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The Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone Villages, having gathered intelligence, immediately launched an investigation.
Unfortunately, despite deploying numerous personnel and expending considerable effort, they ultimately came up empty-handed.
Just as Kazuki had predicted, the Akatsuki Organization was short on funds, but Konan had executed a one-time deal—securing a substantial sum in a single stroke, enough to sustain the organization's operations for a long time without the need for continued risky ventures.
By the time the Five Great Shinobi Villages reacted and attempted to trace this lead back to Akatsuki, the organization had already gone back into hiding.
After investing significant manpower and resources only to end up with nothing, the Raikage was so furious that he smashed several office desks in a row. Ever since he began targeting Akatsuki, the frequency of his desk-smashing had only increased.
In the matter of investigating Akatsuki, the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone Villages were the ones putting in the most effort.
The Hidden Leaf, on the other hand, took a passive approach, merely sending Jiraiya to handle things.
Rasa and Yagura had no mind to focus on this, as their own villages were plagued by internal troubles. While it wasn't accurate to say they were barely keeping their heads above water, they certainly lacked the energy to spearhead an investigation into Akatsuki in the short term.
What neither Ōnoki nor A anticipated was that their search would drag on for years.
Even more unbearable was the fact that they couldn't even catch a glimpse of Akatsuki's shadow.
At one point, Ōnoki and A even turned their attention to the Hidden Mist Village, half-hoping that Obito would stir up trouble there as an act of retaliation.
Yet, the Hidden Mist remained eerily quiet, with not a single incident occurring.
Had Obito undergone a change of heart?
Not only Ōnoki and A, but even Kazuki found this surprising.
Given Obito's vengeful nature—a man who had completely embraced darkness—it was baffling that he hadn't sought revenge against the Hidden Mist.
Even more astonishing was that the man, who had been so desperate to reclaim his stolen Sharingan, had taken no action whatsoever.
It was as if Akatsuki had vanished entirely from the world.
---
The Uchiha Clan Head's Compound.
Fugaku, the deepening nasolabial folds on his face a testament to the burdens of leadership, sipped his tea slowly. His eldest son, Itachi, now a young man, sat quietly beside him. Several clan elders were also present, all awaiting Kazuki's arrival.
As the appointed time drew near, Kazuki finally appeared.
Entering the compound, Kazuki casually slipped into a pair of sandals and glanced at Fugaku seated at the head of the room, the elders, and Itachi—who seemed to be doing his best to remain inconspicuous.
With a faint smile, Kazuki remarked,
"If not for the absence of other clansmen, I'd have thought the Uchiha clan meeting had already begun."
Then, eyeing Itachi, he added,
"Does today's matter involve Itachi?"
The lack of other clansmen suggested this was a discussion limited to the clan head and elders. Yet Itachi's presence hinted that he was somehow connected to the agenda.
"Yes," Fugaku nodded slowly, gesturing for Kazuki to take a seat before continuing.
Settling into his designated spot, Kazuki picked up the steaming cup of tea on the table, took a couple of sips, and set it back down.
He then gave Fugaku a look, as if to say, Can we get started?
After all, he didn't have much time to leisurely sip tea and chat with the clan head and elders. He still had plenty of work waiting for him at the Hokage's office.
"Today, I've gathered everyone here to discuss a rather… complicated matter," Fugaku began, his gaze flickering toward Itachi once more.
Kazuki found this odd. A matter involving Itachi that was complicated?
Had Itachi gotten himself into some kind of trouble?
No—that couldn't be. Itachi's mindset had been forcibly corrected, and there was no reason for him to stir up any mischief now.
"Clan Head, what exactly is this complicated matter?" one of the elders asked, noting Fugaku's glances at his son and beginning to speculate.
"Clan Head, just tell us—is this official clan business or a private matter?"
While others hesitated to press, Kazuki had no such reservations. Besides, he didn't have the luxury of time to waste on vague discussions.
If this were a casual meeting, fine—but when work was piling up, it was best to cut to the chase.
"It's… both official and private," Fugaku replied.
What the hell?
Both official and private? Was Fugaku even making sense?
Not just the elders, but even Kazuki was puzzled.
"Here's the situation," Fugaku explained.
"Recently, the Inuzuka Clan has been growing closer to us. As a result, they've expressed interest in…"
Here, Fugaku trailed off, once again glancing at Itachi.
Those present were no fools.
True, the Uchiha were prone to emotional outbursts, but that didn't mean they were stupid.
It didn't take long for them to grasp Fugaku's meaning.
"So, Clan Head, you've called this meeting to discuss… Itachi's marriage?"
Well, damn.
Fugaku hadn't been exaggerating—this was both official and private.
"Precisely," Fugaku nodded calmly, as if discussing something as mundane as the weather rather than his son's future.
Clearly, the clan head was willing to sacrifice his son's autonomy in choosing a partner for the sake of strengthening clan relations.
Deepening ties and enhancing cooperation?
At its core, this was about trust—and marriage alliances were the most effective way to solidify it.
Thus, the matter had been brought to the table.
Poor Itachi—denied even the right to choose his own wife.
Kazuki glanced at Itachi but refrained from voicing his thoughts.
The elders, however, were far more animated.
The Inuzuka Clan wasn't one of the major clans in Konoha—at best, they were a mid-tier shinobi family.
However, the Inuzuka had always held a respected position in the village, primarily due to their expertise in breeding ninja animals.
They virtually monopolized Konoha's ninja animal trade, including sales, care, and medical treatment.
But the Uchiha forming closer ties with the Inuzuka…
Are we sure this won't eventually devolve into an all-out cat-and-dog war?
The Inuzuka specialized in breeding ninja animals, but due to their clan's secret techniques, every member formed a contract with their personally raised ninja dogs.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha's signature summoning creatures were ninja cats.
And cats and dogs?
They tended to fight on sight.
Let's hope you haven't already formed a contract with the ninja cats, Itachi. Otherwise, every time you use a summoning jutsu, your cat might just start a brawl with your future wife's dog.
"This is excellent! If the Inuzuka are willing to deepen cooperation, the Uchiha should naturally accept."
"Indeed, this is a rare opportunity. In the past, the Uchiha wouldn't have even had this chance."
"Clan Head, I believe we should agree to this."
"While there aren't many areas where our two clans can collaborate directly, the fact that our industries don't overlap ensures that our partnership won't face external interference."
The elders continued discussing, each voicing their opinions.
Kazuki simply sat quietly, listening.
Once the chatter died down, he cleared his throat.
"Ahem."
Hearing this, the elders and Fugaku immediately fell silent and turned their attention to him.
*****
T/N: First time hearing the Uchiha signature summoning is a cat;)