The moment Senju Tobirama lunged forward, Uchiha Ren swiftly formed hand seals with one hand, instantly seizing control of Tobirama's body.
"Tobirama, feeling a little calmer now?"
Ren suppressed a smile, carefully managing his expression. Even now, Tobirama was still as hot-tempered as ever.
After a moment, sensing that Tobirama had settled down, Ren released the restraint on his body.
"How utterly uncivilized."
Tobirama's skin was thick. He acted as if nothing had happened—likely because this sort of thing had occurred far too many times. So many, in fact, that he'd lost count.
That damn Uchiha Ren… no respect for his elders whatsoever. Still doesn't trust me, even going as far as placing unknown restraints on my body.
Is he worried I'll escape the lab, reunite with the Senju Clan, and declare my return to Konoha?
…Well.
I absolutely would.
After mentally cursing Ren several dozen times, Tobirama casually pulled over a chair and sat down.
"Go on, Ren. You've been gone for months. What were you doing?"
Ren didn't hide anything. He recounted everything—from the Konoha United Fruit Company in the Land of Grass, to building a new ninja world trade system, and finally, the recent Ponzi scheme targeting the Land of Lightning alongside Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
"As expected of an inherently evil Uchiha—nothing good ever comes from letting one leave the village."
As Ren spoke, Tobirama mercilessly mocked him from the side.
Still—
He had to admit it.
Ren's economic invasion strategy was terrifyingly effective.
The Land of Grass had been completely reshaped—every industry cut, the entire nation reduced to banana production under the control of the Konoha United Fruit Company. Even Kusagakure had been absorbed.
At this rate, in a few years…
The entire Land of Grass wouldn't belong to itself anymore.
It would belong to Konoha.
Tobirama couldn't help but regret it.
Back during the First Great Ninja War, the Land of Grass had been a fence-sitter, yet he had tolerated it due to various constraints.
If only he had thought of this method back then…
"Just a few billion ryo, and Ōnoki already sides with Konoha?"
Tobirama scoffed.
"Short-sighted fools like the Third Tsuchikage and the Third Kazekage only care about immediate gains. They can't see the future of the ninja world."
"Graveyard bones. Not worth mentioning."
"Has the quality of Third-generation Kage really fallen this low?"
He sighed dramatically, criticizing both Kage while sneakily taking jabs at Ren.
In his mind, only he could suppress someone like Uchiha Ren.
…Once he got out.
Ren ignored him completely. The old man was stuck in the lab day and night, working like a beast—this was his only outlet.
"A Ponzi scheme, huh?"
Tobirama's eyes lit up.
"As expected of an evil Uchiha—to come up with something this vicious."
A pause.
"But this time… I have to admit."
"Well done."
"The bastards from Kumogakure deserve it."
His hatred for Kumogakure ran deep.
An ambush at the negotiation table.
Disgusting.
"Alright, alright. Under my leadership, Konoha will achieve things never seen before," Ren said calmly. "What the past couldn't accomplish, I will. What the future needs, I'll prepare in advance."
"You're dead. Just focus on being my assistant."
Tobirama's face darkened instantly.
Assistant? I should be the main character!
…Reality, however, was cruel.
"My turn," Ren continued. "What have you achieved these past few months?"
"You haven't been slacking, have you?"
Tobirama tossed him a bottle.
"Here. Watermelon-flavored healing liquid."
"…That's it?"
"That's it."
"…Tobirama. Do you think you're funny?"
A dangerous glint flashed in Ren's eyes.
Tobirama immediately straightened.
"Just a joke. No need to get worked up."
He had sensed something deeply dangerous in Ren's thoughts.
Best not push it.
"Come with me."
Tobirama led him deeper into the lab, presenting his results.
New furniture designs had increased significantly. Some high-ranking Uchiha already knew of Tobirama's existence and were mass-producing his inventions.
"This," Tobirama said, holding up a sample, "is a new type of explosive."
"The blast power rivals an A-rank Fire Release technique."
"It can be scaled higher by increasing quantity. As for the upper limit… this lab can't handle it."
"I'm also working on integrating chakra into it."
"If successful… explosive tags may become obsolete."
"A cheaper, more powerful weapon will emerge."
Ren nodded, satisfied as he examined it.
Explosive tags had always been underwhelming.
Now—
Konoha could even pivot into becoming an arms dealer.
As long as the Five Great Villages didn't go to war, the world would remain stable—but smaller conflicts never stopped.
Amegakure.
Kūgakure.
Even the explosive-tag-producing village in the Land of Mountains…
Ren had already decided.
Such "threats to peace" should be erased.
"What about the train?" Ren asked.
"That's what matters."
Tobirama crossed his arms.
"Most technical issues are solved."
"But the remaining problems require outdoor testing—railway construction, trial runs…"
"I need to leave the lab."
Ren almost laughed.
Still trying to escape?
The control from the Impure World Reincarnation wasn't wasted.
"No problem," Ren said calmly. "Orochimaru has grown a lot. With your guidance, he can handle it."
Tobirama's expression darkened.
"…He can."
That brat had already earned his approval.
Which meant—
He wasn't getting out anytime soon.
"What about the television?"
"Technology is ready. Signal towers, display systems, designs—all done."
"But content? Broadcasting? That's your problem."
"Cost?"
"Not cheap. A ninja could afford one after saving for a month or two."
"Civilians? Years."
Ren nodded.
That was fine.
Television wasn't just about profit—
It was about influence.
Konoha would build the first broadcast network.
News.
Entertainment.
Films.
Even ninjutsu education.
Control information—
Control the future.
He sighed slightly.
That lazy dream of lounging on a sofa, drinking soda, watching TV…
Still far away.
They continued walking.
Antibiotics. Fertilizers.
Tobirama hadn't slacked at all.
These results alone could spawn multiple new companies—and massive profits.
"Well done," Ren said. "In a couple of months, it'll be New Year."
"I'll let you out for a walk as a reward."
Tobirama's fist clenched.
"…If you don't know how to talk, you can shut up."
Let me out for a walk?
Am I a dog now?!
"…Right. I almost forgot."
Ren pulled out something new.
An arcade machine.
"What is this?"
Tobirama frowned.
Moments later—
"Ultimate Technique—Susanoo!!"
On-screen, Uchiha Madara stood victorious.
"Hashirama… you can no longer dance."
"I refuse!!"
Tobirama picked Senju Hashirama.
And got annihilated.
Perfect combo.
Zero damage taken.
"Again!" Tobirama snapped.
"Fine."
"Curse the fate of having no Sharingan!"
This time—
Uchiha Izuna appeared in the victory screen.
Tobirama had chosen himself.
Didn't even manage to use Flying Thunder God.
Instant defeat.
Ren activated his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, grinning.
"Tobirama… hate the fate of having no Sharingan."
"AAAAAA—!!!"
"This is impossible!!"
"I killed Izuna on the battlefield!"
"What kind of garbage game is this?!"
"I'll smash it!!"
Tobirama completely lost control.
"Wait—WAIT!"
"I'll go easy on you!"
"No—I'll go VERY easy!"
Ren grabbed him immediately.
There was only one machine.
If it broke—
That was it.
"…Go easy?"
Tobirama sneered.
"I'm Senju Tobirama."
"I don't need that."
"Just give me a little time—I'll crush you."
Moments later—
"Curse the fate of having no Sharingan!"
Again.
And again.
And again.
…
To his credit—
Tobirama adapted quickly.
He began grasping combos.
But against Ren—
It didn't matter.
Especially not when Ren was literally using the Sharingan as a gameplay cheat.
Every input.
Every move.
Seen.
Predicted.
Countered.
"Again!!!"
"Tobirama… I need sleep."
"Shut up!!"
His eyes were bloodshot.
Completely addicted.
Ren glanced at him.
…Tobirama.
At this rate…
You might awaken a Sharingan yourself.
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