I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

New Project

A rogue ninja attacking the Land of Uzumaki?

Neither Shisui Uchiha nor Hōmon paid much attention to the report. Wandering shinobi causing disturbances was a frequent occurrence. Most were either driven into the sea by the Uzushio Village guards or recruited as auxiliary personnel under the village's growing military structure.

"If we don't eliminate them, we should extend an invitation," a masked figure suggested, stepping forward. "Lord Mianma, I specialize in Water Release. Shall I go deal with them? The battle will be over within the hour."

Izumi Uchiha glanced at the scene, choosing not to comment further. Instead, she delivered her report: "The rogue ninja have been subdued by the patrol unit, but there's something unusual this time. This group wasn't acting at random; they were hired to intentionally wreak havoc in Uzushio."

"Oh?" Naruto Uzumaki's interest piqued. "Which Hidden Village is behind this?"

Izumi shook her head. "Not a village—it's the wealthy shipping magnate, Gato. Reports suggest that Uzushio's expansion into maritime trade has crippled Gato's smuggling operations, so he's targeting the Land of Uzumaki."

Naruto, Shisui, and the others momentarily fell silent.

They had expected an enemy of significance, yet it was merely a corrupt businessman. Did Gato truly believe he could challenge Uzushio?

After assessing the situation, Naruto turned toward the window, a smirk forming.

He had been contemplating solutions to the village's economic challenges, and now an opportunity had presented itself. Gato was not just a wealthy figure—he controlled an empire of illicit trade, monopolizing commerce along the eastern coast of the Land of Fire.

Sensing Naruto's thoughts, Shisui spoke up. "Lord Mianma, do you plan to take action against Gato? If we seize his operations, Uzushio's financial growth will be secured for years to come."

Naruto chuckled. "They were the ones who provoked us first." His voice then dropped to a serious tone. "Besides, Gato's empire was built on the backs of the oppressed citizens of the Land of Waves. By taking him down, we're merely freeing those people from his grip."

Shisui was momentarily surprised before nodding. He had no personal interest in the politics behind such decisions—only Uzushio's prosperity mattered. He had long stopped concerning himself with the fate of the Uchiha or the affairs of any other village.

Hōmon, still curious, asked, "Lord Mianma, will you personally lead the operation against Gato?"

Naruto's mind raced as he recalled details about Gato from past intelligence reports.

During the Land of Waves incident, Gato hired mercenaries to sabotage the Great Naruto Bridge's construction. But after the bridge was completed, why hadn't he attempted to destroy it? The Land of Waves was impoverished—it lacked the resources to rebuild a second bridge if the first were lost.

And another mystery—after Gato was assassinated by Zabuza Momochi, where had his fortune gone? Who had truly reaped the benefits of his downfall? Perhaps the Land of Waves itself was merely a pawn in a larger scheme, one orchestrated from the shadows.

With these thoughts in mind, Naruto tapped his finger against the wooden table. "I won't be going personally this time. Shisui, I want you to handle it—and take Zabuza and Haku with you."

Shisui raised an eyebrow in surprise.

A mission to the Land of Waves was reasonable, especially given Naruto's growing responsibilities as Uzushio's leader. But why involve Zabuza and Haku, former Kirigakure shinobi? Uzushio's relationship with the Mist Village wasn't exactly warm.

What Shisui didn't realize was that Naruto was simply indulging in one of his whims.

Zabuza, for his part, was momentarily puzzled but quickly nodded. His standing in Uzushio depended on proving his worth, and the stronger his reputation, the more influence he could wield in supporting Hōzuki Mangetsu's bid for the Fifth Mizukage position.

If Mangetsu succeeded, Kirigakure could follow Uzushio's development model, strengthening both villages through economic and military cooperation.

After all, Uzushio was unlike any other shinobi village Zabuza had known. It was stable, efficient, and forward-thinking—Naruto had even proposed a revolutionary "Nine-Year Ninja Education Plan," a concept so radical that it shocked Zabuza, who had survived Kirigakure's infamous "Bloody Graduation" system.

Once the strategy meeting concluded, Naruto left the Uzushio administration building and made his way toward the Uzumaki Shrine.

During their last discussion, the shrine's elder had shared theories about the Pure Land—the spiritual realm of the departed. Since then, the elder had spent his days at the shrine, researching the implications of such a discovery. Naruto was eager to check on his progress.

As he passed through the village streets, he briefly considered stopping by a vendor to buy snacks for Kurama, only to hear the tailed beast grumble:

"Naruto, have you been slacking off? You waste too much time governing Uzushio. Focus on what truly matters—tracking down the other Jinchūriki. I can help you claim their power."

Naruto smirked. "Oh? Are the other tailed beasts so cooperative? Do you expect me to hunt down every Jinchūriki and beat them into submission? That sounds an awful lot like the Akatsuki's strategy. I'd become a global threat overnight."

Kurama fell silent, reluctantly acknowledging Naruto's point. The notion of actively seeking out and absorbing the chakra of the other tailed beasts was tempting, but it would undoubtedly paint a target on Uzushio's back.

Yet, Kurama's true concern was different—Naruto's growing obsession with the Pure Land. The fox couldn't explain why, but the idea of Naruto exploring that realm filled him with unease. Instinctively, he resisted the very concept of it.

Something told him that if Naruto delved too deeply, it wouldn't just be his body at risk—Kurama himself might cease to exist.

Sensing Kurama's discomfort, Naruto chuckled. "Relax, Kurama. If I detect any danger, I'll pull back. The Pure Land experiment has only just been approved—we don't even have a timeline for actual exploration yet."

"Tch. Fine," Kurama huffed before narrowing his eyes. "But tell me, how the hell are you reading my thoughts? The ability to sense malice is my skill!"

Naruto's grin widened. "Guess we're just that connected."

"Connected, my ass!" Kurama scoffed. "I'm not bonding with some brat!"

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Uzushio, Minato Namikaze sat beside the Three-Tails, Isobu. Unlike Kurama, Isobu's chakra radiated a natural serenity, offering Minato a sense of peace.

As he pondered Naruto's plan to wage economic warfare against the Land of Waves, Minato felt no inclination to interfere.

His son was not just a shinobi—he was a leader now. And in Minato's eyes, a leader who could justify his decisions with a moral framework was far more dependable than one who wielded power recklessly.

Naruto may have downplayed his role in the operation, but as he observed the bustling village before him, he knew he couldn't sit idle.

He would covertly oversee Shisui's mission. Not because he doubted his allies, but because the world was unpredictable. The newly-formed Uzushio Village was still in its infancy—a prime target for betrayal and outside interference.

Akatsuki was always lurking in the shadows, and if Obito or any of their operatives decided to intervene, Shisui might not be able to counter them alone.

And if, by chance, they encountered another Jinchūriki—perhaps the Six-Tails or the Eight-Tails—then this mission could bring far greater rewards than anticipated.

Naruto's gaze lingered on the horizon.

The game was only just beginning.

Subscribe to Patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters