“You’re saying Naruto has been tinkering with mechanical devices these past few days?”
“Yes, I’ve been monitoring from a distance. The Jinchuriki seems to be working on something like ninja tools, but because of Namikaze , we didn’t dare get too close. We could only observe from afar.”
In the Hokage’s office, a kneeling Anbu with a cat mask respectfully reported the information he had gathered.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, biting on his pipe, exhaled a cloud of smoke, his grey-brown eyes showing a hint of confusion through the haze.
Mechanical devices?
Some kind of ninja tools?
Why did Naruto suddenly develop this interest?
Previously, although Naruto was somewhat lonely and occasionally caused mischief, he never seemed interested in ninja tools or similar things.
What changed him?
Was it Namikaze …
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent.
During the Third Shinobi War, the Blue Flash did exhibit some mechanical prowess, but as a ninja, ninjutsu was the standard measure of a ninja’s strength.
No matter how excellent a ninja tool was, could it allow an ordinary person to fight a ninja?
His head started aching again.
The area around his temples felt like it was about to split.
Even pressing it with his index finger brought no relief.
Since Namikaze returned to the village, it seemed many things had started to go awry.
At this rate, Naruto might grow up the wrong way!
What kind of person would Naruto become under the influence of this strange uncle?
Minato, I’m sorry. I failed to guide Naruto properly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi worried about Naruto’s future.
At this age, children from major ninja clans were already training to refine their chakra while Naruto was tinkering with machinery.
“And then there’s the Uchiha clan, which seems increasingly restless, holding clan meetings more frequently…”
Danzo had repeatedly expressed anger about this, and the Hokage’s office door had been replaced multiple times.
Even so, the constant strain was unbearable.
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn’t understand why his old friend, every time he finished saying, “Hiruzen, you’ll regret this!” would slam the door hard.
This had unnecessarily increased Konoha’s financial expenses.
“Fortunately, there’s Itachi.”
Hiruzen’s wrinkled old face smiled like a blooming chrysanthemum.
Though Itachi was Fugaku’s son, he had a rare Hokage mindset, embodying the Will of Fire.
As Itachi grew older, Hiruzen planned to bring him into the Anbu and groom him as a spy within the Uchiha clan.
The Uchiha clan’s future would not go astray with Itachi’s support.
All for the sake of Konoha.
…
Meanwhile.
In the Uchiha compound.
The long-sealed entrance welcomed two unfamiliar guests.
Uchiha Jin, guarding the entrance, squinted at the two approaching figures.
One tall, one short, both with blond hair.
“Stop, you’re entering the Uchiha compound!”
His arrogant tone, typical of the Uchiha, was unmistakable.
“Uncle, they don’t seem to welcome us.”
Holding Mirai’s hand, Naruto looked up at his uncle.
He didn’t understand why his uncle wanted to come here or why he brought him along.
But whatever his uncle wanted to do, Naruto would agree.
Mirai smiled and ruffled Naruto’s hair before speaking calmly to Jin.
“Tell Fugaku I’m here.”
???
Uchiha Jin was stunned.
Nearby, a cautious Uchiha Hozuki whispered, “Brother Jin, Fugaku is the clan leader, right? Is this person here to see the clan leader?”
Jin looked Mirai up and down, growing increasingly nervous.
That blond hair, could it be…
The Blue Flash?
The Fourth Hokage’s brother?
He thought it was dyed.
Recognizing Mirai’s identity, Uchiha Jin’s tone immediately softened.
“Please follow me.”
…
At the clan leader’s residence.
A voice from outside the door interrupted, sipping tea, Uchiha Fugaku.
“Clan leader, Namikaze has come to the compound. He seems to be here for you.”
Fugaku’s hand paused mid-sip, then slowly set the cup down, speaking calmly.
“I understand.”
He had already received word from Itachi that Mirai would visit soon, but he hadn’t expected it so soon.
“Notify Elder Setsuna, Inabi, Tekka, and Yashiro…”
He paused for a moment.
“And bring Itachi as well.”
“Yes.”
Uchiha Fugaku stared at the empty room. He didn’t know Mirai’s purpose for visiting or his views on the Nine-Tails incident.
For now, he could only prepare for whatever came.
…
Mirai, leading Naruto, followed Jin into the Uchiha compound, scanning the surroundings.
Desolate.
That was his first impression.
Sparse buildings lacked vitality.
Before he left the village, the Uchiha, Konoha’s most prominent ninja clan, were thriving and growing.
He hadn’t expected they would be in such a state just three years later.
It seemed that night had a significant impact on the Uchiha as well.
As they walked, the ordinary residences gradually disappeared, replaced by large estates.
Entering a gate, Mirai saw a familiar figure with a three- or four-year-old boy.
“It’s that kid who looks like a girl.”
Naruto excitedly pointed at Sasuke beside Itachi.
Sasuke’s young face turned red with anger.
“You’re the girl! Your whole family is…”
His words abruptly stopped.
Sasuke swallowed nervously, staring at Mirai beside Naruto.
This man, even his brother feared…
He didn’t dare continue. Itachi’s reaction from that day was fresh in his mind.
Mirai, seemingly oblivious to Sasuke’s reaction, maintained his gentle smile. He gently pushed Naruto toward Sasuke.
“Go play!”
“Huh? Really?”
“Of course.”
At this age, children should have fun!
Mirai smiled at Sasuke. Although looking like a girl, this kid would make a good playmate for Naruto.
Itachi also gently nudged Sasuke, his voice warm, “Sasuke, the adults need to talk. You stay here and play with that friend.”
Without waiting for Sasuke’s agreement, Itachi turned to Mirai.
“Please follow me.”
The doors to the clan leader’s residence opened. Mirai glanced inside, seeing Uchiha Fugaku seated at the center, surrounded by several other Uchiha members, all at the Jounin level.
The air was filled with a tense atmosphere.
Uchiha Setsuna leaned on his cane, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the man Fugaku seemed to fear so much.
Minato’s brother, huh?
As the brother of the late Fourth Hokage, he indeed had a confident presence.
“Mirai, what brings you here today?”
Uchiha Fugaku’s voice was deep.
After three years, he still couldn’t see through Mirai.
This man had always overshadowed him.
“Fugaku, how is Mikoto doing these days?”
Mirai’s words were shocking, his smile unwavering as he stared at Uchiha Fugaku.
Fugaku’s expression subtly changed.
Standing behind him, Itachi’s face also stiffened.
Even the other Uchiha members, like Setsuna and Inabi, showed anger, glaring at Mirai as if they wanted to kill him.
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
