Chapter 61: Yuzhi in the Spotlight

Leaf Village, Hokage's office.

Sarutobi Rizhan was holding a pipe, looking at the report sent from the front lines.

Although these matters didn't really have to be handled entirely by him, he had long been accustomed to overseeing everything.

He even preferred to deal with any matter personally rather than delegate it to subordinates.

He also knew that his approach might displease some people.

But he still preferred to do it himself, because only then could he better control the situation.

After all, Leaf Village's development over the years had filled him with confidence.

"I hope the front lines yield a good result; those Mist Village guys are truly restless."

Sarutobi Rizhan murmured to himself, then opened the scroll and read it quickly; within moments his face showed a delighted expression.

"Has the negotiation progressed? It looks like the war with Rock Village is really about to end."

The war with Rock Village could be said to be the fiercest and most costly conflict Leaf Village has fought in recent years.

The end of this war means Leaf Village can finally breathe a sigh of relief!

How could this news not make him feel glad?

But as he read further, his complexion gradually changed, and the initial joy slowly faded.

In its place came a look of deep thought and solemnity.

"A mysterious person suspected of possessing Wood Release, an orphan of the Uzumaki Clan?"

He truly hadn't expected so many twists to appear on the front‑line battlefield.

Having an Uzumaki orphan in Grass Hidden Village wasn't unusual; after all, the Uzumaki Clan scattered in exile, so they could turn up anywhere.

Since they've encountered one, they can simply bring them back through diplomatic means.

But the mysterious person suspected of having Wood Release is a different matter!

Wood Release holds an extraordinary significance for Leaf Village; back then they even conducted Wood Release experiments.

However, that experiment ran into serious problems and was ultimately halted by him.

"Could it be Tuan Zang?"

For some reason, Sarutobi Rizhan immediately thought of Tuan Zang.

"No, it shouldn't be him."

Although that mysterious person attacked Yuzhi and his group, which seems to fit Tuan Zang's style.

But on closer thought, Tuan Zang could simply have reported Yuzhi's movements to Rock Village.

Tuan Zang may not be very clever, but he isn't that stupid, right?

"If it's not Tuan Zang, then who could it be?"

This mysterious person truly gave him a headache, and he was determined to investigate thoroughly!

Yet in the end, that mysterious person was defeated by Yuzhi's hand.

Yuzhi's performance this time was what truly left him astonished.

To put it bluntly, all of the above matters are connected to that guy!

He not only defeated Mist Village and Rock Village, but also that mysterious person, and he also uncovered information about the Uzumaki orphan.

It can be said that this kid's individual contribution outweighs that of everyone else who took part in the mission!

"That brat actually has such high talent,"

Sarutobi Rizhan still recalls that Yuzhi's school life was far from ideal.

But ever since he awakened the Sharingan, things have become completely different.

With such talent and performance, even Kakashi pales in comparison!

Having a prodigy in Leaf Village is indeed a good thing, but the problem is Yuzhi is a Uchiha.

Sarutobi Rizhan witnessed a near‑apocalyptic battle in his youth, and his teacher always told him, "Be wary of the Uchiha."

"Because Uchiha people are too extreme, too easy to lose control,"

Just as he was deep in thought, the office door swung open, and Tuan Zang rushed in hurriedly.

"Rizhan! Have you read today's report?"

Seeing Tuan Zang like that, Sarutobi Rizhan helplessly rubbed his forehead.

He knew that trouble had arrived again—

"I didn't expect this kid to have grown to this level yet."

Within the Uchiha Clan, Uzhibo ChaNa looked at a report in his hand.

The report was sent back by the clan's front‑line ninja, and it contained Yuzhi's detailed front‑line records.

Whether it was Yuzhi's performance on the battlefield or his meeting with Uchiha Fugaku,

Uzhibo ChaNa was especially satisfied with Yuzhi's performance, both the Mist Village covert and Rock Village.

It can be said that Yuzhi fully displayed his talent!

What displeased him was that Yuzhi actually went to meet Uchiha Fugaku.

Even though he knew Yuzhi could not refuse,

"It seems the kid's wings are gradually hardening; we need to produce some tangible benefits,"

Uzhibo ChaNa naturally understood some of Yuzhi's grievances and also knew one could not expect others to readily sacrifice their loyalty.

After all, without careful cultivation, demanding such things is rather unrealistic.

Yet, as a fellow Uchiha, bearing the clan's bloodline honor and power, serving the clan is, in his view, only natural!

Perhaps earlier Yuzhi only showed a hint of talent; he could have just drawn a picture and given a little something.

Now that Yuzhi has demonstrated the ability to fulfill his talent, he must produce something concrete.

"You said you wanted to get that Sharingan back, so I'll push harder."

He let out a light laugh, then set the report down, and stood up to look at the birdcage hanging from a branch in the courtyard.

Birds may always wish to soar, but a bird that has a bond is still better suited to show itself inside a cage. —

"Brother Stillwater, we're heading back soon."

At the front line, Stillwater was sitting on the camp's lawn, staring blankly into the distance, his thoughts unknown.

Just then, Itachi Uchiha's voice rang from behind him, snapping him back to attention.

"It's Itachi, huh."

Stillwater turned his head, a smile inevitably appearing on his face, then he nodded.

"Alright, I understand. The negotiations are about to end, peace is imminent, we can return."

"Brother Stillwater, have you known this all along?"

Itachi let out a sigh upon hearing Stillwater's words, then asked with some puzzlement.

"Brother Stillwater, you seem to have something on your mind—what's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

Stillwater shook his head, but soon he seemed to recall something, and whispered.

"Itachi, I recall you and the Clan Leader have both met senior Yuzhi, right?"

"Yes," Itachi nodded.

"Then, what do you think of him?" Stillwater immediately followed up.

Stillwater and Yuzhi belong to different factions, and because of the elders behind them, they have no contact at all.

After all, to those who seek peace, the Uzhibo ChaNa lot are simply too extreme.

But as Yuzhi's performance improves, he has even become a hero of Leaf Village now.

Moreover, he has friends everywhere in Leaf Village, his reputation remains stellar, leaving Stillwater and those elders behind him somewhat bewildered.

Is this guy truly a member of the Eagle Faction?

Actually, it's not only Uzhibo ChaNa who wants Yuzhi to meet and learn about Stillwater; the Pigeon Faction shares a similar intention.

After all, they're from the same family; even if the motives aren't pure, it's to understand the family's situation.

Stillwater took part in this operation not only to help Uchiha Fugaku earn merit, but also on a mission to "understand" Yuzhi.

He considered directly approaching Yuzhi, but before that he wanted to gather more information.

"I don't know either."

What Stillwater didn't expect was that Itachi, upon hearing the question, helplessly shook his head.

"I couldn't make sense of his conversation with Father, but it seems they reached some agreement,"

"However, Father also told me not to associate with him, because he's no ordinary person."

"He didn't say much else; perhaps I must ponder it myself."

"Is that so?" Stillwater replied with a hint of helplessness, having essentially no usable information.

But he made up his mind: it's better to make contact.

Completing the mission is secondary; he also wants to learn about this family and the Leaf Village hero! —

【New Side Quest obtained】

While bantering with Hikari, Yuzhi suddenly received a system message in his mind, causing him to pause briefly.

【1. Confront Stillwater's challenge and eliminate him】

【2. Confront Stillwater's challenge, defeat him, and leave a lasting impression】

【Unknown Task Reward】

"."

(End of chapter)