Uchiha Peng
Even if it prevented the Hyuga clan from surrendering to the idea of daily errands, they proposed a feasible plan to the Third Hokage.
However, the sign-in assistant hadn't yet judged that he succeeded or issued any task rewards.
"It seems that the Third Hokage is negotiating with Konoha's senior management, but he has not been able to convince them."
Xu Fan glanced out the window—it was already evening.
Although Xu Fan had the confidence to settle the dispute between Konoha and Kumogakure, this was, after all, a battle between two of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
Moreover, Konoha's geographic position was significantly different from Kumogakure's.
In the original series, one major reason Kumogakure remained isolated from the rest of the world was its location. Situated in the upper-right corner of the world map, it was surrounded by the sea, with its only land connection being to the Land of Fire.
Conversely, the Land of Fire was bordered by not only the Land of Lightning but also the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Water.
Still, to Xu Fan, this issue was not insurmountable.
The Land of Water, despite its formidable Mist Village, was politically unstable. At this time, Zabuza Momochi might already be scheming to assassinate the Mizukage. Given these conditions, they were not a pressing concern.
The real threats were the Lands of Wind and Earth.
Though not a military strategist, Xu Fan possessed a depth of historical knowledge unknown in the world of Naruto—from the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period to the Seven Warring States, the Chu-Han contention, and the Three Kingdoms era.
Even a single strategy from these time periods, if applied in this world, would qualify as an S-rank tactical maneuver.
Additionally, intelligence was crucial in ninja warfare.
"At this point in the timeline, ordinary intelligence specialists are no match for me," Xu Fan chuckled.
This wasn't arrogance—
In the past five years, though he hadn't left the Land of Fire to gather intelligence, he had something even better: knowledge of the script itself.
For instance, between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, three smaller countries served as buffer zones: Takigakure, Kusagakure, and Amegakure.
Among them, both Takigakure and Kusagakure had historically maintained alliances with Konoha, a fact evident from their participation in the Chūnin Exams.
At this moment, a simple statement of support for them would be enough to secure key entrances and exits.
The Land of Earth, being a major power, would naturally overlook the Land of Rain, making it a prime target for an ambush.
Should they advance—
They would be met with devastating counterattacks.
As for the Land of Wind, there was an opportunity to foster relations.
It was widely known that the Land of Wind was largely desert, plagued by infertile land and scarce water supplies. The Kazekage had even been willing to trade gold to alleviate these issues.
By offering assistance in reforestation and agriculture, Xu Fan could propose a plan that allowed the future children of Sunagakure to enjoy shade and free access to water.
There was no reason for the Kazekage to reject such an offer.
This maneuver aligned perfectly with the distant attack, close alliance strategy from the Thirty-Six Stratagems.
This was why Xu Fan had such confidence in his ability to orchestrate the battle.
The Naruto series was certainly engaging, and its characters were well-designed.
However, in terms of political strategy and warfare tactics, the methods employed could only be described as simplistic.
Of course, this wasn't a fault of the author—Xu Fan believed Kishimoto was an excellent mangaka.
It was simply that, having come from another world, he had access to a much richer history of warfare.
History had shown time and again that in chaotic times, talented individuals emerged in droves.
Great generals could lead armies to decisive victories, while brilliant tacticians could manipulate battlefields from miles away.
Xu Fan merely needed to apply what had already been proven effective.
"Well, it's time to meet that man."
After finalizing his plans, Xu Fan rose from his tatami, changed into fresh clothes, and left the residence.
At present, the Uchiha clan's situation was a major concern for Konoha's higher-ups.
Uchiha Itachi, as an informant for the Third Hokage, spent much of his time monitoring his clan's activities.
Finding him would not be difficult.
"Although I don't need Uchiha Itachi to deal with Kumogakure, it's a shame for the Uchiha clan to be annihilated like that."
"They are, after all, one of Konoha's greatest assets."
Having made his decision, Xu Fan headed toward the Uchiha district.
According to details from the original work, Itachi often observed his clan from the nearby forest.
Furthermore, during this time, the Uchiha frequently convened at Naka Shrine for nighttime meetings.
Using this information, Xu Fan finally located the man he was searching for.
Before long, Uchiha Itachi sensed Xu Fan's presence.
After all, Xu Fan had come here to meet him—there was no need to hide.
"Who sent you?" Itachi asked, his Sharingan subtly activated as he gazed at Xu Fan under the moonlight.
To get closer, Xu Fan had donned an ANBU uniform and mask.
Hearing Itachi's question, he removed his mask immediately.
"Hello, Uchiha Itachi."
Xu Fan spoke directly, extending an invitation.
However, besides him and Itachi, another presence lurked in the shadows—
Hiding nearby was Hatake Kakashi, stationed there under orders from the Third Hokage to keep an eye on Xu Fan.
Kakashi hadn't expected Xu Fan to suddenly leave the Senju residence and seek out Itachi. A sense of foreboding gripped him.
Even so, he firmly believed that Uchiha Itachi would not act against the village.
"I am Senju Xu Fan."
Seeing Itachi remain silent, Xu Fan introduced himself.
"Senju?" Itachi's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Everyone knew that the Uchiha and Senju clans had founded Konoha together.
But as time passed, the Senju clan's presence had dwindled, while the Uchiha were ostracized to the brink of rebellion.
The decline of the Senju clan stemmed from Hashirama's ideology.
As someone who had lived through constant war, Hashirama envisioned a village where future generations wouldn't have to fight one another but could instead coexist as brothers.
For this vision, the Senju clan gradually abandoned their identity, marrying outside the clan and even ceasing to use their surname to fully integrate into the village.
Even the famed Sannin, Tsunade, was part of this legacy.
Yet, some within the Senju refused to forsake their name.
Xu Fan's family was among them.
Understanding this, Itachi felt a strange sense of irony.
Had the Uchiha made a similar choice, perhaps they wouldn't be in their current predicament.
"What do you want?" Itachi asked, crouching on a tree branch, looking down at Xu Fan.
If this man intended to ally with the Uchiha for a coup, then Itachi would eliminate him here and now.
"I came for the village."
Xu Fan smirked, prepared to manipulate Uchiha Itachi.