Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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Apart from the key issue of land, the only remaining challenge was population.

Not the people used for live experiments, but those living on the island.

After all, the Land of Waves was an island nation. Before Muzan arrived, it had been little more than a large fishing village. Meeting basic needs had been a struggle, let alone cultivating talents. The Land of Waves had relied heavily on its fishing resources, and even reaching this modest level of development had been overwhelming.

However, the industries and innovations needed for the future couldn't be completed by just one person. A large number of skilled individuals were necessary. Without people with the necessary knowledge, a large population would become a burden rather than an asset.

Standing at a distance, Muzan gazed at the newly established laboratories and factories, deep in thought about the manpower required for them to thrive.

"I'm truly an evil capitalist," Muzan muttered, a cynical smile playing on his lips.

With the issues of land and infrastructure addressed, the next mission for the Twelve Kizuki was clear. Muzan would continue his experiments, while the rest of the members focused on establishing connections with the surrounding daimyos. They also planned to gather orphaned or abandoned children during the war or visit other struggling villages. Not everyone could afford to raise children; for some, they were considered mistakes. Muzan would offer them a choice—a chance to survive.

"I'll handle this personally," Muzan stated.

When it came to delicate social interactions, Muzan knew they lacked the necessary talent. Since the matter was related to future development, it was safer for him to take charge himself.

---

Meanwhile, in Konoha...

After two devastating blows—the Kyuubi attack and the Uchiha Clan's rebellion—a significant number of ninja had perished. The village had yet to recover from these events, and the scars they left were still raw.

Given Kakashi's proximity to Muzan, everyone who interacted with him was under investigation.

"How long is this going to drag on?" Kakashi muttered, frustrated.

Because of his unique status, the Hatake family was under intense scrutiny. His father, the legendary White Fang of Konoha, only added to the pressure. Kakashi could feel the watchful presence of the Anbu surrounding him, their shadows ever-present.

Looking at the book in his hands, Kakashi sighed deeply. "I don't know where my brother is now... and I can't understand why he betrayed Konoha. He had everything—respect, recognition, even the potential to become the Fifth Hokage."

The betrayal of both Muzan and Orochimaru had shaken the village to its core, creating a crisis of trust among the shinobi. Even discussing the matter had become taboo.

"He has his own path," Hatake Sakumo finally said, breaking the tense silence.

Compared to Kakashi's frustration, Sakumo's expression was marked by sorrow. Reflecting on his son's behavior over the years, Sakumo couldn't help but feel a sense of failure as a father. Perhaps Muzan's actions had been inevitable.

Their conversation was interrupted when an Anbu operative arrived at the Hatake residence with a mission scroll.

"Captain Kakashi, this is a mission assigned to you by the Hokage," the operative announced.

After days of investigation, the leadership had concluded that Kakashi and his father were not complicit in Muzan's betrayal. However, with the village's resources stretched thin, they needed to prove their worth.

The mission was the perfect opportunity.

"Your mission is to protect Muchuan Songhe," the Anbu continued.

Although classified as a B-rank mission, the potential for enemy interference could escalate it to A or even S-rank. With the village desperate for capable shinobi, Kakashi saw this as an opportunity to reestablish his reputation—and potentially gather intel on Muzan.

As Kakashi listened, Hatake Sakumo couldn't shake a sense of unease. "This mission is tricky," he warned. "Be careful, Kakashi. Protecting nobles often brings more danger than expected."

Kakashi nodded. "I understand, father. But this is my chance to prove myself. If I succeed, I'll have the leverage to investigate Muzan."

---

In Muchuan's territory, tensions were high. Muchuan Songhe, the noble heir, required protection as he returned to his domain. The assassination attempt on a shinobi accompanying him had only heightened his fears.

Back at the Muchuan estate, Songhe's younger brother, Hui, seethed with frustration. "Incompetents! They failed to complete the mission!" he snarled, throwing the report onto the table.

"No matter what, Songhe must be eliminated. Only then can I take his place," Hui muttered darkly, his ambition burning fiercely.

As the eldest son, Songhe was the rightful heir. But Hui had no intention of standing aside. The infighting among nobles was often dirtier than any conflict in the shinobi world. Hui would stop at nothing—not even murder—to secure his position.

"The wandering ninja we hired have turned on each other, and some have died. They failed, but they still demand payment," a servant reported hesitantly.

"They're waiting outside… If the head of the family finds out..." the servant trailed off, his voice trembling.

"Hmph. Come with me. If they cause trouble, kill them," Hui commanded coldly, his eyes glinting with malice.

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Muzan stood before the grand gates of the Muchuan estate, his crimson eyes surveying the ostentatious wealth surrounding him. The opulence of the nobles contrasted starkly with the harsh realities faced by the commoners of the Land of Waves. Even the lowliest servant here lived better than the struggling fishermen back home.

"This grotesque feudal system... these nobles deserve nothing but ruin," he muttered, his voice cold with contempt.

Yet Muzan knew that, for now, he needed these nobles. Their influence and resources were essential to his plans. Still, if any dared to cross him, they would quickly learn the terror of the Twelve Kizuki.

Beside him, Haku's senses sharpened. The years spent under Zabuza's rigorous training had taught him to recognize even the faintest killing intent. His pale blue eyes narrowed.

"Muzan-sama," Haku murmured cautiously, "we're being watched. There's murderous intent nearby."

Hidden beneath the shade of a large tree, a group of rogue shinobi observed Muzan and Haku. Their eyes gleamed with greed as they whispered among themselves.

"Boss, that guy looks rich. And the girl… well, she'd fetch a high price."

"Careful," another warned. "They're heading into the Muchuan estate. Messing with nobles could get us killed."

Their leader hesitated, weighing the risk. The failure of their last mission had left them desperate, and the allure of easy money was tempting.

Before they could act, the gates creaked open, and a young noble stepped out. His expression soured as his gaze landed on the rogue shinobi.

"You worthless scum!" Muchuan Hui sneered. "Not only did you fail to complete your task, but now you loiter around my family's estate like beggars. Get lost before I have you executed!"

The rogues bristled at the insult, their hands inching toward their weapons. Hui, realizing the danger, stepped back, his confidence wavering.

Before the situation could escalate further, Muzan stepped forward, his expression calm yet commanding.

"It seems you have a problem, Lord Hui," Muzan said smoothly. "Shall I handle it for you?"

Hui blinked in surprise, then smirked nervously. "If you take care of them, I'll ensure you're well compensated."

The rogue shinobi moved to surround them, but Haku raised his hand. The air around him grew frigid, and within moments, jagged spikes of ice erupted from the ground, ensnaring the rogues in frozen prisons. Their muffled cries of terror were cut short as the ice shattered, leaving nothing but frost and silence.

Hui stumbled backward, his face pale. "You… What are you?"

"A merchant," Muzan replied simply, brushing off imaginary dust. "Now, shall we discuss our business?"

Still shaken, Hui led them into the estate. Muzan's eyes flicked to the corners of the grand hall, where concealed shinobi—likely loyal to the Muchuan family patriarch—watched silently. Their presence was noted but ignored.

"We represent a trading enterprise in the Land of Waves," Muzan began smoothly, once seated. "We specialize in rare resources and innovative methods to improve agricultural output. I believe a partnership with the Muchuan family could be mutually beneficial."

Hui leaned forward, intrigued. The prospect of fertile soil and profits sparked ambition in his eyes. But he hesitated.

"My father oversees all family dealings," he admitted. "However…" His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "If my brother were… removed from the equation, I could inherit our lands and make decisions freely."

Muzan's crimson eyes gleamed. "A bold statement, Lord Hui. But boldness requires certainty. Are you prepared to act?"

Hui swallowed hard, then nodded. "Yes. Help me eliminate my brother, and our alliance will be sealed."

Muzan leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Very well. But know this—if you betray me, no fortress, no army, no god will save you."

Hui paled further but nodded in agreement.

---

Meanwhile, in the Muchuan estate's study, the family patriarch sat in quiet contemplation. His weary eyes gazed out the window as he sipped his tea.

"I fear Hui's ambition will lead him to ruin," he muttered. "Songhe must be protected."

The old man sighed deeply, burdened by the knowledge of the treachery brewing within his own home.

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