When the harbor terminal was initially constructed, it was meant to support joint ventures with the Land of Water, so the location was deliberately placed along Konoha's southeastern coastline, providing the most direct sea route.
But when it came to dealing with the Land of Lightning or the Land of Earth, things became much trickier. The northeastern region, where the Land of Lightning lay, was actually more convenient for trade, especially when sailing from Uchiha Evernight City. This allowed them to avoid the watchful eyes of Konoha's forces.
In contrast, traveling northwest toward the Land of Earth not only involved rough terrain but also risked confrontation with Konoha's patrols.
More importantly, the relations between the major ninja villages were always on thin ice. And of all the strained connections, the hostility between Konoha and Iwagakure (Rock Village) was the most unshakable. Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, had nearly lost his life during a mission involving Rock Shinobi.
That incident had never been forgotten by the elders of Konoha.
And with Ōnoki, the stubborn Tsuchikage, still alive and in power, establishing any meaningful trade or negotiation with Rock Shinobi was basically impossible.
Uchiha Kamasu, a key figure in Evernight City, was still technically considered part of Konoha's ninja clan system—even if only in name. This alone made any deal with Iwagakure incredibly risky. Who knew how Ōnoki would twist that fact to stir suspicion?
"Cloud Shinobi is the better choice," Andrew muttered thoughtfully.
Although Kumo had its own tense history with Konoha, they weren't outright hostile—not in the same way Rock was. They didn't harbor rogue members from Akatsuki, either. Besides the infamous Gold and Silver Brothers, the rest of Kumo's leadership had managed to maintain a relatively stable order.
"I understand," said Andrew, sighing. "I'll support you from behind the scenes. But you'll have to reach out to Orochimaru too. I heard the treatment plan for Itachi, as well as the development of internal combustion engines, is progressing well."
Fugaku nodded solemnly. Orochimaru's involvement was now critical.
Originally, Tsunade had been entrusted with Itachi's treatment, but her emotional state had deteriorated significantly. Since being brought to Evernight City, she had drowned herself in alcohol and showed no interest in continuing the work.
With no other choice, Fugaku had handed the responsibility to Orochimaru. And in truth, it was a good decision. Orochimaru's knowledge of Hashirama's cells and regenerative techniques far exceeded Tsunade's. In just a short time, he had already developed a promising treatment plan.
"Fine, I'll go see Orochimaru when I get a chance," Andrew muttered. "But don't expect me to do everything, Clan Leader. If you're the CEO, don't treat me like your errand boy!"
Andrew couldn't help but groan. "I'm still a rookie in the ninja world, you know? The Fourth Raikage could probably tear me in half before I finish saying hello!"
Meanwhile, far away at the Weiling Monument, a new disturbance had arisen.
Kakashi had been discovered unconscious, his body riddled with bruises and his chakra flow disturbed. The moment news of this reached Konoha, Third Hokage rushed to the hospital.
"What happened? Who attacked Kakashi? Do we know anything yet?" Sarutobi demanded as he burst into the room.
An Anbu operative stood to attention. "There are signs of combat on his body, but no enemies were found at the scene. His Sharingan… was taken."
"The Sharingan was stolen?" Third Hokage's heart sank.
Kakashi's eye wasn't just any Sharingan—it had long stood as the symbol of unity between the Hatake and Uchiha clans. Konoha had fought to retain that eye despite internal disputes. Even the Uchiha clan had grudgingly accepted Kakashi's right to wield it.
Why now? Who would target Kakashi? The Uchiha clan had no motive. If they had wanted the eye back, they could have demanded it directly years ago—especially after Danzo's incident.
So if not the Uchiha… then who?
"Lord Hokage," the Anbu agent added, "Kakashi is trapped in a genjutsu. We can't wake him up. We suspect it's related to Sharingan."
The Third Hokage's thoughts darkened. "Time-space ninjutsu...?"
There was only one person he could think of who fit that profile—the masked man responsible for the Nine Tails incident, the one who'd once fought Kakashi in Konoha. That mysterious ninja had vanished for years, but perhaps he had returned—and he had come for Kakashi.
"Inform Elder Andrew. Maybe he can break the genjutsu. And also let Uchiha Kamasu know. After all, the eye belongs to the Uchiha."
Third Hokage exhaled heavily. "We can't interrogate Kakashi right now. And if we can't use the Yamanaka clan's methods, we'll have to wait. But one thing is certain—the masked man must be stopped."
---
Meanwhile, Obito, who had just retrieved what he believed was his old eye, was deeply troubled.
No matter what he did, the transplanted Sharingan refused to resonate. He could deactivate it. He could feel the enhanced chakra flow. But it didn't connect.
"Why won't it awaken?" he murmured in frustration.
He was sure this was the eye he had given Kakashi—it was much stronger than it had been years ago. If he had evolved it himself, it might not have even reached this level. But it still wouldn't synchronize with his Mangekyō.
"Something's wrong..."
And that's when the truth finally hit him.
This Sharingan wasn't his.
Black Zetsu, observing from the shadows, confirmed it with a bitter sigh. "It's a Sharingan, yes... but not your Sharingan."
Obito's pupils contracted.
"Danzo! That scheming old rat!" Obito growled. "That bastard must've switched the eyes. The last time Kakashi lost his eye, it was Danzo who took it! He probably replaced it with another Sharingan!"
Obito was shaking with fury. "I should have known! Danzo's hoarded more than one eye. He must have planted a decoy!"
---
Danzo, sitting in the shadows of Konoha, sneezed violently.
"Damn it! Why am I getting blamed again? Out of all the shady things I've done, this is the only one I didn't do!"
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