"The Uchiha clan?"
After reading the scroll Kaekō Sanboku had given her, Pakura was hesitant. If they could truly win over the Uchiha clan, and confirm their sincere intent to join, it would be a major asset to the Sand Federation.
But the worry was that the Uchiha might not have such intentions. They were, after all, one of the two great founding clans of Konoha—essentially part of the village's foundation. To Konoha, the Uchiha held deep significance.
Though the Sand Federation had promising development prospects, in other areas, it still fell short compared to Konoha. After considering this, Pakura felt that recruiting the Uchiha was likely unrealistic.
She called in part of the Federation's leadership, including Elder Kaekō, to discuss the matter.
After reviewing Kaekō Sanboku's plan, opinions were divided.
"How could this be possible? There's no way we can win over the Uchiha. And is this intel even reliable?"
"Lady Kazekage, if the intel is accurate, then it might be possible—but must you go in person?"
Pakura nodded. "It would show our sincerity more clearly. I think Sanboku's suggestion is valid. Elder Kaekō, what are your thoughts?"
"To be honest, I originally planned to avoid this issue. But since you ask, I'll speak my mind."
Elder Kaekō spoke slowly. "The cooperation with the Uchiha was initiated by Sanboku. Their Exploding Tags are of exceptional quality and very popular in the ninja world, so we began trade with them through the Ninja Cats clan."
Those present nodded in agreement. Anyone familiar with the Uchiha knew they had been in the Exploding Tag business since the Warring States era.
"During these transactions, the Uchiha spoke to Sanboku about Konoha. Since the Nine-Tails incident years ago, they've been distrusted by the village. Their clan was forced into a remote corner, constantly under surveillance. Sanboku gathered additional intel from other sources, which corroborated their story."
Someone asked, confused, "Did the Uchiha have anything to do with the Nine-Tails incident?"
"It's related to the Sharingan, but not the Uchiha clan within Konoha," Elder Kaekō answered. "According to the Kaekō Trade Association's investigation, the Nine-Tails was controlled by an unknown Uchiha. The Konoha Uchiha were simply implicated."
The Trade Association had influence across multiple major nations and supported thousands. Its intel network was considered more accurate than even the Federation's own intelligence division.
Elder Kaekō then provided more details about the Uchiha, subtly defending them. While some among them were indeed arrogant, most were reasonable and easy to get along with.
The Uchiha valued emotion and desired peace. With decades of experience running the police force, they could be a powerful addition to the Sand Federation.
After hearing this, Pakura made her decision. She trusted Kaekō Sanboku most, followed by Elder Kaekō. Everyone else's opinions were for reference only.
"Then it's decided. While I'm away in Konoha, Elder Kaekō, Maki, and Gariura will manage Federation affairs, with the others assisting."
Her decision was final. Part of the reason was that she believed it too dangerous for Sanboku to go to the Land of Fire with just two guards.
After handing off her Kazekage duties, Pakura felt an unexpected sense of relief. She hadn't felt this free since her days as a jōnin instructor.
'As expected, admin work is best left to others!'
Thinking this, she gave a few more instructions, then set off with two ANBU squads toward the Land of Fire.
"Lord Kaekō, this is too dangerous. You should meet with the Fifth Hokage first, then contact the Uchiha."
Sanboku's jōnin escort advised him. There were only three of them—Sanboku, one jōnin, and one chūnin acting as guards.
If they encountered Konoha ninja, it would be extremely risky. Sanboku may have been the Kazekage's aide, but he was a civilian with no combat power. If attacked, he wouldn't be able to defend himself.
"It should be fine. The Uchiha won't harm me—they'll ensure my safety. And waiting for Pakura might cause us to miss the appointed time."
Sanboku's reassurance left the jōnin escort no choice but to comply.
He had only recently learned about the plan to recruit the Uchiha. Though he wasn't optimistic, both the Fifth Hokage and the Kazekage aide were involved—he couldn't object.
In the reformed Sand Federation, jōnin no longer held as much authority.
The three of them arrived at the meeting point—a remote, pathless mountain hollow not far from Konoha, rarely visited.
After Sanboku arrived, the Uchiha began to appear, six in total.
"Kaekō-kun, thank you for coming."
Uchiha Tekkō greeted him. Sanboku's status as Kazekage aide had been confirmed, and though he had no fighting ability, he had come immediately upon receiving the invitation.
As an enemy, Sanboku might seem foolish—but as a potential ally, Tekkō saw only his sincerity.
"Think nothing of it, Tekkō-kun. I was worried about missing the meeting, so I came ahead. Lady Kazekage will arrive later. I ask for your patience."
Sanboku's friendly attitude eased the tension among the Uchiha. Maybe Tekkō was right—life in Konoha had been stifling, and perhaps it was time to seek a place that would genuinely accept them.
Tekkō introduced the others. "These are clansmen who share my views. This is Yatsuda-senpai, and this is Inaho."
All were influential within the clan—team leaders or sub-captains in the police force.
Just days ago, Tekkō couldn't have persuaded them. But Shisui's death had raised suspicions, and many believed Itachi was involved. Clan head Fugaku refused to investigate, choosing instead to shield his son.
This disappointed many. The suspicions around Itachi went beyond Shisui's death—he seemed aligned with the Hokage faction, not the clan.
Even Yatsuda was disillusioned.
Yatsuda nodded and asked, "Kaekō-san, Tekkō didn't explain everything. I'd like to hear more details."
"Of course. Let me go over the Sand Federation's terms again."
Sanboku explained the Federation's offer and promised that the Kaekō Trade Association would use special means to safely transport ordinary clan members.
After hearing and confirming the plan, Yatsuda said, "We understand. You and the Federation have shown your sincerity."
Sanboku replied, "I've told all this to Clan Head Fugaku before, but he seemed unwilling to accept it."
"Fugaku…" Yatsuda was also displeased. Knowing his son had problems but doing nothing—he could've at least placed him under house arrest to calm the clan.
That inaction allowed Tekkō to sway others. Given their influence, they could convince some to relocate.
Sanboku then worked with Yatsuda and the others to finalize details and signed an agreement.
Though he had planned to wait for Pakura to arrive, the Uchiha trusted him personally. So Sanboku signed as both the Kazekage's aide and head of the Kaekō Trade Association.
"Then, Kaekō-kun, for today—"
Before Tekkō could finish, his eyes suddenly turned into three-tomoe Sharingan.
Not just him—the others activated their Sharingan too.
"Lord Kaekō, watch out! Enemies incoming!"
The two Suna guards stepped forward as eight masked attackers appeared.
"ANBU or Root operatives. Protect Kaekō-san. Kill them if we must!" Yatsuda commanded coldly.
The killing intent from these attackers in such a remote place made it clear—they'd been followed.
"Kaekō-kun, go! Leave these guys to us!"
The six Uchiha charged. There were only eight attackers, not hard for them to handle. Though defeating them entirely would take time—they were all elite jōnin with three-tomoe Sharingan.
"Lord Kaekō!" the Suna guard urged.
Sanboku nodded. "Let's go. Leave this to them."
The Root ninja clashed fiercely with the Uchiha. Ninjutsu, shuriken, and taijutsu collided in an instant.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
"Wind Style: Vacuum Sphere!"
Their jutsu tore through the forest. But then one Root operative used a jutsu that shocked the Uchiha.
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"
The ground trembled as thick wooden pillars surged up, attacking the Uchiha.
"Wood Style!?"
Not only the Uchiha—even the retreating Suna guards were stunned.
"Konoha has Wood Release again? Lord Kaekō, we must report this to the Fifth Kaze—"
Before he could finish, a Root ninja burst from underground, rushing Sanboku with murderous intent.
"In your dreams! Wind Style: Gale Palm!"
The jōnin guard reacted swiftly, launching wind blades at the assassin.
Slice after slice hit the Root ninja, but he didn't dodge, forcing his way through, kicked the jōnin aside, and charged Sanboku with deadly resolve.
The chūnin guard threw himself in front of Sanboku, activating Vacuum Blade on his kunai and swinging with full force.
'Damn it.'
The chūnin realized the Root ninja's intent—he'd complete the assassination even if it cost him his life.
Slice!
The Root ninja's head was severed—but in his dying moment, he spat a poisoned senbon that pierced Sanboku's body.
Once the needle hit blood, the poison activated instantly.
"Lord Kaekō!!"
The chūnin's panicked cry was just loud enough for Pakura, who had just arrived, to hear it.
(End of Chapter)
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