After the future direction of the Land of Fire was established at the high command meeting, everything seemed to get back on track.
The meeting brought about three changes:
First, Konoha's war machine began to operate once more. The Foundation and the Anbu continuously dispatched intelligence ninja in both eastern and western directions, infiltrating the two great nations of Wind and Water.
Second, the "Technology Development Headquarters"—spearheaded and founded by Hyuga Yu—was officially established as a project under the Foundation. With Hyuga Yu as the Chief and Orochimaru as the Deputy Chief, Sasori of the Red Sand, Hiruko, and Kakuzu (who were temporarily staying at Konoha Hospital) were all merged into this department. Under Yu's overall coordination, Konoha and the Land of Fire began allocating massive amounts of funds, personnel, and equipment to this department.
The base for the headquarters was designated at the center of the Forest of Death, within the hundred-meter-tall black tower that Yu had built with his bare hands. Subsequent supporting buildings would expand outward with the Forest of Death as the center.
Third, the election for the Fourth Hokage began right in the middle of the bizarre atmosphere currently permeating Konoha Village.
Anyone with eyes could see that—
With the power Yu possessed as 'Tennin,' if he wanted that position, neither Konoha's high command nor the Daimyō of the Land of Fire would dare withhold it from him.
Yet strangely—
Yu did not leverage his strength to corner them and demand the position of Hokage, even though Danzō Shimura urged him multiple times.
Doing this led to one outcome: if the current Hokage election process continued—with the high command deadlocked and the Daimyō's council tied—Minato Namikaze would ultimately surpass Hyuga Yu due to the results of the Jonin trust vote and be elected Fourth Hokage.
Yu didn't care. Aside from the fact that he no longer had any need or interest in the position, there was another crucial factor—
He was simply too busy.
By the third day after the emergency meeting, Yu's schedule was already booked out a month in advance.
Konoha Year 50, March 2nd.
Early morning, underground base of the Foundation.
Danzō Shimura pushed a scroll in front of Hyuga Yu. It was stamped with the seal of the Foundation and the approval stamp of the Hokage.
"This is the distribution map of all Foundation strongholds, contact codes, funding channels, and the list of undercover operatives."
Danzō's voice was as deep and sinister as ever:
"From today onward, all of this is handed over to you."
Yu took the scroll. He didn't open it immediately, but looked up at Danzō:
"What about you, Lord Danzō?"
"Me?" The corner of Danzō's mouth curled into a rare arc. "This old man will focus on the work of the Hokage Council of Elders from now on. I'll hold an advisor title on the Foundation's side, giving you suggestions only on general directions. As for specific affairs, you decide them yourself."
He spoke lightly, but Yu understood what this meant—
Danzō was voluntarily relinquishing power, completely handing over the Foundation he had spent many years building into Yu's hands.
"I thought you would be more reluctant to part with it."
"Reluctant?" Danzō let out a cold snort, sneering: "The primary purpose of the roots buried deep in the earth is to support the great tree that is Konoha. Right now... you can make the Foundation take root even deeper. Why would I be reluctant?"
He paused, his gaze growing deep:
"Besides... your current choice might align even better with the Foundation's purpose.
"With this old man in the Council of Elders checking Minato Namikaze and that monkey Hiruzen Sarutobi, your power as the 'Shadow within the Shadow' can become all the more secure."
Yu fell silent for a moment, solemnly storing the scroll away:
"Rest assured, Lord Danzō. The Foundation will not disappoint you."
Danzō didn't reply. He simply waved his hand, leaned on his cane, and left the office that originally belonged to him of his own accord.
Knock, knock, knock!
Just as Danzō left, a knock soon sounded on the office door. Terai walked briskly into the office holding a stack of files. Upon seeing Yu sitting in Danzō's seat, he immediately bowed:
"Lord Tennin, documents from the Technology Development Headquarters."
Yu didn't even raise his head, holding his pen to sign off on a receipt from the Land of Wind.
"Mm, speak."
Terai presented the documents, reporting in a heavy voice:
"At the Technology Development Headquarters, Lord Orochimaru submitted a roster of personnel this morning." Terai handed over a document. "He wants to requisition a few death row prisoners from the prison, saying it's for experimental use."
Yu glanced over the list, making a simple judgment on the progress of Orochimaru's project based on the demand for living test subjects—
In just three days, provided with manpower, money, and technology, Orochimaru had already led his team to get the project onto the right track. They had moved into the Black Tower, completed all preliminary work, and begun developing the "targeted genetic cloning technology" that Yu requested.
"Approved."
"Yes."
Yu then asked, "What about the progress of the others at the Black Tower?"
Terai reported immediately: "Sasori of the Red Sand moved onto the third floor of the Black Tower with his personnel and hasn't come out since. According to staff reports, he is calculating the funds and equipment required for the 'Regeneration Core' project."
Yu nodded. As the Black Tower was constructed, wired with electricity, and loaded with initial equipment, his "Tenseigan Nurturing" plan was finally starting to get on track.
Sasori's Regeneration Core technology was merely one component of this massive plan. It was mainly used to solve the problems of nervous system continuity and telomere attrition in the "immortal body" cultivated after the second stage of the Chimera Technique.
Simply put, it was meant to resolve the rejection and wear-and-tear issues between the new body created by the Chimera Technique and one's will. Although it was a technology that would only be needed in later stages, the earlier it began, the sooner Yu could reap benefits from it.
"What about Hiruko?"
"Hiruko is on the fourth floor. He applied for a batch of experimental animals and is currently verifying the key theoretical parts of the 'Chimera Technique.' It's said he successfully fused both the Hyūga and Kaguya Kekkei Genkai into the same rabbit, but the test subject seemingly only lived for five minutes before dying."
"During that time, the test subject went berserk, causing a loss of 5.21 million ryo. He needs you to reimburse it."
The corner of Yu's mouth twitched. "That seems to be his minimum monthly loan payment amount..."
"Forget it, reimburse him."
"Understood."
Taking the documents brought by Terai, Yu read through them carefully, signing his name on the last page and adding a note: Equipment procurement has the highest priority; overseas funding channels of the Foundation may be mobilized.
Closing the folder, he was about to continue processing documents sent by Minister Shōta Ōnishi of the Land of Fire, when out of the corner of his eye he noticed Terai, who had not yet departed.
"Is there anything else?"
Terai hesitated for a moment, then handed over a letter.
Yu tore open the envelope, unfolded the stationary, and read.
This letter came from Fugaku Uchiha, forwarded to Yu through Minato Namikaze's channels.
The content was very simple: Fugaku, head of the Uchiha clan, wished to speak with Tennin face-to-face regarding the matter of "the imprisoned Shisui Uchiha."
Looking at this document, Yu's brow furrowed slightly.
He was already aware of Shisui's situation. That day in the Forest of Death, Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan had been taken by Danzō Shimura, while Shisui himself was thrown into the Foundation's dungeon. Danzō had spoken very directly back then: the Mangekyō Sharingan was too dangerous and had to be "properly kept" by the Foundation.
Right now, that Mangekyō Sharingan was still resting in Danzō's right eye socket, and Danzō had no intention of handing it over for the time being.
However, when this matter reached the ears of the Uchiha clan, it exploded.
The clan's most promising genius had been detained by the Foundation without cause, and one of his eyes was gouged out in public by a high-ranking official of Konoha.
If Yu's strength hadn't been standing right there—capable of single-handedly suppressing the entire Uchiha clan—Fugaku Uchiha would have been unable to quell the voices within his clan and would have already begun a coup d'état.
Now that the Foundation's handover of power was complete, this matter naturally landed on Yu's shoulders.
"Terai."
"Here."
"Where is Shisui being held right now?"
"Underground third floor of the Foundation, special containment cell. Lord Danzō instructed that without your order, no one is allowed to approach."
"How is his condition?"
Terai fell silent for a moment, replying in a low voice: "Not very good. Having lost both eyes and with his chakra sealed throughout his entire body, he is currently in a semi-comatose state under the influence of medication. The medical team checked him and said that if he remains in this state, he might be ruined within three months."
Yu nodded, speaking no further.
Evening, Uchiha Clan Compound, Clan Head's Residence.
Fugaku Uchiha sat cross-legged in the master seat of the reception room, a tea set laid out before him, steam curling with the aroma of tea. His expression was calm, yet the fingertips resting against his teacup turned slightly white.
Footsteps sounded outside the door, and a maid pulled open the sliding paper screen:
"Clan Head, Lord Tennin has arrived—"
Yu stepped inside, dressed in a plain black casual kimono without any embellishments, yet his presence instantly caused Fugaku's body to tense up.
"Clan Head Fugaku." Yu nodded slightly, taking a seat in the guest spot.
Fugaku took a deep breath, politely returning the greeting: "Lord Tennin coming in person brings great honor to the Uchiha clan."
The two looked at each other for a moment, neither speaking first.
The scent of tea pervaded the air.
In the end, it was Fugaku who broke the silence:
"Lord Tennin, the reason I invited you today is to ask about one matter—"
"Shisui's matter." Yu took over the conversation.
Fugaku Uchiha nodded, speaking up: "Yes. Shisui is a genius of my Uchiha clan, an awakener of the Mangekyō Sharingan, and extremely important to the Uchiha. But... he has been imprisoned by the Foundation, and three days have already passed."
Fugaku's gaze focused as he asked in a heavy voice:
"I want to know, what crime has he committed?"
Yu picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and said flatly:
"Trumped-up charges."
Fugaku froze.
Setting down his teacup, Yu looked at Fugaku and said with pointed meaning: "Clan Head Fugaku, you should understand better than I what the Mangekyō Sharingan signifies."
Fugaku fell silent.
"Especially the ability of those eyes, called 'Kotoamatsukami.'" Yu's tone remained calm. "It can rewrite the target's will without them noticing at all."
"Detaining Shisui appeared to be Lord Danzō's order, but... the high command acquiesced to it. Locking Shisui up isn't because he committed any major crime, but because those eyes... are far too dangerous."
"But Shisui is loyal!" Fugaku said in a heavy voice. "Toward Konoha, toward the Uchiha clan, he—"
"I know." Yu interrupted him. "I have never doubted Shisui's loyalty. But Clan Head Fugaku, let me ask you a question—"
He looked straight into Fugaku's eyes:
"Suppose one day, the Uchiha clan stands on the opposing side of Konoha."
"In order to win the coup, if Shisui Uchiha used those eyes to control the Hokage's thoughts and commit acts harmful to Konoha, can you bear that responsibility?"
Fugaku opened his mouth, unable to utter a word.
"Taking another step back—if someone among Konoha's high command felt the Uchiha clan was too big of a threat, used Kotoamatsukami to control Shisui first, and in turn used him against the Uchiha clan to secretly manipulate the thoughts of the opposition faction within your clan, what would you do then?"
Two questions, each more sharp than the last—one aimed at Konoha, one aimed at the Uchiha.
Fugaku's fist tightened, loosened, and tightened again.
After a long while, he said in a heavy voice:
"Then does Lord Tennin mean... Shisui is to be locked up forever?"
"No." Yu shook his head. "I came to find you precisely to resolve this matter."
He retrieved a scroll from his robes and placed it on the table:
"This is the proposal I drafted. You may take a look."
Fugaku took the scroll, unfolding and reading it carefully.
A moment later, he raised his head, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.
The contents of the proposal were very simple, containing only three items:
First, Shisui Uchiha would be released from prison, but he could not return to the Uchiha clan compound. Instead, he would join the Anbu, coming under the direct jurisdiction of Minato Namikaze, who was gradually taking over the Anbu.
Second, Hyuga Yu would use the power of Yang Release to regenerate a new pair of Sharingan (non-Mangekyō) for Shisui. Shisui's original Mangekyō Sharingan would be "kept on his behalf" by the Foundation.
Third, Fugaku Uchiha's eldest son, Itachi Uchiha, upon completing his studies at the Ninja Academy, would be specially permitted to enter the Foundation to serve under Tennin for a term of at least ten years.
Fugaku stared at this proposal, remaining silent for a long while.
He understood full well what this implied:
Shisui joining the Anbu meant breaking free from the Uchiha clan's control and becoming directly subordinate to the Hokage. Yet at the same time, he gained his freedom, no longer forced to be locked inside a dark dungeon.
Itachi entering the Foundation meant "pledging" the Uchiha clan's future genius to Tennin. Yet at the same time, this also signified establishing a direct channel of communication between the Uchiha clan and Tennin—a relationship that, in current Konoha, was more precious than anything else.
The only price for this proposal was—
The Uchiha clan would lose that uncontrollable pair of Mangekyō Sharingan, and his son would bow his head beneath Tennin's command, serving in the Foundation for ten years.
However, looking at the environment the Uchiha clan had cultivated within Konoha at this time, neither of these was a bad thing; on the contrary, it was filled with sincerity.
Fugaku Uchiha was on good terms with Minato Namikaze. As long as Minato didn't die, it was enough to maintain the relationship between the clan and the village for ten years.
And if Itachi Uchiha could serve under Tennin, the Uchiha clan might be able to take a step further within Konoha in the future, thoroughly shedding the prejudice left behind from the era of the Second Hokage and stepping into Konoha's core center of power.
Yu picked up his teacup, waiting quietly.
Sure enough, after a long while, Fugaku let out a long breath and bowed solemnly to Yu:
"Lord Tennin is generous. The Uchiha clan will remember this favor."
Yu waved his hand:
"Clan Head Fugaku need not be polite. Konoha is one whole body; the Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha, and I am also Konoha's Tennin. Only by working together with unified heart can we handle the upcoming storms."
Fugaku raised his head, his eyes shifting slightly as he caught the underlying meaning in Yu's words:
"What does Lord Tennin mean by... 'the upcoming storms'?"
Yu fell silent for a moment, speaking softly:
"Clan Head Fugaku, have you ever thought about why the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth would begin technological revolutions at the exact same time during these past few years?"
Fugaku froze.
"Why would the Land of Wind and the Land of Water choose to close their borders at a time like this?"
Fugaku's pupils contracted slightly.
"Why was the Third Shinobi World War fought so fiercely, yet not a single one of the Five Great Nations suffered a true blow to their core foundation?"
Yu stood up, walking over to the window to gaze at the moon flickering in the night sky:
"Clan Head Fugaku, some matters cannot be spoken of just yet. But I can tell you one thing—"
He turned back, his gaze deep:
"Where the origin of the Uchiha clan's Sharingan lies... you should be very clear."
Fugaku shuddered all over.
"Are you saying?"
Yu nodded, saying no more as he stepped outward.
Reaching the doorway, he stopped in his tracks, dropping a sentence without turning his head:
"Tomorrow morning, I will have someone send Shisui back. But please, Uchiha, do not make things difficult for the Foundation or the village over those eyes again, nor cause any further trouble over them."
"Otherwise..."
"Clan Head Fugaku, that pair of eyes of yours won't be able to protect the Uchiha."
The paper screen pulled open, then closed.
Inside the reception room, only Fugaku Uchiha remained, a faint trace of cold sweat oozing from his forehead.
He remained kneeling in place, unmoving for a long while.
After a long time, he raised his head, gazing out the window at the night sky, looking toward that bright, clear moon.
The moonlight was cold and desolate, just as it had been a thousand years ago.
————
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