281-285

"Chapter 281: Grandma Uchiha" 

Uchiha Hikari was finally going to spill the beans about her past to Shindai and Pakura. 

Shindai immediately sat up straight, his ears practically perked up. He'd been itching to know for ages, but Uchiha Hikari always just gave him the Byakugan stare and refused to talk about it. 

Pakura was curious too. She'd never directly asked about Hikari's past because she'd already imagined the whole thing in her head. Now, it was time to see if her theories were right! 

Uchiha Hikari began her story: "My true name is Uchiha Hikari. My parents hoped I'd stay far from the darkness of war and walk in the light. But sadly, back then, I couldn't escape the darkness of war. I was always stuck in hell because I was born in a time of chaos, the Warring States period." 

Shindai and Pakura stared at Uchiha Hikari, utterly dumbfounded. 

The Warring States period? 

Shindai reached out and patted Uchiha Hikari's shoulder. "Asuka, I think you might be tired. You've probably overworked your brain." 

Uchiha Hikari slapped his hand away, annoyed. "I'm telling the truth! Just listen. And don't interrupt again, or don't think I won't do something even if you're stuck in a hospital bed!" 

Shindai pulled his hand back, wearing a face that said, 'Go ahead and tell your tall tales, I'll believe you when pigs fly.' 

Uchiha Hikari was already itching to punch him. She'd finally decided to face her past and share it with Shindai and Pakura, and this guy didn't believe her! 

Forcing down the urge to hit him, Uchiha Hikari continued, "When my parents were alive, even though life was tough, I was still happy. But then, one day, everything changed. During a clash with the Senju clan, my parents were killed, and I became an orphan. 

The grief was so overwhelming that I awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, and that's when my nightmare truly began. I awakened a dojutsu no one else had ever achieved: 'Eight Thousand Spears.' As someone who's experienced the power of Eight Thousand Spears, Shindai, you should know just how potent it is. 

I could freely manipulate the chakra of anyone I'd marked, transferring it to others who needed it more for enhancement. I could even control enemy ninjas' minds through the marks and make them my own. 

Because of this 'Eight Thousand Spears' dojutsu, once my clan discovered it, they trained me as a weapon to fight the Senju. When I wasn't fighting, they kept me locked in a cell. When there was a battle, they'd release me. No one knew my name; they just called me 'Nameless.'" 

Shindai's eyes widened in understanding. "No wonder you said your name was Nameless when we first met! I was wondering how anyone could have a name like that." 

Uchiha Hikari nodded and went on, "Back then, I didn't even realize I'd traveled decades into the future. I was worried you were an enemy, which is why I only told you the name Nameless. 

While I was being used as a weapon, to increase my power, they transplanted the dojutsu of deceased Mangekyo Sharingan users from my clan into me. That's why I possess Amaterasu, Kagutsuchi, and Tsukuyomi. 

Finally, because my performance on the battlefield was too overwhelming, leading to several defeats for the ninja clans, especially the Senju, they became incredibly wary of me. Eventually, the Senju and Sarutobi clans set a trap for me, ambushing and sealing me away together. 

That's my past before I was sealed. As for after the sealing... that began when I met you, Shindai." 

Shindai and Pakura listened, a bit dazed. It sounded like a real story, but... the Warring States period felt a bit too far-fetched. 

Just then, someone walked into Shindai's hospital room—it was Minato Namikaze. 

"Asuka's telling the truth, you know." 

Shindai looked at Minato, puzzled. "Oh, Lord Minato! You've recovered?" 

Minato smiled. "I was never seriously injured. Obito and the others just told me you were awake, so I came to see you. It's been confirmed in some historical documents from the Uchiha clan and Hiruzen Sarutobi: Asuka really is from the Warring States period." 

Shindai stared at Uchiha Hikari's face for a long time, then suddenly gasped in shock. "Oh my god, the Warring States period... You're Grandma Uchiha!" 

Hearing "Grandma Uchiha," Uchiha Hikari couldn't hold back anymore. She delivered a powerful headbutt to Shindai's head. 

"Ow!" 

Shindai clutched his head, sucking in a sharp breath. Tears welled up in his eyes. "I'm a patient!" 

Uchiha Hikari retorted angrily, "A patient? How come your mouth didn't get silenced by your illness!" 

Minato smiled helplessly. "Alright, Asuka was frozen while she was sealed. So, those decades she was sealed are a blank. That means Asuka and Shindai, you're the same age. She's not a 'grandma' or anything." 

Pakura exclaimed, "I never knew Asuka had such a past! Don't worry, things will only get better from now on." Pakura, feeling a pang of sympathy, hugged Uchiha Hikari, comforting her. 

Uchiha Hikari let Pakura embrace her, a faint smile on her face, and softly hummed in agreement. 

Shindai looked at Pakura, then back at Uchiha Hikari, his eyes wide. He shakily pointed a finger at both of them. "You, you two... No wonder! No wonder you two always bathe together. So that's how it is! I get it now!" 

Pakura and Uchiha Hikari frowned at Shindai. "What do you 'get' now?" 

Shindai quickly clapped his hand over his mouth. "No, no, no, I don't get it. I don't get anything. I understand, and I won't discriminate. I'll give you my blessings, really. Just pretend I'm not even here." 

Pakura and Uchiha Hikari's frowns deepened. Shindai's mind was definitely wandering to all sorts of strange places again. 

Minato also sensed that Shindai had completely misunderstood, and quite wildly at that, but he couldn't figure out where Shindai's mind had gone astray. Sometimes, Shindai's thought process was just impossible to follow. 

Shindai's heart thumped wildly. This was too exciting! He never imagined that the usually serious Pakura and Uchiha Hikari could be so open-minded. This was too open-minded! 

But then again... if they were so open-minded, why did they react so strongly when he opened his puppet shop before? These two were such hypocrites! 

Minato looked at Uchiha Hikari with a serious expression. "Asuka, I think after all this time, you've probably confirmed it, haven't you? The Uchiha clan is changing now. While some Uchiha members are still a bit extreme, overall, things are good. 

Plus, I think you've found your own bonds here in Konoha..." 

Minato glanced at Shindai. 

Shindai was confused by Minato's look. Why was he looking at him? He should be looking at Pakura! Uchiha Hikari's bond was Pakura! 

Minato stated solemnly, "Therefore, I want to officially invite you to join Konoha and become a part of our village!" 

Chapter 282: From Now On, Just Call Me Hikari! 

Minato Namikaze seriously invited Uchiha Hikari to join the Hidden Leaf Village. 

When Minato said she should have already made up her mind, Uchiha Hikari just pursed her lips. "Made up my mind?" She'd practically forgotten all about it! 

Ever since she arrived in the Leaf Village, she'd been hanging out with Shindai every day, just like a couple of lazy ninjas. Shindai always said if they could expense it, they'd be idiots not to eat delicious food outside! Then, when Shindai opened his shop, she was busy helping out there. Who had time to "confirm" anything? The only Uchiha she really knew now was Obito. 

Uchiha Hikari glanced at Shindai. Honestly, she'd already made her decision long ago. 

"I'd be honored to join the Hidden Leaf Village," Uchiha Hikari agreed. 

A smile spread across Minato's face. "Then, welcome to the Hidden Leaf, Asuka! But I have a question: for your official identification, what name would you like to use?" 

"Asu—" Uchiha Hikari was about to answer when Shindai cut her off. "It's gotta be Uchiha Hikari!" 

Uchiha Hikari looked at Shindai, confused. 

Shindai explained, "That's the name your beloved parents gave you. It's like a memento from them, a wish for you to live a happy life. And now, you could say that wish has come true! You're living in the 'light' now, so you should definitely keep using your own name." 

Uchiha Hikari stared at Shindai, then her eyes suddenly welled up, though her smile was absolutely radiant. "Okay then. From now on, just call me Hikari!" 

Minato smiled, looking at Shindai. "Yep, just as I thought. Shindai always knows best." 

But the seriousness only lasted about three seconds. Shindai rubbed his hands together, his eyes practically dollar signs. "Lord Minato, I worked so hard this time! Any rewards for me? Like, maybe a bonus?" 

Minato almost strained his back laughing, then sighed good-naturedly. "About the Nine-Tails attack... as the Hokage, I'm truly grateful for your efforts, Shindai, Hikari, and Yatura. And personally, as Kushina's husband and Naruto's father, I also thank you all so much. We really owe you everything this time, otherwise, Kushina and I would have been in real danger. But... no bonus. The Leaf Village was pretty badly damaged, and we need money for everything. All our funds have to go toward rebuilding." 

Shindai grumbled, "What?! Just a pat on the back, huh?" 

Yatura lightly tapped Shindai on the head. "Your puppet shop is doing pretty well, isn't it?" 

Shindai complained, "Making money is one thing, but who ever said no to more cash? Don't get me wrong, I earn a lot, but my research burns through money just as fast! Oh well, if there's no bonus, there's no bonus. Lord Minato, how's Big Sister Kushina doing?" 

Minato's face lit up with a happy smile. "She's doing great! She should be able to leave the hospital after just one more day of observation." 

After chatting with Shindai for a bit longer, Minato said, "Well then, I'll be heading off. I'm being discharged today, and there's a mountain of work waiting for me back in the Leaf. Hikari, I'll get your identification sorted out and bring it to you tomorrow." 

With that, Minato left the hospital room. 

Shindai, meanwhile, continued to milk his patient status, enjoying the full-on pampering from Yatura and Uchiha Hikari. 

"Ugh, what's taking Obito and the others so long? How does it take this long to get a bowl of ramen? One of you, peel me an apple to munch on. I need something to tide me over!" 

"I'm thirsty again! I need water, warm water!" 

"My face feels so greasy! Haven't washed it in two days. Wipe my face for me!" 

Yatura and Uchiha Hikari, one on each side, grabbed Shindai's ears, fuming. "Say everything you need in one go! And stop being such a drama queen! Otherwise, you're on your own!" 

Shindai's eyes turned into those classic "dead fish" eyes. Why? He was a patient! Weren't patients supposed to get special treatment?! 

After checking on Kushina in her hospital room, Minato headed straight to the Hokage's office. Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado were busy handling the village's affairs. 

"Minato, you're here! You could have rested for two more days; we've got everything under control here." 

"I just overused my chakra; there's nothing else wrong. I've had enough rest," Minato said. He sat down, his expression serious. "Third Hokage, both advisors, you must have been investigating who those four people were, right? Any leads?" 

Hiruzen handed a scroll to Minato. "We've only identified one of them: Sasori of the Red Sand, Chiyo's grandson from the Hidden Sand Village." 

Minato opened the scroll and read it. "So it was him, 'Scorpion,' the one Shindai mentioned! He turned the Third Kazekage into a human puppet... Shindai was really right back then, it was Sasori who did it." 

Hiruzen nodded. "Indeed. As for the other three, we didn't see anything like headbands that could identify them, so we have no idea who they are. Only Sasori of the Red Sand was wearing a headband, with a scratch through it, indicating he's a rogue ninja." 

Minato placed the scroll back on the table. "Regarding Sasori of the Red Sand, we'll inform the Hidden Sand Village about this later. Then there's that masked man. He possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan and was able to pass directly through our barrier to summon the Nine-Tails into the Leaf Village. At the time, my only guess for his identity was Uchiha Madara, but Uchiha Madara should have been dead for ages. When I questioned him, he didn't deny it and even claimed to be 'immortal,' practically admitting he was Madara. 

But I have doubts about this identity. I don't really believe he's Uchiha Madara. I'm more inclined to believe it's some Uchiha clan member impersonating Madara to seek revenge on the Hidden Leaf in his name." 

Koharu frowned. "So, do we need to interrogate the Uchiha clan?" 

Minato rejected Koharu's suggestion. "The Uchiha clan made an indelible contribution during this chaos. Clan Head Fugaku, Obito, Shisui, and many other Uchiha clan members fought bravely for the Leaf Village, risking their lives. I am certain that this mysterious Uchiha has absolutely no connection to our Uchiha clan here in the Leaf. Interrogation is for criminals. We shouldn't treat those who protected the Leaf like that. We can't suspect our comrades because of one enemy. However, we can ask Clan Head Fugaku about it later; that mysterious Uchiha had a problem with his left arm, it seemed to not be his own. The person was likely missing an arm." 

Hiruzen agreed. "Minato is right. Thanks to Fugaku and the others, the Leaf's losses weren't even greater. What concerns me more now is how the information about Kushina's delivery, which was a top-secret matter known to very few, leaked out." 

Minato's expression turned grim. "That's my biggest concern right now too. We might have a traitor in the Hidden Leaf who leaked that information." 

Minato couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. The Nine-Tails attack had caused such massive damage to the Hidden Leaf, and what should have been a joyous and happy day almost became the day he and Kushina were separated forever. 

Chapter 283: Jiraiya's Past 

Inside the Hokage's office, Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the two advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, were deep in thought, trying to figure out just why this top-secret information had leaked. 

Minato was convinced there was a traitor in the Leaf Village who had spilled the beans. Hiruzen and the two advisors agreed; besides someone from the village leaking it, it was the most likely possibility. But who could it be? 

Minato's expression was grim. "But if you think about it carefully, this time, aside from us, the Anbu and Hokage Guard Squad assigned to Kushina's delivery, and Shindai and the others who already knew, no one else was aware of it. It shouldn't have been able to leak, right?" 

Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, analyzing. "Yes, indeed. Shindai made an immense contribution during the Nine-Tails attack. Yatura was constantly helping to evacuate the villagers, and Asuka assisted Shindai with all her might. So, those three definitely wouldn't have leaked anything. Obito, Kakashi, and Rin are your students, Minato, so there's no way they'd reveal Kushina's delivery. And the Hokage Guard Squad consists of members you personally recruited; their loyalty goes without saying. So, could the problem be with the Anbu? But the Anbu report directly to the Hokage and can only join after layers of vetting. They shouldn't have leaked this either. So then, how did it get out?" 

The four of them racked their brains, trying to figure out how the secret had been leaked, but they couldn't come up with anything. 

Just then, a knock came from the office door. Minato said, "Come in," and Jiraiya rushed in, looking anxious. 

"I heard something happened in the Leaf Village! I hurried back as fast as I could," Jiraiya asked, worried. "What's the situation now?" 

Minato smiled. "It's already been resolved. We're in the middle of disaster recovery and rebuilding now." 

Hearing that it was resolved, Jiraiya visibly relaxed. "You scared me half to death! I wish I'd stayed in the Leaf. Well, it's good that it's over. What were you all just talking about? I heard you mention 'leak' or something outside the door." 

Suddenly, a light bulb went off in the minds of Minato, Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura. They all exclaimed in unison, "That's right! There's one more possibility!" 

Jiraiya looked confused. "What 'one more possibility'?" 

Minato stroked his chin, serious. "Originally, the Third Hokage, the two advisors, and I discussed Kushina's delivery right here in this office. If someone overheard our conversation back then, that eavesdropper could be anyone." 

Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura all agreed with Minato's speculation. 

Minato then quickly brought Jiraiya up to speed on the situation. 

Jiraiya scratched his head. "If that's the case, then the scope is too wide. It'll be hard to investigate." 

Minato nodded. "It will indeed be difficult to investigate, but I believe this person, hidden in the shadows, will eventually make a move again. For now, we'll have to put this aside and keep an eye on it later. The reconstruction of the Leaf Village is our top priority right now." 

Just to be safe, Minato sensed around to confirm no one was eavesdropping. After confirming the area was clear, Minato continued, "Because the situation was so critical, I sealed the Nine-Tails into both Kushina and Naruto. Regarding the Leaf's jinchuriki, I want to continue the previous secrecy plan: keep Kushina's and Naruto's jinchuriki identities hidden so they can live as normal people." 

Hiruzen agreed. "Minato, Kushina, and the newborn Naruto have made such a huge sacrifice for the Leaf. It's only right to conceal their jinchuriki identities. After all, to almost everyone in the ninja world, jinchuriki are seen as linked to tailed beasts, which inevitably leads to misunderstanding, fear, and prejudice. For Naruto's growth, secrecy is essential." 

Jiraiya asked curiously, "Did you find out who those four invaders were?" 

Hiruzen pulled out four sketches and handed them to Jiraiya. "One of them is Sasori from the Hidden Sand Village; his headband shows he's become a rogue ninja. One wore a mask, so their identity is unknown, and the other two are also unidentified. However, we have their likenesses, so we can investigate them later." 

Jiraiya took the sketches and looked at them. When he saw the images of Deva Path Pain and Konan, Jiraiya's body trembled slightly. He mumbled, "How is this possible? How could it be them?" 

Minato looked confused. "Sensei Jiraiya, do you know any of them?" 

Jiraiya took several deep breaths to compose himself, then pulled out the sketches of Deva Path Pain and Konan, placing them separately on the table. 

Jiraiya recounted, "Years ago, during the Second Great Ninja War, I spent three years in the Hidden Rain Village. It was after my battle with Hanzo the Salamander; on my way back to the village, I met three orphans from the Hidden Rain. I took these three orphans as my disciples and spent three years teaching them ninjutsu. Their names were Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan. Although they've grown up, I'm absolutely certain these two sketches are Yahiko and Konan." 

Hiruzen was shocked. "What?! Does that mean they're your students, Jiraiya?!" 

Jiraiya nodded, his expression complex, and continued, "Yes. I heard that when they grew up, the three of them, led by Yahiko, formed an organization called the Akatsuki, vowing to achieve world peace without extreme military force. Many people joined their organization, and it gradually grew stronger and became famous. I even occasionally heard tales of their battles. I was so proud of them. But... then I received a scroll from a toad, informing me that those three children had died in the war. How are they alive now, and attacking the Leaf Village?" 

"The Akatsuki..." Minato murmured, then suddenly stood up. "Wait a moment!" 

Minato went to the filing cabinet and rummaged through it until he found a document. 

Minato opened the document and said, "Hearing you mention the Akatsuki, Sensei Jiraiya, reminded me. This is a document found in the Root base. It contains correspondence between Danzō and Hanzō the Salamander. According to these letters, Danzō, claiming the Akatsuki's growing power would threaten Hanzō's reign, formed an alliance to destroy the Akatsuki. Hanzō deceived the Akatsuki, planning to use their power to propose peace negotiations to the Great Fire, Wind, and Earth nations. He then set an ambush at the meeting point to wipe out the Akatsuki members. After the deed was done... Danzō asked Hanzō to help him become Hokage. In the end, the ninja under Hanzō's command and the Root ninja under Danzō's command collaborated to jointly eliminate the Akatsuki." 

Jiraiya took the document from Minato's hand. As he read the contents of the letters, a surge of pure rage erupted within him. 

Chapter 284: Giving Up Being Human! 

Jiraiya's heart burned with rage as he read the document in his hands. His three students had worked so hard for peace, only to have their efforts ruined by Danzo and Hanzo the Salamander. 

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi felt helpless when it came to Danzo. He actually knew about this, but back then, Danzo had told him it was a distress call from Hanzo. Danzo claimed that a rogue terrorist organization had emerged in the Hidden Rain Village, seeking to prolong the war. He then volunteered to lead the Root shinobi to assist Hanzo in eliminating this organization. 

At the time, it was late in the Third Great Ninja War, and Konoha was the target of everyone's scrutiny. Hiruzen was overwhelmed and couldn't spare the attention to verify Danzo's story, so he simply approved the request. He never imagined that Danzo had been behind the whole thing. 

Koharu Utatane speculated, "So, Jiraiya's three students aren't dead, and they resent Konoha because of this, which is why they want revenge?" 

Homura Mitokado agreed. "It must be. Otherwise, they'd have no reason to retaliate against Konoha." 

Minato Namikaze offered his opinion, "Not necessarily. It could also be that masked man. He kidnapped Kushina, released the Nine-Tails, and then summoned the Nine-Tails in Konoha. All of that seems to be led by him. Of course, it could also be the person who leaked the information. There are many possibilities right now." 

Hiruzen sighed, looking at Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, go if you must. I'm sure you want to confirm this for yourself, right?" 

Jiraiya nodded grimly. "Yes, I need to go to the Hidden Rain Village and get confirmation from Hanzo!" 

Minato told Jiraiya, "Jiraiya-sensei, I'll send two members of the escort squad with you. Perhaps they know who that masked person is." 

Jiraiya agreed, "Okay, I understand." 

Minato immediately made arrangements, writing a letter and dispatching two escort ninja. Jiraiya and the escort ninja quickly set off for the Hidden Rain Village. 

Akatsuki's Plans 

Meanwhile, at the Akatsuki's base, Pain (Deva Path), Konan, Sasori, Uchiha Setsuna, Black Zetsu, and Kakuzu had gathered. 

Pain (Deva Path) spoke, "Everyone, keep a low profile recently. Our operation against Konoha failed, and Konoha will undoubtedly stop at nothing to find us. From now on, Akatsuki's main objective is to recruit new members and accumulate funds, preparing for the future. 

Obito, Zetsu, Sasori, and Kakuzu, you four will take on missions at the underground exchange to earn money while also seeking suitable comrades. 

Konan and I will then prepare to seize control of the Hidden Rain Village and make it Akatsuki's stronghold." 

Currently, Hanzo still held power in the Hidden Rain Village. Nagato's other two Pains were already in the Hidden Rain Village, monitoring Hanzo's every move. Hanzo, growing older, had become increasingly fearful of death and was surrounded by many ninja guards, making it difficult to strike. After all, Hanzo was known as a demigod, and even in his old age, he still possessed considerable strength. 

Nagato planned to complete all Six Paths of Pain before moving to kill Hanzo and dominate the Hidden Rain Village. 

Sasori's Vow 

After the meeting disbanded, Sasori remained alone in his room, summoning the Third Kazekage human puppet. Looking at the Third Kazekage, covered in cracks and embedded with iron sand, Sasori's eyes were icy cold. Shindai's taunts echoed repeatedly in Sasori's mind: 

"Your so-called human puppets, your so-called art, are worthless in my eyes. They're just a pile of trash, including you, Sasori." 

Sasori clenched his fists so tightly that his fingernails dug deep into his palms, drawing blood. He watched the blood stream from his hand, his gaze growing increasingly savage. 

"How dare you insult my human puppets, insult my art! Shindai, the next time we meet, I'll show you what eternal art truly is!" 

Sasori made a solemn decision: he would give up being human! He would transform himself into a puppet as well—a puppet that was immune to Magnet Release kekkei genkai and truly eternal! 

Life in Konoha 

Everyone in Konoha worked together, and in just half a month, the village was mostly rebuilt. Shindai had long since been discharged from the hospital. Since his puppet shop wasn't suitable for opening yet, it remained closed. So, Shindai had been resting at home. After working so hard for so long, it was time for a good break. 

Uchiha Hikari's Konoha identification was given to her by Minato the very next day. Now, Uchiha Hikari was officially a part of Konoha. With nothing much to do either, Uchiha Hikari sometimes stayed home with Shindai, and other times she accompanied Pakura. 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara had gone on a mission. Because Konoha had suffered such a massive attack, the surrounding ninja villages were starting to stir, looking for trouble. So, Minato dispatched a large number of ninja, forcefully driving away any foreign ninja trying to infiltrate the Land of Fire to gather information about Konoha. 

The two Hokage Guard Squad members who accompanied Jiraiya to the Hidden Rain Village had returned to the village, bringing back news. Hanzo flatly denied any cooperation with Danzo and claimed to know nothing about Akatsuki. This affair was not a proud moment for Hanzo, and he naturally didn't want others to know. There was nothing they could do if Hanzo insisted on playing dumb; they couldn't force him to confess. 

However, Jiraiya didn't return to the village. He now wanted to find Nagato and his comrades to confirm things for himself and try to persuade them to return to the right path. So, he embarked on his journey once again. 

The Hidden Sand Village, on the other hand, declared that they believed Sasori had disappeared along with the Third Kazekage, only to discover that Sasori had killed the Third Kazekage and become a rogue ninja. They would immediately issue a bounty for Sasori. 

Fugaku Uchiha also had no recollection of the masked man. Currently, there were no useful leads, so they could only continue investigating slowly. 

Shindai's Visit 

At Shindai's house, with nothing to do, Shindai went next door to Minato Namikaze's house. Kushina Uzumaki had just put the sleeping little Naruto into his bassinet. 

"Auntie Kushina, I came to see Naruto!" 

Kushina smiled. "Go ahead, but be careful not to wake Naruto. He just fell asleep, and I need a break too. Naruto has so much energy, it's exhausting taking care of him." 

"Okay~" 

Shindai walked over to the bassinet and carefully observed the sleeping little Naruto. Seeing the six whiskers on little Naruto's face, Shindai reached out and poked one. It was actually quite firm, like a cat's whiskers. 

Shindai glanced guiltily at Kushina, realizing she wasn't looking at him. So... Shindai pulled down little Naruto's diaper. 

"Ehh~ so small." 

Shindai flicked it. 

Disturbed, little Naruto immediately burst into tears. 

"Huh? Why is Naruto suddenly crying? Shin...dai!" 

When Kushina looked over, she saw Shindai frantically trying to put little Naruto's diaper back on. Shindai tried to run, but he didn't make it. Kushina grabbed him, punched him on the head, and then made him soothe little Naruto until he stopped crying. 

Chapter 285: Fugaku's Shocking Revelation! 

At Minato Namikaze's house... 

Shindai wore a pained expression, rocking the baby carriage back and forth. Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have played that song! Now, if he didn't manage to soothe little Naruto, Kushina Uzumaki wasn't going to let him leave. 

"Naruto, please, I'm begging you, can you stop crying? I messed up!" Shindai pleaded, trying his best to comfort the baby, but little Naruto just cried even louder. That ear-splitting wail was making Shindai's brain feel like it was going to explode! 

Finally, Kushina couldn't bear to watch any longer. She picked little Naruto up from the carriage and successfully lulled him to sleep. Shindai wiped the sweat from his brow. That was terrifying! He's not even a month old and already has such powerful chakra! No wonder he's destined to be a savior. 

Shindai slipped back to his place next door. His head was still a bit fuzzy from Naruto's crying, so he decided to catch a quick nap. Just as he settled onto his bed (which was actually a sofa) and prepared to drift off, there was a knock at the door. Shindai got up, a little perplexed, to open it. 

Yatura and Uchiha Hikari should be helping out at the orphanage with the staff and kids. Obito, Kakashi, and Rin weren't even in the Leaf Village. So, who could it be looking for him? 

When the door opened, it revealed someone Shindai absolutely did not expect. 

"Huh? Clan Head Fugaku?" 

Uchiha Fugaku offered a stiff smile. "My apologies for disturbing you, Shindai. I wanted to talk to you about something." 

Shindai invited Fugaku in. After pouring Fugaku a glass of water, Shindai sat opposite him and asked, "Clan Head Fugaku, I assume what you want to discuss is about Hikari?" 

Uchiha Fugaku nodded. "That's right. The Fourth Hokage mentioned you already know about Hikari's background. Hikari is, after all, a member of the Uchiha clan. So, I was hoping to have Hikari return and live within the Uchiha compound." 

Shindai looked puzzled. "Well, why don't you just talk to Hikari directly? Talking to me won't do much good." 

Uchiha Fugaku shook his head. "I tried to find her two days ago, but she said she wasn't interested. Shindai, you and Hikari have a good relationship. Perhaps you could persuade her to return to the Uchiha." 

Shindai frowned. "Me persuade her? On what grounds? Hikari and I are friends. This is her personal business, and it wouldn't be right for me to interfere. Besides, Hikari has already joined the Leaf Village. Whether she returns to the Uchiha or not doesn't really make a difference, does it?" 

Uchiha Fugaku sighed. "Actually, many ninjutsu have been lost as the Uchiha clan has passed down its traditions, such as the powerful Great Fire Annihilation and Great Fire Destruction. Since Hikari is an Uchiha from the Warring States period, she might know these techniques. So..." 

Shindai's eyes widened in understanding. "Ah, so you want to learn lost ninjutsu from Hikari!" 

Uchiha Fugaku emphasized, "It's not just about the ninjutsu. I truly wish for Hikari to return to the Uchiha, to live in our compound. We are, after all, of the same clan." 

Shindai agreed. "Alright, fine. But I'll only mention it to her, tell her to think it over. I won't interfere with her decision. Plus, she's already started using the name Uchiha Hikari again, doesn't that mean she recognizes herself as a member of the Uchiha clan? Why bother so much about making her live in the Uchiha compound? To be honest, I don't think Hikari will leave even if I try to persuade her. There are people she cares about here, and she's living well. She doesn't really know you all, and if she goes back to an unfamiliar place, she won't be happy." 

Hearing Shindai say that Uchiha Hikari had someone she cared about, Uchiha Fugaku's eyebrows shot up. He stared intently at Shindai. So, Shindai just admitted that Uchiha Hikari likes him? Looking at it that way, getting Uchiha Hikari to return to the Uchiha compound seemed pretty unlikely. 

Shindai suddenly glanced around furtively, then whispered to Uchiha Fugaku, complaining, "Clan Head Fugaku, maybe you'll understand this someday, but this really has nothing to do with me. Sometimes, this 'love' thing is just weird. We used to think love was between a man and a woman, right? But now, there's men with men, women with women... We may not understand it, but we have to respect it. Sigh, I don't know why those two fell for each other. It's a real headache for me too! Living under the same roof, it gets pretty awkward sometimes. No wonder I keep getting beaten up at home! Actually, now that I think about it, it all makes sense. It's definitely because I accidentally walked in on them and ruined their 'good time,' making them angry out of embarrassment!" 

Shindai suddenly thought of Naruto and Sasuke, looking at Uchiha Fugaku with a sympathetic gaze. "I think, Clan Head Fugaku, you might experience the same kind of trouble I'm having in the future. It's just too open-minded these days!" 

Uchiha Fugaku stared at Shindai, dumbfounded. Honestly, from Shindai's very first sentence, Fugaku had started to lose the plot. What was this about men and women? What was this about "those two" falling for each other? What couldn't society accept? And why was Shindai looking at him with such pity? 

However, Uchiha Fugaku did manage to piece something together from Shindai's rambling. "You mean... Hikari doesn't like you?" 

Shindai was utterly shocked. "Huh? Likes me? Clan Head Fugaku, are you kidding?! While I am incredibly charming, Hikari and Yatura are always beating me up! If she liked me, would she be punching me all day long? She'd be cherishing me, right? I have no idea where you got the idea that Hikari likes me." 

Uchiha Fugaku's mouth opened and closed a few times, then he finally asked, strangely, "Then you said Hikari has someone she likes... who are you talking about?" 

Shindai lowered his voice even further. "Don't you dare tell anyone, but... it's Yatura!" 

Uchiha Fugaku's slightly open mouth instantly dropped wide open. His eyes were filled with disbelief as he stared at Shindai. "Yatura?! Are you serious?!" 

Shindai nervously shushed him. "Shhh! Keep your voice down! If they hear us, I'm in for another brutal beating!" Shindai stated with absolute certainty, "I am absolutely sure! When I was in the hospital, Hikari and Yatura hugged each other. The happiness in Hikari's smile was so genuine. And Yatura is incredibly patient with Hikari, way more patient than she is with me! At first, Hikari never hit me, but after living with Yatura for a while, she started joining in on the beatings. And she's gotten really good at it! What does that mean? It means they have a 'married couple' vibe!" 

Uchiha Fugaku was so utterly shocked, he didn't know what to do with his hands. He scratched his face, then his chin, fidgeting like he had ADHD. After a moment, he slowly asked, "In the hospital, it was because Hikari and Yatura hugged? Can you explain that in more detail?" 

Shindai vividly recounted everything that happened in the hospital, concluding, "From that moment on, I was sure Hikari liked Yatura, and Yatura definitely liked Hikari! I felt like my whole worldview was crumbling at that point, but as their friend, I definitely have to wish them well!" 

Uchiha Fugaku picked up his water glass, took a strategic sip, his eyes never leaving Shindai. This guy... is he an idiot? 

Well, that was quite the revelation for Clan Head Fugaku, wouldn't you agree? Shindai certainly has a unique way of interpreting things! What do you think Fugaku will do with this... unexpected information?