""" What if Naruto was the son of the strongest Uchiha in history? š„ Read my new book, Naruto: My Father is Uchiha Madara, and watch Naruto inherit Madara's blood, power, and ambition to shake the entire shinobi world!Ā """
Once you get a taste, there's no going back.
Might Guy and Asuma Sarutobi were now completely obsessed with the noble cause of "saving lost sisters."
Watching their retreating figures, Kakashi shook his head with a sigh. Personally, rather than saving sisters, he preferred a quiet afternoon reading Raizen's latest masterpiece while exercising his "Golden Right Hand."
The written portion of the exams was currently underway. Kakashi didn't need to supervise, so he found a secluded spot, pulled out his cherished smut novel, and began reading with rapt attention.
Raizen had no interest in the written test or the "Heaven and Earth Scroll" scramble in the forest. He waited until the final 1-on-1 tournament rounds to attend, bringing little Mirai and Karin along to watch.
Sitting in the spectator stands, the two little girls were incredibly excited, their eyes wide with wonder at the sea of people.
"Papa! Where is Brother Sasuke? I don't see him anywhere," Mirai said, scanning the waiting platform but finding no sign of Uchiha Sasuke.
Raizen frowned slightly as he looked at the stage. He thought to himself: Did Orochimaru fail to find me and, just like the original story, target Sasuke instead? Did he plant the Cursed Mark on his neck?
Because Sasuke had become Kakashi's disciple early and spent all his time training under him, he hadn't been home recently. Thus, Raizen didn't know if the Forest of Death encounter had played out the same way. However, since Raizen mastered the Evil Sealing Method, even if Sasuke were marked, it wouldn't be a major issue.
"Sasuke is probably training with Kakashi and hasn't arrived yet. That guy Kakashi is famous for being late; they'll likely show up at the last second," Raizen explained gently.
"Aw! Brother Sasuke is going to be corrupted by Kakashi-sensei," Mirai sighed with a maturity beyond her years. "I'm definitely not choosing Kakashi-sensei to be my teacher when I grow up."
"Oh? Then who do you want?" Raizen asked, affectionately patting her head.
"I want Papa! I want Papa to be my teacher," Mirai said, her eyes shining.
"If Papa is your teacher, I'll be very strict. Aren't you afraid?" Raizen teased, pinching her nose.
"I'm Papa's little quilted jacket! I'm not afraid at all!"
"Hahaha!!!" Raizen burst into laughter at her spirited response.
"Master Raizen, look! Brother Sasuke and the others are here," Karin suddenly cried out in surprise.
Following Karin's gaze, Raizen saw a cool, composed Sasuke walking behind Kakashi toward the waiting area.
"Brother Sasuke!!!" Mirai waved frantically.
Hearing the voice, Sasuke looked over. Upon seeing Raizen and the girls, his cold mask instantly melted into the warm expression of a doting older brother. He waved back enthusiastically and ran over to the stands.
Moment later, Sasuke stopped in front of Raizen, slightly out of breath.
"Uncle, Mirai, Karin... you came!!!"
"Mhm! We came to cheer for you! Go, Brother Sasuke! Take first place!" Mirai cheered.
"Don't worry, I definitely will," Sasuke nodded with absolute confidence.
"Sasuke... did you encounter Orochimaru?" Raizen asked suddenly.
Sasuke froze, his hand instinctively reaching for his shoulder. This small gesture told Raizen everything he needed to know: events had indeed followed the original script.
Raizen reached out and pulled back Sasuke's collar, immediately revealing the three-tomoe Cursed Mark on his skin.
"Uncle Raizen, I didn't mean to hide it from you. I just didn't want you to worry. Kakashi-sensei said he placed a seal on it and that it should be fine for now," Sasuke said tentatively, looking up at Raizen. He was afraid of being scolded.
Raizen offered a gentle smile. "Don't be nervous. I'm not blaming you. Orochimaru's scheme won't succeed; everything is under my control. Just focus on your match."
"Your opponent is Gaara. If he loses control and taps into the Tailed Beast power inside him, the current you is not yet his match."
"Uncle Raizen, you think I can't beat Gaara?" Sasuke's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and determination. "I've trained incredibly hard. My strength has doubled. I will beat him."
To Sasuke, gaining Raizen's acknowledgment was second only to his revenge against Itachi. He wanted to prove he could help restore the Uchiha.
"That kind of monstrous power is a bit too much for you right now," Raizen said, patting Sasuke's shoulder. "It's not that you aren't talented, Sasuke; it's just that you haven't reached that level yet. Tailed Beast power is not human power."
"I don't believe it, Uncle. I'll prove it to you," Sasuke gritted his teeth. "I'll defeat Gaara and earn your recognition."
Raizen shook his head and laughed. "Then work hard! Let me see what you've got."
With him present, even if things turned dangerous, he could intervene instantly. As he patted Sasuke's shoulder, Raizen subtly placed a Flying Thunder God formula on his clothing.
"Go for it. Mirai, Karin, and I are all rooting for you."
"Good luck, Brother Sasuke!" Mirai and Karin shouted in unison.
"I won't let you down!" Sasuke clenched his fists and marched back to the arena.
The final tournament began.
The matches proceeded much like the original timeline. Naruto Uzumaki faced Neji Hyuga and, against all odds, managed to secure a victory. Raizen watched closelyādespite his presence changing the world, fate seemed to have a strong pull on certain events.
As the first few matches concluded, it was finally time for the main event: Uchiha Sasuke vs. Gaara.
"Is it starting?" Raizen murmured. "Mirai, hold your sword tight."
"Papa? Why? Is something bad going to happen?" Mirai was sharp. She immediately realized her father was warning her to be ready to protect herself.
"Don't worry. I'm right here to protect you," Raizen said, stroking the heads of both girls.
Mirai was holding TÅkijin. The sword possessed a massive amount of demonic energy (Miasma). In the world of Inuyasha, even Inuyasha himself couldn't touch itāonly someone like SesshÅmaru could wield it with ease. If Mirai released its aura, ordinary people wouldn't even be able to get close. It would protect heråæ (spirit) and body. Raizen brought her here specifically to witness the reality of battle and awaken her latent potential.
Suddenly, Raizen felt a chilling, predatory gaze fixed on him.
He turned his head and saw the "Fourth Kazekage" sitting on the high platform.
"Orochimaru," Raizen whispered, a cold sneer forming on his lips.
Hehehe, Raizen Uchiha... you've finally stepped out of your shell, Orochimaru thought, his eyes filled with bottomless greed behind his mask. Soon, you will be mine.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ā Read chapters early on Patreon ā https://www.patreon.com/Bagga_10 ā
BONUS CHAPTER REWARDS
ā¢ Every 20 reviews = 1 bonus chapter
ā¢ Every 100 Power Stones = 1 bonus chapter
Your support directly unlocks more content and faster releases.