Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"Hehe, Konoha just appeased Senju Seigo, but they're ignoring the Uchiha's situation."

"..."

Black Zetsu's voice was like a venomous snake, subtly guiding Obito's thoughts.

……

Chapter 269 Yamanaka Inoichi's Advice

"Within the Uchiha clan, they probably think..."

"This is a joint effort between Konoha and Senju Seigo to suppress and control the Uchiha!"

"They're using Uchiha Shisui as a hostage!"

Obito followed Black Zetsu's train of thought, his voice tinged with excitement:

"Especially those radical elders who were suppressed by Danzo and are full of distrust towards the Konoha leadership, such as... Setsuna!?"

Born into the Uchiha clan, he easily empathizes with the Uchiha's situation and perspectives.

“That’s right,” White Zetsu chuckled, “You can…guide them a little.”

"For example, let them know that Senju Seigo has designs on the Uchiha's 'Mangekyou'."

"Or, to imply to them that the reason why the Konoha higher-ups appeased Senju Seigo was to unite with him to deal with the Uchiha."

"Hehe, given the prejudice and suspicion of those radical Uchiha members, they'll easily take the bait. Then, they'll naturally go looking for trouble with Senju Seigo."

"And then what?" Obito pressed. "Send them to their deaths? That brat's strength is beyond what the current Uchiha can handle."

He fought Qingwu in Kirigakure, and now the Uchiha clan is gradually fading away...

"Of course we're not sending them to their deaths!"

Black Zetsu said grimly, "They are sent to create chaos, to create conflict, to create... an opportunity for Senju Seigo and Konoha, especially the Uchiha, to become completely opposed."

“As long as a conflict breaks out, regardless of the outcome, that kid’s relationship with Konoha and the Uchiha will deteriorate further.”

"If he personally killed the Uchiha clan members, the impact would be even greater."

“Obito, you noticed the details about that night in the intelligence report, right? Those Konoha clans supported Senju Seigo at the time.”

"But if that kid attacks any of the Konoha clans other than the Root, will he still be able to stay under Konoha's protection with peace of mind?"

"Wouldn't that give Payne's requested 'assessment' a result?"

"And... in the process, you might find... the opportunity to end his life yourself."

Not only did Obito dislike Senju Seigo, but Black Zetsu did too.

He always felt...that kid was dangerous, possibly a variable in the ninja world.

As for variables, in Black Zetsu's mind, if they are not advantageous, they should be eliminated as soon as possible. He doesn't want the plan to go wrong.

As Obito listened to Black Zetsu's plan, he ripped off the mask that made him uncomfortable, a mad glint in his eyes.

This plan kills several birds with one stone!

He could not only complete Pain's mission, but also strike at the Uchiha clan, and possibly create an opportunity for himself to kill Senju Seigo...

Most importantly, everything can be kept hidden behind the scenes, with the Uchiha clan serving as cannon fodder!

"very good……"

Obito chuckled: "That's it, absolutely. Immediately go and monitor the movements of the Konoha leadership and the Forest of Death. As for guiding the Uchiha..."

He paused, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes, followed by a deeper chill:

“I’ll go myself! After all, I am also… a member of the Uchiha clan! Although… I am already dead.”

"Understood." Bai Jue replied with a grin, his body slowly sinking into the ground.

His "Mayfly Technique" is the most suitable ninjutsu for intelligence gathering in the ninja world. It is hidden deep underground and is almost impossible to be discovered.

Obito put his mask back on, and a cold, twisted curve appeared at the corner of his mouth beneath it.

"Senju Seigo... Konoha... and Uchiha, enjoy the gifts I've prepared for you, hehehe... I'm really looking forward to it."

Obito glanced at the secret base left behind by Madara Uchiha and had a premonition.

He himself, including Xiao, who was essentially a "tool," has significantly reduced the time he spent moving from behind the scenes to the forefront...

……

Time goes by.

In the blink of an eye, two whole months have passed since that night that changed the landscape of Konoha.

Konoha has entered the height of summer, but the atmosphere inside and outside the village is even more frigid than the dead of winter.

The Death Forest, a forbidden zone that was already sparsely populated, has now become a kind of "independent kingdom".

After Qingwu clearly stated that he was "closing the territory," the outer perimeter of the Death Forest was shrouded in a faint mist.

Yes, this is a barrier created by Shinki and Mumu, combining the elements of a "tree world" and "illusionary smoke".

The illusion may not appear to be a physical entity, but it carries a natural energy that interferes with perception.

Ordinary ninjas would easily lose their way if they got close.

It can even cause auditory and visual hallucinations.

Within the illusion, various psychic creatures can be vaguely seen standing at key points.

This was no longer a blockade by Konoha, but rather Qingwu's deliberate and complete closure of the entire Death Forest.

He isolated himself from the outside world, like a lurking beast, accumulating power unknown to anyone!

For the past two months, the Konoha leadership, especially the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and his two advisors, have been in a state of utter chaos and frustration!

The external pressure did not ease with Danzo's death and the "suppression of internal turmoil," but instead intensified, like a net that was constantly tightening.

After announcing an indefinite postponement of the peace talks, the Cloud Village did not completely withdraw its peace envoys, but instead left behind a number of "observers".

These so-called "observers" are like vultures circling over Konoha.

They occasionally use diplomatic occasions to subtly raise questions about "internal stability of Konoha," "control at the highest levels," and "the handling of dangerous elements."

They exerted pressure both overtly and covertly, demanding that Konoha make more concessions in the peace treaty, or else they would completely tear up the previous peace treaty on the grounds that "security cannot be guaranteed."

In the case of Iwagakure, their actions were even more unrestrained.

The pressure on the western front is increasing day by day.

The Iwagakure ninja forces frequently engaged in high-intensity provocations, infiltrations, and small-scale skirmishes, displaying an attitude that they might launch a large-scale offensive at any time.

What alarmed Konoha even more was the news coming from various sources: the Tsuchikage Onoki's "old back" that had plagued him for many years seemed to be getting better.

Although there is no concrete intelligence confirming that Onoki will return to the front lines, the very rumor is like a sword of Damocles hanging over him.

It's worth noting that the "excuse" Ōnoki used to seek out a renowned doctor in the Land of Birds was actually to go there.

Everyone knew that once that powerful bloodline limit user with the Dust Release arrived, the balance of power on the western front would instantly tip.

As for Konoha... it seems that only the Third Hokage himself is capable of going to the western front to confront Onoki directly.

But Konoha is currently beset by internal and external troubles, so how could the Third Hokage possibly leave?

What frustrated the Third Hokage the most was the attitude of Kirigakure.

Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, did not proceed as quickly as expected after initially reaching an agreement on establishing diplomatic relations and obtaining considerable practical concessions from Konoha.

Instead, they repeatedly entangled themselves in and delayed matters concerning seemingly trivial but actually crucial clauses.

Her reasons for delaying were often roundabout, but they always involved one person's name—Qian Shou Qing Wu!

For example, when discussing a border trade agreement between the two countries, she would say:

"This matter involves border security. Qingwu, the Jonin, once turned the tide on the border of Kirigakure and is familiar with the situation. It would be good to hear his opinion."

For example, when discussing the details of the Joint Chunin Exams, she would sigh:

"I've heard that Jonin Qingwu once served as an examiner for the Chunin Exams. If he were involved in setting the rules, it would surely be fairer and more interesting."

Even in certain technical ninjutsu exchange clauses, she would "inadvertently" mention:

"No one can surpass Qingwu Jonin in the application of natural energy, but unfortunately he has been staying at home recently, so there has been no opportunity to exchange ideas!"

The implication was clear: "Without Senju Seigo's involvement, establishing diplomatic relations will be difficult."

Mei Terumi is using another method to continue to "support" Qingwu, while also further testing the bottom line and tolerance of Konoha's higher-ups.

She was certain that Konoha desperately needed Kirigakure as an ally to break the deadlock and wouldn't dare to truly turn against them.

Konoha's F3 face a daily barrage of letters requesting help, pressure documents, and the Mizukage's diplomatic rhetoric, which is often laced with subtle barbs.

They felt a surge of anger burning in their chests, making their internal organs ache.

Despite being a ninja from his own village, he committed the heinous crime of "murdering an elder."

Now, not only can they not be severely punished, but they are also being used as bargaining chips by external forces to blackmail the village!

How can I swallow this insult?

"Hiruzen, this can't go on any longer!"

Xiaochun, who had just switched dorm rooms, slammed an urgent request for assistance from the western front onto the table, her face ashen.

"Shikaku is urging us again! Iwagakure's probing is becoming more and more frequent, and on an increasingly larger scale."

"He judged that Onoki would likely return to the front lines soon! We must come up with a countermeasure immediately! We must decide whether to fight or make peace!"

"And that little girl from Kirigakure is simply too much! She's acting like she has the final say, does she really think Konoha can't function without her?!"

Mitokado Yan pushed up his glasses and sighed wearily.

More than Koharu's anger, he felt a deep sense of powerlessness.

"Xiaochun, you need to understand one thing: war? What are we going to fight with? Our Land of Fire is located in the center, and we've been fighting wars for years. Our ninja forces are already stretched thin."

"Moreover, the morale of the frontline troops is low due to a series of unforeseen events and external pressures."

"Kumakuna is watching us closely from the side. Once we start fighting Iwagakure again, Kumogakure will never let the opportunity pass."

As for... and?