Chapter 86: Susanoo: The Fourth Generation's Wedding (Ten-Thousand-Word Chapter)

"How does it feel? Can you control these chakra?"

"No, these chakra are really hard to master."

"At Yuzhi's home, Hikari felt the strange chakra inside herself and finally shook her head helplessly."

"But her gaze vaguely swept over the pensive Yuzhi, and she felt somewhat dissatisfied."

"A few months ago, Yuzhi suddenly thought of having her try to cultivate a power called 'Sage Chakra'."

"Hikari, though a bit uneasy, did not refuse; she instinctively trusted Yuzhi completely."

"She just hadn't expected the difficulty to be so high."

"The chakra transmitted from Yuzhi's body was extremely dangerous, dangerous enough that even a tiny amount required extra caution to handle."

"She had seen Yuzhi use this chakra; its power was indeed unusually strong, but she never imagined mastering it would be so difficult."

"She didn't know why Yuzhi could master it while she couldn't, which left her somewhat frustrated."

"\"Is that so? It seems we still need to think of a solution, \""

"When Yuzhi heard Hikari's words, he absentmindedly touched his chin; of course he knew Sage Mode was very hard to control."

"Otherwise, in the original story, so few people would master this power, and not everyone is Ban who can forcibly control it."

"But Hikari's abilities aren't lacking either, and the Sage Chakra he gave her had its traits erased, belonging solely to his own Sage Art."

"The quantity isn't large either; normally it shouldn't be that hard to master, right?"

"\"Could it be that White Jue's cells are fewer? \""

"Yuzhi quickly thought of a possibility, even though they had already undergone multiple rounds of injections these months."

"But compared to someone like Ban, whose chest already bears the faces of Senju Clan's ZhuZhang, their amount still seems vastly smaller."

"\"How did you master this power? \""

"Just as Yuzhi was pondering, Hikari frowned and asked, a bit dissatisfied."

"\"These so-called Sage Chakra aren't easy to control at all. \""

"\"Perhaps it's a talent? \""

"When Yuzhi heard Hikari's question, he subconsciously wanted to summon his interface, but he gave up and answered like this."

"Cheat, also a kind of talent."

"\"Hmph. \""

"Hikari was startled by Yuzhi's words, then let out an annoyed light hum."

"Talent is something that really doesn't follow ordinary logic."

"Although Hikari felt internally uneasy, she now couldn't help but purse her lips: Could it be that she truly can't master it?"

"\"I think perhaps White Jue's cells were used less. \""

"Yuzhi thought for a long while before finally speaking."

"\"I can feel that after we injected these cells, our affinity for natural chakra has significantly increased."

"\"Although our true purpose in using these cells is to restore our Sharingan, these things indeed have extraordinary effects."

"\"Moreover, I found your adaptation to Nature's Power is steadily improving; at least the duration you can sustain is constantly lengthening, right? \""

"\"Seems so, indeed. \""

"Hikari thought carefully, then nodded."

"These days, they regularly perform injections of that white solvent."

"Along with these injections, her adaptability to Yuzhi's Sage Chakra continuously improves."

"Even now she still finds it hard to wield, but it's far better than nearly losing control when she first encountered the power."

"\"Looks like we'll need to increase the dosage later, especially since Yano Yu will help monitor afterward; the problem should be minor. \""

"Yuzhi settled on his hypothesis and finally made a decision."

"Pharmacist Yano Yu is now considered part of the Police Department, but Yuzhi won't let her learn more about their experiments."

"He will only have her supervise Yuzhi and Hikari's condition after the solvent injection, since she still can't be considered one of them."

"Her main work remains training the Police Department's medical unit, also serving to cultivate the medical talent Yuzhi hopes for in the future."

"Pharmacist Dou is one of them; this little fellow's strongest bond is still Yano Yu."

"But the key is that he's still young; many future things are uncertain."

"\"Even if I can't change it, at worst I can just say, 'Dou, you don't want Yano Yu either,' and that's fine. \""

"Anyway, Tuan Zang does it like that; pulling a move himself isn't a big deal, and he wouldn't betray those two anyway."

"As for having Hikari learn Sage Mode, that wasn't Yuzhi's sudden idea."

"Yuzhi trusts Hikari, undeniably; after experiencing so much together, he understands what kind of person Hikari is."

"Otherwise he wouldn't have considered Hikari's future before, nor thought about what to do with Hikari's Mangekyou Sharingan."

"Moreover, Hikari's talent and abilities are truly astonishing; Yuzhi wants to see what she'll become if she follows Ban's path."

"\"If she truly gathers all of Ban's power elements before his Six Paths incarnation, how strong would she become? \""

"Having the idea, Yuzhi naturally tries; his first step is the Sage Art he already mastered, though its difficulty is indeed greater."

"Fortunately, it's not a big deal; after all, even Ban only mastered the Sage Art's power at the end."

"Take it slowly; success will come."

"\"Moreover, now that we have mastered the power, we can fully handle the Nine-Tails issue. \""

"Yuzhi thought to himself that, barring accidents, the Nine-Tails incident should erupt in a few months."

"Although Yuzhi isn't sure whether Obito, who has been repeatedly beaten by him and Hikari, still has the confidence to launch a Nine-Tails operation."

"And now Lin is still alive; Kakashi has changed but hasn't entered ANBU, and rarely visits the graveyard,"

"In that case, the chance of the 'Graveyard Demon Whisper' that altered everyone's fate appearing is also low."

"But staying on guard is always good; who knows what new crazy tricks that genius Obito will come up with."

Yuzhi had already witnessed Obito's madness in the original work.

And now he truly feels it: when he goes mad, it's utterly incurable, and Yuzhi certainly has no other excuses.

However, even if he goes mad now, when he comes over, Yuzhi will definitely give him a lesson.

After all, under Hikari's urging, Yuzhi has finally awakened his own Susanoo!

Even though his Susanoo is still at a low level, at least he now possesses the ability.

"I'm almost fully recovered; I think you should start training as well."

Just as Yuzhi was silently pondering, Hikari suddenly stood up and looked down at Yuzhi from above.

"Let's go. Your Susanoo is too weak; you haven't even unlocked the second stage yet—it's far too slow."

"Damn, I've only just awakened my eyes; how can I compare with you?"

Yuzhi heard Hikari's words and instantly felt a bit depressed.

His Susanoo is indeed far behind Hikari's, and he only felt Susanoo thanks to Hikari's help, eventually unlocking it.

But he does have an excuse; after all, his time since awakening is truly short.

"Although you've just awakened, you don't need to worry about your eye power now."

Hikari didn't care about that; instead, smiling, he grabbed Yuzhi's hand and said,

"You're much better than I was before; let's go, no slacking off."

"Yes, yes, I understand."

Yuzhi pursed his lips, looked at the girl holding his hand, and sighed inwardly.

Why is this woman's Susanoo so strong—

"Looks like that little brat is performing quite well."

Inside the Underground Base, Orochimaru and Danzo stood together, watching the Itachi Uchiha below who was training hard; Orochimaru suddenly smiled and said,

Danzo gave a slight nod, his perpetually "someone owes me money" expression softening a bit.

Itachi Uchiha's talent was unexpected; this kid learns anything at an astonishingly rapid pace.

Moreover, this kid has something that pleases him especially: he already possesses the most crucial element for a ninja—killer intent.

A ninja is ultimately a tool for killing; excessive emotions can hinder a ninja's growth.

According to Danzo's view, a ninja needs only one conviction, and then continuously improves, grows, and fights to the death for it.

That is sufficient, and it will certainly make a qualified ninja.

Itachi Uchiha now has the potential to become a qualified ninja, and he is steadily progressing toward that goal.

"Very good; I've already prepared to assign him some missions,"

Danzo said coolly, his gaze fixed on Itachi Uchiha.

"Assign missions?"

Orochimaru was a bit surprised by that and asked curiously,

"That kid is only five, right? Isn't it a bit early?"

"His talent, his excellence, surpasses your imagination, Orochimaru."

Danzo sneered, but gave no further explanation, turning his head toward Orochimaru.

"How are the experiments progressing, and how's the investigation I asked you to assist with?"

"The experiments are the same; materials are scarce, so I must conserve them."

Orochimaru paid no heed to Danzo's superior's commander demeanor, and instead calmly said,

"As for the investigation, the Uchiha are not easy to investigate; regarding Yakushi Noyu, she is now essentially a member of the Police Department."

"Moreover, this matter was approved by the Fourth Hokage and tacitly permitted by the Third."

Danzo's expression, which had softened, immediately fell apart again; his mood was exceptionally terrible.

Earlier, in the sparring battle between Orochimaru and Yuzhi, he was confident no trace was left.

After all, any trace would have been incinerated in that massive fire.

But he never imagined that Sarutobi Hiruzen would eventually find him and deem him the culprit!

"So any slightest wind or movement will lead them to me, huh?"

Danzo's inner fury was obvious, and what angered him most was that, since the base was still rebuilding, he could only rely on Orochimaru to investigate certain matters.

For Itachi Uchiha to be fully integrated into the base, he must do something.

Brainwashing must be continuously administered, and he also needs a target of hatred; once that target is eliminated, the kid can fully commit.

Danzo doesn't buy the nonsense of "family fire, all perish"; to him, it's a coup, a murder!

The perpetrator is the current ruler of the Uchiha, even that little brat Uchiha Haori!

It's unclear whether Danzo's malice is too deep, or he truly opened his inner eye; his thoughts are almost all correct.

But lacking evidence, this frustrates him, and what's more frustrating is that Yakushi Noyu actually betrayed him.

Yakushi Noyu was once a member of the base; although she wants to leave, is the base a place you can come and go as you wish?

Especially now that the base faces reconstruction, it needs experienced, capable people, and Yakushi Noyu is clearly the best choice.

He sent Orochimaru to assess the situation, naturally to find his weakness and force him to return to the base peacefully.

But the information he now gathered made him extremely distressed.

"Those Uchiha again; what the Third idiot was thinking, why such indulgence?"

Danzo was already on the brink of rage; if the Police Department continues this way, it's hard to say it will truly become the monster organization described in the plan.

Danzo absolutely would not allow that; in his view, Leaf Village must never have such an uncontrolled department!

Even if the Hokage can still control this department.

"The matter to investigate is just like this: when will your materials be delivered? I can hardly proceed to the next step of the experiment here."

Orochimaru didn't care what Danzo was thinking; his purpose in seeking Danzo had always been very pure.

So, Danzo, it's time to pay the money; this time is no exception.

"I'll find a way, you don't need to worry about that."

Danzo spoke with a cold expression, but after a short pause he asked.

"Is there really no evidence at all?"

"What kind of evidence do you want?"

Orochimaru paused upon hearing that, then a smile appeared on his face.

"To what extent can you achieve it?"

Danzo glared at Orochimaru, then continued to ask.

"Deceiving others is impossible; after all, they're not idiots, but deceiving a kid is fine."

Orochimaru thought carefully, then gave his answer.

Although he somewhat despised Danzo's method, a ninja is inherently someone who spares no means.

Pulling a few small tricks, forging some evidence, framing others is not difficult for them; they may even do it proactively when a mission requires.

Moreover, those at the root treat such matters as everyday fare; Orochimaru was never a good person, so these things are no burden to him.

"Is that so?"

Danzo frowned, and after a while he spoke seriously.

"I want you to have Itachi Uchiha inadvertently discover some evidence, and all the evidence should point to Uchiha Haori having led that coup.

And to cover up the evidence, ultimately together with others set the entire Nanhe Shrine ablaze. Can you do it?"

"It's somewhat difficult, but not impossible. However, I need a detailed personality assessment of Itachi Uchiha."

Orochimaru thought for a moment, then smiled as he spoke.

"Only then can I use his personality to guarantee no problems arise."

"No problem, I'll give it to you in a moment."

Danzo heard Orochimaru's words and nodded with satisfaction.

He had been dissatisfied for a while, and now Orochimaru's answer gave him some relief.

The Uchiha Clan's issues and the Police Department's problems must both be resolved.

Now plant a seed first; this seed is especially simple and exceptionally gifted, and he believes it will bear fruit in the future!

"However, there's one more matter to discuss inside."

But just as Danzo was enjoying himself, Orochimaru suddenly spoke again.

"What matter?"

Danzo frowned, looking at Orochimaru with puzzlement.

"Forging evidence is naturally no problem, and striving for perfection is definitely doable, only"

"Only what?"

"It's just that this would delay my actual progress and affect my original plan; I think you should provide some compensation, Lord Danzo, right?"

Danzo's complexion turned sour upon hearing that.

Because Orochimaru's words, both inside and out, meant only one thing—

Need to add money!

He now increasingly suspects that Orochimaru came to swindle funding—

"Then, I shall take my leave now."

"Go back early, Minato."

At dusk, after Minato Namikaze finished a day's work, he smiled and greeted the Third Hokage beside him.

According to his nature, he should have worked overtime, since he had just started and many things required learning and adaptation.

But during this period it wasn't possible, because Kushina was already pregnant!

Thinking of that, a sense of happiness welled up in his heart.

He always felt that Kushina was the greatest gift from heaven, and he cherished everything even more.

He knew Kushina also dreamed of becoming Hokage, so he redoubled his effort to become Hokage himself, thereby fulfilling their shared dream.

Now he finally achieved their joint dream, and they also conceived the fruit of their love.

All this felt like a dream to him; his heart was more than just simple joy.

The Flying Thunder God Technique activated swiftly, and in an instant he was back home from the Hokage office.

"I'm back."

Minato smiled and called out; the kitchen emitted waves of food aromas, seeming that Kushina was cooking.

But as he just stepped into the living room, he suddenly saw a silhouette lounging flamboyantly on the sofa, leisurely looking around.

Upon seeing him enter, the figure naturally waved and laughed, "Yo, Minato, you're back."

"Teacher Ziraiye?"

Looking at the person on the sofa, Minato laughed.

"Why did you come?"

"Can't I just come?"

Ziraiye raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of amusement, yet he still complained.

"Surely it's not because you became Hokage and resent this old man disturbing your married life, right?"

"Teacher Ziraiye, what are you saying? That you can come, and Minato and I are still not happy enough."

Accompanied by a light laugh, the whirling Kushina, apron on, carried a plate of finished dishes and walked out.

It differs somewhat from the original, perhaps because a series of small mishaps occurred in Leaf Village, and in the end Ziraiye tried to run away but couldn't.

He has remained in Leaf Village ever since, up to now.

"Kushina is getting better at speaking; indeed, people who are about to get married are different."

Ziraiye couldn't help but laugh heartily at that, and Minato Namikaze's wedding has been confirmed; barring any mishap, it will be held this month.

However, the people he invited this time aren't many—only a few close friends, the Clan Leaders of various great families, and young kids such as Kakashi.

It can be said that Minato Namikaze intends to handle this matter low‑key, which is perfectly normal.

"Ziraiye-sensei"

Perhaps upon hearing about the wedding, Kushina's face flushed slightly, prompting another happy smile to appear on Minato Namikaze's face.

"Kid, you've got a set."

However, what he didn't expect was that Ziraiye suddenly leaned close to him and whispered.

"You actually managed to turn such a volatile woman into a human wife; I now regard you differently, Minato."

"Ziraiye-sensei"

Minato, hearing this, suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, while Kushina beside him lifted her head and flashed a radiant smile.

"I did hear it, Ziraiye-sensei."

Ziraiye trembled all over, immediately sat up straight, and Kushina, seeing this, simply let out a light hum and turned back to the kitchen.

"I take back what I said earlier; thank you for your effort, Minato."

After confirming Kushina had left, Ziraiye finally showed a hint of regret and said to Minato.

"Ha ha. Actually I'm fine, teacher."

Minato truly didn't know how to respond, so he awkwardly laughed while speaking.

The pleasant time passed quickly, and soon the three of them gathered around the dining table and enjoyed dinner together.

After the meal, Ziraiye sipped the tea Kushina had brewed and remarked, "Kushina's cooking really keeps getting better."

"Then Ziraiye-sensei, feel free to come often when you have time."

At this moment, the whirling Kushina sat opposite him, while Minato had already taken the initiative to run to the kitchen to wash the dishes; hearing this, Kushina couldn't help but smile and say.

"Exactly, teacher, just like coming often."

Minato, having finished scrubbing all the bowls, walked out and also laughed.

"Damn, I don't plan to stay holed up in Leaf Village forever; now Leaf Village has no more wars, and I should stretch my limbs."

Ziraiye shook his head decisively, took a book out of his backpack, and said.

"Hey, you're getting married, I have nothing much to give you; this is a new book I conceived over a long time, created from years of insight.

It's titled 'The Perseverance Ninja Tale', consider it a gift for you; it's personally signed by me, so you must cherish it."

"Then thank you, teacher!"

Minato didn't mind that the gift was just a book; for him, whatever Ziraiye gives is something to be happy about.

Kushina felt the same; Ziraiye is truly too important to both of them.

"After you two get married, I also plan to leave and travel around."

Ziraiye leaned back, rested his whole body on the sofa, and said with a laugh.

"Earlier Leaf Village always had all sorts of strange incidents, and there were also Cloud Village issues, which kept me from having a chance to go out."

"Of course, there's also your wedding; I still have plenty of inspiration to unleash, and now I finally have the chance."

"Ziraiye-sensei, are you still going to leave?"

Minato, holding the book, asked helplessly; he truly didn't want Ziraiye to leave.

"Of course, but you don't have to make that face, right?"

Ziraiye, leaning on the sofa, shrugged his shoulders and said with a smile.

"Anyway, I'm not not coming back; we'll see each other later."

"That's the thing, teacher, Kushina is pregnant; the hospital's due date should be October."

Minato thought for a moment and decided it was better to tell the truth.

"What? Pregnant?"

Ziraiye was instantly startled, sat up straight, and looked at Kushina in disbelief.

"Yes, we were even thinking about what name the teacher should give the child."

Kushina smiled and gently looked down at her own belly.

"You only tell me this now? How infuriating!"

Ziraiye was also a bit stunned, but his face quickly flushed red and he shouted excitedly.

"Where's the alcohol? Kushina, quickly get the wine; tonight I want to have a good drink with Minato!"

"Not allowed!"

But Kushina suddenly changed expression, slapped the table in front of her, startling both Ziraiye and Minato.

"The doctor instructed that during pregnancy you can't drink alcohol, not even the smell of it is allowed."

"So Ziraiye-sensei, Minato can't accompany you for drinks tonight!"

Minato, standing aside, laughed and shrugged, showing a helpless expression.

"Alright, alright, I understand."

Ziraiye pursed his lips, but inwardly he muttered that Kushina's pregnancy was even more overbearing than Tsunade's.

However, for his disciple's happy life and his own future enjoyment, he decided not to say that.

As for the child's name, he glanced at the book he had given Minato and already had an idea in mind.

But he didn't say it outright; instead, he placed a hand on Minato Namikaze's shoulder and muttered helplessly in a low voice.

"Thanks for your trouble, Minato."

"Teacher."

"Last time you tried to ruin that little brat Yuzhi, I warned you; now you see how it feels, right?"

"Kushina is listening."

——

"Am I in a hospital?"

Mei Qin slowly opened her eyes, looked at the white ceiling, smelled the faint scent of medicine in the air, and felt a bit bewildered.

Kushina's pregnancy received good care, but Mei Qin's situation was not so good.

In fact, during the New Year Festival, she had already discovered she was pregnant again.

She simply didn't tell anyone else about it; in her view, her situation was especially dire, and perhaps no one in the clan would help her.

"And I used to be a ninja myself; can't I handle these matters on my own?"

Mei Qin thought that she had once been an elite ninja, so this issue wasn't really difficult for her.

It was fine at first, but as her belly grew larger, many things began to become inconvenient.

Moreover, the huge former Clan Leader's mansion was managed solely by her; after Uchiha Fugaku's death, she dismissed all the former servants, making it even harder.

"Also, what on earth is Itachi doing?"

Besides the issue of the child in her womb, Mei Qin also felt a headache about her other child.

Itachi has been clever since childhood, but also especially withdrawn; after this recent blow, he seems to have become even more introverted.

He doesn't talk much daily, leaves early and returns late; when asked anything, he says nothing, which makes Mei Qin especially worried.

Even now, Itachi continues this way as always, leaving Mei Qin feeling truly helpless.

Perhaps the only comforting thing is that Yuzhi is a person who keeps his promises; it seems he truly hasn't done anything to Itachi.

In fact, during this period, Mei Qin has been keeping an eye on all changes within the clan.

Because she knows clearly that what the clan becomes also concerns her family's survival.

Yuzhi and his followers used this as an excuse to carry out a brutal purge against the Clan Leader and the elders.

If they all fail, the first thing to be cleared is naturally themselves, since Yuzhi did reveal the secret.

What stunned her was that everything within the clan kept improving, and everyone seemed visibly more lively.

Moreover, she heard that the current clan council isn't only the higher-ups discussing the family's changes.

They even sent representatives from the lowest‑ranking Uchiha members, whom Mei Qin couldn't reach, into the discussion.

And they listen to their voices, understand their needs, and make necessary adjustments based on the actual situation.

All of this was beyond what Uchiha Fugaku could have done as Clan Leader.

And Yuzhi's group's intention truly seems to be for the whole family, for all Uchiha people!

"Not only that, the Police Department has also changed."

Mei Qin thought to herself that when she went to the hospital, she had naturally seen the Police Department's current enforcement.

The current enforcement is truly completely different from before!

Back then, the Police Department was especially proud, and its enforcement was very harsh, causing many people to refuse cooperation.

From the Uchiha perspective at the time, Mei Qin seemed to think none of this was a problem; the offenders were the real troublemakers.

But now, trapped in this situation, seeing that the Police Department's enforcement standards and attitude have completely changed.

She suddenly realized this seems more reasonable and better, and that no one would refuse to cooperate with the Police Department's investigation.

"Could it be that Fugaku and the others were really wrong?"

This thought has been echoing in her mind since the New Year Festival, when she first saw all the changes.

She naturally hates Yuzhi, hating the person who ruined her family.

But she is also the elder's daughter and identifies as a member of the Uchiha Clan, which makes her doubt everything Fugaku did back then.

Most importantly, their lives now go uninterrupted, which makes her sigh even more.

But in the end she never asked for help; she thought she could manage it, until now she inexplicably woke up to discover she was in a hospital.

"You're awake?"

Just as she was bewildered, a voice suddenly sounded beside her ear, making her instantly feel uneasy.

She naturally recognized the voice; it was Uchiha Haori's!

"Now that you're awake, rest well; if the people monitoring you hadn't found you fainted in the living room, you'd probably be in trouble."

Mei Qin looked up and saw Uchiha Haori sitting nearby, carving an apple, with a young girl sitting beside him as well.

She recognized the girl; she seemed to be named Uchiha Ying, also a very formidable ninja.

But she found it odd that Haori looked somewhat fatigued, his complexion a bit pale.

She didn't dare to ask, and after hearing Yuzhi's words, she pursed her lips and said nothing.

Being monitored, she was naturally prepared, but is it really okay to say it so directly?

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Yuzhi, I'm fine."

After a while, Mei Qin finally let out a helpless sigh and said.

"Malnutrition, overexertion, and being pregnant— you call that fine?"

Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, handed the sliced apple to Hikari beside him, and then continued.

"Although we have some issues, I want you to remember one thing.

You are a member of the Uchiha Clan; I have also said that all Uchiha are family, and I promised that you would naturally not be two‑faced."

If you have any problems, you can come to me, or go to Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu; there's absolutely no need to continue like this.

Mikoto heard this and for a moment didn't know how to speak.

"Don't use your fixed way of thinking to consider how we should act."

Yuzhi stood up, looked at the Mikoto before him, and said leisurely.

"This is meaningless and unnecessary; I've already informed Zhi Shui, and he will try to retrieve the people you previously dismissed."

"They are familiar with your daily life, and since you're currently inconvenient, having someone look after you is better than you acting recklessly."

"Do you know?"

"Hmm."

Mikoto hesitated for a while, then gently nodded.

"Speak louder; I can't hear."

Yuzhi frowned, and spoke directly.

"I… I understand."

Mikoto was startled; she hadn't expected Yuzhi to be so rough, which seemed different from her memory, but she honestly replied loudly.

"Knowing is enough."

Yuzhi nodded, then glanced at Mikoto's belly before speaking slowly.

"If you have any problems, remember to come to us; if not, Zhi Shui will do. We're working hard to make the Uchiha Clan better, so we naturally won't overlook you."

"Besides, you wouldn't want any accident for the unborn child, would you?"

Yuzhi said this so fluently that Hikari, who was biting an apple nearby, just rolled his Byakugan and was too lazy to comment.

Mikoto was also a bit stunned, but in the end she nodded.

For the sake of the child, she really shouldn't continue like this.

"Rest well; also, at the end of this month the Fourth Generation and senior Kushina are getting married, and they've sent you an invitation."

"Recover properly, and remember to go together then, understood?"

"Hmm."

Facing the somewhat dominant Yuzhi, who also saved her, Mikoto really couldn't speak boldly.

"This seems vastly different from the warm yet ruthlessly fierce youth in her memory, doesn't it?"

But she didn't have time to think further, as Yuzhi had already left the ward with Hikari.

"Are they all family?"

She reached out, gently touched her swollen belly, and felt a mix of emotions; after a while she sighed softly.

——

"Are you okay? Why do you look so fierce?"

In the hospital corridor, Hikari watched people smiling and greeting them; while pulling Yuzhi and constantly responding, he whispered to Yuzhi.

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Yuzhi nodded, but something was uneasy inside him.

"This woman, I haven't even used a 'Glorious Evolution'; if I actually encounter a problem and the system confiscates my reward midway, what then?"

"Sasuke doesn't care; Indra's chakra will anyway be randomly generated within the Uchiha Clan, unlike the Asura selection range which is broader."

"But Yuzhi's reward was earned through his life‑and‑death effort on the mission; it can't be casually taken away."

Yuzhi thought this while inadvertently glancing at Hikari beside him.

"His anger also stemmed from being pushed hard by this girl."

"Hikari's Susanoo, though only in the third stage, is a form without legs but covered entirely in armor."

"But this Susanoo seemed far more ferocious than any Yuzhi had ever seen."

"Even though she constantly restrained her power, never letting Susanoo fully unleash, it still stayed at a level comparable to Yuzhi's."

"Yet that power still gave Yuzhi a tingling scalp from the beating."

"Fortunately they controlled the power and chose a remote valley in Leaf Village; otherwise trouble would have arisen."

"Having already been beaten, and then hearing 'reward' almost fly away, it's no wonder Yuzhi seemed fierce."

"It's fine as long as you're okay; your Susanoo made some progress today, but it still needs effort."

Hikari took a bite of the apple and whispered a sentence, which made Yuzhi's already teetering mood a bit more uneasy.

"His Susanoo's progress was all hammered out by Hikari."

"But speaking of it, Yuzhi had something he couldn't figure out."

"Hikari's Susanoo is dark red, yet his turned black; why?"

"Originally, Susanoo is a massive chakra vessel filled with cold, destructive aura; now his turned black, making him look like a villain."

"Hmm, I understand."

Yuzhi felt a bit down, but in the end he nodded.

"But I think we should rest properly soon; the Fourth Generation's wedding is approaching."

"You wouldn't want us both looking exhausted when attending someone else's wedding; that would be too rude."

"Rude?"

Hikari nodded, but when it came to rudeness she couldn't help glaring at Yuzhi, leaving him puzzled.

"Nevertheless, Hikari didn't mind and kept thinking about the wedding."

"While pondering, she suddenly flushed a bit, then glanced at Yuzhi beside her."

"What a rude little brat."

——

Water Country, inside Mist Village.

Obito was stirring up trouble in the ninja world, but Black Zetsu didn't completely follow him.

He was very clear about what the current ninja world was like; to deal with this ninja world, one needed to have their own strength.

Besides personal strength, in other aspects they absolutely could not fall behind; Mist Village was obviously the best choice!

"Moreover, Mist Village has traces of Madara and a political legacy; I'll first take stock so that Obito can take over later."

Black Zetsu hid inside the Mizukage's office; at this time the Mizukage was already the Fourth Generation Mizukage, Gouju Shicang.

This guy looks young, but his ability is not bad; most importantly, he is still a jinchuriki!

A perfect jinchuriki would be hard for anyone to deal with, but Mist Village obviously lacks the capability to produce a perfect jinchuriki.

Their personalities and their Seal Technique have already determined everything; Black Zetsu is thinking about how to let Obito control this Mizukage.

In that case, the entirety of Mist Village will be under their control!

"Huh?"

Just as Black Zetsu was observing this Fourth Generation Mizukage, suddenly half of his White Zetsu body twitched.

He immediately realized this was information transmitted over, so he quickly accessed it and began reading.

However, just a moment later, his face suddenly changed dramatically; if he had blood in his body, he would probably already have high blood pressure!

"Obito, are you fucking crazy?"

This information turned out to be: Nagato agrees to attack Leaf Village together with Obito!

He never expected that, while he wasn't by Obito's side, this brat would pull off such a nasty move.

Doesn't this idiot Obito realize that Nagato currently needs to properly adjust his eyes, rather than go into battle?

At this moment, he really wanted to strangle that guy Obito.

Thanks for everyone's support, subscriptions, and monthly votes; thank you all.