Chapter 196: Leaf Village Year 59

"Alright, everyone be a bit quieter; we're about to reach Leaf Village, keep a bit more solemn."

"Yes, teacher!"

In the Land of Fire, outside Leaf Village, a large group of school‑clad youths, led by an orange‑haired ninja, headed toward Leaf Village.

They walked and stopped along the way, constantly looking around, seemingly curious about everything in Leaf Village.

Of course, the topic they discussed most along the way was things like "why doesn't the Land of Fire have rain?"

After all, their hometown is shrouded in perpetual rain!

"And this place is really beautiful."

Listening to the youths, the teacher leading them shook his head helplessly; the Land of Fire holds the most abundant resources in the ninja world—how could it not be beautiful?

But he didn't feel jealous, because his hometown has already seen great development with Yuzhi's help.

"Fifth Hokage, truly a good person."

Whether it's the Land of Fire itself or everyone affected by Yuzhi's policies!

The orange‑haired youth Miyane turned his head; a red‑haired boy looked at him, and he smiled as he spoke.

But soon after meeting that Fifth Hokage, he understood.

"Yes, Miyane‑sensei."

He began to delve deeper into various people's hearts, gradually being accepted by them; at this point, letting go was indeed the most appropriate.

"If we can't meet, let's just visit Teacher Ziraiye."

When Leaf Village, representing the Land of Fire, signed various exchange agreements with Rain Country represented by Nagato, the Land of Fire's funds and personnel began to flow in on a large scale.

Poverty and hunger seemed to become Rain Country's eternal theme song, a cage no one could escape.

He has always wanted to meet Yuzhi, but that is not easy; after all, Yuzhi is the Hokage!

Moreover, he is with members of the Akatsuki Organization, and there is a huge status gap between them.

Although Rain Country continues to rain, the water can no longer wash away the happiness shining on people's faces.

But originally Yuzhi helped him defeat the tailed beast, and together with Nagato showed him the path to the future, which he has always kept in mind.

Moreover, opening the channels between both sides also requires other preparations, namely guarding against those with ulterior motives.

Even if they know their current life still lags far behind that of the Land of Fire's people, at least they have seen hope!

"Moreover, now that passage between both sides is opened, each can enter the other's territory; although checks remain, many things have become more convenient."

He knows all too well how poor Rain Country used to be, being a proper old Rain Country resident.

Just as Rain Country, in recent years they have truly experienced what development and change are.

He muttered to himself, yet also lifted his head to greedily inhale the air of Leaf Village, so different from Rain Country; at that moment a youth's voice rang out.

Of course, that was only his thought.

Even though Nagato stepped up and made a series of changes that indeed improved Rain Country's situation a bit, it is still far insufficient.

The orange‑haired young man looked up; at first he didn't understand why it had to wait until now to be opened.

Many small nations near the Land of Fire have been affected by him, and everyone has begun to enjoy a better life.

After all, Yuzhi the Hokage has overseen so many affairs, not only in the Land of Fire and Rain Country, but also in Whirlpool Country and Tea Country.

Even though Miyane knows clearly that the price is to accept the universal values from Yuzhi, so what?

There are many ways to achieve peace; he has also learned the truth of the ninja world, so he naturally is willing to cooperate.

Miyane, hearing Gaara's words, was both amused and exasperated, yet he didn't refute much, because he himself also wanted to meet Yuzhi.

The Land of Fire is too abundant; if it had not been restrained before, it would easily cause all sorts of trouble.

Back then, Hanzō launched a war to break all this, but in the end he only prevented further war for Rain Country, leaving it without developmental potential.

"You kid, you really aren't hiding anything at all."

Now they can take the initiative to come to Leaf Village; Gaara naturally can't wait and doesn't want to wait, and this time he also has a legitimate reason.

"After all, Rain Country is the most special—it has ties to Leaf Village and is also linked with other ninja villages."

"Gaara, are you that impatient? I heard the Fifth Hokage helped you solve the tailed beast problem back then."

"Miyane‑sensei, why haven't we set off yet?"

Although several years have passed, he has grown considerably, and now he fully sees himself as a member of Rain Country, not as the Wind Hokage's son.

Since his resurrection, over all those years he has only met Yuzhi once, so he also has thoughts of having a proper conversation with Yuzhi.

As Leaf Village's propaganda deepens, the concept that "everyone is the same person," repeatedly reflected in books and audiovisual works, begins to spread.

Therefore, when facing Miyane's question, he had no concealment at all.

As a small nation, the war crisis caused by angering Leaf Village, plus the perpetual rain leading to material shortages, all force Rain Country to remain impoverished.

"I've been waiting, waiting all these years; I think now is the time."

They survey terrain for resources, build factories to drive civilian work, help Rain Country establish better ninja systems and institutions, making the whole Rain Country profit!

Under their leadership, Rain Country's living standards and quality of life are visibly improving.

Until Nagato and Yuzhi reached an agreement, and Yuzhi began planning and reforming Rain Country!

Gaara nodded; now Gaara looks like an eleven- or twelve-year-old boy.

He murmured to himself, time fleeting, and the changes of these years are worth remembering for the vast majority.

Besides that, many of Leaf Village's tasks are still not fully accomplished, such as their propaganda work.

Miyane muttered to himself, but at that moment Gaara turned his head toward the distance, which made Miyane a bit curious.

"What's wrong?"

"Miyane‑sensei, is that caused by the Hokage over there?"

Gaara pointed to a valley in the distance and asked curiously.

"Ugh"

Mi Yan followed the direction pointed by Wo Ailuo and looked; instantly his complexion darkened a bit.

In the distance there was a strangely shaped valley, a huge deep pit with a waterfall cascading down, and a winding river rushing toward the far distance.

But no matter how one looked, the place felt odd, because it had once been a battlefield where Yuzhi fought the Akatsuki Organization!

Many years ago, Yuzhi single‑handedly defeated the members of the Akatsuki Organization, even though that battle had been somewhat lenient.

Yet even so it caused such devastation; one can imagine how terrifying Yuzhi's power truly is.

Mi Yan especially recalls that Chang Men once told him Yuzhi barely exerted any effort, merely using a strange black sphere to defeat him.

Even the heretical golem, under that black sphere's attack, had a hand snapped off outright!

In that clash, the Akatsuki Organization was truly wiped out, and even the guy who deceived Chang Men suffered a particularly grim fate.

But

"You kid, why would you say that? Do you believe Teacher Chang Men would be displeased?"

Mi Yan shook his head, reached out and patted Wo Ailuo's head with a smile, and when Wo Ailuo seemed about to speak, he cut in immediately.

"Alright, stop talking. Do you want to see the Hokage? Waiting for him to finish work in a whine‑filled way won't get you anywhere."

Also, don't call my name, just like when we were in the Rain Country—understood?

Mi Yan's resurrection remains a secret, and he has been strictly disguising himself so that no one discovers it.

"I understand, teacher."

Wo Ailuo had no idea what was happening; though his mind was full of doubts, he nodded and said no more.

What he now most longs for is to meet the person who once, within his inner mind, easily defeated a tailed beast and taught him how to walk his future path—

"Did you hear? People from the Rain Country are coming."

"Not only the Rain Country, but also people from the Whirlpool Country, the Tea Country, and even the Mist Village are arriving."

"Could this be a Chunin Exam?"

"Idiot, I heard the joint Chunin Exam is next year; this year is normal, these are just exchange students, same as previous years."

"It's just that this time there are a few more, right?"

Inside the Leaf Village ninja academy, countless students were constantly chatting, and besides daily trivialities, they naturally discussed the newcomers to Leaf Village.

Since a few years ago, Leaf Village has announced that each year rotating students and exchange students come to study there.

Although no one knows exactly who is sent out as exchange, clearly no one cares; they are naturally more curious about the outsiders.

Even after all those years, people's curiosity has not changed at all.

"Ning Ci, aren't you curious?"

In the senior class, Bai tilted his head, watching Ning Ci, who was hunched and frowning at something unknown, and asked curiously.

Meanwhile, Junmaro glanced over, but quickly withdrew his gaze.

"There's nothing worth being curious about; after all, they come every year, we're used to it."

Ning Ci smiled indifferently, then scratched his head and said helplessly,

"I'm now curious about this graduation assessment—so many have arrived, and it's said their strength isn't weak, even people from Mist Village are here.

I feel the teacher wants to raise the difficulty for us, as that's the teacher's usual approach."

Even though mocking one's own teacher behind his back—especially when that teacher is the Hokage—seems so improper.

But over the years, Ning Ci has basically grasped his teacher's thoughts, and this teacher's methods have truly made him suffer.

Thus his occasional snarky remarks don't seem particularly out of place.

"Indeed, it's the Hokage's method; looks like you'll have bad luck this time."

A mischievous grin spread across Bai's face, Junmaro also looked at Ning Ci, his eyes seeming somewhat sympathetic, which made Ning Ci feel especially helpless.

He already knew during the apprenticeship ceremony what Bai and Junmaro's true status was, and over the subsequent years of interaction, he also learned just how terrifying the two are.

Probably because he became a disciple of the Hokage, and they were all peers, his relationship with the two has become increasingly better.

"Forget it, overthinking won't help; just do your best."

Ning Ci sighed, then asked curiously.

"By the way, do you know how the classes are divided this time?"

"You haven't even passed the assessment, and you're already thinking about class division?"

Bai laughed at Ning Ci, then quickly shook his head.

"I don't know; wouldn't it be better to ask your father? He might even be able to ask the Hokage for you."

A few years ago, Ri Xiang Ri Cha, under Yuzhi's pressure and increasingly losing trust within the clan, began to be subjected to a harshly controlled environment, and finally chose to act.

Although he had learned the secret art of Solar Release and had the support of the ANBU, the Hyuga Clan's strength was still not to be underestimated, for they had mastered the Caged Bird.

Fortunately, everything was eventually settled, and Ri Xiang Ri Zu did not resist too violently.

He is a clever person; when he saw Ning Ci being taken as a disciple instead of Hinata or Hanabi, he already understood many things.

Although he truly couldn't comprehend why Yuzhi chose the branch family over the main clan, there was no need for him to guess the Hokage's thoughts.

Because there is only one answer: the Hokage is unaware; everything was acted upon independently by subordinates.

He didn't think the main clan would be the Hokage's opponent, so the whole matter was quickly quelled, and he obtained an incredible result.

"Everyone must be equipped with the Caged Bird, and all techniques that control the Caged Bird must be destroyed!"

This outcome left him utterly baffled, and when he was also imprinted with the Caged Bird and taken together to the Moon later, he seemed to understand something.

"The Hokage needs the Hyuga Clan's power to confront the unknown cataclysms recorded in the Moon Hyuga's ancient texts!"

Having clarified the matter, Ri Xiang Ri Zu was speechless, for he now understood what was happening and why Yuzhi proactively sought out those branch families.

The branch families possess strength and combat experience; they are the true elite of the Hyuga Clan's fighting force.

Providing them with Moon data will inevitably spur their rapid growth; the war between the main clan and the branches will eventually erupt.

"And the main clan will eventually notice the issue; then either the main clan will gain, or they will strike the unprepared branch families, so..."

Hyuga Clan Riz gave himself a huge amount of mental speculation, not caring whether it was correct, but thinking that way is never wrong.

Hyuga Clan Richa also did not make things difficult for his brother's family, even though he was criticized, but he is very clear about one thing.

As long as Yuzhi's support exists, no matter what others think, they will definitely not have problems!

Now Hyuga Clan Richa's status within the family has made a huge leap; without discussing how the senior elders of the main house who intend to rebel are, this matter is already settled.

Hyuga Clan Richa and Hyuga Clan Riz together control the family, which can be considered a good outcome, and Ningci naturally also benefited.

"Let's just drop this. No matter how we divide it, it probably won't be bad."

Ningci was somewhat moved; after pondering, he ultimately shook his head, he really didn't dare, and he couldn't help making a small snarky remark.

"My father probably won't agree; in his view, whatever the teacher arranges is correct, even if I'm 'trained' until my skin and flesh are torn, he won't mind."

Damn, Hinata and Hanabi are still the best; they're the most relaxed.

Hinata and Hanabi's situation is indeed good; the Caged Bird seal is terrifying, but there are also some benefits for those who later receive the seal.

After Hyuga Clan Riz voluntarily took responsibility and jointly with Leaf Village researched the Caged Bird technique, they finally made certain improvements.

Separation is no longer possible, but eliminating its damage to the Byakugan is still feasible.

At least it can avoid harming the nerves, preventing the Byakugan from developing a temporary blind spot; only upon death or the host's own activation will the seal erase the Byakugan.

It can be said that this version of Caged Bird has undergone massive revisions; now it only has the ability to protect the Byakugan.

Although there are also major issues, such as the captured individuals barely surviving, ultimately choosing compromise leading to loss of bloodline.

But this is also the result of negotiations between the main house and the branch families; negotiations are inherently mutual compromises.

"Alright, let's not talk about this any more."

Ningci, although his mind was full of this chaotic stuff, quickly shook his head and said with a smile.

"I still hope to be grouped with you all; we're more familiar with each other."

"I think the chance is low."

Jumaru, who had said little up to now, shook his head and pointed at

"Your results have always been first; my and Bai's results sometimes get a bit lenient, but they're not bad.

Normally, we would be split up, but Bai's functionality is strong; I think the probability of me being with him is still high.

As for you, you'll probably be grouped normally, or maybe…

"Or maybe what?"

Ningci couldn't figure it out for a moment, and asked curiously.

"Of course it's repeating a year, then waiting for Sasuke and Naruto; you'd team up with them."

Bai smiled brightly, while Ningci's complexion turned quite sour.

He actually had overlooked this; he usually goes to find Yuzhi, and Sasuke and Naruto would both come over, then undergo interrogation and training together.

The three of them have a fair amount of tacit understanding; if they truly formed a team, it wouldn't be impossible.

"But I'm a year ahead of them; I have to wait for them to form a team, doesn't that mean I really have to repeat a year?"

Ningci broke into a cold sweat; he couldn't even dare imagine such a terrifying prospect.

Bai shrugged indifferently and asked with a smile.

"By the way, the new movie is releasing; want to go watch it together?"

"I heard it's quite interesting; the Hokage personally planned and supervised it, Sister Quan also wants to watch, let's go together."

Jumaru nodded beside him; he wouldn't oppose whatever Bai says, especially since their elder sister Uchiha Quan is also going, so he would naturally follow.

But the two of them were chatting and laughing nearby, while Ningci paid no attention; he was truly worried about such a thing happening.

"If it really turns out like this, wouldn't I be beaten to death when I go back?"

——

"Hokage, when exactly do you plan to act against the other small nations?"

"Why are you in such a hurry? We've just started seeing results, and I've long said that a public‑opinion war needs gradual guidance; rushing yields no good outcome!"

"Aren't you afraid others will take countermeasures? Moreover, the propaganda over these years is already sufficient; do you really want to go further?"

"I naturally have my own ideas, and besides, Senju Clan Feijian, you overstepped; I am the Hokage!"

"You'll regret it!"

In the Hokage's office, Minato Gan laughed while watching the two quarrel again, his face full of helplessness.

Years passed, Yuzhi and Senju Clan Feijian grew increasingly in sync, yet the two always end up arguing over various issues; he had become accustomed to it.

Minato still serves as the Hokage's aide, but because the Hokage's aide is a 'job with few tasks, high pay, close to home, high rank, heavy authority, light responsibility' ideal workplace.

He still looks unchanged from before, still youthful.

And with Yuzhi having Senju Clan Feijian as a professional 'scapegoat', he no longer has to be the group's hidden leader, so his mental state is naturally better.

Looking around, no one realizes he is already in his thirties or forties, with his son about to graduate from ninja school.

In contrast, the Third, who was chewing a pipe nearby, looked considerably older.

Time is merciless; Sarutobi Rizhan, nearing seventy, has long had gray hair, but his spirit remains quite good.

Years ago, after Yuzhi revived his wife Yuan Fei, the family was reunited.

However, one thing made the Third's mood swing, because Yuzhi's use of the Impure Earth Reincarnation somehow made Yuan Fei appear unusually youthful.

The Third also discussed this with Yuzhi, and even Sarutobi Xinzhisu and Asma came to see Yuzhi; those two couldn't stand their mother looking about the same age as them.

However, Yuzhi had no solution; the Impure Earth Reincarnation was modified by Senju Clan Feijian, and even Kakashi could endure it, what else could they say.

Sarutobi Yuan Fei was quite happy, but the Third felt a bit anxious.

"Alright, everyone stop arguing."

Chewing his pipe, watching Yuzhi and his teacher who had already stopped, the Third finally

"Teacher, I support the Fifth, opportunities will arise; what we need now is a steady, solid approach—taking it slowly will never cause problems."

Yeah, Second Hokage, the Hokage's current policy has always been steady and reliable, and everything is proceeding according to the Hokage's plan.

Minato also laughed and said, looking at the displeased Second Hokage, he slowly explained.

The various cultural awards promoted by the Hokage and the Second Hokage have begun to show their effect, and more and more people from other countries are starting to choose to watch.

Even the Wind Country, Earth Country, and Lightning Country, along with the small countries allied with them, are trying to find ways to stop it, but they are already too late and find it hard to do anything.

The public opinion machine has already started up; some things will gradually take root in people's hearts; we have already seized the initiative, and now we only need to slowly wait for an opportunity.

Everything Minato said is what Yuzhi wanted to express; over these years, Yuzhi's public opinion campaign conducted through the Leaf Village has indeed achieved tremendous results.

Although Yuzhi cannot achieve the point of secretly controlling the world, selling arms, exporting weapons, and plunging other countries into chaos.

But 'mastering culture and the propaganda machine, using books, films, and universal values to export to other countries and change their people's minds,' he can still try.

These methods, before Yuzhi's transmigration, could basically be considered as exposing some countries' ID numbers, but here they are still especially useful.

Under the Leaf Village's covert cultivation and large-scale funding, various writers began to emerge, and cultural awards also began to appear.

Some authors invited by the Leaf Village initially were unwilling to cooperate due to issues of integrity, but under the Leaf Village's strong 'offensive'.

They could only say 'He gives too much,' and 'You guys judge people really well.'

As for those 'stubborn die-hards,' they basically can only spend their twilight years in the Land of Fire.

This is not that he can no longer write anything at all, and his channels of expression are gone; even wanting to leave is impossible.

Yuzhi is not that ruthless, after all he knows some things need a 'counterargument' to generate heat.

As long as they control public opinion and steer the wind well, the result will still head in the direction they want.

Thus these people are becoming increasingly incapable, basically in a half 'has-been' state.

Cultural publicity in books has been quite effective, and Yuzhi is also continuously pushing in the film aspect.

Over these years, various demonstrations of the Land of Fire's prosperous life, as well as various villages with good relations to the Leaf Village, have cooperated with the Leaf Village to begin filming movies.

These shoots basically revolve around the theme of Leaf Village ninjas 'defeating enemies, saving the village'; this is not because Yuzhi doesn't want to film something deeper, but rather the time hasn't come yet.

He originally also wanted to go big right from the start, but he knows some things need to be done step by step.

Only by letting others gradually accept his 'idea' can he further advance; otherwise, going big right from the start will only backfire.

"Hmph, if you don't take action against those small countries, those big country ninja villages will only go even further."

Senju Tobirama saw that no one was on his side, he felt somewhat awkward, and he let out a cold snort before speaking.

"Now the small countries following us have already undergone earth-shattering changes; if you don't seize this opportunity well, what on earth are you thinking?"

"It's just to let other small countries also see, so it will be better."

Yuzhi shrugged, he laughed and asked.

"Don't you know, sometimes if you force something on them, it won't have a good result; instead, letting them see and think for themselves will yield better results."

"Distance creates beauty; what is visible yet untouchable will be the heart's greatest longing, an unchanging white moonlight, right?"

"Moreover, sometimes we don't need to rush them to join so quickly; letting them stir up trouble in their own countries isn't better?"

Senju Tobirama hearing these words couldn't help but shake his head; these principles he certainly knows, but he just feels the time has come to take action.

Yuzhi playing house like this is not what he wants, especially since he knows there are still external enemies; this is the key for him to want to accelerate the integration of the ninja world.

However, Yuzhi's policy direction is not wrong, after all the internal situation of other small countries is basically unstable.

The small countries following the Leaf Village are developing beyond imagination; with the Leaf Village's help, various mineral resources have been developed, and the Leaf Village has also carried out large-scale infrastructure construction.

This has created an unknown number of jobs, also giving the people of the Land of Fire and those small countries stable work and more income.

This is also why they can idle away reading books or go to the cinema to watch movies.

Usually, they never even dared to think about these things, because they couldn't even fill their stomachs, let alone have the energy to ponder these issues.

Just a few years' time, under the Leaf Village's impetus they have undergone such huge changes; this change makes other small countries that were originally just as destitute how could they not envy?

Especially the Rain Country, this most special of small countries.

The Rain Country handles a strategic location; everyone knows the Leaf Village has designs on it, and the major ninja villages are the same, so it ends up appearing indecisive.

On one hand he accepts the Leaf Village's aid; on the other hand he also mixes with the other four great countries, but it seems everyone worries he might turn his head and lean to the other side.

Therefore everyone tacitly accepts his approach, but now what makes the other great countries uneasy is that the Rain Country, leveraging this advantage, is developing extremely fast.

Moreover, the Rain Country has become like a nail embedded in their side, continuously outputting everything the Leaf Village wants to output.

It is precisely because of their existence that the other effects become increasingly unpleasant; that is, because of them, the Leaf Village's books and movies flow unimpeded into their territory.

Seeing the former 'poor brothers' Rain Country now developed, the other effects naturally have ideas; this is also understandable.

"Forget it, you always have a bunch of fallacious reasoning."

Senju Tobirama really didn't know what to say; in the end he couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"I only hope you don't forget that we still have a more important enemy; they are the crisis we must face, even a catastrophe!"

"I naturally won't forget; these years I have indeed been diligent."

Yuzhi hearing Senju Tobirama's words couldn't help but laugh and shake his head.

"How about you, how are you now? How's the research on Reanimation Jutsu going? How's the cultists' research? When do you plan to revive? When will your big brother revive?"

Yuzhi's series of verbal barbs made Senju Tobirama's face darker; he simply didn't know how to answer.

To this day he still hasn't fully revived, because his research isn't up to par, so he has never taken any action.

As for his older brother, although he has an idea, how to 'patch together' a body suitable for his older brother, but due to insufficient materials he feels he can't reach the required strength, so he hasn't continued.

"Keep at it; maybe you don't need full-power revival to still produce decent results."

Yuzhi stood up, he lightly stretched and then laughed.

"Perhaps at that time, using the 'Self Rebirth' technique, your older brother could be fully revived."

"No, everything needs to be taken seriously; I don't want results like 'roughly' or 'perhaps'!"

Senju Tobirama directly shook his head, he glared at Yuzhi and said.

"Then suit yourself, I won't accompany you."

Yuzhi was too lazy to keep talking with Senju Tobima, glanced at the time, and then prepared to leave.

"The movie I'm producing is about to be released; no matter what, I have to go see it. Minato, I think you said you'd go too?"

"Yeah, Kushina, Naruto, and I will go together."

Minato nodded, probably because of Yuzhi's strict involvement; movies of this era had become vastly different from the original work.

At least they wouldn't be something the ninjas would instantly deem fake.

For example, a Fire Release that burns a crowd to death.

"You bunch of guys."

Senju Tobima, seeing Yuzhi and Minato's attitude, felt rather powerless; he shook his head helplessly and didn't bother saying more.

He no longer dared to call Yuzhi a "lazy dog Hokage," because the facts showed that this Hokage truly performed better than him!

Whether in political achievements or Yuzhi's personal strength—

"Back already?"

"Yeah, let's go. Grab a meal and then watch the movie."

At Yuzhi's house, Hikari, still wearing the signature Yuzhi long robe, Yuzhi stroked his chin.

"Can't you consider changing clothes, like a kimono or something?"

"No."

Hikari, hearing Yuzhi's words, was instantly a bit displeased; she pursed her lips before speaking.

"You have the nerve to mention a kimono—last time that custom‑made, expensive kimono was torn by you, you pervert."

"Just buy another after tearing it; it's no big deal."

Yuzhi shrugged; actually, whatever Hikari wears looks equally good, and Yuzhi himself is already rather unkempt.

He doesn't like wearing kimono; wherever he goes he's in the Uchiha standard battle attire or robe, at most draped in the "Hokage's Divine Robe."

After all, being good‑looking, whatever he wears looks the same.

Yet their attire has influenced countless Uchiha clan members, and even many Leaf Village clothing shops were forced to produce similar styles.

As a result, despite lacking a clan crest, the plain, single‑colored robe or battle garb became a bestseller in the Leaf Village.

"You really are something—are clothes meant to be torn?"

Hikari seemed to have long accepted Yuzhi's "unusual" hobby; hearing that, she asked, both annoyed and amused.

"I won't do anything to others, but you—I'm sure I will."

Yuzhi, shamelessly, nodded, then walked leisurely while laughing.

"Come to think of it, should we make a movie about ourselves as a commemoration, like 'The Hokage's Love Story'?"

The idea wasn't surprising; after all, someone had indeed suggested Yuzhi flip a card on his own story.

His story is truly inspirational, from an Uchiha teen whose school life was "far from ideal," once the "last in class."

Step by step surviving battlefields, he became Chief of the Police Department, Clan Leader of the Uchiha, and now the Fifth Hokage!

Such an inspiring tale would surely motivate more people to work harder.

The proposal made Yuzhi ponder, even wondering whether to make a "Young Yuzhi."

The opening would be Yuzhi's ninja school life being less than ideal?

Anyway, it does fit reality, doesn't it.

"We'll talk about that later, such things."

Hikari gently shook her head; strictly speaking, she's not really "Uchiha Ying," even though she's grown accustomed to using that name, she doesn't know much about "Ying."

If any mishap occurs later, it would be hard to explain, and she doesn't want to cause Yuzhi any trouble.

Even if she knows, no one would ever come looking for trouble with Yuzhi.

"Fine, whatever you say."

Yuzhi didn't mind; watching the sea of people on the street, he couldn't help but shake his head lightly.

"There are really a lot of people; looks like we can fetch a good price. But after this matter ends, we also have to make a trip to the Moon."

"The Moon?"

Hikari tilted her head, then gave a slight nod.

"Are you ready?"

"Not me—it's you."

Yuzhi smiled and said to Hikari.

"My Indra's Power is too strong, causing my Asura's Power to be unbalanced. Although I feel it's also speeding up, I'd like to test your condition."

Over the years, Yuzhi and Hikari's growth continued steadily.

Back then, Yuzhi, relying on the Seeking Dao Jewel, defeated the members of the Akatsuki Organization and even broke off one arm of the heretical golem controlled by Nagato.

Even though Nagato held back and never intended to fight to the death, Yuzhi learned his own strength from that encounter.

At that level of strength, he could be certain that unless Nagato undergoes another super‑evolution and the heretical golem devours a tailed‑beast's power, this era should have no major enemies for now.

Unless Madara Uchiha, who possesses the Rinnegan, truly revives.

Only that the current Madara Uchiha was outpaced by Yuzhi; these years he has been staying on the Moon, merely steadily training (beating up) Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji.

Obito's last operation, unsurprisingly, aimed to seize the Impure World Reincarnation, but after another failure he finally settled down.

After being beaten head‑on by Yuzhi, Hikari, Shisui, and even Minato and Kakashi, he truly found it hard to stir up any trouble; he really needed to settle down.

Yet while he settles, Yuzhi and Hikari keep moving forward, and so does Shisui.

With Yuzhi's help, the current Shisui has also awakened the Eternal Eye, though his progress is considerably slower than Yuzhi's and Hikari's.

As for Yuzhi and Hikari, they have gone far along the Bloodline Limit path; by now they have mastered Flame Release, Scorch Release, Melt Release, as well as Storm Release, Ice Release, and Magnet Release!

It can be said that now they only lack the completion of Yin‑Yang Release fusion; once achieved, they can take the final step and realize the Bloodline Net!

However, their progress in fusing their own genes and bloodlines was not as fast as imagined.

However, this is no big deal; as long as the powers of Indra and Asura are fused, everything can be worked out.

The Samsara Eye is the starting point for them to reach a higher stage, not the end.

Only by fusing the bloodline net and merging their own bloodlines into one is this truly what they seek to achieve—the Six Paths.

This is their Stairway to Godhood!

"Oh, it seems this time I'll be faster than you."

Hearing this, Hikari couldn't help but laugh.

"How does it feel like we're back then? Back then you didn't have the Mangekyou Sharingan, but I already had it."

"Yes, yes, just like back then, you're ahead of me."

Yuzhi shrugged indifferently, then he said with a wicked smile.

"Since you're already ahead of me, how about you take the lead from now on?"

"Me on top?"

Hikari froze for a moment, not reacting right away, while Yuzhi continued to smile.

"Exactly, you on top, fully automatic?"

"You, you're really a pervert!"