Nine-Tails: That Little Brat, Madara Uchiha!

The three of them walked out of the Ninja Academy together. The setting sun bathed them in its glow, wrapping them in a golden halo.

They followed the familiar path toward the Ichiraku Ramen Shop, chatting and laughing along the way.

Naruto suddenly stopped and asked curiously, "Liuli-sensei, what did you mean earlier by the Otsutsuki Clan?" His eyes sparkled with curiosity. He was clearly fascinated by the legendary clan.

Seeing Naruto's earnest expression, Liuli came up with a plan to tease the adorable little guy.

She deliberately put on a stern face and said in a slightly ominous tone, "Oh, them? The Otsutsuki Clan are aliens from legend. They often visit other planets and plant little seeds. When the seeds grow into little trees, they harvest the fruit and eat it. That's how they gain great power."

Naruto was instantly stunned. His eyes widened as if he'd just witnessed something unbelievable.

He stammered, "Th-then... Uncle Teuchi... he... he isn't an alien, is he?"

Liuli couldn't help laughing at Naruto's panicked expression.

She gently patted his head and teased, "That's right. Uncle Teuchi actually belongs to the legendary Otsutsuki Clan! He's an elite who has the Rinnegan in both eyes. You eat his ramen all the time, little Naruto. Maybe you'll become Otsutsuki Naruto one day! And you'll go around kidnapping children, too—especially ones like you."

Naruto's eyes went wide, and he stared at Liuli in disbelief.

He was so shocked and confused that it felt as if he'd been struck by lightning.

"Wh-what? Uncle Teuchi is part of the Otsutsuki Clan? And he has the Rinnegan? What's that? How could that be?" Naruto stammered, his voice full of shock and confusion.

Liuli laughed at Naruto's dumbfounded expression.

She knew she was joking, but she hadn't expected Naruto to take it so seriously. She decided to keep teasing the adorable little guy.

"What? You don't believe me? I've seen Uncle Teuchi use the Rinnegan with my own eyes!"

Liuli deliberately put on a stern face and spoke with complete seriousness.

Naruto was even more shocked. He couldn't find a word to say.

In his mind, he pictured Uncle Teuchi's kind and amiable face—the ramen shop owner who was always smiling warmly and welcoming every customer.

Every one of Uncle Teuchi's gestures and words was etched deeply in Naruto's memory.

He just couldn't connect such a kind person with the Otsutsuki Clan Liuli had described—a race of aliens who came to Earth specifically to kidnap little kids.

"Liuli-sensei, is the Otsutsuki Clan really here to kidnap children?"

Naruto couldn't help asking again. His voice was full of uncertainty and worry.

Liuli saw how serious Naruto was and realized how much this mattered to him.

She gently patted his head and explained with a smile, "Naruto, I was just kidding. The Otsutsuki Clan aren't here to kidnap children. They're a powerful alien race with their own mission and goals."

Only after hearing Liuli's explanation did Naruto let out a sigh of relief. He patted his chest as though a great weight had been lifted.

"Phew... You scared me. I thought Uncle Teuchi really was an alien who came here to kidnap children."

Naruto smiled, his face relaxing with relief.

Liuli couldn't help smiling at how cute Naruto was. She knew she'd taken the joke a little too far. Seeing how much Naruto cared about Uncle Teuchi had amused her—after all, she still hadn't even been to the Ichiraku Ramen Shop herself.

"All right, all right. Let's hurry to the Ichiraku Ramen Shop, or all the good ramen will be gone!"

"Liuli-sis, what's the Rinnegan? Is it like the Sharingan?" Sasuke asked curiously, glancing at Liuli. His eyes flickered faintly as he quietly activated his One-Tomoe.

The unfamiliar term intrigued him, and he wanted to learn more about the Uchiha Clan's powers.

The last time Sasuke had been cooking in the kitchen, he'd come across Madara Uchiha's image in a book, and it had captivated him.

On the cover, Madara Uchiha's deep, mysterious Mangekyō Sharingan seemed to tell a tale of endless legends and power.

Sasuke had been enthralled by those eyes, and a powerful curiosity and longing had risen within him.

After putting the book down, Sasuke couldn't stop picturing those Mangekyō Sharingan.

He knew the Uchiha Clan's powers were formidable, and the Mangekyō Sharingan was among the greatest of them.

Wanting to learn more about the legend, Sasuke decided to look for clues among his father's belongings.

He entered his father's room and opened a cabinet that had been shut away for a long time. It was filled with things his father had owned: ninja tools he'd used, clothes he'd worn, and the books and notes he'd left behind.

Sasuke carefully searched through everything, hoping to find a secret about the Mangekyō Sharingan.

After searching for a while, Sasuke finally found a notebook his father had left behind. He opened it and began reading carefully.

The notebook detailed the history of the Uchiha Clan and how its powers were passed down. It also described the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Sasuke learned that the Mangekyō Sharingan was an exceedingly rare power among the Uchiha Clan, awakened by only a few members.

Its power was great and mysterious, allowing its wielder to use all kinds of powerful ocular techniques.

On the last page of the notebook, Sasuke saw a name that shocked him: Madara Uchiha.

It turned out that Madara Uchiha had once been the Uchiha Clan's leader. He had not only possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan but had also been a legendary ninja.

His power had been great enough to change the course of the entire Ninja World. He was one of the most remarkable people in the Uchiha Clan's history.

After reading the notebook, Sasuke was filled with awe and longing. He yearned to wield the Mangekyō Sharingan and command such power, just like Madara Uchiha.

But as he immersed himself in his longing for the Mangekyō Sharingan, Liuli suddenly mentioned the even more mysterious Rinnegan.

Sasuke's curiosity flared again. He wanted to know what kind of power the Rinnegan held, and whether it was even stronger than the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Sasuke guessed that his sister must be very powerful, or she wouldn't know so many important things.

My sister must be a hidden powerhouse! Sasuke guessed.

Liuli saw Sasuke's curious expression and explained with a smile, "The Rinnegan is a very special kind of eye. They say only the Sage of Six Paths could possess it. Its power is incredibly strong, far surpassing the Sharingan of our Uchiha Clan."

"Are those eyes really that powerful? How do you awaken them?" Sasuke asked, even more curious now. He wanted to know just how mysterious and powerful these legendary eyes were.

Liuli shook her head and said helplessly, "I'm not sure how the Rinnegan is awakened, either. It's the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, after all. How could an ordinary ninja like me possibly know?"

Sasuke was a little disappointed, but he didn't give up.

He pressed on, "Then how does our Sharingan evolve? I want to learn more about the Uchiha Clan's powers."

Liuli saw the earnest look in Sasuke's eyes and understood how much he longed for and wondered about the Uchiha Clan's powers.

So she began to explain the Sharingan's evolution in detail.

"The Sharingan is a unique ability of the Uchiha Clan. Its evolution is a gradual process of awakening and growth. At first, every member of the Uchiha Clan has ordinary eyes. But as they grow older and gain experience, some of them gradually awaken the Sharingan."

"After the Sharingan awakens, our eyes change, giving us sharper perception and insight. We can also use special ocular techniques, such as Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi."

"But the Sharingan doesn't evolve overnight. We have to keep training and fighting, and gradually grow stronger by facing life-and-death situations and steeling our resolve. Only after enough hardship and growth can our Sharingan evolve to a higher level, such as the Mangekyō Sharingan."

Sasuke listened to Liuli's explanation and nodded. This was much more useful than all that useless theory at the Ninja Academy.

He longed to become more powerful and protect himself and those around him.

At the same time, the mysterious Rinnegan filled him with curiosity and questions.

"Liuli-sis, you said only the Sage of Six Paths had the Rinnegan. Could anyone in the Uchiha Clan's history have awakened it?" Sasuke suddenly asked.

Liuli fell silent for a moment, then shook her head. "As far as I know, there's no precedent for anyone in the Uchiha Clan awakening the Rinnegan. Its power is too mysterious and great for ordinary people like us to control."

Sasuke was disappointed. It seemed no one in the Uchiha Clan had ever awakened the Rinnegan.

Liuli saw Sasuke's disappointment, and her own feelings stirred.

She understood how fiercely Sasuke pursued power and how deeply he longed for the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Rinnegan.

It wasn't just a desire for power. Deep down, he yearned to fulfill his potential and bring glory to his clan.

So Liuli took a deep breath, intending to encourage Sasuke again. She gently patted his shoulder and said, "Sasuke, I know you may feel disappointed right now, like you're still far from strong enough. But you have to believe that everyone has their own unique talents and potential. You just need time and the right opportunities to discover them."

Sasuke raised his head, a complicated gleam in his eyes. He nodded silently, seeming to consider Liuli's words.

Seeing this, Liuli continued, "Madara Uchiha once awakened the Rinnegan because he had a special reincarnated identity and a unique opportunity. And you, Sasuke, have that same special identity and bloodline. Your future is full of possibilities, too."

Her words brimmed with encouragement and hope, and Sasuke felt warmth rise in his heart.

He knew Liuli was always there to support him. No matter what difficulties or challenges he faced, she would stand by his side.

Sasuke drew a deep breath, and the light in his eyes grew more resolute. He clenched his fists, as if he could feel the surging power within him slowly awakening.

"I'll work hard, Liuli-sis," Sasuke said quietly. "No matter how many difficulties and challenges lie ahead, I won't give up."

Liuli smiled with relief. She knew Sasuke had found his confidence and courage again.

The skies had cleared and the rain had stopped—my little brother thought he was hot stuff again!

Naruto had been listening to their conversation. He couldn't help touching his right eye.

He looked at Sasuke and Liuli with envy, wondering why he didn't have a special eye like the Sharingan.

"By the way, Sasuke, Liuli-sis, you two have these special eyes. How come I don't?" Naruto asked, sounding a little down.

Liuli smiled and shook her head. "Naruto, you have your own unique talents and abilities. You've got excellent chakra control and the Shadow Clone Technique, advantages other people don't have. Everyone's talents are different. You don't need to envy anyone else. Believe in yourself and discover your own potential."

"She's right! I definitely have incredible talent, too!" Naruto said proudly, rubbing his nose.

His eyes shone with confidence, as if he could already see himself becoming a hero of the Ninja World.

Sasuke glanced at him and gave a faint, disdainful smile. "Give me a break..."

His tone was full of scorn and mockery, as if he didn't believe Naruto's confidence at all.

Naruto was displeased by Sasuke's words. He widened his eyes and retorted, "How can you say that? I'm going to become the strongest man in the Ninja World!"

His voice was full of conviction and determination, as though he would prove his strength through his actions.

Sasuke looked at Naruto's earnest expression and let out a cold laugh. "Hmph. The strongest in the Ninja World? Do you think just saying it will make you the strongest? Real strength comes from constant effort and training."

Sasuke's words struck a nerve. Naruto clenched his fists and said, "I'm not just talking! I'll prove myself through my actions!"

His eyes shone with determination, as if he'd already resolved to keep working hard and become stronger.

Seeing how serious Naruto was, Sasuke was moved despite himself.

He knew Naruto was persistent and determined. If he put in the effort, he could surely accomplish a great deal.

But Sasuke also knew that becoming the strongest in the Ninja World wasn't easy. It would take tremendous effort and sacrifice.

Sasuke was about to say something.

"All right, we're here." Liuli suddenly stopped, a dangerous smile on her face as she addressed Sasuke and Naruto.

Sasuke and Naruto exchanged a glance, both feeling a strange chill rise within them.

They realized Liuli seemed to be warning them to stop arguing.

They looked at each other and nodded silently, not daring to say another word.

"Y-yes," Sasuke and Naruto answered almost in unison, their voices trembling slightly.

They followed Liuli and cautiously entered the ramen shop.

Liuli looked nothing like the gentle, kind person they usually knew.

Her face was stern, her gaze sharp, as if she could see right through them.

Sasuke and Naruto both felt a little afraid, as if they were standing before a powerful opponent.

Big Sis is scary all of a sudden! Sasuke and Naruto both thought. They exchanged a glance, understanding that they'd better behave and not make Liuli angry.

Inside the seal, everything was silent and dark. The Nine-Tails, the legendary old fox, quietly listened to the conversation outside.

Its ears twitched slightly, as if it could pick up every faint ripple in the space around it.

It had heard the three of them talk about everything—the Rinnegan, Madara Uchiha, and the Sage of Six Paths. Their words flowed into its ears like a gentle stream.

Every word and every sentence filled it with shock and curiosity.

"The Rinnegan... Madara Uchiha... the Sage of Six Paths..." the Nine-Tails repeated to itself, its eyes gleaming with a deep light. It knew that the power and secrets behind those names were beyond anything a sealed fox demon like itself could imagine.

The Nine-Tails had seen the Rinnegan with its own eyes. After all, when the little fox was young, it had seen that old Sage of Six Paths.

It was a mysterious power that could control life and death and reincarnation. Its wielder could perceive all the truths of the world.

Madara Uchiha was the man who bore that name—a legendary figure who had once made the entire Ninja World tremble.

And that little brat had controlled me, too, and made me his pet! Unforgivable!

As for the Sage of Six Paths, he was a legend among legends. He was the founder of the Ninja World and the source of all ninjutsu.

His power was unfathomable, and none could match his wisdom. The Nine-Tails was powerful, but beside the Sage of Six Paths, it was nothing more than a tiny speck.

The Nine-Tails felt curious and awed by Liuli's arrival, and by the three things they'd been discussing. It gazed at Liuli, its deep eyes seeming able to see through every secret in the world.

"This Uchiha woman doesn't seem simple," the Nine-Tails murmured. Its voice echoed through the sealed space, carrying a hint of inexplicable awe.

It didn't know much about Liuli, but from her presence and her words, the Nine-Tails sensed a depth and wisdom that set her apart from ordinary people.

"She seems to know that brat Madara pretty well," the Nine-Tails continued, its voice revealing complicated feelings.

Madara Uchiha, the legendary figure who had once made the entire Ninja World tremble, had also been the Nine-Tails' former opponent. Their feud had long since become a legend in the Ninja World. Now this Uchiha woman seemed to know Madara well, which left the Nine-Tails both surprised and curious.

"I never thought she'd even know the secret of reincarnation," the Nine-Tails said, surprise evident in its voice.

Reincarnation was the mysterious power of the Sage of Six Paths' two sons. It allowed their chakra to be reborn after death, letting them continue their pursuit of greater power.

The secret had always been hidden from the Ninja World, and only a handful of people knew it existed.

Yet Liuli seemed to know all about it, raising even more questions in the Nine-Tails' mind about who she was and what she wanted.

The Nine-Tails began thinking back over everything that had happened in the Ninja World during the years it had been sealed away.

It tried to find clues about Liuli and Madara Uchiha among its scattered memories. But no matter how hard it tried, it couldn't find anything about this woman.

It felt confused and excited, as though it were on the verge of uncovering a great secret.

"It seems this Uchiha woman is no ordinary person," the Nine-Tails murmured. Curiosity and anticipation shone in its eyes.

It decided to learn more about Liuli and all the secrets she knew.