Chapter 95

"Who are you?"

Seeing the figure that appeared out of nowhere, Danzo and Orochimaru instantly became alert.

Both of them stared intently at the person before them, and in an instant some information suddenly surfaced in their minds.

In the Nine-Tails incident over a month ago, there were two people who attacked Leaf Village.

One had strange double eyes and came to avenge Danzo, and the other possessed the Sharingan, space techniques, and also mastered Wood Release!

Even though neither of them attended any meetings, they are both high-ranking in Leaf Village, so they could still obtain the information.

This fellow, came looking for me?

Again looking for Danzo?

Orochimaru and Danzo simultaneously had similar thoughts; the next moment Danzo stepped toward Orochimaru, while Orochimaru sharply stepped back.

But regardless of what they did, the two tacitly assumed an attacking stance; the guy before them was clearly not easy to deal with.

"Don't worry, I have no ill intent in approaching you."

Obito naturally noticed their alertness; he shook his head and, in a hoarse, aged voice, began to speak.

"I suppose you also know me; if I truly were to do something, you would probably be unable to resist."

Facing Yuzhi and Hikari, and even Minato Namikaze, Obito would not dare to say such words.

But when confronting those who have never fought him and do not know his true background, he said this with great confidence!

"Who are you, and what is your purpose?"

【7】 Danzo and Orochimaru exchanged a vague glance, each refraining from mentioning the earlier subtle movement; then Danzo whispered,

Tuan Zang and Orochimaru exchanged a subtle glance, neither of them mentioned the little action that had just occurred, and then Tuan Zang asked in a low voice.

"I am merely a forgotten man, and my name is just a placeholder."

Obito knew that Danzo was aware of Madara Uchiha, and this time he did not pretend otherwise.

"This time I have come to seek cooperation with you."

Cooperation?

Danzo and Orochimaru both furrowed their brows upon hearing this, and for some reason the same thought simultaneously arose in their minds.

This person, could he possibly be insane?

Having just attacked Leaf Village with one foot, and now coming back with the other to seek cooperation—what does he think they are?

"I know you don't trust me, after all I just attacked Leaf Village."

Obito looked at the two still vigilantly staring at him, and for some reason that gaze reminded him of the woman beside Yuzhi.

It almost made him lose his composure, but at that moment he could still control his emotions and continue speaking.

"However, I acted that way because I received a commission; now the mission has failed, and I have no longer any connection with it or its client."

Orochimaru, upon hearing this, couldn't help but glance again at Danzo beside him, his look seeming to say, 'So it was you who lured the enemy here?'

Danzo's expression turned gloomy; this remark seemed to place all the blame on him, making it hard for him to accept.

He does not trust Obito, but at this moment he must also consider how to deal with Obito.

"Hmph, saying all this is useless; what exactly is your purpose?"

Danzo asked coldly.

"Also, since you want to cooperate, why not show sincerity and remove that ridiculous mask of yours?"

"You are not yet qualified to see my face."

Obito spoke with practiced ease.

"My purpose in seeking cooperation is simple: I need someone to support me and together destroy the Uchiha Clan!"

Destroy the Uchiha Clan?

Upon hearing this, Danzo's expression flickered slightly, while Orochimaru's gaze turned especially playful.

Both of them realized something: that night, the Nine-Tails was likely severely chastised by those two Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha.

Otherwise it wouldn't have penetrated Leaf Village, gone crazy to find the two of them, and talk about cooperation.

"Aren't you yourself a member of the Uchiha? Why would you do this?"

But at this moment Orochimaru licked his lips, and, in a low voice, looked at Obito and said,

"Moreover, I recall that on the night of the Nine-Tails, you fought the Fourth Hokage, but unfortunately..."

Orochimaru's words instantly darkened the face beneath Obito's mask; losing to Minato Namikaze was certainly his humiliation.

Fortunately, he was mentally prepared; whether it's Danzo or Orochimaru, they are both high-ranking in Leaf Village.

"I lost, or rather my previous actions were too smooth, causing me to underestimate this kid."

Obito seemed to show no emotional change, but he still somewhat refused to admit his defeat.

But his words still sounded convincing, for after all, in front of the Fourth Hokage, he killed Lake Biwa and released the Nine-Tails; that's not something ordinary people can do.

"How do you propose we cooperate?"

Danzo kept pondering something, and at this moment, apparently having settled on an answer, he asked.

"And cooperation requires sincerity; what kind of sincerity are you prepared to offer?"

"Then what do you want?"

Obito tilted his head slightly and asked naturally.

"I want a Sharingan; can you provide it? I also want the information on the guy who attacked me; can you provide that?"

Danzo's cold gaze fixed on Obito, and he immediately, without hesitation, put forward his own demand.

Danzo could not trust Obito, and absolutely could not trust Obito, but that does not mean he cannot exploit Obito!

Danzo realized that this guy seemed to have repeatedly attacked Uchiha Haori, and his heart harbored anger toward that little brat and even the Uchiha.

Using this guy to eliminate unrest within Leaf Village is like letting them fight each other; he only needs to provide information.

Moreover, Danzo truly has no Sharingan in his possession; he must obtain some materials for Orochimaru to experiment with to address his urgent need.

In the end, Danzo was also considering cooperating with this guy to obtain Mi Yan's information and to investigate this guy's information!

Whether for personal revenge or for Leaf Village, he must deal with these people.

After all, Leaf Village is his Leaf Village; in the future he will inevitably become Hokage, and he will not let go of anyone who threatens Leaf Village, whether inside or outside the village!

Danzo has already placed Obito on the list of targets that must be eliminated.

Obito, after pondering for a long time, said, "Sharingan can provide you with some information, and information as well, but only after the fact."

"Why?" Danzo asked, frowning.

"After all, he is my client; I cannot disclose the specific information to you, and you already know some of it, don't you?"

Obito spoke coldly; he did not want to talk much with Danzo, as he fundamentally did not trust Danzo.

"Moreover, cooperation is mutual; if you want me to give something, you must also provide something."

"How do you plan to handle Orochimaru, who is by your side, and how will you deal with the Uchiha?"

"Orochimaru is trustworthy; he is with me."

Danzo glanced at Orochimaru beside him and immediately gave his reply.

Now Leaf Village has only him and Orochimaru as allies; he would never do something foolish, especially since he cannot be defeated.

"As for the Uchiha, I will collect their data and give it to you, and I will also cooperate with you to do whatever is needed."

"Is that enough?"

"Fine."

Obito thought for a moment, then nodded; things must proceed step by step, and he was not in a hurry.

"Then, happy cooperation."

"Hmph, happy cooperation."

Danzo also let out a cold hum and replied.

But there was not the slightest trust in their words; each probably was already thinking about how to eliminate the other.

However, Orochimaru tilted his head, scrutinizing Obito, and his gaze began to flicker slightly.

"Although this guy's aura is faint, it is definitely composed of Senju ZhuZhang's cells!"

From his tone, he sounds like a Uchiha, and the previous information shows he can use Wood Release, plus the current contact.

Sure enough, my research direction was not wrong at all; Sharingan can form a perfect balance with the power of Wood Release!

"Even"

Orochimaru lowered his head slightly, and his tongue couldn't help but lick his own lips.

"Even based on this guy's current condition, these two powers could fuse even better.

Does it need a Uchiha or Senju body as a carrier? This world is so interesting."

——

"How does it feel?"

"Very good; this enhancement even exceeds imagination."

Inside the Uchiha's hut, Hikari, faced with Yuzhi's question, briefly sensed his own change and then laughed.

However, she did not swing her feet on the bedside as before; instead, she kept her legs together and tucked them behind her, while Yuzhi, as always, leaned against the bedside.

Hearing Hikari's words, Yuzhi nodded slightly; this time the solvent injected brought a truly great boost.

Even someone like him, whose bloodline constantly evolves, gains extraordinary results!

Although this boost is mainly focused on the body, the body belongs to Fire Release and is also an important vessel for chakra.

One can imagine how much this will affect him in combat!

Moreover, the negative effects of this absorption did not last long, since their bodies have already adapted to such power.

"Unfortunately, it's already completely used up, yet the body hasn't reached saturation."

Yuzhi touched his chin, thinking with a slight regret.

"What are you thinking?"

Hikari simply lay on her side, tilted her head, propped herself up with one hand, and spoke, clearly very relaxed.

"Still wondering where to go to keep getting these things?"

"Hmm, we still need to continue, and we may have forgotten that kid Shisui."

Yuzhi nodded, then smiled and said.

"So the amount we need won't be small; this kind of matter must be considered carefully."

Although Yuzhi and Hikari are basically in the later stage, since they haven't saturated yet, no one knows how much more dosage is needed to complete it.

Especially, Yuzhi's current condition has changed slightly.

【Glorious Evolution Activated】

【Three basic enhancement options available: Body, Mind, chakra】

【Evolution count available: 1】

【Remaining evolution count: 2】

【Chosen evolution path — chakra】

All three basic evolution paths make Yuzhi feel conflicted, because each of them suits him well.

Fortunately, he can slowly evolve any of the three, so he simply chose the option he valued less — chakra.

In terms of mind, he mainly worries that a sudden boost in potential might prevent him from reaching the Eternal Eye faster; even if he chooses, it would be after attaining the Eternal Eye.

As for the body, he hasn't even reached saturation yet, and he thinks it's better to decide after saturation.

As for chakra, there are fewer concerns; whether its quality or quantity is enhanced, he can quickly replenish and supplement it.

"I only overlooked one thing: chakra is linked to the body and mental power."

Chakra is the product of the fusion of bodily strength and spiritual power; its increase naturally boosts both aspects!

Although the increase isn't particularly large, the effect is very evident, and it's exactly as he expected.

"This kind of boost not only simply enhances current abilities, but also raises present potential."

Yuzhi is now somewhat relieved; fortunately he didn't hastily choose "spirit", otherwise he would have truly cried.

Now his bodily potential is driven by the rise in chakra, and his demand for White Absolute Cells has increased once more.

Moreover, he really needs to consider Zhi Shui's issue; procuring supplies is naturally inevitable.

"That kid Zhi Shui looks kinda silly."

Hikari doesn't know the many thoughts flashing through Yuzhi's mind; she tilts her head, thinks of Zhi Shui, and can't help shaking her head.

"He actually told the two of us his eye technique; doesn't he know some things shouldn't be spoken casually?"

However, his eye technique is indeed frightening; the effect is surprisingly terrifying."

"Indeed powerful, but also truly foolish and naive."

Yuzhi turns his head toward Hikari, but can't help starting to complain inwardly.

That's something you haven't seen in the original work; it can't be explained simply as foolishness.

Don't speak of the deity's ability to silently rewrite others' wills; once revealed to untrusted people, his fate is already sealed.

In the original, the Uchiha were already about to rebel; everyone knew it, and you said it in front of the Third Hokage and Tuan Zang.

Even the Third Hokage would struggle to hold back, let alone Tuan Zang, the guy obsessed with the Hokage; he would never trust a Uchiha.

Frankly, Zhi Shui's death was entirely his own doing; couldn't he have silently changed everything instead?

"However, it seems he treats us as older brothers; trusting us so much, we can't act recklessly."

Hikari seems to have thought of something; she looks at Yuzhi and suddenly whispers.

"That's natural."

Yuzhi nods, then realizes something, which instantly leaves him both amused and bewildered.

"Please, would I still do something to him just to transplant his eye technique? What kind of person do you think I am?"

"We've been together so long, what have I ever done to you?"

"Sorry."

Hikari hears this and can't help murmuring a line, but her eyes glance at Yuzhi.

"Your rude actions have been many, and they've been increasing lately."

"By the way, what you just said seems a bit off, doesn't it?"

Suddenly, Yuzhi seems to recall something.

"Mm?"

Hikari looks at him, a bit puzzled.

"You just said Zhi Shui treats us as older brothers, but you're a girl; I heard he was raised from childhood by Uzhibo JiuXin, is he…"

"Shut up! You rude, evil Uchiha brat!"

—

"Yuzhi, why do you look a bit absent‑minded?"

In the Hokage Tower office, Minato Namikaze watches Yuzhi, who seems distracted, and curiously asks.

"I'm just thinking about other matters, Lord Hokage."

Yuzhi regains his composure, then gives a dry laugh and explains.

He can't say he made a joke at home and then got kicked out, can he.

Although he knows Hikari's aura comes quickly and leaves quickly, it still makes him a bit embarrassed.

Fortunately, it's not a big deal, and he indeed needs to focus his mind on other matters right now.

For example, negotiating with Minato Namikaze about leaving Mist Village!

"Don't address me like that privately, Yuzhi; I told you long ago."

Minato hears this and smiles, saying.

"However, regarding your desire to go to Mist Village, have you really thought it through?"

"I know you have extensive combat experience with Mist Village, but going to Water Country and being in Whirlpool Country are two different concepts."

"There you'd have almost no support, and selling weapons doesn't even require you to go personally."

Minato still cares about Yuzhi; after all, Yuzhi saved his entire family.

Minato has always been grateful, and Yuzhi's power is exceptionally important to Leaf Village; he certainly doesn't want any problems to arise.

"Senior Minato, actually this time isn't just about selling weapons."

Yuzhi knows Minato's meaning, but for White Absolute Cells and the massive gold in Water Country, he wants to go take a look.

"Actually this trip is also to investigate something; do you remember when I first met that mysterious guy?"

"Mysterious person?"

Minato's face instantly turns serious.

"It was during the peace talks between Leaf Village and Rock Village in Grass Country… Mist Village? Are you doubting that?!"

Minato suddenly grasped something, stood up immediately to ponder seriously, but after a while he shook his head.

"This could be a coincidence, because many villages know about the Leaf–Rock Village talks, Mist Village…"

"But they came too quickly, and their preparation was overly thorough, wasn't it?"

Yuzhi shakes his head, becoming serious as well.

"And that encounter gave me the feeling they were purposefully hunting a target before striking."

"Rather than disrupting the peace talks, they were launching an operation."

Minato Namikaze was somewhat silent; although more than a year had passed, there were indeed many oddities inside.

In fact, at first, Leaf Village had similar doubts, and the higher‑ups also discussed it.

But because peace was hard‑won, the years Leaf Village spent waging war were truly miserable.

Moreover, Mist Village had completely withdrawn, and with the sea separating everyone, whatever Leaf Village wanted to do was difficult, so it was left at that.

But in hindsight, there really is something off about this!

"If that's the case, I'm even less inclined to approve your departure, Yuzhi."

Minato Namikaze pondered for a long time; he clearly agreed with Yuzhi's reasoning, yet he shook his head even more firmly.

"That guy's ability is especially bizarre, and on top of that he could previously mobilize the ANBU; now if you go to Mist Village, the situation would likely get worse."

"Yuzhi, although you can defeat the Nine‑Tails, don't underestimate a ninja's wisdom; I don't want any trouble befalling you!"

Hearing this, Yuzhi couldn't help but purse his lips.

He naturally knew Minato Namikaze meant well, but felt that the Fourth Hokage was still somewhat conservative.

His actions would inevitably be cautious, so this time he certainly wouldn't go alone.

With assistance, he wouldn't be too afraid, especially since he has a retreat plan.

"Senior Minato, my apologies."

Yuzhi suddenly stepped beside Minato Namikaze, then gave a smile.

Before Minato could react, Yuzhi placed his hand on his shoulder, and in the next instant his chakra erupted suddenly.

Buzz—

Accompanied by a whirlwind of sky and earth turning, and a sensation as if space were warped, they were gone from the Hokage's office in an instant.

Reappearing, they had arrived at the outskirts of Leaf Village, at a spot where Minato Namikaze's Kunai had been left!

"This is…"

Minato stared at the shifting space before him, momentarily stunned, then asked in disbelief.

"Yuzhi, have you already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

"Yes."

Yuzhi nodded, and opened his mouth.

"It took almost a year, but I finally grasped the basics, and now I can use it more easily."

Minato was still a bit stunned; it took a year to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, yet he reached this level?

Thinking back, learning the Flying Thunder God was arduous, especially since the Second Hokage's technique was extremely difficult.

When Yuzhi originally chose this technique from the 'Custom Sealing Book,' he had intended to give a reminder.

But he never expected someone to reach that level in a year, even being able to use his seal?

Fortunately, he didn't know Yuzhi might have mastered it in less than a month.

"Truly incredible."

Minato seemed a bit dazed, but he quickly recovered.

"Congratulations, Yuzhi, but I need to confirm: what's the maximum distance this technique can reach?"

"It depends on the chakra, but I have no issue there."

Yuzhi thought for a moment, then pointed toward Sand Hidden Village.

"At the farthest, I can sense the southernmost tip of Wind Country, where there also seems to be Senior Minato's mark."

"The southern tip of Wind Country?"

Minato thought briefly, then recalled the Kunai he had left there after sealing the Dragon Vein chakra.

If Yuzhi can sense such a distant point, then leaving marks in Wave Country and Whirlpool Country would suffice.

Yuzhi has enough chakra and can definitely return easily!

Thinking of this, Minato felt a bit relieved.

He also naturally wanted to uncover that guy's identity; if it truly involves Mist Village, they at least have a direction!

He had never dared to forget what that guy had done.

"So, Senior Minato, rest assured; there are two people who attacked Leaf Village, one who has met me twice, I will investigate thoroughly."

Seeing Minato's demeanor, Yuzhi knew the matter wasn't a big problem.

"As for the other, Leaf Village will need to investigate properly; after all, everyone is unfamiliar with that guy, but according to intel he seems to be…"

"…coming for Danzo."

At the mention of Danzo, Minato's expression immediately soured.

He wouldn't forget what that self‑righteous guy said that night, nor how many Leaf ninja died because of him.

Moreover, that ungrateful guy, after Shisui saved him, still tried to act against Shisui.

He even heard that Uchiha Mikoto's child now seems to follow him; one could say this guy is truly full of misdeeds!

"Perhaps we can follow this thread and investigate what he actually did."

Yuzhi at this moment began to stir trouble; he may not act now, but that doesn't mean he can't irritate Danzo.

If someone provokes him and he does nothing, wouldn't that be too shameful?

"Rest assured, I will thoroughly investigate Danzo."

Minato nodded seriously.

"And I will give Yuzhi and Shisui an answer!"

——

Leaf Village, inside Orochimaru's underground laboratory.

Danzo looked at the individual Sharingan eyes and nodded with satisfaction.

And Orochimaru beside him also had his eyes light up; although there aren't many Sharingan here, they are absolutely an excellent batch of experimental material for him!

After all, it's now difficult for him to pry a few Sharingan from Danzo's hands.

That guy, is he still pretty trustworthy?

Orochimaru lightly licked his lips, speaking in a hoarse voice.

But who exactly is this guy, possessing both Sharingan and Wood Release, and even space-time technique?

He probably awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan just like Uchiha Haori did—truly both powerful and mysterious.

Anyway, he's just an evil Uchiha.

Although Danzo's eyes burned with fervor, his voice remained grim.

If I didn't share the same goal with him, I wouldn't have agreed to him at all!

Orochimaru couldn't help but shake his head upon hearing that— the same goal being to annihilate the Uchiha?

The Uchiha clan's current situation is constantly leaning toward the Leaf Village; to destroy it would hardly be anything but weakening the Leaf Village's own strength, wouldn't it?

Although Orochimaru no longer harbors the ambition of becoming Hokage, and has even begun establishing his presence in the Land of Fields, his vision and thinking remain unaffected.

He sees many things clearly; he naturally knows the village's current attitude and actions toward the Uchiha, as well as what the underlying meaning truly is.

But Danzo, on the other hand, fails to grasp this; once he takes action, the village will surely abandon him.

The Leaf Village would never perish together with Danzo and three Mangekyou Sharingan, not even while the Third Hokage is in office!

Moreover, is Danzo's annihilation of the Uchiha for the sake of the Leaf Village, or for the Sharingan he himself needs?

Drain him dry early, and get rid of this self-important guy as soon as possible.

Orochimaru thought with disdain, Danzo seeking death—he won't accompany him, especially since he now has a greater goal.

Although no experiment has been conducted yet, the fusion of Uchiha and Senju seems far more interesting than imagined.

That mysterious guy is the best example, but unfortunately we lack sufficient material, especially a body from the Uchiha—what a pity.

Orochimaru was thinking, and for some reason the image of Itachi Uchiha appeared in his mind.

The next moment, he fell into contemplation involuntarily.

Waiting for my Impure World Reincarnation experiment to succeed, and waiting for Danzo to die, perhaps I can.

That's natural; that guy is untrustworthy.

Although his mind is filled with myriad thoughts, Orochimaru seems to have developed an unconscious way of dealing with Danzo.

However, his appearance will still cause great trouble; perhaps he will threaten you with this in the future.

Hmph, I will use what he provides to annihilate the Uchiha and, in the process, eliminate him as well.

Danzo glanced around, then finally spoke in a low voice.

Orochimaru, we now have Sharingan; I want to conduct an experiment.

Orochimaru glanced at Danzo's empty arm, and instinctively wanted to nod in agreement.

Although he has conducted the experiment several times, he has never yet performed it on a human body.

According to his expectation, it should have started by now; he never expected Danzo to come knocking, so how could he refuse?

But before he could speak, Danzo continued talking.

I won't short you on what you're owed—experimental materials, funds, or anything else I will provide.

But I have one demand: strive for the best!

Fine, no problem.

Orochimaru even froze for a moment before immediately agreeing.

He originally had no intention of making any demands, but given the excellent terms Danzo offered, how could he possibly refuse?

Then I'll leave it to you.

Danzo slightly clenched his fist and spoke in a low voice.

Minato Namikaze, this lucky brat, really thinks he can ride on my head?

And that mysterious evil Uchiha, really thinks he can use me?

Just wait; after I rebuild the Root, I will slowly deal with both of you!

Orochimaru heard those words, ultimately just smiling without speaking, but he seemed increasingly able to see Danzo's demise clearly.

But that's fine; Orochimaru feels that if it weren't for Danzo's funding, and that he still holds some authority as Hokage's aide, and that his own village hasn't been built yet.

He probably couldn't even tolerate Danzo, this lunatic.

But hey, two lunatics together—who knows what effect that would have?

At this moment, Orochimaru couldn't help but lick his lips, and suddenly a sense of anticipation arose in his heart.

Standing on the bow, Yuzhi looked at the mist rising all around, and involuntarily stretched.

After discussing the pros and cons with Minato Namikaze and demonstrating his Flying Thunder God Technique, Yuzhi, after a few days of preparation, chose to set out.

The Leaf Village is still basically in an era of peace and prosperity; although it experienced the Nine-Tails incident, everyone's losses were actually quite small.

After all, that terrible night only resulted in many ninja deaths due to the rescue of Danzo.

In fact, the vast majority were Danzo's own men.

Such losses are hardly a problem for the Leaf Village, but Danzo's days might not be easy from now on.

Especially after Yuzhi's provocations, Danzo will only become more unfortunate!

Senior, according to the sea chart, we're almost there.

Just as Yuzhi was watching the sea, Shisui suddenly came to his side and whispered a sentence.

This kid looks rather excited, and Kakashi likewise seems somewhat excited, curiously scanning everything ahead.

It'll be good once we arrive; after all, drifting at sea for so many days is really boring.

Yuzhi casually nodded and spoke with a smile, while Hikari also walked to his side, peering his head out to look at the faintly visible distant island.

It was probably the first time she had seen the sea view, and Hikari felt a little curious about everything around her.

For this trip, Yuzhi would naturally bring enough people and provisions to guarantee his safety.

Hikari didn't need anyone to tell her; she, already calmed down, would naturally come along, and in her heart she would not allow anything to happen to Yuzhi.

Zhi Shui, after Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu disclosed the matter to him, immediately sought out Yuzhi and said he wanted to come along.

When Yuzhi plans to leave, he will naturally explain it at the clan meeting, since being away for so many days requires a lot of work to be arranged.

Although the two know Yuzhi is formidable, they absolutely do not want this de‑facto Clan Leader to encounter any trouble, so they will naturally inform Zhi Shui.

Zhi Shui is currently undergoing new training, and he is also about to enter the clan meeting.

Hikari is the same, but no one dares to train her; after all, she is different from Zhi Shui.

Kakashi was assigned by Minato Namikaze; the four form a standard squad, and Kakashi excels in all aspects, so he was naturally chosen.

"Yuzhi, after we get ashore we'll still need to be a bit more careful."

Kakashi thought for a moment and spoke from beside them.

"It would be best to create some disguises or something; then I'll have Pa Ke and the others go ahead to scout the surroundings."

"Then I'll trouble you, Kakashi."

Yuzhi nodded and then asked curiously.

"I heard you seem to be planning to join the ANBU; is that true?"

Zhi Shui, hearing this, also looked over curiously; the ANBU is relatively unfamiliar to most people.

"Yes, I intend to join the ANBU to learn a bit."

Kakashi nodded; he said without any concealment.

"After all, Yuzhi, you said that in the future there might be a chain reaction because of the Nine‑Tails.

If you want better advancement, the ANBU would be a good choice, and besides, going to the ANBU is also possible."

At this point, Kakashi lowered his voice, but he couldn't help to mutter inwardly.

Going to the ANBU, at least I can avoid Akai!

Akai has always wanted to challenge Yuzhi, but Yuzhi's past performance left a deep impression, making Akai feel that if he went, he would just get beaten, achieving nothing.

And Kakashi was the original prodigy; Akai's plan became to first challenge Kakashi and then Yuzhi.

After the Nine‑Tails incident, Akai seemed to have been stamped with a Thought Steel Seal, which left Kakashi at a loss for words.

"Honestly, I'm just a backup, but you don't have to be so eager."

Kakashi doesn't care about Akai's thoughts; deep down he does want to spar with Yuzhi a few more times.

But Akai's eagerness is already almost unbearable for him, so he decided that if he can't provoke him, he'll hide.

The ANBU is indeed a good place.

"What ANBU? Isn't the Police Department pretty good?"

Zhi Shui didn't even mind that Kakashi hadn't finished speaking; he tilted his head and said.

"The Police Department is so popular now, and the plan set by the senior has already begun to be implemented gradually.

I think it won't take a year; the branches, district offices, and street stations in each region will be built.

We're already continuously recruiting; senior Kakashi, if you come over, you can definitely become at least a Squad Leader."

"Never mind, I think the ANBU is fine."

Kakashi shook his head decisively; in the Police Department it seems even Akai would chase after him, and besides, he now needs ANBU training.

He followed Yuzhi's suggestion and changed his combat style, now using sword techniques together with the Sharingan more.

This lets him avoid massive chakra consumption, and Minato also taught him the Flying Thunder God Technique; he must study all of this diligently.

Hiding in the ANBU avoids excessive disturbance, and continuous real‑combat polishing makes it truly the best fit for him.

"Lord Yuzhi, we're approaching the port."

While Yuzhi watched Kakashi and the others chat idly, a middle‑aged man walked up beside him and whispered.

The middle‑aged man had a dark, weather‑worn face and a sturdy build, looking just like an ordinary person who makes a living fishing and ferrying.

In reality, the fellow was a Leaf Village ANBU planted in the Water Country.

Every village makes similar preparations, and the Leaf Village is no exception.

"Are we there yet?"

Hikari finally spoke, glancing around before saying softly.

"This place is indeed very different from the Leaf Village."

"Indeed, but such geography also makes it convenient for them to cause trouble."

Yuzhi shrugged and said, honestly, the geography of the Water Country really does resemble that of his past life's Dai Ying a bit.

Both have the sea as a natural barrier, making them easy to defend yet hard to attack, and they excel at water ninjutsu.

This also means they usually launch heavy punches proactively to harass others, while others find it hard to strike their homeland.

However, Mist Village doesn't seem to have mastered Dai Ying's approach; at least they haven't become a competent 'stir‑the‑pot'.

They only jump in briefly when wars break out in the ninja world; otherwise they remain relatively closed off.

"But this place contains countless treasures,"

Yuzhi thought to himself, and at the same time his retina displayed his system interface.

【New Side Quest Acquired】

【1. Help Obito solidify control over Mist Village】

【2. Destroy Obito's control in Mist Village】

【Unknown Task Reward】

【New Side Quest Acquired】

【1. Defeat Uchiha Obito and obtain a sufficient amount of White Absolute Cells】

【2. Reconcile with Uchiha Obito and obtain a sufficient amount of White Absolute Cells】

【Unknown Task Reward】

【Obtained a New Side Quest】

【1. Preserve the Takeuchi clan instead of just taking a sum and leaving】

【2. Drain the Takeuchi clan, disregarding their life or death】

【Unknown Task Reward】

Looking at his three fully loaded side quests, Yuzhi thought to himself that indeed, staying in Leaf Village all this time hadn't brought him much improvement!

Three side quests appeared at once; how could Yuzhi not be unhappy?

As for the quest choice, he has already made his decision.

Obito is impossible to help, but Mist Village cannot have it that comfortable; he hasn't forgotten the old grudge against Whirlpool Country.

"So, still water appearing is still a good thing; otherwise the heavenly deity would have a place to wield its power."

As for reconciling with Obito, that's nothing but a dream; he wants reconciliation, but Obito is unwilling!

And the Takeuchi clan, of course, it's best to drain them; these lunatics aren't any less severe than the Uchiha's condition.

"Thanks for your trouble, we'll take our leave now."

After they stepped ashore, Yuzhi nodded at the boatman, but at that moment Kakashi suddenly extended his hand in a warning gesture.

This made Yuzhi and the others frown; how unlucky to meet people right after stepping ashore?

Sure enough, not far away Yuzhi saw a group from Mist Village rushing toward them.

Among that group from Mist Village, one person made Yuzhi raise an eyebrow slightly.

"That guy seems to be Zai Bu Zhan."

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