In the Shinobi World, deep within the rock layers of an unknown giant mountain range, ripples suddenly disturbed the surface of a vast, boundless blood pool. Rather than a pool, it was more like... a sea of blood! Here, the crimson liquid stretched beyond the horizon, with countless biological entities bobbing up and down in the depths, awaiting the summon of their god.
This mountain range, which cut across the border of the Land of Demons and the Land of Snow, had completely become Simu's territory. Every creature and every movement here was under his watchful gaze. In this place, he was the deity.
At this moment, the ripples in the blood sea gradually escalated into surging waves. This signified a massive fluctuation in Simu's emotions, stemming from the analytical results of a specific project.
[The History of the Hyuga Clan]
After reading through tens of thousands of the Hyuga Clan's archived books, Simu was surprised to discover that the clan seemed to share a bloodline connection with the legendary Sage of Six Paths. Most importantly, the Hyuga Clan of this world was not limited to the one in Konoha.
According to ancient Hyuga records, thousands of years ago, the Hyuga ancestor split the clan into two. One part remained in the Shinobi World, while the other headed to the moon to guard a very important existence. The clansmen who stayed in the Shinobi World eventually chose to join the Hidden Leaf Village, founded by the Senju and Uchiha, after enduring the brutal slaughters of the Warring States Period. As for the branch that went to the moon, all news of them had vanished.
Reading this, Simu couldn't help but feel some doubt. He wasn't certain if the Hyuga records were true, as ancient texts often utilized special metaphors or embellishments. For instance, the moon-bound branch might have been purged by the Konoha faction, who then claimed they were "sent to the moon" to beautify the history.
After all, traveling to the moon seemed a bit too fantastical given the current technological level shown in the Shinobi World. However, Simu did not entirely dismiss the possibility. In this world, reaching the moon didn't necessarily require "scientific" methods; space-time Ninjutsu or other means were possible. If this were true, what exactly was that important existence on the moon?
Perhaps the truth was only known to the Hyuga Clan Head. When the time came, he could simply kidnap Hiashi Hyuga for interrogation.
Additionally, there was another matter Simu cared about. According to the records, the Byakugan seemed capable of further evolution, though the specific method remained unknown. This discovery left Simu at a loss for words.
The Sharingan can evolve, and now the Byakugan can too? Could they actually be related?
Come to think of it, as clans with ancient heritages just like the Hyuga, perhaps the Uchiha also hid some secrets in their clan shrine? He needed to find an opportunity to investigate thoroughly.
The sea of blood gradually calmed down as Simu's will descended upon Konoha once again. Specifically, it descended upon the Uchiha Clan compound. As the friction between the Uchiha and the village became increasingly irreconcilable, a restless mood began to spread within the clan.
Fugaku Uchiha, having just finished a clan meeting, returned home with a face full of exhaustion. The clansmen's desire for rebellion was growing stronger. Even as the Clan Head, he found it difficult to suppress.
As soon as he stepped inside, his wife Mikoto Uchiha approached him and whispered, "A guest has come to visit."
A guest?
Fugaku's brow furrowed. At this juncture, most people in Konoha avoided the Uchiha like the plague. Who would visit now? But seeing his usually gentle wife wearing such a serious expression, Fugaku immediately realized the visitor was no ordinary person.
Passing through the courtyard and entering the main hall, Fugaku instantly recognized the man's identity.
"Mr. Kimura."
Indeed, the visitor was Kimura, the head of the Hidden Leaf branch of the Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce, which had recently been making waves in the village. In just a few months, the newcomer Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce had already begun to rival local Konoha merchants with its high-quality goods.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Clan Head Fugaku." Kimura smiled and lightly shook Fugaku's hand.
Fugaku sat in the seat of honor and asked pointedly, "For Mr. Kimura to visit the Uchiha in the middle of the night, is there something important?"
Due to the current tension, the entire Uchiha compound was under twenty-four-hour surveillance by Anbu. Kimura's visit would surely draw the attention of the village higher-ups.
Kimura gave a faint smile. "Clan Head Fugaku need not worry. I wasn't noticed by anyone on my way here."
Fugaku raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by the man's confidence. If the other party truly entered the compound with ease under strict Anbu surveillance, it meant he possessed considerable stealth capabilities. Of course, this was just Kimura's claim. Fugaku couldn't verify it immediately and could only assume it was true for now.
After the brief explanation, Kimura got straight to the point. "I have come to talk business with you, Clan Head Fugaku."
"What kind of business?" Fugaku sharpened his focus. He knew that Kimura was not just representing himself, but the entire Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce and its vast resources.
"A business deal concerning the future of the Uchiha." Kimura looked firmly at Fugaku through his glasses. "If I am not mistaken, the primary resources the Uchiha Clan currently lacks are various medical supplies and Food Pills."
Fugaku remained silent. Kimura was right. Although the Uchiha could trade with the Ninja Cats, and while the cat's businesses were diverse, they primarily focused on the ninja tool industry. Thus, the Uchiha did not lack weapons. However, launching a major war required more than just handy tools; it required sufficient medical supplies.
He narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying the Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce is willing to provide Food Pills and other medical supplies to the Uchiha?"
One had to realize that the conflict between the Uchiha and the Konoha higher-ups was practically in the open. To prevent a potential civil war, the village had long since halted the supply of medical goods to the clan. This was unavoidable, as most industries in Konoha were controlled by the Hokage's faction. For instance, the medical industry was mostly held by the Nara Clan, while Food Pills were the responsibility of the Akimichi Clan.
While the Ninja Cats could provide some, it was still a drop in the bucket under these circumstances. If the Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce could offer assistance, the Uchiha's success rate would indeed increase significantly.
Facing Fugaku's question, Kimura nodded without hesitation. "Of course. After all, the Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce is a commercial organization. How could we let such a massive profit slip through our fingers?"
Fugaku didn't believe Kimura's words so easily. He countered, "Is Mr. Kimura not worried about the consequences if the transaction between the Uchiha and your chamber is exposed?"
If the Uchiha rebellion failed, the Spider Lily Chamber of Commerce, as their supplier, would surely face liquidation. Hearing this, the middle-aged man laughed heartily, a hint of well-placed ambition flashing in his eyes.
"We are merchants. How can you get rich without going all in?"