Changing History

Splash—

The seawater slapped against the ship's hull, producing dull, crackling sounds.

On the warship rising and falling with the waves, the burly man carefully sized up the black-clad youth before him. A trace of admiration flashed through his eyes. Without asking why Enkō had come to Water Country, he said, "As expected of a genius from a great clan. Let me introduce myself. I am Funato Tenzui, patriarch of the Funato Clan. May I ask which outstanding member of the Uchiha Clan you are?"

"Uchiha Enkō."

Funato Tenzui froze. "The Uchiha Clan leader's younger brother? You really are an important figure."

Enkō shrugged. "It seems Patriarch Tenzui doesn't blame me for killing your men. I thought you would bring people to take revenge, or perhaps not come at all."

"Hahaha, they were merely outsiders, not members of our main clan. Besides, in this day and age, what does the death of a few people amount to?" Funato Tenzui waved it off indifferently, then changed the subject. "But... I am very curious. This letter of yours was not a joke, was it?"

"I did not come all this way just to joke around with you, Patriarch Tenzui."

Funato Tenzui frowned. "So, the Uchiha Clan wants to interfere in Water Country's civil war as well?"

"You mean us?" Enkō shook his head. "Our Uchiha Clan is too far from Water Country, and the Ice Clan has already gained overwhelming momentum. At present, there is no room for any other clan to establish itself here, including your Funato Clan."

Before Funato Tenzui could raise a question, Enkō continued, "But having no opportunity now does not mean there will never be one. In order to be one step ahead when the next opportunity arrives, I believe our two clans need to establish some friendly cooperation in advance."

Funato Tenzui was rather curious. "You trust that our Funato Clan will not join the Ice Clan and turn around to sell you out?"

Of course I do. Your feud lasted all the way into Boruto's era. If you truly wanted to join them, you would have done so long ago.

Though that was what he thought, he outwardly wore the expression of someone who had found a kindred spirit. "Because I can see that you are much like our Uchiha Clan. You are unwilling to bow beneath others!"

"Hahaha, Lord Enkō truly has a discerning eye. If you were also in Water Country, perhaps our two clans could become close comrades-in-arms."

The implication was clear: one clan was in Water Country, the other in the Land of Fire. Even if they wanted to cooperate, what could they possibly cooperate on with such distance between them?

"Patriarch Tenzui, there is no need to be so anxious. You have endured decades of war already. What harm is there in waiting a few more years?"

Funato Tenzui's gaze sharpened. "Oh? Do you have a plan?"

"There is a plan, but there are still too many variables regarding when and how it will be carried out. Still, it will not take too long. When the next opportunity arrives, however, our clan alone will likely be unable to support the burden."

"It seems your ambitions extend beyond the Land of Fire alone." Funato Haiichi thought for a moment. "We are not opposed to cooperation, but isn't it too early to discuss specifics right now?"

Enkō nodded. "It is indeed too early. This time, I merely wanted to confirm our preliminary intentions. As for concrete action, we will have to wait until we have each settled down."

"Good, no problem. Then I shall await good news." Funato Tenzui waved his hand and directed his ships to clear a path.

Having confirmed both sides' willingness to cooperate, Enkō did not linger. He leaped back onto the cargo ship, which gradually sailed away under the Funato Clan's watchful eyes.

On the ship, Funato Haiichi cautiously asked, "Second Uncle, are we really going to cooperate with the Uchiha Clan?"

"They are all empty promises anyway." Funato Tenzui said indifferently, "We trade our empty promise for his. As for what happens later, who knows? Still, this Uchiha Enkō is quite the man."

Funato Haiichi moved his lips. He had actually wanted to ask whether this would be inviting a wolf into their home, but since nothing had happened yet, saying so would inevitably seem overly alarmist. In the end, he kept it to himself.

Meanwhile, Enkō's return journey was smooth sailing. After two days at sea, he finally reached Hot Springs Country, and after another three days of travel, he at last returned to Uchiha territory.

Before he even reached the territory, he spotted his eldest and second brothers waiting for him atop a small hill in the distance.

Warmth filled Enkō's heart. Leading the Taketori Clan members, he quickly went to meet them. "Big Brother, Second Brother, I'm back."

"Hahaha, you're finally back." Izuna gave him an enthusiastic bear hug. "Well, well, how did this trip feel?"

"Ah, I saw a great deal and came away with even more ideas."

"Well done." Madara nodded. His tone was calm, but there was a trace of gratification in his eyes. He then looked at the Taketori Clan behind Enkō. "Is this the clan you mentioned?"

"Yes. As for them, I have an idea." As Enkō spoke, he turned back to introduce them, only to discover that every member of the Taketori Clan was trembling as they stared at Uchiha Madara.

"Th-this power... splendid!" Chikuma was so excited that he could barely speak coherently, tears even welling in his eyes. "We finally found it! This ultimate power!"

With that, they all dropped to their knees and began worshipping him!

The three brothers looked at one another. Izuna could not help saying, "Are they really useful?"

Enkō awkwardly explained, "Ahem, didn't I say before that they have an almost perverse pursuit of power? That is why they reacted like this upon seeing Big Brother. But their overall combat strength truly rivals that of a first-rate clan. By the way, Big Brother, how are things with the Senju Clan?"

Madara's tone was steady. "Just a few days ago, the Senju Clan sent us their final declaration of battle. The decisive battle will take place three days from now, at East River Plains."

"Three days? It seems they have decided to make a last stand. But there should be enough time."

Madara shook his head irritably. "If you do not want your eyes to go blind, rest properly first."

With that, he headed toward the camp without looking back.

"Uh... that is just his temperament. He sensed your chakra and came out early." Izuna patted Enkō's shoulder. "But Big Brother is right. The chakra in your eyes is in complete disorder. It seems you used the Mangekyo Sharingan's power quite a bit during this trip. You really should rest."

Enkō did not mind at all. He was even somewhat moved. "Second Brother, I know. But before that, there is still something I need to arrange."

"Sigh, you have grown up too. Little Enkō, who used to trail behind your brothers and pester us to teach you ninjutsu, is completely gone now."

"Hey! Second Brother!"

"Hahaha..."

Watching Izuna leave with a hearty laugh, Enkō helplessly shook his head. He then looked at the Taketori Clan below. "Chikuma, I need you to do something now."

"Is it a battle?"

"That's right. I will definitely let you fight to your heart's content."

"Then no problem, Boss!"

Enkō raised his head toward the drifting clouds overhead. "From this moment onward, let us change history!"