.

In less than ten seconds, all of the dozen or so Anbu Ninja present, except for Kakashi Hatake and Sarutobi Shinnosuke, were knocked to the ground, their fates unknown.

Kakashi Hatake gritted his teeth, and his Lightning Blade condensed again, ready to launch an attack.

But Uchiha Jun simply swung his sword, and a wind blade sliced through the lightning of the Lightning Blade, sending Kakashi flying. Kakashi crashed into the wall and lost consciousness.

"Five."

Uchiha Jun turned around and looked at Sarutobi Shinnosuke, who was still standing.

"Do you want to pour it yourself, or should I help you?"

Cold sweat poured down Sarutobi Shinnosuke's forehead, and his hand gripping the katana trembled slightly.

He had never seen such terrifying speed and strength. Shimura Danzō's strength far exceeded the records in the intelligence!

But he gritted his teeth and charged forward.

Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!

A massive fire dragon spewed from Sarutobi Shinnosuke's mouth and swept towards Uchiha Jun.

Uchiha Jun simply stomped his foot lightly, and his entire body soared into the air, flipped once in the air, and landed behind Sarutobi Shinnosuke.

"It's over."

The hilt of the sword struck Sarutobi Shinnosuke hard on the back of the neck, and he lost consciousness.

After dealing with the garrison forces of the Daimyo's Daimyo Palace, Uchiha Jun clapped his hands, looked at the "corpses" scattered on the ground, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu"

He Hand Seals, his Chakra surged, and dozens of Shadow Clone appeared beside him.

"Go, turn this entire Daimyo Palace upside down, inside and out. Remember, don't leave a single brick behind."

"Clear!"

Dozens of Shadow Clone instantly dispersed, rushing in all directions from Daming Daimyo Palace.

Uchiha Jun walked to the center of the sleeping quarters, plopped down on the daimyo's throne, crossed his legs, picked up the still unbroken sake jug on the table, and poured himself a cup of sake.

"Last time, because of that guy Namikaze Minato, we only managed to steal a treasure vault and run away. It was truly a pity."

Uchiha Jun took a sip of his drink, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

"But as the saying goes, a cunning rabbit has three burrows, how could that old fox Uehara Zhenghui only have one treasure trove?"

Uchiha Jun already knew from Uchiha Fugaku that Uehara Zhenghui had hidden at least four secret treasure troves within the Daimyo Palace, each containing wealth no less than the treasury he had looted.

"Moreover..." Uchiha Jun's lips curled into a cold smile, "Those high-ranking officials around the Daimyo Palace are all rolling in money. Since we're here, let's just take them all in."

About half an hour later, the Shadow Clone returned one after another, bringing back a series of astonishing news.

"The main body has been found! Thirty meters underground in the Daimyo's sleeping quarters, there is a hidden chamber filled with gold and silver treasures, estimated at at least three billion taels!"

"I discovered a cellar beneath the artificial hill in the back garden of the Daimyo Palace's residence. It was filled with precious scrolls and ninja tools, as well as a large sum of cash—at least two billion taels!"

"The main body, the floor of the east side hall, is hollow, hiding a treasure vault filled with various rare ores and medicinal herbs, worth at least 1.5 billion taels!"

"I found a hidden compartment in the west library, filled with all sorts of Scroll of Seals and confidential documents, as well as five hundred million taels of cash!"

"I went to the mansion of that high-ranking official east of the Daimyo Palace Prefecture and found eight hundred million taels in his cellar!"

"My true form... I went to that place in the west..."

The Shadow Clone reported their findings one by one, and each piece of news made Uchiha Jun's lips curl into a slight smile.

Finally, all the Shadow Clone were gathered together.

"Main body, statistics complete. This operation yielded a total of approximately 10.3 billion taels of silver, gold and silver jewelry, and rare resources!"

"Of these, approximately seven billion taels were looted from within the Daimyo Palace, and approximately three billion taels were looted from the residences of high-ranking officials in the surrounding area."

"In addition, a large number of Scroll of Seals, confidential documents, rare ninja tools, and medicinal herbs were also discovered, with an incalculable value."

Uchiha Jun couldn't help but chuckle after hearing this.

"Ten billion! Ten billion taels!"

Uchiha Jun stood up, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"With this money, I can go back and plunder the Daimyo of the Land of Earth, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, and the Land of Water. My Sky Fortress Project, Orochimaru's research projects, and all the follow-up plans will be fully funded!"

Uchiha Jun waved his hand and said, "Pack everything up and prepare to evacuate!"

The Shadow Clone immediately sprang into action, categorizing and packing all the wealth into Sealing Scroll.

Uchiha Jun stood on the roof of the Daimyo Palace's mansion, overlooking the entire Daimyo Palace.

At this moment, the Daimyo's Daimyo Palace was in complete disarray, with signs of ransacking everywhere. The guards lay sprawled on the ground, and Anbu Ninja were knocked unconscious. The entire mansion looked as if it had been plundered by bandits.

"This is a huge profit!"

Uchiha Jun nodded in satisfaction, released the Shadow Clone Jutsu, put away all the Sealing Scroll, and then leaped away, disappearing into the night.

The following morning, news exploded like a thunderclap in the Land of Fire—

"Shimura Danzō attacked the Daimyo Palace again! All the guards of the Daimyo Palace have been defeated, the entire Anbu Ninja force has been wiped out, the Daimyo Palace has been looted, and the residences of surrounding high-ranking officials have also been affected!"

"According to preliminary estimates, the losses exceed 10 billion taels!"

"The Land of Fire's Daimyo Uehara Zhenghui, is furious and has sent an urgent note to Konoha, demanding that the Hokage apprehend Shimura Danzō within three days!"

The news spread throughout the Land of Fire, causing a huge uproar.

Inside Konoha, the various ninjas were in an uproar.

"What?! Shimura Danzō attacked the Daimyo Palace again?! And he stole 10 billion ryo?!"

"My God, that's 10 billion taels! What is he planning to do with all that money?"

"Didn't Shimura Danzō already defect? How dare he come back?"

"The key point is that he attacked the Daimyo Palace twice, and neither of Konoha's Anbu could stop him. He's really lost face!"

"Furthermore, I heard that Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Kakashi Hatake, who were responsible for guarding the Daimyo Palace's residence, were both knocked unconscious and couldn't even withstand a single blow!"

"Kage Level expert, terrifying indeed!"

Throughout Konoha, civilians and ninjas alike were talking about this.

Meanwhile, in the Uchiha Clan Grounds in Konoha, Uchiha Jun sat leisurely in his courtyard, drinking tea and looking at a list in his hand.

"The apprenticeship ceremony... is going to be held tomorrow."

Uchiha Jun put down his teacup, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"I wonder what kind of gifts those ninja clans will prepare for our meeting?"

At noon, the Uchiha Clan Grounds was brightly decorated and bustling with activity.

The news that Uchiha Jun was going to take on disciples had already spread throughout Konoha. Moreover, he wasn't just taking on one disciple, but two— Itachi Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi.

Itachi Uchiha, the eldest son of the Uchiha Clan Head, displayed astonishing talent at the young age of four and was known as a genius boy of the Uchiha Clan.

It's not surprising that he was accepted as a disciple by Uchiha Jun.

Kabuto Yakushi, an orphan, is said to have an exceptional talent for Medical Ninjutsu, which caught the eye of Uchiha Jun, who took him on as a disciple.

These two individuals, one a genius of the Uchiha Clan and the other a commoner orphan with no background, demonstrated Uchiha Jun's magnanimity by both winning over the Uchiha Clan and showcasing his open-mindedness—disregarding lineage and focusing solely on talent.

But what truly makes the entire Konoha ninja clan take notice is Uchiha Jun's current status.

He was not only a pillar of the Uchiha Clan, but also Orochimaru's student and a pillar of Konoha. He fought against the four Kage on the battlefield and made great contributions. If he hadn't been too young, the position of Hokage would have been held by Uchiha Jun long ago.

Moreover, just yesterday, news that Shimura Danzō had attacked the Daimyo Palace's residence again and looted over 10 billion ryo made everyone realize that the situation in Konoha was undergoing a dramatic change.

With the Daimyo Palace attacked twice and the Konoha Anbu falling twice, the Hokage's authority has been seriously challenged.

In such times, whoever steps forward and demonstrates their strength and capabilities will secure a place in the future power structure.

Uchiha Jun is clearly the most likely candidate!

Everyone had already envisioned the scene in a few days: Uchiha Jun carrying Shimura Danzō's dog head, swaggering from the village entrance to the Hokage Office Building, where Orochimaru would abdicate.

At this point, the nature of the apprenticeship banquet became unusual, as it was clearly Uchiha Jun's last chance to choose sides.

Given Uchiha Jun's personality, if he fails to seize this opportunity, he might end up being swept into the trash can.

Therefore, when the news of the apprenticeship banquet spread, all the ninja clans in Konoha prepared generous gifts and came to attend the banquet.

The Hyuga Clan has arrived, with clan leader Hyuga Hiashi personally present.

The chieftain of the Aburame Clan, Aburame Shibi, led several elite members of her clan.

Tsume Inuzuka, the head of the Inuzuka Clan, led several of the clan's elites.

Even the staunch direct descendants of the Third Hokage, the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans, came. The three clan leaders, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, and Akimichi Choza, arrived together.

Even some declining small ninja clans, such as the Kurama Clan and the Yūhi Clan, sent people to come.

For a time, the entire Uchiha Clan Grounds was bustling with people and incredibly lively.

At the head of the banquet, Uchiha Jun sat in the main seat, wearing a dark blue kimono with the Uchiha Clan crest— Gunbai —embroidered on his left chest and back.

Beside him sat Uchiha Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha. As the head and wife of the Uchiha Clan, they naturally had to attend such an important occasion.

To the left of Uchiha Jun sat two children— Itachi Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi.

Itachi Uchiha was wearing a Uchiha Clan clan uniform that was a size too small. Although he was young, he sat upright and had a calm look in his eyes, not at all like a four-year-old child.

Kabuto Yakushi, on the other hand, seemed a little reserved. He was wearing a brand-new white outfit and sat up straight, but his eyes revealed a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

"Gentlemen," Uchiha Fugaku stood up, raised his wine glass, "Today is the auspicious day of accepting a disciple, Jun-kun, a young and outstanding member of my Uchiha Clan. Thank you all for coming to celebrate. I'll drink to that!"

He downed the wine in one gulp, and the ninja clan leaders present also raised their cups and drank together.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

At this moment, Hyuga Hiashi stood up and bowed to Uchiha Jun, saying, "Uchiha Jun, congratulations on taking on such a fine disciple. Our Hyuga Clan has prepared a small gift to express our gratitude."

Hyuga Hiashi waved his hand, and a Hyuga Clan clansman stepped forward carrying a tray with a scroll on it.

"This is a secret technique of my Hyuga Clan —a map containing over 90% of the Shinobi World's terrain, updated two years ago, so it's very recent."

These words caused an uproar in the audience!

The Hyuga Clan has actually revealed their clan's secret techniques?!

It's important to know that although the Hyuga Clan and Uchiha Clan clans are both major Dōjutsu clans in Konoha, their relationship has never been very good.

The two tribes had been locked in open and covert struggles for decades, and they couldn't stand each other.

And now, the Hyuga Clan is actually taking the initiative to curry favor with Uchiha Jun, even offering up their clan's secret techniques?

This is absolutely unprecedented!

The ninja clan leaders present exchanged bewildered glances, their hearts filled with shock.

Uchiha Jun simply smiled, reached out and took the scroll, cupping his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you Hiashi Chief Hiashi. I accept this gift."

He opened the scroll, glanced at it, and nodded to himself.

The secret manual presented by the Hyuga Clan is indeed authentic, and its contents are quite detailed, making it a truly valuable resource.

It seems the Hyuga Clan is truly terrified.