“Old man, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.” Jiraiya spoke calmly.
The moment the Third Hokage brought up the topic of choosing the next Hokage, one person immediately came to Jiraiya’s mind— His closest friend.
Orochimaru.
He couldn’t understand why his teacher hadn’t even considered him.
Although he felt somewhat dissatisfied, he chose not to voice it.
Perhaps…
The old man had his own reasons.
“Very well.” The Third Hokage nodded before turning to Tsunade.
“Take good care of that child, Akira.” “Don’t worry.” “He’s our little brother.” Tsunade waved her hand dismissively before dragging Jiraiya away without another word.
Once the two had left, the Third Hokage’s eyes grew profound.
His plans extended far beyond what either of them imagined.
He intended to use Akira as a bridge.
A bridge that would gradually bring the Uchiha Clan under the Hokage faction’s banner.
If successful…
He would gain a group of loyal supporters.
Instead of a pack of wolves constantly watching him with hostility.
And if it failed…
It didn’t matter.
At worst, he would merely lose a child with the potential to become Hokage.
Konoha was a large village.
Akira wasn’t the only talented child.
He simply happened to value Akira the most—for now.
“The Uchiha can control Tailed Beasts?” The Third Hokage chuckled to himself.
Unlike those ignorant people…
He knew the truth.
To achieve something like that…
One had to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
But did the current Uchiha Clan possess such a person?
No.
Not a single one.
Ever since Uchiha Madara left the village…
No one in the clan had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
That was precisely why he dared to take this gamble.
As the “Professor” of the ninja world…
He was willing to bet on something like this.
Unlike Danzo, who viewed the Uchiha with nothing but hostility…
The Third Hokage had always hoped to bring them under his own influence.
Victory without bloodshed.
That…
Was his ideal outcome.
…
“At last…” “I finally have a shop of my own.” Akira looked at the completed storefront with heartfelt satisfaction.
At the same time, he couldn’t help marveling at Konoha’s efficiency.
In just half a day…
Not only had the renovations been completed…
Even the signboard had already been installed.
Heavenly Feather Weapons Shop.
“Open the system panel.” “Submit mission.” Mission: Own your own weapons shop.
Reward: 6,000 System PointsPortable Rocket Launcher Blueprint ×1High-Explosive Grenade Blueprint ×1Flashbang Blueprint ×1 Status: Completed!
Distributing rewards…
Watching his System Points climb back above ten thousand…
Akira couldn’t help grinning.
Once I save up twenty thousand points…
I’ll finally be able to perform an Ultimate Draw.
Maybe I’ll pull some ridiculously overpowered ability.
At that point…
Dominating the ninja world won’t just be a dream.
He immediately selected one of the blueprints.
The blueprint has been learned successfully.
Items can now be manufactured directly inside the System Space.
Required: Raw materials.
Akira nodded.
Now that makes sense.
If he actually had to manufacture everything by hand…
Who knew how long that would take?
The next step was purchasing raw materials.
With that thought, he immediately created four String Clones.
He sent them off to buy materials while also stocking the shop with common weapons such as shuriken and kunai.
Meanwhile…
Akira remained seated inside the store.
Just then— Tsunade walked in.
She glanced at Akira, who was sitting behind the counter in a daze, before walking over.
“Big Sis Tsunade?” Akira looked surprised.
“If you’re here to buy something…” “I’m afraid we’re not open yet.” “You little brat.” “Don’t try changing the subject.” Tsunade folded her arms and glared at him.
“How did you end up getting involved with someone from the Uchiha Clan?” “Don’t you know what Kushina will become in the future?” “The Nine-Tails’ Jinchūriki.” Akira answered calmly.
“Grandma Mito already told me.” “And you still did it?” Tsunade was immediately irritated.
“What if something happens?” “Relax.” Akira motioned for her to calm down.
“I have no idea where you heard that the Uchiha can control Jinchūriki.” “But…” “Don’t you know they need the Mangekyō Sharingan to do that?” “Do you think anyone in the current Uchiha Clan possesses one?” Tsunade was momentarily speechless.
Then she suddenly reacted.
“Wait a second.” “How do you know that?” “Grandma Mito told me, of course.” Akira answered without the slightest hesitation.
“If you don’t believe me…” “Go ask her yourself.” “…Fine.” Tsunade nodded.
“Just remember to keep your relationships under control.” “Don’t push things too far.” “Otherwise…” “We’ll end up cleaning up your mess.” After saying that…
She casually grabbed the snacks sitting on Akira’s table and turned to leave.
“Hey!” “I haven’t even eaten those yet!” “Go buy your own, brat!” “…Seriously?” Akira looked utterly speechless.
So this is how you treat your little brother?
Just you wait…
Once I become stronger…
I’ll make sure to beat you one day.
With that thought, his joking expression gradually faded.
He fell into deep contemplation.
Truthfully…
Bringing up Mikoto in front of the Third Hokage today had been completely intentional.
Because…
He had already entered the Third Hokage’s field of vision.
There was every chance the old man would assign someone to monitor him.
Or even spy on him with that crystal ball.
If the Third Hokage discovered his relationship with an Uchiha through secret surveillance…
It might easily arouse suspicion.
Rather than allowing that to happen…
It was far better to reveal everything openly.
By being completely honest…
Combined with his earlier performance regarding the Will of Fire…
Akira believed the Third Hokage would lower his guard.
In fact…
There was a good chance the old man would even try using him to influence the Uchiha Clan.
Which…
Suited Akira perfectly.
After all…
His goal from the very beginning had been to become the Fourth Hokage.
Then bring both the Uchiha Clan and the HAkiraga Clan under his leadership.
Only then…
Could Konoha truly enjoy lasting prosperity.
Throwing away a force as powerful as the Uchiha…
And instead trying to eliminate them…
Wasn’t that simply idiotic?
If the village had sought integration from the very beginning…
Rather than destruction…
Perhaps everything would have turned out differently.
“Most of this…” “…is probably Danzo’s doing.” Looks like…
He would have to find an opportunity to eliminate that old dog.
Keeping him alive would only invite endless trouble.
Thinking of that…
Akira slowly narrowed his eyes.
No matter what…
I absolutely cannot allow Big Brother Sakumo to die at that old bastard’s hands.