Chapter 84

Hikari's words are clear: basically she's afraid that Yuzhi, after gaining the clan's authority, will go down a crooked path.

Regarding her worry, Yuzhi naturally wouldn't just brush it off, and he truly hasn't thought about leaving here.

What the Uchiha Clan previously gave him goodwill were these neighboring households, and he naturally won't forget them.

Although because of the war, his moral baseline has become especially flexible.

But he hasn't fully evolved into a moral black hole; he still holds a strong belief in repaying kindness.

After all, since childhood he learned "repay virtue with virtue, repay grievance with righteousness."

More bluntly, "a drop of water's kindness should be repaid with a spring, a broken tooth's grudge must be repaid with a head."

"Moreover, if I truly perform poorly, can't you drain my chakra?"

Yuzhi humorously glanced at the mark on his hand, remembering that Obito was almost drained to a dry corpse.

"Your mark is different; you don't have that ability."

Hikari, hearing his answer and especially seeing his serious expression, felt very pleased inside.

But after hearing Yuzhi's words, she crossed her arms, tilted her little head a bit, and then spoke.

"Only I can give you chakra; I will never take your chakra!"

"Is that so?"

Yuzhi blinked, but seeing that Hikari wasn't looking at him, he said no more.

Having accepted the mark, what else can he do? He can't just cut off his hand like Obito, can he?

"Hiss, it seems not impossible; later he could graft a White Absolute Cells arm."

Yuzhi's mind was full of wild thoughts, and Hikari gave him a glance without saying more; after all, whatever the situation, she would not break her promise.

Moreover, she is now thinking about other matters, such as what the new house should look like.

Since they'll live here, she feels there's no need to make the house too big, but there should be more rooms.

She has always known that Yuzhi actually doesn't like sleeping on the floor, but she compromises for his sake.

"Later we'll add a garden, plant some flowers or something."

Hikari keeps thinking about the house; although it's her first time handling it, she's full of enthusiasm.

"What are you thinking about?"

At this moment, Yuzhi saw Hikari silent and, out of curiosity, asked.

"Could you still be thinking about the house?"

"Mm, thinking about how to make it."

Hikari nodded, with no concealment.

"Just hire someone to make a blueprint; then just pick one, right?"

Yuzhi stroked his chin and gave his idea: as long as he can live there, it's fine.

Anyway, during the war he wasn't never sleeping on branches or lying in caves.

And before transmigrating, as a southerner, he really wasn't afraid of rats, cockroaches, and the like.

After all, their giant cockroaches make northern friends scream, and those huge rats are comparable to small kittens.

One could say his past‑life and present experiences make his needs for many things not that high.

"That won't do; this kind of thing you have to think over yourself."

Hikari glared at Yuzhi; she knows Yuzhi doesn't mind, and although she doesn't care either, she doesn't want to miss the chance to design it herself.

"Whatever you like, but let's continue thinking later; we still have to attend the new Hokage's invited gathering."

Yuzhi saw Hikari so interested; naturally he couldn't stop her—having his own ideas has never been a bad thing.

As long as the thoughts aren't bad.

However, Yuzhi has no intention of being late for Minato Namikaze's invitation; he still has some matters to discuss briefly with the Hokage.

"Got it, don't worry."

Hikari nodded; she knows the invitation card personally delivered by Kakashi and Rin.

She actually has a good feeling toward Rin, so she naturally can't refuse such an invitation.

"However, as we agreed, you can't just have anyone make a design; even if you have me, I must personally oversee it."

"Yes, yes, I'll leave this to you."

Yuzhi spread his hands; regarding the house, he plans to let Hikari tinker with it as she wishes.

Anyway, the money comes from the Uchiha Clan; if needed, Yuzhi can also add a bit himself.

Years of war missions have given him a decent savings; building a new house within the clan shouldn't be hard, especially since the land costs nothing.

The two chatted casually while changing clothes, and only then, timing themselves, they set off together.

Snowflakes still fluttered over Leaf Village, and the whole village remained immersed in the New Year Festival's joy.

Yuzhi looked at everything before him, and couldn't help thinking that in about ten months, Obito might rise again.

Although he and Hikari have already given Obito a profound lesson in turn, no one knows what Obito truly thinks inside.

"Perhaps the Nine-Tails incident has vanished, perhaps it will become even harder to handle."

Yuzhi silently muttered to himself, but he is certain that whatever Obito does, he can handle it!

After all, he now has more White Absolute Cells, allowing more injections to achieve upgrades.

And besides, he has Hikari, a person even fiercer than Bi Gua Bi, so whatever Obito wants to do will only be harder.

Especially, now he and Hikari are both learning to control the tailed beast's eye technique.

At worst, later they'll compare who can truly control the Nine-Tails!

"If we can opportunistically obtain some Nine-Tails chakra, that's also a good option."

The Uchiha Clan's use of tailed beasts—Ban only offered the "Armored Susanoo" solution.

But Sasuke gave an even more terrifying option: to fuse the tailed beast's chakra directly into his Susano'o, thereby creating the ultimate Susano'o.

That world‑shattering power truly left Yuzhi with an unforgettable impression, though in the end fate could not be escaped—he was still hammered by the Asura reincarnation.

Yet, to be fair, this Indra reincarnation of Sasuke did not achieve the extreme perfection of Madara.

"I have always used Madara as a template; I keep building his power system, but I can also reference Sasuke's power system.

Stacking the two together, I'm sure I'll only become stronger in the future!"

Though the future may involve immortal battles, Yuzhi possesses the 'Zhuo Er Extraordinary' ability, which already guarantees that his lower bound will never be poor.

Moreover, he has also obtained 'Glorious Evolution'; even though it has not yet been activated for a boost, one can easily imagine how much growth it could grant him.

"I have a premonition that once my body has fused enough White Absolute Cells, I may be able to trigger the first 'Evolution'."

Aside from these two super passives, Yuzhi now has a main quest, which may take several years to complete.

In any case, this will undoubtedly be another massive upgrade!

"Only, Hikari's situation is a bit complicated; she is currently undergoing White Absolute Cell fusion, but what about the future?"

Thinking of this, Yuzhi couldn't help but turn his head to glance at Hikari, who was in a good mood.

The evolution of the Uchiha Clan is indeed troublesome; the Eternal Eye is a very hard barrier to break through.

Besides that, there's the bloodline issue, which is also extremely troublesome.

"What's up, have you been staring at me?"

Hikari noticed Yuzhi's gaze, but when she realized he was watching her absent‑mindedly, she felt a little uneasy.

"Nothing, I'm just thinking about some things later."

Yuzhi snapped back to reality, noticing his own misplaced stare; he immediately withdrew his eyes, yet at that moment he seemed to recall something.

Hikari lowered her head and continued walking forward alongside Yuzhi.

The two fell into silence for a while, each pondering different matters.

"Perhaps we can visit the Moon later; after all, a thousand years ago the Hyuga Clan were also relatives, and with the power of that reincarnation eye we might gain something."

"Why does that evil Uchiha brat have such a strange look? What indecent thoughts is he entertaining?"

——

Outside a hidden Underground Laboratory in the forest of the Leaf Village.

Several core members selected by Tuan Zang from the reserve troops stood guard outside, while inside the laboratory he was in a secret discussion with Orochimaru.

"Choosing Minato Namikaze aligns with Sarutobi Hiruzen's wishes, and they kept this matter hidden from me, excluding me."

Tuan Zang looked at Orochimaru, who was bent over his experiment with his back to him, and said coldly.

He now truly felt the betrayal, and the betrayal tormented him to the extreme.

He could not understand why, after all the diligent efforts for the Leaf Village, they ended up receiving such treatment.

"Hmm, I know, the Third Hokage's original intention was to treat Minato as a puppet."

Orochimaru kept his head down, continuing his experiment while casually responding to Tuan Zang.

"In this way, they can control the Leaf Village together as master and disciple."

"Exactly, with this approach the Leaf Village has no future!"

Upon hearing this, Tuan Zang instantly felt he had found a kindred spirit; he always believed he was the most suitable.

How could a weak person like Sarutobi Hiruzen manage the Leaf Village as Hokage?

Look at the negotiations with Sand Village and Rock Village this time; Sand Village is truly poor, unable to pay compensation, so making them allies is understandable.

But Rock Village isn't poor, and even under Cloud Village's pressure, they refuse any compensation!

Working with such insects, how can the Leaf Village be handled properly?

Unfortunately, Tuan Zang is only a Hokage's assistant, and as a root‑level Hokage assistant he has no authority to choose.

"Hmm, giving up now is still premature."

Orochimaru glanced at Tuan Zang, then smiled and spoke.

"As long as my research succeeds, seizing control of the Leaf Village will be as easy as flipping a hand."

His meaning was clear: Tuan Zang, it's time for you to 'pay money'.

Hearing this, Tuan Zang turned his head toward Orochimaru; he always felt Orochimaru was hiding something and also cheating him out of funds.

Orochimaru remained very calm, even flashing a cold smile as he continued speaking.

"To grasp power, I think we should be prepared to use some hard‑line methods, don't you agree?"

"Hmm, I think so too."

Seeing Orochimaru like that, Tuan Zang instantly felt reassured; such cold‑hearted words show Orochimaru's inner discontent.

Come to think of it, he was betrayed by Hiruzen, and Orochimaru was likewise betrayed by Hiruzen.

Everyone is the same; they share the same experiences and common goals, truly natural allies!

"When the timing is right, we must use any means, but now is not the time.

However, I won't give you less of what you want; after all, this is for our future!"

Orochimaru nodded with satisfaction at this, unconcerned with anything else; all he wants is the research material in Tuan Zang's hands.

He found Tuan Zang to be a treasure trove; whatever he needs, Tuan Zang can provide.

And he only needs part of the research results from Tuan Zang, which would make him completely satisfied—how could Orochimaru not be pleased?

"By the way, how is your research on the Sharingan going?"

While Orochimaru was pondering, Tuan Zang suddenly spoke up.

"I don't have much Sharingan left; I can't endure your reckless consumption, and I also want to know what your purpose is in researching the Sharingan."

Orochimaru wants to study the Sharingan; despite Tuan Zang's generous offer, his heart is bleeding.

Yet for their alliance, he must present some tangible benefits, otherwise he cannot attract Orochimaru.

But now the plan has failed, and he also has to retrieve some resources, especially since he knows the Sharingan has a very special technique.

It seems it can reverse death, but the cost appears to be the Sharingan!

Unfortunately, he can't obtain the Uchiha secret arts, nor can he verify whether this is true, but he must preserve the Sharingan.

To be honest, when he heard that Uchiha Fugaku and the other Clan Leaders were almost burned to ash, he really couldn't help but want to call the Uchiha useless.

That alone must have wasted an incalculable amount of Sharingan!

"Time to check the results?"

Orochimaru glanced at Danzo, rubbed his chin, suddenly got an idea, and smiled as he spoke.

"A pleasing result, but also an unfortunate one."

"What do you mean?"

Danzo furrowed his brow and asked.

"I have reviewed the records; the First Hokage's sole opponent was always one person, Madara Uchiha."

Orochimaru did not hesitate; he didn't disregard this research finding, and he could also proceed with some of his own plans.

"So I hypothesized that the only power capable of countering Wood Release might be the Sharingan, even though Madara's Sharingan differs from the present one.

After my experiments, I found the hypothesis feasible; the Sharingan can indeed counter Wood Release."

After all, Wood Release is the ultimate Yang Release power, while the Sharingan is the ultimate Yin Release power; their fusion can neutralize the forces.

"That means..."

"It means anyone can possess both powers simultaneously!"

Danzo wasn't foolish; his eyes lit up the moment he heard Orochimaru's words.

"It is possible, but hard to achieve."

Orochimaru licked his lips before speaking.

"Hard to achieve?"

Danzo's excitement was instantly restrained, and he pressed further.

"Wood Release is too strong, the current Sharingan too weak; don't forget how powerful Madara once was."

"So, a stronger Sharingan is needed?"

"Or perhaps slightly reduce the First Hokage's cell ratio to weaken Wood Release, though it still requires inserting more Sharingan, but the unfortunate thing is"

"Is that so?"

Orochimaru's words were so clear and blunt that even a fool like Danzo could understand.

After some contemplation, recalling everything recorded in the books, he concluded that Orochimaru's statements had no issues!

But now his complexion turned sour, even though he possessed the secretly acquired Sharingan from years of war.

He doesn't have many Sharingan in hand, and their quality isn't high!

That means Orochimaru wants to conduct further experiments to prove it, but they lack sufficient material.

"Yes, that's it."

Orochimaru watched Danzo ponder; knowing Danzo had absorbed the idea, he continued.

"There is no alternative method; at least I can't think of anything more concrete or more extreme a Yin Release power than the Sharingan.

Moreover, the eyes you gave me aren't of high quality; I want stronger eyes—do you have a way?"

Danzo fell silent at those words; he has no damn solution!

He does want to wipe out the entire Uchiha Clan to supply Orochimaru's growth, but he can't do it now.

Especially, he was just suspected.

"Fine, it seems you can't do it either."

Orochimaru showed a regretful expression, as if saying 'I knew you couldn't,' and Danzo clenched his fists.

He felt as if he had returned to over twenty years ago, when he was a step behind and Sarutobi Hanzō snatched the Hokage.

Although nobody said anything, he always felt that others thought he was inadequate!

Only after losing his foundation did Danzo suddenly become able to endure; what cannot be done, he truly cannot act recklessly.

"However, we could test the strength of some people's eyes."

Suddenly, Orochimaru spoke again.

"Which people?"

Danzo gritted his teeth and spoke this time.

"The two youngsters from the Jonin exam were decent; can we learn their whereabouts?"

"If you intend to act against them, I advise you not to."

"No, just sparring, just understanding; I won't be foolish."

Orochimaru licked his lips and said softly.

"And by gauging their Sharingan strength, can't we determine whether they might threaten the Leaf Village in the future?"

That sentence from Orochimaru silenced Danzo, who had wanted to oppose.

He originally didn't trust the Uchiha, especially since Yuzhi and the Nine-Tails jinchuriki were so close; that inevitably raised his suspicion.

A simple probe, after all, isn't a bad thing. —

"Yuzhi, Hikari, goodbye."

"Goodbye, Kakashi, Lin."

Late night, on a street in the Leaf Village.

Kakashi and Lin waved farewell to Yuzhi and Hikari, and Yuzhi and Hikari smiled and nodded back.

After the mutual farewells, they finally turned and walked toward their own homes.

Minato Namikaze's dinner tonight turned out quite well, and the people he invited were indeed few.

Kakashi and Lin would naturally be there, along with Ziraiye, that old pervert.

Besides them were Yuzhi and Hikari, as well as Nara Rokuku, Akido Teiza, Yamanaka Haiyi, and Aburame Shimi.

Zhu Lu Die is Minato Namikaze's old friend; besides having a respectable position in Leaf Village, they also frequently cooperated during the war.

Moreover, Akido Teiza and Aburame Shimi were once old teammates of Minato Namikaze, making their relationship considerably closer.

The Third Hokage didn't come, but he did send a blessing and left a message—

"I'm already old; I can't keep up with the youngsters' activities with this old body. I wish you all a good time."

This gathering felt like a home away from home; everyone was relaxed and had a great time.

Especially Ziraiye kept spouting dirty jokes, which made Kushina look displeased; everyone felt a bit awkward, yet they couldn't help bursting into laughter.

Moreover, during tonight's dinner Yuzhi noticed something interesting: Minato Namikaze made a very solemn statement at the gathering.

"Everyone, we will need your continued support; let's work together to make Leaf Village even better!"

His words made Ziraiye smile and nod lightly, and Zhu Lu Die and Aburame Shimi also broke into smiles.

Yuzhi also naturally understood his meaning, but after knowing it he couldn't help making a snarky comment—

How could the Fourth Hokage be so clever, preparing so many words only to have them go unused?

Still, after all, who in the great clans would truly humble themselves? Mutual cooperation and win‑win benefits are the proper path to improve Leaf Village.

This may also be why no one would choose Danzo; that guy always thinks he's a god who can control everything at will.

Do you not see? Danzo became the 5.5th Hokage to attend the Five Kage Summit, but was slain midway by Sasuke, and the matter was never even discussed.

It's as if nothing ever happened in Leaf Village; everyone just went on doing what they should, and the incident passed by effortlessly.

Moreover, the great clans aren't easy targets; if you truly go rogue, they'll certainly have the nerve to take you on.

Yuzhi couldn't help making a quiet snide remark in his mind: in the original, during the Chunin Exams, the Third Hokage faced Orochimaru alone with no one coming to his aid—just as one would expect.

Although island nation tradition—favoring single combat by the capable—plays a role, one can't just watch someone fail and do nothing, right?

When a Kage dies in his own village, it has a huge negative impact on the whole village and can even affect its reputation in the ninja world.

Yet such a bizarre event occurred, and after his death everyone suddenly emerged, which already explains a lot.

"The Hyuga Clan's issue—allowing Danzo to target the great clans, plus the problem of never retiring—has all been piled up and kept in mind."

The later reign of the Third Hokage was indeed riddled with dark spots, but the young Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze awakened quickly.

He clarified the principle of mutual cooperation, so that he could garner more support.

"I didn't expect Kushina, a Jonin, to be such a good cook."

While Yuzhi was marveling at how quickly the Fourth Hokage matured, Hikari suddenly spoke up beside him.

"I heard she's carefree and also a bit hot‑tempered, but I didn't expect her abilities in this area to be so outstanding."

"Her hot temper is only toward outsiders; I've interacted with her and found her actually quite nice."

Yuzhi heard Hikari's words and couldn't help laughing as he said,

"Actually we're pretty similar; we treat outsiders and enemies with the same coldness, don't we?"

"Seems so; after all, rumors aren't trustworthy."

Hikari nodded, then gave Yuzhi a glance; rumors say this guy is highly trustworthy, but after long acquaintance one sees he can spout nonsense without even drafting it.

Nonetheless, he truly is trustworthy.

"Want to learn some cooking from her? I can put in a word with her."

Yuzhi always felt Hikari was thinking of something untoward, but he didn't mind much and teasingly joked with a smile.

"No, I don't want to cheapen you."

Hikari rolled her eyes, though she was also pondering whether to learn some, but she quickly changed the subject.

"By the way, when I saw you talk with the others, they all froze instantly; what did you say?"

"It was because of your suggestion to sell weapons."

Yuzhi shrugged; he didn't hide anything.

"The Uchiha Clan doesn't have that many weapons in stock; to expand the business naturally requires more people."

Perhaps in the future we could directly acquire the long‑stored, obsolete weapons the village keeps, lowering costs.

Although I only briefly outlined our plan, it still scared them.

Doing business together, Yuzhi had long thought that a heads‑up could prevent many mishaps.

However, his proposal truly startled people, especially Minato Namikaze, who never expected Yuzhi's ideas to be so grand.

After all, Yuzhi only based his judgment on information gathered from previous battlefields, predicting a possible betrayal, which seems unreliable.

Though funding a hostile village's clan rebellion might seem harmless, if discovered it would become a scandal.

"Then what do you plan to do?"

Hikari actually thought Yuzhi didn't need to say that, but since it happened she just asked curiously about the follow‑up.

"I assured them that we will investigate thoroughly before making any decisions, and I also told them about the current difficulties facing the Uchiha Clan."

Of course, some of it is exaggerated, but it basically reflects the truth; for example, the clan needs a lot of money in every aspect.

The Police Department has recruited so many people and provides such high benefits, so it naturally requires money.

Moreover, the clan can't always rely on Leaf Village; it must find its own solutions, and after that they said nothing more."

The Uchiha Clan's current situation is like that, and moreover, everyone present has relatives in the Police Department, so they know what the current compensation is like.

Naturally they wouldn't mention cutting the Police Department's budget, and since Yuzhi also said he wants to lessen the village's burden, they have even less to say.

In the end, even Minato Namikaze could only furrow his brow and tell Yuzhi to be careful, and there was no further development.

"Your ability to spout nonsense is truly maxed out."

Hikari, hearing this, couldn't help making a snide comment; she didn't understand how Yuzhi's nonsense‑spouting ability could be so strong, even though she herself had been caught off guard before.

"It's not really, just a bit exaggerated—how could you call it nonsense?"

Yuzhi smiled shamelessly; the goal was achieved, and the rest was up to them.

The two chatted as they walked toward the clan grounds, but eventually they both stopped in their tracks.

The smiles on their faces faded, and at the same time they both looked upward.

A few people dressed in ANBU uniforms stood on branches and utility poles, looking down at them from above.

"ANBU?"

Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, but soon felt something was off.

Could they be members of Root?

Although Root was destroyed by Nagato, there are still many reserves—for example, Yamato, who is currently a reserve member of Root.

Yuzhi knew that Danzo wasn't something to be trifled with, but now wasn't the time, so he hadn't provoked Danzo.

Could it be that this guy has brought trouble onto himself?

To his surprise, the Root members merely summoned a white snake.

The snake stared at Yuzhi, slowly spitting out a letter; seeing this, Yuzhi's complexion grew even stranger.

He now knows who is looking for him—

The moonlight sang as it fell over a gorge at the edge of Leaf Village.

Orochimaru, bathed in moonlight, quietly observed everything before him; after a while, he suddenly spoke.

"Yuzhi, you have arrived."

As he spoke, he turned around, looking at the quietly appearing Yuzhi and Hikari behind him, a smile appearing on his pallid face.

"Long time no see; I never imagined that the trembling Uchiha youth in Whirlpool Country had grown to this level."

"Lord Orochimaru, long time no see; I wonder what you seek from me."

Yuzhi frowned as he looked at Orochimaru, unsure what Orochimaru was thinking.

Strictly speaking, Orochimaru had taken relatively good care of Yuzhi in Whirlpool Country; although the missions were never easy, he at least never sent him alone.

He usually assigned him to rotate among other squads, which earned him many friendships.

Their meetings and interactions were mostly limited to receiving missions and hearing the details.

Orochimaru, being a commander, naturally could not devote that much energy to a mere Uchiha.

The lack of interaction was the crux of Yuzhi's confusion.

"Nothing much, just curiosity after many days apart, and also a desire to satisfy some of my own thoughts."

Orochimaru paid no mind to Yuzhi's expression, but this time he lowered his voice and spoke softly.

"I once saw a brat, the son of your Uchiha clan's former Clan Leader; he awakened the Sharingan at only four or five years old."

"At that time, I witnessed some of his performances, which amazed me greatly."

"He was too young; I couldn't take much interest in him, and his strength was too weak."

"But you, Yuzhi, are different; you're a war hero, having demonstrated your abilities during the Jonin exam."

"Your eyes far surpass his, so I have an idea: I want to learn about these eyes, and only you can provide that."

"I think, Yuzhi, you should understand my meaning, right?"

Yuzhi frowned slightly at Orochimaru's words—could the mysterious person who contacted Itachi Uchiha be Orochimaru?

Even if they did meet, Orochimaru's fascination with the Sharingan seemed to have begun only after Itachi Uchiha's Mangekyou Sharingan was abruptly severed.

Could there be another twist, or did I simply misremember?

Yuzhi wasn't sure, but looking at the Orochimaru before him, especially his blazing eyes, Yuzhi knew Orochimaru had already decided to act.

This made Yuzhi somewhat uneasy; he had never provoked anyone.

【New Side Quest】

【1. Fight Orochimaru normally, satisfy part of his curiosity.】

【2. Ignore Orochimaru's intentions and completely enrage him.】

【Unknown Task Reward】

Seeing his system panel suddenly refresh, Yuzhi couldn't help but mutter to himself: indeed, when something happens, a quest appears with a certain probability.

However, this quest came at a perfect time; Orochimaru, already set on acting, would strike even if Yuzhi ignored him.

Since a fight is inevitable, some rewards are excellent, especially Orochimaru's 'Gold Coins,' which are far from ordinary.

However, the system's reward doesn't mean Orochimaru can't give more!

Kill two birds with one stone; as a former adult, Yuzhi understood this well.

"Who is Itachi Uchiha currently following? I suppose Lord Orochimaru should know, right?"

Yuzhi thought of this and suddenly asked.

"I obviously know, but regarding this matter—"

Orochimaru licked his lips, but before he could finish, Yuzhi nodded.

"I know, but I also hope Orochimaru can do me a favor in the future."

"Is that a promise?"

"Exactly, a promise."

"A promise is the most valuable yet the least valuable; its worth depends on Yuzhi's performance."

At that point, Orochimaru's gaze turned cold instantly; he had already entered combat mode.

"I'll deal with him; keep an eye on those Root members around us."

Yuzhi whispered to Hikari beside him.

"This guy's intention is likely sparring; I don't possess the Mangekyou Sharingan, so you should stay alert and judge for yourself."

"Hm."

Hikari nodded, but her complexion wasn't very good.

She and Yuzhi thought alike; in the dead of night they were stopped by a few lunatics, and now they had to come here to spar.

It completely disrupted her plans to think about arranging a new home, but Yuzhi didn't refuse, nor would he say much.

But she had already decided that if she were truly forced to act, she would absolutely show no restraint!

"Yuzhi, be careful."

Yuzhi had just finished talking with Hikari when Orochimaru suddenly lunged forward in a single swift stride.

A long sword materialized in his hand, accompanied by a whistling sound, and a blade of light slashed toward Yuzhi!

"So impatient?"

Yuzhi's eyes turned scarlet in an instant, and he also drew a Kunai.

He had actually considered getting a sidearm, but the material issue always held him back.

But upon seeing the Kusanagi Sword in Orochimaru's hand, an idea suddenly sparked in his mind.

"It seems Orochimaru has many blades, so perhaps I should..."

The thought flashed quickly, and the Three Tomoe Sharingan locked onto Orochimaru's movement trajectory.

Ding—

A sharp, piercing metallic clang suddenly rang out in the night sky.

Ding, ding, ding—

After a brief contact, neither yielded; instead they grew more aggressive, continuously colliding with taijutsu.

For a moment, the canyon flickered with swordlight under the moon.

"What a speed!"

Orochimaru kept attacking, while silently thinking to himself.

Although he seized the initiative, Yuzhi's reaction and speed clearly exceeded his expectations.

Moreover, amid the relentless exchanges, he found his own offense gradually being suppressed!

More importantly, Yuzhi remained effortlessly agile; his loose clothing didn't hinder him at all, not even a tear.

In contrast, his own garment showed rips at the hem, clearly hit by Yuzhi many times.

"Is this the power of the Sharingan?"

Although it was merely a taijutsu bout, and Orochimaru likewise didn't employ any of his favored ninjutsu.

Yet, based on what he saw so far, it was already enough to astonish him!

A connoisseur sees the subtleties: Yuzhi and Hikari's battle was splendid, yet the fierce Orochimaru within was evident.

But without direct clash, one cannot truly grasp that terrifying offense nor understand how far the Sharingan's combat suppression reaches.

Now, having engaged personally, he can already feel it!

"Extreme speed, keen perception, and because I didn't use any technique, I retained my genjutsu ability?"

Orochimaru dodged swiftly while countering, and the offense‑defense balance had been completely reversed!

Yet he paid little heed; his eyes still burned with fervor, which was the result he wanted to see.

He came here to test some of the Sharingan's power, not to fight recklessly.

He was ready to leave the Leaf Village, but not yet.

At least he still needed Leaf Village's resources to forge his future foothold!

"Lord Orochimaru, you mustn't lose focus when battling the Sharingan."

Yet at that moment, Yuzhi's voice quietly reached his ears.

At that instant, Orochimaru's eyes met Yuzhi's, and a strange force silently entered his brain!

Buzz—

Orochimaru only felt the world spinning wildly; he knew he was being controlled by genjutsu.

But his heart felt no unease; instead, he grew even more excited at that point.

"The ultimate Shadow Release power should manifest like this; the ability to instantly unleash genjutsu is truly terrifying!"

Amid the swirling chaos, Orochimaru's hazy eyes burned even hotter.

And his chakra began to surge uncontrollably even more—

"Who on earth is this?"

Inside the Leaf Village, the Third Hokage sat in contemplation, pondering some matters.

Yuzhi was attacked, possibly by someone who could use Wood Release and also possessed the Sharingan, which made him suspect Danzo.

But after his questioning, he found that the incident really seemed unrelated to Danzo.

He knew Danzo so well that he could tell whether the guy was lying.

And this time, he could sense that Danzo truly wasn't lying.

Since it wasn't Danzo, then who was it?

Although the Third Hokage was about to retire, it was unsurprising that he would still become one of the Hokage's assistants, and many matters still required his careful consideration.

And this matter was the one that gave him the biggest headache, demanding his utmost attention.

The Uchiha Clan finally had a normal person appear; they could communicate and interact, and they planned to elevate him as the Clan Leader of the Uchiha.

If this normal person encounters any issue, waiting for the next normal Uchiha could take an unknown amount of time.

"Fine, investigate slowly; overthinking won't help."

After a while, the Third Hokage shook his head, stood up, walked to the window, and, looking at the Leaf Village bathed in moonlight, gave a faint smile.

"What a wonderful village; may it remain peaceful in all things."

The third generation slowly opened his mouth to look, but at that moment he suddenly saw a faint fire Hikari appearing in the distance.

But just as he was puzzled, a sudden violent roar erupted, and immediately he saw the distant fire Hikari spread out instantly!

At that moment he felt like slapping himself hard; he seriously doubted whether he was a jinx.

Also at that moment a surge of anger rose up in his belly.

"Who on earth is it? What on earth is happening?"

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