A Dream Visitation

Given Yakushi Nonō's mastery of Medical Ninjutsu, it would take two or three days to confirm whether Orochimaru's cell transplant technology was genuine. Unable to sit still, Houka secretly disguised himself and slipped into the village for a shopping spree.

Having learned from last time, Houka had deliberately sprayed himself with some pungent perfume to keep Kakashi's hounds from sniffing him out.

Konoha had grown increasingly prosperous, with crowds flowing through its streets and bright lights everywhere. Walking among them, Houka almost felt as though he were in a modern city.

But how many more days could such prosperity last?

In the end, it was merely the moon reflected in water, flowers mirrored in glass.

As he passed a Konoha Fried Chicken restaurant and saw its booming business, Houka's heart ached.

Losing the dividends was one thing, but if even his shares were divided up, then it would truly be all over.

Houka shook his head with a bitter smile and left. Before he knew it, he had arrived at Kurenai Yuhi's home.

Chakra Sensory Technique!

Hmm, the house was empty. No one was inside.

Houka sighed and turned toward the Ninja Academy.

Counting on his fingers, Houka figured that there were less than six months until the students in Rock Lee's class graduated.

Naruto's class was only one year behind Rock Lee's.

The plot was about to begin.

Houka stood atop a teaching building, then seemed to sense something and vanished in a flash.

Inside the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the crystal ball in puzzlement.

Just now, on a whim, he had used the Telescope Technique to observe the Ninja Academy. But the moment the image appeared, he saw a figure flicker away at high speed. When he focused his gaze again, there was not a single