Chapter 79

"Hey, can you hurry up? I'm still busy," Tsunade said, glancing dissatisfiedly at Hitoshi.

Tsunade was frustrated with Hitoshi's slow pace.

Let's rewind time a bit. After observing the pseudo-Otsutsuki Clan on the moon, Hitoshi arrived in Konoha. Just as he arrived, he met Tsunade at the entrance to the village.

Initially, Tsunade was on the defensive, questioning Hitoshi's intentions. However, as a civilized person, Hitoshi straightforwardly stated that he was there to make a deal.

Considering Hitoshi's strength, Tsunade believed he was being honest and decided to escort him to the Hokage's Office to meet Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Don't worry, Lady Tsunade, as a woman, you should act like a lady. Otherwise, who will marry you?" Hitoshi chuckled in response.

Observing Tsunade's ample physique, Hitoshi couldn't help but think that as a former nanny, she had certainly come a long way.

"It's up to you whether the old lady gets married or not. You're not here to gather information, are you? Don't waste any more time," Tsunade retorted, provoking Hitoshi with a stern expression.

Shaking his head, Hitoshi acknowledged that while Konoha was prosperous, it couldn't compare to the time of Naruto.

"Let's go. Take me to see the Hokage," Hitoshi instructed, as a team of Anbu Shinobi led by Hatake Sakumo secured the area.

...

"Long time no see, Kazekage-sama. I'm curious to know what brings you to Konoha," Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted Hitoshi with a smile in his office.

Most of the people in the room were direct descendants of the Konoha Hokage lineage, and Hiruzen was familiar with the majority of them. There were only three unfamiliar faces, but Hiruzen could make educated guesses about their backgrounds. The stern-looking individual was likely from the Uchiha Clan, the enthusiastic one from the Senju Clan, and the one with the pineapple-shaped hair was probably from the Nara Clan, serving as a military advisor to the Hokage lineage.

"I'm here to make a deal," Hitoshi stated directly, surprising everyone present.

"I'm not sure what kind of transaction Kazekage-sama has in mind, but we should prepare ourselves," Hiruzen responded, maintaining a smile.

Hitoshi waved his hand and presented a test tube containing the Rinnegan.

"This is the Rinnegan, the legendary eyes. I acquired it as spoils of war from my battle with Uchiha Madara. If I'm not mistaken, it's an advanced form of the Sharingan," Hitoshi addressed the Uchiha Clan member among the visitors.

His words left everyone present dumbfounded. How could someone like Hitoshi, known for his destructive abilities, possess such a valuable item?

"Kazekage-sama, we believe your claims, but we cannot offer a fair price for such legendary eyes," Nara Clan's leader, known for his pineapple-like hair, stepped forward and expressed the thoughts of the group. As the think tank of the Hokage, he possessed the authority to speak on their behalf.

"I know you have been studying Hashirama's cells. I need your assistance in developing a batch of tree and crop seeds, focusing on drought resistance," Hitoshi replied, pursing his lips.

As they pondered the Eye Ability, Hitoshi suggested that someone from the Uchiha Clan or Uzumaki Mito could try it, leaving the choice to the Senju Clan.

"Why? Shouldn't you keep these legendary eyes for yourself? Why give them to us?" Tsunade stood up, walked up to Hitoshi, and asked earnestly.

Her question mirrored the curiosity of everyone present. In all honesty, if they possessed such a valuable item, they would do everything in their power to utilize it.

"I don't want to bother with such things. You can use it on someone else," Hitoshi replied.

"Don't be absurd! All the villages have heard of Kage Level. With enough talent, the Great Ninja Villages would go to great lengths to acquire them. The era of Kage Level is approaching," Tsunade exclaimed.

"You're right," Hitoshi conceded, realizing that Tsunade's point was valid.

In Konoha's estimation, this was the dawn of a new era.

"Ahem, Kazekage-sama, you mentioned that the Uchiha Clan and Senju Clan should try it. What is your reasoning?" Orochimaru, with a devious mindset, stepped forward and inquired.

"I suspect that after the battle with Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara obtained Hashirama's cells, leading to the development of the Rinnegan," Hitoshi replied, observing Orochimaru carefully.

Orochimaru understood the connection between the Sage Body and the Sage Eyes. It was a potential avenue of research for them.

"In that case, Kazekage-sama, Konoha will accept your deal. However, we request that you keep the eye a secret," Hiruzen agreed, receiving nods of approval from Nara's Clan leader and Orochimaru.

"No problem. When it comes to transactions, confidentiality is standard procedure," Hitoshi concurred, satisfied with the agreement.

"Please allow a few days, Kazekage-sama, as we prepare a batch of finished products for you to evaluate. If they don't meet your expectations, you can make changes at any time. Our after-sales service is guaranteed," Hiruzen assured, signaling Tsunade to accompany Hitoshi out of the office.

As they left, Hitoshi suddenly stopped at the doorway, turned around, and addressed Hiruzen, "Lord Hokage, if you develop Wood Release, you can come to Sunagakure to plant trees. We'll provide food, shelter, and compensation."

Hitoshi's statement surprised everyone in the room once again.

After Hitoshi's departure, everyone's gaze fell upon the eye on the table. Even though it was separated from the test tube and nutrient solution, they couldn't help but be captivated by its mesmerizing allure.

"Lord Hokage, this eye is meant for us, the Uchiha Clan. We can make good use of it," the Uchiha Clan leader expressed excitedly, his mouth watering at the thought.

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the Uchiha Clan leader, questioning his audacity. This item couldn't be handed over to them directly.

"Seal it for now, and let Orochimaru and the others study it. Once they make a significant contribution or find a suitable genius, we can consider rewarding them with the eye," Hiruzen decided, using his gaze to quell the rising desires of the Uchiha Clan.

The Uchiha Clan leader withdrew his eyes, silently vowing to produce a genius and make a substantial contribution to reclaim the eye. With the Rinnegan in their possession, combined with the Mangekyo Sharingan, the Uchiha Clan would surpass Kage Level.

Observing the changes in the Uchiha Clan leader, Hiruzen finally had something to hold against the Uchiha Clan. As long as the eye remained in the hands of the Hokage lineage, he was confident he could maintain control over the Uchiha Clan. With enough benefits, anything could be utilized.

During this period, the Uchiha Clan made significant progress in their research on Yin-Yang-Style. Hadn't they received sufficient benefits?