Orochimaru looked at the map in front of him, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips as he narrowed his eyes and murmured, "This record should be enough, right?"
His teacher would likely help spread his achievements in Konoha, paving the way for him to succeed as Hokage after his eventual retirement.
But...
Now was not the time yet.
Which was why he absolutely could not afford to lose this war!
A sharp glint flashed in Orochimaru's eyes as he picked up a cup nearby and placed it on the map of the Land of Rain, smiling to himself. "The war should beg—"
"Big... big troub—!"
However...
Before Orochimaru could finish speaking, a Konoha-nin rushed in frantically, shouting, "Lord Orochimaru, big trouble, big trouble!"
"What happened?" Orochimaru frowned, looking at the panicked ninja before him. "Calm down and speak slowly."
Had something unexpected occurred?
"The Suna-nin have launched an attack!" The Konoha-nin gasped for breath, pointing outside the tent. "Th... they've started their assault!"
"Finally attacking, are they?" Orochimaru smiled faintly. "Just as I predicted. Sunagakure and Amegakure couldn't hold back any longer."
"But... but..." The Konoha-nin wore an agonized expression. "The situation isn't what we expected!"
"Of course, the battlefield is ever-changing. I couldn't have predicted everything." Orochimaru replied calmly. "No need to panic. As long as Sunagakure declares war on Uzushiogakure, nothing else matters."
"However..." The Konoha-nin looked as if he were constipated. "Uzushiogakure's army..."
"They ran away."
-----
"Huh??"
"What did you say??"
In early August of the 32nd year of Konoha, Sunagakure and Amegakure officially declared war on Konoha. As for their loyal ally, Uzushiogakure, which had been holding the line against Sunagakure and Amegakure for Konoha—due to its small size and limited ninja forces, they could no longer endure. After suffering heavy casualties, they officially announced their withdrawal from the battlefield.
Publicly, they claimed that Uzushiogakure no longer had the strength to guard their ally's rear.
Of course, the truth behind the situation?
Perhaps only the ninja knew.
-----
"#$%&...!" The usually kind-hearted old man, upon reading the newly delivered report, immediately burst into curses, even dropping his beloved smoking pipe. "Uzu... Uzushiogakure has gone too far!"
"Refund! Make Uzushiogakure refund the money!"
"Lord Hokage."
At that moment, a Konoha ANBU appeared in the Hokage's office, bowing respectfully. "Advisors Danzo and Koharu have arrived in the meeting room."
"Hmm." Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath, his expression calm as he picked up the pipe from the floor and nodded. "Understood. You may leave."
"Yes!"
Then...
His sharp eyes fixed on the report in his hand as he sighed softly. "It seems a decision must be made."
"This is the place." Uzumaki Jun smiled. "A two-story villa should suit your needs. And here..."
"A spacious balcony with a lounge chair. Boss Madara can lie here and sunbathe whenever he likes."
"Research in Uzushiogakure shows that basking in the sun and smiling more not only extends lifespan but also promotes mental and physical well-being."
"It's so beautiful!" Tobi exclaimed, admiring the concrete house. "And this..." He walked over to the finely crafted toilet. "Now I don't have to go outside to poop."
"You don't even need to poop!" Black Zetsu retorted irritably. "None of us do!"
"Ahaha." Tobi scratched the back of his head, laughing. "I was just making a comparison."
"..."
This idiot!!
Black Zetsu gave up and decided to ignore him.
"The kitchen is fully equipped." Seeing the satisfied expressions on Madara and Tobi's faces, Jun perked up like a third-rate salesman. "South-facing, plenty of sunlight, surrounded by flowers in spring. All facilities are complete—just move in and settle down."
"And if you turn left outside, it's just a ten-minute walk to the shopping and food streets. Very convenient."
"So, boss, are you satisfied?"
"Satisfied, satisfied!" Before Madara could speak, Tobi nodded eagerly. "Compared to where we used to live, this is practically..."
Heaven!
"If you're satisfied, the rent is 50,000 ryō per month. As for the deposit..." Jun narrowed his eyes at them. "We'll waive it."
However...
"..."
Madara suddenly opened his eyes, staring at Jun along with Tobi and Zetsu.
He, Uchiha Madara, had to pay rent??
"Don't get worked up, don't get worked up." Jun quickly placated them. "This house embodies the hard work of many laborers. If it were free, they wouldn't get paid. Without wages, they couldn't support their families. Without support, they might starve."
"So, this is all for the sake of peace in the shinobi world!" Jun glanced at Madara, relieved to see he wasn't angry. If possible, he'd rather avoid conflict with the boss, because...
He had never forgotten the noble virtue of respecting elders and cherishing the young!
"Of course, if you're short on funds, Uzushiogakure also offers loan services."
Jun sighed helplessly. "This is Uzushiogakure's policy—more work, more pay. Everything follows the law, and no exceptions are made for anyone. So, my apologies, Boss Madara."
If you're broke...
Go get a job!
However...
Madara turned to Tobi.
Tobi shook his head, looking innocent. "Lord Madara, don't look at me. I don't have money."
He had been living in a cave all this time—where would he get money?
As for Zetsu...
He didn't need money either!
No need to eat, sleep, or deal with bodily functions—what would he do with money?
"No money, huh?" Jun sighed. "If you don't have money, then the only option is..."
"I'll pay you in a few days." Madara said coolly. "For now, I don't have it."
Was Madara planning to send Tobi to rob someone??
"Sorry, Boss Madara..." Jun hesitated. "Stealing and robbery... are crimes in Uzushiogakure."
"I won't steal or rob." Madara's face darkened.
He, Uchiha Madara—the man who once fought the world with only one rival—would stoop to stealing?
"In that case." Jun smiled. "I hope you enjoy your stay."
"Oh, Tobi, if you go out, remember to disguise yourself."
"With that swirl-patterned face of yours..."
"You might get beaten up in the shinobi world!"
"?? Huh?" Tobi tilted his head, confused, as he watched Jun leave. He was about to ask, but...
"You should disguise yourself." Black Zetsu also sighed. "Thankfully, you don't have the Mangekyō. As for why... you'll find out later."
However...
"Lord Madara, do you need me to..." Zetsu looked at him.
"No need. I'll stay here for a while." Before Zetsu could finish, Madara waved his hand dismissively. "I want to see what Uzushiogakure has become."
Daring to demand money from him, Uchiha Madara?
Did they think he was too old to lift his sword?
"And as for that brat..."
"Right now, there's probably no one in the shinobi world who can match him."