Naruto: Yes, Uchiha-sama.

Chapter 173 Tobirama Senju: I just made a mistake that everyone makes: I trusted Makoto Uchiha!

Makoto Uchiha revealed all his speculations, strongly suspecting that the higher-ups in the Land of Fire were behind it all.

The relationship between Konoha and Akatsuki is so close that even the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has trouble sleeping. That is, the engagement between the Uchiha Makoto family and the Senju Hashirama family hasn't been widely publicized yet.

Wait until a year later.

With the birth of their children, Konoha and Akatsuki officially announced the news to the outside world.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire must really be losing sleep.

No one understood what a marriage alliance meant better than him.

This provides a nominal pretext for uniting the forces of Konoha and Akatsuki.

Once the two forces unite in the Land of Fire...

Whether Konoha annexed Akatsuki or Akatsuki annexed Konoha, it would be an extremely terrifying event.

This means that there is no longer any force within the Land of Fire that can restrain the ninja villages, and at least three or four villages of equal strength outside the country are needed to contend with the combined forces of Akatsuki and Konoha. The only way to weaken Konoha and Akatsuki is to wage a Shinobi World War!

Faced with Makoto Uchiha's analysis, Tobirama Senju remained silent.

He is a smart man.

I had already guessed about the strange public opinion that suddenly appeared in the Land of Fire, and now I can rule out the Akatsuki Village, where Uchiha Makoto is located.

The real culprit behind that public opinion incident is self-evident—it's the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire!
Aside from the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire.
No one else in the Land of Fire possesses such power and influence to sway public opinion within the Land of Fire.

Although Tobirama Senju has now confirmed that the mastermind behind the wave of public opinion that defamed Konoha was the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire, this result has actually made him hope that Makoto Uchiha was the mastermind.

After all, if it was Uchiha Makoto who orchestrated all of this behind the scenes.

That makes things simple.

If the Konoha ninjas can find evidence, then Tobirama Senju can use that evidence to hold the Akatsuki village accountable.

It's simply a matter of letting the eldest brother personally give Uchiha Makoto a beating.

There's no need to consider Uchiha Makoto's identity.

Tobirama Senju couldn't be happier to find such a good opportunity to strike at Makoto Uchiha's current arrogance, and also to take this opportunity to strike at the Uchiha clan of Konoha, so that they would shut up for a while!

Simply kill two birds with one stone!
But if it's the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire, then things become more complicated.

Tobirama Senju and Makoto Uchiha are different; their ways of thinking are fundamentally different.

If it were Makoto Uchiha who handled this matter.

Given Makoto Uchiha's temperament, he would definitely send Akatsuki ninjas to investigate thoroughly!

Find out exactly who was involved in this, and then send warmth from Akatsuki Village to each of them.

While we're at it, let's also take this opportunity to send some of the guys that Makoto Uchiha doesn't like to see the Sage of Six Paths.

This is no longer just an ordinary high-ranking official from the Land of Fire!

We must strike hard!
Finally, we should use the heads of those high-ranking officials from the Land of Fire to warn the Daimyo of the Land of Fire—behave yourself and don't cause trouble, then we can still have things to talk about in the future!
Considering the initial investment made by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, which enabled Makoto Uchiha to successfully overcome his most difficult period—the gratitude is still there.

The two also had a very memorable honeymoon period.

The daimyo almost married his daughter to Uchiha Makoto.

The Uzumaki clan was simply one step ahead.

Therefore, Uchiha Makoto doesn't mind giving the Fire Country Daimyo a dignified outcome, allowing him to live out his days as a wealthy man in the Fire Country!
If the Daimyo of the Land of Fire continues to be so ungrateful, then Uchiha Makoto will have no choice but to send him to meet the Sage of Six Paths!

But the person who needs to solve this problem now is Tobirama Senju.

Tobirama Senju could also swear to the lamplight before him that he truly had no intention of rebelling against the daimyo, and genuinely wanted to be a loyal minister and general of the Land of Fire, protecting the daimyo's rule. At most, he would become a minor official, enjoying the four privileges—sword and shoes in the palace, no need to bow in court, no need to mention one's name when being praised, and the right to establish one's own government!
But people's hearts are unfathomable. How could one possibly trust someone's reputation?

But Tobirama Senju is indeed a loyal retainer at present!

Therefore, in accordance with the long-standing tradition of the ninja world and the agreement made when Konoha was established as a ninja village.

The village of ninjas is the village of ninjas, and the nation is the nation.

The two do not interfere with each other's internal affairs; the state provides funding to the ninja village, and the ninja village is responsible for protecting the state.

This matter involves the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire, and ninja villages are strictly prohibited from interfering in the internal affairs of the Land of Fire.

The correct way for Konoha to handle this is to report it to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, let the Daimyo handle it, investigate the ins and outs of the matter, and ultimately give Konoha justice.

Even if the ninjas of Konoha were involved, they could only act under the command of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

Can.
Can this matter really be resolved so easily?

Back then, because of Uchiha Makoto's reckless actions, he massacred the noble family of the Seika clan, causing a great disaster in the Land of Fire.

This act of crossing the line greatly angered the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

then
Konoha received an obedience test from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire—to see if Konoha was loyal enough to teach Uchiha Makoto a lesson and prove their loyalty to the Land of Fire.

Tobirama Senju never forgot the fact that the daimyo of the Land of Fire had sent more than a dozen golden edicts in a single day.

Ultimately, Makoto Uchiha persuaded Tobirama Senju to stand on Makoto Uchiha's side, almost as if by magic.

Konoha failed the obedience test.

Tobirama Senju had not forgotten the matter of the dozen or so golden tokens, nor had the daimyo of the Land of Fire.

This is a counterattack from the Land of Fire.

Konoha will definitely be able to find out something if they want to investigate.

But we can't check everything.

What if something is actually found out?
It's one thing if it's just some high-ranking officials from the Land of Fire deliberately targeting Konoha, but what if the real mastermind is the Daimyo?

This is what Tobirama Senju feared most—heaven and earth bear witness, he was a loyal subject of the Land of Fire!

Tobirama Senju really didn't want to do something that crossed the line and involved killing.

Uchiha Makoto is just waiting for Konoha to join him in his corrupt practices.

Once Uchiha Makoto's wishes are fulfilled, it will be difficult for Konoha to extricate itself from the situation.

"Tobirama, if you're not good at these things, I can help you."

“I’m very skilled at handling these things.”

Seeing Tobirama Senju's hesitant expression, Makoto Uchiha quickly guessed what Tobirama was thinking—it was nothing more than the conflict between the country and the ninja village.

The stronger the ninja village becomes.

The higher-ups in the Land of Fire became even more wary!
As the ninja villages continue to develop, the conflicts between them will only become more and more acute until they become irreconcilable. How can a group of ordinary people suppress powerful ninjas forever?

It's just that the current ninjas haven't been able to break through the mental shackles they've been placed on.

That's why the higher-ups in the Land of Fire resort to any means necessary to sow discord between ninja villages, even if those methods are crude.

But the more extreme and attention-grabbing the approach, the easier it is to achieve results. And given the opportunity...
Uchiha Makoto wouldn't mind giving Konoha a push in this matter.

Some things, if you do them often, you'll get used to them and then you'll be fine with them.

"no need."

"If you get involved, you'll only make things worse, and might even cause the situation to spiral out of control. Besides, the reason Konoha is being targeted by the Land of Fire's higher-ups is because of that inherently evil Uchiha brat, Makoto Uchiha. How could I have been so foolish as to help you back then?"

"You and your Akatsuki were clearly the ones who ended up last, yet you're making Konoha take the blame. Logically, Konoha should be the one being praised!"

Tobirama Senju glared fiercely at Makoto Uchiha and began to complain incessantly.

He could easily see through Uchiha Sei's ulterior motives.

If Makoto Uchiha were to handle this matter, he would inevitably drag Konoha into a bloodbath in the Land of Fire, and ultimately all these messes would fall on Konoha's shoulders.

The already difficult relationship between the Land of Fire and Konoha will only become more difficult to repair in the future!

Makoto Uchiha was planning to use this opportunity to drag Konoha down with him!
Moreover, the root of this matter is Uchiha Makoto. If this guy hadn't acted recklessly, how could Konoha have incurred the hatred of the Land of Fire's higher-ups? If you're going to smear Konoha, you should smear Akatsuki too, why deliberately drag Konoha down!
That's not fair at all!

"Hmph, Tobirama, haven't you heard the saying?"

"Only good people get the Kunai!"

"The reason the Land of Fire doesn't dare to attack Akatsuki is because I really do kill people. Do you dare?"

Uchiha Makoto couldn't help but sneer repeatedly.

He showed absolutely no mercy to those insects.

Makoto Uchiha has always used the salami slicing tactic.

As long as you leave some room for maneuver each time.

Those insects will still harbor illusions, thinking that there will always be someone unwilling to completely turn against him.

But by the time they cut the last piece, the insects had no chance left.

However, the current Konoha is still not keeping up with him.
Tobirama Senju was not the true Hokage.

This matter also involves the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire, and even the daimyo of the Land of Fire.

Such a sensitive matter could lead Senju Tobirama to make a decision privately and directly target the higher-ups of the Land of Fire.

Once the truth comes out, the Land of Fire will find evidence.
That would be quite a challenge. The opposition within Konoha alone could give Tobirama Senju a run for his money! (Uchiha Clan: It is I!)
It would be best to get the consent of his older brother, Hashirama Senju.

If Hashirama Senju were to take charge, Tobirama Senju could be a little more flexible with his bottom line and offer some warmth from Konoha to some of the high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire—he couldn't kill those high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire, but he could let them experience a brush with death.

As long as the dimensions are right, this problem can still be solved.

But Hashirama Senju's temper
It's another classic double-sided blockade.

"Konoha is loyal to the Land of Fire, and would never do something as rebellious as you!"

"Tch~ Do as you please. Anyway, it's not my Akatsuki village that's being slandered. When the Konoha ninjas can't stand it and come to my Akatsuki village, don't come yelling at me. I've already thought it through. For these kinds of ninjas, I'll issue them Akatsuki village visas, and after living there for five years, they can get Akatsuki green cards!"

What are visas and green cards?

"Hmph, to put it simply, it's about giving rogue ninjas a legal status to move into Akatsuki Village and recruiting talented individuals from the ninja world!"

Tobirama Senju's face darkened instantly.

He knew that this situation was very likely to happen in the future, but Tobirama Senju also knew that it would be difficult for him to stop it from happening, and a sense of powerlessness suddenly rose in his heart.

Looking at Uchiha Makoto, whose expression was extremely arrogant.

Senju Tobirama was very unhappy, so he silently reached for his ninja tool pouch.

"Don't do it!"

"We are all ninjas. Although Akatsuki Village is the beneficiary of this, we must unite at this time!"

"If you need Akatsuki's help, I don't mind lending you a hand, but only in the form of physical assistance."

"No need. You're not allowed to get involved in this. I'll handle it myself!"

"Don't let me find out you did it behind my back."

Tobirama Senju took out a kunai and brandished it a few times in front of Makoto Uchiha, warning him not to get involved in this matter.

"Ok."

Uchiha Makoto shrugged.

He's been working non-stop in Akatsuki Village lately, and his energy is precious. Since Tobirama Senju's attitude is so firm, he doesn't care whether he gets involved or not.

In any case, even if Akatsuki Village just watched the whole thing, they would still benefit from it.

soon.

The meeting between the two ended.

Before leaving.

Tobirama Senju gave Makoto Uchiha the middle finger as a farewell.

Uchiha Makoto responded by raising two middle fingers.

Back to Akatsuki Village.

Makoto Uchiha received a secret letter from the First Tsuchikage.

Having just finished his battle with Tobirama Senju, Iwagakure has come knocking again. They really don't want him to have a moment's peace.

However, the letter from Iwagakure is a good thing.

This at least demonstrates Akatsuki's status in the ninja world—Iwagakure and Kirigakure must take Akatsuki's attitude into account if they want to resolve this dispute perfectly. Whoever Akatsuki sides with will gain the upper hand in this dispute!
This has nothing to do with fairness!

After all.

The ninja world isn't a place that values ​​fairness and justice; it's a place where might makes right!
Makoto Uchiha will only prioritize the interests of Akatsuki!
He opened the letter sent by the First Tsuchikage.

Makoto Uchiha quickly scanned the contents of the document—it was like a pillow appearing just when he was about to fall asleep!
According to his and Tobirama Senju's plan, they intended to continue to amplify public opinion, waiting for the incident to escalate to the point where war was imminent. Then, Konoha and Akatsuki would unite under the guise of peace in the ninja world and forcibly intervene, using force to uphold justice (and seize benefits).

However, the First Tsuchikage has now taken the initiative to invite Makoto Uchiha as a third-party force, hoping that Akatsuki Village will uphold justice in the dispute between Iwagakure and Kirigakure.

In short, Uchiha Makoto wants to be a judge for once.

The two villages, Iwagakure and Kirigakure, will hold a debate in court to resolve the matter peacefully and ultimately punish the culprit.

“Interesting~”

The First Tsuchikage was quite an interesting fellow.

Uchiha Makoto sighed.

(End of this chapter)