Chapter 77: New Main Plot, Light's Gift (Ten‑Thousand‑Word Chapter)

Pushing open Yuzhi's house door, Uchiha Mikoto inhaled deeply, then, with obvious tear marks on her face and a slightly staggering step, walked out.

Everything she experienced today could be called a nightmare.

When she heard the words, "Madam, you don't want your child affected because of that man," she could no longer bear it.

Unfortunately, Yuzhi is a demon, and she still remembers the demon's words.

"Crying? Crying is also a stance; madam, are you refusing?"

After hearing that, she dared not cry; the reason she couldn't endure it was that Yuzhi mentioned her child.

It was a direct hit to her soft spot; her only desire now is her child's safety.

Therefore, no matter how much resentment or humiliation she feels, she must endure it.

"Then wipe it yourself; I will keep my promise. As long as you keep my words in mind, nothing will happen."

Recalling the tissue Yuzhi casually handed over and his words, Mikoto clenched her fist.

The death of Uchiha Fugaku hit her hard, but it was still within her capacity to bear.

After all, she had once been an outstanding ninja, participated in frontline missions, witnessed the cruelty of war, and seen plenty of death.

Her endurance was far stronger than she had imagined.

But if anyone laid a hand on her child, that would utterly cross her final line, something she could never tolerate!

"But he probably wouldn't harm You."

The autumn wind continuously brushed her long hair; though her mind was chaotic, she forced herself to calm down and kept pondering her current situation.

After careful thought, she seemed to reach a reliable conclusion.

"He still doesn't want to make a big fuss; after all, the clan's top members are all dead, which has caused a huge negative impact in Leaf Village.

Especially it has greatly affected other families, so he won't act against me and You; he must let us live."

With the Clan Leader dead, if any family members cause trouble now, the situation would become very serious.

The ugly behavior will displease all families in Leaf Village; you dared to do this today, so will my family dare to imitate it tomorrow?

It can be said that if they don't want to be excluded from the village by the Leaf ninja clan system, then Mikoto and her group are absolutely safe!

"He dares to tell me the truth; perhaps on one hand he truly gained the clan's approval, what Clan Leader Fugaku did."

Uchiha Mikoto kept pondering, but upon reaching this point she couldn't help sighing.

As for how Uchiha Fugaku, the Clan Leader, truly is, she couldn't evaluate him, but she knew the two major factions within the clan were sharply divided.

Perhaps the only comforting thing is that those elders who split the clan also died together.

"Besides that, he probably assumes that if he deceives me, he might temporarily gain my trust."

She thought to herself silently, soon guessing some things.

"But if in the future I uncover the truth, and he doesn't know my situation, I will have a chance for revenge.

He says it outright, which clearly tells me he will keep an eye on me, or rather on us."

Mikoto's analytical ability remains strong; she seemed to have guessed Yuzhi's thoughts.

Just thinking this far made her even more helpless; this is a warning, and with these words many things need not be said.

For example, if she were to reveal these matters to Leaf Village, or to her good friend Kushina, etc.

As long as she dares to speak, tragedy will definitely unfold!

"So, can I only endure now?"

Feeling her body still a bit stiff, especially her legs still somewhat uncoordinated, she couldn't help lowering her head.

When Yuzhi activated the Mangekyou Sharingan, the cold, destruction‑filled aura locked onto her completely, and she truly felt death so close.

Even now, her body hasn't recovered; those eyes were truly terrifying.

She lifted her head, gazed at the sunset glow on the horizon, and after a while she sighed.

"It seems I can only endure."

——

"You villain, you seem to be enjoying this quite a bit, don't you?"

In Yuzhi's room, Hikari's silhouette had already appeared, but her gaze at Yuzhi now seemed somewhat off.

"Although what you said sounds normal, for some reason the more I think about it, the more something feels off."

"Madam, you also want"—does that line work? It's something often seen in mysterious series.

Yuzhi muttered a retort in his mind, yet he still opened his mouth and spouted nonsense.

"You clearly got it wrong; this is just to dispel some of her unrealistic ideas and also remind yourself that she knows the truth, and I won't let my guard down."

"Just kill her outright, why go through this?"

Hikari was a bit confused; she had no sympathy for these so‑called higher‑ups.

"Kill her, that's my mission."

Yuzhi, hearing how heavily Hikari's murderous intent weighed, could only sigh helplessly, then he slowly explained.

"Don't want to be excluded from the village by other ninja clan systems?"

Hikari looked at Yuzhi with a half‑understanding expression, then after a while shook his head.

"Fine, you always have an excuse; I can't understand this, honestly I have no idea what you cram into your head all day."

Nine years of compulsory education, three years of high school, four years of university, plus N years of beating in society and the ninja world.

Yuzhi thought to himself, his own experiences were quite interesting.

If Ziraiye studied and wrote a book in the ninja world, it might become a bestseller, though the title might be hard to think of.

"Enough about that; she won't be our threat, so rest assured."

Yuzhi didn't dwell on it; he had already shown her his strength and clearly told her where the 'boundary' lay.

And she still cares so much about her child; as long as she hasn't completely gone mad, she won't foolishly do things she shouldn't.

Of course, Yuzhi will later assign someone to keep an eye on certain matters; you can't be without a guard against others.

"By the way, didn't you say you were going to give me something earlier?"

"Hmm, I do intend to give you something."

Hikari nodded, and then her expression grew serious.

"But thinking it over, I still need some time to make a few adjustments.

Because I don't want to cause a misunderstanding between us, but I believe the thing I give you can help you."

"Is that so?"

Yuzhi heard that and became genuinely curious.

She said it so solemnly, worrying about a misunderstanding yet offering help—what exactly is Hikari going to do?

"Will it have any effect on you?"

"No."

"Tell me the truth."

"It might consume some eye power, but don't worry, there won't be any problem."

Hearing Hikari say that, Yuzhi hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't ask further.

Uchiha Clan members can be truly stubborn at times; once they decide to help you or give you something, even if you refuse, they'll still present it.

And if they don't want to say something, asking won't help, and there's no need to ask, because in the end they'll say it themselves.

"It will consume eye power; could it be some ability of her eye technique?"

Yuzhi muttered to himself, finding it highly interesting; the two major eye techniques Hikari is now displaying are probably a "fusion of Itachi and Sasuke".

If nothing unexpected occurs, these are likely transplanted, so what eye technique belongs to her remains unknown.

This time, perhaps he can obtain some information.

Shaking his head, Yuzhi no longer paid attention to the matter; now he was more focused on his system rewards.

Because at that moment, his system interface refreshed again—

【Main Quest Completed: He Can Take His Place】

【Reward Obtained: Glorious Evolution】

【Adapt to the current world; when the host's power reaches a certain limit, you can choose a focus for enhancement】

【Selectable Areas: Body, Mind, Chakra】

【Evolution Times: 3】

Glorious Evolution?

Yuzhi was stunned when he saw this reward, because the name seemed somewhat familiar.

And when he suddenly recalled where he had heard the name, his face darkened instantly.

"I guess I don't have three hands, nor any intention of mechanical ascension, right?"

If nothing unexpected occurs, this ability likely comes from that three‑handed Victor, after all I already have an ability from Cinderella.

Nevertheless, the help this ability provides warmed Yuzhi's heart.

Although this ability seems inferior to "Zhuo Er Extraordinary", after all "Zhuo Er Extraordinary" can directly enhance his eyes.

But as Yuzhi delved deeper into this ability, he suddenly realized it is by no means worse than "Zhuo Er Extraordinary"!

"'Zhuo Er Extraordinary' targets my bloodline and my eyes, whereas this one places more emphasis on my basic conditions."

A ninja's most important fundamentals are naturally the body, spirit power, and chakra, and the body and spirit can actually be regarded as "Shadow Release" and "Sun Release".

Every ninja actually possesses these two techniques, but manifesting them is unimaginably difficult.

Aside from certain secret arts and bloodline limits that can manifest them, most others can only passively employ these two techniques.

"Simply put, these two options, in a sense, also enhance my Shadow Release and Sun Release!"

Shadow Release's boost to the Uchiha Clan is self‑evident; the Sharingan is the ultimate product and manifestation of Shadow Release.

And Sun Release is the most important foundational ability of the Senju One Clan; even without any technique to manifest it, their powerful physical traits already inspire envy.

The most typical example is ZhuZhang; this guy's physical condition is so strong it makes one's scalp tingle.

That ultimate Sun Release forged his extremely durable body, granting him incredible power and also an unimaginable healing ability.

Yuzhi actually doubted it; when he defeated Madara, besides being slightly stronger than Madara—after all, "True Senju" was used, and both Madara and the Nine‑Tails were beaten.

Also, his perverse body, after all, recovers even while fighting.

"Although I can't reach ZhuZhang's level, after all I don't have such a body, but once upgraded, I will also gain a massive boost."

The exact recovery ability remains unspoken for now, but speed, strength, and other aspects are certainly expected to improve.

Besides that, the durability trait will definitely increase rapidly, after all his physique comes from Akai.

Akai's physique is somewhat wasted in his hands, because his fighting style is vastly different from Akai's.

He focuses more on technique, trying to avoid excessive bodily collisions, pursuing a one‑hit‑kill combat style.

Akai, on the other hand, is more about big openings and closures, constantly seeking bodily contact.

But anyway, this durability trait is crucial wherever it is, after all Yuzhi can't guarantee he won't be hit!

As for chakra, according to his understanding, this improves the quality of chakra.

Simply put, to execute a technique with the intended power you need to use a certain amount of chakra.

But if your chakra quality is high enough, you can use only half—or even less—and still achieve the intended effect.

If you wish, you can use more chakra to make the technique's power greater.

"It somewhat overlaps with my eye technique, but pairing them can save my consumption."

Yuzhi pondered silently; his mood was genuinely especially pleasant.

The Side Quest rewards were already quite good, but the Main Quest was even more insane.

It's just that the main quest's difficulty is relatively greater, and the time and effort required to complete it are unimaginable.

This time the main quest was completed quickly; most importantly, he encountered a good opportunity, and his own strength met the standard while also uncovering Hikari.

If it weren't for Kakashi's eye and Hikari's assistance, it would take him a very long time to reach this step.

Anyway, he must wait for Zhi Shui to grow and be willing to go crazy with him before he has a chance.

"But now, it seems I have no quests; am I being lazy?"

Currently his tasks have basically been cleared, and the main quest has just been completed, leaving him momentarily confused.

【Acquired new main quest】

【Generating quest details】

However, just as he thought that, his system suddenly refreshed the interface.

Seeing this, Yuzhi couldn't help his mouth twitching; he only thought briefly, and it actually appeared?

But that's fine; having a current main quest, at least he knows what his direction of effort is.

And he can slowly begin preparations to complete this main quest.

"As long as it's not my first main quest 'Survive' again, that's fine."

Yuzhi's first main quest is very simple, but such simple tasks are often the hardest.

On the battlefield, no one can be sure they will remain safe, especially since he is just a fresh 'cannon fodder'.

Just as he was pondering, his quest finally refreshed.

【New main quest acquired】

【How can a true man be gloomy and stay beneath others for long】

"."

"You are the savior of this world, Chang Men."

"Mi Yan!"

Rain Country, within its eternally unchanging rain curtain.

Xiao Nan let out a heart-wrenching scream, while Chang Men stood there, stunned.

In front of him, Mi Yan leaned on him, speaking haltingly, and his body slowly slid down to the ground.

And in Chang Men's hand, a Kunai was soaked in fresh blood.

Blood vessels rose in his Reincarnation Eye, and a cold, desperate chakra emanated from him.

"What about those eyes, what's going on?"

On the hillside, Tuan Zang and Ban Zang stood together, having formed an alliance.

What Tuan Zang needs is simple: to inform Leaf Village in writing that if he can become Hokage, they will ally with Leaf Village.

Ban Zang's demand is also simple and clear: he asks Tuan Zang to help him eliminate a rising force within Rain Country that even threatens him.

Regarding this request, Tuan Zang didn't take it to heart and even looked down on Ban Zang.

A small faction or organization can threaten him, which shows Ban Zang's control is inadequate.

But he doesn't see any problem; any force that affects his rule, regardless of who they are or what they think.

Just erase them; there's no need to think further!

"But why do that kid's eyes give me an uneasy feeling?"

Tuan Zang muttered in his mind, and the next moment, when he saw that kid rush up to rescue someone, he immediately dodged together with Ban Zang.

Ban Zang wouldn't miss such an opportunity; while Chang Men was rescuing, he immediately used a pre‑buried detonator sigil to ambush Chang Men!

"Is it over?"

Tuan Zang thought to himself, but amid the smoke, he clearly sensed that the kid had already escaped.

"Tuan Zang, it's time to fulfill your promise."

Ban Zang naturally noticed as well; he turned his head and said to the Tuan Zang beside him.

"No need for you to remind me; I understand naturally."

Tuan Zang snorted coldly, but still nodded.

When the smoke cleared, they all coldly stared at Chang Men and the other two, while at that moment Chang Men emitted a cold aura.

His legs were already covered with burns, yet he still stood within the rain curtain.

He placed Xiao Nan on the ground, and the next moment his gaze, cold, turned toward the people above.

Images of Mi Yan's past flashed in his mind, but at this moment his close friend had already become a cold corpse.

"You all... should die!"

His voice was especially indifferent, and his Reincarnation Eye was so icy.

Seeing this, Tuan Zang felt a sudden unease, and so did Ban Zang beside him!

"Let's act."

"Act!"

The two issued orders almost simultaneously; when faced with such instability, erasing it quickly prevents prolonged trouble.

Yet Chang Men also moved at this moment; previously, when he was with Mi Yan, he deliberately avoided his Reincarnation Eye.

Because the power of these eyes is too terrifying, he dared not use them lightly, fearing unimaginable consequences.

Moreover, having been taught by Ziraiye and advised by Mi Yan, he was willing to try communicating to avoid fighting.

He believes that as long as he follows Mi Yan and helps Mi Yan, everything will get better.

But now everything has changed; this world is never that beautiful—the essence of this world is nothing but hell!

"Spiritual Communication Technique: Heretical Golem!"

At the moment when the Rain Village ninjas and the Root ninjas were about to arrive beside him, his technique had already been completed.

In an instant, a surge of chakra filled with destruction exploded!

Accompanied by a hoarse roar, a monster as huge as a mountain suddenly burst out of the ground.

"Ah!"

With a single horizontal sweep of the monster's hands, the ninjas who had just approached him were instantly wiped out.

And the monster slowly crawled out from underground, its ferocious visage resembling that of an evil spirit!

"What is that?"

The demonic statue of the Outer Path, like an evil spirit, roared wildly, causing the earth and the rain curtain to tremble violently.

Seeing this, Danzo also became somewhat frightened; such a turn of events was not what he wanted to see!

"Is it the power of those eyes; what exactly are those eyes?"

Suddenly, Danzo thought of a possibility, and his gaze instantly became greedy at this moment.

Just watching, Nagato suddenly linked with that monster, his body quickly withering, bones faintly visible beneath his skin.

His gaze then slightly calmed; this self-destructive ability seemed not really suitable for him.

"However, since I, the old man, have encountered it, I cannot let it go."

Danzo quickly made a decision in his heart, and he directly whispered to the nearby You Nv Longma.

"Tell them to end the battle as quickly as possible; also, I want his eyes."

But before his words had finished, the next moment, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path roared.

A translucent dragon soul shot out from the mouth of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, flying wildly toward everyone!

Anyone whom this dragon soul brushed past almost instantly collapsed heavily to the ground, as if they had lost their soul.

And Nagato had already become like a madman, intending to let no one go!

At this moment, Danzo's expression finally changed. —

"It's truly spectacular; is this the power of the Rinnegan?"

In the alternate space, Obito was calmly watching this scene together with Black Zetsu.

This scene was something they had long awaited, and it was also the most crucial step in their plan.

"Exactly, this is the power of the Rinnegan."

Black Zetsu nodded, then he somewhat flatteringly said to Obito.

"Your genjutsu is getting stronger; you can silently influence someone like Hanzo, and you've grown a lot."

"Hanzo originally had such an idea; I merely followed his train of thought, letting him expand all of this."

Obito shook his head indifferently and spoke nonchalantly.

"Moreover, Danzo's arrival intensified his inner desire, so all of this is simple; I merely let him use a more extreme method."

After being rejected by Yahiko, Obito has held a grudge, constantly thinking about how to make Yahiko die.

With Danzo's arrival plus Hanzo's ambition, he got an opportunity: he wanted Nagato to personally kill Yahiko.

Only then would Nagato's heart completely collapse, and only then would he accept what he had previously said.

"But no matter what, you have accomplished something ordinary people cannot imagine; that is practically a half-god Hanzo."

Although Black Zetsu felt his own words were somewhat disgusting, he still continued to smile and speak.

"It doesn't matter now; I am Madara Uchiha!"

Obito seemingly did not take Hanzo seriously; after long study, and with his own body better fused with White Absolute Cells.

Furthermore, his use of dōjutsu is more refined; he now confidently faces anyone and will not be at a great disadvantage!

Of course, this might not include Yuzhi.

Obito still remembers that he was injured by Yuzhi slicing through space, an incident he will never forget.

"By the way, how is the investigation of the person beside Yuzhi going?"

"For now, there isn't much information, but that woman is not ordinary."

Whenever Yuzhi is mentioned, Black Zetsu feels somewhat helpless; he knows Obito hates this person intensely, but constantly thinking about them seems not quite right, does it?

However, having some obsession is not bad; at least it ensures they keep moving forward.

According to his preset trajectory.

"Looks like, after this matter, I will personally go to the Leaf Village."

Obito listened to Black Zetsu's words, fell silent for a moment, then spoke indifferently.

"Besides, aside from the person beside Yuzhi, I also remember that the Leaf Village has the Nine-Tails, so I can investigate that as well."

The Leaf Village is an eternal pain in his heart; this village that completely forgot him must necessarily do something in this false world.

Madara Uchiha's plan is to collect the tailed beasts; although the time hasn't come yet, doing something in advance seems not a big deal.

"Forget it, that's for later."

Obito shook his head, and his gaze after death once again turned to the battlefield where the fighting had already subsided.

Beneath his mask, his face finally revealed a smile at this moment.

"Do you feel the world's falseness, do you feel that this world is nothing but an illusory hell?"

"Welcome your arrival, Nagato."

——

Inside the Leaf Village, the autumn breeze blew gently.

Yuzhi brought Hikari, and together with Kakashi and Rin, they headed toward Minato Namikaze's house.

After being cooped up at home for nearly half a month, Yuzhi finally finished dealing with the matters that needed to be handled.

And his eyes had long since returned to normal; he also needed to visit this future Fourth Hokage.

"Yuzhi, Hikari, I truly didn't expect such a huge incident to arise in your family; please accept my condolences."

Lin walked beside them, watching Yuzhi and Hikari, and spoke softly.

"I've always wanted to visit you before, but unfortunately we weren't allowed to enter; I'm truly sorry."

Upon hearing Lin's words, Yuzhi and Hikari's expressions both turned a bit odd.

Hikari might still feel a bit embarrassed, but Yuzhi's mind began to complain.

There's nothing to apologize for, and nothing to lament.

After all, the culprit is right before your eyes, so everyone's mood is fine.

"Thank you, Lin."

Hikari pursed her lips, and finally gave Lin a smile.

"Thank you, but rest assured, this matter has nothing to do with us."

Yuzhi shrugged his shoulders and opened his mouth.

"After all, the Clan Leader, elders and such are big figures, completely unrelated to us minor characters."

Hearing this, Hikari couldn't help but glance at him.

She realized Yuzhi was spouting nonsense—calling himself a minor figure, then delivering a heavy punch at the big shots?

"It's fine as long as nothing's wrong; indeed those people have nothing to do with Yuzhi."

Kakashi saw that Yuzhi hadn't shown much emotional change despite the family's upheaval, which greatly reassured him.

After all, in his eyes, Yuzhi is one of his best friends, and he doesn't want Yuzhi to encounter problems.

"By the way, Yuzhi, are you going to take this Jonin exam? You still seem to be a Chunin, right?"

"Sigh, I thought Yuzhi had already become a Jonin."

Lin was also a bit surprised; after all, Yuzhi is a hero of Leaf Village, so it seems odd that he's still a Chunin.

"I'm still a Chunin, but I should be able to pass the exam smoothly this time."

Yuzhi smiled, then asked curiously.

"By the way, who are the participants in this exam, and do you know the exact deadline date?"

"The deadline needs to be asked of the teacher, but there are quite a few participants."

Lin laughed beside them and said.

"Akai seems to be joining, Asma also plans to join, along with Aoba, Xuanjian, and me."

"Looks like this time is indeed interesting."

With so many peers joining, this is indeed more interesting; speaking of it, Yuzhi doesn't even know when any of them actually passed the Jonin exam.

But the biggest change is still with Lin; after all, at this point in the original story, she no longer has much to do with Lin.

The four walked and chatted along the way, even Hikari was pulled into conversation by Lin.

Yuzhi really enjoys this setting, especially since there's no war; he feels very relaxed.

Moreover, being so close to them is crucial for Yuzhi's upcoming main storyline!

New Main Quest: A True Man Cannot Languish Beneath Others

Although not announced, you have effectively become the Clan Leader of the family.

The village was jointly built by the Uchiha and Senju; the Senju can become Hokage, why can't the Uchiha?

A true man cannot linger beneath others; seek an opportunity to become Leaf Village's Hokage.

Honestly, upon seeing that line of the new quest, Yuzhi knew his main objective without even reading the details.

It made him internally complain, as if they were treating him like Lu Bu, right?

But after thinking, it seemed he really would have to slay Uchiha Fugaku and Uzhibo ChaNa.

He shook his head quickly, these two bastards never truly cared about him, let alone treated him as an adopted son!

They only try to rope him in when they see his value; when he's worthless, they don't care what he is.

Honestly, this new quest gives Yuzhi a headache; an Uchiha aspiring to become Hokage isn't a simple matter.

Especially the Fourth Hokage, no need to think about it; after all, Leaf is no longer the dwindling Sand Village of the future, and he lacks Gaara's strong background.

Even among some high-ranking Leaf officials, Uchiha are seen as rebels, making this path destined to be extremely difficult.

"But things depend on human effort, and now is a good period; work hard, strive for oneself, and there will always be a chance."

The system didn't specify which generation of Hokage Yuzhi should become, so he can take his time.

But he's not interested in outliving everyone to ascend; the main quest reward is just too generous.

"So at this stage, we still need someone without ill will toward the Uchiha to become Hokage.

Then develop the clan, use the Security Department to boost influence and share the spoils, and finally look for a suitable opportunity."

Yuzhi basically has a plan in mind, but regarding the Hokage and such, his options are actually quite broad.

Orochimaru currently holds no ill will toward the Uchiha, after all he needs a team to become Hokage, and Yuzhi had previously mixed with him in Whirlpool Country.

But his problem is serious; if Yuzhi had received this task earlier, he would have tried to help Orochimaru.

But now his reputation is ruined; a Hokage cannot have blemishes, so naturally it's unrelated to him.

Minato Namikaze likewise holds no ill will toward the Uchiha, and Yuzhi also has a certain connection with him; the original plan was also to seek him.

Thus Yuzhi naturally still follows the original plan, but unfortunately Minato also has a drawback.

He is more easily influenced by the Third Hokage and others; sometimes that's a bad thing, sometimes a good thing!

"Welcome!"

When Yuzhi's party arrived at Minato Namikaze's home, Minato and Kushina were especially warm.

Especially when Kushina saw Yuzhi, she immediately walked over smiling, then pretended to be displeased.

"You guy, it's been a long time since you came over; do you think you've learned enough of the Seal Technique?"

Come, come, come, I'm going to give you a proper test.

Kushina already felt positively toward Yuzhi; not only because of Kakashi and others' influence, she was also delighted that Yuzhi had agreed to remember the Uzumaki Clan's history last time.

Later Yuzhi also supplied information about the Uzumaki orphan, which made her even more grateful.

"Senior Kushina, let's drop this. Though I haven't slacked, I haven't made much progress either."

Facing Kushina, Yuzhi felt a bit guilty, after all he had once treated others as tools.

"Tch, you can't be idle half the time; your Seal Technique talent is quite good."

Kushina didn't really intend to put Yuzhi in a bind; she merely gave a reminder, then glanced at Hikari beside her.

"Ah, this is your girlfriend, not bad. Back then Minato was the same age when…"

"Cough cough cough cough cough"

Minato suddenly couldn't hold back, especially upon seeing his female disciple lower her head; he immediately coughed and interrupted.

"Um, I'd like to talk with Yuzhi, after all his family caused such a big incident, so…"

Minato didn't dare deny it, nor did he intend to; the smile on his face already showed his pride.

But now isn't the time for that. Even though it was unexpected that Yuzhi came with Kakashi and others, it's fine that he's here.

"Alright, indeed."

Kushina also didn't forget the Uchiha matter, so she warmly pulled Hikari along and called out to Kakashi and Rin.

"Let them speak; we'll ignore them. Kakashi, come over and help!"

"Yes." Kakashi rolled his dead‑fish eyes and then followed.

Yuzhi glanced at the somewhat bewildered Hikari, smiled lightly, and followed Minato Namikaze onto the balcony.

"Senior Minato, you and Senior Kushina have such a good relationship."

When they reached the balcony, Minato still seemed to be mulling over how to start, so Yuzhi simply spoke first.

"Um…"

Minato was startled for a moment, then he laughed.

"Thank you. Unless something unexpected happens, we're getting married; I hope you can attend."

"That's natural."

Yuzhi smiled and nodded.

"Also, thanks to Minato for the message; Director Lu Jiu has already communicated with us."

Although Yuzhi doesn't heavily manage the Police Department's affairs, whenever a major situation arises, Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Hitsu will inform him.

After all, the police reform was initiated by him; any issues he naturally needs to understand and bear.

"We merely reported the facts."

Minato thought for a moment before speaking.

"But perhaps it's a bit forward; we're actually more curious about what state the Uchiha are in now."

After all, the Uchiha are members of Leaf Village, and everyone is concerned about her current situation.

"Is it the Third who cares a lot?"

Yuzhi found it amusing, but he still thought it over and said.

"Senior Minato, you should know how Uchiha Fugaku's ancestors became the Clan Leader of the Uchiha, right?"

"I understand Yuzhi's meaning." Minato instantly grasped it—just as expected!

"However, everyone is restrained; the clan can't withstand heavy damage."

Yuzhi continued to babble on.

"It's just that everyone's thoughts aren't unified, like before, but at least we can all discuss."

"Then what's your thought, Yuzhi?"

Hearing this, Minato's mind shifted slightly, then he cautiously asked.

"I'm friends with Kakashi, Rin, Akai, and Asuma."

Yuzhi was a bit surprised—why ask him instead of Uchiha Hitsu and Uchiha Shin? After deliberation, he still spoke.

"Actually, if Senior Minato knows me well enough, he should know that Elder Shana was willing to cultivate me because my parents once followed him.

But unfortunately, my parents died early, and I have few memories of them."

"Sorry, Yuzhi, I shouldn't have brought up bad memories."

Hearing this, Minato fully understood Yuzhi's meaning and instinctively patted Yuzhi's shoulder.

"But Leaf Village is a big family; we'll look out for each other and strive forward together."

"Then we must thank Senior Minato."

Minato understood him, and of course he understood Minato's words, but he hadn't anticipated one thing.

Leaf Village and Uchiha Fugaku, as well as Uchiha Mikoto, are the same—everyone seems to look for the culprit when searching for people.

Such precise targeting landed on the culprit, and no matter how you look at it, it makes Yuzhi feel a bit amused.

But thinking carefully, Yuzhi feels he should truly thank him for establishing his character.

Without such an excellent character foundation, he would probably already be the 'evil Uchiha brat.'

"But Minato is probably only observing and gathering information; it's clear he rates me highly."

Yuzhi quickly pondered; a high rating is indeed good, and it gives him an easy opening to say something.

"Also, Senior Minato, I think I should congratulate you in advance."

"Hm?"

Minato was in a good mood; hearing Yuzhi's words, he was momentarily stunned, then smiled and asked.

"I wonder what you're congratulating me for, Yuzhi."

"Minato Namikaze senpai, congratulations on your upcoming marriage, and likewise congratulations that you may become Leaf Village's best choice."

Yuzhi smiled, then said softly.

Minato Namikaze was stunned for a moment by those words, then his complexion changed dramatically.

"Yuzhi‑kun, you can't say that recklessly!"

Yuzhi said nothing, but smiled and stared at him quietly.

Minato Namikaze then steadied, his gaze began to flicker, as if pondering something.

And as he thought, his emotions seemed to become more chaotic.

After a while, Yuzhi finally spoke with a smile: "Minato Namikaze senpai, as a member of Leaf Village, who hasn't dreamed of becoming Hokage?"

"Indeed." Minato Namikaze nodded listlessly.

"We all strive for the dreams in our hearts; perhaps it's just my jest, but Minato‑kun, don't you also want to become Hokage?"

"Mm, indeed, becoming Hokage is truly our dream."

——

"What did you say to that Minato Namikaze, and why does he look absent‑minded afterward?"

Back at home, Hikari sat on the bed swinging his feet, looking at Yuzhi with curiosity.

That night they dined together at Minato Namikaze's house; the lively atmosphere felt unfamiliar to Hikari, yet he also liked it a bit.

However, as the male host, Minato Namikaze often drifted off; although he still appeared warm, everyone noticed his absent‑minded demeanor.

Obviously, this only appeared after he finished talking with Yuzhi; Hikari doesn't like meddling, but found it odd.

"It was just some casual, interesting talk, and he just got more confused the more he thought about it."

Yuzhi said casually that mentioning this to Minato Namikaze in advance wasn't a big deal.

Because Sarutobi Rizhan would tell him sooner or later, and besides Yuzhi always appears "very clever" in front of him, giving him a reminder is perfectly normal.

Regarding this, he should have thought of it long ago, but being in the situation sometimes blinds him with fixed thinking.

Or rather, he never considered the possibility of becoming Hokage.

After all, above him are Ziraiye and Tsunade.

But after Yuzhi's "hint," he naturally thought of many things, which was more than enough for Yuzhi.

Moreover, Yuzhi isn't afraid that he'll tell Sarutobi Rizhan something; Sarutobi is still Hokage, and spreading this could have huge impact.

"Alright, let's drop that. Didn't you keep saying you have something for me, just needing adjustment?"

Yuzhi was too lazy to think about Minato Namikaze any longer; he smiled and looked at Hikari.

"How is it now?"

"Do you want it that much?"

"After all, this is a gift from you, so I naturally want it."

Hikari tilted his head, then nodded.

"Fine, the adjustments are almost done; we can try it."

As she said that, she instantly activated her Mangekyou Sharingan.

"Extend your hand."

"Ah?"

Yuzhi was startled for a moment and asked cautiously.

"What do you mean we can try it? If it's not finished, I'm not in a hurry."

"Extend your hand."

"Oh."

Yuzhi felt a bit helpless, but he trusted Hikari more, so he extended his hand.

Hikari seized his hand in one grip, and instantly his eyes began to spin rapidly.

"This is—"

Yuzhi clearly felt a surge of power transmitted to his body.

Such imprinting is slow and complex, while Hikari calmly controlled the power.

After a while, Hikari finally opened his eyes and released Yuzhi's hand.

At that moment Yuzhi saw a pattern appear on his wrist—the pattern was the shape of Hikari's Mangekyou Sharingan!

"This is another ability of mine."

Hikari seemed a bit tired, but she still spoke softly.

"This ability requires an imprint to work; with the imprint, I can link spirit and chakra with the marked person."

"If I wish, I can siphon the marked person's chakra, alter their memories, and even combine it with my genjutsu."

Hearing that, Yuzhi's hand almost trembled.

"What the hell is this perverted ability?"

"If this cursed mark were on everyone, wouldn't that be an infinite Tsukuyomi?"

"Yuzhi always knew Hikari was perverse, but this cursed ability is beyond ordinary perversion, right?"

"Aren't you scared?"

Hikari looked at Yuzhi, who remained silent, his expression unchanged, and asked curiously.

"I trust you, and didn't you say you made adjustments?"

Yuzhi spoke almost reflexively, but after realizing it, said nothing more; after all, he hadn't misspoken.

"Thank you."

Hikari looked at Yuzhi for a while, then finally smiled.

"But you don't need to worry; after my adjustment, the mark I left on you is only an incomplete imprint."

"I can use this ability to control others, and likewise I can use it to give back to others."

"The mark I gave you has only one function: I can supply chakra to you at any time."

"What is this?"

"Didn't you say we are friends, and also family?"

Hikari looked at Yuzhi's slightly bewildered expression, smiled, and then continued.

"You troublemaker especially love to cause trouble; I certainly don't want my best friend and my family to encounter any accidents."

"Thanks, for the big brother's reward when I'm not here, thank you, thank you!"

(End of chapter)