As the current Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's considerations are very different from those of ordinary Konoha ninjas. He must not only balance the forces within the village, but also strive for the interests of the entire team externally.
Among them, the relationship with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire is the most important, even surpassing the competition with other great ninja villages.
As Konoha Village becomes more mature, its desire for external resources becomes more diversified, and it is no longer completely restricted by the support of the secular government.
When Konoha Village was first established, perhaps the ancestors would not have imagined that Konoha ninjas would take on a large number of tasks such as planting land, pulling weeds, cleaning rivers, taking care of children, and searching for lost kittens.
From a cost-effective point of view, it is these low-level tasks that support half of the Leaf Village. Although the reward for a single task is small, the commissions for chuunin and genin are also low. If you add up to a lot, it is a considerable income.
In contrast, high-level missions are not only unstable, but also require a large number of powerful Jonin to take risks. Once they fail, or even the ninjas who perform the mission die in battle, the losses will be considerable.
Gradually, Konoha ninjas also discovered that entrustments other than combat tasks were more cost-effective. Not only were they not life-threatening, they could also have the effect of training talents.
For example, if you hire a large number of engineers and laborers to rebuild the Leaf Village this time, it will take a lot of time and resources. Let some specialized ninjas do it quickly, consume less energy, and save a lot of money.
It's no wonder that the few ninjas in Konoha Village are not necessarily top-notch in overall strength, but they are good at side jobs. The Nara clan's medicine business is getting bigger and bigger; the Aburame family's insect warriors have developed a large number of luxury goods industries with their own specialties; the Inuzuka family's ninja dogs have become a well-known brand, and the tycoon of the Fire Country, the Furusugi clan, has come to visit. Seeking cooperation; the Yamanaka family, who are proficient in spiritual arts, are relatively honest and live an honest life guarding the flower shop. Most of the clan members work in Konoha Hospital and the torture department.
The most exaggerated Kurama family is said to be in decline. It has prospered in the secular world and has become a wealthy businessman with amazing influence. It has purchased land and properties all over the Fire Country, and its foundation has gradually become stronger. Recently, it has also cooperated with the ancient family. It is related to a wealthy and noble son like Shan Bushui.
In short, in the past few decades, the official relationship between Konoha Village and the Daimyos of the Fire Country has gradually become distant, and people-to-people exchanges have become more frequent. Such a result brings about both good and bad changes. Although it can make Konoha Village more independent, it also arouses the fear of the officials headed by the daimyo.
Whose bowl is the one holding, whose rice is the meal, and whose pot is smashed? We can't let Konoha Village take all the benefits, and finally get rid of the daimyo and become an independent entity, right?
It was based on such considerations that Hiruzen Sarutobi finally agreed to cooperation conditions that were obviously unfavorable to Konoha ninjas.
"In less important areas, you will suffer a small loss. This is also to earn back your capital with profits in the future." 』
The Hokage Sandaime, who comforted himself with the so-called long-term perspective, sighed helplessly and smoked his pipe until there was another knock on the door.
"Come in."
As soon as he finished speaking, Sarutobi Asuma, who had been looking quite haggard recently, walked in.
"Sandaime, are you looking for me?"
Seeing his son like this, the Sandaime asked with some dissatisfaction:
"What did you do? You look so distracted?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that the patrol mission was heavy, but the arrangements of Konoha Village were not unkind. They always allowed time for rest and recuperation, and would not use the available combat power to death.
"Seeing the misfortune in the village, some people can't sleep."
Sarutobi Asuma responded sarcastically, saying that it was hard to confess that he was not thinking about food and drink because of Yuhi Kurenai, and he could not sleep at night.
"Forget it, don't mention this, I have an important task for you."
The serious old man handed over a task book in his hand.
"The Kingdom of Whirlpool, which has been destroyed for many years, is being rebuilt under the auspices of the Kosugi clan. You are visiting as an envoy of Konoha Village, and by the way, assess the threat level of Kumo Ninja and Mist Ninja. You were unable to rescue this country in time back then. An important ally, many old people and allies who follow Konoha Village are very dissatisfied. This is a good opportunity to reshape the image of Konoha ninja."
"oh?"
Asuma Sarutobi flipped through the mission sheet and understood.
When the Uzumaki Kingdom was destroyed by the enemy, Sarutobi Asuma was not yet born. In those years, the remnants of the Uzumaki Kingdom were scattered in all directions, and Uzumaki Kushina was also the inheritor who was sent out at the last moment.
Later, there were also some people who were suspected of being members of the Uzumaki tribe and asked for the protection of Konoha ninjas. Konoha Village, which was trapped in the Ninja World War and could not extricate itself, did not pay much attention to them. Most of these real and fake "poor relatives" were raised by the ancient Sugi family along the coast. The hospital took him in. Others didn't know it, but Hiruzen Sarutobi definitely knew a little bit about it.
Xiang Rin, who is currently studying in a ninja school, has an unclear identity. People who care about her only know that she is the illegitimate daughter of Gu Shan Bushui, and not many people care about her mother's identity.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who knows some secrets from the past, is not blind. He may not have realized it at first. After Xiang Rin showed his unusual talent, and then looked at the conspicuous red hair, he would naturally suspect that the bloodline he inherited might be very different. Unusual.
Of course, it's just a suspicion, no one has verified it or even pointed it out.
What qualifications does the current Konoha Village have to claim control over the Uzumaki survivors? What's more, they are still descendants of real nobles. If you want to snatch such talents, you need to pay a price.
"Jiang Tu? Who is this person with so little information?"
As an important figure in rebuilding the Kingdom of Whirlpool, it is really rare that he does not have any important information, and almost nothing except his name.
"Maybe he is a talent secretly cultivated by the Fusagi family. He is also assisted by three very mysterious masters. He is even more powerful than the average jounin."
"This Gushan clan is too powerful."
Sarutobi Asuma scratched his messy hair with a headache and complained,
"The other great nobles have one or two jounin confidants who are worshiped as treasures. Why do they pick up so many masters at every turn? The four lightning escapes among the guardian ninja are already very powerful, and later they promoted Kazuma, and now It is said that a steel fist master has emerged, who is even more powerful than last year's Iwago."
Now, Fangtu and three jounin followers suddenly appeared. Even Konoha Village, which is full of geniuses, felt a little shocked.
Sarutobi Hiruzen answered clearly:
"Except for the five major ninja villages, they are the strongest force on the surface. They have not shown it before. If they really want to activate the war machine, several elders and I have calculated it in private. They may be stronger than the fog ninja who has never been in charge. Top masters may It’s not as good as it is, but when it comes to fighting, its resilience is far more solid than Kirigakure Village.”
"Is it... too overestimated?"
"I hope so, but... no one is willing to try their quality. At least the Mist Ninja gave in after being exposed to them."
Strictly speaking, Kirigakure Village is definitely not afraid of it, but conflicts that are useless should be avoided if possible.
A fight between the Mist Ninja who has taken root in the Kingdom of Water and the Second Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Fire would bring no benefit if he wins, and it would be even more embarrassing if he loses. After all, it is a big benefactor who is likely to patronize. It is really stupid to easily make enemies.
The Konoha Village has the same view. No matter whether the Furusugi family is strong or not, they cannot be enemies. In this case, making friends is the best choice.
"When to set off?"
"This weekend, when the village returns to basic order, you can do other things."
"good!"
Although Asuma Sarutobi was unwilling to leave at this time, as a ninja, he had to obey orders, especially the son of the current Hokage, and he had to set an example.
…
Just when Konoha Village was constantly adjusting its foreign policy in response to this major change and maintaining stability in future development, Gushan Bushui received news of Kong Ping'an on Yuqi Island.
That night, it was difficult to escape from the Leaf Village, and it was even more troublesome to escape the overt or covert pursuit of all parties. Even in the rich water network of the Fire Country, and a large group of mermaids were arranged to assist, the traces were still almost exposed, and they were almost even implicated. What a powerful "Zhezhong" organization.
Fortunately, we got through the difficulty in the end without any danger.
The relieved Gusugi Fusui, accompanied by Hongye and the child born next year, suddenly received a special gift from a secret channel.
When he saw the severed arm and scarlet eyes in the petri dish in the laboratory, Gusugi Bosui knew that those were the benefits Uchiha Fugaku gave him before he died.
Not only to repay the last favor for fulfilling his little wish, but also to help Gusugi Bosui to help the surviving Uchiha clan members when he has spare strength.
This kind of thing is the bond between you and me, and in the end the relationship becomes deeper and deeper.
It's a pity that the Uchiha family is gone. At least the only orphan left in Konoha Village is Uchiha Sasuke, who cannot bear the title of "family" at all.
Turning his attention to the severed arm in front of him, the first-generation cells were transplanted. The main body was probably the experimental body that Orochimaru found that could fuse all the cells. In addition to the first-generation cells, it was also embedded with three three-magatama Sharingan.
"With these, can you help me make some decent goodies?"
Otsutsuki Kaguya, who had not appeared for a long time, appeared in front of her. With the help of Gusugi Bosui's perception, she understood the basic situation of the Mangekyō Sharingan and the broken arm.
"A shoddy patchwork product. Moreover, the child's technique of the Mangekyō Sharingan has been used, and the child's power is useless."
"Wait, you mean?"
Gushan Bu Shui was startled and immediately reacted,
"The most powerful genjutsu: Betsutenjin has actually been used by Shimura Danzo on someone?"
In an instant, possible targets came to mind one by one.
With such a precious opportunity, Kosugi Fusui believed that the "Darkness of the Ninja World" would not be wasted on him, at least it would have to be Sarutobi Hiruzen, Daimyo and "Three Ninja" level figures.
It is possible for Uchiha Fugaku, but judging from the subsequent development, it is not him and Uchiha Itachi does not need to be controlled in this way. This young man who values emotions is easier to handle.
"Orochimaru...is that him?"
"I have never met that young man, but if he has the value you mentioned, it is worth wasting an opportunity. Not to mention now, even a thousand years ago, I would have looked at this kind of talent."
A certain goddess responded calmly,
"A wise man with the ability to develop is the most valuable asset no matter where he is."
Gusugi Bushui also agreed with this point, but...that was another god, and he controlled Orochimaru like that?
"That's right. Danzo Shimura actually doesn't have many chips. How can he convince Orochimaru, who has become a rebellious ninja, to continue to serve him? Use a knife on yourself, change eyes and arms. If you make a slight mistake, you may be killed. Calculation. Without using the most powerful genjutsu, Betsutenjin Control, how could Danzo Shimura agree to put himself on Orochimaru's operating table?"
So, is this all the truth?
The power of other gods is generally impossible to be cracked. Even if it is as powerful as Orochimaru, it is impossible to get rid of Shimura Danzo's control so easily.
but……
"There are loopholes, and other gods are not foolproof. For example, the forbidden technique: Reincarnation without Corpse..."
A forbidden technique developed for immortality. On the material level, it seizes other people's bodies as containers. On the spiritual level, it pursues soul devouring and annexation, development and growth, or assimilation and mutation.
Every time he casts the Forbidden Technique and Reincarnation, Orochimaru will be infected with the remnants of the soul of the container. His self-awareness may have dissipated, but his obsession will still deeply affect Orochimaru.
In other words, every time the body is changed, the core of the soul is a new individual with Orochimaru as the main body and other sacrifices as supplements. Even the power of the strongest illusion, Betsutenjin, is gradually wasted in the process of reincarnation. .
"So, sooner or later, Orochimaru will completely get rid of the influence of other gods. Knowing that his best assistant, Danzo Shimura, has completely lost control, he will spare no effort to hunt him down. No wonder..."
More than ten years later, in order to hunt down the defected Uchiha Sasuke, the "Darkness of the Ninja World" did not hesitate to use the newly formed Team 7 as bait, even if it put the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki in danger, because at that time Orochimaru has completely gone to the opposite side.
So is Orochimaru now a puppet controlled by Shimura Danzo's genjutsu?
"It's hard to say. That disgusting guy may not be very powerful in fighting, but his ability to save his life is first-rate. Once he finds an opportunity, no other gods can restrain him."
Furugi Fusui has imagined several possible ways to fight against other gods. Orochimaru is an expert in this method, and he will be captured without any reason.
Putting aside these unverifiable things for the time being, Kosugi Fusui asked Otsutsuki Kaguya:
"How can I replenish the consumed child energy? If it can only be used once every many years, then it will be of no use to me..."
"It cannot be directly replenished, but we can passively alleviate the deficiency of Tongli by strengthening the power of Yang Escape and adjusting the balance of Yin and Yang. In this case, we use arms with special fusion abilities to buffer the cells containing rich Yang Escape and balance the kaleidoscope." The wheel eye is also a good method, although the efficiency is a bit too low."
"It seems that we still need to advance to the eternal Mangekyō Sharingan to avoid defects..."
"There is no such thing as 'eternity' in the Mangekyo Sharingan. The Sage of Six Paths did not transplant his brother's child power and directly achieved the Samsara Eye. In essence, the bloodline is not pure enough, and the reserve of child power is not enough to allow the Mangekyo Sharingan to evolve. To reach a complete state, it needs to be transplanted with the child power of a close relative and completed through rough means."
"That is to say, in theory, every pair of Mangekyō Sharingan can be promoted to the Rinnegan as long as it is trained to a high level and is not blind yet?"
"So it's just a theory. Without Yang Dun to buffer the loss of Tongli, and without a long enough lifespan to allow the Mangekyou Sharingan to grow and complete, all assumptions are false."
If you hold the power of Yin and Yang, you must live long enough to tap your own potential to synthesize Yin and Yang, and promote the Mangekyo Sharingan to the Samsara Eye.
"Forget it, I don't count on it anymore."
Gu Shan Bu Shui said disappointedly.
First practice regular water escape to extremely high depths, and then consider other things. What's more, Gushan Bu Shui doesn't intend to use these dangerous powers directly. He has to let others use them, see the side effects, and then use indirect methods for his own use.
Today's Gushan Fusui is not an ordinary ninja with nothing, and there is no need to risk his life for an amount that may not be needed.
With Sharingan, Red Eye, Ice Release and Genjutsu-type Blood Succession Limit in hand, we can try to integrate and cultivate a group of more practical combat talents.
While he was enjoying a bright future, the severed arm in the petri dish suddenly sprouted a green branch, which shocked Gushan Bu Shui and quickly strengthened the seal.
"This thing is very powerful, but it is also very dangerous!"
