Naruto: Yes, Uchiha-sama.

Chapter 134 Tobirama, Launch a Fierce Attack on Your Older Brother!
"Damn it, you mean none of those famous directors from the Land of Fire are taking any projects?"

"Fujimaru-kun, you're not kidding, are you?"

Uchiha Makoto's expression changed, and he abruptly put down the black pen in his hand, unable to help but speak.

Now, having won a decisive battle to establish its authority, Akatsuki Village is thriving and full of vitality.

The village's influence, villagers' sense of belonging, and ninja pride are all steadily increasing.

The situation is no longer good.

Instead, everything looks very promising.

Akatsuki Village was once the most powerful and influential village in the Land of Fire.

I didn't expect someone to prove me wrong so quickly.

"Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Uchiha Makoto suppressed his displeasure.

His intuition told him that there was more to this than just the directors refusing to take the job.

As the first grand production to launch the Akatsuki Hollywood franchise, "Saving Pain" was made with the principle of letting professionals do professional things – the director must understand filmmaking.

I have shown you more than enough sincerity.

The director was personally invited by Takahashi Fujimaru, the wealthy merchant representative from the Land of Fire.

The film's production budget was also very generous, and the Akatsuki Village had a large number of highly qualified ninjas who had personally experienced ninja wars as actors.

Even the choice of the movie's lead actor was delegated to the director, with the only requirement being that the actor must be a ninja from Akatsuki Village.

There's not much to say about the script; it's a classic film script that could easily rank in the top 100 of global film charts.

An excellent script, ample funding, and top-notch actors. As the financial backer, he had given them complete control. With such generous terms, Uchiha couldn't understand why those renowned directors from the Land of Fire would refuse his invitation.
"Master Guangying, after I got back, I immediately found the director I'm on good terms with. He initially praised the script highly after reading it, and everything was going very smoothly. But after I got back, he inexplicably changed his mind."

"In order to complete the task you assigned me, I even used the resources at my disposal to visit other famous directors in the Land of Fire, but without exception, they all avoided me and refused my invitation."

Takahashi Fujimaru recounted the entire incident, his emotions still quite turbulent.

He was deeply saddened that he had messed up the first task assigned to him by the Light and Shadow Master.

However, Takahashi Fujimaru also felt very wronged.

He was not at fault in this matter.

As the saying goes, the cicadas know the autumn winds have not yet arrived.

Those big-name directors from the Land of Fire almost all have noble family backgrounds, so they probably don't really want to avoid taking on Akatsuki's projects.

Rather, they simply don't dare.

The infighting among the top bigwigs is something these directors, who play with art, can't get involved in. Even the slightest spillover from their fighting could wipe them out. Their collective unusual behavior this time is simply because they've received a certain political signal—the Akatsuki can no longer be allowed to run rampant!
The establishment of Arasaka Corporation was a clear signal.

Akatsuki Village no longer wants to abide by the ninja traditions of the past thousand years and is gradually trying to break through the inexplicable shackles that ninjas themselves carry. Once the ninjas start to collectively disregard past traditions, sooner or later, the nobles will no longer have any reason to exist.

especially.
Makoto Uchiha does have a "previous record"!

Unifying the salt market and restoring the official salt system actually crossed a red line that ninjas could not cross.

However, this matter was indeed endorsed by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, and it was handled very well. The bigwigs who could decide the direction of the Land of Fire made more money than they did going there, so overall everyone is still living in peace.

However, Makoto Uchiha's latest attempt, although he hasn't said anything on the surface, only that he has joined forces with many wealthy businessmen to open a company that spans multiple industries, has actually made it very clear that he is not willing to just be a large military base.

After all, now that Akatsuki Village has a gun, how can it not have a wallet?

The funding and dividends provided by the daimyo each year are indeed substantial, but who wouldn't want to stand up and earn their own living?
The daimyo and nobles of the Land of Fire are simply bad.

It's not like they're stupid.

Konoha is indeed terrifying.

The power to wipe out the entire ninja world by owning just one ninja village.

But isn't Akatsuki Village scary too?
Compared to Akatsuki Village
After several years of careful observation, Konoha has at least remained law-abiding until now.

Even the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, who had the idea that Hashirama Senju was a threat, sometimes wondered to himself, "Could it be that I've misunderstood Hashirama Senju?"

"Lord Guangying, it seems someone is targeting Akatsuki Village behind this."

Takahashi Fujimaru started shifting the blame.

He certainly didn't want this incident to have any negative impact on him from the Light and Shadow Master.

"Ah, that's certainly how it should be."

Uchiha Makoto nodded. He didn't intend to argue with Takahashi Fujimaru. After listening to Takahashi Fujimaru's words, he understood everything himself.

This is probably a warning that the top leaders of the Land of Fire wanted to give to the Akatsuki.

As for who these people are?
Is that his full name?
Or perhaps some high-ranking nobles from the Land of Fire?

Not important at all.

This can be described as a test of obedience from the ruling system of the Land of Fire.

If Akatsuki could be as law-abiding as Konoha, everyone could live in peace and continue dancing together. Even if they wanted more funding each year, they could sit down and discuss it.

otherwise
Even if they can't completely break with Akatsuki for some reason, they can still secretly sabotage Akatsuki in various ways.

This group wields power over an entire state apparatus, and their words and actions can influence countless people invisibly. The ban on Korean entertainment has never been explicitly stated in any announcements, but what has been the result?

The infighting among those bastards in the Land of Fire is truly remarkable.

Moreover, the fact that they spent twice as much money in the Land of Fire to build two major ninja villages was precisely for this moment.

Previously, the Land of Fire had focused its resources on Akatsuki Village. Now that Akatsuki Village is so prosperous, even Uchiha Makoto has to admit that he has benefited greatly from the Land of Fire. In the future, if the people of the Land of Fire give an order, Konoha will suddenly have various funds and investments.

What if things escalate?

Konoha will also have to take action.

Today, the east wind may prevail over the west wind; tomorrow, the west wind may prevail over the east wind.

One side checks and balances the other.

No one can overstep the bounds.

Uchiha Makoto frowned, pondering a solution. Takahashi Fujimaru, standing nearby, couldn't help but speak up, "Master Kōei, if you want to continue filming this movie, you don't necessarily have to find a director from the Land of Fire. I know several renowned directors from abroad, and their professional abilities are undeniable. I can hire them."

"No need. These kinds of things are inevitable ever since I accepted your shares."

"I'm used to earning money standing up. If I have to be subservient to them in everything, wouldn't I be begging on my knees?"

"Since some people from the Land of Fire want to challenge me, let them try. I'll probably be fine, but it's hard to say what will happen to them."

"Ah, Lord Light and Shadow is tough!"

"Is it hard?"

"Hard enough!"

Takahashi Fujimaru smiled; he had been waiting for this very sentence. If Uchiha Makoto backed down at this moment...

Then he really needs to consider how to sell all his assets cleanly and efficiently, and then find a way to safely take his property and family out of the Land of Fire.

Today, Makoto Uchiha yielded to the pressure from the powerful figures of the Land of Fire, but tomorrow, under the next wave of pressure, he might betray them.

Why would this group of people risk being blacklisted by the nobles of the Land of Fire, and risk losing their lives and fortunes, just to establish a connection with the Akatsuki? It's because they witnessed the Akatsuki's ruthlessness in defending their interests during the Cloud Village War, and their immense strength—they would attack without hesitation, without any unnecessary words, until they couldn't take it anymore.

As for the cost involved?
Why should there be a price to pay if we win?

Isn't that all benefits?
"Lord Light and Shadow, what are your plans?"

"Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to help!"

"I will go through fire and water, and die!"

Takahashi Fujimaru seized the opportunity to pledge his loyalty to the Uchiha clan, saying that they would dare to charge forward as long as the supreme Lord of Light and Shadow gave the order.

"I already have a plan in mind. I heard that the First Hokage of Konoha, Lord Hashirama Senju, was assassinated by assassins sent by Takigakure?"

"Lord Light and Shadow, that's right, that's correct."

Takahashi Fujimaru was somewhat puzzled.

What does the assassination of Konoha's First Hokage have to do with this event?

Uchiha Makoto smiled and remained silent.

A brilliant plan gradually formed in his mind.

Konoha has been quite turbulent lately.

He has been keeping a close eye on news from Konoha.

Unsurprisingly, news of Hashirama Senju's assassination reached his ears. It was clear that the higher-ups in Takigakure had all lost their minds to do something as stupid as sending an assassin to kill Hashirama Senju.

Following the original plot.

When Hashirama Senju was assassinated by a ninja from Takigakure, Konoha probably didn't even bother to investigate the matter with Takigakure. It was the Takigakure leadership who were the first to shift the blame.

They betrayed the honest Kakuzu directly.

As expected, Kakuzu had an epiphany in prison and found the love of his life. He not only took away the secret technique of Takigakure Village, the Earth Grudge Fear, but also killed a large number of high-ranking members of Takigakure Village.

Konoha, on the contrary, compensated Takigakure with a Seven-Tails afterward.

Such a unique way of thinking.

Perhaps only Hashirama Senju would do something like that.

But this time.

Because of the butterfly effect caused by my appearance, the course of events changed differently.

According to reliable intelligence.

Tobirama Senju is currently in Konoha Village, running around everywhere because of this matter.

The public opinion surrounding Konoha Village is very different from the original story's direction.

According to Makoto Uchiha, Tobirama Senju was probably provoked by the Akatsuki's war to establish their authority.

The Akatsuki Village won a war to establish its prestige, reaping both fame and fortune.

Although Tobirama Senju was not particularly sensitive to matters such as business, economics, public opinion, and influence.

However, he was extremely sensitive to matters concerning ninjas.

A mere touch is enough to make them excitedly gush and sweat. (Specifically, they'll be sweating profusely.)
The actions of those minor ninja factions in the Land of Fire, and their attempt to gain allegiance to the Akatsuki ninja village.

Tobirama Senju couldn't possibly be unaware of these things.

"What the hell!"

"Uchiha Makoto, you born evil Uchiha brat, you bastard!"

When Tobirama Senju learned of these things, he was so angry he almost ground his teeth to powder.

How can such a thing be allowed?

According to Tobirama Senju's plan, he intended to gradually gather all the minor ninja forces under Konoha's control, leaving Akatsuki isolated and helpless in the Land of Fire!

Unexpectedly, it was just a moment of confusion that allowed Uchiha Makoto to overtake him.

Tobirama Senju is extremely anxious right now.

However, he was not without a chance to turn the situation around.

It would take Akatsuki a long time to fully control those smaller ninja forces. Even at the fastest pace, it would take at least three to five months, half a year, and even one to two years for smaller ninja forces that are further away.

It's not too late yet.

Konoha still has a chance to turn the tide.

Tobirama Senju planned to use Takigakure as an excuse to establish his authority in the ninja world, just like Akatsuki.

The Hidden Leaf Village mobilized its troops to launch a powerful attack on the Hidden Takigakure Village!
Makoto Uchiha immediately saw through the thoughts behind Tobirama Senju's seemingly random movements.

Originally, Makoto Uchiha did not intend to get involved in this matter.

After all, this has nothing to do with Akatsuki, and Konoha is in the right. Assassinating the Kage of a village is such a heinous act that retaliation is only natural.

Of course, the most crucial point is that Uchiha Makoto was certain that things would not go as smoothly as Senju Tobirama had imagined.

If only he could directly command the Konoha ninja army to send out troops.

It's impossible for Tobirama Senju to go to such lengths to plagiarize his own ideas and stir up public opinion in Konoha.

His elder brother, Hashirama Senju, was the biggest opponent.

Given Hashirama Senju's personality, how could he possibly allow Tobirama Senju to let Konoha initiate a war? Even if the reason is justifiable, it won't work!
"What do you mean, Lord Light and Shadow?"

Takahashi Fujimaru patiently waited for Uchiha Makoto to think, and only spoke at the opportune moment when Uchiha Makoto looked at him again.

"Even the Hokage of Konoha, Hashirama Senju, and the Hidden Takigakure dared to send assassins to kill people in such a ruthless way. Could it be that they might also send assassins to systematically assassinate the nobles of the Land of Fire?"

"Master Light and Shadow, brilliant!"

"It's both tall and hard!"

As Makoto Uchiha listened to the flattering words, another thought popped into his mind.

"Tobirama, let me lend you a hand this time."

"Since you want to challenge your older brother, I'd also like to test whether the will of the people of Konoha can suppress the ninja way that Hashirama Senju upholds."

"Where exactly is Hashirama Senju's bottom line?"

(End of this chapter)