In the past, shinobi did not engage in production, and the ruling class—the daimyō—cared only about their own comfort and interests.
Because of that, many places in the ninja world remained completely undeveloped.
Even in areas with inhabitants, only the land immediately surrounding settlements had been cultivated by the locals.
Take the Land of Waterfalls, for example.
Despite being a resource-rich nation, it had long fallen into neglect. Even during the great ninja wars, no one was willing to come to this forest-filled, miasma-soaked land of swamps and wetlands.
But in Yuzuru's eyes, all of this was an irreplaceable treasure trove.
As long as development followed the reality of the terrain, it could bring enormous benefits to both him and the entire ninja world.
Kakuzu, already knowing Yuzuru's intention, once again revealed a hint of admiration in his eyes.
To develop the entire ninja world…
Just thinking about the obstacles was enough to stun anyone, yet Yuzuru still pressed forward without hesitation.
He was a truly selfless man.
Kakuzu quietly made up his mind: if anyone opposed Yuzuru in the future, he would rip out their heart and feed it to the dogs.
Under Kakuzu's lead, Yuzuru soon crossed the waterfall and arrived at the legendary Hidden Waterfall Village.
Just like the outer region, the village scenery was remarkably beautiful, filled with trees and streams.
In the northernmost area stood a massive lake and a towering ancient tree that blotted out the sky—a breathtaking sight.
Compared to that grand landscape, the village itself was rather plain.
Only a few hundred stone houses stood neatly together, and the population appeared to be no more than three thousand.
"It really hasn't changed at all after all these years," Kakuzu sighed.
Returning to one's birthplace after so long—how could anyone feel nothing?
Yuzuru spoke calmly. "Stagnation often signifies self-imprisonment. That's never a good thing."
Hearing this, Kakuzu nodded. "True. Back then, Waterfall Village wasn't as strong as the Five Great Villages, but it was still ranked right behind them."
"At that time, relying on its own strength, it was the only village that managed to seize a tailed beast from the hands of the Five Great Nations."
"And now… many in the ninja world don't even know our village exists."
Talking about the past made Kakuzu sigh.
Whether Waterfall Village declined because its descendants were incompetent, or because he had killed all its leaders and stolen the Earth Grudge Fear technique… even he wasn't sure.
While the two talked, the village shinobi finally noticed the intruders.
Two Waterfall ninja appeared before Yuzuru and Kakuzu, asking sternly, "Who are you two, and why have you trespassed into our village?!"
Seeing the two young shinobi, Yuzuru stayed silent. Kakuzu took a step forward. "Go inform your current leader—the rogue ninja Kakuzu has returned."
"Kakuzu?!"
Upon hearing his name, both shinobi paled instantly.
Among Waterfall ninja, Kakuzu was a nearly mythical figure—known by all, feared by all.
Every Waterfall shinobi saw killing Kakuzu and retrieving Earth Grudge Fear as their ultimate mission.
And yet he dared to come back!
"He's not someone we can handle! Retreat!"
The two fired a signal flare before leaping backward, fleeing at full speed.
"Brats…" Kakuzu shook his head in amusement.
Children like these, with no value at all, didn't even interest him enough to raise a hand.
Moments later, a crowd of over a hundred shinobi surged forward.
Each wore a tense expression, gripping their weapons tightly.
At their lead was a young-looking man with a determined gaze.
Stopping before Kakuzu and Yuzuru, he lowered his voice. "I am Shibuki, the current leader of Waterfall Village."
"Kakuzu, state your purpose."
"If you surrender Earth Grudge Fear, I can revoke your rogue-ninja status."
Kakuzu let out a quiet laugh and tapped the forehead protector at his brow. "Sorry. I'm a Hidden Cloud ninja now."
Only then did Shibuki and the others notice the Cloud Village symbol on Kakuzu's forehead protector.
"You filthy traitor! Did you hand our village's secret technique to Cloud Village?"
"You really have no shame! Do you think hugging Cloud's thigh lets you strut around here?!"
"Leader Shibuki, there's nothing left to discuss. Give the order and we'll kill him!"
Hearing the impassioned shouts behind him, Shibuki didn't move.
Unlike ordinary Waterfall shinobi, he was well aware of the outside world.
The current Hidden Cloud was the strongest village in the entire ninja world.
Under Cloud's expansion, the Land of Grass, Land of Rain, Land of Iron, Land of Hot Water… all had already fallen under its control.
With Waterfall Village's strength, a war with Cloud would be suicide.
Keeping that in mind, Shibuki asked slowly, "Since you're now a Cloud shinobi, why come to Waterfall Village?"
"You wouldn't go out of your way just to see how we react to your new allegiance—right?"
"Of course not." Kakuzu gestured to Yuzuru beside him. "This is Lord Yuzuru. I'm only accompanying him as his guard."
The moment he heard that name, Shibuki's pupils contracted sharply.
Yuzuru?
Uchiha Yuzuru?
If the young man before him truly was Uchiha Yuzuru… this was trouble.
"Lord Shibuki, who is Yuzuru?"
"Even if the Goddess itself descended today, it couldn't save you from us!"
"Lord Shibuki! Stop hesitating and order the attack!"
Seeing his subordinates ready to charge, Shibuki quickly shouted, "All of you, calm down! He is Yuzuru Uchiha!"
"You may not know, but the entire ninja world shares one belief—Yuzuru never plays low-tier games."
"If the opponent strikes, he destroys everything in his path."
"Back then, the four great nations besides the Land of Lightning mobilized ten thousand allied ninjas to attack Kumogakure, but Yuzuru Uchiha, with a single sword, nearly wiped out their entire army."
"Do you intend to drag the entire Waterfall Village into the grave with your ignorance?!"
Shibuki's roar silenced everyone instantly.
One man defeating an army of ten thousand?
Was that even possible?