321-325

Chapter 321: Hinata's Loss 

This year marks Naruto's fourth year at the Ninja Academy. Naruto is now ten years old and has grown up quite a bit. 

With Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, and Shindai by his side, Naruto has been growing up strong and healthy. 

In these four years, Shindai has iterated his puppets several times. Not just the adult puppets he sells, but also his own Kaguya puppet has undergone multiple iterations. 

Now, Kaguya, equipped with scientific ninja tools, has become an absolute weapon. 

In many of Shindai's missions, Kaguya's automatic combat mode, combined with the scientific ninja tools, was enough to defeat enemies without Shindai even needing to lift a finger. 

However, Shindai now has his own worries. With age comes matters of the heart, and he needs to start considering them. 

That guy Obito, his relationship with Rin has been heating up, making Shindai incredibly envious. 

Rin Nohara is Shindai's ideal type. Not Rin herself, but her gentle personality. What did that guy Obito do to deserve her?! 

At the same time, Shindai has also realized that the situation with Pakura and Hikari Uchiha seems to have been a misunderstanding. 

"Ugh, if only I were gentler... Did my brain break? How could I even think something like that? I have to admire my own audacity!" 

Shindai shivered, shaking off the random thoughts in his head. 

"Shindai-nii, can you make me a card?" 

Naruto, back home from school, rushed into Shindai's house, grabbing his arm and pleading. 

Shindai, sprawled on the sofa, squinted at Naruto. "Make you a card? How? What can you even do?" 

Naruto puffed out his chest. "I can use the Rasengan! And the Shadow Clone Jutsu!" 

Shindai scoffed. "You're getting ahead of yourself, kid. You can't actually do them yet. We'll talk when you really master them." 

Naruto shook Shindai's arm, begging, "I'll learn them eventually, please, Shindai-nii, big brother! My amazing big brother!" 

Shindai rolled his eyes. "Convince your mom, and I'll do it." 

"Uh..." 

Naruto instantly deflated. Tell Kushina Uzumaki? He probably wanted a beating. He wasn't Shindai; he didn't want to get beaten for no reason. 

Shindai asked, "How's school going? Have you learned the Three Basic Jutsu?" 

Naruto chuckled nervously. "Uh... school's over, let's not talk about that, okay?" 

Shindai snorted. "Looks like you haven't. Are you the dead last in class?" 

Naruto retorted, "No way! My taijutsu is on par with Sasuke's!" 

"Just taijutsu? What about the others?" 

"The others, they're... pretty much the same, I guess..." 

Naruto's voice lacked any confidence. 

Shindai was just asking casually. The Nine-Tails is sealed inside Naruto, and the Eight Trigrams Seal is currently very strong, affecting Naruto's own chakra, making it difficult for him to learn more intricate jutsu. As for other theoretical classes... that's just Naruto's own problem. 

The Uchiha clan and Konoha are currently in a honeymoon period, so Shindai believes that the Uchiha clan's massacre night won't happen. If it were going to happen, it should have already. 

But he wondered if Sasuke, with both parents alive and Itachi still around, would go down a dark path. 

Probably not. 

Anyway, he'd laid enough groundwork. Once Naruto graduates, he could retire. 

Shindai patted Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, you gotta work hard, okay? Here's a promise: for every stage you reach, I'll make you a card. How about that?" 

Naruto asked, puzzled, "Every stage?" 

Shindai smiled. "Yeah, like Ninja Academy Naruto, Sage Mode Naruto, Six Paths Naruto, and so on." 

Naruto excitedly asked, "Sage? Shindai-nii, do you mean I can become a Sage someday? The kind that can fly?" 

"Just saying, if you take it seriously, you lose. But making you cards is real, so work hard, kid." 

Naruto was incredibly excited now. As soon as he graduated, he'd get his own card! He'd sign them and give one to Sasuke, Hinata, and the others, making them super jealous! 

Thinking of Hinata, Naruto sighed. 

Shindai looked confused. "You're so carefree, you can't have worries. Why are you sighing?" 

Naruto replied, "It's Hinata. She apparently lost to her sister Hanabi and got yelled at by her dad. She seemed really down, but it shouldn't be like that. Hinata's actually pretty strong, how could she lose to her sister?" 

Shindai scratched his cheek. "Hinata losing to her sister seems pretty normal to me. It's not because she's not strong enough, but because Hinata is too gentle. You should definitely go comfort Hinata. But, it looks like I'll have to visit the Hyuga house tomorrow." 

"Of course! I spent the whole day comforting Hinata. I even wanted to skip class with Hinata, Shikamaru, and the others to go play, but Hinata wasn't in the mood. So in the end, it was just me, Shikamaru, and Choji who went. But that Sasuke guy is such a snob; I kindly invited him, and he just went and told Iruka-sensei!" 

At this, Naruto's face puffed up in anger. 

"Oh? You skipped class, did you?" 

Naruto's face froze. He silently cursed, realizing he'd spilled the beans. 

Naruto chuckled nervously, trying to argue, "No, no, Shindai-nii, you misheard!" 

Shindai, with zero-frame startup, stood up from the sofa and sprinted a hundred meters toward the next room. 

Naruto's hands moved faster than his brain, grabbing Shindai's waistband, but he was lifted off the ground and couldn't stop Shindai at all. 

"Kushina-nee, Naruto said he skipped class today!" 

Shindai immediately reported Naruto's transgression to Kushina Uzumaki, who was preparing dinner. 

Naruto's expression instantly turned to horror, his eyes wide with disbelief at Shindai. 

How shameless can he be?! 

Kushina Uzumaki's hair began to float, and she held a spatula as she walked towards Naruto, step by step. 

"Naruto!" 

Naruto tried to explain, "Mom, listen to me, it's not like that, Shindai-nii misheard!" 

Shindai smirked. "Whether he misheard or not, we'll find out tomorrow when we ask Iruka-sensei. If you really skipped class... tsk tsk, Naruto, it's wrong to lie, you know. As a man, you should own up to your actions." 

Naruto immediately hung his head in dejection. "I... skipped class, I was wrong." 

Apologizing did absolutely nothing. Kushina Uzumaki began to administer some 'tough love' to Naruto. 

Shindai watched with great interest from the side. 

Naruto glared at Shindai with resentment, vowing in his heart that he would get him back! Definitely! 

Shikamaru's smart, he'd ask Shikamaru tomorrow how to pull it off. Shikamaru and Choji have also been under Shindai's oppressive thumb for too long, they'd definitely agree. 

--- 

Chapter 322: Time to Get Serious! 

The next day. 

Shindai woke up, washed his face, and got ready to head to the Hyuga clan compound. 

Yesterday evening, during their chat, Yakura and Uchiha Hikari had found out about his plans. 

Yakura asked, "Shindai, do you want us to go with you?" 

"No, no, I'll go by myself. Having too many people might not be a good idea." 

Truth be told, Shindai actually wouldn't mind having someone accompany him, but he felt like it would look like he needed someone to hold his hand just to step into the Hyuga compound. So, he decided against it. 

"Alright, then! I'm heading out!" 

Shindai left his home alone and made his way to the Hyuga clan grounds. 

After telling the Hyuga guard at the gate that he needed to see Hiashi Hyuga, Shindai waited for a bit. The Hyuga clan member then led him into the compound, towards Hiashi's residence. 

Shindai thought it was quite a hassle. The Hyuga clan's rules were way more numerous than the Uchiha's. 

Finally, he met Hiashi Hyuga, who was currently overseeing five-year-old Hanabi Hyuga's training nearby. 

"Shindai, come join me and watch Hanabi's training." 

Hiashi invited Shindai to observe Hanabi's training. 

Shindai stood beside Hiashi, watching Hanabi's movements. 

Hanabi performed the Gentle Fist with impressive form. 

After she finished the whole set, Hiashi, with a hint of pride in his voice, asked, "Shindai, what do you think of Hanabi's talent?" 

Shindai offered a compliment, "It's excellent, truly remarkable. When I was Hanabi's age, I was still just playing in the sandbox! I believe Hanabi will definitely become a powerful kunoichi in the future." 

A faint smile appeared on Hiashi's usually stoic face. 

Ever since Hinata lost to Hanabi, Hiashi had completely given up on Hinata, believing that his 'main account' was a lost cause. Luckily, his 'sub-account' was proving worthy and hadn't been wasted. 

So, Hiashi had been focusing on training Hanabi, grooming her to be the future head of the Main Branch. 

In a good mood, Hiashi asked, "So, Shindai, what brings you here today?" 

Shindai replied, "I've heard that Hinata lost to Hanabi. So, what are your thoughts on that, Clan Head Hiashi?" 

Hiashi gazed at Hanabi and said, "Hanabi was born with power that surpasses her older sister. This is destiny. Moreover, Hanabi's personality is far better than Hinata's, so the clan's hope should be entrusted to Hanabi. As for Hinata... she has no talent, so she's on her own." 

Hearing Hiashi's words, Shindai seized the opportunity to say, "In that case, two years from now, when Hinata graduates from the Academy, I'll take her on as my disciple." 

Hiashi looked at Shindai and said, "Actually, I would much prefer it if you could take Hanabi as your disciple, Shindai." 

Shindai seemed surprised, "Isn't Hanabi the heir to the Hyuga Main Branch?" 

Hiashi explained, "Being an heir is one thing; Hanabi also needs to grow. If she has a sensei to guide her, it will greatly benefit her future." 

Shindai politely declined Hiashi's request, "For now, I don't plan on taking two disciples. I tend to follow fate, and besides, the Hyuga clan primarily focuses on gentle fist taijutsu, which relies on the Byakugan. I don't really have much to teach in that area. If I take Hinata as my disciple, I won't just let her train in the Hyuga clan's taijutsu. Otherwise, there'd be no point in me taking her on. 

If you, Clan Head Hiashi, wish for Hanabi to primarily focus on the Hyuga clan's taijutsu, then it would be best to find someone else. I wouldn't want to mislead a promising student." 

Hiashi sighed. 

He had wanted Hanabi to become Shindai's disciple primarily because Shindai himself was incredibly strong. Second, Shindai was someone Minato Namikaze deeply trusted. Minato's son, Naruto, used to hang out with Shindai all the time before he even started at the Academy, showing just how much Minato relied on him. 

Also, Shindai had good relationships with many ninja clans and had a wide network. If Hanabi became Shindai's disciple, that master-student bond could open up some convenient opportunities. 

But it was a shame. Since Shindai had directly refused him, there was no point in pressing the issue. 

Hiashi said to Shindai, "Then, Hinata will be in your care, Shindai." 

Shindai nodded, "Yeah, leave her to me." 

Shindai didn't linger long in the Hyuga compound. The people there were far too serious, and it wasn't much fun, so he took his leave. 

Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy. 

During break time, Naruto gathered Hinata, Shikamaru, and Choji together. 

Naruto stated sternly, "I've had enough of this! It's time we stood up for ourselves and let Shindai-niichan know that we're not to be messed with!" 

Shikamaru immediately poured cold water on his enthusiasm, "Don't drag me into this. The chances of success are incredibly small, and if we fail... we're all going to be in deep trouble." 

Naruto's blood was boiling. "Shikamaru, how can you be afraid before the fight even begins? How can you be such a coward? Think about it, Shindai-niichan has messed with us so many times! We have to get him back at least once! There's no discussing this, I need you to help me strategize! 

Choji, you too! You have to help us! Think about it, how many snacks has Shindai-niichan snatched from you? Every time he promises us yakiniku, he delivers maybe one out of ten times! It's time to fight back! If we succeed, Shindai-niichan won't dare to take your snacks again! 

Hinata, you also have to stand with us! We rise and fall together! We're good comrades, aren't we?!" 

Choji's eyes seemed to ignite. "Naruto, you're right! We must fight back!" 

Shikamaru's head was spinning. Why was everyone so fired up? Even if they succeeded against that big demon, what good would it do them? They'd definitely face retaliation afterward! 

Hinata was also hesitant, because Shindai had never bullied her, and he was always very kind to her. 

Naruto held up his small fist, confidently declaring, "This time, success is the only option! No failures!" 

"I'm in too!" 

Just as Naruto was forcing Shikamaru and Hinata to join, Sasuke walked up to Naruto, his eyes burning with intense determination. 

If there was anyone who wanted to get back at Shindai the most, it was Sasuke. 

Since he could remember, the shadow named 'Shindai' had constantly loomed over his life. 

While Naruto was also a source of trouble for him, the real culprit was always Shindai! 

Naruto was surprised, "I can't believe you, Sasuke, want to join us! I thought you really liked Shindai-niichan." 

Sasuke's eye twitched, and he burst out with a curse, "Are you blind?! Which eye of yours sees me liking that rotten guy?!" 

Naruto didn't care about Sasuke's foul language. His heart swelled with excitement as he formally announced, "Alright then! I officially declare the 'Operation: Take Down Shindai-niichan' squad, formed!" 

Naruto extended his hand, and Choji was the first to place his hand on top of Naruto's, followed by Sasuke. 

Naruto and Choji's gazes fell on Shikamaru. Shikamaru sighed helplessly, "What a drag." 

Even though it felt like a total pain, Shikamaru still extended his hand. 

Then, everyone's eyes landed on Hinata. 

Hinata felt immense pressure and couldn't make a decision. Finally, Naruto forcefully grabbed Hinata's hand and placed it on the pile. 

"Alright! Let's do this!" 

Chapter 323: The Support Squad 

Naruto, Sasuke, Choji, Shikamaru, and Hinata are all gathered, trying to figure out how to deal with Shindai. 

And, of course, figuring things out falls to Shikamaru. 

"It's not that I want to be a downer," Shikamaru begins, trying to persuade them, "but honestly, there's no way we can handle Big Brother Shindai. He's a Jonin, and a super strong one at that. The few of us? We're not even in his league. So... take my advice, let's just drop it." 

Naruto's eyes blaze. "No way! This time, I'm doing it! Even if my mom tries to stop me, I'm going through with it!" 

Sasuke nods in agreement. "He's right. If we don't teach that obnoxious guy a lesson, he'll just get worse!" 

Choji simply says, "I don't want Big Brother Shindai stealing my snacks anymore!" 

Hinata remains silent; she's clearly just there because she has to be. 

Shikamaru sighs deeply. "Looks like Shindai really has gotten on everyone's nerves. This isn't going to be easy." 

After a moment of thought, Shikamaru speaks again. "I stand by what I said: we can't handle Big Brother Shindai on our own. So... we need outside help. And this helper has to be someone who's his absolute weakness, otherwise, even if we succeed, Big Brother Shindai will just get his revenge later. That's why..." 

Naruto immediately gets it. "Big Sister Hozuki! Big Sister Hikari! And my mom!" 

Shikamaru nods. "Exactly. To succeed, Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari are essential. They need to be the ones to take action, not us. Otherwise, like I said, even if we win, Big Brother Shindai will just get back at us, and it'll all be pointless. So, we need to make sure he can't get revenge. Since you're all so set on taking him on, Naruto, ask your mom if Big Brother Shindai has any other weaknesses. Once we gather all the info, we can make a plan!" 

Naruto grins. "Got it!" 

After school, dinner, and waiting for Shindai and the others to head home, Naruto sneaks into Kushina Uzumaki's room. 

"Mom, I have something I want to ask you!" 

Kushina looks surprised. "Oh? Is there something you don't understand at the Ninja Academy? That's unusual! It's been four years, and this is the first time you've asked. So, what's the question?" 

Naruto quickly says, "No, it's not that! I just wanted to ask, Mom, does Big Brother Shindai... have any weaknesses?" 

Kushina tilts her head. "Shindai's weaknesses? Why are you asking about that?" 

Naruto laughs nervously. "Just curious! He seems so strong, like he doesn't have any weaknesses at all, so I thought maybe you'd know what his weaknesses are." 

Kushina thinks for a moment. "Shindai's weaknesses... it's probably Hozuki and Hikari. You should know that, right? He's completely wrapped around their fingers." 

Naruto presses on. "I know that, but besides Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari? Anything more specific?" 

"Other than them, it might be Lord Orochimaru. Shindai always messes around too much when he's doing experiments, and Lord Orochimaru has had to straighten him out quite a few times." 

"Lord Orochimaru, huh..." 

Naruto had seen Orochimaru a few times when he went to the scientific research division to find Shindai, but Orochimaru always gave him a creepy feeling. Asking Orochimaru for help was probably out of the question. 

"Mom, is there anything Big Brother Shindai is afraid of? Not a person, but a thing?" 

"Something he's afraid of? He has social anxiety. In crowded places with strangers, he doesn't even know what to do with his hands." 

As Kushina says this, she suddenly sighs. 

Naruto asks, "Mom, why the sudden sigh?" 

Kushina looks troubled. "It's your Big Brother Shindai! He's already 24 this year, and your Big Sister Hozuki is 29, almost 30! And if you count those years, Hikari's well past that age too. It's high time he settled down, but Shindai hasn't made a move yet! I'm getting anxious for him!" 

Naruto looks confused. "Huh? No move? What kind of move?" 

"Like becoming a couple, like your dad and I are! That idiot Shindai! Hozuki and Hikari are so obvious, but he's like an idiot, still irritating them every day. And what's even worse, that fool Shindai actually thought Hozuki and Hikari liked each other before! If Hozuki and Hikari hadn't told me not to say anything, I would have dragged him over here and given him a good beating!" 

As she talks, Kushina's hair starts to float. 

Naruto has a psychological fear of Kushina's floating hair and quickly tries to calm her down. "Mom, calm down! Just calm down!" 

"Whew." 

Kushina takes a deep breath and regains her composure. 

Suddenly, a lightbulb goes off in Naruto's head. "Mom, if Big Brother Shindai gets together with Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari, then he won't mess with me anymore, right?" 

Kushina looks puzzled. "Shindai messes with you? How could he mess with you? You've been following him around everywhere since you were little, haven't you?" 

Naruto's voice becomes resentful. "Sometimes Big Brother Shindai plays tricks on me! He does bad things and then blames them on me! He's so mean!" 

Kushina laughs. "Is that really messing with you? But if Shindai settles down, he'll probably mature, right? He's an adult now, but he still acts like a kid." 

Another lightbulb flashes for Naruto. 

If Shindai matures, he won't mess with him anymore. So, he needs to make Shindai mature. That means making Shindai settle down! 

That's Shindai's weakness! 

The next day at the Ninja Academy. 

"So, if we can get Big Brother Shindai and Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari together, then we won't have to worry about Big Brother Shindai messing with us anymore! How about that? Aren't I brilliant? I found the perfect weakness!" 

Naruto puffs out his chest, looking for praise. 

Sasuke spits. "Idiot!" 

"What did you say, Sasuke?!" 

Naruto glares and shoves his face close to Sasuke's, looking annoyed. 

Sasuke turns his head and snorts. "Do you even remember the name of our squad?" 

"Of course, I do! I named it myself! The 'Operation Against Big Brother Shindai Squad'!" 

Sasuke looks at him with disdain. "If you're helping that guy get together with Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari, is it still an 'Operation Squad'? That's not an operation anymore, that's support!" 

Naruto blinks. "Huh? Oh, I guess you're right." 

Hinata, who was originally reluctant, immediately becomes enthusiastic when she hears about helping Shindai. "I-I think that's actually pretty good! It's like killing two birds with one stone, right?" 

Choji opens a bag of chips and eats while saying, "So, we're the Support Squad now?" 

Shikamaru feels like things just got even more troublesome. 

As for Sasuke, he's regretting getting involved in this at all! 

Chapter 324: Seeking Help 

As the one who put the squad together, Naruto completely forgot his original mission. He said they were going to deal with Shindai, but now he wanted them to help him! 

Hinata, who was originally reluctant, was now fully on board because this was about helping Shindai, not doing something bad. 

Meanwhile, Sasuke, who had willingly joined the squad before, was now having second thoughts. The only reason he joined Naruto's team was to mess with Shindai, not to play matchmaker! 

Seeing Sasuke trying to bolt, Naruto quickly grabbed his arm, looking intently at Sasuke and saying, "Sasuke, this is a golden opportunity!" 

Sasuke grumbled, "What 'golden opportunity'? You're the leader, and you're already wavering! There's no reason for me to stay!" 

Naruto tried to persuade him, "Sasuke, think about it! You want to get back at Shindai-niichan? There'll be plenty of chances for that later. But this kind of opportunity? It only comes once! If we pull this off, big sister Yakura and big sister Hikari will have our backs! 

You know how much Shindai-niichan listens to big sister Yakura and big sister Hikari, right? From now on, if Shindai-niichan tries to mess with you, we just stand next to big sister Yakura and big sister Hikari! Would Shindai-niichan dare to pick on us then? 

If we get big sister Yakura and big sister Hikari to help, then Shindai-niichan is toast!" 

Hearing Naruto's analysis, Sasuke actually thought it made some sense. 

If Shindai was trying to mess with him, he could just hide behind Yakura and Uchiha Hikari. If Shindai still insisted on being a menace, he'd be in for a world of pain. 

Only those three in the entire Hidden Leaf could really keep Shindai in line. 

After weighing the pros and cons, Sasuke agreed. "Fine, I'll reluctantly continue." 

Choji also chimed in, "Since you guys have decided, I'll stick with you too." 

Shikamaru was having a massive headache. One by one, did they really think this was easy? 

This was clearly going to be even more troublesome! 

Originally, if they wanted to deal with Shindai, they just needed to use Yakura and Uchiha Hikari. But if they did that, they wouldn't be able to use their power for this! 

Shikamaru had also heard about Shindai from his dad. Practically everyone thought Shindai, Yakura, and Uchiha Hikari would end up together eventually. 

Yet, after all these years, Shindai hadn't made a single move. Didn't that tell them something? 

This was definitely going to be a huge headache! 

Naruto asked, "Shikamaru, do you have a good plan?" 

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "A good plan? What good plan? With just us, trying to make a fool smart? Is that even possible? I'm out of this. I choose to quit!" 

Shikamaru, not wanting to get dragged into this mess, decisively chose to back out. 

However, the situation wasn't something Shikamaru could just leave. 

Naruto and Choji immediately grabbed Shikamaru by his arms, preventing him from slipping away. "Shikamaru, if this works, we'll have the biggest support system ever! And you're the smartest one here, so you absolutely can't bail!" 

Shikamaru felt completely numb. This was ridiculous! 

Shikamaru had no way of dealing with Naruto and Choji, so he reluctantly said, "Let go, let me think properly!" 

Naruto and Choji immediately released him, letting Shikamaru sit down to figure things out. 

As Shikamaru thought, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper. This truly was a tricky situation. 

Half an hour passed. 

Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Shikamaru, well? Did you figure it out?" 

Shikamaru emerged from his deep thought, sighed, and said, "No, but... I thought of a few people. If we can get their help, maybe we can pull this off." 

Choji curiously asked, "Shikamaru, who are 'they'?" 

Shikamaru replied, "First, Naruto's parents. Then, Shindai-niichan's friends: Kakashi-niichan, Obito-niichan, and Rin-neechan. They're the closest people to Shindai-niichan. They definitely understand him better than us. For this to succeed, we absolutely need their help. Otherwise, if we fail, the consequences will be dire!" 

Naruto and the others felt that made a lot of sense. Naruto said, "Oh, I see! Then let's go find Obito-niichan and the others right now. They're in the Hidden Leaf anyway." 

At that moment, Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara were walking through the streets of the Hidden Leaf. 

Obito sighed, "Since we all became Jonin, it's been ages since we did a mission together, huh? I kind of miss that feeling." 

Kakashi, ever the sharp-tongued one, retorted, "Oh, please. I finally got rid of you and Shindai, you two idiots. I don't miss it one bit." 

A vein pulsed on Obito's forehead, appearing late but surely. "You, for so many years, why are you still so annoying when you talk?! Can you put down that dirty book for a minute?!" 

Kakashi argued, "What dirty book? Don't talk nonsense, this is a ninja handbook!" 

Obito sneered, "Heh, a ninja handbook? You wrapped the Icha Icha Paradise cover around it, did you think I wouldn't know?" 

Kakashi immediately snapped his book shut and put it into his ninja pouch. "You're wrong. I don't like Icha Icha Paradise at all." 

Obito chuckled, "So Shindai was right all along! You're just a closet pervert, Kakashi! Rin, wasn't Shindai's assessment accurate?" 

Rin Nohara smiled sweetly and said, "Yes." 

Kakashi's dead-fish eyes turned to Rin. "Rin, spending too much time with Obito, you're really starting to sound like him." 

Rin laughed. "No way! But Kakashi, don't you have anyone you like yet? Shindai's been talking about making a custom-made puppet for you for this, he's mentioned it several times." 

Kakashi walked with his hands in his pockets, saying, "No. I would never want one of his puppets." 

But as Kakashi said this, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty, because he really did want Shindai's puppet. 

However, Kakashi knew very well that if he dared to accept it, the entire Hidden Leaf Village would know about it the next day, just like Jiraiya's posters that were still plastered on doors even now. 

Kakashi couldn't bear that embarrassment. 

As for liking girls, he truly wasn't interested at the moment. 

Kakashi changed the subject. "Alright, let's hurry. If the spots at Ichiraku Ramen fill up, we'll have to wait." 

As Kakashi and the two walked towards Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Choji, and Hinata blocked their path. 

"Kakashi-niichan, Obito-niichan, Rin-neechan, we have something very important we need your help with!" 

Inside the barbecue restaurant. 

Kakashi grumbled, "Even though I'm treating, I never said it was for barbecue!" 

Because there weren't many seats at Ichiraku Ramen, Choji had egged them on to come to the barbecue restaurant instead. 

Chapter 325: The Plan is Formulated 

At the Barbeque Restaurant 

Naruto and Choji are chowing down on grilled meat. 

Sasuke's veins are practically popping in his forehead as he grinds his teeth, glaring at Naruto and Choji. "We're not here just to eat, are we? You two mind showing a little restraint?!" 

"Oh, right!" Naruto swallows his mouthful of meat, then stops Choji. "Choji, don't eat anymore! We're not here to eat!" 

"My brain's not as sharp as yours, so you guys just talk!" 

Choji is perfectly clear on this; the thinking part is Shikamaru's job. He just needs to follow Shikamaru's lead. Eating is the most important thing! 

Rin Nohara looks confused. "So, Naruto, what kind of help do you need from us?" 

Naruto's expression turns serious. "We want to get Big Brother Shindai together with Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari!" 

Rin and Kakashi stare at Naruto, dumbfounded. Obito's grilled meat, still clutched in his chopsticks, falls to the table. 

Obito presses his lips together, then asks, "Uh, Naruto, what kind of shock did you get?" 

Naruto replies, "No shock at all! It's just that we can't take it anymore! Mom said that once Big Brother Shindai settles down, he'll mature and stop messing with us. Plus, we'll have allies! If Big Brother Shindai ever bothers us again, we can go to Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari for help!" 

Just as Obito is about to speak, Rin interjects, "You know, Naruto's idea actually sounds pretty good." 

Obito looks at Rin in disbelief. "Huh? Shindai's got all these theories, but when it comes to himself, he's like an idiot. Can it even be done?" 

Rin says, "It's precisely because Shindai is such an idiot that he needs our help! Otherwise, we wouldn't need to do anything." 

Kakashi strokes his chin. "Honestly, if it actually works out... it could be pretty interesting, wouldn't you say?" 

Obito thinks about it, a subtle smile spreading across his face. "You're right, it could be fun. That troublesome Shindai would finally be reined in." 

Obito then asks, "So, what do you want us to do?" 

Now it's Shikamaru's turn to speak. "Right now, we haven't thought of anything, which is why we came to you, Big Brother Obito, for help in figuring out a plan." 

Obito scratches his cheek. "But I don't know what to do either, Rin, do you have any ideas?" 

Rin looks embarrassed. "Uh... I don't have anything either. Kakashi, what about you?" 

Kakashi is about to say he has no ideas either, but then he remembers a scene from his beloved Icha Icha Paradise. 

Kakashi suggests, "How about a 'hero saves the damsel in distress' scenario? We'll have Shindai save Hozuki and Hikari." 

Obito looks surprised. "Huh? Hozuki and Hikari are just as strong as Shindai, sometimes even stronger. How would Shindai save them? And Big Sister Hozuki and Hikari wouldn't go along with it, would they?" 

Kakashi thinks for a moment. "If we're going to do it, it needs to be realistic. We'll need Lady Kushina's help to get Hozuki and Hikari on board." 

Rin looks puzzled. "How would we do that?" 

A mischievous smile appears under Kakashi's mask. "Doesn't Shindai have a puppet master he really dislikes? You know, Sasori of the Red Sand. Let's make him the source of the danger." 

A sly grin spreads across Obito's face. "That's a great idea! Let's go find Lady Kushina now. It's been a while since I've had a sparring match with Shindai anyway. I'm curious to see how strong he's gotten." 

Naruto and Sasuke's eyes light up. 

They might get to see a real battle? 

They'd never seen Shindai and the others fight before. 

Putting the Plan in Motion 

After finishing their barbeque, Obito, Rin, and Kakashi, along with Naruto and the others, head to Minato Namikaze's house. 

Kushina Uzumaki is very surprised when she hears their plan. "Why did you suddenly think of doing this?" 

Everyone's gaze turns to Naruto, who instantly freezes. 

What's with that? How's this any different from when Shindai does something bad and blames it on him? Although, he did come up with this idea first. 

Naruto's mind quickly works, and he immediately thinks of what to say. "Mom, didn't you tell me yesterday that you were worried about Big Brother Shindai? So I thought I'd help out. That way, you won't be worried anymore, and Big Brother Shindai and Big Sister Hozuki and Big Sister Hikari can finally be together." 

Kushina smiles warmly. "Naruto, you've really grown up! Alright, I'll help with this. When do you plan to do it?" 

Since Kakashi concocted this plan, he speaks up. "Tonight." 

Kushina nods. "Alright then, we'll move tonight!" 

Evening 

Shindai, Hozuki, and Hikari Uchiha are eating dinner at Minato Namikaze's house. 

"Naruto, what's wrong?" 

Minato looks confused at Naruto, who's only eating rice and no other dishes. 

Naruto is incredibly nervous, afraid of giving away the plan, so he keeps his head down and just eats. 

Shindai playfully teases him, a smirk on his face. "Oh, do you have something on your mind? Did you confess to Hinata and get rejected? Want me to give you some advice? My track record is solid, you can ask Obito!" 

Naruto quickly says, "No, nothing like that. My appetite just isn't very good today." 

Kushina smiles at Hozuki and Hikari. "Hozuki, Hikari, try the dessert I specially made for you two. Is it good?" 

"Why don't I get any? I want some too!" 

Shindai's chopsticks reach towards Hozuki's bowl, but Kushina immediately slaps them away. 

"You're not eating that! I made it especially for Hozuki and Hikari!" 

These two desserts were special, after all. Shindai couldn't possibly eat them. 

Hozuki and Hikari both feel that Kushina and Naruto are acting strange today, but they don't think much of it and start enjoying the dessert. 

"It's delicious!" 

"Good, just eat it all then." 

Shindai mutters, "How stingy. I didn't really want any anyway!" 

"I'm so sleepy." 

Hozuki and Hikari, after eating the "enhanced" desserts, start yawning continuously. 

Kushina calculates the time; the medicine should be taking effect soon. "If you're sleepy, then go get some rest early." 

Hozuki and Hikari return to the next room to rest. 

Kushina glances sideways at Shindai, who is teasing Naruto. "Hozuki and Hikari went to rest. What are you still doing here?" 

Shindai looks puzzled. "Big Sister Kushina, why are you acting so strange today?" 

Kushina snaps, "What's strange? Just looking at you makes me annoyed!" 

Shindai is completely baffled. What's going on? He hadn't done anything wrong! 

Shindai decides not to stick around. He's not going to risk getting beaten for no reason. He returns to the adjacent room, comfortably lies down on his exclusive bed, and prepares to sleep.