Naruto: Konoha Spring of the Uchiha Prodigies

Ōnoki stared at the ninja world map in thought for a while before calling out, "Yellow Earth."

"Father." The door to the Tsuchikage's office was pushed open, and a man who looked very honest walked in.

"Keep a close eye on intelligence regarding Takigakure Village. Report any unusual activity to me immediately," Onoki instructed.

"Yes." Huang Tu nodded and accepted the order.

"Hopefully, Iwata Sawaki will be sensible enough to do something about it," Onoki muttered, looking at the map of the ninja world.

Meanwhile, in Konoha, after ignoring Iwata Sawaki for two days, Uchiha Touko finally extended an invitation for a meeting to Iwata Sawaki just before Iwata Sawaki's anxiety reached its limit.

Early that morning, Iwata Zeki changed into the formal attire representing the leader of Takigakure and stepped into the Hokage's office.

"Mr. Iwata, I am very sorry. I have been busy with official duties these past few days and have neglected everyone from Takigakure. I hope you will forgive me," Uchiha Touko said with a smile.

"You're too kind, Hokage," Iwata Zeki hurriedly said. However, as soon as he entered the Hokage's office, his eyes were drawn to a map hanging in the most conspicuous place in the Hokage's office, with the words "Konoha Pact Plan" written on it.

Chapter 154 Konoha has a complete Jinchuriki training program

"The Konoha Pact Plan?" Iwata Zeki looked at the unusual map. On it, Uchiha Touko had circled the Land of Waterfalls, the Land of Iron, the Land of Frost, the Land of Rice Fields, and the Land of Hot Springs with a red marker, along with the Land of Fire in the center. Somewhat puzzled, he asked, "What is this?"

“Hehe, I can sense recently that beneath the calm of the ninja world, undercurrents are beginning to stir. As a responsible major power in the ninja world, the Land of Fire will naturally shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining peace.” Uchiha Touko said with a smile, “Therefore, Konoha plans to take the lead in establishing such an organization. The member countries of the organization will help each other in any wars that may occur in the future.”

"This..." Iwata Zeki was overjoyed to hear Uchiha Touko's words. He was just worrying about how to propose an alliance with Konoha, but he didn't expect Uchiha Touko to have thought of it first.

“However, this plan is currently just a concept, and I estimate that it will face numerous difficulties in its implementation.” Uchiha Touko shook his head and then said, “By the way, I wonder if Mr. Iwata has come to discuss any important matters with Konoha?”

"Well, actually, the reason I've come here is to seek help from Konoha," Iwata Zeki said. Although he really wanted to sign Uchiha Touko's Konoha Pact plan, he still had to maintain a certain level of composure while traveling, so he patiently spoke.

"Seeking help?" Uchiha Touko frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Has Takigakure encountered some kind of problem?"

"To be honest, Takigakure has been under a lot of pressure lately," Iwata Sawaki said. "The Land of Earth to the north has been eyeing us covetously lately, and our village's mission share has been gradually being eroded by Iwagakure in recent years. Whenever I think about this, I can't sleep at night."

"Mr. Iwata is joking. Your Takikage is the only ninja village besides the Five Great Nations that has a Tailed Beast. If you're talking about trouble, it's far from being a problem."

"Your Hokage is too kind to Takigakure. Although our village has a tailed beast, we are still no match for a behemoth like Iwagakure," Iwata Sawaki said.

"So, Mr. Iwata, how does Konoha hope to help your village?" Uchiha Touko asked.

“Originally, I came here to form an alliance with Konoha, but the plan that the Hokage just mentioned has really touched my heart. I wonder if the Hokage could discuss it in detail?” Iwata Sawaki said.

"You mean this plan?" Uchiha Touko looked at the map hanging on the wall. "I originally thought that the various ninja villages might be resistant to this kind of plan, but I didn't expect Mr. Iwata to be interested in it. Let's have a good talk about it."

"The central purpose of this agreement is to ensure that nations help each other in future wars to cope with potential crises," said Uchiha Touko. "And in peacetime, we will work together to develop the economies of all nations."

"I see. I didn't expect the Hokage to be so farsighted, not only forming a military alliance but also paying attention to economic development," Iwata Sawaki said.

"In the end, what war is all about is a nation's logistical capabilities. Only by making thorough preparations can one survive in war," Uchiha Touko said.

"What the Hokage said makes sense," Iwata Zeki agreed. "In the end, war comes down to the logistical capabilities of each nation. In the previous Shinobi World Wars, our Takigakure suffered repeated defeats because of logistical problems in the Land of Takigakure. In the end, we had to sacrifice the lives of our previous Jinchuriki to defend our territory, which is why we are now completely unable to use the power of the Tailed Beasts."

Uchiha Touko gave Iwata Sawaki a meaningful look. Sure enough, after the death of the First Hokage of Takigakure, the successors were all incompetent. Leaving aside the one who forced Kakuzu away, even the one in front of him was all show and no substance. As the leader of the village, his thoughts were written all over his face. Moreover, in just a short while, he had exposed the current problem of the Jinchuriki of Takigakure.

It can be said that Takigakure's ability to survive three Shinobi World Wars was entirely due to the legacy of the First Takigakure Leader. Without the Seven-Tails that the First Takigakure Leader had risked everything to acquire from Konoha, the village would probably have been wiped out in the Second Shinobi World War, given the actions of their successive leaders.

"Has your village's Jinchūriki not yet matured?" Uchiha Tokō said with a smile.

"This..." Iwata Sawaki only realized at this moment that he had inadvertently revealed the village's secrets.

“Mr. Iwata, there’s no need to worry. Konoha has always been peace-loving and has no designs on Takigakure,” said Uchiha Touko. “However, if your village needs assistance, Konoha can provide it. Recently, Konoha has been researching the sealing techniques left behind by the Uzumaki clan, and we have also gained some new insights into the training of Jinchuriki.”

"Konoha now has a complete Jinchuriki training program, which should be able to help your village," Uchiha Touko said with a smile.

"If I may ask, what is the current Jinchuriki of your village?" Iwata Sawaki was somewhat intrigued. The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were arguably the strongest sealing techniques in the entire ninja world, but Iwata Sawaki still wanted to confirm.

“The Jinchuriki of our village is now one of my disciples. Would you like to meet him, Mr. Iwata?” Uchiha Touko asked with a smile.

“No need…” Iwata Sawaki realized that his question was a bit presumptuous and quickly said.

“Mr. Iwata, there’s no need to be so formal,” Uchiha Touko said. “Konoha has always been generous to its allies.”

"So, if we want Konoha's help, what do we Takigakure need to give up?" Iwata Sawaki took a deep breath and then asked.

“Takikage doesn’t need to give anything in return,” Uchiha Touko said with a smile. “He just needs to strengthen trade cooperation between our two countries.”

"Trade cooperation?" Iwata Sawaki asked, puzzled.

“That’s right. The Land of Waterfall is rich in mineral resources, and our Land of Fire’s metal processing industry is also booming recently. Our two countries can definitely exchange resources and develop together. This would be a good thing for both of our countries,” Uchiha Touko said with a smile.

"This..." Iwata Sawaki thought for a moment before speaking, "I can't make a decision on this matter by myself; I have to consult the daimyo first."

"No rush, no rush." ​​Uchiha Touko waved his hand. "These kinds of things need to be thought through before making a decision."

Chapter 155 Mei Terumi, the Opticist

"What kind of joint defense plan does Lord Hokage want to talk about?" Iwata Zeki asked after a moment's hesitation. He needed to consult the daimyo before making a decision on economic cooperation, but he could make the decision on military cooperation.

“This is even simpler,” Uchiha Touko said with a smile. “For every country that joins the alliance, Konoha will send troops along with their own ninja forces to guard the border. In this way, any force that dares to invade our allies is tantamount to declaring war on Konoha.”

"Of course, the cost of stationing troops still needs to be borne by the country where they are stationed, since we are helping others defend their territory," Uchiha Touko said with a smile.

"I understand." Iwata Zeki nodded. With Uchiha Touko's words, he felt much more at ease. After all, if it was just a written alliance, he really couldn't trust Konoha. After all, Konoha had a history of abandoning its allies. Wasn't that how the Land of Whirlpools perished? However, if it was a military garrison, it would be like paying Konoha to guard their border. That would be a different story. If any force dared to violate the border, it would be tantamount to directly starting a war with Konoha.

"Furthermore, after the troops are stationed here, Konoha will be responsible for your national security. However, the command of your ninja forces will also be transferred to us," Uchiha Tokō said. "After all, we also need to guard against our allies dragging Konoha into the vortex of war due to irrational behavior. That would be contrary to our purpose. Iwata-san can understand this, right?"

“I understand, but the handover of command…” Iwata Sawaki hesitated.

"As I said, Mr. Iwata, there's no need to rush. You should think things through carefully before making a decision," Uchiha Touko said with a smile. "However, to show our sincerity, regardless of whether the alliance is established or not, we at Konoha will help you solve the problem of your village's Jinchuriki."

"Thank you for your generosity, Hokage." Iwata Sawaki said with some emotion. Before coming to Konoha, Iwata Sawaki had prepared himself for Uchiha Touko to make things difficult for him. After all, the Uchiha clan had a reputation for being difficult to deal with, and they had even destroyed most of Kusagakure not long ago. But after getting to know him, Iwata Sawaki found that Uchiha Touko was actually very easy to get along with. Compared to the always aggressive Onoki, Uchiha Touko was simply an angel!

As for what happened to Kusagakure some time ago, it was entirely their own doing. The other party had already issued a statement, but the Kusagakure group still insisted on going their own way, so of course the other party was angry. Moreover, if we think about it from another perspective, if Konoha really reaches a full cooperation with them in the future, wouldn't Takigakure be much safer with such a powerful and domineering ally protecting them?

Iwata Zeki's expression kept changing, while Uchiha Touko watched all this with a smile. I wonder when this guy will realize that what's free is the most expensive?

"Hokage, please allow me to return and discuss this with the Daimyo before making a decision. Next time I come, I will bring the Jinchuriki from our village with me," Iwata Sawaki said, bowing to Uchiha Touko.

"It's alright, Konoha always welcomes friends with open arms," ​​Uchiha Touko said with a smile.

……

Soon, Iwata Zeki embarked on his journey back to Japan with a beaming smile. When he left, Uchiha Touko personally saw him off.

After watching Iwata Zeki leave, Kakashi approached Uchiha Touko and asked with some curiosity, "Are you really planning to form an alliance with them? That old man Onoki probably won't just sit idly by and watch their Land of Waterfall fall into our arms."

"An alliance?" Uchiha Touko sneered as he watched Iwata Sawaki and his group leave. "An alliance my ass. A small country led by such incompetent leaders will only drag us down."

"Then why did you offer them such generous terms?" Kakashi asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Hehe, when fishing, you naturally have to be willing to bait the hook, otherwise the real big fish won't bite," Uchiha Touko laughed. "Next, let Captain Fugaku and Miura Kazuo make a trip to the Land of Rice Fields and the Land of Hot Springs. Deliver this alliance plan to their daimyo in the name of the daimyo of the Land of Fire. The daimyo of these two countries are notoriously incompetent, and there aren't any powerful ninja villages within their borders. I guess they'd love for us to help them guard their borders. Besides, there's the Land of Frost between them and the Land of Lightning, so the resistance to our alliance with them shouldn't be too great."

"I understand." Kakashi nodded. "Then I'll head back to the security force."

"Why don't you come sit at my place for a bit first?" Uchiha Touko asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's enough. Every time I visit you, you drag me along to help you with those village documents," Kakashi said, sporting a Sharingan.

"Sigh, if only there were someone in the village like Kazuo Miura who could help me with these trivial matters," Touko Uchiha said with some regret.

"If all else fails, just reinstate Shikaku and the others," Kakashi said.

"Forget it, it's not the right time to reinstate those three clans. I have other plans for them." Uchiha Touko stretched his joints. "Being Hokage isn't so easy. I don't know why the Third Hokage clung to power so tightly back then."

……

After Uchiha Touko returned to the Hokage's office, a portly middle-aged man emerged from the floor. Just as Uchiha Touko was about to reach for the Lightning Blade from the sword rack beside him, the middle-aged man snapped to attention and saluted: "Salute to Lord Touko! Loyalty!"

Uchiha Touko: ...

"Afei?" Uchiha Touko raised an eyebrow. Of all the people he knew, only Afei would salute him in this tone every time.

"It's me!" The middle-aged man in front of Uchiha Touko began to change his form, quickly transforming into the form of a White Zetsu.

"Don't show up so suddenly next time. I almost chopped you off with my sword just now." Uchiha Touko withdrew his hand, somewhat speechless, before speaking, "So, what do you want from me?"

"Lord Douguang, the identity you gave me last time, which allows me to infiltrate the Kirigakure resistance, is ready. In the near future, the Kirigakure resistance leader, Terumi Mei, will be making some significant moves, so Lord Indra sent me to inform you and seek your advice," Afei said.

“Is that so?” Uchiha Touko nodded, then formed a hand seal to create a shadow clone, and said to Tobi, “Then I’ll go with you.”

Soon, Tobi transformed into a white Zetsu cloak, wrapped around Uchiha Touko's shadow clone, and then disappeared into the Hokage's office.

Two hours later, Uchiha Touko's shadow clone arrived at a house in a town in the northwest of the Land of Water, where Black Zetsu had been waiting for a long time.

"Ancestor." Uchiha Touko's shadow clone emerged from the ground and greeted Black Zetsu.

"You've finally arrived." Black Zetsu said hurriedly after seeing Uchiha Touko being brought over. "Quickly think of a solution. That woman you met last time has developed a huge force in the Land of Water during this time. They are already showing signs of getting out of our control."

Uchiha Touko frowned upon hearing this: "So fast? It's only been less than two weeks, and where is this place?"

“This is a town in the eastern part of the Land of Water, and also the stronghold of the Kirigakure rebels,” Black Zetsu said. “Ever since that woman officially became the leader of the rebels, she led her people to escape from Kirigakure and established this secret stronghold here. Furthermore, when she fled Kirigakure, she took with her a large number of civilian ninjas who were dissatisfied with the Fourth Mizukage, as well as some ninja clan survivors who escaped from the conflict.”

"Moreover, they shouted the slogan of the new Will of Water, and many strong people joined them because of this new slogan. Two of the current Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist have joined them," Black Zetsu said.

"Is that so?" Uchiha Touko raised an eyebrow. "Who are the owners of those two broken little swords?"

Black Zetsu glanced at Uchiha Touko. Anyone who could inherit one of the seven ninja swords passed down in Kirigakure would be considered a strong person no matter where in the ninja world, but in Uchiha Touko's mouth, it was the owner of a small, broken sword.

However, Uchiha Touko really has the right to say this. Back in the Kirigakure battlefield, Kirigakure did send the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist to ambush and kill Uchiha Touko. But at that time, Uchiha Touko had just awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan and his strength was far inferior to what it is now. He single-handedly defeated all seven of them and made them run away in terror. If Uchiha Touko hadn't been accustomed to the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan at that time, these seven people would never have had the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Konoha later.

"It's Zabuza Momochi, the owner of the broken sword Kubikiribōchō, and Kisame Hoshigaki, the new owner of the greatsword Samehada. Moreover, when they fled Kirigakure, they also took the twin swords Hiramekarei with them. I estimate they will find the successor to this sword soon," Black Zetsu said.

"Did you inquire about the contents of the new Will of Water that woman shouted?" Uchiha Touko asked.

"Is this important?" Black Zetsu was a little puzzled. Wasn't this just a slogan? Was it really worth Uchiha Touko asking a question about?

“Of course.” Uchiha Touko nodded. “Their new slogan has managed to gather so many people in such a short time, so it must have some merit. This is related to my future plans.”

"Stale, stagnant water only breeds decay and germs. Only a continuous flow of fresh water can nurture new life. We are that clean, fresh water. Our mission is to cleanse the village of its filth and bring it new life." At this moment, Afei suddenly spoke up, mimicking Mei Terumi's voice, and said passionately.

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Touko raised an eyebrow, thinking, "This Mei Terumi woman is something else."

"What else did she do?" Uchiha Touko asked.

"When she fled Kirigakure, she took a lot of the money and ninjutsu left behind by the annihilated ninja clans. She distributed these things to the common people who followed her, so the strength of these common ninjas increased dramatically in a short period of time. As for the survivors of those ninja clans, she contributed money and effort to help them rebuild the shrine in this town so that their clan name would not be extinct," Abi said.

"This operation sounds somewhat familiar," Uchiha Touko remarked.

“Yes,” Abi said. “It’s very similar to your behavior in Konoha. This is because Mei Terumi has been analyzing your information. She wants to replicate the miracles you created with the Uchiha clan in Kirigakure.”

"When she was thinking about a problem, the phrase she said most often was: 'Think about what Uchiha Touko would do.'"

As soon as Afei finished speaking, Uchiha Touko almost lost his composure. He never expected that he would have fans in Kirigakure, and even the kind of fans who genuinely wanted to learn from him.

"So, in a sense, this woman can be considered my disciple?" Uchiha Touko chuckled.