"...The way of immortals forever favors fortune; the way of ghosts forever favors calamity. High above, pure spirits shine, their mournful songs resounding through the vast heavens."
Radiant light crowned Naruto's head, his gaze distant and ethereal as his voice rolled like a mighty dragon, reciting the famous opening of the "Supreme Wondrous Scripture of the Numinous Treasure's Boundless Salvation" from his previous life.
Snake Aunt lay on the ground, staring up blankly at the almost divine blond-haired boy. Sixth Brother had given her a wealth of Daoist classics, and this passage came from one she had read and studied extensively.
As Naruto's voice, which seemed to embody the Great Dao itself, fell silent, not a sound stirred in the Uchiha Fiefdom.
"Little beauty? Do you still doubt who I am?"
Just seeing Snake Aunt's stunned expression told Naruto that he had conclusively proven his identity.
As he spoke, Naruto bent down and reached out to help Snake Aunt up from the ground.
He carefully brushed the traces of dust from her face. Looking at the simply dressed girl, who only reached the bridge of his nose, Naruto continued, "Our meeting was a little rough, but I don't suppose you'll hold it against me?"
Only then did the simply dressed girl recover from her overwhelming excitement and joy. Unable to contain her admiration and longing, she cast aside the differences in their identities and standing and threw herself straight into the boy's arms.
"It really is you... Sixth Brother."
With the girl hugging his waist tightly, Naruto was at a loss for a moment. But he couldn't possibly push her away under the circumstances. In the end, he gave her a brief hug in return, then patted her shoulder.
"This isn't the place to talk. Don't resist. I'll take you