Jixo

031 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

After making arrangements with Uchiha Kagami to teach him how to use the Sharingan, Uchiha Kaien finally relaxed and lay back down on his bed.

The sudden surge of affection points on his panel left him in a great mood.

He raised a hand, bit his finger, and summoned the black cat responsible for keeping watch.

Kaien was planning to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep—but the moment he summoned the cat, it suddenly flared up, fur bristling as it hissed toward something behind him...

030 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Despite everything, Sakumo Hatake was the leader of the Anbu. His ability to redirect attention was as sharp as ever.

"The real problem now is you, Kaien," he said, his tone becoming uncertain. "Your body's condition isn't looking good. You've overdrawn your strength, and your vitality is running dangerously low. Your life right now... is like a candle flickering in the wind."

Sakumo paused, glancing at the boy's pale face.

"In most cases like this, those who inheri...

029 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Hatake Sakumo took the white-covered book from Jiraiya without a change in expression. Then, with practiced ease, he tucked it away.

Just like that, a strange little transaction was complete.

Only the two white-haired men truly understood the contents of that book.

"He's a senior who's stronger than us—especially Sakumo-senpai's swordsmanship. Even a jōnin wouldn't last more than a few moves against him!"

After introducing Hatake Sakumo to the academy students, Jira...

028 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

After school.

Uchiha Kaien and Namikaze Minato were just about to head off to their usual training spot when they spotted Uzumaki Kushina looking like the world had just ended.

"Kushina, are you okay?"

She looked completely defeated, like her beliefs had been shattered. The dark look in her eyes made both Kaien and Minato feel a little concerned.

Kaien, as usual, had a few more thoughts swirling in his head.

He knew that Kushina was destined to b...

027 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Back at the Uchiha compound.

Uchiha Kagami stood quietly, gazing at the old-style courtyard before him, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes.

It had already been a year since he last came home.

Warm light glowed from inside the house. The courtyard was spotless, meticulously cleaned. The gentle sound of running water by the ornamental rock garden added to the tranquility. Distant lanterns cast a soft glow, and somehow, that light brought him a deep ...

026 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Due to the unique nature of the Uchiha clan's kekkei genkai...

Their study of Yin Release techniques and training methods had always held a significant advantage. Thanks to the Sharingan, they could explore spiritual energy far more easily than others.

The relationship between kekkei genkai and secret techniques was mutually reinforcing. The bloodline ability made it easier to develop secret arts, while the techniques in turn strengthened their mastery of the kekkei genkai.

...

025 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Hey, are you and that girly guy really close?"

Uzumaki Kushina finally gave in to her curiosity and asked the question.

The kind of unspoken understanding they'd shown with just a glance—that wasn't something you saw between just classmates.

"Oh, you mean Minato? He's one of my closest friends!"

Uchiha Kaien pointed at Namikaze Minato with a relaxed smile, clearly acknowledging the bond.

"That's right," Minato chimed in with a nod of agreement. "We're definite...

024 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Dattebane!"

Uzumaki Kushina blurted out her signature catchphrase right after finishing her sentence. Her face, already flushed with embarrassment, turned an even deeper shade of red. Clearly, she was at the limit of her shame tolerance.

The classroom fell into a strange, heavy silence after hearing her bold declaration—that she wanted to become Hokage.

But Kushina, standing confidently at the front of the class, remained blissfully unaware of the reaction.

She'd as...

023 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

After suppressing the Nine-Tails, Mito Uzumaki turned her attention to calming Kushina Uzumaki once again.

The matter of the Nine-Tails was not something that could be resolved quickly.

They needed time—time for Kushina to grow, to fully inherit Mito's sealing techniques. Only then would there be enough leeway to safely pass the mantle of Jinchūriki to her.

But becoming a Jinchūriki...

It was both a form of protection—and a kind of burden.

Mito thought back...

022 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

A few days passed in a flash.

Thanks to the daring breakout led by Hatake Sakumo—the sharp blade of Konoha—he managed to bring the surviving Uzumaki, Uzumaki Kushina, safely back to the village.

As for the other fleeing members of the Uzumaki Clan, there was little Sakumo could do. He could only pray that those scattered across the lands might find their own way to Konoha and seek refuge.

Konoha officially issued letters of condemnation to both Kumogakur...

021 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Shimura Danzō stepped into the Hokage's office, his expression grim.

"You're here, Danzō."

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't look much better.

"How long has it been since we received the intel from the Land of Whirlpools?"

"Half a day."

"Damn it. Kirigakure and Kumogakure moved faster than expected!"

Danzō's eyes narrowed, his face full of resentment.

The moment he received Sarutobi's summons, he knew something was wrong.

Even though his organization, ...

020 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

...

One year later.

Uchiha Kaien raised a hand and unleashed a fierce Wind Release technique toward Namikaze Minato.

A violent gale tore through everything in its path, whipping up rocks and sand in a swirling frenzy.

Minato, faced with the oncoming whirlwind, remained perfectly calm. Instead of confronting the storm head-on, he chose the most efficient way to dodge it.

Chakra surged rapidly into his legs, enhancing both nerve response and streng...

019 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Nawaki, come here," Orochimaru called out with a wave.

He had noticed Nawaki just now and beckoned him over. Though Tsunade had asked him to look after this disciple, Orochimaru found himself genuinely fond of the boy.

After all, he'd watched this kid grow up. He knew his personality inside and out.

A fourth-year student with big dreams—wanting to become Hokage and restore the glory of the Senju Clan.

That was Orochimaru's assessment of him.

"Orochimaru-san!"<...

018 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Besides the traditional Fire and Lightning chakra natures of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Kaien also possessed Water release. That had been confirmed in earlier tests.

Compared to their vast archives of Fire and Lightning techniques, the Uchiha barely bothered collecting Water-style jutsu. Whatever they had was mostly collecting dust.

High-level Water-style techniques were especially scarce. They had plenty of mid-tier stuff like Water Dragon Bullet, but anything B-rank or hig...

017 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Minato Namikaze's final gift as a disciple was the Earth Style: Mud Wall, which Jiraiya had just demonstrated. Uchiha Kaien, on the other hand, received a set of notes on ninjutsu theory and practice.

After Orochimaru learned about the extensive collection housed in Kaien's family archives, he lost the desire to offer any material gift.

The Uchiha clan already had an abundance of rare techniques, and Kaien's parents had both been elite jonin with fully matured Sharingan. ...

016 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Whoa, whoa, whoa—hold on!"

Jiraiya quickly pulled Uchiha Kaien aside, clearly trying to bribe him again.

But Kaien suddenly smiled, his soft, almost lilting voice making Jiraiya blurt out how adorable he sounded.

"I was just messing with you, Jiraiya-sama. This is Minato's chance to become Hokage one day. Of course I'll support him becoming your student."

[Affection from Jiraiya +2]

Jiraiya gave Kaien an approving look.

This kid from the...

015 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Kaien had just come down from the adrenaline rush of a near-death crisis. As his body finally relaxed, a crushing wave of exhaustion swept over him—both physical and mental.

If he hadn't realized in time that the "Kumogakure" ninja in front of him was actually Jiraiya in disguise, he might've activated his Sharingan on the spot.

In a true life-or-death moment, there was no point in hiding any cards. The only thing he should do was eliminate the threat as fast as possible.

...

014 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Are we learning the Body Replacement Technique today too?"

Uchiha Kaien asked in a cheerful tone.

"Yeah! Please teach me, Kaien!"

Namikaze Minato was in high spirits as well.

After all, he'd just gotten the hang of the Clone Jutsu and could already produce two clones. With that kind of momentum, he figured he might be able to pick up the Body Replacement Technique by the end of the day too...

"Hah! Who would've thought I'd find two little brats training out here...

013 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

The hand he touched was just as soft and tender as he'd imagined—plump, a little cold, like a melting ice cube in the summer heat. Cool to the touch, but quickly warming up under the heat of his palm. The pale skin was so delicate that the faint trace of veins could be seen beneath the surface, making it look as if a gentle stroke might leave a mark.

Minato Namikaze gave it a light squeeze.

[Affection from Minato Namikaze +2]

"!!!"

Uchiha Kaien had b...

012 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Hmph, Orochimaru, what's the point of learning so many jutsu? The true path is to master and perfect them! I've already started training in Sage Techniques—just wait! Next time we spar, you're in for a surprise!"

Jiraiya threw an arm around Orochimaru's shoulders, grinning from ear to ear.

Orochimaru, however, clearly wasn't interested in humoring this eternally cheerful fool. Instead, he turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi and spoke in a calm, measured tone:

"Sensei, this time I'...

011 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Land of Iron.

As a neutral samurai nation, the Land of Iron had always been known for its calm and peaceful atmosphere.

With its abundant mineral resources and expert smithing techniques, it had long been the top supplier of ninja tools to the various shinobi villages.

Merchants came and went in an endless stream.

But recently, one particular incident had shattered that tranquility.

Two Uchiha jonin—each possessing the fully awakened three-tomo...

010 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"My dream is to become Hokage!"

A young yet unwavering voice rang out.

Unlike the other kids who had shouted similar declarations—most doing it just to get attention, follow the crowd, or because of some childish fantasy—this one sounded different.

As people grow, childhood dreams tend to sink into the depths of the heart. Reality sets in. Pressure from life, the limits of one's own talent… These things can turn dreams into distant ideals.

Eventually, many stop c...

009 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

After passing through the academy gates, across a large practice yard and part of the training grounds, the classroom for First-Year Class A came into view.

By the time Uchiha Kaien and Namikaze Minato walked in together, several students were already present.

The most eye-catching among them were a trio and a pair of brothers with white eyes.

A pineapple-haired kid, a chubby boy, and a blonde—that combo told Kaien all he needed to know. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

Three...

008 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

Although Minato Namikaze had been shocked at first, he quickly let it go. After all, despite his precociousness, he was still just a kid.

Kaien was just... a little too good-looking. Even he occasionally got mistaken for someone else by the neighborhood aunties. So... maybe it wasn't that strange?

"Minato, what's wrong?"

Uchiha Kaien waved a hand in front of Minato's face until he finally snapped out of it.

"Ah—nothing. I was just thinking about ninjutsu."

Of c...

007 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

The next day.

Sunlight streamed through the window, warm and gentle. Shadows of swaying branches danced on the ground outside, and the occasional leaf drifted past on the breeze. Bathed in this golden light, Uchiha Kaien lay nestled in bed, soaking in the morning warmth.

It was so comfortable that he almost wanted to stay under the covers a little longer. But habit was stronger than comfort—he'd always been an early riser. Even half-asleep, his body stirred awak...

006 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

For his first meal with Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Kaien chose a simple dango shop.

At this point in time, Ichiraku was still just a quiet teenager—not yet the ramen master known to every shinobi. It wasn't even close to his prime.

The shop had a down-to-earth vibe, and the prices were just as friendly. Kaien had taken care to consider Minato's situation—this was their first meal together, after all.

Right now, Minato was living off of Konoha's public assistance. If he didn...

005 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"This is a jutsu I just got from Fugaku-san. Though my family has a copy of it at home too."

Uchiha Kaien found a quiet spot, unrolling the Fireball Jutsu scroll and showing it to Namikaze Minato.

The Great Fireball Jutsu was a classic Fire Style technique.

Though some joked it couldn't actually burn anyone, no one denied how useful it was.

If it hit the target cleanly, great. But even if it missed, that was fine too. In higher-level battles, the Fireball Jutsu was oft...

004 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

...

[Affection from Namikaze Minato +1]

At that moment, even Namikaze Minato had to admit—this girl in front of him was really cute. Especially with her hair damp from training, clinging to her scalp in that messy-yet-charming kind of way. There was an innocent charm about her that was hard to ignore.

"A clan elder already signed me up. If everything goes smoothly, we'll be classmates."

Kaien calmed his breathing after a brief rest, taking a...

003 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

A beautifully crafted, oversized roulette wheel spun rapidly in Uchiha Kaien's mind.

[Affection -10]

As it spun, a blue orb of light—completely invisible to others—appeared before him.

Once Kaien returned to his room, he eagerly poked the orb, causing it to shatter instantly.

A blue-tier item. Much better than the guaranteed green—his mood instantly improved.

[Trait Acquired: Affinity][Affinity: Your words ...

002 Executing the Moon Eye Plan

"Eh?" Uchiha Kaien tilted his head, confused. That was a weird way to start a conversation.

His slightly frizzy mid-length hair—neglected after days of grief—framed a face with faintly reddened eyes. It was clear he'd been crying in his sleep, still haunted by the loss of his parents.

Uchiha Fugaku, upon seeing this, felt a faint blush rise to his cheeks. He quickly forced his expression into something more serious. This was official business, after all.

Still… Fugaku ...