Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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Muzan's network of relationships intertwined across the ninja world, forming a complex web. With the inclusion of Kaede, his influence began to manifest on a grand stage.

A terrifying plague swept through the ninja world, but those with sharp eyes noticed a pattern: the targets were all nobles. This caused widespread panic, with many suspecting deliberate poisoning within their estates.

A ninja capable of bypassing multiple layers of guards was undoubtedly powerful. The only way to counter such a threat was with equally skilled shinobi.

When the daimyo learned of this, he immediately approached Konoha, requesting the Hokage to send medical ninjas to treat the afflicted nobles.

"Their symptoms are unusual," Kisuke Yamato observed, sensing faint traces of microchakra within the patients. The bugs spawned by the demonic ability still retained a chakra signature, confirming that a shinobi was behind this.

"It's confirmed, then—this was done by a ninja."

The noble lying in the hospital bed erupted in anger upon hearing Yamato's diagnosis, pointing a trembling finger at him. "I don't care about your confirmation! How do you plan to save me? This cursed disease is killing me!"

The noble's voice was weak, and after this outburst, he collapsed back onto the bed, too frail even to drink water without assistance.

Though Yamato was displeased by the noble's rudeness, he understood the gravity of the situation. A crisis among the nobles could destabilize the entire nation.

Unfortunately, his medical ninjutsu could only identify the problem, not resolve it.

In the entire ninja world, only two people might be able to help.

"Tsunade-sama and Muzan."

However, Tsunade was traveling, and Muzan had betrayed Konoha—both were significant obstacles.

"Our only option now is to find Tsunade-sama. If we don't, the Land of Fire is in serious trouble."

Yamato reported back to the Hokage, leaving Minato in a difficult position.

Finding Tsunade was easier said than done. Even if they located her, her hemophobia could render her useless if surgery was required.

"Send the ANBU to search for Tsunade first. We can't proceed until she's found. Meanwhile, keep the nobles calm and tell them to be patient."

If the nobles collectively revolted, Konoha would lose many high-paying missions. Without that income, even the Hokage might have to take on work outside the village.

While Konoha's leaders grappled with this crisis, Muzan departed the Land of Waves.

He took a ship and met Zabuza at the border of the Land of Fire. To fulfill Muzan's mission, they had traversed much of the country in a short period.

Zabuza appeared haggard, lying under a large tree to rest. Though a formidable shinobi, even he needed respite.

"Muzan-sama, I've mastered my blood demon -art technique," Kaede announced as she emerged. Her skill with the technique had improved significantly during this period of training.

"Show me."

"Blood demon Art: Swarm of Insects!"

Suddenly, Zabuza felt a surge of danger and instinctively rose to confront the threat.

Even Muzan sensed the danger, watching as the insects on the ground devoured everything in their path—plants, soil, everything.

The most alarming part was their rapid reproduction, multiplying exponentially.

The swarm grew to terrifying numbers, and any ordinary ninja caught within would be utterly consumed.

The key issue was the seemingly limitless growth of these insects.

At that moment, an invisible force struck the swarm, and Muzan identified a weakness.

Kaede's strength was not in direct combat but in her cultivated insects. However, she required time to prepare her swarms for battle.

"As long as she doesn't have time to cultivate a large swarm, their threat can be neutralized," Muzan mused.

"I have two pieces of advice for you. First, strengthen your abilities. You must understand that demons aren't invincible. Sealing techniques, sunlight, even poison can kill them."

If the Twelve Kizuki were defeated by a simple poison, Muzan would consider their creation a failure.

"Put your insects away. We have more pressing matters to attend to."

Muzan had set his sights on the nobles who dared to default on their debts.

Their first target was a minor noble. According to Zabuza's investigation, the man could pay his debts but intended to delay long enough for Muzan to disappear.

After all, he was a noble, and Muzan, at best, was a wealthy businessman. He felt safe, confident that Muzan had no authority to challenge him.

He miscalculated.

It took them half a day to reach the noble's territory. In stark contrast to the prosperity of the Land of Waves, the people here barely had enough to eat.

However, the mansion at the city's center was still brightly lit.

Muzan even caught the faint scent of whale oil—a luxury item, used only for expensive lamps.

How absurd.

"Let's go see how he's doing."

There was a cold edge to Muzan's voice, and it was clear that the noble inside was in trouble.

A group of doctors had gathered in the courtyard, attempting to diagnose the lord's condition. But they were at a loss, and if this continued, they feared they would be executed.

"You quack doctors! If you can't diagnose my father's illness, you'll all die today!"

Inada Jiro drew his sword, pressing it to one doctor's neck. The terrified physicians quickly bowed, begging for more time.

"Please, sir, give us some time. We will find a cure."

"Yes, we've identified the illness."

"Just a little more time."

As the doctors pleaded, they suddenly noticed three figures entering the courtyard without warning. Jiro immediately pointed his sword at them.

"Who are you?"

"We are traveling doctors, here to treat your lord. I can solve his problem in minutes."

Under his black robe, Muzan smiled coldly. He had no intention of killing the lord's family—it would only cause unnecessary chaos. Muzan's true goal was to make the common people see that these so-called lords were nothing more than parasites.

"Oh?"

Jiro was intrigued but not yet convinced. After all, what good would it do him to save his old man?

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"Can you give yourself the position you dream of? Of course, that's impossible."

Muzan observed the sneer on the man's face and vaguely guessed his intentions. He had a demeanor similar to Muchuan Hui but carried himself with a lighter air than the infamous merchant.

"I think you're just here to defraud my family's wealth!"

Jiro Inada immediately dismissed Muzan's proposal, his expression twisted with malice as he barked a warning:

"Our estate isn't a place for swindlers like you! Guards, throw them out at once!"

But after his command, no one arrived. Instead, Zabuza stood silently, his eyes filled with disdain. Jiro's anger faltered as he realized his guards were not coming. Zabuza's menacing aura thickened as he asked:

"How do we deal with an idiot like this?"

He mimed a beheading motion, his voice cold and detached. Killing was second nature to Zabuza, and Jiro Inada's name was just another mark on his list.

"No," Muzan interjected, his tone almost pitying. "Let him live, but strip their household of all valuables."

The cruelty in Muzan's gaze caused Jiro to tremble. Though his life was spared, Muzan knew the man's fate would be far worse than death.

The Inada family's power rested on their status and the warriors who protected them. But now, with their forces eliminated, that foundation would crumble.

The Inada family had recently been trading with the Land of Waves, a nation Muzan had reshaped into a thriving trade hub. Lacking valuable commodities, the Inadas had resorted to human trafficking—exploiting the common people, selling lives as though they were worthless.

If exposed, this crime would incite chaos, and Muzan was counting on it.

A swarm of Kaede butterflies—trained by Muzan—dropped incriminating letters sealed in scrolls across the town. The evidence detailed the Inada family's dealings in human trafficking. As one letter landed at Jiro Inada's feet, he picked it up, trembling as he read the damning records. His face turned pale, and he collapsed to the ground.

"This… this can't be happening," Jiro muttered in panic.

The swarm of butterflies continued distributing the scrolls, ensuring the town's residents became aware of the atrocities. Those who had lost loved ones to kidnappings were quick to rally, demanding justice.

"Those bastards sold my child!" cried one villager.

"We must make them pay!" shouted another.

By nightfall, an enraged mob stormed the Inada estate. Muzan watched from the shadows as chaos unfolded, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. The first phase of his plan had succeeded.

Amid the rioting, Jiro Inada realized the depth of his failure. His guards had been eliminated, his secrets exposed, and now his home was overrun. Desperately, he fled the estate, abandoning everything.

Muzan let him go. There was no need to intervene further—the damage was done. The townsfolk looted the mansion, desperate for revenge and compensation for their suffering.

As dawn approached, word of the riot began spreading across the Land of Fire. Merchants and rogue ninjas exaggerated the events, distorting the truth. By the time news reached the Daimyo, it was a scandal: an entire noble family wiped out by a vengeful mob.

The Daimyo, incensed, hurled a vase across the room, shattering it into fragments. His fear of a similar uprising consumed him as he roared:

"Whoever participated in this massacre—execute them all! Konoha must send a team to protect my estate immediately!"

His retainers, though uneasy, dared not question him. They understood that suppressing the unrest with violence could escalate the situation further. But the Daimyo's paranoia left no room for dissent.

Meanwhile, Muzan observed the growing chaos with satisfaction. The Inada family's downfall was only the beginning. The seeds of rebellion had been planted, and he would nurture them until they bloomed into full-scale conflict.

As an arms dealer, chaos was Muzan's currency, and war was his market. His manipulations ensured he would profit from the unrest while remaining untouchable—for now.

The people of the town, though victorious in their outcry against the Inada family, knew they lacked the strength to defy the greater powers. Many fled, fearing retaliation from the Daimyo.

Muzan watched them scatter, his mind already plotting his next move.

"The flames have been kindled," he murmured. "Let's see who dares to extinguish them."

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