All Heavens: Transcending Dimensions Starting with the Uchiha

Some distance from Kirigakure, Shisui activated his Three Tomoe and scanned the surroundings.

"The intensity of this investigation is simply insane. What's worse is that they're completely indiscriminate in their killings, killing anyone who seems suspicious!"

"Is it that radical?"

Uchiha Xiang frowned.

"Was it an ordinary ninja, or did the Hidden Mist Anbu make a move?"

"The one who carried out the murder was the Dark Guard."

Shisui replied with a serious expression.

"It's unclear who they're subordinate to, but regardless of which side's orders they receive, it's not good news for us who need to infiltrate Kirigakure."

Kakashi shook his head. He remembered that the intelligence from the Anbu mentioned that the Hidden Mist's Anbu had been divided into two parts.

One was completely under the command of the Water Shadow, while the other was under the command of an elder called the Yuan Master.

However, neither side seemed willing to let Uchiha Xiang and his group take away the rebellious bloodline clans of Kirigakure.

Needless to say, the Mizukage was brutally beaten by Uchiha Ezu on the battlefield back then. Now that they've met again, it's a case of old and new grudges coming together.

As for Elder Yuanshi, it depends on how well Uchiha Sho and Mei Terumi "communicated".

At this point, Kakashi and Shisui both gave Uchiha Sō a strange look.

Could all of this have been part of Uchiha Zō's calculations?

The Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Sō, personally used his "handsome man" to capture Mei Terumi, a disciple of Genji, so that Genji's ANBU could cover their retreat.

"Looks like we're really unlucky. We guess we'll have to go find little Mei Terumi next?"

Uchiha Sho sighed with a "melancholy" expression.

For the sake of Konoha and the great cause of liberating the ninja world, I have truly "sacrificed" too much.

It seems the only option is to personally take action and subdue the Fifth Mizukage, who is being ruthlessly "married off" for the future.

Hearing Uchiha Sho utter such shameless words...

Shisui and Kakashi's mouths twitched, and they almost lost control of their facial expressions.

They are all highly trained ninjas, and this situation is unlikely to occur unless the other party's words are truly outrageous!

The damp, cold mist, like a tangible veil, clung to the gray-blue buildings of Kirigakure.

Uchiha Sō, Shisui, and Kakashi shed their ninja attire and donned the common merchant clothing of the Land of Water, discreetly blending into the village shrouded in the shadow of "blood mist."

Their goal was clear: to approach Mei Terumi, the prized disciple of Elder Yuan Shi, posing as merchants from the Land of Fire.

The operation went unexpectedly smoothly.

Using the pretext of "presenting exquisite jewelry from the Land of Fire to Miss Terumi Mei," they successfully gained access to the Yuan Shi faction's power.

In a reception room filled with the faint aroma of tea and a damp atmosphere, Uchiha Sho met the red-haired beauty who would one day take charge of Kirigakure.

"Ms. Mei Terumi,"

The merchant, played by Uchiha Sho, displayed just the right amount of humility and enthusiasm as he gently pushed forward a sandalwood brocade box carved with intricate patterns.

"This is a small gift from the capital of the Land of Fire, brought by our caravan. It is said that only a woman of your noble bearing is worthy of its splendor."

The moment the brocade box was opened, a deep and vibrant blue light flowed out.

Lying on the velvet cushions is a phoenix hairpin carved entirely from the finest blue jade.

The phoenix spread its wings as if about to take flight, every feather exquisitely detailed. In the slightly dim room, it shimmered with a deep blue light, like the shimmering waves of the deep sea, exuding nobility yet ethereal grace, instantly capturing Mei Terumi's gaze.

Even with her extensive experience, a hint of amazement flashed across her eyes.

"This item... is far too valuable."

Mei Terumi's voice carried a hint of surprise, but her gaze never left the hairpin.

She wasn't after the treasure itself, but rather the craftsmanship and design of the hairpin truly appealed to her aesthetic sensibilities.

"A fine sword is given to a hero, and a bright pearl is given to a beautiful woman."

Uchiha Xiang smiled sincerely, his tone carrying the shrewdness characteristic of a businessman.

"This hairpin is named 'Azure Phoenix of the Blue Sea,' and it is a rare treasure even in the Land of Fire. It has traveled across the ocean to find its true owner."

"Having met you today, Miss, I know the rumors are true; this item rightfully belongs to you."

This perfectly timed compliment and the impact of the exquisite item successfully bridged the gap between them.

Mei Terumi accepted the hairpin and developed a greater liking for this eloquent and knowledgeable "merchant," even vaguely regarding him as a "confidant" with whom she could discuss current affairs.

In the days that followed, Mei Terumi, who was deeply worried about the future of Kirigakure, seemed to have found an excellent person to confide in and seek advice from.

She visited the secluded inn where Uchiha Sō and his two companions were staying several times.

Each time, Uchiha Sō played the role of a far-sighted "businessman" who was concerned about the situation in the ninja world.

"To be in the Blood Mist is truly to sever one's own arm,"

During a deep conversation, Uchiha Sō, seemingly unintentionally, sighed, his fingers lightly tapping the table, producing a soft, rhythmic sound that seemed to resonate with Mei Terumi's heart.

"The foundation of Shinobi Village lies in its talent and the continuous stream of successors."

Forcing classmates to kill each other, slaughtering bloodline geniuses... This is not the way to build a strong nation, but a strategy to dig its own grave!

If this continues, the potential of the Hidden Mist War will be exhausted, and even with the advantage of terrain, how can we resist external aggression?

"A land of water, is it not a land possessing mountains of treasure yet littered with the corpses of the starving?"

His words were clear and logical, pointing directly to the fatal flaws of the Blood Mist policy. Every word precisely struck at Mei Terumi's deepest worries and resentment.

The two shared the same viewpoint, and Mei Terumi's eyes sparkled with the excitement of finding a kindred spirit.

She increasingly felt that this "businessman" had a sharp eye and extraordinary insight.

As he lamented once again the impoverished economic foundation of the Land of Water, Uchiha Sō timely offered his "brilliant solution."

“Miss Terumi Mei, although the Land of Water is isolated overseas, it is not without a way to go.”

He unfolded a map of the Water Kingdom, his finger tracing the long coastline, his voice carrying a seductive, guiding quality.

"Those who live near mountains live off the mountains, and those who live near water live off the water."

This vast ocean is an inexhaustible source of gold and silver!

Why not vigorously promote marine aquaculture?

The plump fish and rare shellfish are processed into easily transportable dried goods and delicious canned products, and sold to the water-scarce deserts of the Land of Wind, the barren plateaus of the Land of Earth, and even... the prosperous Land of Fire!

This idea was like a beacon in the darkness, instantly illuminating Mei Terumi's thoughts. Her breathing quickened slightly, but then her brows furrowed:

"The plan is good, but sales channels and pricing power are the key! Without strong guarantees, our water country's special products will only become victims of the rampant exploitation by merchants from large countries."

This is precisely the deadlock that she and Master Yuan have been unable to resolve—how to ensure that the Land of Water receives fair treatment in trade?

The time has come.

Uchiha Hashira leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed intently on Mei Terumi, as if trying to see into the depths of her soul, and posed that earth-shattering question.

"So, Miss Terumi, what is your opinion of the current Fifth Hokage of Konoha, Lord Uchiha Zou?"

The question came abruptly and sharply! Terumi Mei's heart skipped a beat, and her emerald green eyes suddenly narrowed.

The image of that brilliant figure on the battlefield of the Third World War instantly flashed into my mind: defeating the strong with the weak, coming up with ingenious strategies one after another, using the failure of the Hidden Mist as a stepping stone to achieve the illustrious name of "Lord of Heaven"!

She was his rival, and also a witness to his legendary life.

Chapter 169, Testing and Confrontation

"...Uchiha Sō!"

Mei Terumi's voice lowered, carrying a complex mix of emotions: the humiliation of defeat, but also a sincere admiration for the strong.

"His strength is unfathomable, his wisdom as deep as the ocean, a hero that is rare in the ninja world. Although his position is hostile, his methods and spirit are admirable."

She paused, a rare hint of a woman's subtle emotions showing.

"There are very few ninjas in the ninja world who can defeat him head-on."

Hidden within these words was a subtle, almost imperceptible, peculiar fondness for that powerful opponent.

A barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of Uchiha's mouth beneath the elephant mask, but his voice remained calm and even.

"If... I mean, if this Fifth Hokage were willing to guarantee, on behalf of Konoha and himself, that seafood from the Land of Water would enjoy the most favorable treatment in the Land of Fire and would never be subject to malicious price-cutting, what would you say?"

The air froze instantly!

Mei Terumi's gaze was like a solid ice spike, fixed firmly on the face of Uchiha Ebo, who was disguised as a merchant.

The other person remained calm, their eyes expressionless, as if they had merely suggested what to have for lunch.

But beneath this calm lies a chilling confidence!

'Konoha's Anbu! Even... higher!'

A thought struck Mei Terumi's mind like lightning. A storm raged within her, but she forced herself to remain calm.

"This matter...is of great importance."

Mei Terumi slowly rose to her feet, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"This is not a decision I can make alone. I need to inform the teacher and discuss it later."

She made no promises, but that deep glance contained a wealth of information.

She picked up the scroll she carried with her and hurriedly left. The blue jade phoenix hairpin in her hair swayed slightly with her hurried movements, shimmering with a cold light.

The atmosphere in Elder Yuanshi's residence was so heavy it seemed to drip water.

Mei Terumi laid out the "businessman's" suggestion and her own speculations.

The gaunt Elder Yuan closed his eyes and pondered for a long time, his wrinkled face expressionless. Finally, he opened his worldly-wise eyes and dropped a bombshell that was even more shocking than the fact that he was a "merchant".

"Ming, your guess is probably correct."

Furthermore…do you know why the Fourth Yagura's personality changed drastically, and why he insisted on implementing that inhumane Blood Mist policy?”

Mei Terumi held her breath.