"Hey, what have you been doing these days?"
While all of Akatsuki was gathering strength and preparing to make a move, Konohagakure was tranquil.
Only Kitagawa Gen couldn't quite feel happy at this moment, because Naruto, that kid, had somehow run to his home.
But considering that this guy even brought along a big pile of things when he came, that instead made it hard for him to kick the person out.
Clearly, his dad and mom were very good at 'the ways of dealing with people'.
"I am naturally busy with my own affairs."
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Kitagawa Gen couldn't help letting out a yawn, and then continued carelessly.
"But you—being so idle—do you feel no shame?"
"Damn it, I can't find anyone to train with!"
Naruto immediately became upset, speaking angrily.
"Pervy Sage is like this, Kakashi-sensei is like this, and now you too—you said you'd help me train!"
"Then why don't you go find Sasuke?"
Kitagawa Gen looked at Naruto. He scratched his head and thought for a moment, realizing that he might have actually said that.
That made him start wondering whether he should use True Several Thousand Hands to train them, or use the Ten Tails he had just obtained.
Either way, the two things were about the same size—using them to train those two should work pretty well, right?
"Sasuke seems to have gone for a checkup—who knows with that guy."
Naruto pursed his lips and spoke somewhat gloomily.
"He even said he'd come back and spar with me properly, and now this. Could it be he's scared?"
"Kid, you're getting cocky."
Kitagawa Gen raised an eyebrow, but though he said that, he personally felt that Naruto's current combat power was probably not any weaker than Sasuke's.
He might even be stronger!
He remembered that Naruto's path of improvement was actually quite clear.
First came the "Nine-Tails Chakra Mode," then mutual understanding with the Nine-Tails to reach the "Nine-Tails Mode."
Only after that, with the Nine-Tails' permission, did the resonance between Sage Art and Nine-Tails Chakra form, achieving "Sage Art: Nine-Tails Mode."
As for the later "Six Paths Mode," and the "Baryon Mode" that nearly killed the Nine-Tails, that was another matter.
If one had to make a direct comparison with Sasuke's strength, "Nine-Tails Chakra Mode" was roughly equivalent to the stage of Mangekyō and then Eternal Mangekyō, right?
'It really is hard to guess, after all Naruto still has Sage Mode.'
Sage Mode grows stronger when facing strong opponents; the stronger you are yourself, the greater the boost this technique gives you.
Therefore, it was indeed somewhat difficult to make a simple comparison.
'Sasuke going to the hospital now should be to prepare for the transplantation of Uchiha Itachi's eyes, right?'
During this last trip to Iwagakure, Sasuke had been so greatly provoked that it was impossible for him to remain unmoved.
"Who knows, maybe Sasuke will give you a surprise later."
"Tch, I'll be waiting for him."
Naruto dug at his ear, then asked curiously, "By the way, you said you'd train us—when does it start? Wait until Sasuke's back?"
"Don't worry, I've already prepared your training. It definitely won't let you down."
Kitagawa Gen grinned—he had already made plans!
"Even if I don't have time, there's someone who'll train you properly. He should be able to handle it."
"Somehow, I have a bad feeling."
Seeing Kitagawa Gen's expression, Naruto subconsciously swallowed hard.
"You're thinking of something bad."
[Knock, knock, knock—]
Just as Naruto was worrying, a sudden knocking sound came from the door.
"Huh? Who is it?"
Naruto grew curious at once, while Kitagawa Gen stood up and opened the door.
"Senpai."
Ino stepped in, carrying a basket in her hands, her face full of smiles—only for her expression to weaken slightly when she saw Naruto.
"Sigh, why are you here too?"
"It's Ino."
Naruto curled his lips. What did she mean by 'you're here too'?
"I heard he came back, so I came over. And you're—"
"I also just heard that Senpai returned."
Ino casually explained to Naruto, then turned her gaze to Kitagawa Gen with a smile.
"Senpai, you've worked hard. Finishing one mission and immediately diving into more work, so I prepared some food for you. You should also balance work and rest."
"Thank you for that."
Kitagawa Gen nodded, took the basket Ino handed him, and walked inside.
Ino, meanwhile, changed her shoes at the entrance—she was far more particular about such things than Naruto.
"Smells so good."
Naruto sniffed at the aroma wafting from the basket, then suddenly gave a mischievous grin and nudged him with his elbow.
"Hey, hey, something's fishy here. Could it be—"
"Doesn't this just show how irresistible my charm is?"
Kitagawa Gen raised an eyebrow, a sly smile spreading across his face.
"Besides, Pervy Sage said he'd help me write an autobiography. When that comes out, I'll probably be even more popular."
"Tch."
Naruto pursed his lips, clearly a little annoyed—but Kitagawa Gen had no intention of letting him off.
"And you, kid—when are you going to put in some effort?"
"What for?"
"Didn't I tell you? The Uzumaki Clan depends on you, and Sasuke also bears the responsibility of reviving the Uchiha Clan. You both need to work hard."
"Stuff like that…"
"Especially you, Naruto. Sasuke has Sakura chasing after him—what about you?"
"…"
"Anyway, you need to do your best, and the same goes for Sasuke."
"…"
"I really wonder when we'll get to see Sasuke and Sakura end up together."
"Shut up already!"
After that round of talk, Naruto truly couldn't hold it in anymore.
Although he was gradually beginning to understand that his feelings for Sakura weren't quite what he had imagined, and with his parents around, his situation had been changing constantly.
Still, being teased by Kitagawa Gen like that made him feel depressed.
Sometimes, he really wanted to punch Kitagawa Gen—this guy was genuinely frustrating and annoying.
"Sigh, what are you two talking about?"
At this moment, Ino had finished changing her shoes and came over. Seeing Kitagawa Gen smiling slyly at Naruto, she couldn't help feeling curious.
"Nothing."
Kitagawa Gen threw an arm around Naruto's shoulder and spoke with a smile.
"He was saying that at the next gathering, he'll make sure everyone has a great time!"
"…"
Naruto glanced sideways at Kitagawa Gen and sighed inwardly.
"Why can someone like this even become Hokage? The future of Konohagakure is doomed…"
And while they were laughing and chatting, Uchiha Obito quietly entered Konohagakure.
Looking at the prosperous village below, his eyes were filled with nostalgia and resentment.
But soon, his gaze turned resolute again.
"Rin, since you were the one who told me to do this, then…"
"I definitely won't let you down!"
Isshiki: "…"
Obito had received Rin's instruction with perfect clarity, and he also understood well what he now had to do.
One of those things was Kitagawa Gen—this man who had already made it clear that he was walking on the path of "Evolution."
Only through him could more be understood!
"However…"
Even so, Obito still felt somewhat hesitant. Especially when he thought about having to fight Kitagawa Gen—no matter how firm his resolve was, his whole body felt uneasy.
That day, that man had faced both him and Uchiha Madara's two Susanoo alone with indifference.
That day, he had stepped onto the blade of his own Susanoo in an instant, then shattered it with a single kick.
Such a painful memory, such terrifying power—Obito truly could not forget it, nor could he so easily let it go!
"Still, since it is Rin's guidance, I will definitely do it. I just need to make some adjustments."
Obito took a deep breath, and in the next moment, his figure flashed and disappeared from where he stood.
...
"Hm?"
In a secluded corner of Konohagakure, Yakushi Kabuto had just finished a long day's work and was preparing to rest.
Yet at that instant, he suddenly sensed something, and in a flash, he raised his head.
"Who's there? Come out!"
"As expected of Orochimaru's spy—and also of Sasori's spy."
No sooner had Yakushi Kabuto finished speaking than a low voice sounded, followed by the appearance of Uchiha Obito's masked figure emerging from the shadows.
For years, Yakushi Kabuto had remained in Konoha, since in the eyes of others he had not been exposed at all.
Besides, Konoha's current situation was different from before; rather than leaving with Orochimaru, it was far better to stay and continue gathering intelligence!
"It's you?"
When Yakushi Kabuto saw who it was, he immediately recognized him, and a faint smile surfaced on his face.
"You've got quite some nerve—daring to come to Konoha alone. Don't you know how dangerous it is here now, Obito-senpai?"
"Don't show me that fake smile."
Obito snorted coldly at Yakushi Kabuto; that word "senpai" was pure mockery.
"I came to find you because I have my own purpose. What you need to do is simply cooperate with me."
"Is it Orochimaru-sama's order?"
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses, their lenses gleaming under the moonlight, completely obscuring his expression.
"If it is, then I will do my utmost to cooperate; if it is not, once I am exposed, that would be bad for Orochimaru-sama and even for you all, wouldn't it?"
Obito did not speak; he merely stared at Yakushi Kabuto.
That scarlet Sharingan was so striking and cold; that soul-seizing aura even made Yakushi Kabuto feel somewhat suffocated!
Even so, Yakushi Kabuto did not speak either; he continued to look at Obito with a smile, and for a time the two of them fell into silence.
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