How to Survive as an Uchiha

The news of Konoha forming an alliance with Iwa spread like wildfire across the continent.

When people first heard this, they thought they were hallucinating from working too hard.

The Third Tsuchikage was widely known for two characteristics: Never forming alliances with other villages. Always being late with declarations of war.

For decades, this stubborn and temperamental Ōnoki never wavered. And now, he had formed an alliance?

At the center of this explosive news was the Fourth Hokage, who sat at his desk.

"All in all, this is extremely good news," Minato said in a deep voice. "Now, we must focus on how Kumo will respond."

At this moment, the Hokage's office was filled with influential figures.

Representing the new era were Minato and Fugaku. And representing the old era were Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura.

Compared to when Minato first took office, the leadership team hadn't changed much, with only one new face. However, the dynamics had shifted significantly.

Minato had fully stepped into his role as Hokage, and no one thought he needed the old generation's guidance anymore.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen, now entirely focused on teaching his grandson, was here in body but not in spirit. From the moment he entered the room until official discussions began, he'd mentioned, "My grandson has started learning staff techniques. He's so much like me," to every single person at least twice.

Koharu and Homura, without grandchildren to teach, were eager to remain involved. But Minato's governance style differed vastly from Hiruzen's, rendering much of their experience less relevant.

Still, their positions as senior advisors were unshakable.

"What do you think?" Minato asked. "Will Kumo back down, or double down with a tougher stance?"

Masashi had given Konoha an immense surprise.

Nobody had held high hopes for this mission to Iwa.

After all, Iwa wasn't like Kiri. Its internal situation had always been stable, its strength considerable, and Ōnoki's non-alliance policy was backed by confidence.

Most had expected the talks to end like they did during the Third Hokage's time: a mutual acknowledgment of setbacks and a decision to reconvene after a few years of rest.

Yet the early reports from the delegation indicated that Ōnoki had chosen to ally immediately.

And not just that—he'd signed an agreement thick enough to fill a book.

The report also mentioned Iwa's plans to send an official delegation to Konoha next year to discuss specific terms of collaboration.

"Fugaku, take a look," Minato said, handing the letter to the Hokage Advisor. "To be honest, I didn't fully understand it. You're the expert on this; what do you think? Does it seem reliable?"

Fugaku took the letter, quickly read through it, and said, "Ōnoki does seem genuinely intent on forming an alliance. However, how deep this partnership goes will depend on the detailed terms agreed upon during next year's official visit."

He placed the letter back on the desk.

"That's reassuring." Minato relaxed slightly. "So, we just need to focus on Kumo, then."

"No, there's also Suna," Hiruzen interjected.

Though he no longer held much authority, he was well-versed in the thought processes of his old allies. After all, it was him who had orchestrated the alliance with Suna years ago.

He had to admit, his intentions back then weren't entirely pure. While the treaty itself showed no direct hostility toward Suna, its implementation was laden with disadvantages for them.

By now, Suna had likely figured that out.

At its core, Suna was much like Kumo—an aggressively expansionist village with a keen eye on the Land of Fire's resources.

Their alliance with Konoha was mainly to counterbalance Iwa. Now that Konoha and Iwa had allied, Suna might abandon their treaty and ally with Kumo instead.

This shift could escalate tensions once more.

"Are you suggesting we put pressure on Suna?" Minato asked.

"Something like that." Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe before suggesting, "For this year's Chunin Exams, Konoha could propose having Suna host it, with Konoha and Kiri participating."

"I see…" Minato still seemed concerned. "Wouldn't that push Suna even closer to Kumo?"

"Those two villages are likely already in contact," Hiruzen said. "But it's not a major issue. Suna also seeks better ties with Kiri. This is all just a way to buy time. Our job as adults is to provide a peaceful environment for the younger generation to grow."

"Agreed," Fugaku said, fully supportive.

"Still, this is all speculative. We'll need to hear from Masashi once he returns and adapt based on the actual situation in Iwa," Hiruzen added with a smile. "For Ōnoki to agree to this alliance, he must have pulled off something extraordinary."

"I can imagine," Fugaku said with a grin. "It likely has something to do with the Association."

"That Association's influence is growing," Hiruzen remarked. "Even the daimyō's government is paying more attention. Recently, an official suggested bringing the Association under direct government control."

"Did the Fire Daimyō agree?"

"Of course not. The official was dismissed on the spot." Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke. "But before he could even return to his estate, he was killed. Fugaku, were you aware of this?"

"Not yet." Fugaku nodded. "With the Association growing so large, internal conflicts are inevitable."

It was clear that Tetsuka and his group still had much to learn from Masashi. But that was precisely why it was them, and not Masashi, who had gone.

Their role was intimidation, after all.

The Five Great Shinobi Villages generally refrained from harming daimyō, even those of smaller nations, except under special circumstances. The same applied to lesser aristocrats.

But special circumstances were another matter entirely.

Reports indicated that the Association's immense wealth had naturally attracted numerous threats, particularly from small-time nobles who fancied themselves talented but unlucky.

These minor aristocrats sought opportunities to display their "abilities" and gain the favor of major lords.

Of course, truly powerful figures wouldn't stoop to such schemes.

Hiruzen didn't dwell on this topic. His mention of it was just a subtle reminder.

He had been pleased to see the Uchiha clan's transformation. If they'd been like this earlier, he wouldn't have faced such headaches in the past.

The conversation soon returned to strategic discussions.

Those with true authority in the Land of Fire naturally knew that the real masters of the Association were the Uchiha clan.

To be more specific, it was Masashi.

The title of White Ghost aside, it was almost certain that he would be the next head of the clan.

To challenge the Association was to challenge Masashi, which in turn was to challenge the Uchiha clan as a whole.

No one would willingly engage in such a venture purely for money.

After all, these were the great nobles—they weren't desperate for wealth to that extent. And so, just as the Hokage Building chose to selectively forget about the matter, the daimyō's residence also did not stir up any waves regarding it.

After all, people die every day in this world—what's so unusual about the death of an official?

There was no rule that said the Land of Fire couldn't have bandits motivated by greed, right?

And so, the matter passed without incident. Because soon, there was a much bigger event to focus on.

The Konoha delegation had returned from the Land of Earth.

On this day, Konoha was filled with decorations, vibrant and lively. Everyone was joyfully celebrating the triumphant return of their delegation.

The alliance with Iwa signified that the light of peace had already illuminated most of this land.

The only remaining shadow on the continent, stubbornly refusing to let sunlight in, was the Land of Lightning.

Subtly, the people of the Land of Fire—be they nobles, ninjas, or ordinary citizens—began to look at the Land of Lightning with a peculiar perspective.

This was the situation Masashi returned to, leading the Konoha delegation back home.

The village was in an uproar, completely immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

As the delegation walked through the streets, they were surrounded by endless cheers and praises.

The senior members of the delegation were visibly proud. As veteran players in Konoha's political game, they understood very well the significance of the alliance between Iwa and Konoha.

They also knew how great an achievement this was. While the major credit undoubtedly belonged to Masashi, they didn't mind. Simply participating in this negotiation ensured that their personal and family histories would shine with distinction.

The cheers and applause from all around were more intoxicating than any achievement.

Masashi himself felt deeply moved.

After all his effort, he had finally managed to divert Konoha away from the trajectory of decline, fundamentally avoiding the possibility of a rupture between the Uchiha clan and the village.

All internal conflicts inevitably stem from a tightening of the internal environment.

As long as he could handle the Land of Lightning, peace would be within reach.

All that remained was to watch over the new generation—wait a moment. Besides the twelve genin, there were also Karin and Haku. Oh, and for some reason, Konohamaru had ended up in the same year as Naruto and Sasuke.

Older than Naruto, but younger than Sasuke.

This wasn't twelve genin anymore—it was fourteen, maybe even fifteen!

Not bad at all. This was truly good.

He had fulfilled the expectations of the foolishly optimistic and the overly wealthy members of the Uchiha clan.

When they arrived at the Hokage Building, the area was already packed with people, but the crowd had thoughtfully left a path open for the delegation.

Led by Minato, Konoha's leadership was at the building's entrance to welcome them, all smiles and clearly in high spirits.

Hiruzen looked at the young man walking at the forefront. Reflecting on the many honors this individual had brought to the village over the years, he was reminded of Kagami, who had passed away at a young age.

The elderly man felt both nostalgic and gratified.

Another generation of youth had grown up and was now able to shield Konoha from storms.

In a moment of reverie, Hiruzen felt as though he had returned to the time when he first stood in front of the Hokage Building, seeing those familiar figures approaching together...

"Hiruzen, what's wrong?" Homura noticed his old friend's unusual demeanor.

"It's nothing, just thinking about something." Hiruzen regained his composure and forced a hearty laugh. "Seeing the vitality of the young people reminds me of many things from the past. We weren't so different, were we?"

"Us..." Homura thought carefully.

Hiruzen had been a top student, Danzō a perpetual contrarian, Koharu always sleeping in class, Torifu constantly eating, and Kagami arriving earliest and leaving latest, which got him assigned as the class sanitation officer by the instructor. He also enforced penalties for littering—Danzō was the frequent offender.

How was this similar? It was completely different. Are we even remembering the same things?

"Hiruzen, not at all the same! Masashi has become an indispensable ninja for the village," Koharu suddenly remarked from the side.

"Koharu, what are you trying to say?" Hiruzen turned to her.

"Such a powerful ninja should officially take on a team, don't you think?"

"The Academy has indeed submitted such a request." Hiruzen stroked his pipe thoughtfully. "I've heard he's already teaching some kids... the Masashi Team..."

Seeming to recall something amusing, he chuckled.

At this point, the delegation had arrived.@@novelbin@@

"You've worked hard, Masashi."

"For the village, it's no hardship."

"Hmm, I'm sure this is a fascinating story. You must tell us all about it."

"It's nothing much." Masashi forced a laugh.

Honestly, he didn't feel like recounting the story. So much effort, and these people would have endless questions.

"Let's discuss this inside," Minato said with a warm smile, clearly intent on not letting him off the hook. "Go upstairs and wait for us."

With an awkward yet polite smile, Masashi entered the Hokage Building.

The outside was no longer his concern. As for what Minato mentioned, it probably had something to do with Suna.

If he were the Kazekage, he'd definitely be reaching out to Kumo by now.

While Gaara's father didn't seem particularly sharp, he should have the basic sense to do this as the Kazekage.

Familiar with the building, Masashi made his way to the Hokage's office. The guards at the door opened it for him, and the first thing he saw was a pot of tea on the coffee table.

It was as blood-red as ever.

What was worse, it seemed like this tea had been specifically prepared for him.

Expressionless, he retrieved a new cup, brewed fresh tea for himself, and sat down.

After a while, the office door opened again, and Minato led the Konoha Council inside.

"Huh?" Minato looked at the untouched tea in surprise. "Masashi, why did you brew a new cup? That one's for you."

"Hokage-sama, just let me do it, please."

"Alright, you're quite stubborn." Minato chuckled and took the tea himself—he wasn't about to let it go to waste.

"Masashi, tell us how you managed this."

Currently 80 advance /Malphegor