Chapter 60: Chapter 50 : Elder Kai!!
What? If Genjutsu games are sold as regular products, would it provide the same benefits to other villages?
Theoretically, yes.
However, since the core technology originates from Konoha, couldn't Genjutsu games sold outside the village undergo some degree of 'censorship'?
Even if someone manages to infiltrate Konoha to buy the uncensored version of the Genjutsu game, the numbers would be limited.
And compared to Konoha's size and the benefits Konoha's ninja community would receive, the so-called risk could actually be considered negligible.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage, was not lacking in vision and perspective on this matter.
Even if, by some chance, he hadn't fully realized it himself, his top advisor, the Nara clan, would certainly make him aware—after all, when the Nara clan also had shares in the 'Konoha Gaming Company,' even the usually laid-back clan would get more involved.
Next, all Sarutobi Hiruzen needed to do was wait and observe, and then decide on the next step based on how the game expanded.
"Haa… I hope… it will really bring some good changes…"
Standing in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed out the window at the night-time Konoha, murmuring softly to himself.
What he didn't tell his few old friends was that his tolerance toward the Uchiha clan this time was also an experiment and preparation.
The current situation in the ninja world was like oil on fire, filled with the tension of an impending storm.
Among the five great nations, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth were sharpening their blades, while the Land of Water, far across the seas, was also eyeing the situation closely.
According to intelligence from spies, their target was the Land of Fire, and they were aggressively spreading hatred against it within their own borders.
The only exception was the Land of Wind, which had suffered the most in the Second Great Ninja War and seemed relatively stable for now.
However, once the other great nations moved, the Land of Wind would undoubtedly follow suit. If that happened, the Third Great Ninja War would inevitably come.
And, it was highly likely that Konoha would be facing a 1v4 situation, given that the Land of Fire had been the greatest victor in the first two wars and gained the most benefits.
Once the Third Great Ninja War broke out, the Land of Fire would undoubtedly become the target of everyone.
As the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen had already analyzed this situation with his advisory team, so even though Konoha was strong and well-prepared, he still felt deeply worried.
Although Konoha had faced siege in the previous two wars, the nations attacking the Land of Fire were also fighting amongst themselves, creating a chaotic battlefield.
So, the pressure Konoha faced wasn't as great as it seemed.
But the Third Great Ninja War would be different. If it began, the Land of Fire might face the full force of four major nations.
If they couldn't withstand it, Konoha would truly be in danger.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was worried about this.
It turned out that Hiruzen's worries were not unfounded, as the intensity of the Third Shinobi World War surpassed the first two, and Konoha was even pushed to its doorstep, almost leading to the start of the Konoha Defense Battle.
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't know such a devastating event would unfold, his concerns about the Third War were indeed pushing him to prepare as best as he could.
The genjutsu games brought forward by the Uchiha clan were, without a doubt, a bold move.
As the Hokage, Hiruzen could not refuse it, for it was something that could greatly strengthen the village and increase its revenue.
Under these circumstances, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't mind changing his policy of suppressing the Uchiha clan. For the first time, he offered them some leniency and support.
Of course, the main reason was that the Uchiha's actions this time even made Hiruzen exclaim, "Damn, that's brilliant!" He couldn't help but praise them and go along with it in admiration.
Shaking his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat back in his chair and continued to deal with the mountain of paperwork, quietly strengthening the defense forces at several important border strongholds.
On the other side, at the Uchiha clan's estate, a banquet was being held.
It was to celebrate the successful conclusion of the press conference, as well as the perfect cooperation between the Uchiha clan and the major ninja clans of Konoha.
It was even...
A celebration of the improved image of the Uchiha clan within the village.
Although the higher-ups hadn't revealed the detailed future plans, the press conference had already been used to promote the idea that the Uchiha clan was now on the right path.
As long as they followed the Uchiha leadership and stuck to the path laid out by Kai, the Uchiha clan would surely be great again!
The highlight of the celebration was popping champagne.
Although the situation was different, there was indeed a bit of a "half-time champagne" feel to it.
However, Uchiha Kai didn't pour cold water on it, because the Uchiha clan had indeed been oppressed for far too long and had never seen any hope.
Now that the situation was looking up, there was no harm in letting the whole clan celebrate a little.
But soon, Uchiha Kai realized he had underestimated the Uchiha clan's enthusiasm—
"Fellow clansmen, on this memorable day, it is time for our Uchiha clan to change and embrace a new beginning!"
"I, Uchiha Seijiro, will officially pass on the position of clan leader to my son, Fugaku. From now on, he will be the one to lead our Uchiha clan!"
"Meanwhile, Elder Setsuna will step down from the position of Great Elder, and our new Great Elder will be the one who has brought us all of this— Uchiha Kai!"
"Under the leadership of Clan Leader Fugaku and Elder Kai, our Uchiha clan will surely enter a new era of brilliance!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, drink this cup to the fullest!"
As he spoke, Uchiha Seijiro, seated at the head, raised his cup and drank it in one go.
The clan's upper echelons, led by Uchiha Setsuna, also drank from their cups, clearly having already made plans together.
After a brief moment of shock, the entire Uchiha clan erupted in even more excited cheers, and everyone started drinking. Many were so excited that they activated their Sharingan on the spot.
In fact, some Uchiha who hadn't unlocked their Sharingan before activated it now—these were the ones who had unlocked it because of the conference earlier in the day.
The overwhelming celebratory atmosphere, combined with the later gestures of goodwill and cooperative offers from other ninja clans, had stirred up emotions so much that a few Uchiha activated their Sharingans out of sheer excitement.
For a moment, it felt like a chaotic dance of red-eyed madness.
Uchiha Kai, however, was taken aback. Although he had used calculations to secure an exalted position within the Uchiha clan, he had only wanted that elevated status—he didn't want to bear the overly "heavy" responsibilities that came with it.
Also, what's with this "Great Elder"?
This position theoretically holds the same authority and status as the clan leader in the Uchiha clan.
Before, Uchiha Kai had already received the highest level of treatment, but that was just in terms of respect.
Now that the position of Great Elder has been passed to him, it means the corresponding power has been handed over as well.
This is the real position that can control and influence everything in the Uchiha clan.
Is it really okay for such an important position to suddenly be passed on like this?
Uchiha Kai glanced at the higher-ups and saw that they were all happy. Even the most stubborn of them had smiles of joy on their faces, and the looks they gave him were filled with both admiration and respect.
Damn it, Uchihas, can't you be a little more rational?
How old is Uchiha Kai?
18, maybe 19 in a few months.
At such a young age, can he really be the Great Elder?
Uchiha Kai opened his mouth, wanting to say something.
However, Uchiha Setsuna smiled and said, "Kai-kun, you don't need to say anything. This is what all of us think is the best choice. I'm old now. I've spent my entire life fighting for the Uchiha clan, but in the end, I consider myself a failure. I never brought real change to the Uchiha clan."
"In this new era, there's no longer a ship large enough to carry someone like me, an old relic from the past. Instead of holding onto this position and becoming a burden to the clan as I age, it's better to pass the position of Great Elder to the most suitable person—someone like you, who can guide the Uchiha clan on the right path moving forward."
Uchiha Kai: "…"
Elder Setsuna, did you go to the world of One Piece for some training?
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