I, Uchiha: Split Konoha

Chapter 174 If her heart is weary, take her on a carousel.

Outside the hotel at night, dazzling colored lights swirled, accompanied by childlike, cheerful, and innocent singing, and the air was filled with the joyful laughter of children.

From the initial frustration to the final, endless spinning of the carousel, there was nothing one could do but watch as Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru) was negotiating a deal with someone in the distance.

Amidst the envious gazes of countless children, they saw a young woman riding the carousel without getting off—she must be rich!

As time passed, amidst the dazzling lights and familiar nursery rhymes, Tsunade's eyes gradually became hazy. At this moment, she seemed to have returned to the happiest time of her childhood.

Without so many worries, she only needed to think about what to do after training each day. The casino even had the carousel she used to ride as a child.

She vaguely remembers that when she was a child, as the princess of her family, she would excitedly sit on the carousel and play there all night long, surrounded by envious glances from her peers.

But as she grew up, the carousel, which she had once thought was childish and boring, unexpectedly allowed her to experience that feeling of freedom again.

As Sesshomaru (Uchiha Yoru) watched from afar as Tsunade, the girl on the carousel, gradually became dazed, a slow smile crept onto his lips.

Indeed, what our ancestors said was right.

If her heart is weary, take her on a carousel.

Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, is a fully mature ninja. What hasn't she seen and experienced? Moreover, she is a princess of the Senju clan, not an unripe apple like Uzuki Yugao.

Uzuki Yugao comes from a commoner background. For her, a few B-rank ninjutsu and some valuable items are enough to shock people's hearts and move them.

Tsunade is different. Let alone A-rank ninjutsu, she doesn't even care about S-rank ninjutsu. With a grandfather like the Second Hokage, why would she worry about not having S-rank ninjutsu? She probably has all of Konoha's forbidden techniques.

Moreover, what valuable items haven't she seen? Even if you put a mountain of gold in front of her, Tsunade would probably only be shocked for a moment before wanting to gamble with it.

The princess's long-dormant heart is different from that of a commoner girl just beginning to experience love.

For Tsunade, one of the three legendary ninjas who has long seen the world's splendor, to make a move, one must take an unconventional approach and touch her with the purest of things in order to possibly open her long-sealed heart.

Thinking of this, he secretly pondered that since he had made such a great sacrifice this time, he should ask the elder for more reimbursement. After all, the value of Princess Tsunade of the Sannin was priceless, and the clan would probably be willing to bleed money and even smile if necessary.

As time passed, the night deepened before we knew it, and the once bustling streets began to empty.

Sitting on the brightly lit rocking horse, as the joyful, childlike laughter around her gradually faded and finally disappeared, Tsunade suddenly woke up with a start.

Her brown eyes gleamed, and when Tsunade regained consciousness, she realized that the once crowded carousel was now empty except for her.

The moment she turned around, Sesshomaru's figure was still calmly sitting at the table, drinking tea, seemingly enjoying its aroma. The person who was with him had long since vanished without a trace.

At that moment, Tsunade was startled. She had been so careless. Although she had deliberately pretended to be careless, she couldn't help but gradually become engrossed in the innocent and cheerful laughter.

"Miss, here's your change from what that gentleman paid."

Although it was late at night and delayed the shop owner from packing up, the shop owner clearly had a joyful smile on his face. It's not easy to meet a big customer. He was about to call the little girl to pack up when the owner of the tea shop across the street came over and put a large denomination banknote in his hand.

He said he would rent the entire carousel until the girl got off. Although he would need to give change, the owner was still all smiles. After all, who would complain about making money?

"Sir~Sir."

The girl Tsunade, who had just regained consciousness, rushed over in a panic. Seeing Sesshomaru, whose demeanor exuded aristocratic air, still sipping tea, she couldn't help but feign a flustered expression.

Faced with Tsunade's role-playing, Sesshomaru didn't raise his head, but simply took the last sip of tea, took out a banknote, placed it on the table, and then got up and left.

"Take care, sir."

The tea shop owner greeted the departing guest with a smile and polite gestures, while Sesshomaru gave a barely perceptible nod. His arrogance represented his status, but this slight nod also represented the etiquette of a nobleman.

Tsunade inadvertently discovered that they were the last customers left in the tea shop, and there were three teapots left, which were obviously drunk by the other party.

At that moment, Tsunade's lips curled up slowly. She pretended to be flustered like a young girl and secretly sized up the other person, while inwardly praising the brat.

He's a decent person, cold on the outside but warm on the inside. It's a pity you're from the Uchiha clan. For tonight's sake, I won't make things too difficult for you later.

……

For several days, the Land of Whirlpools seemed peaceful, and even the fighting between Konoha and Kirigakure had decreased significantly. Sesshomaru, disguised as a human, began to gain fame in the town for his excellent medical ninjutsu.

He used medical ninjutsu to befriend various powerful rogue ninjas and traitors, while also raising funds. He even openly revealed his interest in the First Hokage's weapon without any attempt to conceal it.

Collecting famous swords and forging alliances with outsiders are done without any concealment, all for the purpose of revitalizing the family.

In this chaotic zone, it is hell for the weak and ordinary people, but heaven for the powerful.

Therefore, the members of the clan were not too surprised that Sesshomaru planned to rebuild his clan here, since this no-man's-land was the best place for them to protect themselves.

The difference is that Sesshomaru has an extra tail behind him. Tsunade felt a bit stifled by his many days of pretending to be young, but she chose to give in because she could stay in the most luxurious hotel and eat the best food.

After all, there was still no news about her great-grandfather's weapon, and her other self had recently run out of gambling funds. Moreover, she also suspected that perhaps the news of her appearance had caused the person in the shadows to temporarily cease their activities, and now she was hiding in the shadows, waiting for the person in the shadows to appear.

……

Leaf.

Inside the Uchiha clan compound, Elder Setsuna and Uchiha clan head Fugaku sat facing each other.

"Fugaku, Yoru needs some resources for his classified mission at the front. He needs two precious swords that no one else knows about. I happen to have quite a few good swords in my collection, so I'll select two and send them over."

"This time, the Sarutobi clan's behavior was rather unseemly. They actually used such underhanded methods to seize power. Hmph, such laughable underhanded tactics. They dare to covet the Hokage position without any real strength. How ridiculous."

Elder Sha Na couldn't help but sneer, a mocking smile spreading across his face. If the village's higher-ups really wanted to promote this person, it would become a joke.

Konoha, the strongest of the Five Great Nations, has its Kage as the weakest?

Thinking of this, Uchiha Setsuna couldn't help but chuckle self-deprecatingly, while Fugaku opposite him shook his head and said in a deep voice, "Uchiha Yoru sent a letter saying that he needs a lot of funds to investigate the First Hokage's weapon, and also said that he is preparing to find a target and then carry out the clan's mission."

Upon hearing only half a sentence, Elder Sha's expression immediately turned serious, and a hint of surprise appeared in his cloudy eyes. Could this brat really bring him unexpected joy?

If the Senju family's little girl could really succeed, it would be the most exciting news for the older generation.

The Senju and Uchiha clans have a very deep-rooted feud.

"I'm getting old, and I can't take anything with me when I die, so leave this matter to me."

Elder Setsuna's words immediately caused Clan Chief Fugaku to frown and show a serious expression. "Elder, isn't it a bit too early?"

Seeing Fugaku's petty appearance, Elder Setsuna shook his head and smiled self-deprecatingly, "You can't underestimate this brat. He's Orochimaru's disciple, one of the Three Legendary Sannin. You've seen his achievements on the front lines. At only seventeen years old, he's already able to defeat the famous Suigetsu Fuguki head-on."

"His strength and background are the best among the younger generation in the family. If I don't start the handover now, am I really going to wait until I die? Don't worry, other young people may be impulsive due to their arrogance, but this kid is indeed worthy of being chosen by Orochimaru. He is a natural-born talent."

He's too old and might pass away any day. The Uchiha clan is in a very awkward situation right now, and he understands that the current problem is due to the turmoil on the village's borders; otherwise, the estrangement from the village would be even greater.

Therefore, he decided to begin transferring power as soon as possible, and Uchiha Yoru was his chosen successor.

Inside the Hokage's office.

Almost everything that happened on the front lines of the Land of Whirlpools was reported in great detail. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, frowned as he looked at the intelligence report in his hand, and couldn't help but nod in approval. Becoming Hokage was inevitable; what he wanted was the result.

"It seems that Uchiha Yoru really has feelings for the village."

As intelligence from various sources came in, Uchiha Yoru's genius gradually made Hiruzen Sarutobi lower his guard, but it was only a relaxation, not a complete lapse in vigilance.

Now, the only one in the village who can be considered capable is his son, but when he sees his son's lack of strength, he can't help but frown and sigh.

"Shin-no-suke, if only you were a little stronger, then this old man wouldn't have to be so exhausted."

After the border unrest gradually subsided and only the Land of Water remained, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, rarely showed a hint of relief.

Under his leadership, Konoha will once again enjoy peace. At this time, he didn't even realize that the busy political affairs of the past few years had turned almost half of his hair white.

After experiencing so many setbacks and hardships, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, officially entered the aging stage. He could even feel his chakra decreasing in a way that he himself couldn't perceive.

Although the Nine-Tails' rampage and the Orochimaru incident were beyond expectations, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled with satisfaction as he looked out the window at the sunlit village.

The village is starting to improve in the direction he hoped for.

root.

In the dimly lit secret room, Shimura Danzo frowned as he looked at the intelligence report in his hand. "Are you sure that the young head of the Uchiha clan, the eight-year-old Uchiha Itachi, is secretly investigating?"

Below was a Root ninja kneeling on one knee. Upon hearing Danzo's question, he lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "According to reports from our spies, the Hokage's men have been frequently contacting Uchiha Itachi."

Upon hearing this, Shimura Danzo sneered. This was indeed Sarutobi's method. He was most adept at using others to deal with targets, especially at inciting the enemy's own people to turn against them.

"Our spies were careful. Itachi Uchiha secretly investigated the situation of the Nine-Tails back then, and even secretly read through the clan's files."

"Itachi Uchiha's teammates were people we secretly trained. He had overheard Itachi mention the Mangekyou Sharingan, but he didn't understand it. However, after he pretended to have overheard it by accident, Itachi showed murderous intent, which is why he took those three words to heart."

Upon hearing the report, Shimura Danzo's face darkened considerably. The Mangekyou Sharingan! This power, so alluring yet terrifying, had unexpectedly awakened in the Uchiha clan. So, who exactly is this Mangekyou Sharingan user?

Information about Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Setsuna, Uchiha Shisui, and Uchiha Yoru, among other skilled members of the Uchiha clan, kept flashing through his mind.

The Sharingan evolves through the loss of love or the suffering of immense pain, undergoing tremendous emotional fluctuations. Those who fit this description can then be eliminated.

First of all, Uchiha Setsuna was already old. The older one gets, the more complex and mature one's mind becomes, and the less likely one is to awaken. What about the younger generation?

Could it be Uchiha Yoru? After all, the Orochimaru incident was quite a shock. No, according to the intelligence, the opponent should have an extraordinary physique, naturally possessing a strong body and a vast amount of chakra.

"Recount every detail of the information you gathered about Itachi Uchiha."

The Kaleidoscope Sharingan was extremely important to Danzo, even the one he feared most. Upon hearing this news, he instantly became solemn, and a murderous intent appeared deep in his eyes.

"Itachi Uchiha's teammate is one of ours. According to the description, Itachi showed killing intent after hearing those three words, but then hid it. At the same time, he used his identity to warn the other party. It was obvious that the other party hesitated, but ultimately chose to back down."

"No! I need to know exactly what Itachi Uchiha was doing on the front lines! And who in the Uchiha clan did he contact? Wasn't Yoru Uchiha his teacher? Did he have any contact with him?"

As Danzo's expression darkened, his subordinates continued to give detailed reports, sometimes repeating certain events several times, but Danzo remained impatient and kept going.

Ultimately, Shimura Danzo came to the conclusion that something as important as the Mangekyou Sharingan would not be something that Uchiha Yoru, who was clearly not very close to his student, would reveal to him.

Uchiha Shisui hasn't had much emotional fluctuation lately. Considering his age and other factors, it's impossible for him to reveal this information casually, after all, it's the Kaleidoscope.

Even ordinary Uchiha people don't know about the Mangekyou Sharingan, so it's not surprising that Itachi, as the young clan leader, knew about it. What's surprising is how old Itachi was.

Even if an eight-year-old child is a genius, according to the information, he has only evolved to the double tomoe stage. So how could he know about the existence of the Mangekyou Sharingan?

There is only one conclusion! That is, the person who awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan was a close friend of Itachi Uchiha.

Itachi Uchiha's closest people were his parents!

Uchiha Fugaku!

Upon reaching this conclusion, Shimura Danzo gasped in shock, exclaiming, "Well done! Well done, Uchiha clan leader! I underestimated you."

Although this was merely his speculation, once he had this suspicion, he needed to devise a strategy to deal with it.

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(End of this chapter)