Chapter 150 Reactions from All Sides
"I don't have any other paper on hand, so I'll have to use this to wipe his butt," Uchiha Touhuan said, shrugging.
"Teacher, but isn't this the treaty you signed with the Earth Shadow?" Neji chimed in.
"Yes, that's it," Uchiha Touhuan nodded. "Strange, isn't it?"
Both looked at Uchiha Touhuan with puzzled expressions.
"The moment this so-called contract is signed, it's destined to be torn up in the future, so this thing itself is useless," Uchiha Touhuan laughed.
"Why do you think there were the previous three Shinobi World Wars?" Uchiha Touhuan asked his two disciples.
Sasuke and Neji seemed thoughtful. After a moment's thought, Sasuke finally gave his answer: "Because other countries covet our Land of Fire's fertile land?"
"That's right." Uchiha Touhuan nodded in satisfaction. "Exactly. The three previous Shinobi World Wars, in the final analysis, were because other countries coveted our Land of Fire's fertile land. Therefore, in each Shinobi World War, it was Konoha fighting against multiple countries with just one village."
"So, now, do you still think this contract can restrain that old Earth Shadow and make him put aside his greed and get along with us amicably?" Uchiha Touhuan laughed.
"I understand." Neji and Sasuke nodded.
"So, this contract is actually no different from toilet paper. No, this thing is even worse than toilet paper for wiping your butt." Uchiha Touhuan said.
At this moment, Naruto also returned to the carriage. As soon as he entered, he complained, "Sensei, the toilet paper you gave me is too hard. It hurts my butt."
Hearing Naruto's words, the three people in the carriage laughed together.
Back in the carriage, Naruto, still unaware of what had happened, thought everyone was laughing at him and grumbled, "What are you laughing at? That toilet paper was so stiff!"
"Heh, Naruto, do you know that you might have just had the most expensive toilet experience of your life?" Neji couldn't help but tease.
Indeed, how could it not be expensive? He used the toilet to wipe his bottom on the pretense of peace between two nations.
...
After the group returned to Konoha, news of Uchiha Touhuan and Onoki signing the "Non-Aggression Pact between the Fire and Earth Nations" spread throughout the ninja world.
Reactions varied. Some, less discerning, like the daimyo of the Land of Grass, privately remarked that Uchiha Touhuan and Onoki were idiots—the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth clearly didn't border each other, so why sign a non-aggression pact?
However, the daimyo and village leaders of the other two smaller countries between them, the Land of Rain and the Land of Waterfall, were less optimistic.
Inside the tower of Village Hidden by Rain, Nagato, in his room, pondered for a long time while looking at a map of the ninja world. Two large, unconnected nations signing such a seemingly absurd treaty meant that the smaller countries between these large nations should be wary.
"Uchiha Touhuan and Onoki have probably already discussed how to divide us smaller countries," Nagato muttered to himself after studying the map for a while. "It seems the plan needs to be accelerated."
...
The Land of Rain remained relatively calm because Nagato believed he could control the situation with his own strength, but the Land of Waterfall was far from peaceful.
As a small country, Takigakure, while possessing ninja villages, is far weaker than most.
Their only asset is the Seven-Tails, acquired at great cost by the First Hokage from Hashirama Senju. However, the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki has yet to mature, making their village like an ant before an elephant, whether facing Konoha or Iwagakure.
Village Hidden in the Grass serves as a cautionary tale, and Takigakure, aside from the Seven-Tails, is only marginally stronger.
"It seems our only option to preserve the village is to submit to one side," sighed Iwata Sawaki, the current leader of Takigakure, at a high-level meeting.
"So, should we choose Iwagakure or Konoha?" asked one of Takigakure's advisors.
Silence fell over the meeting. Neither side seemed a good choice.
"The Land of Fire, perhaps." After a moment, the leader of Takigakure finally uttered his choice with difficulty.
"The Land of Fire? But Uchiha Touhuan's temper seems rather difficult to deal with," said Takigakure's advisor.
"But I think, at least he can win. Onoki is getting too old; if something were to happen to him, would Iwagakure have a reliable successor?" Iwata Sawaki said.
"That makes sense." Everyone in Takigakure nodded in agreement upon hearing this reason.
"Then let's send someone to contact Uchiha Touhuan." Iwata Sawaki nodded.
...
After returning to Konoha, Uchiha Touhuan first reviewed the official duties of the past few days.
"You handled things quite well. Why don't you come to the Hokage's office more often to help me with these official duties?" Uchiha Touhuan teased Kakashi after pouring him a cup of tea.
"Don't give me that!" Kakashi said with a deadpan expression, "These past few days have been filled with the Security Force's affairs and your official duties in the Hokage Building. I haven't even had time to read."
"Alright, alright." Uchiha Touhuan nodded with a smile. "By the way, the four genin selected from the Security Force performed very well in the Chunin Exams.
Although they didn't officially become Chunin at the tournament, I think their strength is sufficient. In a while, promote their positions and benefits." "
I understand." Kakashi nodded.
The two chatted and drank tea until a knock came at the Hokage's office door.
"Come in," Uchiha Touhuan called out loudly.
The door opened, and Kado entered, bowing to the two.
"Hokage, I'll assist you," Kado said obsequiously, placing a gift on the desk. "This is a piece of Snowfield Rock Tea from the Land of Snow, recently sent to me.
It's extremely precious, with an annual production of only thirty taels. I feel such a rare item would be a waste in my hands; only in the hands of the Hokage can it be truly appreciated and collected."
"Hmm, thank you for your thoughtfulness," Uchiha Touhuan nodded, accepting the gift.
Kado then took out a stack of exquisitely packaged books and handed them to Kakashi.
"What's this?" Kakashi's eyes lit up upon seeing the pile of books.
"I've long heard that you, my lord, are a devoted fan of Jiraiya, the bestselling author in the ninja world.
Therefore, I went to great lengths to collect this set of 'Make-Out Paradise,' the original collector's edition. Originally, I planned to have Jiraiya personally sign it before presenting it to you, but recently I haven't been able to find him anywhere in the ninja world, so this is the only way. I hope you won't find it offensive."
"Hmm, very good." Kakashi nodded, putting away the collector's edition of "Make-Out Paradise." Only ten sets of this original collector's edition were ever published in the entire ninja world. When it was first published, Kakashi didn't have this hobby, so he missed out on these things, which has always been a significant regret for him.
But he didn't expect Kado to be so thoughtful, getting him this set. As for the signature, that's no problem; once Jiraiya returns to the village, he can get any signature he wants.
Uchiha Touhuan looked at Kado and nodded in satisfaction. He had to admit, Kado was incredibly resourceful; it was worth all the effort he'd put into training him.
"How's the matter I asked you to handle?" Uchiha Touhuan asked.
"Don't worry, Hokage. The ninja tool factory has been built in the northwest of the Land of Fire. The production line and equipment are complete, and it's just waiting for the materials to arrive before it can start operating," Kado said.
"Hmm, well done," Uchiha Touhuan nodded. "As for starting operations, just wait for my news."
"Understood," Kado nodded. "I recently opened a high-end restaurant in Konoha. If you and your assistant have nothing else to do tonight, I've arranged a banquet at the restaurant. Would you two be so kind as to attend?"
"A banquet?" Uchiha Touhuan looked at Kakashi. "I'm free here. What about you?"
"Then let's go. Shall we bring Naruto and the others?" Kakashi nodded.
"Alright," Uchiha Touhuan nodded, looking at Gato, "Then you go ahead and make the arrangements, we'll be there soon."
"Yes, sir!" Gato's smile widened with even greater delight at receiving approval, and he immediately went to arrange the evening's banquet.
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