What? Selling genjutsu-based gas like regular products would give other villages the sa benefits?
Theoretically, yes.
But if the core technology cos from the Hidden Leaf, couldn't those exported versions be… let's say, "trimd down" a bit?
Even if so outsiders managed to sneak into the village and get their hands on the uncut version, the amount would be negligible. Compared to the benefits gained by the entire Hidden Leaf ninja community, the risk was almost irrelevant.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had that level of vision. And even if he montarily forgot, the Nara clan—his biggest think tank—would remind him. Especially since the Nara now held shares in the "Hidden Leaf Ga Guild," even their famously lazy clan mbers were suddenly enthusiastic.
All that was left for Sarutobi Hiruzen to do now was wait and observe—then make his next move based on how well the gas expanded.
"Sigh... I hope... this really brings about so positive change..."
Standing in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered softly, gazing out the window at the night-shrouded Hidden Leaf.
What he hadn't told his old friends was that his decision to let the Uchiha act freely was also a kind of test—and preparation.
The current state of the shinobi world was like oil on fire, ready to ignite.
Among the Five Great Nations, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth were sharpening their blades. Even the distant Land of Water watched hungrily. According to intel from spies, all their targets were the Land of Fire. Anti-Fire Country rhetoric was being spread like wildfire back ho. Only the Land of Wind, which had suffered most in the Second Great Ninja War, remained relatively calm—for now.
But if the other big nations moved, the Land of Wind would follow instantly. Then the Third Great Ninja War would officially begin.
And it was highly likely that the Hidden Leaf would face a 1v4 situation. Why? Because the Land of Fire had been the biggest winner of the last two wars—and reaped the most benefits.
If this third war started, the Land of Fire would beco the common enemy.
As Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already analyzed the possibilities with his advisors. Even though the Hidden Leaf was strong, he was deeply worried.
During the first two wars, the other nations had ganged up on the Land of Fire, but also fought among themselves. It was chaotic, and the pressure wasn't overwhelming.
But this war could be different. If all four nations coordinated their attacks, the pressure on the Hidden Leaf would be catastrophic.
If they couldn't hold the line, the village would be in real danger.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had every reason to worry.
And history proved he wasn't wrong. The Third Great Ninja War was even more intense than the previous two, and the Hidden Leaf nearly had to fight at its own doorstep.
Though Hiruzen didn't yet know the war would get that bad, he was doing everything he could to prepare.
The Uchiha clan's genjutsu gas were a brilliant move—a bold, open-handed strategy that even the Hokage couldn't refuse. They would genuinely strengthen the village and boost its economy.
Given that, Hiruzen was willing to relax his hardline policies against the Uchiha and—even more shockingly—give them so green lights.
And frankly, even he had to admit: the way the Uchiha handled this was... "damn brilliant." So he simply went with the flow.
Shaking his head, Hiruzen sat back down and resud handling his mountain of paperwork—quietly increasing defenses along the village's key border outposts.
—
anwhile, at the Uchiha compound, a grand celebration was underway.
It was a feast to commorate the successful press conference, the alliance with the other major clans—and maybe even...
The improved image of the Uchiha within the village.
The higher-ups hadn't said it explicitly, but the event sent a clear ssage: the Uchiha clan had turned over a new leaf. As long as they continued following the path laid out by Lord Kei, the clan was destined for greatness once more.
Tonight's motto? Pop open that champagne!
Sure, it was a bit premature... but the excitent was real.
Uchiha Kei didn't rain on their parade either. After all, the clan had suffered too long, and a little celebration was more than deserved.
But he soon realized he had underestimated just how extre his clan could be—
"Fellow clansn! On this montous day, the Uchiha clan must embrace change and be reborn!"
"I, Uchiha Masanobu, hereby pass the position of Clan Head to my son, Fugaku. From today on, he shall lead our clan!"
"At the sa ti, Elder Setsuna will step down from his position as Grand Elder. Our new Grand Elder will be the one who brought us all of this—Uchiha Kei!"
"With Clan Head Fugaku and Elder Kei at the helm, the Uchiha shall enter a glorious new era!"
"Everyone, raise your cups!"
Seated at the head table, Uchiha Masanobu raised his glass and downed it.
The other elders—including Uchiha Setsuna—followed suit. Clearly, this had all been pre-arranged.
The entire clan froze for a mont, then erupted in thunderous cheers. Glasses were raised, sake was downed, and emotions ran high. So even activated their Sharingan in excitent.
In fact, a few who had never awakened their eyes before did so tonight—likely triggered by the thrill of the press conference and the enthusiastic support from other major clans. The emotional surge had pushed them over the edge.
For a mont, it felt like a red-eyed carnival of madness.
Uchiha Kei was internally breaking down. Sure, he had calculated everything to gain a lofty status in the clan—but that didn't an he wanted this much responsibility!
Grand Elder? Seriously? That was a position equal in authority to the Clan Head.
Before, he had only received top-level treatnt. Now, with the Grand Elder title, real power ca with it. The ability to direct everything the Uchiha clan did.
Was it really okay to dump this on him so suddenly?
He looked around. All the clan elders were grinning. Even the most stubborn ones looked pleased. Their gazes were full of respect and pride.
Seriously, Uchiha clan—could you guys act more rationally?!
How old was he again?
Eighteen. Barely.
And now he was Grand Elder?
He opened his mouth, ready to object.
But Uchiha Setsuna smiled and said, "Kei-kun, there's no need to protest. We all believe you're the best choice. I'm old, and despite dedicating my life to the clan, I've failed to bring real change."
"This new era has no room for outdated relics like . Better to step aside now than beco dead weight. You are the one who should lead the Uchiha forward on this righteous path."
Uchiha Kei: "…"
Elder Setsuna… Did you go study abroad in the One Piece universe or sothing?
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