Root Headquarters
Shortly after returning from the Hokage’s office, Danzo received the document from the Third Hokage, relieving him of his advisory elder position.
Danzo glanced at the document and then threw it heavily to the ground.
Suddenly, his right eye began to throb with pain.
“Ugh… Ah…”
Danzo clutched his right eye, groaning in pain. “Someone, come here!”
Root’s medical personnel quickly came forward to examine him.
After a thorough examination and two medications were administered, the pain in Danzo’s right eye subsided to a dull ache.
“What’s going on? Why is my Sharingan hurting?”
The medical personnel replied seriously, “Sir, the transplanted Sharingan is deteriorating. It is expected to lose its vision within a week and become useless.”
“Why is this one deteriorating so quickly?” Danzo had encountered Sharingan deterioration before, but each one had lasted several years.
This one, however, began deteriorating soon after being transplanted.
“Sir, each Sharingan has different characteristics. Some are highly adaptable and remain stable. Others, like this one, deteriorate rapidly when implanted in a non-Uchiha.”
“Oh?” Danzo hadn’t considered that his last remaining Sharingan would be one with poor adaptability.
The Uchiha were well-protected, making it difficult to acquire a new Sharingan. Where could he get one now?
Danzo’s thoughts turned. “How is Kakashi’s Sharingan?”
The medical personnel hesitated before replying under Danzo’s cold gaze. “Kakashi’s Sharingan has been implanted for several years. It’s very adaptable and stable.”
Danzo snorted. “Summon Alpha.”
…
Hokage’s Office
The Third Hokage summoned Kakashi.
“How is Naruto doing lately?”
Kakashi, looking as lazy as ever, showed a slight change in expression at the mention of Naruto.
“Naruto is doing well lately. Sasuke, Hinata, Neji, Shikamaru, and Kiba often spend time with him. No one bullies him at school anymore.”
The Third Hokage nodded at Kakashi’s report.
“Have you gotten to know Naruto?”
“I’ve gotten to know him over bowls of Ichiraku Ramen. We chat whenever we meet.” Despite his poor mental state, Kakashi was attentive to Naruto.
The Third Hokage took a drag from his pipe. Since Uchiha Sumeragi’s rise, the Uchiha clan has transformed significantly.
Meanwhile, the Hokage’s faction was losing its talented members. His son was a constant disappointment, always rebellious and difficult to teach.
Currently, the most promising one is Kakashi Hatake.
The Third Hokage planned to train Kakashi further, hoping he could share some of the burdens in the future.
Thinking of what might come, the Third Hokage sighed internally.
He then said to Kakashi, “Orochimaru has been missing for a while, but he left several research bases in Konoha. The Anbu discovered one of his bases yesterday. Investigate it and see if there’s anything of note.”
“Understood!”
…
Outside Konoha Ninja Academy
Sasuke walked in front with his hands in his pockets, followed by Sakura, Naruto, and Hinata.
Naruto, hands behind his head, walked behind Sakura.
In this world, Naruto was much healthier in mind and body. He no longer had a crush on Sakura and maintained a normal friendship.
Instead, he was much closer to Hinata, who walked behind him.
“Sasuke, you’re the top student again. You’re amazing!” Sakura praised Sasuke with a look of admiration.
Sasuke found such girls annoying, constantly buzzing around him.
No matter which route he took, girls followed. Initially, a whole group would cause chaos, but later, they seemed to have coordinated, taking different routes, so different girls followed him.
Sasuke, indifferent, didn’t reply. He glanced back at Naruto’s casual pose. “Hey! Naruto, if you don’t work harder, you’ll always be at the bottom.”
Naruto lowered his arms. “Show-off Sasuke, this time was just an accident. Next time, I’ll definitely score higher than you.”
Sasuke snorted arrogantly. “That’s impossible. The Uchiha are the strongest.”
“Naruto, stop boasting. You can’t even beat Neji, let alone surpass Sasuke.”
Standing behind Naruto, Hinata softly said, “I believe in Naruto. He’ll do well next time.”
Naruto laughed happily. “See, Sakura, someone believes in me.”
He gave Hinata a thumbs-up. “Hinata has the best judgment!”
Hinata blushed visibly.
“Huh? Hinata, what’s wrong? Your face is so red. Are you sick?” Naruto, oblivious, moved closer to Hinata, reaching out to touch her forehead.
Naruto was so close. What should I do?
Hinata trembled with nervousness, on the verge of fainting.
“Idiot Naruto!” Sakura pulled Naruto away, standing next to Hinata. If Naruto touched her, she’d faint for sure. It wouldn’t be the first time.
“I’m not an idiot!” Naruto protested.
They soon fell into playful banter.
Such youth! Sumeragi, watching from a tree, sighed. He spotted Kakashi in his line of sight.
“Yo, Naruto, you’re here.” Kakashi, fully armed, appeared to be on a mission.
Yet, he still came over to greet Naruto, trying hard to connect.
“Kakashi, are you on a mission?” Naruto waved happily. He didn’t have many friends, so he appreciated those who contacted him.
“Yeah, I’ve got a task to handle. I’ll treat you to ramen another day.” Kakashi left quickly after speaking.
“That was Kakashi?” Sakura said in surprise.
“Naruto, how do you know him?” She asked incredulously.
“Huh?” Naruto looked confused.
“You mean Kakashi?”
Naruto scratched his head. “We met at Ichiraku Ramen. After a few encounters, we became friends.”
“Do you know what Kakashi represents?” Sakura shook Naruto’s shirt in disbelief.
“No, I don’t.” Naruto looked clueless.
“That’s Hatake Kakashi, a super genius. He graduated from the academy at age five!”
What?! Sasuke’s attention was piqued. They were just starting school at their age, but Kakashi had already graduated.
“What!?” Naruto was shocked.
“Kakashi is that strong!?”
“He never mentioned it!” Naruto was astonished.
Sakura rolled her eyes, too exasperated to respond.
…
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