Matsuzaki Koisetsu's Conversation

Uchiha Matsuzaki successfully helped the group relax by using such a method.

Once they were completely at ease, they resumed their unfinished picnic, happily laughing and playing around.

Meanwhile, in a place very, very far away.

"Damn it, I didn't expect them to be wiped out so easily."

"It seems it's still not enough. I must find a way to strengthen that weak point on the top of its head."

In a very dim room, a hideous-looking old man stared at the crystal ball before him and laughed.

The scene inside the crystal ball played on a loop, showing the battle between Uchiha Matsuzaki and the monster just moments ago.

"My experiments were not in vain after all. Although this was only a test subject, its strength had already reached such a level. If I can improve all its flaws in the future, it seems I will be able to dominate the entire ninja world."

"Hahaha!!!"

The old man's laughter echoed throughout the gloomy room.

In the blink of an eye, Uchiha Matsuzaki and his companions had finished off all the food, and by now, they had stopped thinking about the monster, chatting happily instead.

"Classes officially start tomorrow. Thinking about it now, I really hate to see this time come to an end!"

Yamamoto Takeshi said with a smile.

"By the way, Team Leader, your strength is so formidable—what do you want to do after graduating from the academy?"

Flower Dance smiled and asked Uchiha Matsuzaki at this moment.

"That? I haven't thought about it yet. Who knows what the future holds? It's better to just live in the moment for now!"

Uchiha Matsuzaki thought for a moment and replied with a smile.

"Actually, I've been thinking about this for a long time. Once I graduate, I definitely want to join the Anbu."

"I've heard that everyone in that department is an elite, and I really want to see it for myself. If I could really go there, my future would surely be bright."

Yamamoto Takeshi perked up instantly and said with a grin.

"You? Forget it. Your strength is so weak that even if you got there, you'd only be fit to work in their kitchen."

Spirit Grass joked.

Uchiha Matsuzaki watched the two of them start bickering, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

He then slowly stood up and walked over to the small stream. Looking at the crystal-clear water, he wondered what he was thinking about.

It probably won't be that easy now.

Besides, the system hasn't issued any missions today. I wonder what's going on.

Uchiha Matsuzaki crouched by the stream, thinking to himself.

Seeing Uchiha Matsuzaki crouching by the stream, Chestnut Snow stood up and slowly walked to his side.

"Matsuzaki-kun, are you still thinking about that monster?"

After hearing what Chestnut Snow said, Uchiha Matsuzaki shook his head.

"No, I was just thinking about what I should do in the future. And I don't even know what we're living for right now—is it just to keep getting stronger?"

Chestnut Snow sat down and looked at the river water.

"Actually, I don't understand these things either. If you aren't strong enough, it's very hard to survive in this world, but what if you do become strong?"

"I've heard that those who are extremely powerful are also very lonely. If I became incredibly strong but had no friends, I feel like that would be completely meaningless."

Chestnut Snow said while watching the small fish in the stream.

Uchiha Matsuzaki felt a complex mix of emotions after hearing what Chestnut Snow had just said.