After a brief conversation, Zhang Bairen learned the reason why Hiruzen Sarutobi's face had become so thin.
He came in person this time to replenish his tobacco supplies and spiritual nourishment.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Bairen looked at the restless Hiruzen Sarutobi and finally chose to lend a helping hand.
Fulfilling the wishes of the elderly is also a traditional virtue.
"Judging from Hiruzen Sarutobi's condition, Orochimaru probably won't even need to make a move; that old guy will kick the bucket sooner or later."
"I estimate that a single genjutsu would be enough to control this strongest Hokage," Zhang Bairen guessed to himself.
Having received the item, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not stay for dinner, but instead quietly left with a joyful expression.
That night, based on information from Kabuto Yakushi, Zhang Bairen easily obtained the Book of Seals of Konoha.
Then, carrying a large sum of money, he visited the Shimura family of Konoha.
The next day, Zhang Bairen went to the various clans of Konoha and established cooperative relationships with them.
In this world, no one is immune to the love of money; even the major ninja clans need to make money to develop.
Zhang Bairen and his partners collaborated by hiring ninjas as transport guards and hiring people without ninja skills as shop assistants in various locations.
Zhang Bairen's future in the ninja world rests entirely on his shoulders.
After reaching an agreement with the major and minor ninja clans, Zhang Bairen went to the Hyuga and Uchiha clans.
In fact, the annihilation of the Uchiha clan is now very close.
Logically speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura would not have allowed Zhang Bairen to approach the Uchiha clan.
They would not allow Zhang Bairen to recruit ninjas from the Uchiha clan.
However, there are always exceptions.
The money Zhang Bairen gave was far too much!
Moreover, besides money, the cooperation with their family is a continuous source of funding.
These two clan leaders may not consider their own interests, but they should consider the interests of their clansmen.
They may not consider the interests of their tribe, but they will still be influenced by them.
Without the support of their families, their positions could not have been so secure.
The relationship between families and individuals is one of mutual benefit.
Therefore, at this strange moment of balance, Zhang Bairen broke the deadlock.
Uchiha clan territory, Uchiha Fugaku family.
Accompanied by several clan leaders, Zhang Bairen met the current Uchiha clan leader and the Uchiha elders.
"Welcome, great writer, and all clan leaders, to the Uchiha clan."
"Come, everyone, please have a seat," Fugaku Uchiha said, gesturing for everyone to sit.
Zhang Bairen, along with a group of clan leaders, sat down opposite the Uchiha elders.
Now, let's get straight to the point.
"Clan Chief Fugaku, I have returned this time to help Konoha develop its economy and increase its income."
Currently, cooperation agreements have been signed with most of the ninja clans in Konoha.
This is my contract; you can take a look.
"If it's suitable, we can sign one." After saying that, Zhang Bairen took out the cooperation agreement he was carrying with him.
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Everyone present received a sample contract, including all the elders of the Uchiha clan.
A few minutes later, Fugaku replied, "Great writer, your conditions are excellent. I can have a clansman without ninja talent help you open and manage the shop."
However, Uchiha ninjas need to serve the village and require the Hokage's permission to work for you. After Fugaku Uchiha finished speaking, all the elders nodded in agreement.
At this point, both hawks and doves reached a consensus.
Zhang Bairen didn't try to persuade him, but instead replied, "Alright, we can sign an agreement on the re-employment of civilians first."
As for the arrangements for the ninjas, that depends on how Chief Fugaku and the Hokage plan to negotiate.
Inside the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi smoked a cigarette, looking at his old buddy in front of him.
"Danzo, you've been standing here for half a day. Is there anything you want to say?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.
"That Zhang Bairen is definitely up to no good!"
"His appearance will ruin our plans!" Shimura Danzo said coldly.
"Plan? What plan? I don't know anything about it!" Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, puzzled.
Upon hearing this, Danzo Shimura was instantly enraged.
"Hiruzen, stop pretending to be stupid. There are only the two of us here. I know exactly what you're thinking!"
"All you need now is a plausible excuse!" Shimura Danzo began.
“Danzo, that child might bring about change,” Hiruzen Sarutobi replied.
"Change!? What could possibly change those Uchiha lunatics?"
"Is it his novels, or his money?" Shimura Danzo said dismissively.
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Danzo, then asked in return, "Danzo, you must have received money too, right?"
Or rather, your family must have received a bribe from that person.
Otherwise, you wouldn't have come looking for me.
Danzo Shimura's face flushed red, and he questioned, "Don't think I don't know, you took the most money!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and replied righteously, "You said you'd take money? Danzo, I'm the Hokage!"
The money that passes through my hands will only be invested in the construction of the village!
Let me tell you, we're not the same!
Upon hearing this, Danzo Shimura's face turned ashen.
"You old monkey, you're getting more and more shameless!"
"You took the money, fine, but you won't admit it!" Shimura Danzo cursed inwardly.
"Hiruzen, just tell me straight, how will you deal with the Uchiha clan?" Shimura Danzo returned to the topic.
"Wait, wait for the clan leaders to send me their messages, then I can decide on the next step of the plan," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied.
"Hiruzen, you're still so indecisive. Just wait, you'll regret this!"
Danzo Shimura's tone became very angry.
"Danzo, you must remember, I am the Hokage of Konoha!" Hiruzen Sarutobi replied decisively.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's telescope technique can be blocked by barriers, but it can also be detected by powerful ninjas' senses.
Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Danzo for a secret chat, instead of using his telescope technique to spy on him.
Of course, Hiruzen Sarutobi was also very curious about what Zhang Bairen was thinking when he went to see the Uchiha.
Half an hour later, Zhang Bairen returned to his room after finishing his business.
That night, Zhang Bairen, having completed his preliminary reconnaissance, returned to the Uchiha clan's territory.
"Clan Chief Fugaku, this letter analyzes the Uchiha's situation and future."
"I think you'll be interested." After saying that, Zhang Bairen immediately dispersed his shadow clone.
Fugaku Uchiha opened the envelope and began to read it carefully.
Then, under the cover of night, he issued several orders.
With the help of Granny Cat, the young ninjas of the Uchiha clan left Konoha Village in batches.
"Right now, I just hope this news is false," Fugaku Uchiha thought to himself.
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