Chapter 81: Leaf Village, End of Year 47 (Ten-Thousand-Word Chapter)

That woman, does she want to destroy the world?

To be honest, when Obito heard this news, his heart was especially excited.

Although I don't know what that woman went through to have such an extreme idea, for him this is still conservative.

"Just destroying this world isn't enough; we also need to create a more perfect world of our own!"

"Even without knowing what that woman went through, I imagine her experience must have been extremely painful, and her Mangekyou Sharingan must have been awakened in such a way."

"But that thief Yuzhi was just luckier; he met that woman earlier and then, through some means, got her to follow him."

"But no matter how you look at it, he's just deceiving that woman; he enjoys everything in this world, so how could he possibly destroy it?"

"Thinking this through, Obito became even more certain that the woman possessing the Mangekyou Sharingan had been deceived."

"But if she wants to destroy the world, Obito can actually be of help, because he too wants to shatter this illusory world!"

"In that case, I can look for an opportunity to contact her, after all I have something in my hands that others don't."

"The more Obito thought about it, the more he felt it was steady; such a painful experience cannot be compensated merely by destroying the world."

"Using Infinite Tsukuyomi to create a world of one's own, making up for all that was lost, that is the best choice!"

"As long as we convince that woman, making her realize she was merely deceived by Yuzhi, she would probably be the first to take out Yuzhi."

"Too bad, that thief also has spatial ability; if I get too close I'm easily detected, and the existence of the soundproof barrier makes it hard for me to hear clearly."

"Obito looked at the distant house, finally he took a deep breath and simply found a place to sit down silently."

"It doesn't matter anymore; just knowing this detail is already completely sufficient for me."

"Thief, you stole everything from me; I will repay it in full and double!"

"Closing his eyes, Obito waited silently; he needed to wait for that woman to leave Yuzhi's house before making contact."

"However, as time passed bit by bit, the inside of the Uchiha clan grew quieter and quieter, leaving only some dog barks and insect chirps echoing throughout the family."

"Obito himself didn't know how long he had waited; if he weren't a ninja he'd probably already be asleep from boredom, but that woman still hadn't come out."

"Until, he saw the lights at Yuzhi's house go off."

"Damn, are they living together?"

"Although Obito had been in Leaf Village for a few days, before this he never dared to approach Yuzhi, instead silently gathering information on the Nine-Tails jinchuriki."

"So he really didn't know that Hikari and Yuzhi were now living together."

"Upon realizing this, his face flushed red again at this moment."

"You've already deceived Lin, even replaced me and made Lin forget me; why are you still doing this?"

"Indeed, this world would be best without you, you damned thief!"

"Although it's already been determined that this is a false world, at this moment he still couldn't help but burst into rage."

"After a while, he gritted his teeth in resentment and vanished from the spot."

"He knew there was currently no opportunity, so he would slowly wait for the chance to arrive——"

"Yuzhi-senior, Ying-senior, sorry for the disturbance."

"The next morning, Yuzhi and Hikari had just gotten up when Zhishui showed up to visit."

"Yuzhi looked at Zhishui with a bewildered expression, not knowing why this kid had come so early."

"Zhishui at this moment was also red-faced with embarrassment, because he discovered that Yuzhi's house had more than one person."

"He himself felt it wasn't the right time to come."

"During the Jonin examination, Zhishui had always wanted to meet Yuzhi alone, but Yuzhi always had someone around."

"After finally enduring until the battle ended, he found that Yuzhi's people had already left, which made him sigh."

"So early in the morning he came to pay a visit, and then he began to feel uneasy."

"If I'm disturbing the seniors, then I'll."

"Since you've come, don't leave in a hurry."

"Before Yuzhi could speak, Hikari directly interrupted Zhishui, then went alone toward the refrigerator."

"You guys talk, I'll make some breakfast; let's eat together later."

"Yuzhi sat there calmly; accepting a bet and paying up is a basic human virtue, and obviously Hikari possesses this virtue."

"But their actions made Zhishui even more restless; after a while he nodded and sat opposite Yuzhi."

"Yes, senior, sorry for the disturbance."

"It's fine; tell me what you need."

"Yuzhi looked at Zhishui and smiled; actually he also guessed why Zhishui came to see him."

"After all, before taking action he had met Zhishui, and he had even said some rather harsh words; it's no surprise that Zhishui would guess what they were."

"Senior, I've just been feeling thoughtful lately; there are some things I can't figure out, so I'd like to ask for your advice."

"Zhishui thought carefully, then he spoke."

"The clan has suffered heavy losses; I've always been worried the family would become extremely unstable, but the current situation seems."

"Unexpected?"

"Yuzhi didn't wait for Zhishui to ask; he just laughed and interrupted."

"Zhishui, have you heard of the term 'not breaking, not establishing'?"

"The Uchiha clan's situation is deeply entrenched and hard to reverse; although they are wholeheartedly for the clan, they only consider their own ideas correct."

"In such a situation, how could they possibly accept someone whose ideas oppose theirs?"

"For their own benefit, they can reject any proposal that doesn't align with their beliefs, even if such proposals would benefit the clan."

"Now the clan has encountered an accident, but this is also a rebirth, so you see the situation improving."

"Yuzhi's words made Hikari, who was preparing breakfast, glance over; unexpected? Hah."

"Zhishui then fell into thought; although he had such a vague idea that night of the incident, it's a pity he never fully figured it out."

He is only eleven years old, his understanding is not yet complete, many things need someone to clarify for him.

Once Uzhibo JiuXin played such a role, but unfortunately this elder has been burned beyond recognition.

"Actually, if you expand your thinking, you will find that the ninja world is also like this."

Yuzhi didn't wait for Shisui to speak, he glanced at Hikari beside him and continued.

"The establishment of the ninja village system actually also relied on the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha breaking the old clan model, gathering all talents to form."

However, such change requires sacrifice and bloodshed, because whatever you do will actually affect others' interests.

Bloodshed brings pain, but stagnation will forever be a thorn, keeping people in constant suffering.

"Isn't the ninja village system already demonstrating its value? Isn't the family also now getting back on track?"

Yuzhi's words made Shisui ponder for a long time; likewise, Hikari beside him also paused slightly.

Last night, Hikari asked Yuzhi, 'If you wanted to destroy the world, what would you do?' but Yuzhi's answer to her was unusually simple.

"I will cooperate with you to do something, your experience is due to war, you also said that the current ninja village system is more cruel than previous wars."

Actually, the root cause is that cruel war led to all this, so I will cooperate with you to merge all ninja villages.

Even if doing this is fraught with difficulties, there will be various big and small conflicts internally later.

But at least, the cruel war will be eliminated to some extent.

Moreover, we merge all villages into a unified state; isn't this a kind of 'destroying the world' approach?

Destroy the world?

Hikari, while making breakfast, thought about these words for a while before she smiled and slightly shook her head.

Although there is a suspicion of switching concepts, but Yuzhi's words also made her more satisfied.

At least, this time Yuzhi didn't deceive her.

"I think I can understand the senior's meaning."

After a while, Shisui raised his head, he looked at Yuzhi very seriously and said.

"The family needs to change its current divided state, which requires sacrifice, but we were lucky to encounter an 'accident'."

Everything is a fresh start; everyone is willing to contribute to the family, so we have the current changes.

"Senior, I also want to contribute my own strength to the family; how should I do it?"

Upon hearing this, Yuzhi felt as if he had heard 'I want to improve'.

Looking at the earnest Shisui before him, he pondered a moment before speaking.

"Go to the Police Department; now the Police Department needs to start from scratch, I think that would be your best choice."

"I understand, senior."

Shisui stood up and then bowed deeply.

"Thank you, senior, for clearing my doubts!"

Seeing Shisui's earnest state at this moment, Yuzhi also felt a bit dazed for a while.

Is he convinced just like that?

I still have a lot to say; when did my personal charm become so high?

He seems to somewhat understand why Shisui in the original work made so many baffling decisions, because this kid really is easy to persuade.

Or rather, he is really easy to trick!

"However, counting Shisui, do I temporarily have three pairs of Mangekyou Sharingan?"

——

Shisui underwent what kind of 'degeneration transformation' that Yuzhi didn't know about.

But that kid, after having breakfast that day, directly went to the Police Department to report.

This matter also forced Uchiha Xiu to personally visit Yuzhi; after all, Shisui is deeper than his 'dove faction remnant'.

However, in the end Shisui still smoothly entered the Police Department and participated in training with others.

Yuzhi then met Minato Namikaze at this time, and under his accompaniment perused the Seal Scroll.

"Damn, is this the Seal Scroll?"

But when Yuzhi truly examined that huge scroll, he almost couldn't hold himself together.

Because he discovered that this Seal Scroll is actually a 'custom version'!

Although it indeed records deadly secret techniques, many of them here are Water Release.

A Uchiha learning Water Release.

Although not impossible, it still leaves Yuzhi speechless; more importantly, he found that this does not contain the Reaper Death Seal!

"Is it because you know I can use Seal Technique, so you deliberately didn't take it out?"

Yuzhi couldn't help but complain, he wondered if he could use Izanagi combined with the Reaper Death Seal to exploit a bug.

Anyway, even if he gave half of his Sharingan to Hikari, he still has plenty left.

After thinking, he felt he should have demonstrated his talent for Seal Technique in front of Kushina.

Therefore, to avoid causing any irreversible disaster, he quietly took away the Reaper Death Seal.

After all, only the Hokage and those advisors know what is actually in the Seal Scroll.

However, this cannot be blamed; it's too dangerous and a bottom‑box item, so even Yuzhi would not share it lightly.

"However, they didn't take away the Flying Thunder God Technique."

Flying Thunder God is basically impossible to take away, because Minato Namikaze became famous in the ninja world relying on this technique.

After Yuzhi pondered for half a day, he chose two techniques to cultivate.

One is Flying Thunder God, the other is Dark Walker Technique, which relatively counters the Sharingan.

The main point is to be able to piss off Tobirama Senju in the future.

"Yuzhi, I formally apply to run in the Fourth Hokage election."

As they were leaving, Minato Namikaze suddenly whispered to Yuzhi.

"From now on, please take care of me."

"Senior Minato, hang in there—I believe you'll become a good Hokage."

Hearing Minato's words, Yuzhi wasn't surprised; he smiled and said to Minato Namikaze.

To be honest, whether Orochimaru or Minato Namikaze gets elected, it's pretty much the same for him.

Moreover, if I'm being frank, he actually hopes it's Orochimaru—provided Orochimaru hasn't yet evolved into a mad scientist.

After all, Orochimaru isn't a workaholic; he'd pour his time into research, and he might even activate the 'Monarch Offline System' after obtaining the Hokage position.

Yuzhi is his old subordinate, and with his control over the Uchiha Clan and the Police Department, Orochimaru will definitely rely on him heavily.

But unfortunately, Danzo ruined all of that.

Actually, sticking with Minato Namikaze isn't bad either—at least if Minato takes office, Yuzhi can guarantee his family's stability, letting him develop in peace.

Moreover, what Leaf Village might need now is a reliable, easygoing, flexible, cohesive person who listens to correct advice as Hokage.

This would be good for everyone.

"Yuzhi, to be honest, I'm still a bit nervous right now; you're the only one who can see the situation clearly, and I hope to get your guidance."

However, Minato Namikaze spoke up again, his meaning very clear—he obviously intends to make Yuzhi part of his inner circle.

After all, he's a latecomer, and he basically has no complete team to handle the Hokage position.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru has painstakingly cultivated talent in Leaf Village for ages, and he has countless capable subordinates.

Yuzhi thought about it and didn't refuse; although he can't stand 'being depressed while staying beneath others,' he still needs to accumulate experience for now.

"Senior Minato, you actually have several huge advantages."

After a brief moment of thought, Yuzhi then smiled and spoke.

"Compared to the mysterious Orochimaru, who's also had negative rumors, your image is clearly better."

"Especially since you started as a commoner ninja, relying on your own effort to become a top-tier shinobi."

"Such an inspiring 'Hokage dream'—I think it'll be a topic everyone loves to talk about."

"Most importantly, you have the Third Hokage's support, right?"

Yuzhi's words were so blunt that Minato ended up feeling a bit embarrassed.

The reasoning is sound, but could you say it a bit more tactfully?

"So Senior Minato doesn't need to do much—just maintain his condition and avoid mistakes."

Yuzhi naturally noticed Minato's embarrassment, but he didn't mind and continued speaking.

"Everyone will make the right choice, and I'll also convince the Uchiha clan to vote for Senior Minato."

"Then thank you, Yuzhi."

Although a little awkward, receiving Yuzhi's support still made him exceptionally happy.

"By the way, Yuzhi, have you prepared the assistance list the Uchiha clan needs?"

"Not yet—this sort of thing requires discussion at the clan meeting."

Yuzhi shook his head; he himself hasn't figured out what the clan needs yet, so all this remains undecided for now.

"I understand."

Minato nodded, then smiled and said.

"However, I think this time I won't disappoint Yuzhi."

"After all, the Uchiha clan is an important part of Leaf Village; we'll all strive to restore her to normal."

"Naturally, the Uchiha clan is part of Leaf Village; we've always been here and never left."

Yuzhi also added a remark, though he inwardly snorted, 'Minato may have thick eyebrows and big eyes, but he's definitely no novice.'

After the words fell, the two exchanged a glance and then both showed happy smiles. —

"Hikari, I think you should consider this a bit more."

"No need, I've already made my decision; no further consideration needed."

In the Uchiha Clan's territory, inside an Underground Laboratory, Yuzhi looked at Hikari somewhat helplessly.

This Underground Laboratory was newly built, its purpose being to let Yuzhi conduct some experiments inside.

Although it's unclear what this young Uchiha clan leader actually intends to do, no one will ask, because everyone is swamped.

As autumn gave way to winter, time had reached the end of the 47th year of Leaf Village, and in the blink of an eye this tumultuous year was about to pass.

After obtaining the new secret technique, Yuzhi also began to focus his efforts on simulating the White Absolute Cells.

After an unknown number of simulations, he finally obtained a relatively good result.

Actually, the term 'relatively good' still carried some risk for him, but he had no choice but to start acting.

Because his eye power could barely hold on!

Although he wasn't like Sasuke, who ruined a pair of Mangekyou Sharingan in just a month.

But continuously using Divine Heavenly Tremor for simulations, his consumption was also foreseeable.

Therefore Yuzhi planned to undergo a White Absolute Cell transplant for himself, but he didn't expect Hikari to also request to join.

According to Yuzhi's plan, he would first undergo the transplant, then slowly continue simulating their future situation.

But Hikari rejected his idea and spoke bluntly.

"The risk shouldn't be borne by you alone; you're predicting and simulating our situation, and my condition isn't bad either, so I'll be with you."

Hikari's words were especially firm, and regarding her persistence, Yuzhi also had no good solution.

After much thought, he ultimately agreed to Hikari's request.

Although there is still risk, it is now very low—at least it won't turn them into 'Uchiha Tree People'.

But before starting, he would still subconsciously ask a question.

"Alright, but to avoid any accidents, I'll start first."

Seeing Hikari so resolute, Yuzhi didn't say more, but the experiment still needed him to try it himself first.

After all, in the simulation, his condition had always been slightly better than Hikari's.

Perhaps it was because 'Zhuo Er Extraordinary' enhanced his bloodline, making him more adaptable.

"But I should also find someone who truly knows medical ninjutsu to help me; just messing around like this won't do."

Yuzhi secretly pondered, but finding someone who truly knows medical ninjutsu isn't that easy.

Lin is not bad; she, who didn't die, has undergone huge changes, and she has already entered the Medical Department for further study.

But he dare not ask Lin for this; he needs to find someone even more unlucky, with more weaknesses.

"It seems Leaf Village really does have such a person—no, wait, two."

In a moment, Yuzhi thought of those two unlucky fellows, and unsurprisingly they are still in Leaf Village.

"Looks like I need to find a time to pay a visit."

While thinking, Yuzhi picked up the prepared White Absolute Cells that had been diluted into a solution, gritted his teeth, aimed at his arm, and injected it.

He naturally wouldn't do like Madara Uchiha, biting off a piece of meat, spitting it out, then sewing it into his body.

Nor would he do like Obito, directly transplanting half a body and an arm.

If it weren't for seeing a decent reaction in the simulation segment, he would even have considered giving himself a skin test injection.

Although this looks a bit cowardly, at least there won't be any accidents.

And when these cell solutions were injected into his body, Yuzhi immediately felt that his body seemed to have undergone some changes.

In an instant, his complexion began to flush, his body started to heat up, and his blood seemed to boil at this moment!

"What's wrong, are you okay?"

Seeing Yuzhi suddenly become like this, Hikari instantly became especially worried; she didn't want anything to happen to Yuzhi.

"Don't worry, it's a normal reaction; I'm actually fine……"

Although Yuzhi's complexion turned a bit strange, he felt no pain as imagined; he even felt he was doing very well!

He seemed to feel his body continually growing stronger, and his already abundant chakra seemed to have increased a bit more.

Most importantly, he could feel his eyes gradually recovering!

Although he had seen fragments of this in the simulation at Shentianjin, personally feeling and experiencing it are completely different.

"My condition is great now, just as I simulated with no issues, and can even be said to be better."

Feeling the changes in himself, Yuzhi raised his head to look at the worried Hikari beside him, and he showed a smile as he spoke.

"However, I feel I injected too little; the enhancement and recovery are underway, but I feel it's a bit slow."

"You guy"

Hearing those words, Hikari finally let out a sigh of relief.

Actually, she had never really trusted what the eye technique simulated, because involving illusions, what appears is often what you want to see.

But she still trusted Yuzhi, and decided to share this undertaking with him; indeed she even wanted to go first to avoid any accidents.

However, she also knew she couldn't convince Yuzhi; fortunately, it seems everything is going smoothly now.

"You also shouldn't be greedy; a little less is better, at least to ensure safety."

"Once it's truly confirmed safe, then increase the dosage."

"Mm, I know."

Yuzhi smiled and nodded; being cautious is never wrong.

"Well, now it's your turn; are you ready?"

"Come on." Hikari laughed: "I also want to see what it feels like."

——

The transplants of Yuzhi and Hikari were relatively smooth.

Although their bodies also underwent some changes due to the White Absolute Cells entering, these changes did not cause them any trouble.

After experiencing a week of bodily fever, their bodies also returned to normal condition.

Or rather, it was an even better state!

However, while they were immersed in the state of transplantation and recuperation, the entire Leaf Village, including the Uchiha clan, was continually undergoing changes.

During this period, Yuzhi and Hikari both became new Jonin of Leaf Village.

As for Shisui, who took the exam together with them, he was relatively unlucky; although he performed quite well, the Uchiha clan already had two Jonin.

Moreover, compared to those two's outstanding performance, he seemed rather 'mediocre'.

Fortunately, he didn't mind much; he is currently training in the Police Department.

After the Jonin exam ended, Leaf Village's winds shifted again, and Minato Namikaze's name began to appear constantly throughout the streets and alleys.

Most importantly, Minato Namikaze's name began to be continuously linked with the Fourth Hokage.

This matter sparked considerable discussion; under Leaf Village's constant promotion, his name even faintly overshadowed Orochimaru!

But he did not become arrogant because of this, continuing to act as himself within Leaf Village.

However, during this time he also personally visited Yuzhi's home, even proactively asking for Yuzhi's opinions and absorbing some of his suggestions.

Such an approach also amounted to giving Yuzhi a platform, after all, he had only met Yuzhi from the entire Uchiha clan.

But he didn't know that, regarding this matter, the entire Uchiha clan didn't care at all, and indeed everyone supported him becoming Hokage.

It's not because Minato doesn't dislike the Uchiha, but——

"They gave him really too much."

Perhaps Leaf Village wants to support Minato, and also hopes Yuzhi can smoothly gain greater influence within the clan.

The Leaf Village's "reconstruction aid" to the Uchiha is truly generous—provided it isn't weapons, it's basically just them making a list and then Leaf Village handing over the money.

At that moment, including Yuzhi, all members attending the clan meeting felt a bit dazed—was this still the Leaf Village they knew?

But after the dazed feeling passed, they happily accepted everything.

Moreover, they thoroughly discussed at one clan meeting whether they should simply pretend outwardly from now on.

For example, everyone still had many contradictions as before, but Yuzhi's voice within the clan grew louder and louder.

"But it's coming soon—Minato Namikaze becoming the Fourth Hokage is just around the corner."

Walking together with Hikari through the Uchiha streets, watching the snowflakes continually drift down, Yuzhi silently thought to himself.

In December, Leaf Village had already seen heavy snowfall; white snowflakes continually drifted from the sky, blanketing the entire village in white frost.

However, the cold weather didn't affect anyone's mood; within the Uchiha clan, many adults were busy sweeping snow, while the children kept playing in the snow.

"Lord Yuzhi!"

"Yuzhi-brother, Ying-sister!"

Whenever they saw Yuzhi and Hikari approaching, they would stop, break into smiles to greet them, and Yuzhi and Hikari would return the greeting with a nod and a smile.

Their spirits seemed completely renewed, after all, changes had quietly taken place within the Uchiha clan.

As the clan meeting progressed, the specific training plan for the children was also voted and finalized.

Although implementing this plan caused some dissatisfaction, they did not resort to any vigorous opposition.

After all, those outspoken individuals in the Police Force could only spend the New Year festival in prison, something most clan members were at least aware of.

Besides that, three individuals chosen from the lower-ranked Uchiha entered the clan meeting to represent their interests.

But upon entering and seeing that the one actually holding power in the clan was Yuzhi, their expressions were easy to imagine.

Fortunately, they adapted quickly; upon learning that Yuzhi refused to leak information outside, and that the most important rule of the clan meeting had been made clear—

"If you can't do it right, can't handle it, then get out!"

This put pressure on them, but at the same time it made them more motivated.

"The changes are really huge."

Hikari walked along the road, unable to resist saying softly.

"I remember that at first they were also friendly, but they never seemed this happy before."

"After all, it's the New Year festival."

Yuzhi said casually, but after thinking it over he still added an explanation.

"Of course, since someone has noticed them and is willing to do something for them, they naturally feel happy."

In fact, the changes weren't limited to the Uchiha clan; the Police Force also underwent major changes at this time.

After those wayward individuals were dealt with by Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Rest's "eliminate pests, shoot the sun," everything began to develop along its normal course.

Sarutobi Hizan kept his word, arranging for members of other families to meet with the Uchiha, and Yuzhi also participated in this meeting.

After thorough discussion, many clans were willing to send some personnel into the Police Force.

Actually, everyone knows the Police Force is a big cake, but everyone still retains some caution.

After all, the Uchiha's reputation had never been good; even with the Third Hokage stepping forward, everyone still needed to wait and see.

As for the civilian ninja side, things went much more smoothly, although many of them still disliked the Uchiha somewhat.

But Yuzhi's reputation in the Leaf Village, as well as his and Hikari's performance in the Jonin exams, still swayed many people.

Moreover, the benefits and treatment offered by the Police Force were good, naturally attracting many to join.

As clan ninjas and civilian ninjas joined, they found that the Police Force genuinely seemed to have the intention to change.

First came the new regulations, which set behavioral standards for them when carrying out missions.

For civilian ninjas, these regulations posed no difficulty, after all they lacked much pride and didn't want to be misunderstood.

The newly joined Uchiha members all came from the lower ranks; they had little pride, and moreover they deeply admired and respected Yuzhi.

Moreover, Shisui, this newly promoted Special Jonin, also faithfully followed the regulations in training, so they naturally had no complaints.

After a period of training, the new enforcement regulations were formally implemented.

Along with their changes, these Uchiha members immediately gained an unprecedented experience.

For example, villagers who usually held a poor impression of them no longer looked at them with disdain.

Moreover, they found that executing according to the regulations required maintaining communication and informing the offender what harm they would cause and why such punishment was necessary.

And for some minor or major offenses, if it was a first offense they would only receive verbal education, etc., after which their reputation actually began to reverse.

Because after making everything clear, no one would refuse to cooperate, and very few would secretly curse them.

Most interestingly, as they explained things clearly, those villagers seemed to understand them more and more.

Such changes really gave them a different feeling; they seemed to experience a wonderful sense of identity.

A sense of identity that is somewhat unfamiliar, yet makes them secretly happy.

"Yeah, just spelling things out is enough; saying a few more words won't kill you from thirst."

These Uchiha ninjas seemed to begin understanding Yuzhi's meaning, and even members of other clans were enjoying all of this.

Actually, it's quite normal for it to take effect so quickly, after all the Police Force previously had a terrible reputation.

But precisely because it was so bad, its sudden improvement makes people feel a real change.

"It's like a good person does good deeds all his life and no one notices, but if he does one bad thing his infamy spreads far and wide, whereas a bad person doing one good thing might cause a turnaround."

The Police Force's gradual improvement will only be good news for him, and he is increasingly looking forward to future events.

"Yuzhi, Ying, you've come!"

When they arrived at a square in the Leaf Village, Kakashi and the others in the distance were already waving at them.

The New Year festival is a day worth celebrating for everyone, and moreover this year the Leaf Village basically declared an end to hostilities.

Furthermore, after the New Year festival, the new Hokage is about to be born; seeing out the old and welcoming the new is naturally worth celebrating.

And in such a fervent atmosphere, Hikari suddenly furrowed her brows, because she sensed that someone seemed to be staring at her.

This feeling had actually existed for a while, but there had been no concrete evidence.

But tonight the person observing her actively released some subtle chakra, letting her realize that this person probably wanted to meet her—

"Really lively."

On a high platform not far from Obito Square, Obito silently watched the bustling crowd below, but his heart was exceptionally cold.

The liveliness belonged to them, but he himself had nothing.

However, tonight he also decided to do something.

He had always wanted to meet the woman who went by the name Uchiha Ying, but either she was with Yuzhi, or he was investigating the Nine-Tails jinchuriki.

After waiting so long, tonight he would try no matter what.

Even to draw that woman's attention, he deliberately released some chakra as a lure.

"Damn thief, why do you also have power similar to mine!"

Obito silently cursed; if it were anyone else, he would have already approached and knocked them down with an illusion, then talked freely.

But Yuzhi is different—not only does she also possess the Mangekyou Sharingan, she also commands spatial power, which prevents him from being the slightest bit reckless.

However, he believes that tonight, as long as that woman comes over, he will surely gain something!

"Who are you? You've been staring at me, and today you finally decided to show yourself?"

Just as Obito was silently pondering, a voice suddenly sounded behind him.

He was slightly startled; someone approached without making a sound and noticed his earlier observation, which was somewhat beyond his expectation.

Nevertheless, he maintained his composure, turned around, and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"You junior are truly unexpectedly perceptive, able to sense this old man's presence—you are far stronger than that Uchiha Haori."

"Junior?"

"Stronger than Haori?"

Hikari's expression turned a bit strange, but she didn't explain anything; instead, she carefully sized up this guy.

In just a moment, she realized this person looked somewhat familiar, as if she had seen him before.

"I'll ask you again—who exactly are you, and what is your purpose in wanting to see me?"

Hikari's expression turned icy, and her eyes instantly formed a Sharingan as she stared straight at Obito.

"Don't rush; you came to see me, haven't you already indicated that you feel curious inside?"

Obito was inwardly wary, yet he continued to speak in imitation of Madara's tone.

"Actually, I also don't want to disturb your life, but unfortunately I know some of your purposes.

For example, you want to destroy this world, right?"

Hearing this, Hikari fell silent for a moment—not from surprise but from some anger.

She had only said these words to Yuzhi; if this damned fellow were to exaggerate and spread them, it would not be good news for Yuzhi.

Hikari now enjoys her current peaceful life, and having such a life be watched and disturbed is something she cannot accept!

"Rest assured, I am naturally not here to persuade you to give up that idea, but to offer help."

Seeing Hikari silent, Obito continued to speak on his own.

"Just with Uchiha Haori involved in your idea, it's probably forever impossible to achieve.

This person basks in sunlight, enjoys everything—how could he possibly destroy a world akin to hell?

He hasn't even experienced such suffering, making it even more impossible for him to join you in these undisputed acts!

I know you might trust him; otherwise you wouldn't have chosen to help him.

But face reality—unsatisfactory things are everywhere in this world.

The longer I live, the more I feel that reality is filled only with bitterness, pain, loneliness, and betrayal."

Having said that, Obito paused slightly, then continued speaking slowly.

"I have experienced your pain, understanding how false and illusory this hell-like world is.

If you truly wish to accomplish all this, the one who can truly help you is me, and the one who can truly accomplish all this is also me!

I know it's unlikely for you to accept this right away, but I hope you can think it over well and take a good look at the current Uchiha Haori.

Following him, you will gain nothing but betrayal!

Besides, you asked who I am—this old man is Madara Uchiha.

Obito is completely copying what Madara originally said to him, and he's about done with that.

He is not in a hurry; to wear down someone's trust, the first step is to let them see that person's other side.

Moreover, he is confident that Yuzhi will absolutely not have the idea of destroying the world; as long as this woman begins to doubt, they will inevitably split!

However, what he never expected was that Hikari simply pulled out a kunai, and that kunai bore the Flying Thunder God seal.

And Hikari's eyes had already become Mangekyou Sharingan, and she spoke disdainfully.

"Where the hell did you come from, you lunatic."