Year 23 of Konoha.
The Fire Daimyo had completed his visit. Naturally, he would not remain in Konoha for long.
A grand farewell ceremony was held.
The preparations alone took an entire day.
All of Konoha's higher-ups were present.
"Hokage, there's no need to see me off any further."
"This parting… who knows when we'll meet again. Please take care, Your Highness."
The two exchanged polite words, presenting the image of a harmonious ruler and subordinate.
Soon, the Daimyo's procession departed.
Uchiha Ren stood at Konoha's gates, watching the convoy disappear into the distance.
"Someone, cut down that forest," he said suddenly.
"Hokage-sama… why?"
"It's blocking my view of the Daimyo."
"Camera, move in! Side angle! Hurry!"
"…Are we done filming?"
"Yes."
"…Then why are you still holding that axe?"
"…To cut the trees?"
"…We already got the shot. Why are you still cutting?!"
With the Daimyo gone, the New Year break finally arrived.
Though only a few days remained, it was still a break.
Ren, as Hokage, had worked alongside his subordinates until the very last moment. There were too many events that required his presence.
Even if he was just "there," it was enough.
But even during the holiday, his residence remained crowded.
Visitors came in waves, bringing gifts and offering New Year greetings.
Thanks to the Hokage, every clan's finances had improved dramatically compared to the previous year.
Konoha's expansion had been nothing short of aggressive.
Profits soared.
Even the Senju Clan had a prosperous year.
Ren had intentionally allocated extra funds to them.
As for why—
Senju Taoma and Mito Uzumaki both knew.
It was to cover the massive deficit caused by the Hashirama Cell experiments.
And—
The agreement.
Clan mergers.
Intermarriage.
Implementation would begin this year.
It couldn't be hidden.
Taoma revealed part of it to the clan elders.
The reaction—
Explosive.
"Even if the Uchiha are strong, are we just going to let them walk all over us?!"
"Money isn't everything!"
"Clan Head, have you lost your mind?!"
Then—
Taoma revealed his new power.
Wood Release.
The room fell silent.
It wasn't the same as Hashirama Senju.
Not even close.
But—
Symbolism mattered.
The elders' eyes lit up.
They understood.
Endure.
Wait.
Rise again.
"The Uchiha have deciphered Hashirama-sama's power," Taoma said. "They're willing to share it."
"This agreement is the price."
Silence.
Then disbelief.
Then—
Chaos.
Some even cried.
But reality couldn't be denied.
"Five clan members this year," Taoma added. "More in the future."
The argument shifted instantly.
From resistance—
To competition.
Who would receive the power.
What they once thought was unattainable—
Was now within reach.
And just like that—
A crisis was resolved.
At the Hokage residence—
"Why are you all bringing girls with you?" Ren said, annoyed.
Each clan head had brought a young, attractive girl.
"Who started this rumor?!"
(Nara Shikaku: Don't look at me.)
Ren was speechless.
But he couldn't turn them away.
Then—
A special guest arrived.
Uchiha Madara.
"Quite lively," Madara said.
He handed over a gift, then casually walked inside with Uchiha Hikaru.
The other clan heads saw his hairstyle—
And assumed he was just another eccentric Uchiha elder.
The house quickly turned into a full gathering.
The girls chatted among themselves.
The adults exchanged pleasantries.
And praised Ren endlessly.
On the main sofa—
Hyuga Asuka sat beside Ren, confidently presenting herself.
Uzumaki Yangyue hesitated at first, but eventually gathered the courage to approach.
Tsunade simply climbed into Ren's arms.
Still completely flat.
Ren couldn't help but wonder about her future development.
Then—
His thoughts drifted.
Nearby—
Hikaru sat quietly, staring at him.
Madara leaned in slightly.
"You said Ren likes you."
"I believe he does."
"But… he doesn't like only one person."
Ren almost choked.
Why are you telling the truth now?!
He kept part of his attention on Madara the entire time.
Listening to him give relationship advice—
Was torture.
Go work on your Rinnegan instead!
What do you even know about this?!
Madara continued.
"Uchiha men respect strength."
"Defeat him—and he'll belong to you."
Ren's expression stiffened.
Out of the corner of his eye—
Hikaru's eyes flickered red.
You old bastard…
Is this your plan to destabilize Konoha?!
Ren immediately acted.
He pulled Hikaru into a side room.
Thirty minutes later—
They came out.
Hikaru's face was flushed.
Steam is practically rising.
"Madara-sama," she said seriously, "Ren is just acting for Konoha."
"He's the Hokage."
Then she walked straight to Ren's side.
Leaving Madara alone.
Ren casually stroked her hair—
And glanced at Madara.
Provoking.
Crack.
The cup in Madara's hand shattered.
The gathering continued.
From morning until afternoon.
Until the living room was filled with gifts.
Later, in a dim study—
Ren met privately with an industrial faction representative.
After some pleasantries—
They got to business.
"How strong is your influence in the Land of Fire's court?" Ren asked.
"If needed," the man said carefully, "even the Daimyo cannot ignore us."
Ren nodded.
"Good."
"You'll be needed soon."
The man stiffened.
"…Hokage-sama, what do you mean?"
Ren placed a stack of documents on the table.
Information.
Detailed.
The Daimyo's second son's faction—
Their actions.
Their plans.
"Someone is getting impatient," Ren said calmly.
"…Rebellion?" the man whispered.
"Relax," Ren said. "Konoha won't interfere."
"The current Daimyo… is fine."
"We'll make sure he stays alive."
"But if certain people cross the line…"
"Then positions will open."
He smiled faintly.
"I'm a ninja."
"I don't handle politics."
The man immediately bowed.
"We will serve you."
Meanwhile—
In Kumogakure.
Sakumo Hatake was making excellent progress.
Following Kakuzu's plan—
He launched "charity campaigns."
Helping the elderly.
Supporting orphans.
Building trust.
At the same time—
He spread the message.
The Third Raikage had invested ten million ryo.
If the Raikage trusted the company—
Why wouldn't you?
One campaign after another.
Money poured in.
"Sleep on the floor today—become a boss tomorrow!"
"We are the next millionaires!"
The slogans spread across Kumogakure.
The bait had been cast.
Now—
They just had to wait for the fish to bite.
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