Chapter 204 – Just for Money
Yagura Karatachi chuckled at Kitsuchi's words.
"Well then, nephew," he said lightly, "since you're in charge, I'll be direct—hand over all your storage scrolls, and I'll let you go."
He wasn't interested in creating unnecessary trouble with Iwagakure.
After all, the Hidden Mist Village was still recovering. Many of its elite shinobi had defected or vanished, and only a handful had returned in recent months.
Right now, the Mist couldn't afford another major conflict.
They needed to rebuild quietly.
Besides, if Ōnoki's son were killed here, the old man would hunt him to the ends of the earth for revenge.
Kitsuchi didn't argue. Instead, he gestured to his subordinates. One by one, they tossed over the storage scrolls.
His father was already on the way. For now, survival mattered more than pride or money—wealth was only temporary.
Once his father arrived, they could settle accounts with the Mist properly.
What's handed over today will be taken back later, Kitsuchi told himself grimly.
Still, a flicker of worry remained in his chest. If the Fourth Mizukage went back on his word and decided to kill them afterward, they'd have no choice but to fight to the death.
Fortunately, Yagura Karatachi proved a man of his word.
He made them wait a short while until his men arrived to inspect the scrolls. Once they confirmed that the contents were indeed money and valuables, Yagura waved them off.
Kitsuchi swallowed his humiliation in silence. His fists clenched tightly as he turned to lead his men away.
What's swallowed today… will be returned tenfold tomorrow.
Yagura watched the Iwagakure forces retreat into the distance.
Standing beside him, Ao tilted his head. "Mizukage-sama… should we—?"
He made a quick throat-slitting motion.
Yagura shook his head calmly. "No need. We're only here for the money, not for slaughter."
Ao twitched his one visible eye.
Just for the money? he thought silently. Then what about those Iwagakure scouts we killed earlier? Were they not people?
(Pure Land: The souls of the slain Iwa scouts looked up in outrage—"Are we not human too? Answer us!")
Yagura ignored the thought entirely and waved his hand. "Let's move. We'll head to the nearest town and see if we can collect any remaining silver before leaving."
With that, he led the Mist forces away at full speed.
---
Meanwhile, in Konoha Village, the festive mood had finally settled.
After the victory celebration ended, the entire village fell into a peaceful silence.
Late that night, Uchiha Itachi returned home with his two younger brothers—Sasuke and Naruto.
The lights on the second floor were off, but one small lamp still glowed by the entrance.
Itachi raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. "Don't wake Father and Mother."
Both Sasuke and Naruto nodded obediently.
Quietly, the three slipped into the house, washed up, and returned to their rooms to sleep.
---
When dawn came, Uchiha Fugaku stretched his back as he walked downstairs.
From the kitchen, Uchiha Mikoto poked her head out and smiled.
"Husband, could you wake Sasuke and Naruto? Breakfast is ready!"
Seeing his radiant wife, her long black hair shining in the morning light, Fugaku felt a warm flutter in his chest.
"Alright," he replied, and turned back upstairs.
He first opened Sasuke's door, gently waking the boy. Then he went to Naruto's room—and couldn't help but chuckle.
Both brothers were sprawled in the same sleeping posture, arms and legs splayed in identical directions.
They really do look like true brothers, he thought with amusement. Such uncanny resemblance.
After waking them, Fugaku glanced into Itachi's room and found it empty. The futon was neatly folded.
Passing the kitchen again, he asked, "Mikoto, where's Itachi?"
"Out for morning training," she replied while stirring a pot. "He should be back soon."
Fugaku nodded and went to wash up.
By the time he came out of the bathroom, Itachi was already stepping through the doorway.
"Ni-san!"
Sasuke and Naruto, now awake, bounded down the stairs at the sight of their older brother.
Naruto gave a sleepy greeting before trudging toward the bathroom, rubbing his eyes.
"Morning, Uncle," he mumbled as he passed Fugaku.
Fugaku chuckled, patting the boy's blond hair affectionately.
He sat down and turned on the television, just as Itachi approached.
"Father," Itachi reported seriously, "Deidara's chakra has been successfully sealed. Advisor Hizashi volunteered to take him to the Hyuga compound. He'll keep a close watch and ensure nothing goes wrong."
Fugaku nodded in approval. Sending Deidara to the Hyuga compound was a smart decision—surrounded by Byakugan users, the boy wouldn't dare act recklessly.
Itachi continued, "Also, the Elder said the Uzumaki scrolls have been retrieved. He asked me to inform you."
"Good," Fugaku replied casually, still half-focused on the TV.
But noticing Itachi's hesitation, he turned his head. "Go on, what is it?"
Itachi sent Sasuke off to wash up before continuing quietly, "Father, those Uzumaki scrolls… they're from the Uzumaki Clan, correct?"
"Of course," Fugaku said matter-of-factly. "What other Uzumaki could they come from?"
"So they're all sealing techniques?"
Itachi remembered the pile of scrolls he'd seen in the Hokage Building last night, used during Deidara's sealing ritual. The sheer number had surprised him.
"Most likely," Fugaku said with a sigh. "The Uzumaki were masters of sealing. That's their legacy—what else could those scrolls contain?"
His back ached slightly as he spoke, and a hint of fatigue colored his tone.
Seeing this, Itachi frowned in concern. "Father, please take care of your health. You've been pushing yourself too hard lately."
From the kitchen, Mikoto, carrying a tray of dishes, overheard—and her face flushed slightly.
She glanced shyly at her husband, her eyes filled with quiet reproach and warmth.
Fugaku caught her look and nearly laughed. It's not my fault, he thought helplessly. She's the one who turns into a whole different person at night.
---
"Itachi, would you like to bathe first?" Mikoto asked gently as she placed the dishes on the table, noticing the sweat on her son's training clothes.
Itachi shook his head politely. "No need, Kasan. I'll bathe after breakfast."
He knew his mother might otherwise delay breakfast waiting for him, and that would make Naruto and Sasuke late for school.
"That's fine," Mikoto smiled softly. She wiped her hands on her apron and called out toward the bathroom,
"Sasuke, Naruto—come eat, breakfast's ready!"
"Oh!" came the twin responses from inside.
Fugaku watched the scene quietly, the faintest smile curving his lips.
For the first time in a while, the Uchiha household felt warm and peaceful.
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