Chapter 187 - The Water Country's Specialty
Kazane's tone turned slightly cold. With Ishikawa's experience, he immediately sensed the discontent behind Kazane's words.
This was Kazane's way of making it clear—he didn't believe that Konoha couldn't afford to provoke the powers behind Ishikawa. That tone made Ishikawa feel more than a little helpless.
He could afford to offend Jiriku, but that didn't mean he could afford to offend Kazane.
He had indeed miscalculated earlier—forgotten that young men, especially ones like Kazane, often acted impulsively and without fear of consequences.
If Kazane did rob them, even the powerful figures behind the black market might not be willing to offend this rising star of the shinobi world over a mere ten billion ryo.
And in the end, it would likely be Ishikawa himself held responsible.
That thought brought a mix of frustration and anxiety to Ishikawa's heart.
After a moment of hesitation, he forced a smile and bowed slightly. "It was this old man's mistake. I hope Lord Kazane can forgive me."
"If there's anything you desire, please speak freely. I'm certain the great lords behind me would be more than eager to befriend someone like you."
A dangerous flash of red glinted in Kazane's eyes. But after a brief pause, he decided to abandon the darker thoughts.
Some things… still weren't ready.
Even without Ishikawa's hints, Kazane could already guess who was behind the black market.
Outside of the handful of feudal lords, what organization in the shinobi world could possibly claim that Konoha couldn't afford to provoke them?
Only those nobles—those pampered elites—would ever dare say something so arrogant. Even the other four Kage wouldn't speak that boldly to Konoha.
Just like in the original timeline: when Hiruko caused trouble and claimed to be a jōnin of Konoha, the ruling class said to Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage at the time—if you can't solve the Hiruko issue, then Konoha has no reason to exist. They'd cultivate a new organization to replace Konoha.
That alone revealed how deeply these power-holding commoners underestimated shinobi.
To them, ninja were merely tools to maintain their authority. And if the weapon misbehaved, it could simply be replaced.
But that was only because the shinobi of this world had always been too obedient. No one had ever dared to think about overthrowing these people and letting ninja rule instead.
Kazane and Orochimaru… intended to be the first ones to change that.
But for now, Konoha wasn't ready. They lacked the manpower and infrastructure to take over the Land of Fire without heavy losses.
Still, when the time came, these pampered elites would be put back in their place—to live as commoners in a world ruled by shinobi.
"Ha! I was just joking. Monk, go check the count."
Just as cold sweat poured down Ishikawa's brow, Kazane suddenly burst into laughter and casually ordered Jiriku to verify the amount in the scrolls.
Only then did Ishikawa finally relax. He had no doubt Kazane had been considering something else entirely just moments before—but had ultimately let it go.
Still, better safe than sorry. From now on, when dealing with dangerous and powerful shinobi like this, keeping a low profile would be the smart move.
"Yes, yes! Lord Kazane is truly humorous!Haha! In that case, please sit. Just yesterday someone brought in a fresh supply of Water Country's finest water-leaf. Allow me to brew some for you."
Some time passed as Jiriku carefully examined each scroll. After confirming that the ten billion ryo was all accounted for, he returned to Kazane with a lovestruck smile.
In his heart, he couldn't help but marvel: So much money… how long would it even take to spend all this?
Boss is really something. If it were me, I'd have just killed Kakuzu outright and never seen a single ryo.
With the count verified, Kazane had Jiriku pack up the scrolls and take Kakuzu with them as they left the black market.
As they were departing, Ishikawa personally handed Kazane a large pouch of water-leaf, respectfully seeing them off.
Kazane gave the black market one last deep look.
He decided to remember this place.
He would return.
And when he did, all the money here… would be his.
Outside the black market, just in front of the restroom entrance, Kakuzu glanced at Kazane with wary eyes.
Now that Kazane had all the money, Kakuzu feared the next step—what if Kazane decided to kill him anyway?
"You got the money. You'll let me go now, right?"
As he spoke, Kakuzu was already bracing himself to run.
He knew full well that if Kazane really intended to kill him, he wouldn't escape—but trying was still better than waiting to die.
"You can go. I, Hatake Kazane, always keep my word."
Kazane turned to face him. Now that he'd secured the money, there was no need to press Kakuzu further. After all, he planned to rob him again later—better to keep him alive for now.
Honestly, if it wouldn't scare Kakuzu off, Kazane was even considering having the ANBU help him find new hearts to restore his five-core system. It'd be such a waste if his money-printing machine died halfway.
Hearing Kazane's words, Kakuzu finally relaxed. A ninja of Kazane's caliber wouldn't bother lying about something like this.
He turned and walked out of town.
There were a few rogue-nin who fled the black market earlier with chakra natures that suited him… they'd make decent replacement hearts.
Now wasn't the time to be picky. First, he had to recover.
Whatever the case, he had survived.
But he swore—he would never set foot in the Land of Fire again.
Not only had he gotten a beating for nothing, he'd lost a fifth of his fortune… and on top of that, even got ripped off by the black market.
"Wait!"
Just as Kakuzu strode out of town, a little bounce in his step, Kazane's voice called out again from behind.
For a moment, Kakuzu's mind blanked. He turned his head with a stiff expression.
So he really does want to kill me after all…
"Have you considered working for me?"
But instead of killing him, Kazane caught a money scroll from Jiriku and tossed it over—along with a surprisingly sincere invitation.
Just moments ago he'd tried to kill him… now he wanted to recruit him?
With his own money at that!
Kakuzu couldn't quite figure out what Kazane was playing at.
"Heh… it'd be my honor."
Still, he feared that refusing might cost him his life—so Kakuzu decided to go along with it.
He'd find a way to escape Kazane's influence later. The shinobi world was vast—if he avoided the Land of Fire, surely Kazane couldn't find him.
He'd just outlive him. That was his specialty, after all.
Kazane smiled for once.
Now that you're on my ship, don't think about jumping off…
---
Nightfall – Konohagakure – Uchiha District
The night was deep.
The moon rose high into the sky, weaving between drifting clouds and twinkling stars. The atmosphere was eerie—silent, yet saturated with something fearsome.
Moonlight broke through the clouds, falling intermittently across the compound.
Uchiha Fugaku sat silently in the courtyard, polishing a shinobi blade.
The stillness was suddenly broken by a shadow appearing soundlessly on the corner of the wall.
"You dare show yourself here? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
Fugaku continued polishing the blade, but the murderous intent had already filled the air.
"Heh. You won't, sensei. You're the one who called me."
The moonlight flickered through the passing clouds, revealing the figure standing in the shadows—none other than the long-absent Uchiha Makoto.
Whoosh!
Makoto vanished from the wall and reappeared directly behind Fugaku.
"Sensei, the code you used—only you, me, Funi, and Tezuka knew it. And those two died in the war. You buried them yourself."
"So the signal left in the village today—it wasn't for them, was it?"
Fugaku paused, setting the blade down and turning to face him.
"Of the younger generation, you've always been the one I valued most."
"You have talent, intelligence, and decisiveness. I've always groomed you as my successor."
"The clan needs your strength now."
Makoto's eyes gleamed. From Fugaku's tone, he could see hope—a chance to counterbalance Konoha.
That's right—counterbalance.
The reason Konoha felt untouchable now… was Kazane.
After gaining Madara's combat experience, Makoto no longer saw anyone in Konoha as a threat—except for Hatake Kazane.
Feigning emotion, he asked, "Sensei… can I return to the clan?"
Fugaku placed a hand on his shoulder, speaking with gravity.
"Of course. The Uchiha clan is your eternal home."
"But the clan is in grave danger. We need your help."
Makoto continued playing along, eyes glistening with false emotion.
"Sensei, what do you need me to do? I'll give everything I have."
Fugaku released his grip and walked a few heavy steps ahead, his back facing Makoto.
"The greatest threats to our clan right now are Orochimaru, Hatake Kazane… and Tobirama Senju."
"Tobirama?"
Makoto was stunned.
Wasn't he long dead?
With Kazane in the village, and his Observation Haki sweeping constantly, not even a White Zetsu could hide. Konoha was the only place in the shinobi world truly impervious to infiltration.
Without Zetsu's intel network, Makoto had no clue what had happened in Konoha lately.
He'd only come today because he heard Kazane had left the village—and he just happened to see the signal Fugaku left for him.
Now, meeting with Fugaku and hearing this talk of Tobirama… things weren't making sense.
How could a dead man become a problem?
Sensing Makoto's confusion, Fugaku continued.
"After we helped Orochimaru become Hokage, he betrayed us."
"He tried to frame Uchiha Obito for killing ANBU. Wanted us to hand him over. Fortunately, Shisui helped Obito escape."
"Now Orochimaru has begun researching forbidden immortality techniques. He revived Tobirama… to weaken our power further."
"What?! Orochimaru resurrected Tobirama?"
Makoto shouted in shock.
At the same time, another thought stirred in his heart.
If Orochimaru could truly revive the dead—could he bring back his father, Uchiha Hanshan?
Seeing Makoto's interest, Fugaku elaborated.
"Yes, but it's not so simple. The success rate is low. Failed attempts can erase even the soul."
Makoto's excitement cooled quickly.
Of course. Resurrection couldn't be so easy. Even Madara needed all nine tailed beasts to become the Ten-Tails' Jinchuriki before he could return to life.
There was always a price.
"Then, sensei… what are you planning?"
Fugaku suddenly turned, eyes burning.
"Orochimaru isn't fit to lead. Konoha was built by the Uchiha and Senju clans. The Senju have already produced two Hokage—it's time the village bore the name Uchiha."
His three-tomoe Sharingan spun rapidly, forming the Mangekyō pattern.
"They can't be allowed to run rampant any longer. The clan now has four Mangekyō pairs. I can draw Kazane and Might Duy away—you must find a way to eliminate Orochimaru. The clan will support you fully."
"Afterward, you'll need to lay low for a while. But I promise—once the clan controls Konoha, the title of Clan Head will be yours."
Makoto watched Fugaku's performance silently.
Then, as if moved, he stepped forward.
"Sensei, don't worry. For the glory of the Uchiha, I'll give everything I've got."
"But… I'll need you to create an opportunity for me."
Whispered conversation.
Beneath the dark night, the two spoke at length. No one knew what was truly said.
They both understood they couldn't trust each other. But each believed they could use the other to achieve their own goals.
---
Click.
Fugaku pushed open the door and stepped into his bedroom.
Their plans set, Uchiha Makoto had left the village via space-time ninjutsu—just as Fugaku had mentioned the four Mangekyō.
A subtle way for Makoto to showcase his value.
Fugaku undressed and lay in bed, mind wandering through everything that had happened that night.
But soon, his gaze grew firm.
Makoto… I've bet everything on you. Don't let me down.