I, Naruto Uzumaki, don't need your approval.

The only drawback is that the changes only occurred after they left.

After a moment of reflection, Itachi and Kisame were about to contact Pain, the leader, when Obito reappeared before them as ripples spread through the space.

Upon seeing Obito, Itachi frowned and asked, "Madara, weren't you allied with the leader of Uzushio Village?"

After the previous battles, Itachi knew that this conflict with Uzushio Village was led by Obito. Otherwise, there would have been no conflict of interest between Akatsuki and Uzushio Village.

Kisame looked at Obito with great interest, hoping that Obito could give an explanation.

Upon hearing this, Obito's expression turned somewhat grim, but he still explained, "Uzumaki Menma's ambitions are too great. Not only has he seized control of the Land of Whirlpools and the Hidden Mist Village, but he has also extended his reach to the Land of Waves. If we don't defeat him beforehand, it will be detrimental to our subsequent plans."

"I just didn't expect his strength to exceed my expectations."

Upon hearing this, Itachi narrowed his eyes, his mind becoming more active. It seemed that Madara was not as invincible as he had imagined. Besides the leader Pain, there were other ninjas he feared.

Seemingly sensing Itachi's thoughts, Obito snorted and said, "Itachi, Uzushio Village will threaten Konoha sooner or later. Who knows, they might start a war with Konoha one day. You should think about who to help."

After saying that, Obito disappeared from the spot, abandoning his idea of ​​providing information to Itachi and Kisame.

If Itachi were to learn that the leader of Uzushio Village was suspected to be the Fourth Hokage, this Uchiha psychopath might come up with some strange and bizarre ideas.

After Obito left, Itachi and Kisame looked at each other in bewilderment.

After a moment of contemplation, Kisame spoke up, "Itachi, were you also a ninja recruited by Lord Madara?"

Itachi nodded. He was actually quite curious about how Kisame was valued by the masked man and eventually joined the Akatsuki. Based on his own experience, Kisame's journey must have been quite tortuous.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two reported on the completion of the mission and explained the reasons for the failure.

Nagato didn't react much to the mission failure; it was just an ordinary mercenary mission. Over the years, the Akatsuki had taken on missions to instigate wars and overthrow small countries.

However, this time, for the sake of the small Land of Waves, even powerful figures like Itachi and Kisame almost lost their lives.

After reporting, the two headed towards the black market to see if there were any suitable commissions available. Although Xiao didn't care about the completion of missions, she still had to pay a certain amount of money every month.

Just then, Itachi received a message from Orochimaru and stopped in his tracks.

Kisame asked curiously, "Itachi-san, what's going on? Are there enemies ahead?"

Itachi shook his head: "No, it was Orochimaru who contacted me. He's in the Land of Fire and wants to meet with me alone to talk about personal matters."

“Mr. Itachi, this is likely a trap, otherwise he wouldn’t have met with you alone.”

"I know this is a trap, but I have a reason why I must see it."

Whether it was a trap or not, Itachi Uchiha knew perfectly well. Orochimaru had been interested in him since he was very young, and now that he had awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan, Orochimaru would definitely not miss the opportunity to study it.

However, this venomous snake certainly didn't know the power of the kaleidoscope.

……

The following morning, when the people of the Land of Waves awoke from their sleep, they received a shocking message.

The Kado Shipping Company, which had ruled the Land of Waves for over a decade, has fallen, and Uzushio Village, a ninja village that is said to have been destroyed decades ago, has taken over its rule.

Most people don't care whether the ruler is the Kado Corporation or the Whirlpool Country.

They were more concerned about the tax rates in the Land of Whirlpools, whether it would restrict going to sea and foreign exchanges, and whether it would exploit its citizens in every way, like the Kado Company.

The Dazner family also heard the news, which made the strong and muscular Keisha frown.

He had always wanted to rebel against the tyranny of the Kado Corporation, but before he could lead his people in rebellion, the massive Kado Corporation collapsed. It was unknown whether the newly arrived Whirlpool Country would inherit Kado's tyranny.

Tazuna, who had always opposed violent resistance, sighed softly: "Kaisa, let's give up the idea of ​​resistance for now. The people from the Land of Whirlpools are a group of ninjas. They are different from the people from the company. No matter how many ordinary people there are, it won't make a difference."

Tazner initially thought the ninjas were just foreign mercenaries, but after seeing the destruction of the company's headquarters, he realized that the ninjas might be different from what he imagined, and that it would be more appropriate to call them superhumans.

The little grandson muttered, "Grandpa only knows how to say discouraging things. If these new people are bad, Dad will definitely drive them away. He's always been the most powerful one."

"What do you know? You didn't go to the company's headquarters. Ninjas are not people that ordinary people can fight against."

Seeing that his godfather and godson were about to start arguing, Keisha quickly stepped in to mediate. After calming them down, he couldn't help but look at the company's location, unsure of what the future held.

But as long as the people of the Land of Waves are still suffering, he will not give up the idea of ​​resistance.

Whether the other party is a multinational corporation or a ninja who is above ordinary people.

Just then, Tazuna's neighbor came running up, panting. Upon seeing Tazuna, he said, clutching his back, "We've finally found you! The new ninja masters are looking for you."

"The ninja is looking for us?"

Dazner's expression changed slightly, and he gestured for Keisha to step back.

Could it be that the ninjas discovered Keisha's secret organization of resistance forces?

Seemingly sensing Tazuna's thoughts, the neighbor chuckled and said, "It's not because of Keisha. The new ninja masters want to build a bridge to the Land of Fire and are looking for experts in this field."

"Ninjas helping ordinary people build bridges?"

Tazuna found the idea increasingly bizarre, but building a bridge for the Land of Waves had been his long-held wish. Once a bridge connecting the Land of Waves to the outside world was established, the Land of Waves could break free from the shadow of the Gato Corporation and gradually become prosperous and powerful.

But if that's the case, wouldn't Uzushio Village be unable to exploit the people of the Land of Waves?

What exactly is their purpose in crossing the sea? Could it be that they are here to act as messengers of justice?

Despite his inner turmoil, Tazuna still planned to meet with the leader of Uzushio Village to see if he would be the next Gato. If he was similar to Gato, the Land of Waves might suffer for an unknown amount of time.

Chapter 142 Snake and Weasel (Part Two)

Dazner didn't dare to waste any time. After giving his son and grandson a few brief instructions, he set off for the company's headquarters.

Upon arriving at the company's headquarters and seeing the once glamorous neighborhood reduced to ruins, Tazna was deeply shocked. After all, even a professional demolition team would need a significant amount of time to demolish so many buildings.

And this was merely the aftermath of a ninja battle. A ninja wielding such destructive power cannot be described as a superhuman; they are closer to gods in mythology.

Tazuna nervously entered the company building and, guided by a guard, arrived at Naruto's office.

There were only three people in the office: Naruto, Shisui, and Haku.

Tazuna didn't recognize Naruto, but he did recognize Shisui and Haku standing to the side. These two were the travelers who had stayed overnight last night. How did they suddenly become ninjas from Uzushio Village?

Could they have remembered what I said yesterday? That would be terrible.

Shisui and Haku recognized Tazuna, smiled slightly to express their goodwill, and then asked Tazuna to sit down.

"Chief of Uzushio Village... Lord?" Tazuna looked at Naruto opposite him, unsure how to address this mysterious ninja wearing a black fox mask.

"You can call me Menma... or you can call me the leader."

Tazuna, of course, dared not address him by his name directly, and cautiously said, "Lord Menma, are you really planning to build a bridge for the Land of Waves? If so, I thank you on behalf of the people of the Land of Waves."

“Building a bridge is certainly not that simple. We also need to get the consent of the Land of Fire on the other side, and communication will take a lot of time. I plan to complete the bridge within six months.”

When it comes to professional knowledge, Tazuna becomes much bolder: "Master Menma, isn't the construction schedule too rushed? Building a bridge takes at least three to five years, and sometimes up to ten years. Aren't you being too impatient?"

Naruto glanced at Tazuna and said with a smile, "It takes ordinary people that long to build a bridge, but ninjas don't need that much time. I plan to have my ninjas build this bridge."

"Wouldn't it be... to have the ninjas repair the bridge?"

Tazuna was somewhat surprised. He had never commanded ninjas to build bridges before, but judging from their performance, they could indeed greatly reduce the construction time. But would the ninjas consider this an insult?

"Don't worry, if they don't come, I will personally help you build the bridge. And it's not just the bridge; I plan to involve ninjas in other aspects of infrastructure construction. It's a waste to use the ninjas' power for fighting and killing."

"That's what I think too. The power of ninjas is of great help to construction..."

Naruto and Tazuna talked for several hours.

With the morning almost over, Tazna reluctantly left.

At the same time, Tazuna understood that the other party genuinely wanted to build a bridge for the Land of Waves and was going to use the power of ninjas. Such a ruler was rare in the entire ninja world.

After Tazuna left, Shisui asked curiously, "Menma-sama, why did we help the Land of Waves build a bridge? We could have left after taking Gato's property."

"Of course, it's to win people's hearts..." Naruto said deliberately.

Shisui simply didn't believe it. The fact that the people of the Land of Waves hadn't resisted Gato's exploitation for so many years meant that it was still within their tolerance range. He figured that as long as Gato continued his methods, they could continuously provide funds to Uzushio Village.

Shisui didn't believe it, and Naruto had no choice but to say helplessly, "It's to provide employment opportunities. After graduating from Uzushio Village, ninjas can't always be mercenaries fighting wars. Ninjas in peacetime naturally need new jobs."

"Perhaps in the future, ninjas who fight and kill will be in the minority..."

"If you don't fight and kill, are you still a ninja...?" Shisui asked a profound question. Ninjas are essentially mercenaries; they'll do any job as long as they're paid.

Naruto glanced at Shisui and said in a low voice, "I thought you had a broader perspective. If ninjas are gone, they're gone. As time goes by, low- and mid-level ninjas will eventually be eliminated by the times."

"Haven't you noticed that over the past ten years or so, the distinction between genin and chunin strength has gradually become blurred?"

"These ninjas will play an increasingly smaller role in future wars, and we must solve their employment problems. Otherwise, the number of wandering ninjas on the black market will only increase, leading to security problems."

Shisui looked surprised and had to admit that Naruto had some truth to it. There was no real difference in strength between genin and chunin; the difference was more in experience.

After a pause, Naruto continued, "So, I'm thinking about the future of ninjas. Otherwise, wouldn't it be great to continue serving as the leader of Uzushio Village and the daimyo? Shisui, don't always limit your vision to the ninja village."

Zhi Shui wholeheartedly agreed, while Bai, standing beside him, listened in a daze.

Although he didn't understand the deeper meaning, if Naruto's idea could be put into practice, ninjas would no longer have to fight and kill, and tragedies like the Yuki clan would never happen again.

……

A town in the Land of Fire

As soon as they entered the town's black market, Orochimaru's subordinates noticed Kisame and Itachi traveling together and quickly approached them, saying:

"It's Lord Itachi, isn't it? Lord Orochimaru has been waiting for a long time."

Itachi nodded and glanced at Orochimaru's subordinates. The men's clothing was strange, and they had odd tattoos on their bodies.

These tattoos look like cursed seals, but they feel very different from cursed seals and don't seem to be the same thing. They should be a new ninjutsu invented by Orochimaru.

Where is Orochimaru?

"Lord Orochimaru is at a nearby base. I will go there with you two immediately."

Upon hearing this, Itachi and Kisame frowned, but still followed Orochimaru's men, leaving the town and arriving at a desolate, uninhabited place.

Not long after, Orochimaru, dressed in Akatsuki attire, appeared before the two and said in a hoarse voice:

"Itachi-kun has finally arrived. Didn't we agree to meet alone? Why did you bring Kisame-kun along? We're all rogue ninja from Konoha, there's no need to be so wary of us."

"It's just a mission we're carrying out together. I hope Orochimaru won't object."

"Of course you're welcome, but what we're discussing involves Konoha and Uchiha secrets. If Itachi-kun doesn't mind, I can say it in front of Kisame-kun."

Upon hearing this, Itachi's expression changed slightly, but he still told Kisame to step back for the time being.

After Kisame left, Itachi frowned and said, "Kisame has left. You can make things clearer now."