"The Uchiha clan is not right!"
"What's wrong?"
"They gathered together, seemed to have a dispute, and then were led away…"
"Go and report to the sir!"
They immediately understood that something was wrong within the Uchiha clan. But just as they were about to act, they stopped.
"Go that way, there are people over here."
One of them concealed his presence and, under the guidance of the Byakugan, quickly left from a direction away from the Uchiha clan's patrol.
This intelligence was crucial! Who knows, the Uchiha's incident might be in these few days. At such a critical moment, they absolutely could not be careless. These two branch family disciples had undergone rigorous training in the Anbu and naturally knew how to handle it. They quickly and quietly slipped back to the Konoha Anbu base.
Inside the base, Hatake Kakashi was dealing with various documents, while Ryoho Kyohiko was walking around with the Nine-Tails clone, and by the way, talking to Yamashiro Aoba about some matters.
However, the Nine-Tails was clearly not very happy, sitting on Kyohiko's shoulder and complaining.
"You call this freedom, but there's no difference between now and when I was sealed inside!"
Ryoho Kyohiko replied.
"There is still a difference."
The Nine-Tails turned its head, its claws itching to move.
"What difference?"
Ryoho Kyohiko answered faintly.
"In the current situation, if you act outside, you might be captured by the Uchiha and Madara's subordinates. At that time, it won't be a matter of freedom anymore."
The Nine-Tails' face darkened. Madara? Uchiha? Isn't this nonsense? If they don't make a move, do I have to be carried around like this for the rest of my life? I'd rather be sealed inside Uzumaki Kushina!
Just as it was about to speak, a thought suddenly came to its mind, and it hurriedly asked.
"You mean, the Uchiha clan might have come into contact with Madara?"
Ryoho Kyohiko nodded lightly.
"A small part of them, possibly."
The Nine-Tails got excited.
"Will Madara come?"
Ryoho Kyohiko narrowed his eyes.
"Unlikely. I suspect that the current Uchiha Madara has either become a chakra life form and lost a lot of his combat power, or he is already very old…"
"He's looking for Obito, probably to cultivate a spokesperson."
The Nine-Tails lay on his shoulder, its previous excitement gone.
"So, Madara won't come this time. What a pity."
It had a very high enthusiasm for beating up Uchiha Madara, but as for Obito or other Uchiha… it was not interested. Mainly because, to deal with those small fries, Ryoho Kyohiko wouldn't let it make a move at all. It wasn't worth getting excited about.
"Madara won't come, but the Uchiha… when that day comes, you will have a chance to contribute."
"Alright, alright!"
The Nine-Tails' eyes lit up when it heard this.
Not only could it go out for a walk, but it could also kill Uchiha people? That's great! It couldn't contain its excitement.
"How should I cooperate with you?"
Ryoho Kyohiko said faintly.
"No need to cooperate. At that time, you just need to act like a normal Nine-Tails. I'll handle everything else."
The Nine-Tails was instantly energized. In its small head, it was already thinking about how to entertain the Uchiha clan members who were connected with Madara!
Outside the base, in the Forest of Death, near the monkey base, Yamashiro Aoba's whistle constantly changed, simulating various bird calls. Not far away… a flock of black crows was fighting with the monkeys. The current monkeys had higher combat intelligence. Although they couldn't use ninjutsu yet, they already understood how to cooperate with each other and use simple ninja tools. But at the same time, the crows in the sky were also evolving in their combat intelligence, especially under the command of Yamashiro Aoba's whistle. They dodged and weaved, one group fighting, another group swooping in for sneak attacks, their coordination seamless.
Hearing footsteps, Yamashiro Aoba immediately used his whistle to command them to fly higher and hide. Turning to see Kyohiko, a look of surprise appeared on his face.
"Kyohiko?"
Although they still met and gathered in the village from time to time, as everyone's strength grew and the things they did became more complex… the interval between gatherings was actually getting longer. Most of the time, they couldn't gather everyone. Either this one was on a mission or that one was outside. Kyohiko was even busier, having to deal with a pile of affairs every day. Like his training of ninja birds here, basically, most of the visitors were other Anbu members. This was the first time Kyohiko had come in these few months…
"A mission?"
"It can be considered a small mission, related to what you're doing now."
Ryoho Kyohiko explained his idea.
Using the ninja bird summoning contract as the axis, to further optimize the existing intelligence system. If it could be done, Konoha's intelligence network could directly transmit and collect intelligence through a ninja bird clan. Without a doubt, at this stage, the crows under Yamashiro Aoba were the most suitable.
After hearing this, Yamashiro Aoba's eyes sparkled. A ninja beast system! Previously, although he had considered uniting these crows through a summoning contract, he had given up on the idea considering the financial resources, technology, and practical needs. He hadn't expected that while he didn't need it, Kyohiko had taken the initiative to propose it, and had further expanded and deepened the use and planning of the ninja birds.
Intelligence transmission. This was indeed a good idea. Even—
"If the technology is mature, we can also use the relationship between the ninja birds, the clan, and the contract as a medium to use the Reverse Summoning Technique to bring back the ninja birds and people directly."
Currently, the main force of intelligence work was the Iburi clan. Their smoke transformation ability could easily possess a ninja bird. It was just unclear whether such a possession could be recalled through the Reverse Summoning Technique.
Yamashiro Aoba's heart was surging. He had never thought that the crows he raised would one day have such an important meaning. After weighing and thinking for a long time, he was a little worried…
"I'm afraid the crows I raise are not strong enough."
"You don't have to worry about that. With the further enhancement of their function, I will definitely provide you with some extra help. First is Orochimaru-senpai, he has some experience in raising ninja beasts. Second is the Inuzuka clan…"
The Inuzuka clan. The only family in Konoha that currently mastered ninja beast cultivation techniques. In a sense, Kyohiko letting Yamashiro Aoba and Orochimaru research ninja beasts and birds would threaten the interests of the Inuzuka clan. Small-scale use and experiments before were harmless. But if it were to be rolled out on a large scale, then the interests of the Inuzuka clan would have to be considered. In addition, after subduing the Uchiha clan in the future, their clan's ninja cats would definitely have to be utilized.
At that time, a new and highly demanded profession would surely appear in Konoha—a veterinarian! Coincidentally, in this aspect, the Inuzuka clan were also experts. It was just that their current veterinarians were limited to their own ninja hounds and were not so specialized in other species. But communicating with animals should be a piece of cake for the Inuzuka clan. Even if they were not proficient… there was still Kurokawa to help.
As a special Sage Body, Kurokawa's ability, with the development of his physical strength and chakra, his strength was also rising steadily. Jounin was definitely not a problem. It was just that once he erupted, he couldn't perfectly control himself. And Konoha was very strong now, there was no need for Kurokawa to take risks and expose another of Konoha's trump cards. So, Kurokawa had been staying in the Konoha Anbu during this time—staying in the Anbu was mainly because he was prone to going berserk and couldn't perfectly control his sage chakra. This process required continuous training and couldn't be achieved overnight. But without a doubt, he was also a powerful combat force.
These people, including the Inuzuka clan, had to be utilized. And after the Uchiha's incident was successfully detonated… there was indeed such an opportunity. The Police Force. For the Uchiha, the Police Force was not a very good power. But if other clans and commoners were to join and form a joint police force, it would be different. A group of ninjas from various clans and commoner backgrounds, still holding a grudge against the Uchiha, then the Uchiha would really not be suitable to serve in the Police Force…
Ryoho Kyohiko sorted out his thoughts, then looked up at Yamashiro Aoba.
Yamashiro Aoba weighed for a long time.
"If that's the case, I can try."
"Good."
Ryoho Kyohiko nodded, then explained some matters, asking the other to come up with a specific plan on how to coordinate, divide, and assign tasks. As for the Summoning Technique, Reverse Summoning Technique, and the Inuzuka clan, he would solve those.
Just then, a broken bamboo slip appeared in his hand. This was sent by Kakashi—the current Kakashi, although he had not yet mastered the complete Flying Thunder God, had no problem with short-distance information transmission with the help of a shadow clone. It was just that it was prone to breaking and damage, but as long as it was delivered, it was fine.
Ryoho Kyohiko grabbed the Nine-Tails clone and disappeared from the spot with a Flying Thunder God.
***
In the office, Hyuga Chika reported the situation he had seen.
Ryoho Kyohiko listened quietly. After the other had finished reporting, he then asked.
"Who is leading the Uchiha clan?"
Hyuga Chika replied respectfully.
"Based on chakra and height, it should be Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shisui, but I can't guarantee it."
Ryoho Kyohiko nodded lightly. Shisui, Fugaku. The latter, never mind. Based on his understanding of Fugaku, this guy definitely didn't have such courage. So, Shisui did it?
Ryoho Kyohiko was secretly surprised, then couldn't help but feel a little worried—he already had a plan for the Uchiha's matter. Now all that was left was to detonate and close the net. Could Shisui have ruined my plan?
He looked at Kakashi.
"Write it down. We'll solve it together when I get back."
***
At this time, in the Uchiha clan's territory, at two places, personnel were urgently gathering.
Fugaku stood on a high place, using a ninja beast to see everything in his eyes. Not long after, a person appeared behind him.
"Clan Head."
"Yashiro, how is it?"
"I've already notified them. Also, do we need to be so cautious?"
"Of course. Look."
Fugaku pointed into the distance.
Yashiro looked down and saw that in the distance, clan members were swarming. Although many had hidden their tracks, it was not difficult to see if you looked carefully… the direction they were going was precisely Uchiha Shinji's home. Uchiha Shinji.
Yashiro frowned and said with dissatisfaction.
"What does this guy want to do?"
Fugaku said in a low voice.
"Our clan is at a crossroads. They have chosen one path, and we have chosen another."
Yashiro was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
"I understand!"
"Let's go."
***
Elsewhere, by the lake.
Shisui described his situation today in detail to Kyohiko. After listening to the other's description, Kyohiko was slightly relieved. Good! It didn't affect the overall situation. And, to some extent, it was a great promotion for the overall situation Konoha needed! Shisui's move was like casting a net. Although it startled the snake, it also lured the fish over.
However, what surprised him more was—Shisui's progress was truly astonishing! Before, it was just two tomoe, and now he had already opened three tomoe. His physical fitness and chakra were more than just a little bit stronger than before. The Uchiha clan's Kekkei Genkai was truly superior to that of ordinary people! Of course, the main reason was that Shisui was smart.
Ryoho Kyohiko gave the other a deep look.
"For the follow-up, don't make too many moves. Let Fugaku do it. Also… pay attention to your own safety!"
Shisui frowned.
"You mean?"
Those people would kill him?
Ryoho Kyohiko explained.
"If it were just them, they certainly wouldn't have the guts. But now, to some extent, the one playing against us is not this group of wastes, but an existence suspected to be Uchiha Madara. Then you have to be careful!"
Madara had no kinship with Shisui. Let alone Uchiha Shisui, the other wouldn't care even if the entire clan was wiped out.
"I understand."
A trace of wistfulness appeared in Shisui's eyes.
Turning against his own clan! For now, this step was unavoidable. If the clan was not cleaned up internally, the entire clan might be implicated because of it. But now, at least they could grasp the initiative.
Thinking of this, Shisui gradually became firm. He was not betraying. It was that… following the so-called "Uchiha Madara" had absolutely no future.
***
"Madara-sama! Is it really that lord?"
Everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Shinji nodded lightly.
"Absolutely right. The one the other party sent was a special clone, but they know many of the Uchiha's secrets. The main body should be Uchiha Madara."
"It's actually Madara…"
"That's great!"
"Occupy Konoha!"
Everyone got excited.
Back then, apart from Senju Hashirama, almost no one could defeat Madara! Times had passed. Senju Hashirama was dead, leaving only a "little Hashirama." How could he be Uchiha Madara's opponent!
Uchiha Shinji instructed.
"You just need to know. Don't spread it everywhere, understand?"
Present were only a few elders who, like him, were unwilling to follow Konoha. From the beginning, everyone had the intention of turning their backs on Konoha. Now, Shinji was just completely tearing off this layer of window paper.
Everyone discussed animatedly. Then, a few elders left with satisfaction, and promised to help Shinji stabilize the situation. But… not long after they left.
"Why did you tell them?"
A voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
Uchiha Shinji's whole body trembled, and then he noticed a black shadow twisting behind him. He immediately knelt down.
"Sir, I had no choice!"
"Oh?"
Black Zetsu sneered. "I'd like to hear how you had no choice!"
Uchiha Shinji hurriedly recounted today's events, and by the way, mentioned some recent changes. Then he looked up.
"Sir, I feel that this guy Fugaku might want to make a move!"
According to Uchiha Shinji's thinking, it was natural to strike first to gain the upper hand. So, he hoped… if Madara had any preparations, he would help them complete the "rebellion" as soon as possible!
Black Zetsu chuckled lightly.
"No rush."
As he spoke, he threw down a scroll. Shinji caught it. On it was printed an unsealing hand sign and a special talisman.
"Madara-sama suspects that the Nine-Tails is very likely under a contract seal and some other sealing jutsu. This hand sign can assist in breaking the seal."
"Yes! Your subordinate understands!"
Uchiha Shinji was overjoyed.
Black Zetsu said coldly.
"Let me finish!"
"Yes, sorry…"
"Place this talisman inside your son Tekka's body. It can restrain your son's words and actions, so he doesn't ruin our grand plan again."
"Your subordinate understands! Thank you, sir!"
Uchiha Shinji had no doubts. This kind of control-like talisman, the Uchiha might not have, but for Madara to have lived until now, it was not surprising that he had mastered this technology.
"Mm."
Black Zetsu concealed himself and disappeared.
Uchiha Shinji let out a breath of relief. After leaving the basement, a smile appeared on his face. It's done!