Fugaku has gone mad; he's going to create a new Uchiha clan in Kirigakure.

Konoha, Medical Department.

The daimyo lay in the innermost VIP ward, on a soft silk mattress. Outside the window, Konoha enjoyed a peaceful afternoon, with sunlight filtering through the blinds and casting neat patches of light on the floor.

His eyes were closed, but his eyeballs under his eyelids were trembling slightly.

The fear and anxiety I felt on the road these past few days finally receded like a tide the moment I stepped into the Leaf Village's barrier.

However, every time he thought about the worm that had been "raised" little by little inside his body and then taken out, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, his stomach cramped, and his throat tighten.

That's terrifying, that's disgusting.

Especially the treatment process.

Because he lacked chakra and the eggs were too small, conventional methods were insufficient to locate and remove them.

The medical ninjas of Konoha devised a method where ninjas would slowly and precisely infuse chakra into his body, enticing it to absorb and grow until it was visible to the naked eye and could be safely removed by surgical instruments.

He didn't break down on the spot, thanks to the composure he had cultivated over decades at the pinnacle of power. Even so, he was left with extremely deep psychological trauma.

"Knock knock knock".

The daimyo suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils contracting slightly, but then forced himself to relax. This was Konoha; he was safe.

"Enter."

The door was pushed open, and Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura walked in.

"Your Excellency, how are you feeling?"

"Thank goodness, thank goodness, thanks to the medical ninjas of Konoha."

Daimyo tried to sit up, and Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly stepped forward to support him and adjust his headrest.

"We're sorry to have startled you; it was our negligence."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

"Konoha's defenses have been inadequate, allowing such scoundrels to run rampant in the capital, disturbing you and the lords."

"No, no, Hiruzen, this isn't your fault! Who could have imagined that those...those 'Xuanyuan Clan' would be so audacious as to dare to fight someone right near the Daming Prefecture? They're utterly lawless! From now on, you must thoroughly clean up the Fire Capital! Especially those Xuanyuan Clan members!"

"Why..."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

"What, is there not enough money? I can allocate more funds!"

The daimyo brandished his fist. Clearly, this experience had taught him one thing: Konoha, the Land of Fire, and the daimyo's household were all in the same boat. Without Konoha's military might to deter them, these nobles would be nothing more than fat sheep to be slaughtered in the eyes of those lawless ninjas.

"Your Excellency, what you're saying is ridiculous. When Konoha was in trouble before, you generously donated more than 8 billion yen, which was already a timely help and gave us tremendous assistance. How could we possibly ask for your money again? It's just that Konoha is currently in an awkward situation of transition."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"Konoha has a large number of ninjas, and their legionary combat capabilities are strong. However, to deal with a ninja organization like the Xuanyuan Clan, which hides in the city and excels in assassination, poison, and controlling strange creatures, simply having a large number of people and strong frontal combat power is not enough. It requires elite, equally matched Jonin squads, and even experts proficient in specific types of ninjutsu. Most importantly, it is necessary to ensure a fatal blow. If we fail to wipe them out in one fell swoop, they will hold a grudge against us. They are skilled in poison and biological attacks..."

"Oh, this..."

Da Ming turned pale upon hearing this, his anger, which had just risen, was extinguished by a bucket of cold water.

Just then, a respectful voice came from outside the ward door.

"The Third and Fifth Hokage are looking for you. There is a young girl among the Daimyo's relatives. In order to safely 'raise' the worm eggs in her body, they need someone with extremely strong chakra control to assist in guiding them. Currently, in the academy, you are probably the one with the highest ninjutsu skills and chakra control."

"Okay, I understand."

Hiruzen Sarutobi responded and then looked at the daimyo.

"Your Excellency, please rest assured and recuperate. Konoha will do everything in its power to ensure your safety."

"I'm fine here, thank you for your help, Hiruzen."

The daimyo waved his hand, and only then did Hiruzen Sarutobi turn around and leave the ward, gently closing the door behind him.

Only Shimura Danzo and the daimyo remained in the room.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

The daimyo looked at Shimura Danzo, who was standing by the window, seemingly gazing at the scenery outside, without saying a word, and felt a sudden pang of fear for no reason. He knew this man; the Dark One of Konoha, the leader of Root, a ruthless and merciless figure who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, a character that many Konoha ninja feared.

The silence lasted for more than ten seconds.

Finally, Danzo Shimura slowly spoke.

"I know someone who can solve the problem for the Xuanyuan Clan."

---Divider line

Outside the operating room, on a bench in the corridor.

Tsunade sat on the chair without any regard for her image, one foot on the chair, her fingers nimbly rubbing her toes. She was completely unlike the Fifth Hokage. Through the transparent observation glass, one could see the busy figure under the operating lights inside.

The one in charge of the surgery was Shizune, who was focused and moved steadily. The one assisting her was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Grandma Tsunade."

A crisp sound rang out from the side.

"Why were three generations of grandfathers allowed in?"

Naruto Uzumaki approached without anyone noticing, tilting his head and looking at him with curiosity in his bright blue eyes.

"You brat!"

Tsunade suddenly turned her head and, with the hand that had just been picking at her toes, unceremoniously pinched Naruto's soft cheek and rubbed it hard.

"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts..."

Tsunade released her grip and snorted irritably.

"The old man's nickname is 'Professor of Ninjutsu,' do you think it's just for show? In terms of chakra transformation, nature transformation, and especially fine control, he is still the strongest living person in Konoha. His overall strength has declined due to physical aging, a decrease in total chakra and bodily functions. If he could return to his youthful physical condition..."

Tsunade paused, her tone carrying a complex mix of emotions.

"In the entire Hidden Leaf Village, apart from the First and Second Hokage, no one is his match."

"Then why don't you go in? Isn't your medical ninjutsu the strongest?"

"This is a minor surgery; I don't need to do it."

Tsunade waved her hand, wanting to continue her unfinished "business" of picking her toes. However, as soon as she raised her hand, it was grasped by a warm little hand. Naruto took the opportunity to put his arm around Tsunade's arm, leaned closer to her, and sat down close to her, rubbing his little head against her shoulder.

"you..."

Tsunade looked at Naruto, who was standing close to her. His clear blue eyes seemed to see through her feigned composure.

She took a deep breath.

Did the child notice something?

Noticing the slight trembling in her fingertips, he deliberately moved closer to comfort her in this way.

She didn't say anything, but her arms tightened involuntarily, pulling Naruto's small arms into her embrace.

Because she was genuinely scared.

The air was thick with the smell of blood, and just smelling it made her so agitated that she could barely control herself.

"Grandma Tsunade, why did you send Sasuke and me here? We're not really of any help."

Not far away, Uchiha Sasuke stood quietly against the wall, his arms crossed, his black eyes calmly watching the scene in the operating room. His handsome face was expressionless, like an exquisite statue.

"You should learn from Sasuke. Why doesn't he have so many 'whys'?"

"He wouldn't dare! I'm the legitimate son of the Fourth Hokage. His father just extorted 8 billion yen from Konoha—no, 8.5 billion! He has to keep a low profile now, how could he dare to cause any trouble... Ouch!"

Before he could finish speaking, Tsunade flicked his forehead lightly.

"Don't bully Sasuke. His family just went through a terrible ordeal; they're very pitiful."

"I'm pitiful too!"

"That's why you two need to help each other, isn't it?"

"I see..."

Naruto Uzumaki blinked.

"Sasuke! Let me tell you a joke!"

Upon hearing this, Sasuke sighed helplessly and finally looked away from the operating room to look at Naruto. The Naruto of the past was not like this. Overnight, he seemed like a completely different person. But it was understandable. People always change when they experience great events. Wasn't he the same?

"What joke?"

"The ninja academy held a parent-teacher conference. Guess whose father didn't come?"

"Whose?"

No sooner had she finished speaking than a cracking sound of knuckles came from the side. Tsunade looked at Naruto with an unfriendly expression and said...

"Ahem, so many people, those were warriors who burned their lives for Konoha, their fathers will never be here."

Naruto raised his head slightly, his eyes seemingly shining.

"You little rascal, you're quick-witted, but didn't you say it was a joke? What's so funny about it? If you can't tell me, I'll spank you."

Tsunade clenched her fists and said with a ferocious smile.

"But you smiled."

"You're telling Sasuke a joke!"

"Okay, okay, I'll try again."

Naruto raised his hands.

"The ninja academy held a parent-teacher conference. Guess whose father didn't come?"

"who!"

"Naruto Uzumaki! His father is hanging on the Hokage Rock!"

"...Pfft, cough cough..."

Sasuke turned his head, biting his lip...

...

The operating room door opened, and Hiruzen Sarutobi walked out, looking at Tsunade.

"Successfully, the eggs have been safely removed."

Then, his gaze fell on Naruto, who was being held by Tsunade. His expression became somewhat complicated. He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but he didn't know where to begin.

Naruto, however, raised his head and gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a bright smile and waved.

"Thank you for your hard work, Grandpa! Let's go visit your graves together sometime!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned.

Immediately, the wrinkles on his face smoothed out, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud. The laughter was filled with relief, but also with a hint of indescribable bitterness.

He nodded, his voice gentle.

"Okay, let's go together sometime."

Having said that, he didn't linger. He turned and slowly walked away down the corridor, his back slightly hunched in the sunlight, yet seemingly much more relaxed...

...

"So, the purpose of you sending us here is to tell us that this girl will be our teammate in the future?"

After the bloodstains and odors were cleaned up in the operating room, Tsunade led the two of them in. On the hospital bed, a girl who looked about eight or nine years old, with a pale face but steady breathing, was sleeping. Her long black hair was spread out on the pillow, and she had delicate features.

"That's ridiculous, Granny Tsunade. She's just an ordinary person, isn't she? Look at those skinny arms and legs, she doesn't look like she's ever received any ninja training."

"She'll be a support ninja, the kind who doesn't go to the front lines."

"What's the use of that?"

"Hmph, you just don't understand."

Tsunade straightened up and put her hands on her hips.

"She has an extremely powerful bloodline limit."

"What bloodline limit?"

Naruto and Sasuke, who was standing next to him, both showed curious expressions.

"rich."

---Divider line

Daimyo Ward.

"My lord, I am so sorry that I am only now coming to see you."

Tsunade walked to the bedside.

"I have just finished dealing with all your relatives who were implanted with parasite eggs and confirmed that everyone is out of danger. Only then can I finally relax and dare to come and report to you."

"Hime Tsunade, you flatter us. We were able to escape danger this time thanks to Konoha."

"This is what we should do."

Tsunade smiled and changed the subject.

"However, during the treatment, I discovered that your niece, Ms. Naho, seems to be quite talented."

"Oh?"

Da Ming became interested.

"She is well-suited to develop into a medical ninja or support ninja. Coincidentally, I recently took on two students and plan to form a new team. If Miss Naho is interested, I can include her in the team and provide her with systematic training."

As she spoke, she turned to the side and gestured to the two children behind her.

"It's them: Naruto Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Sasuke Uchiha, the last Uchiha of Konoha, a genius who awakened the Sharingan on his own at the age of seven."

"Greetings, Grandpa Daimyo! I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Nice to meet you!"

"Uchiha Sasuke, greetings, Your Excellency."

Although the Daimyo wasn't particularly knowledgeable about the ninja world, he did know about the Uchiha clan and Jinchuriki, especially Uchiha Fugaku, who had recently caused him to lose eight billion yen! Without a doubt, these two kids were the future top fighters of Konoha, the village's treasures and future.

If his niece could form a team with them and build a deep bond, the benefits to the Daimyo's mansion in the Land of Fire and to him personally would be undeniable. This is not just about having another ninja; it is about planting a bond belonging to the Daimyo in the future power core of Konoha!

In particular, Naho's parents died early, and she has been raised by him. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she is his daughter. She will not pose any threat to his position. On the contrary, she will be his most reliable extension.

"Can Naho keep up?"

"Don't worry, she is being trained as a logistics and medical ninja and will not be assigned to frontline combat positions."

"That's good, that's good!"

Daming was completely relieved and his mood improved significantly.

the reason is simple.

There has always been a delicate balance between the daimyo of various countries and the ninja villages.

The ninja village needs the daimyo's financial and nominal support, while the daimyo needs the ninja village's military protection.

At the same time, ninjas are very sensitive to the fact that the daimyo has power. If you are a nobleman, rich and powerful, and you also have powerful ninjutsu, what do you want to do?

But who wouldn't want to have an extra card in their hand?

Now, the Fifth Hokage has proactively handed over this card. Even if he is just a medical ninja, the Fifth Hokage is still a medical ninja. He understands that this is a follow-up appeasement for the 8 billion ryo "donation" and also a deeper level of interest binding.

He was easily swayed by this, and the resentment he felt from being forced to hand over more than 8 billion yuan vanished instantly.

After a moment of contemplation, recalling Shimura Danzo's words about "the darkness of Konoha," and looking at Tsunade's demeanor, he knew perfectly well what she was up to. Konoha wanted to recall Orochimaru, but due to the previous wanted order, he was being asked to stand up for Konoha and bear the villagers' resentment.

However, he didn't care. During his years as daimyo, countless people had died on his orders; who were these people to him...?

A moment later, he looked up at Tsunade.

"Tsunade, I understand that Konoha has suffered three wars and many other changes, leaving it depleted of talent and in a difficult situation. But ninjas like the Xuanyuan Clan who use poisonous insects are truly terrifying and impossible to guard against. I cannot sleep or eat in peace until this threat is eliminated!"

"I remember, Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, wasn't he the most skilled in biological research? Dealing with this kind of insect-manipulating stuff should be his specialty, right?"

"Orochimaru is indeed a genius in this field, but, Lord Daimyo, he is a rogue ninja of Konoha. He conducted forbidden human experiments in the village, kidnapped and harmed many villagers, and even the families of ninja clans. His crimes are numerous. Even if we don't know whether he is willing to cooperate with him, the villagers and the families of the victims will probably face great criticism and backlash. This will shake the foundation of the village and the hearts of the people."

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are needed. Both Konoha and the Land of Fire are currently facing crises. For the sake of the greater good, some old grudges can be temporarily set aside."

"I will allocate a special fund in the name of the Daimyo's Mansion of the Land of Fire to compensate the families of those victims from back then. At the same time, I will issue a special pardon in the name of the Daimyo to temporarily pardon Orochimaru for some of his past crimes and allow him to cooperate with Konoha to a limited extent as a 'special technical advisor'."

"Of course, for the safety of Konoha and the absolute safety of the Land of Fire's capital, his activities must be strictly restricted!"

"Well... okay."

Tsunade nodded.

Tsunade obeys.

...

Footsteps echoed on the polished floor in the corridor.

After walking a distance, Naruto suddenly tugged at Tsunade's sleeve, looked up, and whispered.

"Alright, I take back what I said before, Granny Tsunade, you're still pretty shameless."

Tsunade paused, then raised her chin high and snorted through her nose.

"It was at the very end that he got a little anxious, offering and declining three times. But Daimyo knew what you were thinking and was just playing along..."

"You brat..."

...

"What's shameless?"

Sasuke Uchiha stood to the side, looking completely bewildered.

"Children shouldn't ask so many questions."

Naruto pulled a piece of candy out of his pocket.

"Suck, suck, suck~ have a piece of candy."

"Nisuchi!!"