Fleeing from Konoha

The Land of Snow's new research base was built beneath a massive iceberg, so it was named the Ice Mountain Base. It is also the largest research facility in the Land of Snow, mobilizing the greatest amount of manpower and resources.

The Chakra Armor was developed there, and aside from that, there were other items as well—such as the Shuriken Rapid Fire Shooter obtained from below the Land of the Sky, and some large-scale ninja tools, all designed for war.

All these technologies require innovation.

"Developing the Chakra Armor is very difficult; it's not just a matter of funding but of technological breakthroughs. No matter the adjustments this time, its performance won't experience a qualitative leap."

Sandayu was well aware of this.

The research and development of Chakra Armor is highly intricate, and it is technology unique to the Land of Snow. In the past, the Land of Snow poured considerable effort into it, yet progress remained slow.

"Don't worry, I'm not so impatient as to demand Chakra Armor be ready for immediate deployment."

The Land of Demons' external expansion plan is not an urgent matter. According to the original plan, it won't truly begin for at least another five years.

And that is assuming everything goes smoothly. After all, they have to deal with the complexities of international circumstances, and it certainly won't be easy when the time comes.

In fact, as the Land of Demons' national strength continues to grow, towns and cities everywhere have changed drastically, institutions have been improved, and it would be hard not to attract attention.

Blocking information isn't feasible—since the Land of Demons seeks higher-level development, it is inevitable that they cannot hide forever.

That's why the arrangements in the Hidden Mist are all the more crucial.

"Then there's no problem. I'll continue to keep a close eye on the matter of Chakra Armor."

Since this concerned the survival of the Land of Snow, Sandayu dared not be careless or relax his vigilance over the Ice Mountain Base.

Because those armors are not just intended for the Land of Demons' military; the Land of Snow's forces must also be equipped, boosting the country's military might, in order to protect national security.

There are countless examples in the Ninja Realm of small countries being wiped out by great powers due to their weak militaries.

Kazahana Doto's incident had also taught him an important lesson—that strength is the foundation for protecting everything.

"Then I'll leave it to you. Ruri has already gone ahead to the base. I'll stay here for a few days to keep Koyuki company, then I'll head over to the base to inspect things myself."

"It's my honor. I'll go ahead and have someone prepare a room for you. Please, just stay here and look after Princess Koyuki."

◎

Konoha.

The Uchiha have moved into their new estate.

The clan's territory has expanded, yet it grows ever farther from the heart of the village.

According to decisions made at the upper-level meetings, Konoha will establish some new industries this year to promote the village's growth, and the Uchiha's land is considered the most suitable location.

Thus, the Uchiha's territory was relocated to the edge of the village, including the Nankai Shrine, so they wouldn't have to go so far for every meeting.

To make up for this, the leadership also allocated a large tract of land in the surrounding area to the Uchiha clan.

For example, a vast training ground, along with beautiful, tranquil woodlands—a place like a Peach Blossom Spring away from the world.

In an instant, the Uchiha clan's territory expanded greatly. But how to make use of so much land was another issue.

After all, given the total Uchiha population, there's no need for so much space.

Moreover, this area is much more remote compared to the village center.

Because of this, the Uchiha held five meetings over three consecutive days at Nankai Shrine to respond to, and discuss, the leadership's moves.

Although the Uchiha adults didn't speak much of it on their faces, Itachi knew that all the adults—including his father Fugaku—were extremely dissatisfied with the leadership's decision.

However, since he was not yet a formal ninja, Itachi was not privy to the talks inside Nankai Shrine.

It wasn't just the shrine; even his home had lately seen clan members frequently visiting, loudly debating something in Fugaku's room.

When Itachi passed by, he often caught words like "Nine-tails," "Fourth Hokage," and "false charges."

It was obvious that these were sensitive political topics.

The reason the village leadership had moved the Uchiha to the outskirts was their suspicion that Uchiha ninjas were involved in the Kyuubi Rampage.

Though they attempted to placate the Uchiha with a generous land grant, the underlying suspicion only made the clan all the more anxious.

But as for Itachi, he felt indifferent about this decision.

For him, such a secluded environment was just right. Not only were there beautiful woods, but also a training ground several times larger than before, and no one would come to disturb him.

In this way, he could devote himself to training here, honing his ninja skills.

This was why he believed the clan was overreacting. Since it had already happened, what truly mattered was sitting down calmly to think about how to ensure the clan's prosperity in Konoha, not vent frustration for its own sake.

Letting off steam would only make things worse.

More so, after the Nine-tails' attack, the village lost hundreds of ninjas, and even the Fourth Hokage and his wife had died heroically.

Now the Hidden Cloud eyed them covetously. There were rumors of war breaking out again.

Thus, the adults in the clan venting their anger endlessly only made Itachi feel ashamed.