I, Uchiha: Split Konoha

Chapter 99 Hiruzen Sarutobi was careless.

Sarutobi Clan

"The teacher has never held a grudge against you, Master."

Looking at Uchiha Yoru in front of him, Hiruzen Sarutobi, beneath his kind face, secretly cursed the little rascal. Orochimaru hadn't misjudged him this time, actually taking in such an extraordinary disciple who managed his forces so well.

Amidst the swirling smoke, Uchiha Yoru endured the acrid smell, yet maintained a respectful demeanor, revealing no sign of impoliteness.

"This is a gift that Orochimaru-sensei and the clan leader asked me to bring."

He couldn't come to see the Hokage empty-handed, after all, countless eyes were watching him in the shadows, and he needed something from him this time. As the saying goes, "He who takes a man's money is bound to be grateful."

The Sarutobi clan was a wealthy family, and they had seen all sorts of valuable gifts, so it was nothing new to them. A smile appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's old face, and a hint of relief flashed through his heart. As for the Uchiha clan, it didn't matter. After all, Orochimaru was his disciple, so it was naturally gratifying that he could send a gift.

"Hehe, it's good that Orochimaru doesn't blame me. After all, I did all this for Konoha."

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi habitually looked at Yoru Uchiha with that benevolent smile and began to bewitch him, "Yoru, you are still young. The strength of a ninja is not about how powerful the ninjutsu is, but about the heart. When you go back, you should persuade your teacher and tell Orochimaru not to go astray."

Don't be fooled by the Hokage's benevolent smile and think he's easy to talk to. It depends on what you're looking at. In his eyes, his Will of Fire is absolutely unquestionable. You could say he inherited the First Hokage's ideology and is a dictator.

In the eyes of the Third Hokage, Orochimaru would have been much better off being honest and straightforward. If he wanted to inherit the Hokage position, he could have slowly handed over the power without any changes. He could have left his legacy to the successor. Instead, he insisted on starting anew and gathering a group of forces, which was bound to cause turmoil. Furthermore, his political philosophy was so extreme.

"Don't worry, Master, I will definitely give Orochimaru a good talking-to when I get back."

Uchiha Yoru spoke respectfully, while the Third Hokage secretly shook his head in his heart. This kid was truly a good prospect, but it was a pity he was born into the Uchiha clan. With that thick skin, he might actually inherit everything from Orochimaru in the future.

"Did you visit all the major families in the village before you came?"

Even though he had already heard the news from the Anbu, Hiruzen Sarutobi pretended not to know and asked with a puzzled look on his face. Seeing this, Yoru Uchiha finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had finally gotten to the key point. This old fox dared not relax for a moment.

"Yes, I paid visits to the various families on the teacher's orders."

In the eyes of the Third Hokage, Uchiha Yoru nodded obediently and said, while pretending to be excited, "Master Hokage, Orochimaru was ordered to carry out a secret research mission, but the village was in dire need of reconstruction after the war, and funds were in short supply. His research had to be halted, and he had no choice but to borrow from the various clans."

"Among them, the Uchiha and Hyuga clans have selflessly contributed to the development of the village... All of this is for Konoha, but there is still a huge funding gap. Since Orochimaru-sensei cannot step forward himself, I will go on his behalf to visit various clans to raise research funds. After the village is stable in the future, the village will allocate funds to repay these loans to the various clans."

Good heavens! Although the Third Hokage had been in power for many years, this was the first time he had ever seen a fundraising scheme like this. They were using the village's name and claiming that the village was in trouble right now, but once the village recovered, the funds would naturally cover the shortfall and they would be able to pay back the money.

That doesn't seem to be a problem. Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage suddenly realized that this made sense. He pondered to himself that Danzo had gone too far, being so strict with the money. However, given Orochimaru's personality, he probably wouldn't be so shameless as to ask for money.

Thinking of this, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, felt a pang of guilt. After all, Orochimaru was his disciple, and he hadn't chosen his own disciple when he was the Fourth Hokage, and now Orochimaru was the one he had chosen.

"Sigh, how much research funding does Orochimaru still need? My Sarutobi clan still has some resources."

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already realized that Orochimaru was heartbroken and had given up on the position of Hokage. Otherwise, he wouldn't have let his disciple cause such trouble. He considered it a way of making amends.

"Thank you for your kindness, Hokage-sama. Orochimaru-sensei will be very moved when he finds out."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yoru quickly adopted a "take advantage of the situation" approach, excitedly praising the other party and then using their influence to make them feel even more guilty.

"Thank you for your generosity, Hokage-sama. When I get back, I will definitely tell my teacher how much the Third Hokage cared for me. Oh, and my teacher said that we are still short of one billion yen in research funding."

The first half of the sentence had initially made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel somewhat guilty and gratified, but the last sentence made his eyes widen in surprise, and he exclaimed, "How much did you say?"

Seeing the Third Hokage's shocked expression, as if he hadn't heard clearly, Uchiha Yoru scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "Ten billion! Our Uchiha clan has already covered most of the research funding for our teacher, and the Hyuga clan has also selflessly contributed a lot, so the shortfall isn't that big."

Good heavens, at this moment Hiruzen Sarutobi almost flipped the table. His eyes widened. Ten billion? Do you think it's ten thousand taels? Although he was old, he wasn't stupid. Ten billion? What the hell are you researching?

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi eating people, Yoru Uchiha lowered his head and sighed with a look of shame, "Orochimaru-sensei travels between three experimental bases every day. As for what he is researching, he said it is a secret, but it is very expensive."

Three research bases?

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed a look of shock. Then, as if remembering something, a surge of anger rose within him. Damn it! Danzo, how many forbidden techniques did you give Orochimaru to research?

Although he was the Hokage, he was only in charge of the general direction and could not be in charge of everything. He only knew that Danzo had given Orochimaru some information about forbidden techniques for him to study, but he never expected that it would go so far.

"A billion! Even I can't spare that much right now."

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was filled with anger followed by helplessness. One was his good friend Danzo, what could he do? That guy must have abused his power again, allowing Orochimaru's research probably for his own selfish desires. The other was his disciple. There was nothing he could do. Right now, he just wanted to sign a peace treaty with the Land of Lightning as soon as possible, and then settle accounts with Danzo slowly.

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's helpless expression, Yoru Uchiha also sighed helplessly, seemingly worried about his teacher Orochimaru.

"The teacher's research funding gap is too large. Before coming here, he specifically instructed us to raise funds and then prepare to establish a new research base near the Land of Water, so that it will be easier to conduct research."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression changed drastically, revealing a complex look. "Orochimaru, are you also disappointed with the village? Are you going to follow Jiraiya and Tsunade's example and choose to remain outside the village?"

Well, it's all good. Once the village is settled, you will understand my good intentions in the future.

"The Sarutobi clan truly cannot spare ten billion. How about this?" Looking at Uchiha Yoru's youthful face, Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and said, "I will allocate five hundred million to you first and give it to Orochimaru. Consider it as a contribution to the village. I will slowly make up the remaining five hundred million after Orochimaru establishes a base in the Land of Water."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yoru's heart pounded, and he was visibly shocked, exclaiming inwardly, "Holy crap! The Mangekyou Sharingan is in my grasp!"

Five hundred million is almost enough to make the Sarutobi clan suffer, but Hiruzen Sarutobi still felt a little guilty. After all, for doing this, Orochimaru would not only lose his qualification to compete for the Fifth Hokage, but also suffer damage to his reputation. Well, let's just consider it compensation.

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi was careless and focused all his attention on signing a peace treaty with the Land of Lightning. As a result, he was unaware that Danzo had caused him a huge problem this time.

As he stepped out of Sarutobi's residence, Uchiha Yoru's relaxed smile betrayed a hint of weariness. His back was soaked with sweat. The Third Hokage's chakra at this time was terrifyingly oppressive; even Orochimaru before his peak couldn't match it.

However, looking down at the ninjutsu scroll in his palm, Uchiha Yoru immediately revealed a relaxed smile, "The Third Hokage's Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique, this time it's a win."

Today, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a bit guilty, so he didn't scheme too much, otherwise it wouldn't have been so easy. Before leaving, he even gave him a ninjutsu scroll, which was also a ninjutsu created by the Third Hokage.

The Shadow Clone Technique is an A-rank ninjutsu. It was used by the Third Hokage during the Chunin Exams when he fought against the First and Second Hokage. It is extremely powerful and contains all of the Third Hokage's experience, making it the most valuable technique.

"Is this supposed to shut up Youyou's mouth?" With a self-deprecating laugh, Uchiha Yoru held the ninjutsu scroll in his palm. After walking for a while, a slight smile slowly appeared on his lips before he put the scroll away.

By now, the spies in the shadows should have already seen this ninjutsu scroll, hehe.

Is this a signal from the Third Hokage? Is he preparing to ease tensions with the Uchiha clan? Or is he doing this out of respect for his student Orochimaru?

Tonight, countless people will probably start to have doubts. After all, only a few high-ranking officials and the heads of the Ino-Shika-Cho clans know about the Third Hokage's decision. Everyone else is still watching and observing. At this point, Orochimaru's chances of winning are still considered high.

As the sun set, Uchiha Yoru's figure disappeared into the Sarutobi clan's territory. But tonight was a sleepless night for all the major clans. After leaving the Sarutobi clan with a scroll of ninjutsu, countless clans immediately considered countless possibilities and began to hurriedly raise funds. Tomorrow! Tomorrow, all the funds must be delivered.

Uchiha Yoru's simple methods naturally did not escape Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. Or perhaps this was his compensation; without the Third Hokage's tacit approval, how could this have happened?

Ninjutsu isn't important; what matters is the Third Hokage's attitude.

……

The Uchiha clan.

As soon as Uchiha Yoru returned to the Uchiha clan's territory, someone was already waiting for him.

Nanga Shrine.

In the dimly lit secret room, Fugaku Uchiha and Elder Setsuna sat solemnly in a row, while Yoru Uchiha sat opposite them, looking exhausted.

"Night, today's actions are a bit big."

Uchiha Yoru is no longer just an ordinary ninja; he represents a certain identity, the Uchiha clan and Orochimaru. Every move he makes is watched by countless people.

Looking at the clan leader and elders, Uchiha Yoru feigned exhaustion, rubbing his forehead and sighing, "Clan leader, elders, it seems the situation is not good. This time, the Land of Lightning has come to negotiate, but the reputation of Sarutobi Shinnosuke is almost universally known in the village. It seems this is not a good start."

They had already sensed this after news came from the front lines that the Land of Lightning was preparing for peace talks, right after the New Year. After all, Sarutobi Shinnosuke's reputation was being publicized everywhere, and no one was a fool.

"Hmph, old monkey Sarutobi is probably trying to pave the way for his son, but that's not enough. Becoming the Kage of the Five Great Villages is also the most important thing."

Elder Setsuna snorted coldly and said disdainfully, showing his contempt for such methods. Meanwhile, Fugaku Uchiha frowned and said in a deep voice, "Shin-nosuke seems to have a lot of prestige, but all the Jonin know that the credit for the front lines belongs to Orochimaru, so he is not worth worrying about."

One is the clan leader and the other is an elder, but they truly live up to their Uchiha reputation, still so proud even now. Looking at the two of them, Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly, but he was no longer the person who had to bow his head in front of the clan leader and elders.

"Clan leader, elders, Orochimaru-sensei is about to retaliate."

These words immediately made the two elders, Fugaku and his companion, look serious. Finally! Is this cold-hearted man going to officially begin vying for the Hokage position? However, the next sentence they heard filled them with shock.

"Orochimaru-sensei is preparing to completely bring the Hyuga branch family under his command, therefore a suitable place to live is needed." Uchiha Yoru paused here, looking at the clan head and elders solemnly, and said in a deep voice, "The Uchiha have now been pushed to the edge of the village, and the allocated living space is just right to accommodate the Hyuga branch family."

"The Hyuga branch family!" The two were filled with shock. Elder Setsuna, realizing what was happening, blurted out in astonishment, "Could it be! Could it be that Orochimaru has dealt with the Caged Bird Seal of the branch family?"

Fugaku Uchiha couldn't help but gasp in shock, saying, "If Orochimaru solves the Caged Bird Seal of the Hyuga branch family, then the power of the branch family combined with our Uchiha clan will be enough to form a new force."

If the Caged Bird Seal of the Hyuga branch family is truly resolved, then the Hyuga branch family will be different from the rest of them. They will be Orochimaru's direct subordinates, and their fates will be intertwined.

Good heavens! At this moment, Fugaku Uchiha and Elder Setsuna exchanged a glance and both revealed a surge of excitement and fervor.

Thanks for your support, brothers. Because the standards for fanfiction have been raised, and the Sanjiang forum has been updated, I hope that those of you in the groups can help promote it. I would be very grateful.

(End of this chapter)