The flood of information exploded in Sasuke's mind like a thunderclap.
Shimura Danzō's hostility and suspicion toward the Uchiha still existed, even in this seemingly peaceful world!
But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had taken the Uchiha's side? At the very least, he had rejected that dangerous proposal for "necessary precautions"—for now.
Naruko shifted her wrist, and Sasuke realized he was gripping it too tightly. He let go at once.
She rubbed her wrist and looked at his pale, stunned face. When she spoke again, her voice had regained its usual brightness, though there was a deeper meaning beneath it.
"So, Sasuke. Do you know why, out of all the boys at school, I'm willing to spend time with you?"
She blinked. "Do you really think it's just because you're handsome?"
Sasuke's head was pounding. Political maneuvering, balancing factions, power struggles among the higher-ups—these were the things he was worst at, the things he had once hated even thinking about.
When he had used the Rabbit Talisman to travel back and change his clan's fate, he had tried using schemes. They had proved useless. Worse, they had indirectly helped bring about the destruction of the Uchiha.
That was why he wanted to solve everything with overwhelming personal strength instead.
As she watched Sasuke frown in distress, a smile suddenly appeared on Naruko's face.
It was no longer purely radiant. It held a seriousness beyond her years, mingling resolve with a sense of responsibility.
"That's because," she said, lifting her chin slightly, her voice clear and firm, "I'm the Fourth Hokage's daughter."
Sasuke's eyes widened. She went on, "To a lot of people—especially those watching the relationship between the Uchiha and the village—everything I do can be seen, to some extent, as an extension of the Hokage's will. A sign of