After leaving the Hidden Rain Village, Uchiha Tekka escorted Keikou Sanmoku back to the Sand Federation. Due to Keikou Sanmoku's status, the eight Uchiha guards accompanying them faced minimal scrutiny from the border patrols of the Hidden Sand Village.
Tekka also witnessed firsthand the level of prestige Keikou Sanmoku held within the federation. The moment the border guards heard his name, nearly all of them left their posts to welcome him. If not for Sanmoku's repeated refusals, the squad captain would have sent an escort to accompany him further.
Because of Keikou Sanmoku's influence, the Sand ninja treated the Uchiha with an unusual level of courtesy, frequently offering them food and water along the way.
Crossing the border, Tekka silently marveled at the power of the Keikou Trading Association. If someone had such a reputation in the Sand Village, they were clearly more than just a symbolic figurehead.
After half a day's journey, Tekka noticed many newly planned roadways. Though construction had yet to begin, the preparations were evident.
Curious, he asked, "Keikou-san, what are those?"
"Those are planned roads—both highways and railways. The steel and stone we recently secured from the Land of Rain will be primarily used for their construction," Sanmoku replied without reservation.
Tekka understood the idea of roadwork but was puzzled as to why the Hidden Sand was investing so much into infrastructure. With such vast amounts of steel, they could significantly bolster their military power. After all, lower-ranked ninja often refrained from using kunai and shuriken, not due to a lack of strength but because they would quickly run out of supplies.
"Keikou-san, why is the Hidden Sand building roads? Aren't they worried they'll just be destroyed?"
"A lot of people in the Sand Federation have raised that question," Sanmoku said, rubbing his chin. "I can only say this: roads are built for the sake of development. Tekka, if you could reach the border while lying down in a carriage instead of walking, wouldn't you take that option? Besides, most of the Hidden Sand's forces are already stationed at the borders. If a major nation were to send elites to sabotage us, the federation wouldn't be able to stop them no matter what."
Tekka nodded thoughtfully. Throughout the journey, he had asked Sanmoku many questions, and the man had answered them all in detail without hesitation. Of course, Tekka was careful not to inquire about confidential matters.
The transition from agricultural self-sufficiency to industrialization was inevitable. Hyuga Mirai, however, did not want to waste too much time on the process, so he had the Keikou Trading Association push the federation forward at an accelerated pace.
Capitalism's influence spread silently, and not just among ordinary Sand ninja. Even Pakura herself deeply trusted the two avatars controlled by Unit 18—Keikou Sanmoku and the Keikou family head. Under their guidance, Hyuga Mirai was effectively the de facto ruler of the Sand Federation.
Before the desert reclamation project was completed, the Keikou Trading Association ensured a steady supply of food. Once new crops were successfully introduced, the federation would experience a food surplus. At that point, the excess manpower could be redirected toward industrial production.
Looking at the rebuilt towns in the distance, Sanmoku turned to Tekka and asked, "That's the newly reconstructed Sand Federation up ahead. Would you like to take a look inside?"
"No need. The clan leader is waiting for our report. Maybe next time, Keikou-san," Tekka replied politely.
The Uchiha had taken considerable risks escorting Sanmoku this far, and this mission had also served as a test. As soon as they entered the federation's territory, the Uchiha team had raised their guard to the highest level.
But in the end, their concerns had been unnecessary. Not only was there no underhanded scheming, but Sanmoku had also been accommodating, patiently answering all of Tekka's questions.
"In that case, next time it is. I'll issue you a Sand Federation travel permit. It will allow your group to stay within the federation's territory for three days. With it, you'll have access to all areas except military camps."
Sanmoku retrieved a pre-prepared permit, signed his name, stamped it with his seal, and handed it to Tekka.
Tekka's estimation of Sanmoku's standing in the Sand Village rose even further.
"As for Lord Fugaku's invitation, once I've handled my responsibilities here, I will send a formal response," Sanmoku said.
Tekka bowed slightly and replied, "The Uchiha Clan awaits your esteemed presence."
During his time with Sanmoku, Tekka had unconsciously picked up some noble etiquette. He found it tedious at times, but neglecting such manners made him feel uncultured.
With that, Tekka and his team departed from the federation, travel permit in hand.
Even without entering the main city, the journey alone had been eye-opening. Merchant caravans, ox-drawn carts, and wagons flowed in and out of the federation's trade hubs in an unending stream. The sheer volume of commerce was staggering.
The decision to build roads had been driven by the overwhelming number of merchants doing business with the Keikou Trading Association. If infrastructure was not improved, the vast deserts of the Sand Federation would remain an insurmountable obstacle for trade.
Tekka meticulously recorded all that he had seen and, upon reaching the outskirts of Konoha, used the Uchiha's secret passageways to return to the clan's territory.
The mission's compensation would arrive in two days, delivered by the Ninneko.
After dismissing the Uchiha escort team, Tekka immediately made his way to the clan leader's residence to report the details of the mission to Fugaku.
This time, the intelligence he had gathered was equivalent to several S-rank classified pieces of information. If he didn't report it soon, even he would feel uneasy.
Arriving at the artificial lake behind the clan leader's house, Uchiha Fugaku was unusually seen guiding Itachi's training. Ever since Itachi graduated from the Ninja Academy, he had been training under Shisui. Fugaku trusted both Shisui's strength and Itachi's self-discipline, so he rarely involved himself in his son's training.
But today, since Itachi was not on a mission and resting at home, he had taken the opportunity to ask his father for guidance. Uchiha Mikoto was also present, kneeling gracefully beside them, having prepared everything for this rare moment between father and son.
"Clan Leader."
Uchiha Tekka entered and spoke directly. Despite the serene atmosphere of the family training together, the intelligence he carried was too important to delay.
"Itachi, continue practicing on your own. Remember the key points I just mentioned. I need to handle something. Mikoto, no need to prepare tea—I will take care of it myself."
The moment Fugaku saw Tekka, he knew what the report would be about. Such sensitive matters could not even be shared with his wife, so there was no need for formalities.
After instructing them, Fugaku led Tekka into the house.
Itachi, watching his father leave, contemplated for a moment before naturally turning to his mother and saying, "Mother, I forgot my steel wires inside. I'll go get them. Do you need anything while I'm there?"
Mikoto smiled warmly and replied, "No, Itachi. If you're tired, it's okay to rest a little. You don't have to push yourself so hard."
She had no idea that Itachi's real intention was not retrieving his equipment but rather eavesdropping on the conversation inside.
Inside the meeting room, Uchiha Tekka sat down with Fugaku and relayed everything he had discovered.
This included his observations in the Land of Rain, the cooperation between the Suna Federation and Amegakure, and the truth behind the death of the Fourth Kazekage. He suspected that Rasa's death was linked to the Keikou Trade Association, though he had no evidence. There were also connections to the previous Daimyo of the Land of Wind's death.
Fugaku was visibly surprised. He hadn't expected a simple escort mission to yield such critical intelligence.
"Did they agree to the meeting?"
Tekka nodded. "Yes, Clan Leader. However, Keikou wants to handle some matters first before attending. He will notify us in advance through the Ninja Cats."
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully. After a brief silence, he suddenly asked, "Tekka, what stance do you think we should take toward the Hyakusa Trade Association?"
"I'll follow whatever decision you make, Clan Leader," Tiekka replied, shaking his head. He wasn't avoiding responsibility; he genuinely didn't know how to answer.
"The Uchiha clan's position in the village is difficult. The Third Hokage is not like the Fourth; he refuses to listen to our side of the story. If this continues, the resentment among the clan..."
Fugaku trailed off, shaking his head.
The divide between Konoha and the Uchiha was growing wider. The Uchiha lacked neither wealth nor reputation, only fair treatment. During the Fourth Hokage's time, there had been hope for reconciliation. But after the Third retook power, the situation had only worsened, forcing the Uchiha into greater isolation.
This wasn't something Fugaku alone could fix. Sooner or later, he would have to make a choice between the clan and the village.
"Clan Leader, we have done nothing to betray the village. The situation we're in now is unfair to our people," Tekka muttered. Though he obeyed the clan's decisions, he couldn't agree with how the village treated them.
"There is an opportunity... but whether we can grasp it remains to be seen," Fugaku murmured, shaking his head before looking at Tekka again. "Tekka, war might be the only way to improve relations between the Uchiha and the village."
War... improvement...
Tekka immediately thought of the Land of Rain situation, but he quickly dismissed the idea as unwise.
Keikou trusted them deeply. If they turned against him, the Uchiha's reputation and future would be ruined.
Having spent so much time by Fugaku's side, Tekka had a good idea of what the clan leader intended. But now, he hesitated.
"Clan Leader, this matter—"
Before he could finish, a voice called from outside.
"Itachi, are you finished yet?"
It was Uchiha Mikoto.
(End of Chapter)