I, Uchiha: Split Konoha

Chapter 261 The Adjustment Period Between Konoha and Kirigakure

Leaf.

Two banners, one red and one blue, were hung on the left and right sides of the Hokage's office building, respectively symbolizing the Land of Water and the Land of Fire.

"The ninjas of Kirigakure and Konoha are integrated, and so are the various departments. Even if there are many frictions in the early stages, we must continue."

"I'm not even ruling out the possibility of appointing Kisame Hoshigaki and Itachi Uchiha as the new heads of the Anbu."

"Kakashi Hatake and Shisui Uchiha are the captain and vice-captain of the Konoha Jonin team."

Inside the office, Uchiha Yoru exuded confidence and composure. Facing the merger of the two ninja villages, he showed no sign of trouble, but instead wore a confident smile.

As if they had planned it all along, a series of policies were issued, which surprised everyone. It seemed that the headache-inducing problem was no longer so troublesome at this moment.

"Hehe, I must say, no wonder he's the man Mei Terumi has her eye on."

At this moment, Mei Terumi, who was on the left side of the office, saw that her headache problem had been solved so easily, and a charming smile appeared on her face.

The tea-making was completed in one smooth motion, but Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but twitch his eye as he looked at Terumi Mei serving him. If only there weren't stacks of official documents on either side of him.

Meanwhile, Tsunade casually toyed with playing cards, a smile on her face, and said, "Not bad, as expected of the God of Shinobi. Just look at your efficiency in reviewing government affairs, even the Five Kage combined can't match you."

Seeing the two of them enjoying their leisure time while leaving all the political affairs to him, Uchiha Yoru's smile was somewhat unnatural, but his eyes revealed warmth.

He knew that this was a compromise between the two sides. After all, it was a critical time, and who would handle these important political affairs, the Mizukage or the Hokage?

If nothing happens, it's fine. But if something does happen, what then? You might be taken advantage of by someone with ulterior motives, or even have your own troubles caused.

On the contrary, Uchiha Yoru became a sensation in the ninja world because of his book "My Struggle History," especially the policies contained therein, which made Terumi Mei's Kirigakure army love it.

It can be said that Uchiha Yoru's reputation was also quite high in the eyes of these Kirigakure ninja.

Furthermore, Uchiha Yoru is above the Kage, directly responsible for their existence, so naturally, there wouldn't be any problems with the documents he approves.

Of course, this is currently a period of adjustment for the ninjas from the two villages to integrate with each other, and things will get better once this period is over.

"I must say, your Kirigakure's Blood Mist policy directly accelerated the integration of the ninjas from the two villages."

Faced with this question, Mei Terumi, who was standing to the side, also let out a long sigh. This time, she was no longer alone. The strength that she used to have to maintain no longer needed to be faked.

Mei Terumi was seen rubbing her temples wearily.

"The policies in the Blood Mist have alienated many Mist Ninja, and they even feel oppressed and stifled in their birth villages. This is especially true for Bloodline Ninja, who are ostracized and eventually exterminated."

"This time, almost all the leaders in the Mist Village were bloodline ninjas, especially during the fusion with the Konoha ninjas. These once arrogant bloodline ninjas all showed their goodwill."

Even Mei Terumi couldn't help but sigh at this, realizing that these once high-and-mighty, even bloodthirsty and warlike bloodline families were now all eager to smile at anyone they met.

Everyone knew that this group of Mist Ninja only wanted to merge quickly, but it had a miraculous effect.

Having suddenly moved from the hostile and despised environment of Kirigakure to this place, where there is no hatred or disgust, only unfamiliarity, their most urgent task now is to transform this unfamiliarity into familiarity.

"This is a new rule I've set for the headbands of the two villages, Mist Ninja and Konoha."

Looking at Mei Terumi and Tsunade, Yoru Uchiha said with a smile, "The Mist Village and the Leaf Village represent the customs and cultures of two different countries. Changing the headband to one of them would create the potential for conflict over who is superior. If we were to design a new headband, it might not satisfy the ninjas of both villages."

"After all, it's hard to part with one's hometown, so I'm preparing to issue a new decree that will make headbands for Kirigakure and Konoha represent their hometown. For example, Konoha ninja born in the ruins of the Land of Water or the Land of Whirlpools will wear Kirigakure headbands."

"Similarly, for those below Jonin, all ninjas' choices will be respected, while for those above Jonin, new headbands will be established, and all Jonin from Konoha and Kirigakure will be replaced."

Jonin level is already considered high-end combat power, and Uchiha Yoru also had to keep these people in check. Although the headband was small, it was a subtle psychological change.

"Since you've already proclaimed yourself the God of Ninjas, you've exposed your ambition to the ninjas. Moreover, in the rules you've established, the status of a Jonin can be explained to outsiders as a messenger of God."

"It also declares your ambition. Now it's Kirigakure and Konoha, but in the future, other villages might not be able to compete."

As she spoke about political tactics, Tsunade toyed with the cards in her hand while chuckling meaningfully.

"That's right. This time, you issued a notice to the entire ninja world, recruiting all wandering bloodline ninjas/clans, and even clans using secret techniques. One is to show the ninja world your power, and the other is to alleviate the problem of merging the two major ninja villages of Konoha."

"These wandering ninja clans and ninjas are like the lubricant and buffer zone during the break-in period between Kirigakure and Konoha."

At this point, Mei Terumi couldn't help but show admiration.

"The Kamimizu clan, which was expelled from Iwagakure, is a clan that uses insect-based secret techniques, just like the Aburame clan. In fact, they have fallen from grace, but after so many years, only a few members remain. Now, in order to ensure the survival of their clan, they have chosen to join the clan."

"There are also the Fuuma clan and the Spider clan recommended by Orochimaru, the three legendary Sannin. These so-called secret technique clans actually only have a few people or at most a few dozen ninjas. Ninjas with Jonin strength are extremely rare."

These small clans are pitifully weak, without even a single Jonin. Chunin level is considered top-tier combat power, and their so-called secret techniques are extremely weak. Although there are various reasons why they wander the ninja world, the fact that they haven't been targeted means that their strength is not worth taking action against.

Regarding these wandering ninja clans, Mei Terumi couldn't help but laugh and said, "After these wandering clans passed the inspection and were found to be without problems, they did indeed play a buffering and lubricating role within the village, and their value is greater than ever before."

"I've decided to have Hyuga Hizashi and Biwa Juzo jointly oversee the intelligence department. As for the medical department..."

At this point, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but smile and shrug at Terumi Mei.

"There are indeed no outstanding medical ninjas in Kirigakure right now, so I plan to appoint Yakushi Nonou as the head of the medical department."

Mei Terumi did not object to this resignation. In terms of overall strength, the number of Kirigakure ninja who joined Konoha was no more than three thousand.

Almost every important department has the presence of Kirigakure ninja, though this is all based on strength. While Kirigakure ninja may be weaker overall, their individual ninja skills and combat abilities are in no way inferior to those of Konoha ninja.

Therefore, neither side had much of an opinion about the presence of Mist Ninja in these positions. After all, in addition to whether the ninjas' intellect and personality were suitable, the most important factor for these departments was their strength.

Without real ability, nothing you say matters.

In terms of combat, the Mist Ninja are among the top tier, but in terms of medical ninjas, their situation is truly appalling.

"The ninja world is a little too quiet right now."

After finishing almost all the trivial administrative tasks, Mei Terumi narrowed one of her exposed eyes and spoke with a smile, but there was a clear hint of seriousness in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Tsunade scoffed and said disdainfully, "They're all a bunch of old foxes. When faced with absolute power, naturally no one will be the first to step forward."

"But look, everyone in the ninja world is watching Kirigakure now. After all, Yoru's rise to power was a declaration to the entire ninja world that Kirigakure, the village of the Land of Water, was under his jurisdiction."

"This battle is for the ninja world to observe our strength. Even if our strength is slightly weaker this time, as long as the combined power of Wood Release and Mangekyou Sharingan is 80% of my grandfather's, the entire ninja world will accept it."

After Tsunade directly exposed the ugly face of the ninja world's interests, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement.

"That's right. In the face of absolute power, they will only keep a low profile and even act like cowards until they are fully prepared, provided that their interests are not touched."

"Once the line is crossed, it's like a herd of cattle facing a pack of wolves. You can eat a little bit and it won't hurt, but if they want to take over the whole herd, the seemingly harmless herd will launch a final charge."

Mei Terumi and Tsunade were both Fifth Kage in the original work, so they were not ignorant of politics; on the contrary, they were extremely adept at it and could see things clearly.

"Hey, kid, this time it's for the peace of the ninja world."

Suddenly remembering something, Tsunade's face showed a stubborn look. After all, her status was the most noble, yet she had pulled this stunt.

"I think we should announce this to the ninja world and invite envoys from all the major nations and ninja villages to visit Konoha again."

When she said this, Tsunade's eyes darted away for a moment, but after thinking about her plan, greed still took over.

"A generous gift is required!"

Good heavens, it seems Tsunade is clearly trying to squeeze money out of people through gambling—ugh! Making money, she's so meticulous, trying to squeeze money out of people again?

Upon hearing this, Terumi Mei narrowed her eyes and began to make her own plans.

"Tsunade, I think it's possible. We can even notify the ninja world first. As for the date... after we swallow up the entire Hidden Mist Village of the Land of Water, hehe, I think that's when..."

Mei Terumi and Tsunade exchanged a glance, then simultaneously licked their lips, their eyes gleaming with golden light, unable to conceal their excitement.

It's obvious that given their status, this wedding couldn't be anything less than spectacular, and they even seemed intent on taking advantage of the ninja world.

After annexing the Hidden Mist Village of the Land of Water and suppressing the rebellion, the power they display will be enough to shake the ninja world.

Then, naturally, envoys from all the major ninja villages would come to the wedding.

Don't be fooled by the difference between the two; the gap is huge. If you invite the ninja world now, they will definitely come, but the money they give—no, the gift—is clearly a level below their usual value.

If they defeat the Mist Ninja, the power they reveal will shake the entire ninja world. The congratulatory gifts they send then will obviously be of the highest standard.

"you!"

Seeing the golden light shimmering in the two people's beautiful, large eyes, Uchiha Yoru was somewhat taken aback, but upon reflection, it seemed to make sense.

Maximize profits, why not take advantage of it?

"I think it's good too."

Uchiha Yoru, stroking his chin, also wore a meaningful smile. The three of them looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"For the peace of the ninja world."

The three men burst into laughter and shouts, seemingly celebrating something, before enthusiastically joining in on government affairs.

……

The outer perimeter of Konoha is a remote place surrounded by forests, truly a good place for self-cultivation.

Surrounded by forests, a vast clan territory emerged, and from the architectural perspective, the buildings on the surface were all newly constructed.

Judging from the clan crests of the surrounding buildings, there are families such as Sarutobi, Shimura, Utatane, Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka, with the Sarutobi clan being the largest.

Scattered together, these clan territories could barely form a commercial street, but there was a sense of oppression here that was not found in other parts of Konoha.

One by one, the ninjas fell silent, clearly indicating that something was amiss.

Inside a quaint house.

"Sigh, how similar this situation is to that of the Uchiha clan back then."

In the dimly lit room, Jiraiya wore a complex expression. He had sensed an unusual, oppressive, and unsettling atmosphere as soon as he entered.

After the Nine-Tails' rampage, he returned to attend the Fourth Hokage's funeral and witnessed the Uchiha clan's migration. The atmosphere was the same, only now it was reversed.

Inside the room, Hiruzen Sarutobi had lost his former sharpness. His dejected aura made him look like an old man, and even his eyes were somewhat dull, as if he had dementia.

"Old man, look at Konoha now. It's a force to be reckoned with in the ninja world, and no one dares to challenge it. Although this is only temporary, and I don't know if it's right or wrong, Konoha has truly become powerful."

Jiraiya muttered to himself with a sigh, "The Water Country's Blood Mist policy has left these bloodline ninjas and clans with no desire to join Konoha. Not a single one of them misses the Water Country."

"Now that these bloodline ninjas from the Land of Water have joined Konoha, I can see that they genuinely want to integrate into the village. Moreover, with the powerful Uchiha clan above them, these clans won't cause any trouble."

"With its current Kage-level and Jonin-level combat power, Konoha is already the strongest in the ninja world. At present, relying solely on military strength, Iwagakure and Kumogakure alone cannot compete with it. Only by joining forces can they succeed."

As Jiraiya muttered to himself, he poured himself a full glass of wine and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Back then, when faced with the quagmire of Konoha, we all chose to run away, but we never expected that a young kid would change the landscape of the ninja world. Whether it was right or wrong, perhaps this kid was the child of destiny."

Jiraiya was talking to himself about the changes in Konoha and the situation in the ninja world, while Hiruzen Sarutobi opposite him had a blank look in his eyes and seemed indifferent to everything.

Upon seeing this, Jiraiya gave a self-deprecating, bitter laugh.

The old man, perhaps due to the immense shock he suffered, developed this state of dementia after the Hokage succession ceremony.

Even Tsunade shook her head and sighed. This was a blow to her spirit, perhaps caused by her not wanting to face reality and choosing to escape from it.

"Old man, I'm leaving. This brat has orders this time. I never thought I'd have this day. Haha."

"Tsunade is really something, taking advantage of a young girl like an old cow, haha. I'll come back to see you at Tsunade's wedding. Bye!"

The wind caused the curtains to sway.

In the dimly lit room, there were only empty wine glasses and an old man with a blank stare. But after some time, a glint of light flashed in the old man's eyes.

Yeah, I've edited the cringe-worthy sentences from the beginning. If you want to see them again, you can refresh the page and go back to the previous chapter, haha.

(End of this chapter)