Book One: The Rise of the Blue-Haired Devil.

      Everyone immediately rose from their seats, starting to look around. A cold wind blew unpleasantly across the back of every ninja in my illusion. In the eyes of almost all of them I saw fear and incomprehension of what was happening. Everyone started running their eyes around the neighbourhood, looking for the culprit. A sneer involuntarily appeared on my face. Within minutes, the gazes of everyone present focused on me..... waiting for an explanation.       - Well, now we can start a civilized dialogue. - I spoke in a calm voice, though in my eyes the ninjas saw something that made some of them shudder. I sat down in my seat. The other ninjas followed suit, keeping their gazes on me for a moment. They were beginning to take me seriously now, and that was what I wanted. Only one gaze didn't change. It was that of Byakuren, who was still watching my actions. In his eyes I read the interest in my person, and I could also see the strength in this man's eyes. What did he think of me? That I was a madman or some kind of genius? It was hard to tell, but he was closely watching all my actions. I was almost one hundred per cent sure that this man was capable of dispelling my illusion or even preventing me from using it. But he didn't, which meant he was willing to listen to me, which spoke volumes. - I'm not interested in your mission assignments to clans or any of that nonsense. - I squeezed out quite monotonously from myself. My voice even sounded mechanical in the background. Some of them shivered in their chairs because of that tone. I paused to heat up the situation and somehow prepare these shinobi for my words.       - What do you want? - The head of the Hoshigake clan grinned his razor-sharp teeth. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he didn't like this. Politics and psychology were not his thing. He wasn't a man who had much patience for that sort of thing, but when he was put on the battlefield, he could justify his position in society. In his small eyes I could even read a certain boredom of what was happening and sometimes a little irritation. He was eager to fight someone.       - I want us to distribute missions to groups of ninjas according to their level, rather than to the whole clan. This will increase the efficiency of the missions and reduce the possibility of death for the ninja. - I clarified what I really wanted. Even though I had told part of the truth, it had already caused such a reaction that my ears popped. There was such a clamour that words can't even describe. To my surprise, it was Bjakuren, who stood up from his seat, who calmed everyone down. He simply raised his right hand to the sky, urging everyone to calm down. All of this was accompanied by a surge of chakra bursting out from his body. My illusion almost dissipated from such a thing. Everyone fell silent, even forgetting to finish their words. They seriously tensed up when they felt such a powerful and commanding aura of the great ninja.       - And how do you want to do this? - Hozuki asked me in a cold and firm voice. There were notes of steel and steadfastness in his tone. It didn't even sound like a request, but a real order.       - It's very simple. We need to create a ninja village. - I said confidently. Even Byakuren's face showed a look of surprise, which, however, quickly disappeared.       - Name one reason for us to unite! - The head of the Terumi clan hissed like an old and cunning snake. He clearly didn't like me. I was too calm in front of the Water Nation elite.       - The Uchiha and Senju have reconciled. Now they had an alliance that would begin to attract the other clans in Fire Country to them. The Fire Country clan leaders are no fools. They are well aware that once Senju and Uchiha are united, almost every possible mission in Fire Country will be taken over by these two great clans. The only way out for them is to join forces with us. That's how a huge number of ninjas will be concentrated. That's how the Ninja Village will come into being. - I made clear to them one of the reasons for our alliance with them. There was silence for a few moments. Daimyo looked at me as if I were an idol, realising the enormity of my idea. This man also understood what it would take for such a plan, as well as the profits it would bring him. It was profitable for him, because he paid monetary compensations when the members of a clan could not fulfil the task. He knew that they were being counted out for such blunders, but often the clan leader was to blame for such things, overestimating the capabilities of his subordinates.       - It's going to be very difficult. But it's worth a try, because a threat of this magnitude can't be overcome by any of the clans alone. - Hozuki broke the awkward silence. It was obvious that this man had thought about a lot of things. Many nodded in support, while others reluctantly agreed after a couple of arguments from Byakuren, who clearly stated his position, arguing all the reasons for the creation of the ninja village. The leader of the Water Country began to support him during the dialogue and thus these two were able to convince everyone else of the correctness of this decision. I, on the other hand, sat quietly in my seat, occasionally adding a few words to Hozuki's speech to make it clear that I fully supported his aspirations.       - And where shall we put our village? - asked another important question, a yellow-haired man of thirty to thirty-five years of age. His blue eyes expressed absolute calmness and concentration. This man was the head of a clan unknown to me. Yes, and he didn't speak much at this table, but it was obvious that he was listening intently to everyone speaking and carefully choosing every word he put into the turn of phrase circling the table.       - Right here. - I replied, pointing to a point on the map that had suddenly appeared on the table. Byakuren only smiled at my choice. The ninja who asked the question only hummed in understanding.       - Why here? - The shark-like man clarified with interest, looking at the point. He obviously didn't see any speciality in that area.       - This place is one of the few protected on one side by swamps, which are difficult for ordinary ninjas. - I started to explain, but I was blatantly interrupted. It was unpleasant, but I got over it.       - So what? Here, too, the village will also be protected from the swamps. - said the shortsighted Hoshigake, pointing to the map. That's when it became obvious to me that his entire clan stood roughly where he pointed.       - That's a good point, too." I nodded approvingly, agreeing with him, but the shark-shaped man didn't even have time to be happy about it before I continued abruptly. - But there is one problem. Good defence is important, but we also need to be able to trade with other countries. We have plenty of water, fish and pearls, but little good soil suitable for growing the agricultural plants we need to survive. - I clarified my point of view, watching my interlocutor's changing face. The head of the great clan first he blushed with anger, and then his skin took on its natural colour, which had a bluish tinge. Hoshigake didn't answer me anything, simply sitting back down in his seat.       - I think you should start moving into this territory. - The Water Country daimyo made his suggestion, looking around at all the ninjas. - I will hire labourers to start building clan houses. We'll break up the territory on the spot. It will be more convenient I think. - He added to encourage the clan heads to agree to this decision. Many ninjas immediately shook their heads in approval.       - There is one more question. Who will be the head of the village? - The same man with yellow hair asked, looking at me with a sly squint.       - I think it's too early to talk about it. - I answered him, but after receiving about a dozen incomprehensible looks I hurried to explain. - First we have to build the village, and only then we have to decide who will decide its future. I would like to note that all decisions until the election of the village head will be decided by the general council. - I clarified my previous words to them. The man hummed approvingly again, showing by this gesture that he understood everything. The other ninja nodded approvingly, agreeing with my arguments.       - Since we agreed on everything, I'll be waiting for you in a month at the appointed place. - announced the head of the Water Country, getting up from his seat and going to leave, but he stopped for a second. He had already forgotten that we were in genjutsu. It was even interesting. He threw a look at me, asking for me. I didn't refuse him, making a flick with two fingers. The illusion was dispelled.       - Fucking magician. - The shark-shaped man muttered as he left the room. All but two of them followed him. I wanted to leave the room, too, but a heavy hand fell on my shoulder. It was Byakuren.       - You really surprised me kid, but be careful. Madara is a very dangerous man. I've already crossed him once. - he said after everyone had left. He switched from "you" to "you," showing me the freedom of my actions. His voice was calm and confident as he spoke. He pointed to the cut on his eye, as if casually implying that he had a reminder from the Uchiha. His tone was very blank, but his eyes were filled with respect for me. I realised that this great ninja was warning me not to die before my time. He had already realised how valuable I was. Hozuki left, and I sat pensively for a few more minutes, staring at the ceiling of the hall. Everything seemed to have gone as well as possible, but my gut was telling me that there was something I hadn't considered. But I couldn't figure out what it was. I left the hall, where Mokou was waiting for me at the exit. After a few words, I brought him up to speed. He was slightly surprised by this, even saying a few words about my unconventionality and recklessness. I asked him to start gathering the clan so we could set off on time. I myself headed back to Uzushio....