Changing History

Splash—

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

On the warship rising and falling with the waves, a burly man carefully sized up the black-clad youth before him. A trace of appreciation flashed through his eyes. Without asking why Yan Hong had come to the Water Country, he said, "As expected of a genius from a great clan. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Funato Tenzui, clan head of the Funato Clan. Which outstanding member of the Uchiha Clan might you be?"

"Uchiha Yan Hong."

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

Yan Hong shrugged. "It seems Clan Head Tenzui doesn't blame me for killing your people. I thought you might come seeking revenge, or simply 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 a hand dismissively, then changed the subject. "But... I'm very curious. This letter of yours isn't some joke, is it?"

"I didn't come all this way just to joke around with you, Clan Head Tenzui."

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

"You mean us?" Yan Hong shook his head. "We Uchiha are too far from the Water Country, and the Ice Clan's momentum has already become unstoppable. At present, no other clan has room to establish itself here, including your Funato Clan."

Before Funato Tenzui could ask anything, Yan Hong continued, "But having no opportunity now doesn't mean there never will be one. To get ahead when the next opportunity arrives, I think our two clans should establish some friendly cooperation in advance."

Funato Tenzui was quite curious. "You trust that our Funato Clan won't join the Ice Clan and sell you out instead?"

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

Though that was what he thought, he put on the expression of someone who had found a kindred spirit. "Because I can tell that you are much like us Uchiha—you refuse to bow beneath others!"

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

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

"There is no need for Clan Head Tenzui to be so impatient. You have endured decades of war already. What is a few more years?"

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

"I do, 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 comes, our clan alone may not be able to hold things up."

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

Yan Hong nodded. "It is indeed too early. This time, I merely wished to confirm our preliminary intentions. As for concrete action, we can discuss it after both sides have settled down."

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

Having confirmed both sides' willingness to cooperate, Yan Hong 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 Yan Hong is quite a 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 seem overly alarmist. In the end, he kept silent.

On the other side, the return journey was smooth sailing. After two days at sea, they finally reached the Hot Springs Country. After another three days of travel, they at last returned to Uchiha territory.

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

Warmth filled Yan Hong's heart. He quickly led the Taketori Clan members forward. "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."

"You did well." Madara nodded. Though his tone was calm, there was a hint of gratification in his eyes. He then looked at the Taketori Clan behind Yan Hong. "Is this the clan you mentioned?"

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

"Th-this power... Magnificent!" Chikuma was so excited that he could barely speak coherently, and tears had even begun to well up 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 asking, "Are they really useful?"

Yan Hong explained awkwardly, "Ahem, didn't I say before that they have an almost obsessive pursuit of power? That is why they reacted this way 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 answered steadily, "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 the East River Plains."

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

Madara shook his head irritably. "If you don't want to go blind, get some proper rest first."

After saying that, he headed toward the camp without looking back.

"Uh... your eldest brother has always been like that. He was the one who sensed your chakra and came out early to meet you." Izuna patted Yan Hong on the shoulder. "But Big Brother is right. The chakra in your eyes is in complete disarray. It seems you made frequent use of the Mangekyo Sharingan's power during this trip. You really should rest."

Yan Hong did not mind in the slightest. He was even somewhat moved. "Second Brother, I know. But before that, I still have something to arrange."

"Sigh, you really have grown up. Little Yan Hong, who used to trail after his brothers and pester us to teach him ninjutsu, is completely gone now."

"Hey! Second Brother!"

"Hahaha..."

Watching Izuna leave amid laughter, Yan Hong shook his head helplessly. He then looked down at the Taketori Clan. "Chikuma, I have something I need you to do."

"Is it a battle?"

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

"Then no problem, Boss!"

Yan Hong raised his head toward the drifting clouds overhead. "From this moment on, let us change history!"