Uchiha's personal opinion

His experimental schedule was so full that he simply couldn't find the time to perform tasks and earn money.

His subordinates were mostly gloomy and poor, and they had no money to give him as tribute to squander in the laboratory.

Therefore, while the Uchiha clan may not be the best partner, they are the most suitable choice at present.

At least research projects can be implemented without the constraints that come with a village laboratory.

After achieving their goal, Orochimaru and Uchiha Tokumitsu discussed some details before Orochimaru took his leave.

Having received the warrant signed by Uchiha Tokumitsu, he rushed to the Nakagawa Stock Exchange to withdraw money to buy experimental supplies.

"Sakumo-kun, please have some tea!"

After seeing Orochimaru off, Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hatake Sakumo were finally able to talk about some sensitive topics.

"The daimyo's envoy has already left."

Sakumo Hatake took a sip of tea and said softly, "The village should be spreading the details of the meeting soon. How should we deal with the subsequent questions?"

"I have reached an agreement with the ninja clan leaders to establish a joint seafood company to operate the seafood business of the Kirigakure ninja clan."

Uchiha Tokumitsu did not directly answer Hatake Sakumo's question, "The ninja clan's manpower is still insufficient. At that time, there may be many tasks outsourced. I plan to leave the allocation to you, Sakumo-kun."

What Uchiha Tokumitsu said was not untrue.

Although it was decided to establish a seafood smuggling base in the Land of Waves, a considerable number of people were still needed to transport the goods to the relevant merchants. However, most of the ninja from the affiliated ninja clans had already been assigned to the border troops, leaving very few ninja available.

Offering these trivial tasks to win people over is a perfect way to do so.

"Task……"

Sakumo Hatake's eyes flickered slightly.

Uchiha Tokumitsu's words were indeed unexpected.

As is well known, Sakumo Hatake's supporters were mainly commoner ninjas and small ninja clans, and they all shared a common characteristic: poverty.

"It doesn't matter whether these task quotas are allocated by Sakumo-kun himself or handed over to the village's task center. You can arrange everything, and I will not interfere."

Uchiha Tokumitsu added.

Sakumo Hatake was even more conflicted.

Distributing the rewards themselves would undoubtedly allow their supporters to earn more, but this would be blatantly undermining the village's resources. If the village's mission center were to distribute the rewards, the village would definitely take a cut, leaving less money for the mission takers. However, this would be more in line with Konoha's rules...

If you were to directly hand money to Sakumo Hatake, he might refuse, but these missions are clearly set up to take care of his supporters...

For a moment, Hatake Sakumo was at a loss for what to do.

"Don't rush, the tasks won't start until next month."

Uchiha Tokumitsu also saw the inner struggle of Hatake Sakumo at this moment, so he advised, "Moreover, you shouldn't make this decision by yourself. You can talk to your subordinates and listen to their thoughts."

"I understand……"

Sakumo Hatake sighed, temporarily setting aside his inner turmoil, "But anyway, thank you..."

Although Uchiha Tokumitsu claimed that the ninja clan was short-handed, Hatake Sakumo thought it was just a face-saving excuse.

"It's alright, we're allies!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu poured a cup of tea for Hatake Sakumo, saying, "Our alliance is unbreakable!"

"What are your plans regarding the Daimyo?"

Hatake Sakumo changed the subject: "In any case, although he is just a mortal, he is still nominally the ruler of the Land of Fire, so we can't push him too far..."

"Don't worry, Mr. Sakumo, I know what I'm doing..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu stroked his chin and thought for a moment, "How about the Fire Temple?"

"Ok?"

Sakumo Hatake was somewhat taken aback.

"I remember that the ninja monks of the Fire Temple possess a power known as the talent of the immortal race, and I'm very interested in learning more about it..."

In addition, the Fire Temple possesses an iron gate known as the Sealing Iron Wall, which is said to be impenetrable. Uchiha Tokumitsu would first see if this miraculous iron gate could withstand a single blow from Susanoo.

If they can't withstand the pressure, it means these lackeys of the daimyo deserve to die; if they can withstand it, it means these well-trained lackeys of the daimyo deserve to die even more.

"Besides having close ties with the daimyo, the monks of the Fire Temple also have deep connections with the village. It's best not to go too far..."

Sakumo Hatake lowered his voice and said, "Otherwise, it won't be easy to explain to Tsunade..."

"I see."

Uchiha Tokumitsu nodded in agreement, "Don't worry! It's just a deterrent; they won't wipe out the entire clan."

"Besides, I'm not some bloodthirsty demon, am I?"

Upon hearing this, Hatake Sakumo hesitated for a moment, but still nodded politely.

……

As expected, Uchiha Tokumitsu's disrespect towards the Daimyo during the meeting in the Hokage's office spread rapidly throughout Konoha and even the entire ninja world.

The Uchiha clan was once again passively drawn into the eye of a media storm.

This time, however, the Uchiha clan showed greater tolerance and made no attempt to pursue the originator of the remarks.

This was also because of Uchiha Tokumitsu's instructions.

Truth becomes clearer through debate, and the Uchiha clan also needs some "re-evaluation."

Another secret message arrived from the Hidden Mist Ninja Clan. They were preparing to send someone to discuss with Uchiha Tokumitsu how to deepen their cooperation and jointly resist the encroachment of secular forces on the ninja clan.

Uchiha Tokumitsu, who was short of money after his recent extravagant spending spree, was planning to sell them weapons.

Chapter 166 Cross-border Alliances and Strategies Between Ninja Clans

The relationship between Kirigakure (Hidden Mist Village) and the Daimyo of the Land of Water is notoriously tense.

The Land of Water, isolated overseas, is naturally separated by the ocean, making it extremely difficult for the major powers of the ninja world to interfere with it.

Meanwhile, news of Uchiha Tokumitsu openly challenging the Daimyo at the Hokage meeting spread rapidly throughout Konoha and even the entire ninja world with the help of certain individuals.

Kirigakure naturally also received the information.

Meanwhile, the Hozuki and Minazuki clans, who had direct smuggling ties with the Uchiha clan, immediately took the initiative to approach them.

Their request was very simple: to expand the scope of trade and the depth of cooperation between the two sides.

In short, we are all powerful ninja clans with conflicts with the daimyo, which means we have common ground. In the future, we can discuss things together and help each other out when problems arise.

Although many members of the two powerful Kirigakure clans perished at the hands of the Uchiha ninja army during the Eastern War of the Land of Fire, it was, after all, a time of war, and it was only natural for each to serve their own master and display their abilities. This did not affect their current intention to expand trade and even form a deep alliance.

The ninja clan, having passed down their traditions for over a thousand years, still possesses a certain magnanimity, capable of both taking things in stride and letting them go.

Uchiha Tokumitsu was naturally pleased with this.

Therefore, when the envoy from Kirigakure arrived in Konoha under the pretext of peace talks, the ninja clan envoys lurking among them also secretly made contact with Uchiha Tokumitsu.

The first round of negotiations was led by Hozuki Masahiko and Minazuki Chino, who had previously served as envoys to Konoha before the war.

……

"Lord Deguang, I extend my greetings to you on behalf of my family elders."

Hozuki Masahiko bowed to Uchiha Tokumitsu with great respect.

Minazuki Chino quickly followed suit and greeted them in the same manner.

"Your elders are too kind. Please convey my sincere greetings to them..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu also gave a very sincere, polite, and official reply.

"Lord Deguang should already know why we've come here, right?"

Ghost Light Masahiko said.

"The Uchiha clan has agreed in principle to expand the categories and share of trade between the two sides, but the specifics will be discussed in detail after the first seafood transaction."

Uchiha Tokumitsu also gave a direct answer: "Things need to be done step by step. First, we should expand and strengthen our existing business. Then, it is not impossible for us to venture into other industries."

"However, I can now satisfy your demands in the arms trade, and within the Land of Water, only your two clans are permitted to jointly sell with the Uchiha clan..."

After rejecting Hozuki Masahiko's suggestion, Uchiha Tokumitsu immediately threw out another bait to distract him.

"Lord Deguang! How long will the supply of explosive tags for the Uchiha clan last?"

Minazuki Chino was overjoyed.

The explosive tags specially made by the Uchiha clan are far more powerful than those made by other fire-style ninjas.

"Within 100,000."

Uchiha Tokumitsu gave them a number that satisfied both of them.

"Lord Tokumitsu, the last question concerns the Land of Whirlpools."

After Hozuki Masahiko and Minazuki Chino exchanged a glance, Minazuki Chino took the initiative to bring it up.

"please say."

Uchiha Tokumitsu's expression immediately became serious.

In the cooperation with the Hidden Mist Ninja Clan, the Uzumaki Clan, a remnant of the Whirlpool Country, is an unavoidable obstacle.

The Uzumaki clan is an ally that the Uchiha clan cannot afford to abandon.

Even though their clan leader, Uzumaki Ashina, claimed that they should let go of the burdens of the past and look forward, Uchiha Tokumitsu absolutely did not believe that they were without resentment in their hearts.

It's just that everyone knows it but doesn't say it.

Of course, it would be even better if we could resolve some of the grudges among the Uzumaki clan.

"Behind the attack on the Land of Whirlpools and the attempt to annihilate the Uzumaki clan lies a joint decision by the daimyo of the four great nations."

Mizuki Chino subconsciously lowered her voice and spoke to Uchiha Tokumitsu.

Uchiha Tokumitsu's eyes narrowed.

"Although Sunagakure did not send its ninja army to participate in the war due to distance, their daimyo has already signed the secret agreement..."

Minazuki Chino continued in a low voice, "Besides, the daimyo of the Land of Fire should also know about this, but he has tacitly accepted it..."