Uchiha Obito

"I never expected to run into the two of you here. What a coincidence, hahaha."

"Uchiha Genya, my strength has improved a little recently. Come accept the challenge of the future Hokage!" Sarutobi Taro cackled as he launched a surprise "sneak attack" on Genya.

Genya merely shifted slightly to the side and easily dodged Sarutobi Taro's attack.

Then he stuck out his right foot.

Sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Uchiha Genya, you actually dared to trip the future Hokage! That's going too far!" Sarutobi Taro scrambled up furiously, clenched his fists, and looked ready to fight.

But when he recalled that Genya had defeated Darui, the Cloud Village Kekkei Genkai ninja who wielded Storm Release, he thought it over carefully and ultimately gave up on continuing the fight. He let out a soft snort instead.

"I'm the future Hokage. A great man does not hold grudges against petty people, so I'll forgive you."

"Once I become Hokage, future generations will surely praise my magnanimity."

Sarutobi Taro found himself a way out.

He had come to the banquet alongside an elder from his clan.

Nami was utterly baffled.

She and Genya were clearly out for a walk on a date, so why had Sarutobi Taro appeared again!?

Too much!

So annoying!

Hmph, hmph, hmph!

Afterward, the three of them strolled through the Hyuga clan compound together, with Nami continuously introducing things to them.

The Hyuga clan's decor and layout were exceptionally tasteful, and indeed far more luxurious than the Uchiha clan's.

But there was no helping it.

Since the founding of their clan, the Hyuga had supported the Hokage's faction and received considerable favor, granting them better resources for development.

The Uchiha had lived far too frugally before.

The three arrived at a training ground.

In the field.

A father and son were sparring.

Hizashi Hyuga and Neji Hyuga.

In the original story, Hizashi Hyuga had died in his older brother Hyuga Hiashi's place.

The Cloud Village's plan had changed.

So Hizashi Hyuga survived.

The two fought intensely.

During a break.

Neji broke into a broad smile.

He looked at Hizashi Hyuga with eyes full of admiration, wanting to become a powerful Jonin in the Hyuga clan just like his father...

Genya, standing in the distance, sank into thought.

Perhaps.

This was what it meant to plant willows without intent, only for them to grow into shade...

Night.

Genya's residence.

The void twisted.

Ripples spread through it.

"Uchiha Genya, stop right there."

Genya had just returned to his room when he heard a cold voice from the shadows.

Genya did not panic.

He looked in the direction of the voice.

A mysterious figure wearing a Tiger-Pattern Mask came into view.

The masked man continued speaking.

"Do you know that I am the ancestor of the Uchiha, Uchiha..."

Before Obito could finish.

Genya rushed forward excitedly, grabbed the masked man's arms tightly, and asked with an eager expression.

"Are you Uchiha Madara, ancestor of the Uchiha?"

Obito: ???

I hadn't even finished speaking.

Could you at least let me pretend to be mysterious?

Obito coughed awkwardly.

The brainwashing speech he had just carefully prepared suddenly seemed useless, and he asked instead.

"How did you recognize me?"

At this point, Obito still needed to use Uchiha Madara's identity to carry out the Eye of the Moon Plan, so he did not deny being Madara.

"Also, let go of me first. You're gripping too hard. My shoulders hurt..."

Obito frowned.

He realized that although Genya was young, he was extraordinarily strong.

Genya was currently gripping Obito's shoulders with all his strength.

They were probably about to bleed.

But Obito remembered that he was currently "Uchiha Madara" and needed to maintain the bearing of an exalted master, so he could only endure the pain and keep his composure...

"My apologies, Ancestor!"

As long as I apologized fast enough.

You wouldn't blame me!

Genya released him with an awkward smile.

Yet inwardly, he muttered, Obito, your body is way too weak.

You can't even withstand this much force?

Obito clasped his hands behind his back and spoke slowly, like a transcendent master.

"How did you learn of my identity?"

Obito stared directly at Genya.

Behind the Tiger-Pattern Mask, an intrigued expression appeared on his face.

After hearing the question.

Genya pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Ancestor, first, when you appeared just now, I noticed that your right eye was a Sharingan, so I concluded that you were from the Uchiha clan."

"Second, you appeared in the courtyard out of thin air. You must have used a specific Space-Time Ninjutsu. In the vast Uchiha clan, I'm afraid only you, Ancestor Uchiha Madara, could possess such a technique."

"Of course, all of that is merely my speculation. May I ask if you truly are Ancestor Uchiha Madara?"

Genya stared intently at Obito, his eyes filled with anticipation.

That analysis.

Also made Obito realize that the young man before him was meticulous and clear-minded.

Obito admitted it, then spoke calmly.

"That's right. I am Uchiha Madara, ancestor of the Uchiha!"

Obito had originally believed.

That only Shisui and Itachi were geniuses among the Uchiha.

But after observing him for some time.

He discovered that Genya's talent was equally terrifying.

Genya had even defeated Darui of the Cloud Village before, making Obito regard him even more highly.

"Hm? Why are you staring at me?" Obito suddenly noticed that Genya had been looking at him with worshipful eyes, which made him feel somewhat awkward.

If Genya had been the aloof Itachi, Obito could have taught him a lesson with strength before reasoning with him.

But Genya looked like he greatly admired him and wanted to follow him, leaving Obito momentarily stunned and unsure how to begin.

In the end.

Genya was the first to break the stalemate.

"Ancestor, why have you come to see me?"

Obito put on an unfathomable air and said coldly, "Your strength ranks among the best of the Uchiha younger generation. I want you to follow me!"

Genya's talent was extremely high. If Obito could bring him into the organization, he would surely contribute to capturing the Tailed Beasts in the future!

Genya hesitated for a while before asking.

"Ancestor, it would be my honor to follow at your side, but what would the monthly salary and benefits be like?"

"You also know that since the battle at the Valley of the End, your reputation in Konoha has declined considerably. If Konoha learns that I follow you, I'll be taking quite a risk. I think it's necessary for us to have an in-depth discussion about salary and benefits. After all, you know admiration can't put food on the table..."

"Hmm???" Obito was completely dumbfounded.

Why was this boy so practical?

Obito spoke slowly, with a faintly admonishing tone.

"Your ancestor has been silently contributing to peace in the Shinobi World. I hope you will work hand in hand with me to create a world without pain or sorrow, a world filled only with joy."

At this moment, Obito had only one goal.

To advance and complete the Eye of the Moon Plan.

To create a happy world with Rin in it!

Obito was trying to fool Genya.

Genya's eyes revealed the aggrieved look of a junior. He drew out an "Oh," then spoke unhappily.

"Ancestor, so you mean you want to use me for free?"

Obito froze.

It seemed this guy was impervious to reason.

So he spoke in a harsher tone.

"Uchiha Genya, do you know what an honor it is to be able to follow me?"

"But..." Genya paused, then spoke even more aggrievedly.

"Ancestor, do you know how much effort it takes to marry a wife in the Shinobi World these days? Not only do I need to prepare a residence, betrothal gifts, and savings, but my parents fell during the Third Shinobi World War, so I have to handle many things myself."

"If following you won't make me rich, then how am I supposed to rise in the world, marry, and have children?"

Hearing Genya say this, Obito nearly fell apart. Why had this guy fallen so deeply into the money pit? He tried to comfort him.

"You're still so young, so there's no need to consider those matters for now. Focus on creating a happy Shinobi World. When that time comes, everyone in the Shinobi World will thank you."