While the Hagoromo's Ship had been flying for more than three hours, Elder Kazushi stood bitterly frustrated before an endless desert.
"Achoo!"
Kazushi, who suddenly felt inexplicably cold, muttered in annoyance, "Weird. How could I catch a chill and sneeze like this in the middle of summer? That brat must be badmouthing me behind my back again!"
"Elder Kazushi, we're ready to begin construction!"
"Alright, I'm coming right away!"
Shaking off all thoughts of that troublemaker, Elder Kazushi strode toward the site.
Today marked the official groundbreaking ceremony for the long-distance railway connecting Konoha and Sunagakure.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lord Kazekage."
"Not at all. Your serious and dedicated attitude, Elder Kazushi, truly sets a great example for us all!"
"Just doing our duty. That's always been the work ethic of our Uchiha clan."
The Third Kazekage immediately understood the implied meaning—of course it was a suggestion for deeper cooperation. "You're too kind, Elder Kazushi. Considering how many talents the Uchiha possess, strengthening our collaboration with Sunagakure only makes sense."
"Thank you, Lord Kazekage. Then let's proceed to the site and begin the groundbreaking ceremony." Elder Kazushi was secretly thrilled after reaching their secret agreement.
At the eastern gate of Sunagakure—destined to become the terminal station for the Konoha-Sunagakure railway line...
Don't question their choice—it's no wonder construction started here, given that the Land of Fire is full of rugged terrain and dense woods. One side laid out the route while the other began construction, allowing seamless connection when the tracks from the Land of Wind reached the Land of Fire.
Standing before the ceremonial platform, the Third Hokage was feeling nostalgic. More than two years ago, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Uchiha Commercial Street had left a deep impression on him.
"Lord Third, I didn't expect you'd come in person," said Elder Kazushi upon arrival, immediately noticing the Third Hokage surrounded by the heads of all major clans in Konoha.
"I absolutely had to be here for such an important event. If I didn't show up, wouldn't Sunagakure suspect Konoha's sincerity?"
"That's true, but lately I've been feeling uneasy for no reason," the old man admitted, clearly still troubled as he approached directly.
The various clan leaders from Konoha parted respectfully to allow Elder Kazushi through, except for a certain old relic and a certain schemer.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage paused briefly before widening his eyes slightly at the elder. "Elder Kazushi, don't worry too much. At worst, that kid is just partying nonstop without us around. You don't really think he'd dare stir up trouble today, do you?"
"I have a bad feeling—he won't miss out on such a big occasion," Kazushi replied helplessly.
But the Third Hokage remained unconcerned. "So what? He might just roll in for a peek. What real trouble could he even pull off today?"
"But—" As Kazushi coughed uncomfortably, he noticed nearby clan leaders straining their ears curiously and pulled the Hokage aside, whispering, "But the components for *that* 'massive thing' in the lab are already assembled."
Realization dawned immediately on the Third Hokage. "Are you suggesting, Elder Kazushi, that he might bring *that* 'massive thing' here?"
"Nine times out of ten, I don't think this kid could possibly assemble thousands of aircraft parts—even ones as small as screws—in just one week. Still, I've got a feeling something big is going to happen today." Kazushi felt uneasy, convinced his youngest son was definitely about to make a grand entrance.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage's eyes lit up: "If he arrives by plane, it'll serve as the perfect way to send a message of intimidation to Sunagakure. Besides, today marks a major alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure. Of course, it's a monumental event for the entire shinobi world."
"Well..." Kazushi also thought it might be a golden opportunity.
It was an opportunity to demonstrate power and boost the Uchiha name—a chance for a thousandfold return on a minimal investment.
Indeed, ever since the Konoha Troublemaker moved beyond juvenile mischief, he'd developed more sophisticated interests. Even when causing chaos, he somehow always managed to create positive consequences.
This was far more sophisticated than his earlier petty stunts that always ended with him scrambling to find someone to take the blame.
"Then let's begin the ceremony," said the Third Hokage before heading toward the ritual platform.
As soon as he stepped up, the Third Kazekage approached with long, purposeful strides: "Hokage, what an excellent day we're having! Not even a single dust storm appeared."
The Third Hokage was clearly in high spirits: "Hahaha! You're absolutely right, Kazekage! Even Heaven itself seems to support us today. This beautiful weather perfectly symbolizes our villages' friendship!"
"Ahhahahaha!" both laughed in unison.
Meanwhile, high above Wind Country territory, at an altitude exceeding ten thousand meters, a massive black "bird" soared through the sky.
Its triangular frame and matte-black body bore a striking resemblance to Hagoromo's Ship—and inside, everything was serene.
Wen and Wu brothers sat bolt upright without uttering a single sound, careful not to disturb the pilot.
They had remained terrified throughout this more-than-three-hour flight, constantly worrying that any slight misstep from the pilot—a simple jerk on the controls—could send them plummeting earthward during freefall at this altitude.
Although pilot Shen repeatedly assured them Hagoromo's Ship possessed barrier enhancements blessed by the Uzumaki clan, both privately expressed doubts while internally grumbling nonstop.
An Anbu operative clinging to the ship's roof could certainly relate—who knew how she'd survived being stuck out here for over three hours straight? Maybe it was just standard Anbu protocol?
Anyway, the usually expressionless woman who spoke without emotion now longed to storm into the cabin and point at the pilot while hurling curses.
Clearly, those three hours must have subjected her to unimaginable torment to build up such intense resentment.
"Man, flying planes really is super boring," Shen released the control stick, even stretching lazily as he stood up.
"!!!"
Wen and Wu nearly jumped out of their skins, their eyes darting with panic as visions of complete aerial disaster flashed through their minds.
"Big brother...I'm scared," Wenzhe suddenly lunged to hug Wuzhe, trembling uncontrollably—as if proving there really wasn't any trace of a cold-hearted pretty boy remaining beneath his exterior.
Wuzhe was embraced by his younger brother, gently patting his brother's back while murmuring thoughtfully, "It's okay. To face death fearlessly at such a great height—this is the most romantic thing one can do in this brief life."
"Brother Wuzhe, you'll always be with me, right?"
"Yes, Brother Wenzhe. I've always been right here, never leaving your side even for a step."
Shen, who had just finished stretching lazily, began shaking his entire body violently.
He couldn't stand their conversation one second longer—one being all mushy, the other way too stiff and fancy.
Trying his best, he shook his body vigorously, hoping to shake off the goosebumps crawling all over his skin.
"Brother, you're so nice!"
"Of course, Brother Wenzhe! If a person dedicates their whole life to one thing, success is guaranteed."
Unable to take any more of this bizarre dialogue, Shen simply pulled out a pair of headphones from his bag, put them on, turned the volume up to maximum, and immediately accelerated to full speed.
"Brother Wuzhe, is this what death feels like?"
"Yes, Brother Wenzhe. Ahead lies the final stop on our life's journey—we've both arrived at our destination."
Unlike the two inside the cabin expressing their emotions, an Anbu member outside sensed the increasing wind speed and gripped the aircraft's surface even harder with ten fingers.
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