Cold Noodles π Arrives

"I spoke about the situation of the Uchiha, and also... the matter regarding Sunagakure," Qingyu said cautiously.

"He gave me this."

Oh no, does this count as selling out Elder Setsuna?

Will I be receiving a 'Uchiha Police Force express delivery' bento box tonight?

Itachi remained silent for a few seconds.

The doorway clearly smells like the Dove Faction, yet why am I still so happily enjoying intelligence from the Hawk Faction?

I really am a...

These few seconds felt like centuries to Qingyu; he even began to imagine various ways he might die:

Controlled to death by Sharingan genjutsu?

Stabbed into a hedgehog by shuriken?

Or sent off by that classic line of Itachi's: "The truth remains hidden on the telephone pole"?

"Elder Setsuna is the representative of the Radical Faction," Itachi finally spoke, his tone as flat as if he were reading a textbook.

"Many of his viewpoints differ from those of the Clan Head."

Here it comes! Are you asking me to choose between the Clan Head and the Elder?

This multiple-choice question is ten thousand times harder than the Ninja Academy theory exam!

"I know," Qingyu carefully phrased his words, "but I feel... intelligence itself has value, regardless of who provides it."

This answer neither sided with the Radical Faction nor the Clan Head Faction, maintaining a neutral stance of "I only recognize the intelligence, not the person"!

"Intelligence is indeed valuable, but the person behind the intelligence often carries an agenda."

Itachi took a step forward; Qingyu instinctively wanted to retreat but held his ground.

"Qingyu," Itachi's voice was very soft, yet every word struck Qingyu's heart.

"You are still young, and the road ahead is long. Some choices... once made, there is no turning back."

Why does this sound like a death sentence? Are you advising me or threatening me?

"I understand," Qingyu nodded earnestly, "I will be cautious."

Itachi was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Elder Setsuna is the representative of the Radical Faction; some of his views... are quite extreme."

"I know," Qingyu nodded, "but I think his concerns regarding Sunagakure... might be correct."

Itachi looked at him deeply: "You've noticed it too?"

"Yes," Qingyu said, "Sunagakure's recent movements are too abnormal! The joint activity... might be problematic."

Itachi nodded: "The Clan Head and Shisui are also paying attention, but..."

He paused: "Elder Setsuna's intelligence has its own channels; you can use it as a reference, but do not believe it entirely."

Qingyu's heart stirred.

Does Itachi mean... he knows Setsuna has his own intelligence network and doesn't fully trust it?

"I understand," Qingyu said.

"Additionally," Itachi turned to leave, then stopped.

"No matter what you hear or see... remember, you are Uchiha. The future of the Uchiha, in the end, must rely on ourselves."

Qingyu: ...Are you really not laughing while saying that?

"This is some of my analysis on the Sunagakure Puppet Technique." Itachi handed over a notebook.

"Your next opponent is Kankuro; this should be useful."

Qingyu took it, stunned.

Wait, this development is wrong! Shouldn't you be warning me to stay away from the Radical Faction? Why are you handing out a strategy guide?

Itachi seemed to see through his confusion and added: "The Clan Head asked me to look after you. Since Elder Setsuna gave you intelligence, we should also show some gesture on our side."

Good grief!

Is this Uchiha-style "involutionary care"?

Both sides are stuffing things into my hands; have I become an intelligence relay station?!

"Thank you, Senior," Qingyu quickly expressed his gratitude.

"Also," Itachi turned to leave, then stopped again, "If you discover anything unusual during the activity... you can contact me, or you can contact Elder Setsuna, but it would be best to tell me first."

After saying this, he vanished with a few Body Flicker Techniques, leaving Qingyu alone in the wind, feeling completely bewildered.

So... is Itachi tacitly allowing me to interact with Elder Setsuna?

He even wants me to be a double agent... ah no, a dual-channel liaison?

Why can't I understand where this plot is going! Is your Uchiha internal struggle really this complicated?!

After saying this, he vanished into the woods with a few leaps.

Qingyu stood where he was, ruminating on Itachi Uchiha's words.

The future of the Uchiha depends on oneself... Was this encouragement, or a warning?

[Ding!]

[System Notification: Itachi Uchiha's favorability +1]

[Current Favorability: 3/10 (Indifferent → Slightly Acknowledged)]

[Note: You have successfully maintained a clear head amidst the complex internal relations of the Uchiha and gained the initial trust of a key figure, but the road ahead remains perilous. Please continue your efforts (clenched fist)]

Qingyu looked at the system notification and gave a wry smile.

I've really become a "Gala Hokage" now... though it's easy to end up like Louis XVI...

And this favorability grinding... it really isn't easy.

He tucked away the small notebook Itachi had given him and walked quickly toward home.

There was too much information today; he needed time to digest it.

Back home, Qingyu locked the door and drew the curtains before spreading the items from both sides out on the table.

On the left were the scroll and purple Communication Talisman given by Elder Setsuna.

On the right were the analysis notebook from Itachi and the emergency Communication Talisman (green version) previously given by Shisui.

Good grief, have I collected the primary colors of Uchiha communication talismans?

If I get a yellow one, I might be able to summon a dragon... or rather, summon Madara Uchiha.

He opened Itachi's small notebook first.

Inside were neat, handwritten notes detailing several common tactics of the Sunagakure Puppet Technique, Kankuro's combat habits, and even diagrams showing the weak points of every joint on "Crow" and "Black Ant."

Even more absurdly, the last page included a "Puppet Master Psychological Analysis":

"Kankuro, 13 years old, uses face paint to hide his insecurity about his appearance. Combat style is cautious; prefers to use puppets to probe, only going all-out once safety is confirmed. Weakness: If a puppet is destroyed during battle, he will briefly lose his composure."

Qingyu stared in astonishment.

Senior Itachi, you guy—this isn't just tactical analysis anymore, this is behavioral psychology research!

Aren't you only 17 and in the Anbu at this point in the timeline? This observational power is terrifying!

"The kid's analytical ability is not bad," Tobirama commented in his mind.

"Although it doesn't compare to my systematic research on the Uchiha back in the day, it is quite rare for his age."

"Hmph, all flash and no substance," Izuna retorted stubbornly. "There's no time for so much analysis on the battlefield; just slash them and be done with it!"

Ignoring them, Qingyu opened Elder Setsuna's scroll and carefully read the lines regarding the abnormal movements of Sunagakure.

"Sunagakure is in secret contact with Otogakure. Location: Border of the Land of Rivers. Purpose: Unknown."

Otogakure... Orochimaru...

Qingyu suddenly recalled the timeline from the original work.

The Konoha Crush Plan was launched during the Chunin Exams, with Sunagakure and Otogakure joining forces, and Orochimaru disguising himself as the Kazekage...

But the Chunin Exams haven't ended yet, and the joint event is next month...

The joint event, Sunagakure's conspiracy, the internal strife of the Uchiha...

"Forget it," he took a deep breath. "When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it with earth. If all else fails... I still have the system cheat and two old grandpas!"

Although the two old grandpas often bickered, they should be reliable at critical moments... right?

Why can't my system give me [Huanzhen]!

Why can't my system give me [Baishi]!

Who is going to fill the gap for the golden finger I'm missing!