By the time Naruto stepped out of the Hokage's office, the sun was already high in the sky, nearing midday.
The Third Hokage had carefully confirmed that Naruto had not mastered even the Shadow Clone Jutsu in two whole months. Relieved, he still pretended to be cautious, examining the Five Elements Seal on Naruto's body, and after showering him with praise for his diligence, he had personally escorted him to the front door with a smile that seemed full of warmth.
"Kid, that old man's face just now was exactly the same as when he once tricked the Senju into sacrificing themselves for experiments."
Kurama's voice rumbled after drawing back his chakra. "He is truly dangerous. Terrified of you deep down, yet he can wear that mask of grandfatherly love so perfectly."
Naruto answered calmly. "Of course. He is the Hokage. A true ruler knows one truth. To bind loyalty, love is always stronger than fear."
The streets grew livelier as he walked. After slipping through a few alleys, he found a quiet stone pavilion. Sitting on the bench, he let his thoughts race over two matters.
First, the Third Hokage must have made other arrangements, because Moonlight Gai was no longer tailing him.
Second, he had to plan how to obtain the corpse or remnants of Uchiha Shisui when that moment arrived.
Shisui's mind was broken by ideals. The strongest genjutsu in existence, Kotoamatsukami, placed in the hands of one with a saint's heart. What ruler would not fear such power? Who could ever trust a man who might enslave the village elders with a single glance? Yet Shisui had believed in Hiruzen's words about the Will of Fire. Too pure. Too dangerous.
Naruto clenched his hand. He would have to scout the Naka River soon.
"Still brooding over the Sharingan?" Minato's voice came from the seal space.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Why do you say that, Father?"
"I have watched you long enough. The questions you ask always carry intent." Minato's expression in the seal grew heavy.
Naruto stepped into the seal space. His eyes glinted like blades. "You have seen Itachi's memories with me. Tell me, Father, what fate do you believe awaits the Uchiha?"
Minato's face stiffened. Those memories had shown him the widening rift between clan and village. But Naruto's tone carried certainty, as if the end was already written.
"The Senju founded Konoha alongside the Uchiha. You know well how the Senju faded. It is the Uchiha's turn next."
"What do you mean, Naruto?"
"You know the truth. Since the Second Hokage, the Uchiha were lured into running the despised Police Force. The entire village grew to hate them. That was no accident. A masterstroke of politics. And when the Nine Tails rampaged years ago, many saw it controlled by Sharingan eyes. That suspicion became chains. The Uchiha were forced into the outskirts, their pride insulted, their resentment deepening. Tell me, Father. With hatred sharpening on both sides, what do you think will happen?"
Minato's heart sank. "Do you mean… the Uchiha will…"
But his words were drowned out.
"There he is. That cursed brat."
"Something must have happened last night, I bet it was him."
"Disgusting monster."
A crowd of villagers had gathered near the pavilion. Their curses lashed out the moment they saw Naruto.
Minato sighed inside the seal. "Naruto… let us go home."
"Why sigh, Father? When others praise me I can dismiss it. But when they curse, I must listen. They are not wrong. I did interfere last night."
Naruto's calm words silenced the crowd. His gaze swept across them like an icy blade. Not a sound followed as he rose and stepped past them.
Among the villagers, a small girl stopped and gazed at him, eyes shining.
"Who is that boy?" asked Hinata Hyuga softly.
A stern adult beside her quickly said, "Lady Hinata, do not approach him."
"Why?" she asked, puzzled.
The man shook his head, staring at the Hokage Rock looming in the distance. "It is time for training. We must go."
Night fell. A lone figure in a black cloak appeared at the Naka River.
Earlier, Naruto had noticed the Third Hokage slipping with companions into a building sealed with barriers. Leaving a clone to mask his movements, he had come here.
Seven waterfalls thundered in this valley. On each rocky outcrop beneath them, he carved a Flying Thunder God seal. He would not risk approaching Shisui directly. This was the safer path.
Inside the seal, Minato's voice rose with unease. "Naruto, why mark the Uchiha lands like this?"
"Father, when you walk these cliffs, where would you choose to leap and end your life?"
"Leap? You know someone will die here? You mean to leave marks to save them?"
Naruto's reply was cold. "Please, Father. Do not joke."
Awkward silence followed.
"Then why place so many seals?" Minato pressed.
Naruto gazed at one roaring cascade, voice flat. "To collect the corpse."
"What? Collect a corpse?" Minato's mind reeled. "Whose body? What could you possibly want with it?"
Naruto's eyes glimmered beneath the starlight. "In time, you will know."
Minato's face hardened. "This is the Uchiha domain. Do you mean one of them will…"
"Father, even if you knew, it would change nothing."
Naruto lifted his eyes to the heavens. Stars blazed above, serene and eternal. Yet beneath that calm sky, the wheel of destiny had already begun to turn.
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