Snow Country Capital
In a grand three-story mansion, a fireplace blazed, making the interior as warm as spring despite the Snow Country's freezing climate.
In the spacious living room, eight people were seated—six men and two women.
Baogui, a survivor of the Artisan Ninja Village, appeared to be in his early fifties, with stark white hair.
"Lord Ishi, please have a drink. The Snow Country is cold—only strong liquor can warm the bones."
Uchiha Ishi and his team were being warmly received by Baogui and his group, remnants of the artisan ninja.
"Mr. Baogui, I am here on orders from our clan leader. I must decline alcohol while on duty. Thank you for your understanding."
Ishi respectfully declined the offer for a second time. At the same time, he exchanged subtle glances with the three young Uchiha operatives accompanying him. They quickly understood and avoided drinking their wine as well.
"Hahaha! Ninjas live such tiring lives and don't even drink—what a boring way to live!"
"Besides, you've come to the Snow Country to recruit us. But with such stiffness, why would we even consider following you?"
Baogui laughed it off, masking his intentions behind banter, though the undertone of mockery was clear.
To an outsider, it might have seemed like the playful custom of the Land of Snow or a remnant tradition from the Artisan Country—but Ishi wasn't fooled.
He narrowed his eyes and spoke in a calm, deep voice:
"We were sent to seek out surviving Artisan Ninja and recruit your expertise in forging weapons for the Uchiha clan. You are elites of the old Artisan Ninja Village—why remain hidden away in this remote snow-covered land?"
"The Land of Fire holds far greater potential. With the backing of our clan, restoration isn't just a dream—it can be a reality."
Baogui didn't appear moved. In truth, he barely paid attention to Ishi's words—his eyes were fixed on the untouched wine glasses. Seeing his plan failing, he gave a slight nod to his companions.
Three middle-aged artisan ninja seated nearby, all apparently Baogui's comrades, subtly shifted—placing their hands on the table and discreetly gripping their weapons beneath.
Ishi, though young, was sharp. Sensing hostility and noting Baogui's lack of real interest in negotiation, he knew the meeting had turned sour.
If they truly wanted to talk, they would've shown sincerity.
Baogui suddenly stood, raising his cup high—then smashed it to the ground.
"Do it!"
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Land of Tea – Fire Control City
In the manor of Yuhuo City's local lord, Uchiha Naraku sat at the head, flanked by Uchiha Chihuo and several others. Around them were more than ten city officials, now fully compliant with the Uchiha's authority.
Originally, Naraku had instructed Fugaku to handle the trip, but upon learning that Fugaku's girlfriend was unwell and he had requested time off, Naraku—impatient by nature—decided to come in person.
The Land of Tea lacked a formal ninja village, with power largely in the hands of samurai and bureaucrats. However, after being disciplined by Uchiha Chihuo, the local officials of Yuhuo City had quickly become obedient.
"Clan Leader, this is the map of Yuhuo City. The city lord's manor is central, and the four main roads extend outward to residential and commercial zones."
"In the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest corners, there are open lands. We can select one as the location for our ninja village base."
Chihuo stood beside the city map, using a baton to indicate areas as he briefed Naraku.
"Hmm, this city sits in a valley surrounded by mountains. Where there are mountains, there may be mineral veins. If we investigate and find iron ore, this could be a prime site for a ninja tool workshop."
Naraku studied the map briefly, then inquired further about the terrain and potential resources.
"Yes!" Chihuo nodded earnestly.
Although loyal and fierce, Chihuo hadn't considered economic development or infrastructure—he had been focused solely on replicating Konoha's institutions: ninja academy, medical corps, and security force.
Naraku continued, "We'll construct the ninja village in the northeast sector, and build the ninja tool workshop in the northwest."
"Leave the southeast and southwest plots undeveloped for now."
"Yes! Lord"
The former lord of Fire Control City now stood deferentially among Naraku's retinue. Naraku had brought eight guards with him. Since he had come this far, he intended to fully organize and structure the city.
However, Naraku did not intend for the Fire Control City ninja force to grow too powerful—lest it attract attention from the Five Great Nations, especially from Konoha.
After all, mission commissions were a lucrative source of income. The Uchiha Clan Affairs Hall collected a 10% cut from all mission earnings, totaling around 150 million ryō annually. Clan members themselves earned over 1.5 billion ryō in total.
This prosperity was part of the Konoha ecosystem. Competing with Konoha—by opening a rival ninja village—would threaten that balance and provoke retaliation.
This Tea Country base is just a fallback, a strategic outpost.
Naraku had no intention of relocating the Uchiha clan here permanently.
If anyone was to be relocated, let it be other non-Uchiha ninja clans. As long as Konoha remained a stronghold, Naraku would never abandon it unless absolutely forced.
As for the Daimyō of Tea Country, Naraku only needed to ensure no Fire Country ninja forces encroached into Tea Country. That alone would satisfy the daimyō's expectations. Using his funding to raise local ninja forces was, in Naraku's view, a mutually beneficial arrangement.
"I've reassigned one Jōnin and two Chūnin from the Ninjutsu Academy. They'll head the new ninja school."
Naraku gestured to the side, where three shinobi stood quietly.
"Lord Chihuo!" ×3
The three bowed respectfully. Though experienced, they knew Chihuo's position as captain of Naraku's personal guard and treated him with due reverence.
"Yeah," Chihuo casually acknowledged them.
"We also have three medical ninja on site. Start with a clinic, and once the school produces genin, we can develop a medical corps."
Naraku pointed to the three medical ninja—two women and one man—who promptly saluted Chihuo.
"Understood!" Chihuo responded firmly.
Naraku nodded. Chihuo, once his trusted guard captain, remained a loyal right-hand man.
The teachers and medical staff from the Ninjutsu Academy weren't immediately useful—ninja education took years. Producing genin took at least two to three years. Chūnin required exceptional talent and time, with most promoted around age 15.
Jōnin, on the other hand, were often involved in administrative or leadership roles—you don't send a jōnin to haul bricks.
The jōnin dispatched here had agreed only because he would serve as headmaster of the ninja academy—a position befitting his rank.
To effectively command a jōnin, one had to provide authority and incentives. Rank alone didn't guarantee compliance—after all, if a jōnin claimed illness, even a clan patriarch couldn't force them to work.
"We must also establish the Security Force and the Anbu division. Begin with the security team—take control of Fire Control City's safety and law enforcement."
"Recruit wandering ninja or samurai, form the core of a guard unit, and appoint Ruofeng to command the Yuhuo City security division."
Fire Control City now housed over 100,000 residents. Currently, only Tea Country officials oversaw local affairs. Naraku planned to gradually replace them and tighten Uchiha control.
"Yes! Lord" ×2
Both Chihuo and Ruofeng acknowledged the command.
The Security Force is essential in any shinobi village, responsible for patrolling, enforcement, and public order.
The Anbu, traditionally responsible for covert operations, surveillance, and assassination, had in Konoha taken on overlapping duties due to its unique political landscape—including duties typically handled by the Security Force.
"Chihuo, Ruofeng—Fire Control City's future rests on your shoulders. This is our Uchiha fallback base. We can't afford any missteps."
"Understood!"
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