The Best Reward (Seeking Follows)

"So, I am very sorry, I arrived late."

Inside a cave in the Land of Grass, Namikaze Minato sighed with a look of embarrassment, scratching the back of his head.

He already knew what had happened, and Obito's death left him feeling a sense of guilt.

Yet, at this moment, Haori felt even more awkward than Namikaze Minato, while Might Guy and Aoba exchanged glances.

They never in their wildest dreams imagined that the reason Namikaze Minato arrived late was actually connected to them!

However, Might Guy and Aoba quickly began to feel proud; after all, what they had done had truly influenced the course of the battle.

Haori, meanwhile, was filled with deep emotion, realizing that he had almost sabotaged Kakashi and the others.

But beyond the sentiment, he felt a slight sense of joy; his actions had actually produced such an unexpected result.

Indirectly causing the front lines to achieve such a major victory was truly a good thing for someone like him who "wanted to progress."

However, Haori also understood that a single victory like this was not enough to make Iwagakure completely collapse, and the mission to blow up the bridge still needed to be carried out.

But this would definitely alleviate some of the pressure on the front lines, or perhaps behind enemy lines.

Iwagakure must already know there were enemies in their rear, and with Konoha still eyeing them from the front, they were likely now afraid to act rashly.

However, Haori had not lost his mind.

His actions were like setting off a landmine in a public restroom—he had stirred up public outrage; if Iwagakure caught him, they wouldn't even bother with a simple execution.

They would probably skin him alive, and even that might not be enough to vent the anger in their hearts.

"At least the outcome is good, Senior Minato."

Although Haori was worried about what would happen if he were caught by Iwagakure, he still had to say the polite thing.

"It's just that we arrived late too, otherwise..."

As he said this, Haori paused slightly, then turned his head to look at the unconscious Kakashi.

The burden of using the Sharingan for the first time was too great for him. If it weren't for his strong will to protect Nohara Rin, and his own timely arrival to give him a breather, Kakashi would have already passed out, and their fate would have been unknown.

However, rescuing Kakashi still brought Haori what he wanted, and this reward caught him quite by surprise.

[Side quest completed: Support Kakashi and Nohara Rin]
[Reward obtained: Kakashi's Sharingan space-time talent]

Kakashi?

Space-time talent?

This reward truly shocked Haori, because wasn't that Sharingan Obito's?

Was the system really treating the Sharingan like a "hot-swappable" device, where whoever wore it claimed the talent?

"But, was Obito destined to have space-time talent?"

Haori had never really figured one thing out: the nature of Obito's Mangekyo ability.

The Mangekyo is the eye that reflects the heart, and its power stems from the deepest desires of the soul under extreme emotion.

But Obito was different; this guy had erupted with similar powers even before Nohara Rin died.

And this was personally verified by Madara; if these powers hadn't "leaked," he would have been crushed to death by the rocks long ago.

Now, the system's prompt seemed to confirm this, which left Haori somewhat puzzled.

But regardless, having this talent was a good thing!

The power of space-time was something no one would ignore.

It was just that figuring out how to fully unleash this talent gave him a headache.

Perhaps it wouldn't manifest until the Mangekyo stage?

"And, could the space-time talent I obtained be the offensive Kamui?"

Haori couldn't figure it out, but he didn't bother thinking about it anymore.

This harvest wasn't immediate combat power, but a capability for the future; overall, it was still quite good.

"Some things are destined, and no one can do anything about them."

While Haori was lost in thought, Namikaze Minato sighed, though his expression quickly turned serious.

"Besides, Obito could be impulsive at times, but there is no denying that he was a hero, isn't that right?"

Haori's expression shifted; he instantly understood Namikaze Minato's words, though he hadn't expected this guy to be fond of speaking in riddles too.

"Indeed, Obito was a hero."

He nodded, following Namikaze Minato's lead.

"The same goes for Kakashi. Let him get some good rest.

Whatever happens, we can talk about it when we get back."

Haori's words left Namikaze Minato slightly surprised, but he soon revealed a smile.

He had only intended to test the waters, as he had heard Rin speak more than once about how Haori was both intelligent and gentle.

But now, he could be certain that Haori indeed possessed both of those traits.

"Truly a unique Uchiha."

Haori was indeed somewhat special, at least very different from many of the Uchiha he knew.

Because this young man did not blindly think about using his fists to deepen others' physical experiences.

"By the way, Namikaze Minato-senpai, I wonder if I might ask you some questions about sealing jutsu after the war."

While Namikaze Minato was deep in thought, Haori suddenly spoke up again.

"Sealing jutsu?"

Namikaze Minato was taken aback for a moment, once again lamenting in his heart that this Uchiha was truly different.

However, he did not answer immediately, instead casting his gaze around the cave.

At this moment, Rin was still taking care of Kakashi, while Might Guy and Aoba were arguing about who should go outside to stand guard.

Everything here looked quite peaceful, as if they were not behind enemy lines at all.

"I really hope the war ends soon."

Looking at everything before him, Namikaze Minato suddenly changed the subject and smiled.

"A war like this is an unbearable pain for anyone, I fear."

"Indeed."

Haori glanced at him, not minding that he had suddenly changed the subject.

"War has created too many tragedies."

"Haori, I wonder when you think the war will end?"

Namikaze Minato asked out of sudden curiosity, though his voice became much lower this time.

"I told Rin that war will never truly end."

Haori did not know what Namikaze Minato was thinking, but since he had decided to 'visit' the ancestral home of the Uzumaki clan in Konoha, building a good relationship was a necessity, and chatting a bit more was no big deal.

Besides, if it really came down to it, he could always 'visit' in other ways.

"After all, wherever there are people, there is a struggle for interests, though perhaps we can change the method in the future. As for this war, I think it should be soon."

"Oh? How so?"

Namikaze Minato blinked, seemingly interested.

"Isn't Namikaze Minato-senpai's presence here proof of everything? Besides, Kumogakure's attitude toward Iwagakure is also quite terrible."

Haori laughed, reaching out a finger to point at Namikaze Minato.

"I think that as long as they suffer one massive blow, the war will come to an end."

Hearing Haori's words, even though he had been somewhat prepared, Namikaze Minato still felt a bit dazed.

Clearly, this young Uchiha before him had truly seen through the situation!

He even began to wonder if this kid had already guessed the location where they were planning to strike.

Was that why he had headed in this direction after blowing up that stronghold and provoking so many enemies?

However, these were all based on speculation; Namikaze Minato would not say it, nor would he ask.

"Then I shall take your word for it, Haori-kun."

Namikaze Minato smiled.

"As for the sealing jutsu, I can think of a way after the war ends. Likewise, Kakashi will need your help in the future as well."

"I am only a chunin, but I will do my best."

Haori nodded with a smile, though he couldn't help but complain internally.

Namikaze Minato was indeed sunny, cheerful, and easily likable, but who said this guy was simple?

He clearly had the potential to be a 'riddle-maker' as well!

However, if he didn't have that kind of potential, he wouldn't be able to become Hokage.

"Fortunately, I've made a good start on what I wanted."

Thanks to book friend 20210726051316122 for the generous tip, thank you, thank you~!

This newbie is kneeling and begging for follow-up reads. Follow-up reads now determine everything for a book, especially today, Tuesday, which decides whether it gets recommended this week. Books are easily killed by being left in the library, please everyone, Onz.