.Land of Tea
Fire Control City
Naraku sat on the main seat in the City Lord's Mansion. Below him were several members of the Red Fire Squad, along with a few tightly bound ninja artisans.
Naraku had only just returned to Konoha a few days earlier when the Uchiha Stone Team sent word—they had successfully recruited several ninja artisans and brought them to Fire Control City in the Land of Tea.
Naraku had requested leave from his physical training instructor, Might Dai, and once again accompanied the escort team to Fire Control City.
At this moment, Naraku looked at the bruised and bound artisan ninja below and couldn't help but feel doubtful about Uchiha Ishi's "recruitment" methods.
Naraku snapped back to the present and spoke with concern:
"Untie these gentlemen immediately!"
"Understood!"
Uchiha Ishi and his men quickly removed the ropes restraining the artisan ninja.
These four men—veterans of the Snow Country's ninja tool development efforts—were named Baogui, Shuihu, Kongque, and Longyan. They had done quite well in the Snow Country, crafting ninja tools primarily for the country's monarch, which brought them both safety and high profits.
When Uchiha Ishi came to recruit them, Baogui had originally intended to capture a few of his people to steal their chakra and strengthen his own ninja tools.
Though he knew the Uchiha were a powerful clan in the ninja world, he hadn't expected Ishi's team to be so overwhelmingly strong. His squad was subdued within a few moves.
Now, Baogui's face was swollen and bruised, no longer resembling the proud artisan of the Snow Country.
"Sir! Please spare our lives!"
"What's going on, Ishi-kun? Didn't I instruct you to treat the artisan ninja with courtesy during recruitment?"
"Lord Naraku, the journey was long and we had a few... altercations. Some of the craftsmen resisted, and we may have used excessive force."
Uchiha Ishi replied, then glanced coldly at the artisan ninja.
"What's wrong with you lot? No one intended to kill you—why beg for your lives?"
Baogui listened to the exchange, realizing it was partly a performance. He felt somewhat reassured.
"Thank you, my lord. Thank you!"
The four artisan ninja—Baogui, Shuihu, Kongque, and Longyan—all wielded unique ninja tools.
"Bring some stools. Let these gentlemen sit so we can speak properly."
Naraku examined a pair of strange swords in his hands. When infused with chakra and swung, the blades converted chakra into wind-natured attacks—quite a marvel.
It's rare for ordinary ninja to master chakra nature transformation.
Another notable tool was a tiger-head breastplate. When worn, it could silently absorb an enemy's chakra, causing their energy to drain without them realizing it.
"These ninja tools are quite unique. Can you recreate them?"
"It's possible to reproduce them, but not to the same level of craftsmanship. These are ancestral ninja tools—passed down from our forebears."
Naraku realized it must have taken considerable effort for Ishi to subdue these artisans, especially while they wore such formidable tools. One wrong move could have proven fatal. No wonder Ishi wasn't gentle.
"Ancestral tools, huh? Are there only four of you left? Any other survivors?"
"When Takumi Village was destroyed, more than a hundred of us fled to the Snow Country. I can recruit them for you."
"Will they listen to you? Are you capable of commanding them?"
"Lord, we are disciples of the founder of Takumi Village—senior leaders. They'll follow us."
Naraku nodded, satisfied for now.
He recalled that the Snow Country's Chakra Armor could cover the whole body.
It could generate a defensive barrier to reduce ninjutsu damage, enhance physical strength, and stimulate chakra in the body to dispel genjutsu.
Such armor could sell for a high price—perhaps even to the Five Great Nations as equipment for lower-tier ninja.
These people were the remnants of the artisan ninja. It was very likely they were the creators of the Snow Country's Chakra Armor.
"This chakra-absorbing armor is impressive. Can you replicate it?"
"The chakra absorption technique is lost, but we've developed new tech that boosts the user's power—increases ninjutsu output, reduces damage, and stimulates the body to resist illusions!"
So that's what they're up to, Naraku thought.
He studied their ninja tools closely. They resembled the tools used in the attempted resurrection of their ancestor, Qingming.
Though these four were older than the executors in that ritual, the resemblance was hard to ignore.
Naraku thought to himself, These guys are probably still plotting Qingming's resurrection. If Qingming was truly their ancestor, he must've been a master craftsman. Let them revive him—then I'll capture him to work for me. That would be ideal.
With a plan forming in his mind, Naraku cleared his throat and said:
"You can recruit more craftsmen, right? Hmm…"
"Fire Control City is a ninja village established under the command of the Tea Country's monarch. We're in need of elite ninja tools. If you're willing to serve Fire Control City…"
Naraku paused, then continued:
"I will appoint all four of you as Jōnin of Fire Control City. You'll oversee and organize the ninja you recruit. Your only duty is to supply the city with ninja tools."
"In a sense, this could be the rebirth of Takumi Village. And with protection from the Uchiha Clan, your future will be far brighter."
Naraku was modeling this offer after Konoha's treatment of its ninja clans. Autonomy in exchange for loyalty. Keep your secret techniques—just serve the village.
Konoha's clans preserved their unique arts, while smaller clans often had theirs copied, studied, and eventually added to the Forbidden Scrolls.
Naraku's plan was simple: start with kindness, gain their loyalty, and later… adjust the terms if needed.
Especially their ancestor—clearly a master smith.
Baogui and the others were surprised at Naraku's generosity. They hadn't expected such high regard from the Uchiha leader.
Still, they didn't fully trust him. But as prisoners, being treated with such respect was more than they'd dared to hope for.
Seeing their hesitation, Naraku sweetened the offer:
"The lands surrounding Fire Control City are mountainous—rich in resources. Mountains and rivers are the foundation of a nation. I will allocate one of these mountains to you. Mine it as you wish."
This was Naraku's trump card—wealth and autonomy. If they still refused, harsher measures would follow.
"Thank you for your generosity, my lord! We're willing to serve!"
"Hahaha, excellent. From this moment, you are citizens of Fire Control City. Your rank is Jōnin. I expect you to recruit followers and contribute to our city's prosperity."
"Yes, sir!"
Naraku was in high spirits. He was stockpiling ninja tools and weapons for Fire Control City. When the Third Shinobi War arrived, he intended to profit handsomely from the conflict.
While others fought, he would provide weapons and fuel the fire.
Moreover, Chakra Armor would revolutionize ninja combat—enhancing strength and resisting illusions.
Standard genjutsu dispelling requires pain or external chakra flow. This armor could do it automatically.
Not ideal for the Uchiha, whose strength lies in illusions, Naraku noted as he stroked his chin, studying the four ninja below.
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