Chapter 115: The Uchiha's Growing Prosperity

"Ah… it was just a friendly exchange."

"Lord Danzo wanted to discuss taijutsu techniques with me. He lost control for a moment and got injured. It shouldn't be anything serious..."

Hanmashu swept away the last bit of wood chips, glanced at Danzo, who lay unconscious outside like a dead pig, and calmly responded.

Uzumaki Mito looked around the house with its sparkling clean windows and newly replaced mahogany furniture, silently sighing to herself:

"Who would believe that someone possessed by a demon would scrub the floors until they shone like mirrors, and thoughtfully replace the furniture..."

Uzumaki Mito sighed softly. Regardless of whether their positions might someday turn adversarial, Hanma had so far shown impeccable manners towards her, giving due respect to his nominal grandmother.

What moved Uzumaki Mito most was Hanma's quick reflex during the earlier commotion, intercepting the wood debris flying toward the photo of her and Hashirama, protecting her cherished possession.

The calm and attentiveness displayed in that moment stirred a strange feeling within her.

"He really is a decent man. Compared to Hashirama, who doesn't even wash his own socks, Tsunade is certainly more fortunate..."

A rare nostalgic expression appeared on Uzumaki Mito's face as she gazed longingly at the photo of the laughing Hashirama.

Nearby, the Third Hokage seemed at a loss for words, puzzled by Uzumaki Mito's attitude.

"No matter how one looks at it, Hanmashu beat Danzo savagely... But given the current situation, it seems Mito-sama doesn't want to support Danzo's cause."

Hanmashu was also somewhat surprised. If Uzumaki Mito had taken this opportunity to confront him, although he wouldn't provide any substantial compensation, it would have been difficult for him to save face.

"She truly is the woman of the First Hokage, with a perspective far beyond that of the Third or Danzo…"

By now, Hanmashu had figured out the thoughts of Uzumaki Mito and the Third Hokage.

The Third and Danzo wished to firmly grasp the power of the Nine Tails, even considering using Danzo as a jinchuriki.

However, Uzumaki Mito seemed not to trust them completely and was still willing to negotiate with Hanma, aiming to hand the Nine Tails over to her clansmen.

Hanmashu shook his head, having lost interest in this farce.

As the saying goes: "When one stands tall with no desires, they are as strong as steel." As long as his side showed no interest in the power of the Nine Tails, all arguments would be futile.

"Then, I will visit again when Tsunade returns, Grandmother Mito..."

After bidding farewell, Hanmashu left, and the Third Hokage briefly treated Danzo's injuries before sitting properly in front of Mito.

He understood that the kindly old lady before him was very dissatisfied with his and Danzo's performance, otherwise she wouldn't have shown such an attitude.

"Sarutobi, tell me everything you know about Uchiha Hanma. His background, the growth of his strength, his reputation in the village, and all other aspects..."

Uzumaki Mito took out a notebook and slowly spoke to the Third Hokage.

A flash of surprise crossed the Third Hokage's eyes, unsure of Mito's intentions, but he quickly began recounting all he knew about Hanma, logically relaying everything to her.

This was the Third Hokage's cleverness: he never questioned those stronger than himself, ensuring that if mistakes were made, he wouldn't be the primary one at fault.

As the Third spoke, Mito continuously took notes, carefully jotting down every detail about Hanma, occasionally interconnecting various events, gradually forming a three-dimensional image of him.

"Three years ago, he single-handedly subdued an elite team of jonin, fought on par with Hanzo, and killed the One Tail jinchuriki..."

"He made billions through rank training, manipulated public opinion against Danzo, took over as head of the Uchiha clan, and boldly reformed the police force..."

"Cruel and decisive personality, power capable of suppressing tailed beasts, skilled in manipulating public opinion, and strong in reforms..."

With a peculiar expression, Uzumaki Mito looked at the profile of Hanma she had sketched out, sensing an inexplicable familiarity.

"This is practically a combination of Tobirama and Izuna Uchiha..."

Mito glanced at the Third Hokage, then at the lying Danzo, and let out a long sigh.

These teammates were simply unreliable...

"There's no counting on Hiruzen or Danzo anymore. I hope little Tsunade can do better than I did..."

The union between Mito and Hashirama was a political marriage between the Senju and Uzumaki clans. They hadn't even met before their wedding night. As the eldest princess of the Uzumaki clan, Mito married into the Senju with a mission and had undergone rigorous training for it.

What she was doing now was repeating those learned methods, analyzing Hanma's personality and style to understand how best to influence him subtly.

However, the pure love relationship between Tsunade and Hanma might not be susceptible to such familial constraints, which was a gap in Mito's knowledge...

Noting Mito's actions, a hint of realization also flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes as he reminisced about Hanma's various details, thinking to himself:

"Indeed, Mito-sama plans to bind Uchiha with familial ties..."

Now, the Third Hokage no longer concerned himself with the alliance between the Uchiha and Senju. For him, stabilizing the current situation was the priority.

Meanwhile, Danzo lay quietly, sleeping soundly, with no one to disturb him.

The Third and Mito tacitly avoided mentioning Danzo's matter, as if the conflict between Hanma and Danzo never existed.

At this moment, Danzo had successfully become the Nine Tails' container, or rather, a pawn…

…

Outside the Uchiha clan grounds.

After being away for months, Hanmashu returned to the familiar territory, his mood instantly lifting.

"What a bustling scene..."

Since Hanma invested billions of ryo, the Uchiha grounds had grown increasingly prosperous, purchasing vast nearby lands and developing the Fire Nation's most successful commercial street.

Fine foods, fashionable clothing, high-quality ninja tools, and specialties from the Five Great Nations had become common commodities here.

Occasionally, wandering ninja clans and nearby small hidden village ninjas came to sell their mysterious ninjutsu or inherited family techniques. While most were of low quality, sometimes unique and creatively distinct ones could be found.

Moreover, if fortunate and wealthy, one could even receive lessons from Uchiha jounin, experiencing unique guidance.

Here, the otherwise lethargic Uchiha police force would put aside their ninjutsu scrolls and actively manage public order, with a friendly attitude.

After all, this was Uchiha territory, and those who came were customers supporting Uchiha businesses.

If the police force's attitude was poor, they might face criticism from their own relatives running businesses here. And those criticisms could come from someone like their own demanding aunt wielding a rolling pin, leaving no room for retaliation…

Even the proud Uchiha wouldn't stand against money...

Hanmashu surveyed everything with satisfaction. Under his leadership, the Uchiha clan had achieved financial independence and was moving towards increased revenue.

"Beep..."

The defensive barrier around the residential area emitted a soft sound, opening a door.

Hanmashu nodded in greeting to two Uchiha clansmen looking at him with respect and proceeded to his residence.

Due to the presence of White Zetsu and the Third Hokage's "Telescope Technique," privacy could inadvertently be breached. Hence, Hanma had sealed the Uchiha residential area with a barrier and assigned guards.

Although this might not prevent more prepared peeping, it at least showed an attitude.

This move sparked some waves in Konoha, as many noble ninja clans also wanted to emulate it. After all, no one enjoyed living under surveillance.

However, the Third Hokage and Danzo severely cracked down on this trend, seeing it as a challenge to the Hokage's authority.

Hanmashu didn't move to the clan head's residence but instead bought half a street near the Uchiha training ground, expanding it into his mansion.

This considerate decision was made because even his daily training could cause significant disturbances, and it was best not to trouble his clansmen at the center of the territory.

Though some in the clan were dissatisfied, they wished for closer interaction with the clan leader who brought them prosperity...

Approaching his home, Hanmashu heard noise from the nearby training ground, indicating someone was sparring.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it!"

"You blond, just what evil technique have you practiced that I can't hit you!"

Obito glared at the smiling Minato with impotent rage, demanding an answer.

(The chapter ends here)