Chapter 12 Paper Ball Mist
"Watch out for Danzo, he'll steal your eye and betray you!"
The handwriting was worse than chicken scratch, but these few words were still barely discernible.
Uchiha Itachi's expression changed.
He didn't know who had put it in Sasuke's pocket, but its content made him tremble with fear.
"I need to discuss this with Shisui!"
Itachi suppressed his shock, ate dinner, then accompanied Sasuke in training for a while before heading straight to Uchiha Shisui's house.
"Itachi, why are you here today?"
Shisui was a little surprised.
Itachi didn't come often, and his visits were usually at a fixed time.
His sudden arrival late at night suggested that something Itachi couldn't handle had happened.
Uchiha Itachi solemnly handed him a note.
Shisui took it and his expression subtly changed.
"Whose is this?"
"I don't know, I found it in Sasuke's pocket."
"I remember you picked Sasuke up, right?" Shisuipondered for a moment, then said, "Then it could only have been put in his pocket at school."
"Which means only someone who entered the school today could have done this."
"Who could it be?"
The two exchanged glances, falling silent.
So many people came and went at the school, and Sasuke couldn't have just stayed in his classroom.
Given that, it was impossible to pinpoint the culprit.
Moreover, the handwriting was so sloppy; it was unlikely the person who put it there would be foolish enough to expose himself.
Was it an attempt to sow discord, or was it the truth?
"Shisui, you need to be careful."
Shisui gave a bitter laugh.
Well!
No matter the situation, the person behind this had already achieved their desired outcome.
As of now, a hint of apprehension had indeed risen within him.
Even if it was small, it was there.
"Damn it!"
Shisui punched the doorframe.
He hated the person behind this, and he hated Danzo.
Regardless of whether it was true or false, things could never go back to how they were.
They weren't foolish; they had their discernment, and in this regard, Shisui vaguely felt that what the note said was true.
No other reason,
Because he had already vaguely sensed this tendency before.
It was just that a natural filter prevented him from considering it.
Now, this note directly laid it bare.
"With all this scheming, how can the clan and the Village coexist?"
Shisui roared inwardly.
Uchiha Itachi sighed.
Both felt a sense of powerlessness.
At this moment, unless someone capable of suppressing everything appeared, it truly was unsolvable.
But, such a person was rare even in a century, how could there be one?
And they would also have to coincidentally be in Konoha Village.
Even though both were geniuses, they couldn't help but feel despair at this moment.
"Regardless, since the person behind this has made a move, they will definitely make another,"
After a pause, Shisui looked at Itachi: "However, we must also guard against Danzo; I'll have to be more careful from now on."
"Understood!"
"Go back, let me be alone!"
...
"Tsk, it seems to have succeeded. This is good; it buys me more time."
Naruto casually arrived at the ramen shop and ordered a bowl of ramen.
Ayame was beautiful and kind, and Teuchi was also a good man.
At this time, Ichiraku Ramen's shop was still very small, with only a few seats, and it was often full.
But whenever Naruto came, it would usually clear out.
Naruto still felt a little embarrassed about this, as it delayed others' business.
Teuchi, however, didn't seem to mind much.
The loss wasn't significant.
"Teuchi, don't you plan to expand?"
"I've thought about it, but first, I don't have the money, and second, I don't have much reputation, so expanding would be a bit of a waste."
"Heh, when I grow up and become Hokage, I'll definitely approve a big shop for you."
Naruto grinned, his smile radiant.
Nine-Tailed still couldn't stand Naruto's hypocritical demeanor; he was truly a prime example of speaking to people in their own language and to devils in theirs.
"Hahaha, that's great! I'll be waiting for the day you become Hokage."
Teuchi laughed heartily.
Naruto smiled without speaking.
He believed that the time wouldn't be too far off.
It had to be said, Teuchi's ramen was truly exceptional. If you came to Konoha, no matter where you were, not eating a bowl of ramen would be a disservice to the trip.
"Sir, I believe your shop will become famous in the future."
"I'll take that as a good omen."
Naruto looked at the distant Uchiha gate once more, then leisurely departed.
He had done everything he could; all that remained was to wait and to continuously grow stronger.
Naruto's steps were firm.
All the pretense wasn't his true intention. Konoha Village, just wait.
...
Soon after Naruto returned home, Hiruzen Sarutobicame to visit again.
Naruto was speechless; the Third Hokage had been visiting much more frequently lately.
"Little Naruto, your grandpa is here to see you again."
Naruto put on a radiant smile: "Thank you, Third Hokage Grandpa, for visiting me. I'm very happy."
Facing Naruto's mature-for-his-age demeanor, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed what he believed to be a benevolent smile: "Look, I brought you a fish today. Let me show you my cooking skills."
Naruto: "..."
Nine-Tailed: "..."
He's coming to brainwash me again, so annoying.
"Why didn't I notice how good this old man was at pretending before?"
"He's a Shinobi Hero, yet now he's become like this. Can high positions really change a person so completely?"
"Perhaps."
Nine-Tailed quietly asked: "Hey, will you become like this in the future?"
"Who knows."
Naruto stroked his chin: "The dragon slayer eventually becomes the evil dragon. I don't even have confidence in myself."
After all, those who could reach high positions were all strong, and how many of them were not corrupted?
So why should he be different from others?
Just because he was the protagonist?
Naruto's thoughts stirred, and he slapped his thigh. Oh right, I'm the protagonist, what am I afraid of?
I will definitely maintain my original intention.
Huh?
What is my original intention?
Naruto fell into contemplation.
"He's crazy!"
Nine-Tailed stared dumbfounded at Naruto's current conflicted state, then silently pulled out paper and began practicing his handwriting.
Time to leave, time to leave!
...
"Your mastery of Chakra has advanced by leaps and bounds. These vegetables and water you planted are truly good things."
Inside the sealed space, Nine-Tailed looked at Naruto, who could now skillfully control Chakra, with emotion.
How long had it been, and Naruto had already reached this point?
If he and Naruto could truly achieve what he said, they would truly be able to slaughter indiscriminately.
Unfortunately, they couldn't!
They hadn't yet reached that level of mutual trust.
Nine-Tailed still didn't trust Naruto, so how could he become a perfect Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?
This scene could only be imagined for now!
It also didn't believe Naruto would trust him without any reservations.
They were both equally distrustful.
But the talent Naruto displayed was already astonishing enough.
"With your current ability, you should be able to cultivate that Ninjutsu now."
Nine-Tailed looked at Naruto with a serious expression.
"What Ninjutsu?"
Could it be Flying Thunder God?
Or some other incredible Ninjutsu?
Nine-Tailed slowly spoke, enunciating each word...