After Uchiha Kana left, Uchiha Fugaku sat in his office, his right hand resting slightly on his chin as he fell deep into thought.
The bounties placed on the Uchiha Clan would inevitably circulate through the underground black markets across various countries.
Since the fees had already been paid, the rewards would persist, even if the employer were eliminated. The bounty would remain until someone fulfilled it.
"To cancel the bounty, we would have to eradicate the underground black market, but that's nearly impossible," Fugaku mused.
The underground black market was powerful and notoriously secretive. It had secret bases not only in the five great nations but also in smaller countries.
Despite numerous attempts by the five major ninja villages to destroy it, the black market had always survived. Although some bases were occasionally dismantled, replacements soon arose, as resilient as weeds in spring.
There were even rumors that high-ranking officials within the governments of the five great nations covertly supported the underground black market.
"If we can't destroy the entire network, we can at least strike a few key strongholds and send a clear message," Fugaku decided, his eyes narrowing with determination.
The underground black market had dared to place bounties on the Uchiha Clan. For this insult, they would pay dearly.
***
Inside the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage smoked his pipe, his face clouded with worry.
First, there was the mysterious disappearance of Danzo Shimura—though it was now almost certain he had been killed. Days had passed, and there was no sign of him returning.
Then, the Hokage had learned troubling news that the Uchiha Clan might have discovered Uchiha Shisui's involvement as an informant.
One crisis after another had left him feeling drained. Yet now, his concerns were focused elsewhere.
"Could Itachi's role as a spy have been exposed?"
Shisui, who had joined the ANBU, had served as a critical link between the Uchiha Clan and the village leadership. Now, with him gone, Itachi's position as a double agent could easily come under scrutiny.
Fortunately, Itachi's status as the son of the Uchiha Clan head offered him some protection. This connection should shield him from suspicion, but the Hokage couldn't be certain.
Bang, bang, bang!
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. The urgent sound signaled the arrival of news.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened to reveal a silver-haired ANBU ninja who quickly stepped inside.
"Hokage-sama, we've received word that the Uchiha Clan is mobilizing a large number of members. Even Uchiha Fugaku has been seen leaving the compound."
"The clan leader himself is involved?"
The Third Hokage stood abruptly, shock evident on his face. His immediate thought was that the Uchiha Clan might be planning to act against Shisui.
Although Shisui no longer resided within the Uchiha Clan, he had been stationed secretly within the village. If the Uchiha Clan had discovered his location, they might be preparing to eliminate him.
"Which direction did they go?" he demanded.
"They all headed toward the village gates. It seems they're leaving Konoha for something."
"They're leaving the village?"
The Hokage exhaled in relief, sinking back into his chair.
If they were leaving Konoha, their target couldn't be Shisui.
"Do we know their purpose?"
"Not yet, Hokage-sama. We've dispatched several ANBU teams to follow them."
"Increase surveillance. I want to know exactly what they're planning."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The ANBU ninja bowed and quickly exited the office.
***
More than a day later, in a bustling town on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, Uchiha Fugaku arrived with two companions.
One was Uchiha Kana, a young woman with short black hair resembling Shizune's. A member of the illustrious Uchiha Clan, Kana possessed an elegant beauty.
The other was Uchiha Takehiko, a capable shinobi who had previously accompanied Fugaku on the mission to the Land of Rice. Takehiko had earned Fugaku's trust through his loyalty and competence.
"According to intelligence, the underground black market is located beneath that casino," Takehiko said, consulting a map.
The underground black market's locations were always shrouded in secrecy, and this base was no exception.
"Who would suspect a simple casino?" Kana muttered under her breath.
"We can't act yet," Fugaku said. "We have to wait until noon."
In the Land of Fire, the Uchiha Clan had identified seven underground black market strongholds. Seven teams had been dispatched, each tasked with striking a different location.
To avoid tipping off the network, all teams would attack simultaneously at noon.
Fugaku glanced at the sky. The sun was high but not yet at its zenith.
"Let's find a place to wait," he instructed.
The trio entered a nearby snack bar, ordering tea and dumplings as they kept a watchful eye on the casino from a distance.
When noon finally arrived, Fugaku and his team stood and approached the casino.
A large curtain bearing the word "Gamble" hung at the entrance. Inside, the air buzzed with the sounds of dice rolling and coins clinking.
Gamblers shouted in frustration or delight, some swearing loudly while others reveled in their winnings. The smoky atmosphere was electric with desperation and excitement.
Fugaku's sharp eyes quickly spotted a discreet passage in a shadowy corner of the casino. Two burly guards stood at the entrance, ensuring no unauthorized individuals entered.
"That must be it," Fugaku murmured.
The trio approached.
"This area is for high-stakes players only," one guard said, sizing them up. "What's your wager?"
Fugaku's crimson eyes spun into the three-tomoe Sharingan. Instantly, the guards froze, their expressions becoming blank.
"Move aside," Fugaku commanded.
Without hesitation, the guards stepped aside, allowing the trio to pass.
The secret code for entry was known to Fugaku through intelligence, but he had no intention of playing by the underground black market's rules.
After all, today's mission wasn't about negotiation—it was about delivering a warning.
(End of Chapter)
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