Hidden Agendas

Kaito read through the report carefully, scrutinising each line.

Danzo said, "Your Hyuga clan's current good relationship with the Uchiha is temporary. The Uchiha are actively developing, and their clan is encouraging childbirth. A new generation of Uchiha babies has already been born. In ten years, the Uchiha will become the largest clan in the entire shinobi world. With their economic strength, the entire Konoha will have to bow to them. The position of Hokage will be theirs for the taking."

Kaito's expression changed slightly. The report also details how the Uchiha established numerous "Chinese Cuisine" restaurants in the Land of Fields. Although the country was small, the number of establishments meant significant income. The Uchiha did not directly run these establishments but were indeed connected to them.

It was well known that Itachi and Shisui were likely in Otogakure, though they hadn't made any public appearances. Fearing the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan, the Third Hokage hadn't labelled them as rogue ninjas.

"The Third Hokage tried to negotiate with the Uchiha to support their businesses, but the Uchiha refused, keeping the secrets of their cuisine to themselves. If we don't take action, in ten or twenty years, the Hyuga clan will become subservient."

"If your Hyuga clan acquires these recipes, you could collaborate with the village to expand this business. Given the Third Hokage's and the Daimyo's connections, spreading this business throughout the Land of Fire is entirely possible."

Danzo's words were tempting.

Kaito remained clear-headed. It was customary for each clan to have their secrets, incredibly profitable ones. The Sarutobi clan wanted to reap the benefits without contributing, and the Uchiha's refusal was understandable. However, Danzo's words did make Kaito think. The report he had just read was conservative; the Uchiha's actual profits were likely much higher than twenty million annually.

The prospect of such wealth was tempting. Kaito knew that after the Third Great Ninja War, all nations were focusing on economic development, and every clan was trying to accumulate wealth.

The Hyuga clan, with its superior scouting abilities, was always in high demand during wartime, earning substantial compensation from Konoha for its services. Their abilities made missions significantly easier during peacetime, so they were always in high demand.

Despite this, the Hyuga clan wasn't poor and had always lived comfortably. However, the prominent family needed a more decisive leader and had grown complacent. They relied heavily on the branch family for everything, limiting the latter's power despite their contributions.

Longing for greater power, the Hyuga elders were excited when the Uchiha relinquished control of the police force. They believed this was a step toward more power and even a chance to compete for the position of Hokage in the future.

However, maintaining the police force was more challenging than anticipated, often leading to conflicts and depleting their resources.

Realising they had been tricked, the Hyuga clan endured, hoping the new generation would eventually fill the gaps and solve the problem. They underestimated Uchiha Natsuki, who had revolutionised the restaurant business with unique recipes.

Initially thinking the profits were a few million at most, Kaito was shocked to learn it was tens of millions. The Uchiha could afford to take on fewer missions because they were wealthy.

The accumulated wealth would enable the Uchiha to dominate Konoha in a few years. Expanding the restaurant business across the Land of Fire would generate unimaginable profits, propelling them to new heights.

Seeing Kaito in deep thought, Danzo played his trump card.

Danzo handed Kaito a scroll, and Kaito's eyes locked onto it.

An honorary elder appointment!

If the Hyuga clan could secure an honorary elder position...

Danzo knew Kaito's deep love for his clan. Kaito couldn't refuse the offer of an honorary elder position.

Kaito exhaled deeply. "How will you treat my leg? How long will it take?"

Danzo smiled, satisfied. This plan could have worked with other Hyuga elders, but Kaito had already mentored many branch family members, making him the ideal candidate.

"For security reasons, I can't disclose the details, but my technique will have you standing within a month," Danzo confidently replied.

"Oh?" Kaito was curious but knew he couldn't press further.

Kaito thought for a moment. "I have some people in the police force who can start paying attention soon. However..."

"I need the honorary elder appointment now, and I need treatment."

Danzo was displeased. "Don't you trust me, even as old classmates?"

Old classmates? When Uchiha Kagami saved you countless times, you still turned around and took Shisui's eye. Would you be negotiating with me now if you didn't need me to get the recipes?

Kaito remained silent, staring at Danzo.

Danzo, seeing Kaito's resolve, had no choice.

If anyone could discreetly steal the recipes, it was the Hyuga with their Byakugan.

Plus, the Daimyo's representatives had already inquired about progress.

"Fine."

Danzo handed Kaito the appointment scroll.

Kaito's face lit up as he examined it repeatedly.

"And my leg?"

Danzo, frustrated, said, "I'll arrange it when I return. Send your previous medical records to the Root. I'll prepare and notify you."

"Okay, I'll send them right away."

Narrowing his eyes, Kaito thought, "As expected, the Third Hokage is involved too."

With the deal made, Danzo quickly left.

Kaito's smile faded as he watched Danzo disappear.

Looking at the appointment scroll and then at his leg, his eyes gleamed with an unreadable expression.