CHAPTER 245: CHAPTER 245: ZETSU: OPPORTUNITY? THE OPPORTUNITY WAS SMASHED BY KONOHA!

"Clan Head Fugaku, congratulations."

"Congratulations!"

"Fugaku..."

After leaving the building, people from various clans came forward to chat with Uchiha Fugaku.

Hyuga Hiashi stood to the side, watching with narrowed eyes for a while, then also stepped forward with a smile.

"Congratulations, Fugaku. Although the Uchiha have encountered hardships, the result is good."

"It’s still too early to say congratulations."

How could Fugaku dare to accept? He was happy and excited, but at the same time, very apprehensive, afraid that this was all a dream.

The Uchiha... can we really return to the core circle? This was a wish that the Uchiha of the past had never been able to achieve. If it had been like this earlier, there wouldn’t have been so many Uchiha rebels!

But then, Fugaku understood. It was precisely because of the Uchiha’s internal strife and weakening that everything could proceed so smoothly. If the Uchiha were at their peak, how could they possibly hand over the Police Force?

Secondly, the current Konoha was strong enough! Ryoho Kyohiko and Namikaze Minato, just the two of them, could handle a whole group of people. The Uchiha’s Sharingan had no great advantage in front of the Flying Thunder God. And then there was the fact that Danzo, who represented the suppression faction, was dead. Tsunade and Kyohiko had risen to power, jointly suppressing the authority of the three advisors. If any one of these factors were missing, today’s exchange of conditions would not have been possible.

Konoha has really changed!

🦊🍜🍥⛩️🪵🌊

On the way back, Hyuga Hiashi frowned, thinking about today’s situation. The Uchiha returning to the core circle. For the Hyuga, this was not a very good signal...

He was pondering. He looked up, his steps slowing by a fraction.

"Kyohiko-kun?"

"Hiashi-senpai."

Ryoho Kyohiko walked up with a smile.

Hiashi was a little surprised, but he quickly understood that the other party wanted to speak privately. As he walked towards his clan compound, he smiled.

"Not busy today?"

Ryoho Kyohiko smiled.

"A matter of concern has been resolved, so I’m relatively relaxed."

Hyuga Hiashi smiled.

"The Uchiha are indeed a powerful force. Konoha needs them."

Ryoho Kyohiko got to the point.

"Konoha also needs the Hyuga clan."

Although the Hyuga clan had already received benefits in terms of medical ninjas before, that was the result of a mutual exchange of interests and was unrelated to this time.

"I have a plan for the future and would like to ask Hiashi-senpai to preside over the scheduling. I wonder if you have any free time."

"What plan?"

Hiashi understood. This was to give the Hyuga clan benefits and make them contribute more. With the Uchiha entering the core of power, if the Hyuga, also a prominent clan, remained stagnant, it would not be a good thing for either the village or the Hyuga. He had been wondering when to bring it up. He hadn’t expected Kyohiko to have already thought of it.

Ryoho Kyohiko did not hide it and explained the details of the plan.

"In the absence of war, our village’s ninjas are currently quite abundant. We can send some to be stationed in friendly allied countries. Currently, the Land of Tea has such a request..."

As the train of thought was laid out, Hiashi was already thinking and calculating in his mind. The current Konoha had a very powerful foundation—the Flying Thunder God Formation Technique! Ryoho Kyohiko had been promoting it in the past and had now accumulated dozens of talents who had mastered the technique in the Anbu. Although they couldn’t have Flying Thunder God ninjas stationed in every place yet, emergency teleportation was definitely possible.

Hyuga Hiashi pondered for a long while, then nodded lightly.

"We can try it in the Land of Tea first. When other countries see the effect in the Land of Tea, they will naturally come to us if they are interested."

Ryoho Kyohiko smiled.

"That’s what I mean too. As the number of people grows in the future, Konoha’s missions will eventually not be enough to go around."

Hyuga Hiashi nodded lightly. He thought for a moment.

"If the village is not afraid that I will mess it up, I, Hyuga Hiashi, am willing to take on this responsibility."

"It will generally be up to you to arrange, but in terms of manpower, all clans and commoners must certainly be taken into account..."

"Understood."

Hyuga Hiashi nodded.

After some exchange, the two sides basically reached an agreement, and the stone in Hiashi’s heart was quickly lifted. After saying goodbye, on the way back, a slight smile touched Hiashi’s lips. Tsunade was upright in her actions, and her handling of political affairs was generally fair and unbiased. Ryoho Kyohiko’s planning focused on the big picture, allowing every family and ninja to benefit, instead of being limited to the division of the cake within Konoha. The two of them, one righteous and one unconventional, complemented each other. Even if there were occasional accidents, the general direction would not be wrong.

Konoha can prosper!

🦊🍜🍥⛩️🪵🌊

In the Hokage’s Office.

Tsunade looked at Shizune.

"Shizune, do you know the reasoning behind today’s arrangement?"

Shizune’s progress in medical ninjutsu had been delayed by her, but she was becoming more and more experienced in handling political affairs and documents, and could now help share a lot of the pressure. Considering her future development, Tsunade also had the intention of teaching her in this aspect, which was why she asked.

Shizune pondered for a long time.

"This matter has Kyohiko’s shadow, and also your arrangement, but it’s still mostly Kyohiko’s idea..."

Tsunade did not deny it. The various plans and arrangements were indeed mostly Kyohiko’s ideas. She was more in the role of correcting and supplementing, to prevent his ideas from being too bold. But in fact, she completely understood the core of Kyohiko’s line of thought. That was why she dared to support it.

Shizune thought for a good while but couldn’t come up with an answer.

"Then what do you think is the difference between us and Sandaime-sama?"

"Uh..."

Shizune carefully glanced outside, then closed the door and said in a low voice, "Sandaime-sama and Danzo-sama, I feel they are very petty!"

She would never dare to say this outside. But in the Hokage’s office, the soundproofing and confidentiality here were the strongest in Konoha!

Tsunade said, her face becoming serious.

"Hmph, you’re right."

"It’s like when you diagnose and treat a patient. If you only look at one symptom, you may not be able to cure it. Many problems and diseases need to be approached from the whole body..."

Those who do not plan for the world are not fit to plan for a single domain. She didn’t understand this phrase. But many principles were interconnected. With her own experience and understanding, Tsunade could also understand similar principles.

Shizune listened attentively. She couldn’t fully understand, but vaguely felt that what Tsunade was saying was not just the concept of treating diseases, but a very high level of consciousness. After pondering for a long time, she said.

"This principle seems to be applicable to war and battle as well."

"Of course. As a medical ninja, you especially need to pay attention to this point on the battlefield. Where to save first, what is more important, all these require your judgment."

As she spoke, Tsunade’s eyes dimmed for a moment. War was cruel. Even she couldn’t save everyone. In past wars, many ninjas like Nawaki and Dan had lost their lives, some of whom were even choices she had to make. Because at the beginning of the treatment, she knew these people couldn’t be saved. Such things required more rationality and a view of the bigger picture...

Tsunade’s face was serious.

"Shizune, your talent in medical ninjutsu and combat is not as good as Kurenai’s or Rin’s, but you also have your own talents. Coordination, planning, logistics..."

"These are equally important!"

Tsunade didn’t want Shizune to see herself as just an assistant. Everything now would become a help for Shizune’s rise in the future!

Shizune lowered her head.

"Tsunade-sama, so you knew all along."

She did have some small feelings, but she usually thought she hid them well. She hadn’t expected...

"How could I not know?"

Tsunade wanted to laugh, but also felt a bit emotional.

For the past period, it was Shizune who had accompanied her all the way. After returning to Konoha and becoming Hokage, she had transferred Shizune over, mainly because Shizune did these things the best and most carefully. Even Yuhi Kurenai was not as good as Shizune in handling affairs. She hoped to cultivate Shizune into a political talent.

Shizune pondered for a moment.

"Are you trying to cultivate me into an Advisor Koharu?"

"Hiss! You suddenly mentioning her, I really am a bit..."

In Tsunade’s mind, an image of an old Shizune suddenly appeared, and she immediately gasped. Then, an image of her own old self... Instantly, Tsunade shivered. No! Absolutely not!

"Shizune, in the future, let’s not compare her with you. Think of good things!"

"Yes, yes..."

Shizune’s mouth twitched. Although she didn’t know what was going on, Tsunade had definitely thought of something else. But Tsunade’s words did give her a lot of comfort in her heart. She was not useless either.

"But, starting next week, you don’t have to come."

"Ah?"

Shizune was bewildered.

Tsunade smiled helplessly.

"What ’ah’? This year’s Chunin Exams are only a few months away. Prepare well and strive to become a chunin early."

"Yes!"

🦊🍜🍥⛩️🪵🌊

Returning to the clan, Inuzuka Tsume was still in a daze. She was not stupid, otherwise she wouldn’t have become the clan head. Kyohiko had specially come to her side before, reminding her to have the Inuzuka clan work harder on ninja beast medical care and training, and at the same time reminding her that there might be a mission for the Inuzuka clan later. And now, the Police Force was being reorganized. Although the captain was still passed down through the Uchiha, having a sub-captain or someone in the Police Force could also share some benefits.

Returning home, she immediately gathered the ninjas in the clan. The Inuzuka clan had not been forgotten. They had to act in advance!

🦊🍜🍥⛩️🪵🌊

At noon, on the Hokage Rock.

Tsunade sat on top with a pot of wine and two cups. After filling them, she drank one cup full and poured one on the ground. After drinking it all, she refilled another cup. Three cups in a row.

At this time, a person arrived with a body flicker.

"Why are you drinking alone here?"

"I’m not alone."

Tsunade smiled.

She pointed below.

"I’m drinking with my grandfather and grand-uncle. If they knew that Uchiha Madara was still alive to this day, I wonder what they would be feeling."

"They must have known long ago. After all, they didn’t even see the person after going down there!"

"Pfft!"

Tsunade really couldn’t hold it in and spat out a mouthful of wine. She glared fiercely at Kyohiko, then put down the wine cup and looked at the sky.

"Actually, they have long gone to another world and no longer know what is happening in this world. The living and the dead are separated, with no more worries."

Tsunade gave a cool smile.

"Any form of memorial service is just a process of letting go for oneself. The affairs of this world still have to be solved by ourselves!"

Ryoho Kyohiko looked at her face and didn’t have the heart to interrupt her sigh with emotion and high spirits and determination at this moment. Separated by life and death, indeed. But whether it’s up to "ourselves" to face it is not necessarily true. It still depends on whether we can truly send Uchiha Madara down there, whether we can protect the nine Tailed Beasts.

"Is there no problem on Hiashi’s side?"

"None, he agreed."

Ryoho Kyohiko answered.

Tsunade nodded.

"That’s good."

🦊🍜🍥⛩️🪵🌊

At sea, Onoki, the Third Raikage, and Karatachi Yagura were meeting on a ship.

The Third Raikage narrowed his eyes.

"Fourth Mizukage, you are late."

"My apologies."

Karatachi Yagura nodded lightly, but did not explain further.

He looked at Onoki and the Third Raikage.

"Have you two already reached an agreement?"

Onoki nodded.

"Yes. Konoha is too powerful. We must unite. Otherwise... that kid is only twelve or thirteen now. When the next generation comes, we will be even less of a match!"

They were anxious to deal with Konoha. One reason was that Konoha was now strong and had won over Sunagakure as a staunch ally. The other was... in their next generation, not a single one had shown the ability to compete with the other party, including Onoki’s and the Third Raikage’s own sons. Kitsuchi and A, compared to ordinary people, were indeed strong enough. However, compared to Kyohiko, they were far behind. And Konoha also had a Namikaze Minato, whose strength was not much weaker than Kyohiko’s. It could be foreseen that in the next few decades, these two would, like Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara back then, suppress the shinobi world for decades until they died. Decades. They couldn’t afford to wait!

Karatachi Yagura nodded lightly.

"I approve of your proposal and am willing to join forces with you to form an alliance. But there is a problem now..."

"The opportunity to send troops you mentioned may have already come."

Karatachi Yagura said.

The Third Raikage’s brow furrowed.

"What do you mean?"

"According to our intelligence, an internal strife did indeed occur in Konoha. Many from the Uchiha clan intended to rebel and even released the Nine-Tails..."

Onoki and the Third Raikage looked at each other, both a little surprised. Released the Nine-Tails? The Uchiha could actually do that? No! Impossible. This matter must have been manipulated by Madara from behind. Onoki instantly understood.

He was just about to speak when a figure appeared from below. A half-black, half-white figure, a familiar human shape. The Third Raikage’s body instantly erupted with astonishing chakra, the Lightning Release Armor appearing on his body. But Onoki raised his hand.

"Wait! He is not an enemy!"

At least not for now, Onoki thought to himself. He looked at Zetsu.

"I presume you have brought good news this time?"

Zetsu sighed.

"Unfortunately, I am here to return a part of the commission."

"This operation has failed."

"What?"

The three Kage exclaimed in disbelief at the same time. Failed?

"Didn’t you already release the Nine-Tails? Could it be that even the Nine-Tails couldn’t cause destruction to Konoha? Or is it that..."

Zetsu explained patiently.

"We did indeed release the Nine-Tails, but only a quarter of its power. Ryoho Kyohiko has the ability to suppress it."

"This was a trap they set."

The ship was silent. Even a quarter of the Nine-Tails was not so easy to suppress.

The Third Raikage touched his chest, then asked.

"What about Konoha’s losses?"

Zetsu answered truthfully.

"Unfortunately, there were almost no losses. The Uchiha suffered considerable casualties, but Konoha’s overall losses were not large. We still need to wait for another opportunity."

Then, he took out the commission that Onoki had given him before and returned a part of it. Onoki took it, and after a rough count, about seventy percent had been returned. This money could actually be returned... he was a little surprised.

The Third Raikage looked at Zetsu, roughly understanding what kind of role the other played. Able to sneak into Konoha... a target worth winning over.

"What’s your next step?"

Zetsu said faintly.

"Our four families unite. Hanzo of the Salamander has not responded for the time being, but who knows, he might lean towards Konoha’s side..."

"Next, we must concentrate the power we can master as much as possible."

"For example?"

Zetsu said.

"For example, the Tailed Beasts. The One-Tailed Shukaku and the Seven-Tails, Chomei, are in Sunagakure and Takigakure respectively. They may both lean towards Konoha’s side. I think we can go and snatch them first."

Onoki and the Third Raikage looked at each other, their faces serious.

"Who will go?"

"Of course, my people. Heh, don’t worry, I won’t drag you into the water."

"Alright."