Naruto's Strongest Force - Chapter 107

Konoha Village, Eighth Street

Eighth Street was originally Uchiha territory, and aside from the leading Uchiha clan shops, there weren’t many other businesses. However, due to Natsuki’s incentives, some Uchiha had returned home to start families, leaving several shops vacant.

After the Uchiha shops became popular, the entire street flourished. These vacant shops were quickly rented out at high prices by other clans, who profited greatly from the Uchiha-led boom in business.

Unfortunately, the prosperity didn’t last long. Due to Danzo and the Third Hokage’s greed, the Uchiha initiated a separation plan, causing Eighth Street to lose its former glory. Many shops were vacant, and the signs of Uchiha businesses were dust-covered.

The remaining shop owners, who had previously rented the expensive shops, were from other ninja clans. Every time they saw people from outside the village passing by, they looked on with hopeful eyes. But most people simply passed through Eighth Street, heading to the north gate of Konoha to take a ride on the Uchiha sightseeing cart or visit the bustling Uchiha food street. Seeing the desolation of the street, many lost interest and wandered off to another commercial area instead.

Unlike ordinary citizens, the major ninja clans understood the real reason for the Uchiha’s departure from Eighth Street—it was because of Danzo. The secret was out thanks to the Hyuga clan, who quietly spread the word to avoid taking the blame themselves.

Danzo had handed over thirty per cent of the secret recipes to the Fire Country Daimyo, who harshly reprimanded him. However, being thick-skinned, Danzo didn’t care much about the formal scolding. The Fire Country Daimyo, with his team’s help, tried to replicate the recipes and began promoting the cuisine.

Hokage’s Office

All the honorary elders and advisors were seated in the meeting room of the Hokage’s office. Even Akimichi Torifu, who usually enjoyed his retirement, had made a rare appearance.

This was the monthly meeting to discuss major Konoha issues. While the honorary elders could propose ideas, decisions were made by the Hokage and the advisory elders. Although the Hokage held the most power, if all the advisory elders opposed a decision, it wouldn’t pass. However, such a scenario had never occurred before.

The Third Hokage had aged quickly in recent years, losing the sharpness that once defined him as a legendary shinobi. Now, he emitted a heavy aura of old age.

“The floor is now open for proposals,” the Third Hokage said, knocking on the table.

A chair creaked as Akimichi Torifu stood up, the seat beneath him severely deformed from his weight. Since it had been a long time since he attended a meeting, his old, personalised chair was gone.

“I propose buying back the Uchiha-owned shops on Eighth Street and reopening them to bring life back to the area,” Torifu said.

The Akimichi clan had been the most prominent investors in buying shops on Eighth Street since their barbecue restaurants benefitted from being next to Uchiha eateries. However, they hadn’t expected Danzo’s interference, which led to the Uchiha’s withdrawal from Eighth Street.

The Uchiha’s shops remained vacant, and the decrease in foot traffic caused other businesses to suffer. The properties still belonged to the Uchiha; unless the village purchased them, Eighth Street would remain desolate.

“Seconded.”

“Seconded.”

“Seconded…” Several honorary elders voiced their agreement. Most of them were from prominent ninja clans, and they had lost the most in this situation.

The Third Hokage glanced around the room. Two-thirds of the honorary elders supported the proposal, and Akimichi Torifu, still an honorary elder by title, also seconded it.

The Third Hokage knocked on the table again. “Proposal accepted. Who will negotiate with the Uchiha?”

Most eyes turned toward the Hyuga clan’s representatives, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi. Typically, only Hiashi attended these meetings, but this time, the Hyuga clan had also granted honorary elder status to Hizashi. This was a strategic move by the Hyuga clan, fearing retribution from Natsuki Uchiha when he returned.

After receiving secret information, Hizashi stood up and said, “I will handle this matter.”

Seeing Hizashi volunteer, the Third Hokage nodded approvingly. “It’s settled then, Hizashi.”

He then gestured for Hizashi to sit back down. “Next proposal.”

Danzo stood up. “Konoha’s monthly mission completion rate has been low. I propose restoring the Root organization, which can guarantee one-fifth of the village’s missions are completed.”

Akimichi Torifu shot to his feet. “I oppose!” The chair beneath him finally gave out with a loud crack.

“Konoha’s economy is in decline. Restoring Root would mean unnecessary additional expenses.”

Over the past few years, Danzo had caused many problems, most notably driving the Uchiha away. Akimichi was adamant that Root should not be reinstated.

“I also oppose. Root serves no useful purpose.”

“Opposed.”

“Opposed…”

Root Base

“Humph!”

“Fools! How dare they oppose my proposal,” Danzo fumed as he returned to the Root base. All had shot down his plan but the Shimura clan. The other clans’ honorary elders had shut him down completely, claiming that Root was useless.

Danzo knew they blamed him for the Uchiha’s departure, but he could do nothing. His deal with Zetsu had fallen apart, and now Zetsu had mysteriously disappeared. Without funding, Root was in shambles.

Pacing back and forth, Danzo felt uneasy. Zetsu’s disappearance had unsettled him, mainly since Zetsu had provided the technology that allowed his right arm to function freely without needing to suppress the cells from Hashirama.

Danzo had re-implanted the Sharingan into his right eye socket and still had extra. But even though his abilities were enhanced, he trusted no one and suspected Zetsu might have left behind some backdoor.

“Call in the medical team,” Danzo ordered. Soon, the medical team arrived.

“I want seals placed on my right arm. Make sure there are no hidden traps left behind.”

“Yes, Lord Danzo!”

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