Chapter 111 - 112
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2 mars
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Köpt
Chapter 111 After dawn, the perspective shifted to Kana.
[My friend before me, I only believe you. Naraku and Kakashi will definitely have a happy ending!]
After dawn, the perspective shifted to Kana.
A slender hand reached out from under the covers to turn off the piercing alarm clock. Then, the red-haired girl pushed aside the quilt, sat up, and stretched with a big yawn.
Kana yawned as she walked into the bathroom, quickly washed up, changed into her everyday clothes, and left for school with her small bag, greeting Kushina, who lived next door and was just coming out to throw away trash.
Uzumaki Mito had arranged for her to stay with Kushina precisely so they could look after each other.
Although Kushina's cooking still needed improvement, Kana always happily finished her meals. After all, the other person was one of her few relatives, warm and kind-hearted, always caring for her like a true Sister.
[It's good to see Kana relax a bit. I can't take it anymore.]
[I've been gutting fish for ten years in DRF, my heart is as cold as my knife.]
[You can't hurt me, hahahaha! This Daoist Master has already achieved enlightenment!]
[You two, if you have the guts, take off your sunglasses.]
After diligently attending a full day of classes, Kana bought fresh fruit at the fruit store after school, then headed straight to the Hospital.
Actually, she had learned early yesterday morning that Naraku had already woken up, but when she visited the Hospital, she was told that he couldn't stay awake for long periods. So, she waited until this afternoon—the time recommended by the medical staff.
Kana finally saw Naraku awake at the Hospital. She didn't cry loudly like last time, only wiped her eyes twice and placed the items on his bedside table.
Seeing that the other person was still sad for him, Naraku's eyes were filled with guilt.
--If I didn't always make her worry, Sister Kana would be very happy in Konoha, wouldn't she?
--Why do I always cause those around me to get hurt?
He clenched the pristine white bedsheet, the black in his eyes deepening.
But when Kana spoke to him, he reverted to his gentle and cheerful demeanor, even perfectly mimicking his old smile.
[With a zero-frame start, how can I dodge? I can't dodge at all.]
[My favorite character always stabs me in the heart when I least expect it.]
[Naraku, wake up, don't take all the blame on yourself!]
[Naraku is completely broken. He subconsciously believes that all the suffering of those around him is related to him.]
[Baby, you don't have to smile when you're sad.]
[Masking emotions is actually the most painful thing.]
After a brief chat, Kana, worried that too much time would affect Naraku's recovery, urged him to rest well and then left.
By the time she returned home, it was just in time for dinner.
Kana held her bowl distractedly, still recalling that Naraku had seemed strange today, perhaps still uncomfortable somewhere and just enduring it.
--Maybe Kakashi knows some inside information. I'll ask him tomorrow.
Kana inwardly praised her own cleverness.
But when she went to find Kakashi the next day, what she saw was not the spirited young genius, but a cold and sullen "Ninja."
Hearing that Naraku's condition seemed poor, he tightened his grip on the doorframe, but in the end, he still refused to go to the Hospital and was unwilling to explain why.
[Kakashi! You are heartless, you are cruel, you are unreasonable!]
[This isn't the "cool guy" I wanted! You rotten Old Thief!]
[Kakashi's current appearance is the Ninja Konoha wants, hehe.]
[It must be Danzo who did it!]
[Danzo Shimura, you've done too many evil deeds!]
— —
Naraku watched this segment carefully.
Even Kana couldn't detect that faint trace of abnormal Chakra from Kakashi. Perhaps only someone with sensory abilities strong enough to detect Black Zetsu's presence could notice it.
That's good. As long as Black Zetsu's Jutsu isn't broken, Kakashi is safe.
— —
Kana, filled with questions, went to the Hospital alone to visit Naraku, wanting to ask what was wrong with the two of them, but the words died in her throat.
If Kakashi didn't come, and Sakumo remained in his current state, Naraku would be all alone.
So, she came to the Hospital almost every afternoon after school, even temporarily setting aside her training.
When Kushina learned the reason Kana had asked for leave from training, she often prepared things for her to take along.
It wasn't until the day before he was discharged that Kana finally couldn't help but ask the question that had been bothering her.
Naraku only said that they were fine.
But even if his smile was perfectly faked, the sluggish and inactive Chakra, influenced by his true emotions, was hard to deceive Kana.
She knew he wasn't doing well at all.
[Thankfully, there's the understanding Sister Kana. Otherwise, I don't know how Naraku would have managed.]
[Uzumaki Kana, a reliable lie detector.]
[The embodiment of a forced smile. I finally know what it looks like.]
[If Kakashi is a big idiot, then Naraku is a big fool. Both of them will silently torment themselves.]
[Exactly! Both are emotionally clueless!]
The final episode ended just as Kana left the Hospital.
The animator didn't show any scenes of Naraku searching for the necklace; it seemed he wanted to deliver another blow to the audience later...
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Chapter 112 Refuse to believe or spread rumors
When Naraku reopened the forum website, he saw countless new posts, and the situation was one of wailing, gnashing of teeth, and utter chaos.
There were those arguing and cursing about the plot, those constantly going mad and venting their emotions, and even those announcing that if they reached ten thousand replies, they would livestream the assassination of Old Thief... However, amidst such chaos, serious plot analysis posts still stood firm in the middle.
—
"After three days and three nights of thinking, I believe Kakashi has been affected."
1L (OP): As the title says. As for why I judge this —
Firstly, Old Thief usually has a meaning behind every special technique he uses. When Kakashi stopped in front of the dumpling shop, the entire scene was distorted, which is actually an allusion to Kakashi's spirit — or rather, his will — being greatly twisted;
Secondly, we can see that from the moment Kakashi entered the Hospital and saw Sakumo, until he broke with Naraku, throughout that entire long segment, he actually softened and hesitated several times. Even in the latest episode, when Kana came to find him to go to the Hospital, he reacted, which indicates that Kakashi himself didn't truly want this.
Also, Kakashi had a headache for a long time after returning home, which could very likely be him struggling with the implanted thoughts.
2L: None of your points are very convincing, they're purely speculation.
3L: Agreed with the above, these can't even be considered evidence. The distorted screen could also be interpreted as Old Thief wanting to show Kakashi's descent into darkness; his hesitation and softening only show that he is indeed very conflicted, with emotion and reason clashing; finally, the headache could just be a cold.
4L: Reply to 3L: To be honest, if Kakashi wasn't affected at all, then his character design would be a bit too inconsistent.
5L: Reply to 4L: The change wasn't that sudden, was it? Experiencing a series of major life changes, a drastic change in personality is understandable.
6L: I think the OP makes sense. Once or twice could be a coincidence, but Old Thief has shown it so many times, which means Kakashi is very likely in trouble.
7L: Everyone, let's look on the bright side. Maybe Kakashi just suddenly went crazy?
... 15L: No way~ Then, according to the OP, who was the one who acted against Kakashi? Danzo? Does he have that ability? Besides, what was the point of him doing all this?
16L: Danzo is half-dead; does he still have the energy to plot schemes? I think it's Hiruzen Sarutobi. He definitely doesn't want the White Fang's son to continue associating with the Uchiha.
17L: Reply to 16L: It can't be Hiruzen Sarutobi. Is he crazy? Laying hands on the only son of a Konoha hero, if it's exposed, his position as Third Hokage would pretty much be over.
18L: Reply to 17L: Why wouldn't he dare? What is there for him not to dare?
... 31L: I still think what the OP said has some merit, but Danzo is probably not awake yet, and Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't be so insidious... Is there someone we don't know about?
32L: Isn't that a bit too much of a conspiracy theory?
33L: Exactly, just arbitrarily adding a villain halfway through? That's too abrupt.
34L: What else then? Do you want him to be depicted from the day this villain was born for it not to be abrupt? That's called straightforward narration, and it would look even worse.
35L: Have you few above forgotten? There's still an unsolved mystery: how did Sakumo wake up back then? If there truly is a deeper hidden person...
36L: Holy crap, Thirteen Seat is here!
37L: No way, is it real?
... —
This post accumulated hundreds of replies, and even with the participation of the prophet Thirteen Seat, no conclusion was reached, and later, it somehow gradually went off-topic.
The topic veered so far that Naraku couldn't even bear to look.
Ignoring the uninformative, argumentative, and spam posts, the remaining popular threads were mostly for venting emotions.Chapter 113 - 114
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3 mars
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Köpt
Chapter 113 We used an entire pack of tissues
"I'm impressed! My roommate is a Naraku fan, she cried herself unconscious watching the latest episode and had to be taken to the Hospital by ambulance!"
1L (OP): Originally, my roommate and I were happily watching the anime together today, and Old Thief just slashed us both like that o(╥﹏╥)o
We used an entire pack of tissues. My hands and feet went numb from crying, and my roommate was even worse; she got respiratory alkalosis and was taken to the Hospital by 120... She still hasn't returned, boo hoo hoo hoo hoo.
2L: Good heavens, those two girls on Douyin aren't you two, are they? [Link]
3L (OP): Reply to 2L: I just went to check, it is us... So embarrassing, the whole school knows... (つ﹏⊂)
4L: Reply to 3L: Look on the bright side, the whole country knows.
5L: Life doesn't have that many spectators, but Douyin is full of surveillance!
... "How to deal with a situation where one college roommate strongly supports Kakashi and the other pities Naraku, and they end up fighting?"
1L (OP): I'm a casual fan of naruto, but my two roommates, one a Kakashi fan and the other a Naraku fan, declared yesterday that they would duel in the small grove tonight because of the new episode... What should I do to make them change their minds?
Getting caught fighting will result in academic deductions...
2L: Hahahahahahahahahahaha.
3L: Someone next door cried so much they went to the Hospital, and here two are about to duel. I also cried for a long time because of the plot, but everyone is a bit too abstract, I can't cry anymore now.
4L: My morals and my sense of humor are fighting.
5L: OP, look on the bright side, at least they didn't ask you to be the referee.
6L (OP): Reply to 5L: To be honest, I was actually asked to be the referee...
"It's over, the CP (coupling) record post has become a memoir."
1L (OP): Hello everyone, I am the author of the post "They Are Real (kakashi)"... I was shipping them so well, who would have thought Old Thief's move would be an instant kill?
I didn't sleep at all last night, I reread my post from beginning to end, and it hurt even more!
I feel like I need to buy a bottle of quick-acting heart-relief pills to keep on hand...
2L: My condolences.
3L: I remember a sister predicted "Naraku opens his eyes for love, but ultimately evolves his Mangekyo out of hatred." That was already tragic enough, but Old Thief made it even more brutal.
4L: Brain teaser~~ Who is one person in the morning and two people at night?... It's the OP! The OP has split! I've split too! Wuwuwuwuwu!
... "Does no one really know where Old Thief lives? I have a gift for him."
1L (OP): My family runs a small business, so I have plenty of money. I'm offering a reward for Old Thief's home address or company address. Those who provide genuine clues will be handsomely rewarded.
2L: Lol, Old Thief is really famous now, people are even putting out bounties on him.
3L: Oh my god, what a super rich young master.
—
Naraku: Why was that last one allowed in the plot section?
Although the audience was a bit abstract, it was clear that they were badly tormented by the plot. Naraku chuckled twice in his heart, rubbing his hands together as he entered the fanfiction section.
The diverse fanfiction posts had a completely different style from before. Perhaps having suffered too much from the main story, the authors all started writing sweet little stories.
"You Really Do Like Me, Don't You? (Kakashi x Naraku)"
"Today's Meal at the Hatake Household (All Naraku-centric)"
"[Forum Post] My Wife Has Amnesia and Doesn't Want Me Anymore"
"Winter Warmth (Naraku x Kakashi)"
"What to Do When Your Boyfriend is a Green Tea Drama Queen"
"My Senior Brother Always Peeks at My Diary (Kakashi x Naraku)"... But amidst a sea of sweet little stories, there were still stubborn ones who adhered to the principle of "I'd rather torment everyone else than be tormented by them," breaking through the ranks with their own efforts, prominently displayed at the forefront, able to get rich by collecting razor blades and selling scrap metal.
"Day of Shooting the Lover (Kakashi x Naraku)"
"Fading Star Chasing the Moon (Naraku x Kakashi)"... Many authors even thought that Kakashi and Naraku had truly broken up, and began finding new CPs for Naraku. Even Uchiha Fūyō, who had pitifully few appearances, was dragged in for shipping.
—
Naraku wished he could personally post on the forum to clarify: We didn't break up! No! Refuse to believe and spread rumors!
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Chapter 114 Don't Give Up on Yourself
Bathed in the morning sun, Naraku, carrying several bags, walked out of the Hospital alone.
Then, a crucial question came to his mind: Where would he stay tonight?
He definitely couldn't go back to his biological father's house, nor could he stay with Kakashi. Did he have to buy a house now?
But he didn't have that much money.
Even though he found out a large sum of unknown Hospital fees, paid by someone at some point, had been refunded when he was discharged, it still wasn't enough to buy a house.
Perhaps he should rent a place for now.
Just as he was standing at the Hospital entrance, contemplating life, a soft, kind female voice, one he had heard somewhere before, spoke beside him.
"What are you thinking about, Naraku?"
"Huh?"
Naraku quickly turned his head. Uchiha Mikoto, carrying a small shoulder bag, stood in the sunlight, smiling gently at him.
"M-Madam... Good morning."
After recognizing her, he quickly bowed his head to greet her.
Mikoto, however, observed Naraku carefully. Even though he had been discharged, many bandages on his exposed limbs had not yet been removed, and his cheeks were pale and bloodless.
Most importantly, he looked utterly spiritless, like a flower bud that had withered prematurely before even blooming.
The first time they met, Naraku was a little reserved but his eyes were full of vitality and hope. Now, however, his gaze was dim and his will was depressed.
Having been reminded by Kushina, she sought answers to her questions, and sure enough, she noticed many abnormalities.
Mikoto, who already doted on Naraku, was now filled with self-reproach.
Indeed, just as Kushina had said, the child had suffered a severe psychological blow.
If only she had observed him more carefully during her previous visits.
When Naraku looked up, she quickly hid her worried gaze and responded with a smile, "Good morning."
"Madam, are you here at the Hospital for...?"
"I've reminded you many times, call me Aunt Mikoto."
Mikoto's tone was very gentle, but it conveyed an undeniable firmness.
Naraku never refuted the requests of elders, so he obediently corrected himself, "Aunt Mikoto."
"Naraku is truly a good child. I'm sorry to tell you this now," Mikoto slightly pulled open her jacket, revealing her slightly swollen belly beneath her dress, "As you can see, Auntie actually has a baby in her tummy, and I came today to see if he's healthy."
She then made another request, "Naraku, could you come with me? I'm a little lonely by myself."
Naraku nodded seriously and smiled, "Okay."
Time flies so fast, Itachi is almost due.
While thinking this, he considerately stayed by Mikoto's side, never leaving her, and busied himself attending to her needs.
Only after all the check-ups were completed and it was confirmed that the baby in Mikoto's womb was very healthy, did Naraku prepare to leave.
"Aunt Mikoto, I'll be going now."
"Wait a moment."
Mikoto grabbed Naraku's wrist. He immediately dared not move, seemingly afraid of hurting her during the pull, completely forgetting that Uchiha Mikoto was a Jonin herself.
"Naraku, you haven't answered my question yet. What were you thinking about at the Hospital entrance earlier?"
Naraku smiled shyly, "Nothing, just a small matter."
"Then I have something I'd like to ask of you, may I?"
"Of course, please tell me what you need."
"Before this child is born, Naraku, would you be able to accompany me to the Hospital for my check-ups? Your Clan Head is always so busy, he doesn't even come home, and I'm always alone every time..."
As she spoke, Mikoto sniffled and was about to shed tears, her acting overly dramatic, and she even managed to badmouth her own husband.
Naraku was speechless watching her.
Mikoto, your acting is worse than those actresses in my previous life. My intelligence truly won't allow me to fall for this.
"Wuwuwu..." Mikoto wiped her eyes, intensifying her act, "I'm really so pitiful..."
Alright, alright, I give up.
Naraku's face showed urgency, and he quickly nodded in agreement repeatedly.
"Okay, I'll always accompany Aunt Mikoto."
Seeing how easily he agreed, Mikoto pressed her advantage, finally revealing her true intention: "Then, Naraku, could you stay with Auntie for a while? I'm so scared being home alone—"
Naraku: So, coming to the Hospital so early was actually to ambush me.Chapter 115 - 116
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4 mars
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Köpt
Chapter 115 Seeing him look a bit hesitant, Mikoto immediately intensified her efforts, even making her voice sound deliberately cute.
Seeing him look a bit hesitant, Mikoto immediately intensified her efforts, even making her voice sound deliberately cute.
"Please, Naraku, you're the only one I can rely on~"
Naraku silently covered his face: "O-Okay..."
I surrender, please stop this technique... Following Mikoto home, Naraku realized that she had already prepared a room for him, just waiting for him to move in.
Moreover, the location of his accommodation was somewhat secluded, so he wouldn't be disturbed by many things.
"Your Clan Head has been especially busy lately, not coming home for ten days to half a month, so Naraku, don't feel constrained."
Looking at Mikoto's smiling face, Naraku couldn't help but feel that Fugaku must have been chased out by his wife to wander.
Sorry, Fugaku, in return, I will take good care of your wife.
Naraku apologized to his Clan Head in his heart.
Mikoto glanced at her watch: "It's almost time for lunch. To celebrate Naraku coming to live with us, we'll prepare a rich meal for lunch."
"No need, Aunt Mikoto, I can eat anything..."
Under Mikoto's gentle yet disapproving gaze, Naraku's voice grew softer and softer.
Just as he showed an expression as if he expected to be scolded, a slender, soft hand gently stroked the top of his head.
"Be good to yourself, Naraku."
Mikoto looked at him with loving tenderness; perhaps due to her pregnancy, her maternal radiance was evident.
"No matter what happens, you must take good care of yourself, otherwise, if Sakumo-senpai wakes up someday, he will be very sad too."
"...Mm."
Naraku sniffled, wiped his eyes with his sleeve, and then smiled.
"I'll cook for Aunt Mikoto; you rest well."
Mikoto didn't dampen his enthusiasm; instead, she put her hands to her mouth, feigning surprise.
"Oh, Naraku can cook? How amazing! Then I'll just wait?"
"Yes, you just need to wait a little while."
...Naraku walked into the vegetable market with his basket, skillfully picking fresh vegetables.
Back when he was still in school, if Sakumo wasn't home, he and Kakashi would often go grocery shopping and cook together, until they both graduated and became Ninja, and the time they could spend together became much less.
Even so, whenever they had a chance, they would both make time for a break, either training together or cooking for each other.
Kakashi must be having a tough time now too... Naraku, holding a white radish, was lost in thought until someone patted him on the shoulder.
"Hey, Naraku?"
"Hmm?"
Naraku looked to his left. Uchiha Fūyō, dressed in The Police Force uniform, stood beside him, pointing at the radish in his hand. Two of his team members behind him were curiously looking in their direction.
"You've squeezed it all soft."
"Ah, I'm sorry, I keep getting distracted today..." Naraku handed the radish to the shop owner, Auntie, for weighing, explaining softly with an apologetic look, "I'll pay for it."
"Don't worry about it," the shop owner, Auntie, very kindly gave him a few extra small green vegetables, putting everything into his basket, "Little Ninja-san, you look very unwell; you need to eat more."
"Thank you."
After thanking the shop owner, Auntie, Naraku paid and was about to leave when his basket was suddenly taken from his hand.
Uchiha Fūyō whispered a few words to his team members. The two Police Force members didn't ask further, nodded, and left first.
He weighed the basket in his hand, his eyes signaling Naraku to lead the way.
"Fūyō-senpai, I'm fine on my own."
"As a junior, you should obediently accept a senior's kindness. Even if you're a genius, you're no exception."
Uchiha Fūyō's slightly forceful attitude made Naraku a little at a loss. He didn't insist on refusing the concern and silently returned the way they came.
"Have you moved back to the Clan compound?"
"Yes, Fūyō-senpai."
"That's good too. Everyone actually wants to see you often." Uchiha Fūyō smiled almost imperceptibly, "You are a big name among the Uchiha."
"I..."
Naraku wasn't happy about being praised. He lowered his head and softly retorted, "I'm just a useless guy..."
"If you're useless, then what am I, who only awakened my Two-Tomoe Sharingan at 19?"
Uchiha Fūyō's large hand covered the top of Naraku's head, vigorously rubbing his black hair, causing the gloomy boy to sway from side to side, grabbing his wrist and begging softly for mercy.
So he let go, and while the other person silently tidied his hair, he said seriously,
"Many people have always cared about you, Naraku."
"At the same time, you are also the hope of those you love."
"Therefore, you must never give up on yourself."
Naraku looked up at the fan crest on Uchiha Fūyō's uniform. These encouragements were too gentle, making Fūyō himself seem a bit unlike the Uchiha in Konoha's stereotypical impression.
From then until now, all of Naraku's impressions of the Clan Member gradually came to life. Some were eccentric and mischievous, some were cold on the outside but warm-hearted, some were gentle and kind, some were mature and considerate... In Konoha, the Uchiha had always been a clan defined by the outside world.
But every Uchiha was actually real and complex, truly living people.
They shouldn't be born to be mere backdrops for heroes saving the world, or the tragic background for some legendary figure.
They lived genuinely and diligently in this Ninja World, just like everyone else.
Naraku walked past Uchiha Fūyō, took a few more steps forward, then turned back and showed him a slight smile.
"Let's go, Fūyō-senpai."
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Chapter 116 Who knows what the two idiots are thinking
After seeing Naraku off that night, Kakashi spent two days in a daze, holed up in his house, until he finally cleared his head on a warm afternoon.
Looking back at the two days he spent alone at home, he always felt like he was sleepwalking; he vaguely remembered something happening, but whenever he tried to recall it, all the details were hazy, like a white veil.
The only fact he could clearly grasp was that he was the only one left in this house.
The shadow of loneliness weighed heavily on Kakashi, and his stomach rumbled with hunger.
"Naraku… what are we eating today…?"
Kakashi's murmur was dry and hoarse, his vocal cords sounding like two heavily rusted and worn iron plates rubbing against each other.
But this time, no one would complain in his ear about why he was still the one thinking about this, yet answer him immediately.
Knock knock knock.
A knocking sound came from the entrance, and Kakashi dragged his sluggish body to open the door, his eyes met with Minato's golden hair shining in the sunlight.
"Kakashi, are you alright? You don't look so good."
Minato was startled by Kakashi's appearance.
Having not rested well for two days, and barely having any food or water, Kakashi's complexion was now so poor that he looked not much different from a refugee.
Ah, no wonder Sister Kushina was so anxious for me to come over; Kakashi's condition really couldn't be delayed any longer.
Minato realized the seriousness of the situation, but he always acted with discretion, not digging into what had happened, but gently curving the corners of his eyes.
"There's a mission that requires you and me to go together. How about we find a place to eat first and chat about the mission?"
"Okay."
Kakashi replied hoarsely, slowly nodding his head as if his neck was rusted… Early the next morning, Kakashi, with his backpack, met Minato at the Konoha gate.
After an entire night of almost forced sleep, he finally returned to normal and could leave the village for the mission.
To ensure Kakashi got enough rest, Minato didn't talk much during dinner yesterday, only offering a few simple words of concern before urging him to go home and sleep.
He planned to gradually inquire or counsel Kakashi during this mission.
Hopefully, it will have some effect… "Will this work?"
Kushina sensed that Minato and Kakashi's Chakra had already left Konoha and asked Kana, who was also using Perception Ninjutsu.
She always felt it wasn't enough; if Kana hadn't stopped her, she would have long since dragged Kakashi and Naraku to her house to have them talk heart-to-heart.
Instead of relying on Mikoto and Minato to look after these two children separately.
How could Sakumo-senpai, such a kind and reliable person, leave his only son and his apprentice to quarrel and end up like this?
When he wakes up, he'll be so sad.
"Let's take it slow, Sister Kushina, it will get better."
Kana herself wasn't sure, but no matter what, she couldn't use Kushina's simple and crude method to force them to reconcile.
Ever since she realized there was a real problem between Naraku and Kakashi, she had been so worried she couldn't sleep at night. She had no choice but to go to Kushina, but who would have thought that Kushina's suggestions were more radical than the last.
Kakashi, that little stubborn ox, and Naraku, that quiet gourd, were not ones to be pushed around; forcing them together would probably be counterproductive.
The brilliant idea was rejected, and Kushina was greatly disheartened. She and Kana stared at each other, scratching their heads for several hours, thinking until it was almost dawn.
The two sisters were so tired that they flopped onto the bed, intending to sleep, when suddenly a light bulb went off.
If they couldn't think of a solution, they would just find others.
So Kushina brought in her good friend Mikoto. The latter, upon learning that such a thing had happened, felt incredibly guilty for her oversight and decided to bring Naraku home to comfort the poor child's injured heart.
So that morning, she chased her husband out to make room.
Fugaku originally wanted to struggle, but Mikoto firmly packed him and his luggage and sent him to another residence closer to The Police Force office building.
She stated that if the clan leader was home, Naraku, as a junior, would definitely feel anxious, and how could he recuperate properly then?
As the head of the Uchiha Clan, shouldn't he properly care for a well-behaved, sensible, pitiful, and helpless child like Naraku?
Fugaku was speechless and didn't want to displease his pregnant wife, so he could only comply.
Naraku was temporarily taken care of, so Kakashi could only be entrusted to Minato.
Fortunately, Minato happened to be resting at home these two days with no missions. After learning about the situation, he first went to the Hokage Building to take on an easier job, then went directly to Kakashi.
Kana originally thought about whether to go find Might Duy, who was said to have a good relationship with both Naraku and Kakashi, and ask him to think of a solution as well. Minato quickly explained that Might Duy's personality wasn't suitable for such a task and that he could handle it himself.
Now, they could only hope that Mikoto and Minato would be effective in finding a way to reconcile these two children.
"Why did they even quarrel?"
Kushina mumbled with a puzzled expression.
"They're both such sensible children!"
Kana shook her head: "I don't know."
Then she complained angrily, "Who would know what those two big idiots are thinking!"
... "Achoo,"
Naraku was in Tsunade's office, waiting for the Sealing Jutsu formula to be adjusted, when he suddenly sneezed.
He felt like he had been cursed.
He rubbed his suddenly itchy nose and put the book he had finished back on the bookshelf.
"Next, read the third and fourth books on the right."
Tsunade was busy writing sealing incantations and didn't even look over, casually telling him where the next books he should read were located.
"Okay, Tsunade-sensei."
Naraku pulled out these two thick tomes, "Detailed Explanation of Creation Rebirth Technique" and "Theory and Practice Methods of the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique." The large characters on the covers were faded from wear, indicating their age.
"Alright, come over."
Tsunade motioned for Naraku to sit in the chair, removed her forehead protector, and lightly tapped the mark on his forehead with her finger.
A long chain composed of more than ten runes shot out from the mark, spreading throughout Naraku's body, tightly coiling around every part of him, even covering his fingertips and toes with many incantations.
After the inspection, Tsunade found that the Sealing Jutsu's effect was much better than she had anticipated; the erosion of Naraku's body by the Sharingan's Dōjutsu Power (Pupil Power) had significantly slowed down.
As long as he didn't use the Mangekyo, conservatively estimated, living an additional three to five years shouldn't be a problem.
If further adjustments and improvements could be made, his lifespan could probably be extended.
Tsunade's expression visibly relaxed a lot as she considered the next direction for treatment.
Her hands didn't stop moving; she placed a scroll on Naraku's forehead and activated it with Chakra, and the modified Jutsu formula began to automatically replace the old one.
Once all the necessary modifications were complete, all the runes retracted back into the diamond-shaped mark.
"Alright," Tsunade took back the now blank sealing scroll, "Next time will still be in three days."
"Thank you."
Naraku put on his forehead protector, completely covering the mark.
"By the way," Tsunade reminded him, "Sakumo is doing well and has been moved to a regular single room. Don't go to the wrong place if you want to see him."
"Yes, I understand."Chapter 117 - 118
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5 mars
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Köpt
Chapter 117 Soothing Dreams
"There's one more thing. I'll be leaving Konoha in about two months."
Tsunade's face showed a rare hint of fatigue, but it was quickly replaced by seriousness.
"Before then, you must learn the Mystical Palm Technique and the Healing Seal you're currently using."
"Don't worry after I leave; I'll communicate with you or meet you regularly every so often."
Naraku's Ninjutsu talent was exceptionally high, surpassing anyone Tsunade had seen in years. With his aptitude, these requirements would be no trouble at all.
As for why Tsunade was leaving Konoha, the reason was obvious.
Konoha was already a place of sorrow for her. Her return to Konoha was not only at Sakumo's request to treat Naraku, but also because her grandmother, Uzumaki Mito, was nearing the end of her days after the Nine-Tailed was extracted. She wanted to accompany her last remaining relative through the final journey of her life.
Given Uzumaki Mito's physical condition, she would likely last until the end of next month.
By then, she would have no relatives left.
Once her grandmother passed, and Naraku's condition stabilized, she would have no reason to stay, not even for half a day longer.
"Yes," Naraku replied seriously to the arrangement, without any dissatisfaction or objection, "I will work hard to achieve it."
...After Naraku left, a figure quietly emerged in the office where only Tsunade remained.
A slightly hoarse male voice spoke, carrying a relaxed familiarity between old acquaintances.
"If Jiraiya came back and found you had just left, would he pound his chest in frustration?"
"Who cares about him!"
Tsunade waved her hand impatiently, complaining, "Didn't I tell you I needed more time to consider? Your experiments might not even work on him."
The black-haired man slowly walked to Tsunade's desk. His pale skin looked as if it hadn't seen sunlight in many years, and his golden snake-like eyes were surrounded by purple eyeshadow.
"But ordinary methods are no longer effective for him. At most, he has a few years left; you know that in your heart."
"Tsk."
Tsunade tapped her fingers impatiently on the desk, looking at him suspiciously: "Orochimaru, are you really that kind-hearted? Even if he's Sakumo's student, it's not worth you proactively coming to help, is it?"
Orochimaru didn't mind Tsunade's attitude in the slightest, maintaining a polite smile on his face.
"We've been old acquaintances for many years, Tsunade."
"To be honest, my lab is short on funds."
"I imagine the Uchiha Clan won't easily give up on that child, especially since you believe he can learn Mystical Palm Technique and Healing Seal within two months—a genius with such extraordinary talent."
Tsunade rolled her eyes: "I knew it; you really don't do anything without a personal gain."
...The mission Minato and Kakashi were on was simple: escort a Merchant caravan out of the Land of Fire and hand them over to another team of Ninja once they entered the Land of Rain.
It was said that the Land of Rain had recently renovated two trade routes, allowing passage for a very low transit fee, which reduced transportation costs by 20-30% compared to before.
As soon as the news broke, it immediately attracted countless Merchants and vendors, big and small, who flocked there, making the perennially rainy Land of Rain suddenly bustling.
Caravans passed continuously on the roads, and some quick-witted Merchants from the Land of Rain had already started hotel and tavern businesses, earning a fortune.
Growing businesses required more employees, which in turn allowed many commoners to find work to support their families.
In a short time, the number of refugees in the Land of Rain sharply decreased, and the turbulent situation was slightly appeased.
"So that's how it is. The Daimyo of the Land of Rain is very far-sighted."
Minato, sitting in the carriage, listened to his employer's introduction and praised.
"The roads weren't built by the Daimyo of the Land of Rain."
The old employer chuckled and waved his hand, a thoughtful and reminiscent expression appearing on his face.
"It is said to be an organization called 'Akatsuki.' They completed it within half a month."
"Even now, they are still continuously expanding the roads."
"They are truly remarkable fellows, hahaha."
The old man laughed twice, his eyes catching sight of a worker fumbling with something. He quickly ran over and slapped the back of the fellow's head.
"Clumsy! You can't even tie a knot properly!"
Seeing that the employer would be busy for a while, Minato withdrew his gaze and quietly observed Kakashi, who was sitting on the other side.
He was vigilantly watching the other side of the road, guarding against any enemies or other things that might emerge.
"What do you think about this, Kakashi?"
Minato initiated the conversation, and he genuinely believed: "Using Ninja power to build roads and bridges is indeed very convenient; it's much faster than ordinary people without Chakra."
"Hmm, I did something like that when I was a Genin…"
Kakashi's words trailed off.
He and Naraku had once received a mission to help villagers from another village repair a road. If he hadn't known Earth Release, he didn't know how long they would have been working.
But even with Earth Release, both of them were covered in dust and grime when they returned home.
At that time, he was busy changing clothes and vaguely heard Naraku say… "The productivity of Ninja is much higher than that of ordinary people."
"Hmm? What productivity?"
Minato's question pulled Kakashi out of his memories, and he realized he had zoned out while talking to his senior, and had even subconsciously repeated Naraku's words.
"No, nothing." Kakashi quickly regained his mission-appropriate demeanor and apologized, lowering his head: "I'm sorry, Minato-senpai, I zoned out just now."
"It's fine, don't worry about it."
Minato smiled gently, his face showing curiosity: "But I'm more interested in the 'productivity' you just mentioned. Could you tell me about it?"
"Perhaps it just means that Ninja can accomplish more in the same amount of time?"
Kakashi averted his gaze, unconsciously rubbing the hilt of his sword, trying to ease the restlessness in his heart.
"I heard it from Na—someone else. I don't really understand the meaning."
Minato vaguely understood something from the slip of the tongue and chuckled: "The person who came up with that idea is truly remarkable."
"Uh, uh…"
Kakashi mumbled his agreement, and because he had just thought of Naraku, his thoughts uncontrollably drifted off again.
He wondered how he was doing now… After leaving the office, Naraku went straight to Sakumo's private hospital room.
Although the private room was small, it had a very large window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, filling the entire room, making it warm and wonderfully comfortable.
Sakumo was sleeping on the bed in the very center, his expression peaceful, as if he were only in a brief, light slumber.
Naraku pulled up a stool and sat by the bed, using the basic Medical Ninjutsu he had learned to examine his body, guide his Chakra, and massage his long-unused muscles.
The deeper he delved into medical knowledge, the clearer it became to him that Sakumo's chances of waking naturally were slim to none.
It seemed that things were indeed as he had thought before; he would have to use popularity points to create a miracle under the guise of Medical Ninjutsu.
To completely heal Sakumo would require a huge amount of popularity points, so he needed to find more ways to fleece the audience.
And that black mud was not idle either; it was probably thinking every day about how to promote the Infinite Tsukuyomi Plan to him. If he didn't let it succeed, it would probably do things to harm those around him.
Therefore, it was impossible to stay cooped up in the Uchiha Clan Compound forever.
Nor could he be "healed" by anyone.
Once Tsunade left Konoha, he would also have to start acting.
A gentle breeze blew, the sunlight was bright and warm, making Naraku feel sleepy.
The massage was almost done, so he put down Sakumo's arm, leaned on the side of the bed, and prepared to doze off for a bit.
After thinking for a moment, he pulled Sakumo's left hand over and placed it on his own head, pretending he could briefly be a carefree child again, and slowly drifted into sleep under his father's comforting touch…
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Chapter 118 Completely overlapping names
The convoy, laden with goods, was slow and clumsy, unable to move as quickly as Ninja.
After departing from Konoha, it took a full ten days of travel. Minato and Kakashi had already repelled two waves of ordinary mountain bandits, finally escorting the merchant caravan to the border.
Once across the border, the road quickly became wider and smoother, like a docile, pale ribbon sprawling across an open field.
Even with the continuous drizzle, the road surface was not muddy and difficult to traverse. The carriages still moved steadily, and the caravan's speed was even a few points faster than in the Land of Fire.
"Quite impressive," Minato observed, lowering his head. He noticed that a layer of fine gravel had been specifically laid over the flat, solid earth to improve drainage and prevent mud.
Under extremely limited conditions, the Akatsuki had indeed done everything it could.
As the merchant caravan delved deeper into the Land of Rain, the number of roadside shops, inns, and taverns grew, and enthusiastic shopkeepers eager to attract business were frequently seen.
Once passersby showed any intention of stopping, they would all come forward, smiles beaming on their faces, making everyone feel that this perennially rainy country was becoming increasingly vibrant... The Land of Rain is not large, and after just one day, the merchant caravan arrived at the handover point.
Minato handed the documents to the opposing Ninja. Upon receiving them back, he saw the Akatsuki's insignia on the seal left by the other party.
"Forgive my impertinence, but are you the Akatsuki? The organization that built this trade route?"
"Yes," the black-haired, short-haired Ninja replied with a smile, "My name is Kasa, and we will be responsible for the latter half of the escort mission."
Minato looked back at the smooth road that stretched all the way to this point: "This is truly an incredible undertaking."
Kasa also felt a slight sense of nostalgia. Although many days had passed, the days of exhaustion, busyness, and immense inner fulfillment seemed to still be vivid in his mind.
While the merchant caravan still needed to rest, allowing for a brief moment of conversation, he began to explain to Minato how this road was built.
As a mid-to-high-level member of the Akatsuki, Kasa was intimately familiar with the details.
"Actually, the Akatsuki was in a very difficult situation back then, barely able to offer any remuneration. However, our leader still mobilized many Ninja and civilians, and everyone worked together to complete it in a very short time."
"Since its completion, everyone who travels to and from the Land of Rain says it's very convenient. Large numbers of merchants and travelers pass through, and everyone's lives have improved. Even the number of wanderers has been halved."
"The leader mentioned in a casual chat that this wasn't his idea; a friend proposed it... What was his name again?"
Scratching his hair, Kasa frowned, struggling to recall. Suddenly, a light bulb went off, and he clenched his right fist, tapping it against his left palm.
"It was probably Naraku."
Kakashi, who was keeping watch nearby, suddenly looked up.
Although he wasn't looking in this direction, Minato knew he was listening.
Throughout the journey, whenever Naraku-related people or events came up, Kakashi reacted this way.
It gave Minato a rather strange and awkward feeling, as if staying away from Naraku was a task deeply ingrained in his mind, one that he absolutely had to complete, no matter what.
Yet, outside of that task, in the deepest part untouched by some 'curse,' his heart would always gravitate uncontrollably towards the direction where Uchiha Naraku existed.
Uncontrolled, unstoppable.
Minato tentatively asked, "Have you met this person named 'Naraku'?"
"Unfortunately, only the leader and two other adults have met him."
Kasa noticed that the merchant caravan had finished forming up and was preparing to depart, and he bid farewell to the two Konoha Ninja with a lingering sense of unfulfillment.
"We must go."
"Hmm, I wish you a smooth journey."
Minato responded very kindly.
-- Completely identical names, similar mission times. It can't all be a coincidence, can it?
-- So, did Naraku meet the Akatsuki's leader during that mission to bring back Kana?
Minato and Kakashi thought to themselves, and when their gazes once again fell upon the road, their mindset had subtly shifted from before.
From the road they had traveled, they saw countless Ninja and civilians working together in a phantom, and behind these people, that incredibly familiar young man was smiling at them.
It felt very strange.
A young Ninja from Konoha Village was actually able to leave such a significant mark within the Land of Rain, thousands of miles away.
The merchant caravan left with the Akatsuki's Ninja, heading towards the more distant Land of Wind, gradually becoming tiny black specks in the vast landscape.
Minato watched their receding figures until the very last person disappeared from sight, then turned around and said softly.
"It's time for us to return."
... While Minato and Kakashi were traveling to and from the Land of Rain, Konoha, on the surface, was calm and peaceful.
Since moving in with Uchiha Mikoto, Naraku had lived a very disciplined life.
Every morning, he would leave on time, heading to the Hospital to care for Sakumo, accompanying him, talking to him, and using Medical Ninjutsu to maintain his physical condition.
After returning home, he would diligently read books, practice Mystical Palm Technique and Healing Seal, making more noticeable progress each time.
In the evening, Mikoto would even pull him out for a walk, and they would pick up some sweets that most Uchiha Clan Member loved to eat, returning home with the sunset for an extra meal.
The only slightly troublesome thing was that during their evening walks, the streets were full of Clan Member, and the combination of the kind and gentle Clan Head's wife and the reclusive genius youth always attracted a lot of attention.
Especially Naraku, because most ordinary Clan Member didn't know much about him, only that he was a genius personally acknowledged by the Clan Head, who promised the Clan would fully support his growth. Thus, many curious glances always fell upon him.
It wasn't that the Clan Member were to blame; it was simply that Naraku had too little contact with the Uchiha Clan as a whole.
In his early years, Uchiha Shinji's residence was remote, and he was introverted, only barely knowing a few neighbors.
Later, when he became Sakumo's disciple, Naraku hardly ever returned to the Clan grounds, only occasionally being called for private meetings by Fugaku.
By the time he began to stand out by awakening his Two-Tomoe Sharingan and was eligible to attend Clan meetings, the failed Land of Rain mission and the Sakumo incident followed... In short, the Clan Member had never been able to spend extended time with him and were completely unaware of his true personality, what he had experienced in the past, or why he possessed such extraordinary talent yet became a disciple of an outsider.
Now, their own genius Ninja named Naraku had returned to the Clan grounds, temporarily residing in the Clan Head's home, finally providing an opportunity to get to know him properly.