Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 35 Breaking Through the Upper Level

"This day has finally come."

This was a meeting without Naruto present. The meeting's topic was: how to maximize Naruto's influence on the ninja world in a short period of time.

Tobirama's suggestion that Naruto become Hokage as soon as possible was not a joke, but a well-considered decision based on an analysis of the ninja world's situation. The so-called taming of ninja villages by the nobility had been proceeding gradually for far too long. If this continued, ninjas would either be wiped out in the fighting, or they would lose even their villages, ultimately losing their freedom and becoming kept by the nobility. This was not alarmist; it was something that was already happening.

Take Konoha as an example:

The village of Konoha was originally founded by the two strongest clans in the ninja world. Even if the daimyo made some underhanded moves, they wouldn't dare to interfere with the village. They didn't have the guts to start wars Konoha didn't want to fight, and they had no power to stop Konoha from doing what it wanted to do. That's why, despite having collected all the tailed beasts, Konoha sold off these strategically important assets without the daimyo's approval.

But what about Konoha fifty years from now?

The two strongest clans, one fallen and the other wiped out, had an elder council supposedly maintaining a balance of power, but both secretly colluded with the daimyo. They conspired to tamper with textbooks, poisoning children's minds and turning ninjas into mere tools for missions. The daimyo even openly ordered Konoha to act, and during the Third Shinobi World War, he even forced the current Hokage to abdicate for a small amount of war reparations. The nobles only cared about profit; they didn't care how many Konoha people had died.

Even Konoha is in this situation, let alone the other ninja villages. It's estimated that only Kumogakure is in a slightly better position, because the Raikage's lineage has some ties with the Daimyo, making it easier for them to reach an agreement. Only by mobilizing the entire nation's resources to fight can they fight with such determination.

“Naruto is a ninja now, and the initial plans for Hiei are basically complete. The monkey is old and will retire at any time. In addition, with the Fifth Hokage, we have at most ten years and at least five years to pave the way for him.” Those present were all original members of Hiei and knew Naruto’s identity. Tobirama didn’t hide anything and immediately launched into an analysis.

Fugaku's chin creases deeply, because this was definitely not a simple matter. "As long as the Root exists, its influence on Konoha will not stop. From the Demon Fox to the Hokage, this is no easy feat."

“But he is Minato and Kushina’s child.” Mikoto squeezed Fugaku’s hand disapprovingly.

"Remorse is only useful at the most crucial moments. Otherwise, it just adds to the chaos." The intelligence chief from the Warring States period was no pushover; he knew better than anyone how terrifying human nature could be. Being the son of a hero might make some people repent, but most people would subconsciously reject the mistakes they had made. An ordinary child wouldn't frighten anyone, but in the ninja world where bloodline theory prevailed, being the son of a hero represented potential. A child with the potential to become a powerful ninja would frighten the petty, who would fear unwarranted retribution, because they were used to judging others by their own standards.

Being targeted by a villain is the most troublesome thing.

“It is indeed difficult, after all, time is limited. It is undeniable that military achievements are the fastest way to accumulate reputation,” Tobirama said.

As expected, Hashirama retorted, "Tobirama, don't talk nonsense! The goal of the Glowing is the whole world, and its leader must not build his reputation on human lives!"

Izuna chimed in, "This might not be something we can decide. The Ninja World War usually happens every ten or twenty years, and we're almost there. Reports from spies in various countries also confirm that, apart from Mizuki and Konoha, the other ninja villages are making some moves."

"We must find a way to nip the seeds of war in the bud..."

"Brother. Now we know that whether or not there is a war has little to do with ninjas. Don't forget how the Third Shinobi World War started. Although the decline of Konoha was indeed the main reason, how did the other ninja villages see the signs of decline? Wasn't it because of those unreasonable missions issued by the Daimyo!"

Tobirama grew increasingly angry as he spoke. If the Daimyo hadn't been so hasty, and Konoha had stabilized for a few more years, some of the young ninjas who died at the age of twelve or thirteen would surely have produced some outstanding talents! At that time, Konoha's decline could have been mitigated. But the Fire Country Daimyo interfered, dragging everything into an even worse abyss. That war severely damaged both ninja villages, and they hadn't recovered for over a decade. They must have done it with the intention of causing their ninjas to perish together!

"Well, that's actually an option too." Having spent several years navigating the world, Shisui had become much more worldly-wise and was no longer the naive young man he once was. "Why not start with the daimyo?"

The people at the table fell silent and looked over in unison.

At this point, Zhishui had already experienced the grand occasion of being eagerly anticipated by the entire village, so this small scene could no longer sway him. He calmly cited his own example.

"When I'm about to open a clinic in a new place, I usually visit the local head first. Whether it's to demonstrate my medical skills or my financial resources, I need to make him understand that my presence is beneficial to him so that the clinic can be successfully opened. Isn't that common sense?"

Hashirama, the leader, slammed his fist into his palm, suddenly enlightened. "That's right! Who says Naruto's resources can only come from Konoha? As long as we win over the Fire Country Daimyo, plus Naruto's own reputation, what does it matter if we receive less support? Hasn't the Daimyo's control over Konoha increased? They should reap what they sow."

When it comes to strategic foresight, Hashirama Senju is the best. However, his judgment is based solely on his understanding of the current situation, which sometimes leads to deviations.

Tobirama, already in the habit of thinking along his older brother's lines, said, "So what the Daimyo needs is... a stronger control over Konoha?"

"Hehe, I can already picture that guy's face with the sullen look of an orange peel." Izuna couldn't help but laugh out loud.

“In that case, Naruto’s young age is an advantage. As long as he doesn’t act too smart, the Daimyo will subconsciously lower his guard.” Fugaku also thought it was feasible.

“However, what the Daimyo wants is immeasurable, it certainly won’t be small. How about considering Kotoamatsukami? It’s quite useful.” Shisui pointed to his right eye, smiling exceptionally brightly. He hadn’t used the permanent Kotoamatsukami yet, but the one for short-term control could be used at the negotiating table. “I’ve tried it a few times, and it hasn’t been detected at all.”

"..."

In the end, the plan was approved. Because, well, they knew exactly how to trick the daimyo; not doing so would be a disservice to their entire clan, all of whom were resurrected through Edo Tensei.

"So, as a distinction, we need to separate several merchant guilds and merge them into a new organization. When the time is right, we will contact the nobles of the Land of Fire and enter the ninja villages under the guise of wandering ninjas. At that time, our condition will be that Naruto Uzumaki be appointed as Hokage."

"Should we choose something related to war supplies?"

"Isn't this a bit too sensitive?"

"They probably wouldn't even consider someone who isn't a big shot or famous."

"Should we choose medicine? Won't Xiaogang notice something amiss?"

"That mine was bought with real gold and silver!"

"The craftsmanship is probably not good either. The Uchiha clan has only been wiped out for less than five years. There are plenty of people who can recognize that special forging technique."

"Remove the transfer department."

A familiar voice ended their argument. Everyone turned around and found the main character of the meeting sitting at the other end of the long table, resting his chin on his hand and calmly watching them. It was unclear how long he had been sitting there.

"What's wrong? It's rare for you all to be so agitated. I should definitely send a clone over to check on you." Naruto's clone was now wearing a headband and looked at the group of seniors with perfect composure. "I won't hold it against you for secretly discussing my affairs behind my back."

"..." Oh no, I forgot they all have Naruto's chakra. Having emotional perception is just ridiculous...

"I'm sorry, Naruto, you didn't seem very willing last time, but we really don't have a better candidate." Hashirama clasped his hands together and raised them to his forehead, apologizing sincerely to the boy who was two cycles younger than him.

Tobirama and Fugaku were so awkwardly silent that they couldn't utter a single word. Mikoto, who had practically raised Naruto like a son over the years, greeted them helplessly.

Izuna, however, had a sudden flash of inspiration, a kind of physical red light emanating from his eyes. He said, "You just mentioned eliminating the transit department? Great idea! The transit department handles all the transportation of goods, encompassing everything yet not being involved in any specific area. How did you come up with that?"

Of course, it's because something called express delivery appeared later on.

"I looked at the financial statements carefully. Aren't the transportation costs staggering?" Naruto lied through his teeth.