Naruto's Strongest Force - Chapter 7

“Itachi, I know you’ve been providing information to the Third Hokage.”

Itachi was silent for a moment. “I’m sorry.”

“Your desire for peace isn’t wrong, but your methods are.”

“Itachi, there are many things that need handling within the clan. Resign from the Anbu and come back to help us.”

Leaving the Anbu isn’t easy; they handle many secrets. Without Hokage’s approval, Anbu’s status wouldn’t have been easily changed. However, Itachi’s heart leaned toward the clan, and he would find a way. Even if he weren’t entirely rational, he certainly wouldn’t be trusted by the Third Hokage anymore.

Itachi agreed.

Fugaku felt relieved. During his time as clan leader, both Shisui and Itachi had seemed distant. Fugaku even had Itachi infiltrate the Anbu, only to find Itachi providing information to the Third Hokage. Thankfully, things were now turning for the better, thanks to Kazuya. Fugaku was already considering when to hand over the clan leadership to Kazuya.

[Ding, faction template loading complete.]

Kazuya opened it and saw his and Fugaku’s names at the top, followed by the names and images of various Uchiha members.

He clicked on Itachi’s profile: Uchiha Itachi, Loyalty: High, Specialties: Combat, Stealth. Under combat, detailed information about Itachi’s skills in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu was listed. Stealth was self-explanatory. There was a separate column for the Mangekyou Sharingan and related abilities.

Kazuya then opened Fugaku’s profile. Fugaku didn’t have a loyalty rating but rather a high intimacy level. Otherwise, his profile was similar to Itachi’s.

Now, Kazuya could see each clan member’s strengths, making it easier to delegate tasks.

He then checked the profiles of the two elders. The Fourth Elder specialised in internal affairs, while the Third Elder specialised in management.

Kazuya said politely, “Many of our upcoming plans will rely on your guidance, Elders.”

Both elders bowed slightly. “Deputy Clan Leader, please feel free to instruct us.”

Kazuya began forming a plan in his mind. For a clan to develop, it needs resources. Other ninja clans had businesses: the Akimichi BBQ restaurant, the Nara pharmaceutical business, and the Hyuga’s control over medical systems. The TenTen family monopolised ninja tools in Konoha.

Other clans had their livelihoods. With such means, relying solely on missions was sufficient for growth.

The Uchiha clan hadn’t engaged in such businesses, focusing instead on their roles as law enforcers, relying on the meagre income from the Konoha Military Police Force. The root cause was a lack of talent. With suitable talent, they could engage in appropriate work.

Traditionally, the Uchiha were battle-focused, with no one studying these aspects. Now, with the faction template revealing each person’s talents, the path ahead was more straightforward.

Kazuya spoke seriously, “After awakening my Mangekyou Sharingan, I saw many future fragments. Konoha’s peace won’t last long; countless disasters will strike.”

“We must prepare early and address the clan’s grievances.”

“We can’t cling to the Military Police Force anymore. As law enforcers, we’re naturally unpopular. Whether we relax or tighten our grip, it won’t win us any favor and will only increase our clan’s discontent.”

Fugaku tapped his hand on the table. “Speak freely, Kazuya. We will support you fully.”

Fugaku’s words indicated he was fully delegating authority to Kazuya. Given Kazuya’s strength and wisdom, the others had no objections.

Kazuya pointed to his eyes. “The future fragments I saw included successful business ventures. We need to select people and develop the economy, gradually freeing ourselves from Konoha’s control.”

Oh?

The elders had yet to consider using foresight in this way. With abundant funds, the clan could become self-sufficient, no longer subject to Konoha’s whims. Given the future disasters, economic independence was crucial.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Kazuya continued, “This will be a long-term task, but we have some time.”

“During this time, we need to relinquish our powers, making the ‘Uchiha Threat Theory’ irrelevant.”

Seeing their puzzled expressions, Kazuya briefly explained the concept of the ‘threat theory.’

Everyone nodded in understanding, impressed by Kazuya’s insight.

Kazuya waved his hand. “The Military Police Force is now more harmful than beneficial. Our first step is to abandon its authority.”

“Fourth Elder, Danzo suffered a great loss today and will likely cause trouble within the Police Force’s jurisdiction tomorrow. Suspend all Uchiha members who have been complained about and recall them to the clan. If anyone questions it, delay and stall.”

The Fourth Elder, thoroughly impressed by Kazuya, patted his chest. “Deputy Clan Leader, you can count on me.”

Kazuya turned to the Third Elder. “Third Elder, you’ve always aimed to seize power by force. After seeing those future fragments, do you have any thoughts?”

The Third Elder sighed. He had indeed aimed to seize power by force, but seeing the failure despite controlling the Nine-Tails and the subsequent devastating jutsu (Chibaku Tensei), he had let go of that ambition.

“Since Konoha fears us gaining power, we’ll throw all our power away. Fugaku, you should resign as head of the Police Force at the right time.”

“In our quest for power, we’ve offended too many people, making them forget any good we’ve done, taking it all for granted.”

“Now we retreat to advance.”

“Third Elder, gather those dissatisfied radicals.”

The Third Elder frowned. “Kazuya, what are you planning?”

Not everyone could swallow their pride and retreat to advance. For some Uchiha, that was impossible, hence the existence of the hawks.

“We need a ‘rebellion’ and ‘severe damage’ for the Uchiha,” Kazuya said with a sly smile.

“Otherwise, how do we dispel the Uchiha threat theory and let people develop outside?”

The elders and Fugaku exchanged glances. “But these people aren’t easily convinced.”

They didn’t know Shisui had awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan and the Kotoamatsukami ability. Kazuya gave Shisui a meaningful look, and Shisui understood, explaining his Kotoamatsukami ability.

“Another Mangekyou?” The elders were astounded—years without a Mangekyou and now two at once.

Fugaku was equally shocked. The clan now had three Mangekyou Sharingan users. If they hadn’t planned to use Konoha as a scapegoat, a rebellion would have had a high chance of success. No wonder Danzo wanted Shisui’s eyes.

He might have fainted from joy if Fugaku had known Itachi also had the Mangekyou.

After the elders left, Kazuya asked, “Itachi, Shisui’s left eye is with you, right?”

Itachi nodded. “Nothing escapes you, Deputy Clan Leader.”

He summoned a crow and retrieved a bottle containing the Sharingan.

“Shisui, we need to unite the Uchiha, so recover quickly.”

“Yes!” Shisui felt the weight of his responsibility. With a way to protect the clan without clashing with the village, he was determined to succeed.

“Deputy Clan Leader, I suspect someone is watching us.”

Kazuya nodded. “You’re referring to the person investigating the shrine’s secret stone?”

Itachi was surprised but nodded.

“This person will cause great turmoil in the ninja world, but I’m not sure of their identity yet.”

“They’ve been frequenting the shrine’s secret stone. I suspect the text has been altered. Don’t trust it.”

Kazuya warned preemptively.

“Understood, Deputy Clan Leader.”

…

Late at night, after the discussions, Itachi saw Izumi dozing on a nearby bench.

Itachi remembered Izumi’s death in the vision, feeling a pang of pain.

He approached and gently shook her shoulder. “What are you doing here?”

Izumi sleepily opened her eyes. “Itachi?”

Realising it was him, she quickly woke up. “Oh, nothing. I’m heading back.”

Blushing, she stood and prepared to leave.

“Izumi…” Itachi called her.

“Yes?” She turned, looking playful and cute in the dim light.

Itachi paused, then said, “Let’s go have dango tomorrow.”

Izumi’s heart raced loudly in the quiet night.

The sudden happiness made her feel lightheaded. “Okay… sure!”

She covered her face and ran off, saying, “See you by the river tomorrow!”

Watching her leave, Itachi’s face softened into a gentle smile.

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