Suddenly, the divine statue began radiating brilliant light.
The heavens and earth seemed to respond. What had been nothing more than an ordinary stone now emitted a dazzling radiance!
"What happened? What’s going on?"
The three Konoha prisoners were stunned by the sudden appearance of the divine statue.
The stone seemed to possess some strange power. It drew the eye, inspired awe, and somehow awakened a long-forgotten sense of faith in their hearts.
Immediately afterward, the towering statue seemed to connect heaven and earth. The heavens trembled and the earth shook, as though some divine presence had descended upon the world.
Yet before the three prisoners could even form a proper thought, the radiance disappeared.
It was as though everything that had just happened had merely been an illusion.
Just as the three were wondering what had happened, a polished broadcasting voice suddenly came from within the statue.
"Nanga Broadcasting Television Station, Nanga Broadcasting Television Station. Please listen to today’s news."
The voice sounded completely out of place to the Konoha prisoners.
But the people of Nanga seemed to have heard the voice of hope.
They ignored the three Konoha prisoners, sat down cross-legged, and began listening attentively.
The three Konoha shinobi stared in confusion as the divine statue inexplicably began broadcasting in such a clear and professional voice.
They couldn’t help wondering whether these Uchiha, who had appeared out of nowhere, had actually established their own radio station the moment they arrived.
After all, radio broadcasting technology was something Konoha had only recently developed, and it had yet to become widespread throughout the shinobi world.
Could these Uchiha already have mastered it?
Before the three could figure it out, the broadcast continued.
"’A true shinobi endures all hardship ; when the fire burns, only true gold reveals itself.’ The Uchiha, beloved by the people, have always advanced bravely in times of crisis and danger, shouldering heavy responsibilities in the face of major battles and matters of right and wrong. They have completely rescued the Uzumaki Clan from their desperate plight."
The more the broadcast continued, the more bewildered the three became.
Kamizuki Izumo and Kotetsu Hagane couldn’t help looking toward Itachi.
Their suspicious gazes seemed to be asking:
What exactly does "Uchiha beloved by the people" mean?
When have the people ever been satisfied with the Uchiha?
And how did the Uzumaki Clan get involved with the Uchiha?
Itachi was equally at a loss.
Before he could figure anything out, the next piece of news left them even more dumbfounded.
"According to information received by this station, the members of the Uzumaki Clan who had suffered oppression at the hands of the Land of Grass have now completely returned to Konoha."
"Leader of the Nanga Alliance, Lord Uchiha Kei, accompanied by Konoha’s important leader, Fourth Hokage Uchiha Fugaku, and the important leader of Uzushio Village, Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, warmly received the surviving members of Uzushio Village and expressed his condolences!"
The news sounded like something straight out of a myth.
When it reached the ears of the three prisoners, it could no longer simply be described as unbelievable.
All three stared in shock, their pupils widening.
"Fourth Hokage Uchiha Fugaku?"
"Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze of Uzushio Village?!"
"And who the hell is Uchiha Kei, the leader of Nanga?"
"Grass!"
At least make the lies logically consistent!
Even if the Land of Fire had completely wiped out the Uchiha Clan, there was no way an Uchiha could become Hokage!
And Uzushio Village had already been destroyed. Where had this so-called Fourth Hokage come from?
And why was his name Minato?
Kamizuki Izumo and Kotetsu Hagane had both come from Konoha’s interrogation division. They knew about the complicated history between Konoha and Uzushio Village.
Even if Uzushio Village still existed, there was no way the two sides would be on such warm terms.
Nor was there any way a leader from the Land of Fire would become its leader, even if he had married a woman from the Land of Whirlpools.
Besides, everyone knew that Lord Minato Namikaze was the Fourth Hokage of Konoha!
Where had this information even come from?
They’re insane.
Absolutely insane.
These Uchiha must all be lunatics.
Kamizuki Izumo was beginning to feel frightened.
Falling into the hands of lunatics was terrifying because there was no telling what they might do.
Who didn’t know that lunatics had no concept of logic?
Itachi, however, seemed to have thought of something.
He simply wasn’t certain yet.
Unfortunately, as prisoners, nobody cared what they thought.
The broadcast from inside the statue continued.
"During the meeting, Lord Kei delivered an important speech, declaring that Uzushio Village was Konoha’s ’ironclad’ friend and trusted brother. No matter how the winds and clouds of the shinobi world may change, the mutual trust and friendship between Konoha and Uzushio will remain as firm as stone."
"Konoha also stated that, under the leadership of Nanga, it would continue to place the relationship between Konoha and Uzushio among the highest priorities of its regional diplomacy. Konoha is willing to further strengthen policy communication with Uzushio, align development strategies, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, safely, smoothly, and efficiently build an economic corridor together, and join hands in creating an even closer community with a shared destiny in the new era."
"Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, representing Uzushio Village, also stated that developing relations with Konoha was the cornerstone of Uzushio Village’s foreign policy. Under the leadership of the Nanga Alliance, Uzushio firmly supports Konoha in safeguarding its core interests and major concerns. The people of Uzushio Village thank Nanga and Konoha for their long-standing selfless assistance and are willing to learn from Nanga’s successful experience in economic development."
The announcer’s voice painted a picture of a political order in which Nanga stood at the center, Konoha served as its second-in-command, and Uzushio played the role of the junior partner.
Kamizuki Izumo’s eyes had already gone vacant.
These lies are getting more elaborate by the second.
It was exactly like Konoha’s own grandiose, hollow broadcasts.
His disdain only grew stronger.
"Hmph. They don’t even know how to lie properly! If I didn’t know the truth myself, an ordinary Konoha civilian might actually believe this!"
Just as Kamizuki Izumo was tuning the broadcast out, the announcer’s voice suddenly became awkward.
"Ahem. We now interrupt the program for a breaking news report. Nanga leader Uchiha Jōsuke has made outstanding contributions to Uzushio Village’s family-planning efforts and has been awarded the title of ’Heroic Father’ by Uzushio Village. Lady Kushina of Uzushio Village has expressed her gratitude for Uchiha Jōsuke’s selfless assistance."
The male announcer’s mechanical voice somehow conveyed a sense of embarrassment.
Then the female announcer took over.
Her voice contained an unmistakable hint of vengeful satisfaction.
"In addition, Minister Jōsuke will soon be reassigned. He will be transferred to Konoha’s Animal Husbandry Bureau, where he will take charge of its operations."
"Public records show that Uchiha Jōsuke is a member of the Kōga-affiliated faction within the Nanga Uchiha. He is reportedly of Akimichi Clan maternal descent. He previously served as Minister of the Nanga Pharmaceutical Bureau while also acting as an ambassador for Uchiha-Akimichi relations, until his latest appointment."
The female announcer’s tone carried embarrassment and disdain.
Even without listening carefully to the actual content, one could hear the unmistakable contempt of a woman denouncing a faithless man.
Kotetsu Hagane, being a grown man, seemed to understand what was being implied.
Itachi, meanwhile, was particularly interested in the statement that an Uchiha had ties through marriage to the Akimichi Clan.
If the Uchiha could genuinely establish a marriage alliance with the Akimichi, an important ally of the Third Hokage, perhaps that could become another way to improve the Uchiha’s current position.
Itachi really was Fugaku’s son.
He always seemed capable of finding a way to compromise externally while remaining firm internally.
After broadcasting that breaking news, the station revealed even more information.
Without any foundation in reality, apparently even making things up was difficult.
And the female announcer seemed determined to keep twisting the knife.
"Now for the social news. Do not believe or spread rumors. The Akimichi Clan and Uzumaki Clan have no marital relationship. We ask everyone not to engage in private speculation."
"Furthermore, under Nanga law, traditional marriages that have not been officially registered are not protected by law. We urge unmarried men and women to understand and obey the law and register their marriages in accordance with legal procedures."
"In addition, Nanga will launch a joint law-enforcement operation against illegal elements who have recently organized criminal groups and oppressed members of the Alliance. We will completely eradicate organized crime and eliminate the problems left behind by the Third Hokage’s administration."
"The era of clan-on-clan warfare is gone forever! The Third Hokage’s dark rule has also come to a complete end. The Nanga Alliance’s second Ninjutsu Revolution and the transformation of the shinobi clan system are the inevitable trend of history and cannot be questioned."
"The Second Ninjutsu Revolution is a revolution aimed at preventing bureaucratic rule and the restoration of the shinobi faction system, while seeking a road of clan-based governance with Nanga characteristics."
"As the leader of the ruling Uchiha, Lord Uchiha Kei has continuously observed and reflected upon the emerging social realities of the Nanga Alliance. He has paid close attention to consolidating the hard-won shinobi and Konoha political order, remained highly vigilant against the danger of bureaucratic restoration, and conducted continuous exploration and tireless struggle to eliminate corruption and privilege within the shinobi clans and Konoha."
"In the face of attempts to restore the fallen bureaucratic system within the Daimyō’s Court of the Land of Fire, Lord Kei stated that privilege originates from the oppression of the people by the privileged class, and that such privilege will ultimately be brought to account by the people."
An enormous amount of information poured from the broadcast.
"Third Hokage? Fallen? And now there’s a restoration?"
What the hell does any of this mean?
Before the three could digest it all, the news continued.
"Now for the international news."
"According to the Konoha Daily, the daimyō-led reactionary forces of the Land of Lightning, incited by the shrine maiden of the Land of Demons, launched a despicable surprise attack against the Land of Waves, which falls within Nanga’s sphere of influence, causing significant losses among the members of our Nanga Alliance. Nanga expresses its grave concern."
"Lord Kei issued an important statement regarding the incident. Nanga opposes interference by other nations in Nanga’s internal affairs. This is a fundamental policy of Nanga, and the shinobi world must respect it."
"All members of the Nanga Alliance have declared that they will spare no effort to support the inviolable national sovereignty of the Land of Waves and the territorial integrity of both the Land of Waves and the Land of Whirlpools."
"At the same time, Nanga Alliance leader Uchiha Kei stated that Nanga is an alliance that loves peace, an alliance opposed to wars of aggression in any form, and an alliance that fears no war in any form."
"Under the current perilous circumstances of the shinobi world, Wave Shinobi Village and Uzushio Village are the two most important members of the Nanga Alliance. The relationship between Nanga and the Land of Waves will be elevated to the level of standing back-to-back with one another, with no upper limit to their cooperation. Assisting the Land of Waves is a direction established by the Nanga leadership. It cannot be changed!"
Uchiha Kei’s name once again reached the ears of the three prisoners.
By now, the three had completely understood what that name represented.
And because of the broadcast’s uncompromising tone, they had actually become captivated by the absurd news.
This was a kind of passionate fervor that the moderate Konoha had never possessed.
"During Lord Kei’s speech, representatives of the Nanga Alliance’s member states—the Land of Waves, Uzushio Village, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Fields—as well as observer representatives from the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass, all expressed their positions."
"The member states and observer states of the Nanga Alliance will closely rally around the leadership centered on Uchiha Kei, thoroughly understand the Nanga spirit, implement the Nanga initiative, adhere to the unity of knowledge and action, and faithfully fulfill the historic mission of the Nanga Alliance!"
"Lord Uchiha Fugaku, an important leader of a member state, stated that in the face of changes unseen in the shinobi world in a century, and in the face of a new journey and new mission, the Nanga Alliance must strengthen the construction of its leadership, stimulate the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of its leading cadres, accelerate the advancement of ’peace in the shinobi world’ as its goal, and provide an important guarantee for the great revival of the Uchiha."
The male announcer’s passionate tone caused an image to emerge in Itachi’s mind.
His father.
That same deadpan face.
Standing on a platform, excitedly waving his fist and pledging his loyalty.
At the same time, a political alliance centered around the Uchiha gradually took shape in the minds of the three Konoha prisoners.
Suddenly, they felt that perhaps the absurd thing wasn’t the broadcast at all.
Perhaps it was this damned world.
Does the Uchiha Clan really deserve treatment like this?
The same question had arisen in all three minds, yet it carried a completely different meaning for each of them.
The broadcast continued.
"Following the meeting, Nanga Alliance leader Uchiha Kei signed the prewar mobilization order concerning operations in the Land of Waves and the Land of Bears. Minister Uchiha Tenzen will assume the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Nanga Allied Forces!"
"The Land of Earth has responded to the matter. ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, expressed regret over ’the downgrading of diplomatic relations between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning,’ while stating his firm support for any decision made by the Land of Lightning. In response, our side declares that Nanga will not hesitate to retaliate against any act of aggression!"
One major piece of news after another made Kamizuki Izumo feel as though he were listening to a collection of unbelievable stories rather than a news broadcast.
Even novels weren’t this entertaining.
The next report, however, seemed to provide them with an explanation they were unwilling to believe.
"We now interrupt the program for news from the Land of Wind. After a day of searching, it has been confirmed that the Third Kazekage has unfortunately perished. Nanga expresses its condolences over the death of the Third Kazekage."
"Nanga and representatives of the Land of Wind have held consultations regarding this matter. The two sides held frank discussions and exchanged views regarding the disappearance of the Third Kazekage. The meeting enhanced mutual understanding and was beneficial."
It initially sounded like good news.
But then the tone suddenly changed.
The male announcer spoke in a disappointed voice.
"However, our side maintains reservations regarding the conditions proposed by the Land of Wind and may reconsider its position on the matter as a whole. We also declare that the Land of Wind will bear responsibility for any consequences arising from this."
Kamizuki Izumo had been treating the broadcast as entertainment.
But when he heard this, he glanced at Kotetsu Hagane, his eyes filled with schadenfreude, and whispered,
"You see how miserable Nanga is? They haven’t even settled things with the Land of Lightning, and now the Land of Earth has stepped in. And that’s not even the end of it—the Land of Wind is causing trouble too. They’ll even have to go fight in the Land of Water’s sphere of influence."
He snorted.
"Compared with our Konoha, Nanga is pathetic. We’re the number-one hidden village that keeps the Five Great Nations from even daring to raise their heads!"
Kotetsu Hagane, however, didn’t become arrogant along with him.
Instead, he fell into thought.
"Wait... how many years ago did the Third Kazekage die?"
He frowned.
"It must have been around ten years ago. Could it be...?"
Itachi also fell into thought.
If all impossible possibilities were discarded, then no matter how absurd reality sounded, that absurdity was the truth.
And the truth was...
There was an Uchiha whom everyone loved.
An Uchiha whose circumstances were difficult, yet whose future seemed remarkably bright.
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT
◇ 1 bonus Chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus Chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70+ Chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789