111-115

Chapter 111: Hiruzen Sarutobi   

"How's the ninjutsu I taught you coming along, Sasuke?"   

In a simple, traditional room, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Sasuke sat at a table, having a meal.   

After a few bites, Hiruzen put his chopsticks down on the table and asked softly.   

"Grandpa, that jutsu is a bit difficult. I haven’t mastered it yet..."   

Hearing Hiruzen’s words, Sasuke also set his chopsticks down, responding a little sheepishly.   

"You silly child."   

Hiruzen smiled at Sasuke’s reaction and gently patted his head.   

--- 

"Here, eat more meat. That’ll help you grow taller and stronger faster. I’m already getting old; I hope I’ll live to see the day you make your name known to the world."   

Noticing the hesitation on Sasuke’s face, Hiruzen gently placed a piece of meat into Sasuke’s bowl.   

"Grandpa, I don’t want to eat this..."   

Seeing the meat in his bowl, Sasuke grimaced in distaste.   

"Aren’t you trying to uncover the truth you’ve been searching for? You can’t achieve that with a body like yours."   

Seeing Sasuke’s rebellious expression, Hiruzen replied casually. His brows furrowed slightly as he instinctively reached for the pipe on the table. However, upon seeing Sasuke, he tapped the table and put the pipe back down.   

--- 

"The truth I’m searching for?" Sasuke’s heart skipped a beat at Hiruzen’s words.   

"You’ve been secretly investigating the truth behind the Uchiha clan’s massacre, haven’t you? I’ve always known. But one day, when you’re older, you’ll understand: sometimes, the truth isn’t as important as you think."   

Seeing Sasuke’s reaction, Hiruzen spoke calmly.   

"How can the truth not matter? My entire Uchiha clan was wiped out in one night, including my parents... And you expect me to believe that my brother is the culprit? How can I accept that?"   

Sasuke erupted at Hiruzen’s words. He couldn’t believe his elder brother, Itachi, could commit such a cold-blooded act. The supposed motive—a laughable sense of duty—only deepened his disbelief.   

--- 

Since Itachi’s departure, he had sealed away Sasuke’s memories of their confrontation, leaving Sasuke’s mindset relatively unchanged.   

"Child, one day you’ll understand."   

Watching Sasuke bristle like an agitated kitten, Hiruzen sighed softly.   

Having experienced battles with Itachi, Hiruzen had grown indifferent to many things. His primary focus now was to help Sasuke grow stronger and become his successor.   

Everything else was left to fate. With one foot in the grave, Hiruzen had grown detached from old grudges and rivalries. They no longer mattered.   

Compared to his past inner conflicts, Hiruzen’s current state of mind was peaceful.   

--- 

"Grandpa, can’t you just tell me the truth? Is there more to this than meets the eye?"   

Sasuke stared at Hiruzen’s increasingly aged face as he asked earnestly.   

"Child, focus on becoming stronger. Only the strong are qualified to uncover the truth. If you’re too weak, even knowing the truth would amount to nothing. You’d still be powerless to act."   

Hiruzen’s words, delivered while locking eyes with Sasuke, reverberated in the boy’s heart.   

"But if I don’t know the truth, I..."   

Hiruzen’s words left Sasuke silent. His mind was consumed by this unresolved mystery. Without answers, he couldn’t concentrate on training.   

--- 

"Can’t live without the truth? Can’t focus on your training without it? If that’s all you’re capable of, you’re nothing but a disappointment."   

Hiruzen intercepted the thought Sasuke hadn’t yet voiced.   

"Grandpa, I..."   

Hiruzen’s blunt words made Sasuke lower his head.   

"Child, many things in life are both complex and simple. All misfortune stems from weakness. You must strive to become strong. Only then will you live a fulfilling life, free from the grip of misfortune."   

Hiruzen gently ruffled Sasuke’s hair.   

After all, wasn’t he himself a victim of weakness?   

When Tobirama passed too early, Konoha lost its pillar of support, leaving it vulnerable to the prying eyes of other villages.   

With the absence of Hashirama and Tobirama, the village’s major clans began vying for power, creating internal and external strife.   

Had he been stronger in his youth, had he dedicated more time to training, he wouldn’t have become a mere puppet upon taking the Hokage seat.   

Even the remaining members of the Senju clan, though outwardly supportive, harbored ulterior motives.   

The Uchiha, Hyuga, and other powerful clans all sought to secure their own interests amidst the chaos.   

--- 

His foundation was nothing more than the fractured Sarutobi clan and the remnants of a few Shimura clansmen. Even if the Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans united, they were but ants in the eyes of the larger clans.   

What did he have to fight with? He had no strength to rely on, no substantial foundation to speak of.   

He rose to power solely on the basis of Tobirama's dying words. Who could truly understand the hardships and challenges he faced?   

But in the end, he still triumphed.   

He successfully united the Hidden Leaf into a cohesive force.   

Although he made some decisions he came to regret, so what? He had no regrets in his heart.   

The current state of affairs was the result he had aimed for.   

He had fulfilled his teacher's mission and lived up to Tobirama's trust.   

Though some of the remaining members of the Senju clan, out of hatred or other reasons, refused to marry into civilian families, he and Danzo orchestrated their downfall.   

Even so, the Senju bloodline persisted in this world.   

As for the surviving members of the Senju clan, they had long since changed. Those who held high positions had already fallen into decadence.   

Their deaths were merely the consequences of their own actions.   

...   

In an instant, Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind was flooded with countless memories. His sallow, aging face gained a trace of color.   

It was as if he were recalling one battle after another, the thrill of victory.   

The satisfaction of removing obstacles as one careful plan after another fell into place.   

He exuded the aura of a charismatic yet ruthless leader.   

“Alright, Grandpa. I’ll train hard,” Sasuke said softly, hearing Hiruzen’s advice and sensing the alternating cold and dazzling presence emanating from him.   

“Eat more meat, Sasuke. The future belongs to your generation... Although you young people may not experience the same hardships we did, you’ll face challenges of your own. I just hope you grow strong and live a fulfilling life. Don’t let your life be filled with regrets,” Hiruzen said, his calloused hand gently stroking Sasuke’s cheek, his fingertips lightly brushing his ear. His tone was kind and soft as he repeated his words.   

...   

“Okay, Grandpa. I’ll make sure to eat more and grow up quickly,” Sasuke replied.   

“I’ll train hard to become stronger and stronger,” he added, his voice filled with resolve.   

Hearing Hiruzen’s emotional advice, tinged with sorrow, Sasuke’s determination solidified.   

He silently reminded himself not to become arrogant just because his strength surpassed that of his peers and classmates.   

The road ahead was still long.   

The burdens he carried were not something his carefree classmates could ever comprehend.   

...   

Chapter 112: Naruto   

“A ninja, standing on a 30-meter tree trunk, throws a kunai at another ninja, 5 meters away, who is 1.83 meters tall. At what angle and with what force must the kunai be thrown to achieve a fatal strike?”   

Inside another modest room in the Hidden Leaf Village...   

Naruto sat at a desk, clutching a box of expired milk, staring intently at the homework his teacher had assigned.   

After muttering the question aloud, he took a satisfied sip of the milk, then picked up his pen and began scribbling enthusiastically.   

The notebook quickly filled with crooked and shaky handwriting:   

“Ninja A jumps off the tree, holding five shurikens and five kunai in both hands. They scatter them like a flower in full bloom, sealing off all escape routes. At least one will surely hit the target.”   

...   

“I’m a genius,” Naruto declared proudly, putting down his pen and reading his answer aloud with a smug grin.   

After closing the notebook, he carefully replaced the cap on his pen and placed both items neatly into his bag.   

“Vacation’s almost here...”   

Naruto leaned back, resting his hands behind his head. His lips curved into a smile, revealing small white fangs.   

“New Year’s is coming...”   

Lost in thought, he gazed out the window, a touch of melancholy in his voice.   

...   

“Little Naruto, are you home?”   

Just as Naruto was daydreaming, a knock at the door and a voice calling out interrupted him.   

Hearing the familiar voice, Naruto froze for a moment, then broke into a joyful expression.   

He jumped up and hurried to open the door.   

“Grandpa Third! What brings you here?”   

Looking at the elderly man standing before him, Naruto greeted him warmly.   

“What? Can’t Grandpa visit unless it’s time to hand out subsidies?” Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled, teasing the boy who was now grinning from ear to ear.   

...   

“No, no, you’re always welcome!”   

Naruto quickly stepped aside, inviting Hiruzen in.   

“The New Year’s almost here, so I brought you some money to buy yourself something nice to eat,” Hiruzen said, glancing at Naruto’s messy room. Instead of sitting down, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to Naruto.   

“Huh? That’s okay, Grandpa Hokage. I still have money left from last time. It’s enough for now.”   

Hearing this, Hiruzen paused for a moment.   

...   

“Alright then, how about this? Grandpa will give you a New Year’s gift instead.”   

Seeing Naruto hesitate to accept the money, Hiruzen put the envelope away and handed Naruto a scroll.   

He had never thought much of Naruto’s potential as a ninja—his talent was plainly mediocre. Hiruzen had essentially left him to grow up unattended, thinking he’d done enough by simply ensuring Naruto received an education.   

In his mind, Naruto’s future was predictable: even if he graduated, his lack of skill might prevent him from ever becoming a proper ninja. At best, Naruto would remain in the village under close supervision, unable to take on real missions.   

...   

However, when Hiruzen happened to observe Sasuke at school, he noticed that Sasuke only ever talked to Naruto, remaining distant from everyone else. This sparked a newfound interest in Naruto.   

After all, no matter how one looked at it, Naruto was the son of Minato Namikaze.   

Over the years, the situation had improved somewhat. With Danzo’s influence weakened, Hiruzen had fewer constraints to worry about.   

Of course, with age creeping up on him and his eventual death looming, certain truths would inevitably come to light...   

For now, though, Hiruzen wanted to make amends while he still had the chance.   

He had noticed how poorly the ANBU treated Naruto and how his life had become even more difficult. Though Hiruzen didn’t directly address these issues, he continued the tradition of personally delivering monthly subsidies to Naruto.   

Even if Naruto’s talents meant he might lead an uneventful life, never discovering the truth about his origins, Hiruzen wanted to ease his own conscience.   

...   

After Minato’s death and his own return to power as Hokage, Hiruzen had once considered restoring Naruto’s reputation and improving his life.   

But such things were far from easy. Once events were set in motion, they were like a raging torrent—there was no turning back.   

Even Hiruzen, caught in the current, risked being destroyed if he resisted.   

“A wise man avoids dangerous situations,” Hiruzen told himself, choosing not to take any extreme actions.   

He had tried many times but ultimately compromised under various pressures and constraints.   

“What’s this?” Naruto asked curiously, staring at the scroll in his hands.   

-- 

Naruto didn’t notice the complex emotions in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s eyes. Instead, he eagerly stared at the scroll in Hiruzen’s hands. 

... 

“Grandpa knows your Clone Jutsu isn’t great, so I found a few Clone Jutsu techniques for you to learn.” 

Hiruzen Sarutobi snapped out of his thoughts and replied to Naruto with a hint of wistfulness. 

“Huh? Thank you, Grandpa Hokage!”   

Hearing Hiruzen’s words, Naruto, who had poor talent for clones, was overjoyed.   

“Don’t thank me just yet. If you bite off more than you can chew, you’ll get nowhere. You can only pick one jutsu to learn.”   

Naruto’s excitement faltered slightly at Hiruzen’s words.   

“Oh… I see…”   

Hiruzen shook his head and opened the scroll, spreading it out on Naruto’s desk.   

The scroll contained the Water Clone, Earth Clone, Shadow Clone, and Multi-Shadow Clone techniques.   

The Water Clone and Earth Clone techniques were fairly low-tier and didn’t involve any chakra nature transformation.   

As for the Shadow Clone and Multi-Shadow Clone techniques, they were the real gems.   

... 

Hiruzen wouldn’t mention to Naruto that the Water Clone and Earth Clone required specific chakra natures and were essentially inferior techniques.   

The Shadow Clone and Multi-Shadow Clone techniques, on the other hand, were what Hiruzen had carefully chosen for Naruto.   

Even though Hiruzen didn’t have high expectations for Naruto’s future, he believed in doing things perfectly when he committed to them.   

If Naruto became strong one day and looked back on this moment, realizing the value of what was given to him, it would only enhance the impact.   

Whether Naruto remembered this event would depend on his future choices.   

If Naruto picked the flashy but impractical Water Clone or Earth Clone techniques, Hiruzen planned to subtly guide him toward the Shadow Clone technique.   

That was the real gift he intended for Naruto.   

As for the forbidden Multi-Shadow Clone technique, Hiruzen wasn’t keen on teaching it.   

Its inclusion on the scroll was mostly for show, to make the offering seem more impressive.   

This was a calculated move, a hidden card.   

Whether Naruto ended up being mediocre and bragging about knowing the technique, or grew strong enough to grasp its power, it would elevate Hiruzen’s image in Naruto’s mind.   

... 

“Wow! The Water Clone technique creates clones from water—how cool! And the Earth Clone technique looks amazing too!”   

“Wait, the Shadow Clone technique can create physical clones that act independently of the user, with their own consciousness and the ability to fight? That’s so powerful!”   

Even though Hiruzen kept the description of the Shadow Clone technique brief, Naruto’s eyes lit up as he memorized the seals.   

Naruto hadn’t expected Hiruzen to openly display everything. The names, descriptions, and hand seals were all right there. This was too good to pass up.   

Naruto had no intention of limiting himself to just one technique.   

At this point, Naruto wasn’t the naive, impulsive kid Hiruzen thought he was.   

Hiruzen’s previous neglect had plunged Naruto into a dark place for a time.   

Unlike in the original story, where Hiruzen and Iruka were beacons of light guiding Naruto, this version of him understood self-reliance all too well.   

So, given the chance to grow stronger, Naruto wasn’t about to obediently learn just one technique.   

His willingness to act cunningly showed that the influence of Asura’s will on Naruto had completely faded—or had become negligible.   

... 

Naruto’s reaction made Hiruzen frown slightly. This kid... he seemed a bit too clever.   

This wasn’t how a child should think.   

Shouldn’t a kid go for the flashiest, coolest option?   

Like the Water or Earth Clone techniques?   

Did this boy have strange taste or something?   

“Wow, the Multi-Shadow Clone technique is so cool too!”   

... 

Naruto’s excitement tightened the knot in Hiruzen’s chest. This brat was unpredictable, throwing off all of Hiruzen’s plans.   

Hiruzen had underestimated Naruto, assuming he’d struggle to learn techniques without proper instruction.   

That was why he had seemingly carelessly included all the details on a single scroll.   

Creating separate scrolls for each technique with specific instructions was too much trouble and wasted time.   

Writing them on four different scrolls would be even worse—a waste of materials.   

Besides, Hiruzen’s conscience had softened a bit.   

He was, after all, a contradictory man whose actions were often shrouded in subtlety.   

... 

“Grandpa Hokage, I want to learn the Water Clone technique!”   

Naruto’s words snapped Hiruzen out of his thoughts.   

“Naruto, that technique is forbidden—wait, the Water Clone?”   

Hiruzen instinctively tried to dissuade Naruto before realizing Naruto had chosen the Water Clone technique instead of the forbidden Multi-Shadow Clone technique.   

He sighed in relief. It seemed Naruto was still just a kid.   

“Naruto, don’t be fooled by appearances. I’ve thought it over, and the technique most suitable for you is the Shadow Clone Jutsu.”   

... 

“Really? Okay, then I’ll learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu.”   

Naruto didn’t argue with Hiruzen. He just wanted Hiruzen to leave so he could copy all the techniques down in peace.   

Naruto had a poor memory, so he had to write everything down.   

Fortunately, the Shadow Clone and Multi-Shadow Clone techniques only required one hand seal, making them easy to memorize.   

If not for the flashy appearance of the Water and Earth Clone techniques, he wouldn’t have bothered with them.   

If Hiruzen knew Naruto’s thoughts, he’d probably feel frustrated.   

This kid’s approach was completely offbeat.   

... 

Still, even if Hiruzen realized Naruto had slipped out of his control, he wouldn’t care too much.   

If Naruto mastered these life-saving techniques, it would be an unexpected benefit.   

Hiruzen genuinely wanted Naruto to grow stronger.   

Part of this was because Naruto was the only person Sasuke didn’t dislike.   

As for the future, Hiruzen would deal with it as it came.   

His other plans were just the instinctive strategies of a man who loved playing chess.   

If they didn’t succeed, so be it.   

... 

After half an hour of explaining the techniques and their nuances, Hiruzen left.   

He had spent too much time with Naruto today.   

... 

Once Hiruzen was gone, Naruto drank some milk, then clutched his stomach and dashed to the bathroom—carrying his backpack with him.   

In the privacy of the bathroom, he took out a notebook and pen and began jotting down the hand seals.   

He planned to study them here when he had free time.   

He felt uneasy practicing in his room, as if someone was watching him.   

He had even dreamed of two people sneaking into his room while he was asleep.   

One of them had an intimidating voice and aura, as if they wanted to kill him.   

Thankfully, the other, a gentle and kind voice, had saved him.   

... 

Chapter 113: Itachi's Thoughts  

A few days later.  

Feeling a bit bored, Itachi walked over to the training grounds of Konoha.  

Compared to the bustling streets, Itachi found this place to be much quieter.  

The sorrow and joy of humans are not shared, and Itachi only found their noise disturbing.  

So, he decided to revisit this familiar, quiet spot, a place filled with memories, to reflect on the village he once desperately tried to protect.  

It wasn’t just a lingering attachment to the past; it was also his personal interest.  

To be able to traverse into the world of Naruto, a dream many could never achieve—what a rare opportunity.  

To witness firsthand this world that captivated so many and was filled with so much regret was incredibly beautiful.  

In his past life, he was consumed with mere survival, striving to grow stronger. Now, he finally had the time to stop and appreciate everything around him.  

...  

The area connected to the forest, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.  

The newly graduated ninjas at this hour were likely out doing D-rank missions, wandering around.  

Meanwhile, the students were probably just fooling around at the academy.  

As for the other ninjas, they were busy with their own tasks.  

After all, mature ninjas often have underground or indoor training rooms at home where they can research and practice ninjutsu in peace, away from the prying eyes of the outside world.  

Ninjutsu is a life-saving skill, something every ninja takes seriously.  

...  

"If only this village had Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara, Senju Tobirama, Uchiha Izuna, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Hatake Sakumo, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, Uchiha Obito, Hatake Kakashi, Nohara Rin, and the new generation all gathered together, how interesting that would be."  

This would be like a reunion of multiple generations.  

You could see Hashirama casually beating up Tobirama, Madara fighting Izuna, and Tobirama being defeated while lecturing his old, long-forgotten disciples, with a fight breaking out between him and Izuna.  

Hiruzen would be lectured, in a bad mood, as he tried to deal with the rebellious, middle-aged Sannin.  

Itachi couldn’t help but sigh softly, his mind drifting to these imagined scenes, and he smiled a little.  

He also thought about his current body and the regrets of his previous self.  

...  

As he walked, Itachi took in the scenery around him.  

His movements were carefree, not concerned with destination or direction, just letting himself wander.  

In this moment, he felt an extraordinary sense of freedom and contentment in his heart.  

"This place..."  

Itachi suddenly stopped in his tracks, his gaze distant and complicated.  

With a slight movement of his arm, two shurikens appeared in his hands.  

His hands moved like shadows, gracefully sending the shurikens flying.  

Each of the shurikens struck a tree trunk.  

There had been quite a few targets set up here in the past...  

Despite hitting a few trees, Itachi did not stop.  

He gently leapt into the air, his body floating upwards.  

The shurikens once again left his hands.  

This was muscle memory.  

The kunai collided in mid-air before striking a large rock, behind which was another target that Sasuke had mischievously placed.  

...  

"Perfect..."  

Itachi performed a flawless mid-air flip and landed gracefully on the ground.  

Once he landed, Itachi murmured softly, his voice filled with confidence, complexity, loss, and nostalgia.  

These were the beautiful memories of his past life, memories that now surged in his mind, overwhelming him.  

Itachi turned his head and looked at the large tree behind him.  

"Come out, Izuna..."  

As if he had suddenly realized something, Itachi spoke softly, his eyes clearing as he did.  

That tree was the spot Izuna, who had a somewhat humble heart, liked to stay at.  

She would always secretly follow him while holding a rice ball or some other food, watching him practice his shuriken throwing.  

As the scene in front of him became clearer, he no longer saw the figure of that woman.  

This was a deep regret in the heart of his previous self.  

...  

"Itachi, she's already gone..."  

Just as Itachi fell into silence, a figure appeared beside him, speaking in a soft voice.  

There was a complexity in their tone.  

Amazingly, Itachi hadn’t noticed their presence until then.  

Upon hearing the sound, Itachi’s body tensed, but upon hearing the words, he relaxed.  

“You’re awake, Kakashi.”  

Itachi didn’t turn around. Chakra flowed faintly as he evaporated the slight dampness that had unknowingly gathered in his eyes.  

“Yes, I woke up two days after you left. Lord Orochimaru told me you were in Konoha, so he sent me to find you,” Kakashi responded softly, his black eyes glinting beneath his mask as he listened to Itachi’s calm words.  

…  

“You came looking for me in such a hurry—are you worried I’ll do something that could harm Konoha?”  

Itachi turned his head to look at Kakashi, who appeared unkempt, teasing him. However, the turbulent emotions in his eyes hadn’t completely subsided, showing faint ripples.  

“I’m here to protect you. Knowing your past, even if I, Hatake Kakashi, were to act against Konoha, you wouldn’t. Because you’re Uchiha Itachi.”  

Itachi’s façade wasn’t very convincing, and Kakashi saw through it instantly, responding to his jest.  

“How do you feel now? Have you gotten stronger?”  

Itachi shifted the conversation, wrinkling his nose slightly at the sour smell coming from Kakashi. His tone carried a hint of disdain.  

This guy hadn’t changed clothes or bathed in half a year. He was filthy.  

…  

Seeing the odd expression on Itachi’s face, Kakashi seemed to realize something, feeling a bit embarrassed but masking it well.  

“I already washed in the river on my way here. I was just too concerned about your safety to change my clothes.”  

Kakashi avoided answering Itachi’s question directly. After all, Itachi already knew the state he was in.  

Rather than discussing his strength, Kakashi cared more about maintaining his image…  

“Go change already. How can you stand being this filthy?”  

Hearing Kakashi’s slightly playful response, Itachi shook his head.  

…  

“You look like you’re feeling a bit lonely. Want me to stay and chat with you?”  

Kakashi once again changed the subject.  

Men don’t need to sweat the small stuff.  

After all this time, a little more patience wouldn’t hurt. He was an excellent ninja, after all.  

Besides, seeing Itachi show such rare emotions made Kakashi slightly uneasy. Excessive emotional fluctuation could easily lead to negative thoughts, and he felt a small twinge of concern.  

“Lonely? Kakashi, your choice of words is a bit off. As a cultured man, you should be more precise with your vocabulary. And even if I were lonely, I wouldn’t need a grown man like you to keep me company.”  

Itachi felt slightly annoyed by Kakashi’s words. This conversation was making him uncomfortable.  

Why was Kakashi so bad at talking?  

“Fine, lonely isn’t the right word. How about ‘isolated’?”  

Kakashi caught the annoyance in Itachi’s tone, removed his mask, and looked into his eyes, sincerely correcting himself.  

It was as if he were saying, “Look into my eyes. I’m not lying.”  

…  

Seeing Kakashi’s face left Itachi momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected to see what was beneath Kakashi’s mask so suddenly.  

This was the face Naruto and the others had tried so hard, yet failed, to see.  

…  

… 

Chapter 114: Kakashi  

“How is it? Pretty cool, right?”  

Seeing Itachi slightly stunned, Kakashi spoke proudly, squinting his eyes as an air of mischief radiated from him.  

Itachi took a small step back as Kakashi moved closer, waving his hand in front of his nose.  

“Talking is fine, but don’t stand so close. The smell is quite strong... You do look cool, but there’s definitely a touch of creepiness.”  

After scrutinizing Kakashi for a moment, Itachi turned his head to gaze into the distance.  

Kakashi observed Itachi, who seemed lost in thought, staring far into the horizon with a lonely air about him.  

“What are you looking at?”  

Kakashi asked as he followed Itachi’s line of sight, noticing the white clouds and a solitary crane soaring through the sky.  

“I’m looking at a lonely landscape,” Itachi replied, somewhat exasperated by Kakashi’s suddenly animated demeanor.  

It was understandable, though—after lying dormant for half a year, Kakashi’s emotions were running high, and his newfound talkativeness wasn’t entirely unexpected.  

Before his deep sleep, Kakashi had always been a solitary figure.  

With his past experiences, the only time he had conversations was during visits to the Hero Memorial. Even then, his words were few and far between.  

“You look like a lonely landscape yourself...”  

…  

A gentle breeze tousled Itachi’s hair as Kakashi’s gaze shifted back to him.  

This encounter with Itachi—and discovering that he wasn’t as cold-hearted as he seemed—put Kakashi in a good mood.  

Coupled with his newfound strength, the sunshine seemed brighter than ever.  

“You’re pretty cheeky,” Itachi remarked, cutting off Kakashi’s chatter as he sensed the man preparing to speak again. The constant rambling was giving Itachi a headache.  

“People are always in high spirits when good things happen,” Kakashi said, finally steering the conversation toward serious matters. “What brings you to Konoha this time? Do you have any plans for me?”  

Kakashi decided not to press Itachi for news about Obito. He had a feeling that sticking by Itachi would eventually lead to Obito’s reappearance.  

It was better to stay close to Itachi, gather information along the way, and serve as a repository of knowledge.  

After all, Obito was alive but hadn’t sought him out in all these years, which meant something must have happened.  

The truth was, Kakashi wasn’t sure how to face Obito when the time came.  

Perhaps, if Itachi really could revive Rin and bring her to Obito, the look on Obito’s face would be priceless…  

…  

As Itachi looked at the somewhat erratic and unpredictable Kakashi in front of him, he was momentarily speechless.  

Kakashi’s behavior made him seem like a complete joker.  

Was this a façade hidden too deeply, or was his eccentricity ingrained in his very core?  

Itachi pondered for a moment, but then recalled that Kakashi had once used the absurd "Thousand Years of Death" technique on Naruto. Clearly, seriousness wasn’t exactly Kakashi’s strong suit.  

“What are you staring at me for? I can’t wait to test my current strength,” Kakashi said eagerly when he noticed Itachi silently looking at him.  

As a disciple of Minato, Kakashi had gained access to the inner circles during Minato’s time as Hokage and knew many hidden truths. He was considered a perceptive person.  

He speculated that Itachi, despite appearing to lack any intent to kill, was undoubtedly in Konoha to investigate something.  

If Itachi had only come to see Sasuke, he would have done so much earlier.  

Moreover, with Itachi's strength, he could have taken Sasuke with him long ago.  

The fact that Itachi didn’t take Sasuke indicated that he believed Sasuke had a good environment in Konoha—friends of the same age and a chance for a happy childhood. Compared to wandering aimlessly with Itachi, this was likely a much better life for Sasuke.  

What Kakashi didn’t realize was that Itachi had already dealt with most of his enemies in Konoha.  

If there were any loose ends, they were just minor figures, like a few old councilors or clans with grudges against the Uchiha, trying to stir up trouble.  

“This time, I’m not here to fight—just to relax and enjoy life,” Itachi said, gradually withdrawing his gaze.  

Kakashi, who had been buzzing around him like an annoying fly, seemed visibly confused.  

“Huh? No fighting?” Kakashi asked, clearly taken aback.  

“What’s the point?” Itachi replied, looking at Kakashi with mild irritation. “Your strength has already reached the pinnacle of the ninja world. Broaden your horizons a bit.”  

Now, both of them stood at the peak of the shinobi world. To move any further would be to reach a godlike level.  

Engaging with petty enemies or rabid dogs—what sense did that make?  

Even if some foolish individual dared to provoke them, they could easily erase them with as little effort as crushing an ant.  

In the face of absolute power, schemes and conspiracies amounted to nothing more than trivial games.  

Itachi’s mindset had evolved beyond that of a mere human; it had ascended to something almost saintly.  

Not that he had become a saint himself, but his perspective had reached a transcendent level. He saw the world differently now, standing at an entirely different height.  

However, even with his transcendence, provoking him now would lead to a worse outcome than when he was weaker.  

In his weaker days, he might have let someone off after a satisfying fight.  

But now, his immense power left no room for such opportunities.  

Whether through strategy, battle, or eradication, the underlying goal remained the same: eliminating obstacles, clearing the path, and defeating enemies.  

It was all a matter of perspective, intent, and strength.  

“I feel like the things you say are getting more and more profound... If you weren’t a ninja, you could’ve been a philosopher,” Kakashi said earnestly, looking at Itachi.  

The moment words like “broaden your horizons” were spoken, the conversation’s tone instantly elevated.  

“There’s too much helplessness in the life of a ninja. Philosophers may see through the truth, but they can’t change anything. Their influence is limited. Only by becoming strong can you carve a path forward. In this world, strength defines the rules. If you’re strong enough, you are the rule. The world will align with your vision.”  

Shaking his head, Itachi turned and walked away.  

His words, like a thunderclap, echoed in Kakashi’s heart.  

“Yes… If I were strong enough, those things wouldn’t have happened...” Kakashi murmured to himself.  

When he snapped out of his thoughts, Itachi was already gone.  

However, Kakashi’s sensory perception was so sharp that he could locate Itachi with pinpoint accuracy in an instant.  

“All that talk, and he still didn’t tell me what I should do next. What a troublesome guy, always beating around the bush,” Kakashi muttered with a hint of exasperation.  

He pulled a small book from his pouch and started reading it with an almost reverent expression.  

Ever since learning that Itachi had returned to Konoha, Kakashi had been so anxious that he rushed over without much rest.  

“Hm... He says strength is the only way forward, but all I want is to finish reading the entire ‘Make-Out’ series in my lifetime...”  

As Kakashi donned his mask and immersed himself in his book, he absentmindedly made his way home.  

His hair, untrimmed for six months, had grown uneven and long. His mask, a common item sold in street stalls, ensured he wouldn’t be recognized.  

Chapter 115: Never-Ending Chatter  

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Where did you get this house? I never thought you’d be such a rich guy, Itachi.”  

Itachi was sitting lazily at the desk, reading a book. He held the book in his left hand and a teacup in his right, occasionally taking a sip.  

Hearing Kakashi’s voice, Itachi sighed, closed the book, and placed it on the desk. He shot Kakashi a less-than-pleased glance.  

But when he saw Kakashi push open the door and walk in, dressed in simple robes with slightly tidied, messy hair and wearing a black mask, Itachi felt a bit better.  

Though the cold weather didn’t bother him, Itachi had shut the windows and doors in deference to winter’s chill.  

If Kakashi hadn’t washed up and changed clothes, the lingering smell in the room would have been unbearable to imagine.  

“Don’t you have a house back in Konoha? What are you doing here?”  

Seeing Kakashi make himself at home and shamelessly sit in front of him, Itachi ignored his question and asked with some exasperation.  

“Nope. Lord Orochimaru told me you were in trouble, so I’m here to protect you personally. Besides, your place is pretty spacious. I’ll just take the room next door.”  

Kakashi picked up the teapot on the table, grabbed a clean cup, and poured himself some tea.  

“What trouble could I possibly be in?”  

Hearing Kakashi’s words, Itachi felt like rolling his eyes. Why does Orochimaru have to tell everyone everything?  

“Come on, don’t fight it. I won’t bother you. I’ll give you plenty of space—I’ll just drop by for meals every now and then.”  

Kakashi casually drained his cup of tea, clearly unfazed by Itachi’s resistance.  

Of course, Kakashi was confident in this approach because he didn’t sense any strong signals of rejection from Itachi.  

Otherwise, he would’ve wisely stayed hidden in the shadows.  

“Free meals, huh? You just reminded me—I’m broke. You’ve been saving money all these years, right? Make sure to share some with me.”  

Hearing Kakashi’s words, the food-loving Itachi immediately latched onto the key point.  

“Huh? You’re broke?”  

Kakashi was dumbfounded.  

“I don’t have a single penny left. Can’t you see this mansion?!”  

Seeing Kakashi’s shocked expression, Itachi replied irritably.  

He had never been one to carry money, and any cash he had was quickly spent.  

“You’re telling me you spent all your money on this mansion? What were you planning to eat?”  

Kakashi found it hard to believe. If Itachi had the money to buy such a luxurious house, how could he not afford food? Would he have starved if Kakashi hadn’t come?  

“Lord Ashura, your afternoon tea has been delivered,” came a sweet female voice and a knock at the door, interrupting Itachi’s reply.  

“Huh?”  

Kakashi stared blankly at Itachi, stunned. What’s going on here? Am I an outsider now?  

“Come in,” Itachi said, ignoring Kakashi. The atmosphere was growing awkward.  

At his command, the door opened slowly.  

A stunningly beautiful woman entered, gracefully balancing a tray in one hand. She placed the tray of snacks on the table before bowing slightly.  

“Please enjoy, my lord. Let me know if you need anything.”  

Her movements were mesmerizing. After bowing again, she picked up the tray and left, gently closing the door behind her.  

Kakashi sat frozen, still in shock.  

“So... big. Uh, I mean... so round. Ahem, such white... snacks,” Kakashi muttered to himself, suddenly finding his favorite Icha Icha Violence book less appealing.  

“Seriously?”  

Itachi gave Kakashi a look of utter disdain.  

He wanted to say something but thought better of it and started eating the snacks instead.  

“Tsk. I was wondering why this mansion had someone else’s aura besides yours. I thought it was just some ordinary servant, but turns out it’s your golden house of hidden treasures.”  

Ignoring any sense of shame, Kakashi grabbed a snack and began eating too.  

“Your mind is truly problematic,” Itachi said, sipping tea to wash down the snack’s sweetness, clearly annoyed.  

“What’s wrong with my mind? You were just about to extort money from me a moment ago! Do you know how hard it is for me to earn money?”  

Kakashi almost choked on his snack in frustration and quickly gulped down some water.  

“I’m not lying—I really don’t have any money. I’m just staying here as a guest. That ‘ordinary servant’ was arranged by someone else.”  

Seeing Kakashi’s pitiful expression, Itachi explained softly.  

“Wow. So you’ve got rich friends in Konoha? When are you going to introduce me? Maybe they have a collector’s edition of the Icha Icha series I could borrow.”  

Hearing the explanation, Kakashi felt slightly better.  

But his mind immediately wandered to the possibility of rare editions of his favorite books. Truly, Kakashi’s thought process was unique.  

"You don't want to know."  

Itachi glanced at Kakashi, then looked at the door, seeming lost in thought as he spoke.  

"Why wouldn’t I? But, by the way, is 'Asura' your new codename?"  

Kakashi had been ready to argue, but when he noticed Itachi wasn’t interested in the topic, he shifted gears and asked instead.  

...  

"Hm..."  

After a few seconds of silence, just as Kakashi, unable to hold back his curiosity, was about to ask again, Itachi gave a soft hum and nodded slightly.  

"Then should I come up with a nice-sounding codename for myself? Just in case something happens and I need to announce my name—it wouldn’t do to embarrass you."  

Seeing Itachi’s dismissive attitude, Kakashi couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless.  

This is what they call karma—what goes around comes around.  

Back in the day, he had brushed others off in much the same way, though not as excessively as Itachi.  

Itachi was blatantly dismissive, zoning out every now and then.  

Was his charm really less captivating than a door?  

...  

"Sure, think of one yourself."  

Itachi’s gaze lazily returned to Kakashi as he replied with a serious expression.  

"Can you tell me why you keep zoning out every time you come to Konoha?"  

Seeing Itachi finally focus on him, Kakashi felt a rare sense of being respected.  

"Oh, I’m not zoning out. I was just looking into the distance for a bit after reading for a long time. It’s good for the eyes, helps prevent nearsightedness."  

Itachi couldn’t be bothered to entertain Kakashi’s questioning and came up with a half-baked excuse on the spot.  

"Does that actually work?"  

Kakashi stood up, opened the window, and looked into the distance with a mix of surprise and skepticism.  

He thought his eyesight had been getting worse too.  

Who would’ve thought prolonged reading could lead to nearsightedness? That had never crossed his mind.  

...  

"You might want to check your brain instead. Your symptoms are already in the advanced stage—looking into the distance won’t help."  

Hearing Kakashi’s remarks, Itachi sighed inwardly.  

This Kakashi really did seem to have something wrong with him.  

He had Hashirama’s cells now, so his vision should’ve been fully restored by now.  

There was no need for such ridiculous measures.  

"Huh? I feel like you’re mocking me. I’m offended..."  

Kakashi’s expression shifted after hearing Itachi’s words, and he stared seriously into Itachi’s eyes.  

...  

"I’m being serious. I used to experience blurry vision after reading for too long. Now that my eyesight is finally restored, I’m determined to take care of it and avoid damaging it again."  

After a brief silence, Kakashi asked with sincerity.  

"Did you read books with really small text? Or read in poor lighting, sneaking around? Or maybe you were walking or doing other things while reading?"  

As Kakashi earnestly sought advice, Itachi avoided his gaze and stared at the tea in his cup.  

"A true doctor... Everything you said applies to me. I really did read sneakily—those were treasures, after all, and I didn’t want anyone else to see them. And yeah, the other situations happened to me too."  

Kakashi quickly sat down beside Itachi, eager to learn.  

...  

"Don’t worry. Your body’s recovery abilities are incredible now. Your vision should naturally restore itself. Just cut down on reading inappropriate books and doing unproductive things. You’ll feel more energetic, your back won’t ache, your head won’t hurt, and you won’t have ringing in your ears anymore."  

Kakashi looked at Itachi as if he were a divine healer, which made Itachi feel a bit awkward.  

So, he decided to show off a little.  

"A true healer..."  

Hearing Itachi’s subtle criticism and recognizing symptoms he’d experienced himself, Kakashi stared at Itachi with awe.  

He never thought Itachi was so versatile.  

"Alright, alright, enough already..."  

Itachi quickly raised a hand to stop him.  

This Kakashi really could talk endlessly.