Naruto's Strongest Force

After leaving Orochimaru’s lab, Natsuki met with all of Orochimaru’s trusted subordinates. As expected, aside from a few notable characters from the previous timeline, the others provided no significant attributes. However, when Natsuki encountered the remaining four members of the Sound Five, a notification rang in his ears:

?Ding! Congratulations, you have significantly altered the Sound Four’s life trajectories.?

You have received Curse Mark x4

?Ding! You have successfully recruited the Sound Four.?

You have received Earth Release Affinity, Mastery of Sound Techniques, Archery Expertise, and Dual-Wielding Mastery.

“So, these four don’t even deserve names?” Natsuki thought. While Earth Release Affinity was a nice gain, Sound Mastery and Archery seemed less valuable to him. “I’m not a Hyuga turning into an electromagnetic cannon!” he joked to himself.

As for Dual-Wielding Mastery, did that apply to Sakon and Ukon as a single person? Were they naturally conjoined twins and not modified by Orochimaru? Shaking his head, Natsuki observed that Orochimaru’s subordinates looked much more regular in this timeline, with fewer apparent modifications. The Sound Four’s notable abilities seemed to revolve around their Curse Marks, which suggested they were their most vital asset. He could use five Curse Marks, including what Natsuki had gained from Jugo.

In the Sound Village

The large meeting room was packed with people. After leaving Orochimaru’s lab, Natsuki gathered all the Uchiha clan members who were not currently out on missions. Everyone present in the Sound Village came together.

Natsuki sat at the head of the table, with the three elders, Takuya, Itachi, and Shisui, seated beside him. The third elder, Takuya, had lived to see his lifelong dream fulfilled in these past few years. He had witnessed the growth of the Sound Village from a few hundred people to thousands. Whenever Kabuto wasn’t around, Takuya had taken over leadership duties.

In a sense, he was already acting as a second-in-command or even a Shadow Advisor. His demeanor had also changed, with the confidence of a true leader now visible.

Natsuki checked Takuya’s profile in his power system and noted that his abilities had shifted. What once had only been labeled “management” now also included “leadership.” Natsuki was pleased to see that sending the Uchiha out into the world had been the right decision.

“You’ve been out here for over four years now. You’ve all worked hard,” Natsuki said, standing and bowing to them. After all, these people were alive and real despite having had their radical ideologies changed by Kotoamatsukami. The Sound Village had been barren land when they first arrived, and the Uchiha had played a significant role in its development.

“Thank you, Lord Natsuki!” came the replies.

“This is for the clan!” some shouted, their voices filled with sincerity.

Seeing their genuine response, Natsuki felt deeply gratified. The early days had been tough, but they had faced no discrimination here. And though the Land of Rice Fields was a poor and remote country, the Uchiha had thrived, especially after their efforts in establishing the local food industry.

Natsuki raised his hand to quiet them. “I know that after being away for so long, some of you must be missing home.”

They exchanged glances but remained silent.

“It’s fine. Speak freely—there’s no need to hold back,” Natsuki reassured them.

Finally, Uchiha Katsuro hesitantly raised his hand. “My mother had a baby boy, and he should be around two years old now. I’d like to go back and see him.”

Katsuro’s teammate, Uchiha Kazuhiro, saw someone speak up and added, “My wife hasn’t seen me in years. I’d like to visit her.”

Soon, more people began sharing their feelings.

“My mother hasn’t seen me in four years; I want to visit her too.”

“I…”

People are now more comfortable sharing, and the room is filled with voices, mainly from those with family in the Uchiha clan. Even those without family wanted to return to the village, curious to see how the Uchiha had fared during their absence.

Natsuki raised his hand again, and the room fell silent. He turned to the third elder, Takuya, who hadn’t spoken. Sensing Natsuki’s gaze, Takuya said, “I don’t have any family left in Konoha, but I’d still like to visit and see how things are.”

Natsuki nodded in understanding.

“Do you all know who founded the Sound Village?” he asked. They looked around, puzzled, and shook their heads.

The leadership trio knew but remained silent.

“It was Orochimaru,” Natsuki revealed. “He created the Sound Village, though he usually stays behind the scenes, with Kabuto and Takuya managing things.”

A slight murmur went through the crowd as the Uchiha processed the news. Strictly speaking, they were all traitors to Konoha, and now they found out the leader of the Sound Village had also betrayed Konoha. However, they soon quieted down, accepting this reality.

“Orochimaru was forced to flee because of Danzo’s schemes, but in truth, he’s always been a partner of the Uchiha,” Natsuki continued. “Soon, there will be an opportunity for us to return to Konoha. When that time comes, those who wish to stay here can remain, and those who wish to return can go back.”

Excitement rippled through the room. Despite living well here, many longed for home. They were eager to return, though grateful for the life they had built in the Sound Village.

Natsuki clapped his hands. “Spread this news to those who couldn’t attend today, but keep it confidential for now. Takuya, Itachi, Shisui, stay behind. The rest of you are dismissed.”

The room emptied, with the Uchiha leaving in good spirits, hopeful for the future. Once they were gone, only Natsuki, Itachi, Shisui, and Takuya remained.

Natsuki looked at the three and announced, “When I return to Konoha, I will be taking over as clan head.”

The three were taken aback, even though they had suspected this was coming. They were not opposed but hadn’t expected it so soon.

“As you know, the Third Hokage now realizes that Orochimaru’s defection was due to Danzo’s betrayal. He’s considering reinstating Orochimaru into the village,” Natsuki explained. “I intend to support Orochimaru in becoming the Fifth Hokage.”

None of the three seemed fazed. Having seen the future, they knew that the title of Hokage wasn’t as crucial as it seemed. Orochimaru, after all, was on their side.

Takuya had some knowledge of Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami and suspected that Orochimaru was more than just an ally. He didn’t ask questions, trusting the process.

“What’s our next move?”

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