"This feels strange, like being wrapped in a Water Release jutsu."
Hyuga Mirai pinched his own skin as he spoke. His body was covered in a layer of bio-nanoparticles, which, under the control of Unit 18, had altered his appearance to match that of Keikou Sanmoku.
These nanoparticles also had the ability to block chakra perception. Aside from visual-based Kekkei Genkai, no chakra-sensing jutsu could possibly detect any irregularities in Hyuga Mirai's disguise.
"Amazing, Lord Mirai! But… I can still sense you using my Kagura Mind's Eye."
Ayaka Uzumaki covered her face with a playful smile.
However, Unit 18 immediately exposed her lie without mercy. "Ayaka Uzumaki is lying. Sensory jutsu cannot penetrate the bio-nanoparticles' blocking function."
'Damn you, 18!'
Veins of frustration bulged on Ayaka Uzumaki's forehead as she glared at the communication screen, resisting the urge to smash it with a punch. She was simply trying to express her admiration—who asked for a scientific explanation?
"Lord Mirai, let me accompany you."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Ayaka. Keikou Sanmoku usually doesn't travel with female guards."
Hyuga Mirai shook his head. "Besides, the Uchiha will be assigning their own escorts. Once we reach the outskirts of Konoha, even those escorts likely won't be allowed in. I'll have to infiltrate Konoha alone."
"Eh~" Ayaka Uzumaki pouted in disappointment.
But then, Hyuga Mirai suddenly changed his mind. "Come along anyway. If you get the chance, check in on that clanswoman of yours. Speaking of which, Danzo has been doing a surprisingly decent job lately. He should've been a propagandist instead of the Hokage's advisor—his talent is wasted in this role."
"You mean Kushina, Lord Mirai? She should be nearing—"
Ayaka Uzumaki's disappointment vanished, replaced by a beaming smile at the thought of accompanying Hyuga Mirai.
That said, she had little regard for Kushina. Ayaka deeply resented her kinswoman's loyalty to Konoha and had tried multiple times to persuade her to leave, to no avail. Yet, despite her disdain, Kushina was one of the few Uzumaki left in this world, and her days were likely numbered.
"Lord Mirai, what's a 'propagandist'?"
"It's someone whose job is to spread misinformation—basically, Danzo."
Hyuga Mirai answered casually before instructing Unit 18 to prepare a set of bio-nanoparticles for Ayaka Uzumaki as well, ensuring her appearance was altered.
However, adjustments were necessary. If her curves remained too pronounced, the disguise might not be entirely convincing even with the nanoparticles covering her body.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic envoy from the Land of Rain had arrived unexpectedly to discuss a large-scale terrain modification project, catching the Sand Federation off guard.
Keikou Elder had previously brought up this initiative within the federation, as it directly impacted their agricultural development. Pakura and other high-ranking officials took a keen interest in the matter. However, the mountains that obstructed moisture and caused the federation's arid climate were mostly within the Land of Rain's borders, making it impossible for the federation to act independently.
Furthermore, the federation was still adapting to its newly expanded governance. Transitioning from managing a single village to overseeing an entire country had left Pakura and her advisors overwhelmed with administrative duties. In fact, Pakura had practically coerced and pleaded with Keikou Sanmoku to help her manage the workload.
Most officials assumed that negotiations with the Land of Rain would take one or two years at minimum.
Yet, to their surprise, it had only been half a month before the Rain Village sent an envoy.
Although the proposal was mutually beneficial, removing the mountainous barriers would leave the Land of Rain surrounded on all sides by the Sand Federation. Without those natural defenses, the country would essentially become a battleground in the event of another war.
Pakura treated the matter with utmost seriousness, as it concerned the federation's agricultural sustainability and oasis development. Since the initiative had been brokered by the Keikou Trading Company, she did not hesitate to appoint Keikou Sanmoku as the Kazekage's official advisor.
There were minor objections to her decision, but the role of Kazekage's advisor had changed drastically. Previously, managing a single village was manageable for one person like Rasa, but now, all critical documents funneled through Pakura's office. Even with three assistants helping her organize files, she was buried in work. It was only after Keikou Sanmoku stepped in that she finally had time to rest and train.
No one dared question Keikou Sanmoku's competence, and Pakura's appointment was logical. The collaboration between the federation and the Land of Rain required a skilled intermediary, and Keikou Trading Company was the only organization capable of facilitating such discussions. While Keikou Elder provided counsel, it was Keikou Sanmoku who handled all major affairs.
For now, the Rain Village's envoy was only here for preliminary discussions. A formal negotiation would require selecting a mutually agreed-upon location.
However, Hyuga Mirai knew that Konan had already made up her mind, so Unit 18 had begun preparing the necessary materials and equipment for the transformation project.
Leaving the intergovernmental logistics to Unit 18 was a relief for Hyuga Mirai. Thanks to chakra's influence, Unit 18's evolution had diverged from its original path, gaining subtle human-like emotions—though they weren't explicitly reflected in its programming.
Hyuga Mirai had considered studying Unit 18's integration of artificial intelligence with chakra, but the field was uncharted territory for him. It wasn't that he couldn't figure it out—only that it would take significant time.
For now, he had more pressing matters. Perhaps after unifying the ninja world, he would revisit the research on Unit 18's cognitive evolution.
After adjusting her appearance, Ayaka Uzumaki applied the bio-nanoparticles to herself, ensuring a complete transformation. With that, the two set off.
Though the real Keikou Sanmoku remained in the federation's Kazekage Tower, the Uchiha lacked the intelligence capabilities to be aware of such developments.
The Uchiha were under such tight surveillance that even leaving the village was nearly impossible. And the only one among them who could leave… still harbored loyalty to Konoha.
Hyuga Mirai and Ayaka Uzumaki first traveled to the territory of the Ninja Cats, where they met with the Uchiha's arranged escort.
"Keikou-san, I wasn't expecting us to meet again so soon."
The one sent to receive Hyuga Mirai was Uchiha Tekka. As one of Fugaku's most trusted aides, only he could personally handle such a crucial meeting and ensure Fugaku's peace of mind.
To avoid previous mishaps, Uchiha Fugaku had even confirmed that Itachi was out on a mission, ensuring there would be no unexpected interruptions this time.
"Tekka-san," Hyuga Mirai greeted with a warm smile. "I have long admired the Uchiha clan. Being able to visit your esteemed home fills me with great excitement."
Mirai perfectly mimicked Keikou Sanmoku's speech patterns and mannerisms. In truth, Keikou Sanmoku's personality template had been modeled after Hyuga Mirai's own habits, allowing Unit 18 to replicate it flawlessly.
Uchiha Tekka offered a modest smile. "You flatter us. But in reality, we are little more than caged birds. Once you see it for yourself, you might be disappointed."
"A cage made of straw can trap a sparrow, but it cannot contain an eagle."
Hyuga Mirai's expression turned serious as he addressed Uchiha Tekka. "From my perspective, the Uchiha should soar across a stage far grander than this. A cage woven from grass will eventually be torn apart."
Those words struck a deep chord within Uchiha Tekka, resonating with his own suppressed frustrations.
The Uchiha had built a legacy spanning centuries, yet they were shackled, monitored every hour of every day, and forced to endure the scorn of the very villagers they were tasked with protecting.
"Keikou-san…"
Uchiha Tekka's eyes flickered with emotion before he quickly composed himself. Hyuga Mirai's words had earned his respect.
"Please follow me. The clan leader is expecting you at his residence."
(End of Chapter)