Chapter 158: Planning the Land of Sea

"Alright, I understand," Natsuhane said, a hint of relief in his voice. He looked at Itachi, who had just warned him about the impending visit from the Akatsuki. "Itachi, when you and Kisame arrive, how should I respond?"

Itachi's spectral form nodded. "Think carefully, Natsuhane. Don't be too hasty to oppose the Akatsuki. I'll do my best to buy you some time with Pain," he said, his form beginning to fade. "I need to go now. Staying too long might alert Kisame."

Before completely disappearing, Itachi's gaze lingered on Natsuhane, filled with curiosity.

"Is something wrong? Do I have something on my face?" Natsuhane asked, touching his face in confusion.

"It's just that... the child Konan just gave birth to bears a striking resemblance to you. Not just a little, but at least fifty percent. Natsuhane, could it be...?"

Natsuhane's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "So the SSS-level child I was notified about... it was from Konan?" he thought. This made sense now. Given Konan's strength, having such a high-level child wasn't surprising.

Out loud, he feigned ignorance. "Itachi, you're overthinking. I've never even met Konan. How could I have a child with her?"

Itachi smiled faintly. "You're right, it does seem far-fetched. I guess I've been under too much stress, being questioned by the others just now... made me paranoid."

As Itachi's form finally vanished, his last words lingered in the air.

The next morning, Natsuhane rose early and headed to his office. As the daimyo of the Land of Sea, he couldn't afford to neglect his duties. It was time to plan and organize the country's future.

Unrolling a map, he addressed his advisors, Kaisei and Kaishin. "Listen carefully," Natsuhane began. "Jiro Island will continue to serve as the capital of the Land of Sea."

Kaisei hesitated before speaking, "Daimyo-sama, given your power, Mother Island is no longer dangerous. Its larger area could benefit our future development. Should we consider relocating the capital back to Mother Island?"

Natsuhane shook his head. "While the major threats are gone, Mother Island is still home to many summoning beasts. It's an ideal habitat for them, and we shouldn't disturb it. Instead, we should utilize it to our advantage."

Kaishin's eyes lit up. "Daimyo-sama, are you suggesting...?"

"Yes," Natsuhane confirmed. "I plan to establish our ninja village, Sea Hidden Village, on Daiko Island. Every aspiring ninja must first learn summoning techniques, with their summons sourced from Mother Island. This will make Sea Hidden Village the first of its kind, with summoning beasts as its primary strength."

Kaisei and Kaishin nodded enthusiastically. "Understood, Daimyo-sama! Your vision is unparalleled."

"Good. Implement this decision immediately," Natsuhane instructed.

Kaishin hesitated at the door. "Daimyo-sama, what about the last island? Jiro Island for the capital, Daiko Island for the ninja village, Mother Island for summoning beasts... What of Demon Realm Island?"

Natsuhane paused. Demon Realm Island was currently occupied by Orochimaru's research facilities. "Leave Demon Realm Island for now. Our current population doesn't necessitate its use. When we need more space, we will develop it."

Kaisei and Kaishin bowed. "Yes, Daimyo-sama."

"Have the ninja instructors from Kirigakure arrived?" Natsuhane inquired.

"Not yet. Nor have they sent the promised tribute," Kaisei replied.

Natsuhane frowned. A week had passed since the agreements with the Water Daimyo and Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage. "This delay is unusual. Either Kirigakure is reneging on the deal, or something has happened."

He considered the possibilities: a change of heart by the Water Daimyo, unforeseen events in Kirigakure, or perhaps trouble befalling Mei Terumi. "Send a letter to the Land of Water to inquire. Report back in a day, regardless of the response."

"Yes, Daimyo-sama," Kaishin said, exiting the room.

Natsuhane turned his gaze back to the map, contemplating the future of his domain and the challenges ahead. His mind was set on one goal: the resurgence of the Uchiha clan.