One Month Later
Land of Demons — Capital City
" Miroku-sama has invited you to the main Hall. Please follow me. " A maid in a white kimono politely addressed Itachi and his group, who were seated in the reception hall enjoying refreshments.
" Hmm, lead the way " Itachi hearing this nodded and signalled Izumi, Sasuke, Naruto and Natsuki to follow him.
Three Minutes Later
" Miroku-sama and Shion-sama are inside the hall. " After opening the gate, the maid made way for Itachi and others to enter the room.
" Thank you for the trouble. " After thanking the maid Itachi entered the simple but grand hall.
"Uchiha Itachi of the Uchiha Clan, it is an honor for the Land of Demons to welcome your presence. I am Miroku, the priestess of the Land of Demons. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Miroku-san, you are too kind. It was discourteous of me to arrive without following proper protocol. The Uchiha Clan is grateful for your consideration."
After a few more polite words everyone sat on their respective seats.
"Miroku-san, you may have heard about the recent upheaval in the ninja world and the situation of the Uchiha Clan. We have left Konohagakure and the Land of Fire. Although we have received invitations from several great and minor ninja villages, we have declined them all.
The Uchiha Clan believes in peace. However, whichever nation we join would inevitably become the strongest, disrupting the balance of power and potentially accelerating the onset of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Over the past few months, I have traveled across many lands, studying their histories and records. That is when I learned of the Land of Demons. Your ancestors bravely fought the world-destroying demon Moryo and have safeguarded its remains for centuries, battling it each time it attempts to resurrect.
Such a righteous and steadfast nation deserves the support of the Uchiha. Once, we believed in the dream of peace envisioned by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. Though we failed then, we hope that by joining the Land of Demons, we can contribute to peace in the ninja world. Please grant the Uchiha Clan this honor."
After finishing his heartfelt speech, Itachi calmly took a sip of water. Behind him, Naruto, Natsuki, and Sasuke watched with admiration, while Shion, seated across from him, observed quietly.
"Itachi-san, while the Land of Demons has sufficient land and resources to accommodate the Uchiha Clan, I do have a few questions." Miroku after hearing Itachi's speech said in a dignified manner.
" Of course, as the first in command of the Land of Demon, you have the responsibility to ask questions. "
Itachi wasn't flattering Miroku by saying this, although the Land of Demons also has a Daimyo but the standing of Priestess Temple is more than a level above it.
"Then tell me, Itachi-san—how can I trust that your intentions are genuine? Over the centuries, many outsiders have come with similar words, only to be corrupted by Moryo—whether for immortality, power, or wealth. We have been betrayed time and again. What makes you any different?"
"Your concern is valid. However, the Uchiha Clan already possesses everything Moryo could offer. Wealth—we hold the riches of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass. Power—we have shinobi capable of confronting Moryo, and even if we cannot destroy him, we can at least seal him, as you have done. As for immortality—we have no interest in such illusions.
In fact, we may even be able to help you resolve Moryo's threat permanently."
"Then one final question—how can we be certain that in the coming decades, the Land of Demons will not fall under Uchiha control instead of remaining under its rightful rulers?"
"Heh… that is simple. Let us form a marriage alliance—just as the Senju and Uzumaki once did. With that, trust can be secured, and both sides will benefit."
Miroku hearing this fell into deep thought. Just like Itachi had said, she had heard of the recent upheaval in the Ninja world and the Uchiha clan's situation. The land of Demons is definitely unworthy of the Uchiha clan joining and serving them, as other Ninja nations would die to have the Uchiha clan join them even if they have to give them the position of Kage.
Maybe the Uchiha can really help them with Moryo's resurrection problem, and ultimately she can't defeat Itachi.
Although she is a Kage level Strongman, but she isn't a traditional ninja. Her strength is mostly effective again Moryo and against normal ninjas her strength is atmost a Jonin to Elite-Jonin level. Itachi answering her questions so patiently also indicates his high opinion and respect to her and with the offering of the Marriage alliance she felt mostly convinced.
When the Uchiha clan was in its prime, even Moryo's father didn't dare to oppose them and now the uchiha clan is recovering with a momentum capable of surpassing their prime.
The land of Demons because of their neutrality had the most ancient records and receiving the movements of the Uchiha clan before she had already read their information. She thus believed in the words of Itachi and the potential of the Uchiha Clan.
"Very well. I accept. You are the best partner Shion could hope for in the entire ninja world. We shall proceed with an engagem—" Miroku who thought that she stuck a deal suddenly felt a chill and then she found herself being looked by a blood red eye with three tomoe swirling in them.
Shion who on the other hand was judging her future husband also suddenly felt a chill.
Itachi knew that Miroku had misunderstood but before he could say anything he felt Izumi's three tomoe Sharingan staring at him. Itachi even felt that if he made a few mistakes now, maybe the Uchiha clan will gain another Mangekyo Sharingan user.
" Ahem, Miroku-san it seems you have misunderstood. I am already in a relationship with Izumi and I have no interest in a child. The one I am talking about is my younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke. He is the same age as Shion-chan and he has already opened two-tomoe Sharingan. "
Hearing this Izumi closed her Sharingan as if nothing had happened and looked downwards shyly with a flushed face. This is the first time Itachi had said anything about their relationship. Previously although they were close but Itachi was always busy with Konoha day and night. Now it seems travelling with Itachi was the correct thing.
Itachi seeing Izumi calm down breathed a heave of relief. Miroku on the other hand seeing the interaction of Itachi and Izumi understood her misunderstanding but hearing Sasuke awakening two-tomoe Sharingan at such a young age was impressed and looked at Sasuke, who was agitated with a smile.
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Itachi's Thinking
Itachi could have chosen many other safe and efficient methods, like using illusions to take over the Land of Demons or using force like Orochimaru. But ultimately he not only coveted the Land of Demons, but also the ability of the Priestess to predict the future.
This ability is the perfect match for an Uchiha. When an Uchiha is under intense emotions, especially if they are negative, they can awaken the Sharingan and upgrade it. With the ability to see their future death or the death of their close ones, the person can definitely open the Sharingan easily without having their close ones sacrifice to heaven.
Just imagine Obito having this ability and seeing Rin's death in advance. Although it is not known if he could still escape Madara's control, there would definitely be a change.
This ability can also serve as a good warning system so that in the future if there are any dangers like Otsusuki, they can already be ready in advance with the time and place.
Another reason for him choosing Sasuke's future companion is because he didn't trust Sasuke's vision. Although he isn't a Sakura hater, because of the influence of Sakura haters, he couldn't push Sasuke towards this path.
And the final reason is Sarada. Although Sarada awakened her Mangekyō Sharingan at the age of 15, which is comparable to Itachi and Shisui and indicates her immense talent, but an Uchiha wearing glasses... He, Itachi Uchiha, can't face his ancestors like this. Change... there must be a change.
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