This competition, prepared by the Land of Fire Daimyo for a month, generated over 70 billion ryo in ticket revenue alone.
After the competition, Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, Four-Tails Jinchuriki Roshi, Fourth Raikage A, and Killer Bee stood on the competition grounds, somewhat dazed.
As for why?
It was because each of them held a sealing scroll, filled with 800 million ryo in cash.
Bee, uncharacteristically not rapping, said in a low voice, "Brother, this money... it came too easily."
A snorted coldly and stuffed the money bag into his ninja pouch.
He looked at Ōnoki and said, "The Land of Fire held one competition and earned more money than our entire village accumulated in seven or eight years. How can they do that?"
Ōnoki did not answer directly, but merely gave a meaningful look at the young A.
The gazes of the four briefly met in the air, a silent understanding passing between them. This money made them see the prosperity of the Land of Fire and ignited the ambition in their hearts.
...
In the VIP section of the competition grounds, Tsunade was examining Fugaku's eyes.
"Fugaku, calm down."
Tsunade stood by, her brows deeply furrowed.
She reached out and pressed Fugaku's shoulder, a light green Chakra slowly flowing into the chakra pathways around his eyes, attempting to alleviate the pain.
Tsunade said in a deep voice, "Your Mangekyo Sharingan has been overused, and the backlash of its Ocular Technique has begun to erode your vision. If this continues, you will soon go completely blind."
Fugaku's fists clenched, making a cracking sound. His voice was somewhat distraught. "I am the Hokage, I cannot be like a cripple."
Just then—
Knock... Knock...
Two knocks sounded at the door.
The Daimyo's envoy delivered an invitation, inviting the three of them to attend the evening banquet.
Shun softly said, "How about I escort Fugaku-sama back to Konoha first, and Tsunade stays for the banquet?"
Fugaku frowned and said, "No need, my vision is just a bit blurry. With my other senses, dealing with a small banquet won't be a problem."
...
Inside the palace of the Land of Fire Daimyo, it was resplendent.
Hundreds of ninjas stood in neat rows, many of whom had competed today, but were now wearing uniforms with the Land of Fire emblem.
The Daimyo sat high on the main seat, swirling the golden cup in his hand, a smug smile on his face.
"Everyone, this grand competition has concluded in perfection, thanks to all your participation and also thank you all for your trust in me, for joining the Land of Fire Guard Department family..."
The Daimyo's speech was endless, clearly a bit excited.
Through this competition today, he recruited 124 Jonin and 879 Chunin. Adding the Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, and Mito clans, he now had over 5,000 ninjas.
And according to intelligence, Konoha currently only had over 6,000 ninjas, which is why the Daimyo was so excited at this moment.
Halfway through the banquet, attendants served exquisite delicacies.
The Daimyo suddenly walked over and laughed, "Fourth Hokage, how many ninjas does Konoha have now, over 6000?"
Fugaku's pupils constricted slightly.
Shun smiled and took over the conversation, "The Daimyo is joking, the number of ninjas in Konoha is a secret, but these people you've recruited..."
The Daimyo laughed heartily, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "Oh no, compared to Konoha's elites, these people I've recruited are just small fry."
Fugaku suddenly stood up and said, "Excuse me, I'm feeling a bit unwell, I'll take my leave first."
Tsunade and Shun exchanged glances, then also stood up and left.
...
Konoha, Hokage Office.
Fugaku sat at the desk, the document in his hand almost touching his nose, yet he could still only see blurry black ink.
"Damn it..."
He slammed the document onto the desk, papers scattering everywhere.
The harder he tried to see, the more his eyes throbbed with pain, as if countless fine needles were pricking his eyeballs.
...
Late at night, Uchiha clan compound.
Fugaku pushed open the door. Although the lights were on inside, his vision was still blurry.
Mikoto walked out from the inner room, holding a cup of hot tea.
"Fugaku, you're back?"
Fugaku's eyes were bloodshot, and he coldly snorted. "Mm."
Mikoto followed him, softly saying, "Husband, your eyes, are they alright?"
Fugaku suddenly turned around, his emotions somewhat out of control, and roared, "Don't bother me!"
Mikoto was startled by his gaze and took a step back.
This retreat completely ignited Fugaku's rage. "Mikoto, do even you think I'm a cripple now?"
He grabbed Mikoto's wrist and violently threw her against the wall.
Bang!
Mikoto hit the wall, let out a muffled groan, and fell to the ground. Her arm instantly turned purple and blue, and the teacup shattered.
"Mother! Father!"
Itachi rushed out of his room, looking at the scene in horror.
Fugaku's breathing was heavy, his Mangekyo spinning wildly in his eyes, but his vision became increasingly blurry. He could only see two vague figures, unable to even discern their expressions.
He roared, "Itachi, this has nothing to do with you, get back to your room!"
Itachi gritted his teeth, helped his mother up, and silently exited the room.
That night, Fugaku's home seemed to have changed.
The next morning, Fugaku did not go to the Hokage building for work, but instead took a leave of absence.
The third day, the situation was still the same.
Shun stood by the window of the Military Police Force office, watching the five-year-old Itachi, carrying a vegetable basket alone, preparing to go home.
Itachi's figure was small, the vegetable basket almost half his size, but he walked steadily, without a trace of complaint on his face.
Shun's brows furrowed deeply. "Fugaku... what's going on? Has he even neglected his family?"
He closed his eyes, and quietly activated Divine Eye. His vision penetrated the wall, reaching Fugaku's home, where he saw Mikoto tidying the room. Her arms, back, waist, had over twenty bruises.
"I really didn't expect Fugaku would hit a woman?"
Shun deactivated his Ocular Technique and instantly appeared beside Itachi.
"Itachi, why are you out buying groceries? Where's your mother?"
Itachi lowered his head, his voice very soft. "Mother is busy at home."
Shun was silent for a moment, then said, "Perfect, I'm going to see the clan head."
Itachi hesitated, but ultimately did not refuse.
On the way, Itachi suddenly spoke, "Uncle Shun, father, he seems to have changed?"
Shun looked into the distance and sighed, "Your father has great talent, just like you, he grew up amidst the praise of the clan members. He became clan head at 23, activated his Mangekyo at 28, and became Hokage at 32."
"In terms of power, your father is the Fourth Hokage and a top clan head. In terms of money, he has a lot. In terms of strength, he has the Mangekyo Sharingan. In terms of love, he has your mother, Mikoto. In terms of family affection, he has an exceptionally talented son like you. So clan head Fugaku's first half of life was too perfect, he hardly encountered any setbacks, enjoying top treatment in everything."
"But now, his eyes are having problems, his strength is declining, and he can't accept his current self for a while."
Itachi clenched his fists and asked, "Then, is there a way to cure it?"
Shun patted Itachi's head and said, "This time, I'm here to solve that problem."