Chapter 162: I Don’t Want to Go to Prison

These were two more new terms, leaving Kakuzu momentarily stunned.

For now, he set aside the phrase "the base determines the superstructure."

But what did "sustainable draining of the pond to catch the fish" mean? He understood the latter part, but the word "sustainable" confused him.

So, he asked directly.

"This question actually needs to be explained together with the previous one," Tōshirō said with a smile. He then broke it down for Kakuzu in a simple and understandable manner, concluding with a phrase: "Only by giving up something can you gain something in return."

After hearing this, Kakuzu felt as if a new world had opened up to him.

Although the reasoning sounded simple, it unexpectedly made everything click for him.

"Everything should be done in moderation. It's precisely because these daimyo are insatiable that wars continue endlessly," Kakuzu said, looking at Tōshirō with a meaningful gaze. "I really can't believe these words are coming from someone your age."

Tōshirō lowered his gaze, his expression as calm as a still lake. "In an era of war and chaos, even the most ignorant child will mature quickly after experiencing suffering."

As he spoke, he lifted his head and gave a self-deprecating smile.

From Tōshirō's eyes, Kakuzu could see a trace of sorrow. Perhaps this was the reason he had such a mature mindset…

"Next, do you have any thoughts on which country to take over?" Kakuzu proposed. "If not, how about the Land of Waterfalls?"

Being born in Takigakure, Kakuzu had a personal grudge against this country.

Tōshirō glanced at him, pretending not to understand. "Why that country?"

"A personal grudge."

Tōshirō remained silent, pretending to ponder.

After spending time with him, Tōshirō had left a deep impression on Kakuzu. Out of recognition, he asked for his opinion: "What do you think?"

Tōshirō paused before responding, "Honestly, I wouldn't recommend choosing that country."

Under Kakuzu's questioning gaze, Tōshirō explained, "Geographically speaking, the Land of Waterfalls has a terrible location."

He then used a branch to draw circles on the ground, marking the Five Great Nations and the Land of Waterfalls. He explained that the Land of Waterfalls was surrounded by Fire, Wind, Lightning, and Earth. The real problem wasn't being a pawn but becoming the chessboard itself. If war broke out, the people of this land would suffer first, leading to a complete economic collapse.

Moreover, despite not being a great nation, the Land of Waterfalls wasn't weak. It even had a Tailed Beast. It might not compare to the Five Great Nations, but it wasn't weak enough to be easily taken over by just the two of them.

The right strategy was to target a country that was far from major battlefields and had weak military strength.

After explaining his reasoning to Kakuzu, Tōshirō revealed his preferred target: "I suggest the Land of Bears."

"The Land of Bears?"

"That's right. This country borders the Land of Fire on the right and is close to the coastline. Its military strength is weak, and it's well-suited for maritime trade."

In the original story, Konoha had sent a few low-ranked ninjas, who managed to take down the Hoshikage right in his own territory. This showed just how weak Hoshigakure was. With Kakuzu's power alone, he could crush them effortlessly.

"Hmm… the Land of Bears…"

Kakuzu thought for a moment. "I remember something interesting about that country. About a hundred years ago, a meteorite fell there, and the country's ninja used it to establish Hoshigakure. They even claimed the title of Kage… Heh."

The title Kage was reserved for the strongest ninja of the Five Great Nations.

For such a tiny country to claim that title—was it confidence or sheer arrogance?

Relying on his memory, Tōshirō responded, "You're talking about the Star Meteorite, right?"

"Something like that." Kakuzu wasn't particularly interested in the meteorite.

But Tōshirō was.

By using the meteorite, ninjas could train in the Peacock Secret Technique, a technique that allowed flight. While not extremely powerful, it was still quite useful.

But that alone wasn't enough to pique Tōshirō's curiosity.

What really interested him was the meteorite's origins.

It had fallen from the sky—making it easy to associate with extraterrestrial beings, possibly the Otsutsuki Clan.

And when talking about the Otsutsuki Clan, one naturally had to consider the Uchiha Clan as well.

Perhaps this meteorite could provide him with valuable insights. With that in mind, Tōshirō was determined to claim it.

Following Tōshirō's advice, Kakuzu decided on their target. "Alright then, the Land of Bears it is."

Tōshirō smiled. "Great. Then I'll leave the intelligence gathering to you."

"???" Kakuzu had assumed Tōshirō would be helping him.

Tōshirō explained, "I have to return to the village. I've been gone for a while, so they've probably noticed."

Kakuzu scoffed knowingly. "I thought someone like you would just—"

Tōshirō interrupted, "Despite how I may seem, I'm a man of principle. As long as the village doesn't betray me, I won't betray the village."

"Tch. Still a kid at heart, clinging to fantasies…"

Tōshirō shrugged. "Can I leave now?"

Kakuzu snorted. "Go ahead."

"Oh, right. How should I contact you later? Given your status, finding you won't be easy."

Kakuzu glanced at him before giving him a location and a name. It was one of his informants—someone Tōshirō could use to reach him.

Tōshirō nodded, turned, and left without hesitation.

"Wait…"

Kakuzu pointed at the money on the ground.

"Just leave it here. It's not like it can run away. You're not planning a one-time deal, are you?" Tōshirō grinned. "Besides, without my Sharingan, handling some matters will be quite troublesome for you."

Kakuzu narrowed his eyes and snorted. "Get lost."

"See you around."

Tōshirō waved before disappearing.

"Hmph… That brat…"

...

Back in the village, Tōshirō immediately reported the mission details to Hiruzen Sarutobi—though he provided a heavily edited version.

For example, he left out any mention of Kakuzu's secret techniques. He didn't want Konoha to start hunting Kakuzu down.

After listening to Tōshirō's report, Sarutobi furrowed his brows tightly.

Chapter 163: I Don't Want to Go to Jail

The murder of the Fire Country Daimyō's relative would inevitably impact Konoha's reputation. In the worst case, it might even lead to a reduction in military funding from the Daimyō.

If Aokiji had died during the mission, it would have been easier to handle—at least they could have framed it as a noble sacrifice while protecting the target.

But the problem was that Tōshirō was still alive. This would inevitably invite criticism—claims that he fled out of fear, abandoning the mission and causing the target's death.

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's hesitation, Tōshirō decided to be direct:

"Hokage-sama, are you wondering why I was the only one who survived?"

Hiruzen remained silent, waiting for Tōshirō to provide an explanation.

"I abandoned the mission," Tōshirō admitted bluntly. There was no point in lying—no one would believe it anyway.

More importantly, the Daimyō wouldn't care how difficult the mission was. He would only see that it failed and draw conclusions that served his own interests.

Hiruzen was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Tōshirō to just say it outright.

Feigning ignorance, he asked, "Why did you run away?"

"Because the enemy was too strong. After evaluating the situation, I realized I had no chance of winning. Staying would have only led to more casualties."

"So, you ran away?"

Tōshirō replied firmly, "What else was I supposed to do? Stay and die? I did my best, but that was an opponent I simply couldn't defeat."

His blunt response left Hiruzen momentarily speechless.

Protecting comrades and making strategic retreats—these were part of Konoha's so-called 'political correctness.' Even if one didn't believe in it, they were supposed to at least pretend.

Hiruzen sighed. "Do you realize the disaster you've caused?"

Tōshirō, unshaken, replied, "I don't think I did anything wrong. If I couldn't win, then I couldn't win. Things like a 'ninja's resolve' only exist in novels and manga. In reality, I make decisions based on logic."

"What if Tsunade and the others had been in that escort team?"

"Then it would be a different story. If it were for them, I would have fought to the death."

"I'm an ordinary person, Hokage-sama. I can't be as great as you, spreading my love equally to every member of the village."

"My love is small, and it is limited. I only care about those I truly care about. For them, I'm willing to abandon reason, even sacrifice myself."

"But if you expect me to give my life for a mission target or for comrades I barely know, then I'm sorry—I can't do that, and I don't want to."

Tōshirō's words sounded cold, but they were entirely rational.

Hiruzen let out a long sigh. "What are you all waiting for?"

Tōshirō barely had time to react before figures emerged from the shadows. These people wore identical uniforms, shoulder guards, forehead protectors, and leg bindings. The only distinguishing feature was the animal masks on their faces.

Seeing the masks, Tōshirō immediately recognized their identity.

They were ANBU—Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal bodyguards.

"Hokage-sama, what is this…?"

"Tōshirō, don't blame me. This is for the sake of the village."

The Fire Country Daimyō's relative had died under Konoha's protection. The village had to provide an explanation.

For that reason, Hiruzen had no choice but to sacrifice Tōshirō, imprisoning him and sending him to the Daimyō's estate.

Hiruzen had wanted to recruit Tōshirōas a tool to monitor the Uchiha clan, which was why he had been so lenient with him.

But that leniency had its limits. There were certain lines Tōshirō could not cross.

One was abandoning a mission, leading to the death of the Daimyō's relative.

The other was setting a dangerous precedent.

If everyone in the village adopted Tōshirō's mindset, Konoha would become impossible to govern.

The moment Hiruzen gave the order, the ANBU agents charged in from all directions.

Tōshirō reacted instantly, forming hand seals at high speed. His cheeks puffed up before he exhaled a cloud of dust. Upon landing, the dust spread outward, quickly filling the confined Hokage's office with thick smoke, obscuring visibility.

As the "Professor of Ninjutsu," Hiruzen immediately recognized the technique.

Fire Release: Hiding in Ash and Dust Technique.

This was an advanced Fire Release jutsu, unique to the Uchiha clan.

Hiruzen formed his own seals, casting an unknown jutsu. In an instant, the smoke vanished completely—along with Tōshirō's presence.

Clearly, he had escaped.

Tōshirō ran at full speed, dashing through the village as the ANBU chased after him.

He had no intention of fighting—he wasn't strong enough to win.

At this moment, if he didn't want to end up in prison or be delivered to the Daimyō as a scapegoat, he had only one option left—

He had to find Elder Itachi—immediately!

(End of Chapter)

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