As time passed, people matured, and the world changed. A single year was enough to shift alliances, ambitions, and fortunes. A simple seed of ambition, once planted, could take root and grow into something formidable.
Many events unfolded this year. Sakumo Hatake was now openly regarded as a strong candidate for the next Hokage, wearing the symbolic half-sleeves of leadership. Several smaller clans, sensing the political winds shifting, aligned themselves with the Hatake clan.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha clan had expanded aggressively within the Land of Fire. First, they partnered with the Hirano clan to establish a large-scale poultry farm and a meat processing plant. Then, they founded the grandest restaurant chain in the Land of Fire—Konoha Fried Chicken (KFC), the first officially sanctioned fast food brand in the country.
Next, they collaborated with the Higashino clan to purchase vast lands between Konoha and the Fire Capital, where they established a distillery. Their signature product, Wuliangye, soon became the most sought-after sake in the ninja world.
Finally, they spearheaded the creation of the Royal Chamber of Commerce, with the Fire Daimyo himself holding shares—hence the name "Royal." This powerful economic entity was co-owned by all the factions behind the Twelve Guardian Ninja, including the Fire Temple, which received a share of its profits as "incense money."
The Royal Chamber of Commerce quickly established Royal Hospitals across the Land of Fire, ensuring that both nobles and commoners had access to medical care. Ownership was divided among the Chamber (60%), the Uzumaki Clan (15%), Konoha Hospital (15%), and Konoha itself (10%). Most of the doctors came from the Uzumaki Clan, with Konoha's medical ninjas assisting.
Additionally, the Royal Investment Guild was founded, spearheaded by the Uchiha but with substantial backing from the Daimyo, Konoha, and Fire Country nobility loyal to the village. This guild controlled vital industries—firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea for the common folk, and fine arts, literature, and luxury goods for the aristocracy.
Uchiha Yang had a clear purpose for these ventures—by intertwining the financial interests of the Daimyo, the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and the clans, he ensured their loyalty. In every era, wealth dictated power, and words alone could not forge true unity. Organizations survived on mutual benefits, not empty rhetoric.
Despite their financial gains, the Uchiha did not monopolize profits. Key stakeholders—including Konoha itself—were included, preventing resistance. Even if tensions arose between Uchiha and Konoha, the Daimyo could serve as a mediator, offering a path toward de-escalation.
As the old saying went: Take a man's gold, and he will serve you well. With the Daimyo providing his full support and working to improve the lives of his people, his gratitude was inevitable.
Meanwhile, Konoha's leadership remained skeptical. To them, the Uchiha were merely another financial powerhouse to monitor—an unavoidable nuisance.
For months, Uchiha Yang had been gathering intelligence on the Black Market Valley, using bribes and informants to track its operations. Now, he presented a plan to the other Twelve Guardian Ninja: the valley had to be destroyed. Only the Hyuga Clan hesitated before ultimately agreeing.
Even the monks of the Fire Temple approved. "These people are drenched in sin," one of their elders remarked. "Our duty is to cleanse this filth."
Thus, the operation was set in motion. Against overwhelming force, the Black Market's resistance was futile. In mere minutes, it was erased.
---
"Danzo-sama, our base in the valley has been wiped out by the Guardian Ninja."
A kneeling Root agent reported this grim news.
Danzo Shimura remained silent. His expression did not waver—he had expected this.
Rising from his chair, he approached a large calligraphy scroll hanging on the wall. The single word "忍" (Endurance) was boldly inked, its meaning heavy with history.
Exhaling slowly, he muttered to himself, "So, you think I don't know what you're planning, White Fang? For Konoha… I must act."
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
"Sakumo, this mission is critical," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, handing over a scroll. "Jiraiya and Orochimaru will reinforce you when they return."
"Understood, Lord Hokage," Sakumo Hatake replied with a deep bow before leaving.
Watching him go, the Third Hokage sighed as the sun set beyond the Hokage Monument.
"For Konoha… I can only hope."
---
"Have you heard? White Fang failed his mission."
"Yeah, apparently he abandoned the mission to save his teammates. The failure cost many lives."
"No way! Lord White Fang? That can't be true."
"It is. The very ninja he saved stood outside his home and cursed him! He nearly committed suicide at his doorstep before Anbu restrained him."
"Ninjas are supposed to put the mission first. It's tragic, but he made the wrong choice."
"Wrong choice? A ninja who doesn't prioritize the mission is no ninja at all! How could he even be considered for Hokage?"
"Keep your voice down. ANBU might hear—"
At that moment, two patrolling Uchiha strode over.
"You there. Spreading malicious rumors, inciting unrest, slandering a high-ranking ninja… That's a serious offense."
"W-Wait, I was just—"
CRACK! A fist sent the speaker sprawling to the ground.
"Silence! You think you can run your mouth about Konoha's elite?" The Uchiha's Sharingan flickered with disdain.
"I see now! The Uchiha and the Hatake are in this together! You're—"
Another strike knocked him unconscious.
"Talking too much is bad for your health," the arresting Uchiha muttered, signaling for his comrades to drag the man away.
Watching this unfold, Uchiha Nobunaga sighed inwardly. Arresting dissenters had become routine, but he was beginning to doubt the effectiveness of such measures. The more they cracked down, the more resentment festered.
Still, appearances had to be maintained.
At least now, no one could say the Uchiha had betrayed Konoha when the village turned its back on one of its greatest heroes.