Chapter 260: The Third Hokage’s Scheme【4th Update 7k】
The sunlight of the Land of Stars was always exceptionally generous, illuminating the emerging capital city situated on the Ghost River Plains brightly and warmly.
In a highly guarded research base located in the edge area of the Star Capital, a cool temperature suitable for instrument operation was constantly maintained.
The ten-year-old Tonō Sukesuke was now wearing a fitted white researcher uniform, with a pair of slightly old-fashioned square-framed glasses on his nose bridge, carefully following behind a figure.
His teacher was none other than Orochimaru, with his pale skin and golden snake pupils.
Although Orochimaru’s reputation in the Ninja World was enough to stop children from crying at night, here he was a knowledgeable, open-minded guide in Tonō Sukesuke’s eyes, leading him into a whole new world of science.
“Observe carefully the microscopic structural changes of the chakra conductor during energy overload, and record the frequency and amplitude of every tremor…” Orochimaru’s hoarse voice guided, his snake pupils flickering with enthusiasm for knowledge and experimental data.
“Yes, Lord Orochimaru!” Tonō Sukesuke nodded quickly, skillfully operating a precise instrument in front of him that flickered with faint blue chakra light, rapidly recording the data.
He had been “invited” from Konoha for some time and had gradually adapted to the efficient and focused research atmosphere here.
Although he had lost some freedom, being able to access cutting-edge technology and theoretical knowledge far surpassing Konoha was, for a science enthusiast like him, like a rat falling into a rice barn.
His life had become extremely regular, commuting daily between the assigned comfortable dormitory and this mysterious laboratory.
At that moment, the laboratory’s automatic door slid open silently.
A figure walked in.
He was wearing a black-bottomed red-edged miko robe, with a tall and straight figure and an excessively young face. Most striking were his eyes, blue like a clear sky yet deep as an abyss.
A lazy smile played on his face, as if he had just casually strolled here.
“Orochimaru, it seems your new assistant is adapting well.” The boy spoke, his voice clear and carrying a strange affinity.
Orochimaru turned around, and upon seeing the visitor, a flicker of imperceptible respect passed through his golden snake pupils. He nodded slightly: “Lord Shura, what brings you here to inspect today?”
‘Lord Shura?’ Tonō Sukesuke was startled in his heart and quickly stopped his work, standing straight in some disarray.
Although he had never met this person, he had heard of the ruler of the Land of Stars, and someone who could make even Lord Orochimaru use honorifics was undoubtedly a powerful figure!
He secretly sized up the other.
Shura’s gaze turned to Tonō Sukesuke, his smile gentle: “Tonō Sukesuke, right? Are you adapting here?”
Tonō Sukesuke pushed up his glasses, answering somewhat nervously: “Y-yes, Lord. I’ve adapted. Lord Orochimaru has taught me a lot.”
His heart was filled with doubts—why would such a big figure specifically care about a “small role” like him?
Menma seemed to see through his thoughts and continued: “Sorry for inviting you to the Land of Stars in that not-so-polite way. But from what I know, as an orphan, you don’t seem to have any family left in Konoha, do you?”
Tonō Sukesuke was stunned for a moment, then nodded.
His parents had both died in the Nine-Tails Attack that year. He grew up alone, later relying on the chakra and ninjutsu materials left by his parents to learn the basics of chakra theory, successfully entering the Konoha Ninja Academy. He truly had no ties.
In Konoha, due to his obsession with researching various novel technologies, he seemed out of place among his peers, with few friends. But because his personality wasn’t reclusive, he occasionally played video games with classmates, and their relationships were average.
Seeing the other’s attitude so mild, Tonō Sukesuke mustered his courage and asked the huge question in his heart: “Lord Shura… why… why are you paying attention to a kid like me?”
He really couldn’t figure out what was special about him that warranted the other to specially send people to “kidnap” him here.
A flash of appreciation passed through Menma’s eyes.
‘His mind is much more mature than his peers, and he dares to ask questions. Not bad.’
He smiled, saying in a half-joking, half-serious tone: “If I said I have a bit of foresight into the future and saw extraordinary potential in you, would you believe me?”
“Foresight into the future?” Tonō Sukesuke’s eyes behind his lenses widened instantly, filled with childlike curiosity and disbelief: “Really? Then… what will my future be like?”
Menma looked at his eager, knowledge-seeking eyes, as if seeing the shadow of a future scientific giant.
He restrained his smile, his tone becoming serious and affirmative: “You will become a very great scientist, Tonō Sukesuke. Your name might change the world’s perception of ‘power.’ So, here, follow Orochimaru and study hard. The Land of Stars will provide you with all the resources you need.”
Become a great scientist?
Change the world?
Tonō Sukesuke’s heart pounded, an unprecedented hot current surging through his body.
Though it sounded unbelievable, the other’s confident tone and gaze made him involuntarily feel strong belief and longing!
He nodded vigorously, his small face flushing slightly with excitement: “Yes! I will definitely work hard! Thank you, Lord Shura!”
Menma nodded in satisfaction, his gaze turning to the side.
He didn’t raise his voice, just called out faintly: “Rookie.”
Before the words fell, a figure appeared silently behind Menma like a ghost, kneeling on one knee.
The newcomer wore the standard mask of a Star Ninja Anbu, but his figure was slightly slender, his aura extremely well-concealed.
“Lord.” The Anbu ninja called “Rookie” responded respectfully.
Under the mask was Ida Tasuke, who had excelled in the last Ninja Academy graduation exam and possessed outstanding swordsmanship talent.
Though young, he had a bumpy life experience and a steady personality. Menma saw his potential and specially arranged for him to train in Anbu.
“From now on, you are responsible for Tonō Sukesuke’s daily life and personal safety. Satisfy his reasonable needs as much as possible and ensure he is not disturbed by anything.” Menma instructed.
“Understood!” Ida Tasuke responded concisely, without extra words, his figure vanishing quietly again, as if he had never appeared. But Tonō Sukesuke knew he now had an invisible guardian.
This made him feel at ease and more aware of his own “value.”
After handling Tonō Sukesuke’s matters, Menma turned to Orochimaru and casually asked: “What do you think of this little guy?”
Orochimaru’s golden snake pupils showed undisguised appreciation and fondness for Tonō Sukesuke. He even licked his lips with his tongue, letting out a low laugh: “Hehehe… truly a perfect raw gem, Lord Shura. His talent surpasses any so-called researcher I’ve seen by more than one level. Especially his intuitive understanding of combining chakra energy with electronic machinery… it’s genius!”
“Even sometimes, his casual thoughts and questions bring entirely new inspirations and directions to my research.” The way he looked at Tonō Sukesuke was like appreciating a priceless treasure.
Orochimaru asked with interest: “It seems his achievements in the ‘future’ you saw are indeed extraordinary?”
Menma nodded affirmatively: “He will become an absolute authority in a certain field, leading a revolution.”
Though he didn’t specify the field, this recognition was enough.
Hearing this, Orochimaru’s eyes gleamed with even more excitement, as if he had found an extremely interesting and infinitely potential new toy.
At this point, Orochimaru seemed to remember something and said to Menma: “By the way, I may need to leave the Land of Stars for a while.”
Menma raised an eyebrow, seemingly not surprised: “Oh? Where do you plan to go?”
He showed no intention of stopping him.
Orochimaru explained: “Though the cooperation has been very pleasant and the Land of Stars provides an excellent research environment, my roots and most of my subordinates are still in Otogakure in the Land of Fields. I need to go back to handle some matters. And…”
A glint of curiosity and greed flashed in his snake pupils: “I’ve always been very interested in that kid in Rain Village with the Rinnegan. I want to go find an opportunity to ‘test’ him.”
Hearing that Orochimaru was still coveting Nagato’s Rinnegan, Menma shook his head helplessly: “Do as you like. But don’t blame me for not warning you—the waters behind those eyes are much deeper than you imagine. Don’t come back battered and begging me to bail you out.”
Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh: “Hehehe… thank you for your concern, Lord Shura. I’ll act within my capabilities.”
But his eyes clearly said, “How will I know without trying?”
After exchanging a few more words on the progress of their current collaborative projects, Menma left the heavily guarded research base.
Walking on the clean, wide streets of the Star Capital, Menma pondered to himself.
‘Orochimaru going to cause trouble for Nagato… with his current strength, plus some intelligence I’ve shared about Pain, he can probably hold his own, but taking the Rinnegan is impossible. Still, it reminds me… it’s time to visit Rain Village. White Zetsu’s stock is running low—those magical creature cells are key materials for many experiments…’
His thoughts drifted to the Land of Rain, that nation perpetually shrouded in rain and controlled by Akatsuki.
‘And Amado and Jigen are very likely in Kirigakure too…’
…
Leaving the research district, Menma strolled to the ninja school in the core area of the Star Capital.
As the principal of this Ninja Academy, he made time every week to personally teach the children a class—whether ideological education, history, or advanced chakra applications.
Today’s large classroom was packed.
Over a hundred children of various ages sat upright, their eyes filled with expectation.
Many newcomers could be seen, wearing Uchiha or Hyuga Clan robes, even Neji Hyuga sitting quietly among them, his white eyes filled with curiosity for knowledge.
In the corridor outside the classroom, Menma met the school’s actual head, the veteran educator and medical ninja Nonō Yakushi.
She still wore her round-framed glasses, her demeanor gentle and intellectual.
“Lord.” Nonō bowed slightly in greeting.
“Principal Nonō, thank you for your hard work.” Menma nodded in response and asked: “How are the new children, especially the Uchiha and Hyuga ones, integrating? Any difficulties?”
Nonō pushed up her glasses, a relieved smile on her face: “Rest assured. The school’s psychological counselors have given them one-on-one guidance. The children are all strong and cherish this new environment and learning opportunity here. They’re integrating better than we expected.”
She paused, her tone more sincere: “And thank you again, Lord, for bringing Kabuto… back.”
Mentioning Kabuto Yakushi, her eyes filled with maternal warmth and gratitude.
Menma recalled the boy Kisame Hoshigaki had fished back from Konoha Root and asked: “How’s Kabuto lately? Adapting?”
“That child seems to have developed a great interest in medical ninjutsu.” Nonō smiled: “Since coming back, he’s practically lived in the medical department’s library and lab, studying diligently under several medical jonin. He says… he wants to become a medical ninja who can help more people.”
‘Medical ninja…’ Menma’s heart stirred slightly, Kabuto Yakushi reminding him of other things.
‘Right, sage jutsu and nature energy…’
His thoughts rapidly expanded.
From the anime plot he remembered from his previous life about Gamabunta and Otsutsuki Hagoromo, nature energy was the most primordial energy existing on this planet itself.
The God Tree planted by the Otsutsuki Clan had the core function of frantically absorbing the planet’s nature energy and converting it into Chakra Fruit.
Those native powerful creatures, like the toads, snakes, and slugs of the Three Great Sage Regions, mastered and used “sage jutsu,” whose power source was nature energy itself—or a purer form called “sage power.”
Theoretically, using sage jutsu didn’t necessarily require mixing nature energy with one’s own chakra in proportions like ninjas do to form “sage chakra”—perhaps there were ways to directly harness pure nature energy?
‘Perhaps… because whether in the ‘Limited Tsukuyomi World’ or this world, I’ve only contacted, learned, and used the chakra system, never systematically studied the mysteries of sage chakra and nature energy, that’s why my perception of nature energy is so weak it’s almost negligible?’
Menma fell into contemplation.
‘If I want to systematically learn and sense nature energy, even master higher-level sage jutsu…’
Among the Three Great Sage Regions, the old toad on Mount Myōboku likely had some connection with the Sage of Six Paths—too risky; the old snake in Ryuchi Cave was insidious and cunning, not a good teacher, likely leading to a fight to the death; by comparison, the slug sage of Wet Bone Forest had the mildest personality and seemed the best choice.
‘Looks like I need to find clues to Wet Bone Forest. The best entry point… is undoubtedly Tsunade.’
‘If I can’t find Tsunade, I might have to risk scouting Ryuchi Cave.’
“Good day, Principal!”
As he entered the classroom, the children’s neat, energetic voices pulled him back from his thoughts to reality.
Menma came back to his senses, a gentle smile on his face as he walked to the center of the podium.
“Hello, students.” His gaze swept over the eager young faces below, seeing the light beneath the lingering haze in the Uchiha children’s eyes, the focus in Neji Hyuga’s eyes, and the pure joy in the others.
“Please sit.” His voice was calm yet carried a power that quieted everyone: “Today, we’ll talk about the essence of ‘chakra,’ and another, even more ancient ‘relative’ that might exist…”
His classes were never just about teaching ninjutsu; they inspired thinking, guiding these future hopes to ponder the deeper mysteries of power.
And today, his thoughts on nature energy quietly blended into his lecture, opening a door to a broader world for these children.
The future of the Land of Stars might just be nurtured in these seemingly ordinary classrooms.
…………
Time flew by, and three months passed in the blink of an eye.
The summer sun blazed like fire, baking the training ground’s earth slightly hot.
The air was filled with the scent of dust and sweat.
“Ha!”
Sasuke Uchiha let out a low roar, precisely blocking the oncoming shuriken with a kunai in hand, his body spinning with the momentum to quickly form hand seals.
“Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!”
A blazing fireball erupted from his mouth. Though far smaller than his brother Itachi Uchiha’s, it carried considerable power, whistling toward the training dummy.
However, just before the fireball hit the target, the ground suddenly cracked open, and several tough wooden vines burst out like living things, swiftly weaving into a thick wooden shield!
Boom!
The fireball slammed into the wooden shield with a muffled roar, flames scattering and gunpowder smoke filling the air, yet failing to breach the defense.
“Your chakra condensation speed and explosive power have improved, Sasuke.” Yamato’s voice sounded from the side, still in hand seal pose, calmly commenting.
“But your attack intent is too obvious, easy to predict. In real combat, enemies won’t stand still as your targets.”
Sasuke panted heavily, sweat soaking his black training clothes, sliding down his young yet resolute face, leaving small wet marks on the dusty ground.
Three months as an Anbu intern, plus alternating “drills” from Kakashi and Yamato, had subjected him to far harsher training than the Ninja Academy.
Though exhausted, the flame in his eyes never dimmed—instead, it burned brighter.
He wiped the sweat and dust from his face, staring unwillingly at the intact wooden shield.
“Got it, Senior Yamato! Again!” He adjusted his breathing and assumed an offensive stance once more.
At the edge of the training ground, a lush big tree provided rare shade.
Kakashi leaned against the trunk, leisurely sitting on a thick branch, as if in a different world from the two training hard below.
He held his ever-present《Paradise of Passion》in his hands, his visible dead-fish eye seemingly immersed in the book’s “exciting” plot. Only occasionally did his gaze subtly sweep over Sasuke in the field, flashing a hard-to-detect complex emotion.
‘With Yamato here, it’s so much easier…’ Kakashi sighed inwardly.
Yamato’s Wood Release was extremely skilled in control and defense, perfect for this kind of sparring guidance—providing Sasuke enough pressure while maximizing safety.
However, just as this lazy thought arose.
Yamato’s figure separated from the trunk like a ghost, appearing silently on the branch beside him.
“Senior Kakashi,” Yamato’s voice carried a hint of helplessness: “You can’t always dump guiding Sasuke entirely on me, right? Clearly you…”
He paused, glancing meaningfully at Kakashi’s left eye covered by his headband: “…are more suited to train him in certain aspects.”
Kakashi naturally understood that Yamato meant his own Sharingan.
He closed the《Paradise of Passion》, lightly tapping his shoulder with the spine, replying lazily: “Well… Sasuke’s still too weak right now; basics aren’t solid yet. Sharingan stuff, wait another two years when he’s more mature.”
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to teach, but he knew the heaviness and darkness behind the Sharingan. Exposing Sasuke too early could bring unpredictable fortune or disaster.
Moreover, his own Sharingan use relied more on copying and instinct, not orthodox Uchiha inheritance.
Yamato wanted to say more when suddenly both their expressions changed, looking toward the training ground entrance.
An Anbu ninja wearing an animal mask appeared with Body Flicker nearby, kneeling on one knee respectfully: “Head Captain, Hokage-sama urgently summons you.”
Kakashi’s eyes sharpened, his lazy aura instantly vanishing.
He stuffed the《Paradise of Passion》back into his ninja tool pouch, shouting to Sasuke still practicing below: “Sasuke, keep training with Yamato. No slacking.”
Then he nodded to Yamato: “You’re in charge here.”
Before the words finished, his figure vanished instantly, leaving only a few swaying leaves.
…
In the Hokage’s Office, the atmosphere was heavy.
The window was open, but the summer hot wind seemed unable to dispel the stifling smoke in the room.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind the large desk, his pipe flickering, brows furrowed as he stared at a report on the desk.
Shikaku Nara stood beside, quietly reporting the village’s reconstruction progress and various intelligence.
“…The aftermath of the Uchiha and Hyuga defection incident is still ongoing, with external opinions very unfavorable to us. But internal reconstruction, especially repairs to damaged areas and compensation for families of fallen ninjas, is basically wrapping up.” Shikaku’s voice was steady and clear.
Hiruzen slowly exhaled a smoke ring, nodded, and was about to speak when he suddenly sensed something and looked up.
In the center of the office, Kakashi appeared silently, kneeling on one knee: “Hokage-sama, you wanted me.”
“Rise, Kakashi.” Hiruzen’s voice carried fatigue. He gestured for Shikaku to pause and turned to Kakashi: “I called you for an important mission.”
Kakashi stood, quietly awaiting further instructions.
Hiruzen pointed his pipe at several scattered scrolls on the desk, saying gravely: “The Land of Stars, and that ‘Shura’… after these incidents, their existence is no longer a secret. My diplomatic envoys to the major ninja villages brought back some intelligence exchanges.”
“It’s basically confirmed: by annexing surrounding small countries, the Land of Stars has de facto become an emerging great power entrenched in the western Ninja Continent, its territory and population second only to our Five Great Nations. As for Hoshigakure’s ninja numbers, though elite level unknown, estimates suggest their overall scale is not to be underestimated.”
His tone grew heavier: “Now, news of Uchiha and Hyuga Branch Family defectors joining the Land of Stars has likely spread throughout the Ninja World. This will undoubtedly greatly boost Hoshigakure’s strength and prestige. We cannot sit by and watch them develop steadily.”
Kakashi’s heart tightened slightly, sensing something.
Sure enough, Hiruzen’s next words made his pupils contract: “I want you to personally lead an elite Anbu squad, disguised as Hoshigakure ninjas, to the border areas where the Land of Wind and Land of Earth meet the Land of Stars… and proactively provoke conflict. If necessary, use your Sharingan to leave ‘irrefutable’ evidence.”
“What?!” Kakashi almost thought he’d misheard, shock written on his masked face: “Hokage-sama! The Land of Earth is one thing, but the Land of Wind… is our treaty ally! Doing this…”
Diverting disaster to an ally?
This was no mere tactical deception—it was outright betrayal of the alliance!
And the Sharingan…
Konoha’s only remaining overt Sharingan now was Sasuke’s single-tomoe and his own.
Doing this would mean…
Shikaku Nara spoke up timely, analyzing calmly: “Captain Kakashi, I understand your concerns. But precisely because the Land of Wind is our ally, some things need ‘pushing.'”
He walked to the Ninja World map on the wall, pointing to the western continent: “The Land of Stars exterminated all old nobles and daimyo, implementing a completely different system. It’s like a tumor, making all surrounding nations’ daimyo and nobles feel fear and unease.”
“From what we know, three years ago, the daimyo of the Land of Earth and Land of Wind secretly contacted the Land of Fire daimyo, attempting to form a three-nation alliance or even joint army to eradicate this ‘heretical’ threat of the Land of Stars.”
“However, due to inherent suspicions between nations, coordination issues on benefit distribution, etc., this alliance has yet to truly form.” Shikaku’s finger traced the map.
“But now it’s different. Uchiha and Hyuga’s joining has greatly strengthened the Land of Stars’ military power, making the Land of Earth and Land of Wind feel even more threatened. Intelligence shows both are expanding militarily. More importantly…”
His finger pointed to the Land of Stars heartland: “We’ve confirmed through merchants and lurking spies that the Land of Stars is investing massive manpower and resources to transform the vast Ghost River Plains in the west and several rivers, turning large barren lands into farmland. Kakashi, you should understand what stable grain production means for nations like the Land of Wind and Land of Earth, where most territory is desert and wasteland.”
Kakashi fell silent.
He understood perfectly.
It meant strategic-level resources and national power boost!
Enough to make the Kazekage and Tsuchikage restless while coveting those lands!
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, his voice low and full of political scheming: “This war in the west is inevitable. Like the previous three Ninja Wars, the root is just resource and interest disputes. Konoha is too far from the Land of Stars region, separated by several small nation buffers—sending large-scale ninja troops for expedition isn’t worth it.”
“So, we need to ‘help’ our allies, especially the Land of Wind, make up their minds.” Hiruzen’s gaze sharpened.
“Let them see the ‘aggressiveness’ of ‘Star Ninjas’ with their own eyes, feel the pain firsthand—they’ll more urgently need Konoha’s support, whether armaments, supplies, or ‘limited’ ninja troop aid. We can thereby solidify the alliance, wear down potential rivals’ strength, and keep the war away from the Land of Fire.”
Kakashi listened to this cold strategic layout, feeling a chill down his spine.
This was high-level politics?
Treating allies as pawns too.
He could almost see the war fires igniting on the borderline, and the innocent lives that might perish due to this conspiracy.
“But… Hokage-sama, deliberately provoking disputes like this—if it spirals out of control into the Fourth Great Ninja War…” Kakashi voiced his greatest worry.
“It won’t.” Hiruzen’s tone was confident, as if everything was under control: “With Hyuga and Uchiha joining, Sand Village and Stone Village’s main forces will be pinned down by the Land of Stars on the western battlefield.”
“Kirigakure in the Land of Water is still in isolation policy, Cloud Village in the Land of Lightning has poor conditions for their two jinchūriki—Raiden A even lost an arm. If they intervene in this war far west on the Ninja Continent, the logistical pressure and cost would be heavy, and neither the Land of Lightning nor Land of Water would gain Land of Stars territory— not worth the cost.”
“Konoha need only provide rear support. This conflict’s scale will be controllable.”
Kakashi looked at the Third Hokage’s seemingly calm but unquestionable expression, knowing everything was already decided.
As Anbu Commander, he had no room for doubt—only the mission to execute.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his complex emotions, knelt on one knee, and said gravely: “Understood, Hokage-sama! I will lead the team personally and complete the mission!”
