Time raced past like a white steed glimpsed through a crack, leaving no trace. Looking back, Naruto had been transported to the world of Naruto for almost a year. Counting off the days, it was almost time for the Uchiha Clan to be massacred.
Naruto could also sense that something was wrong with Konoha lately. It was far too quiet, giving him the feeling that a storm was brewing.
It seemed as though a pair of great hands was secretly controlling it all.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Looks like someone's getting restless. I wonder if I can make you stay this time."
Naruto clenched his fists. Over the past year, he had diligently completed his Naruto dailies every single day, stockpiling quite a few materials and even obtaining quite a few ninja. Perhaps because of the system, many events that increased combat power had never appeared in it. Some of the more generous stamina events, herbs, gifts from female ninja, and the like were all missing.
He also couldn't top up, which meant that many ninja were difficult for Naruto to obtain at this stage. Still, he had managed to grind out [Kizaru]. Only after getting [Kizaru] did he realize just how miserable his life had been before.
Fortunately, Naruto could more or less be considered a grinding emperor. Despite these difficult conditions, he had still raised his combat power to one million over the past year.
He had unlocked many things he could use at his current stage. His summons had progressed all the way to Enma, and his artifacts to the Kubikiribōchō. Since his combat power was relatively low, he had just made do with his accessories and ninja tools. Still, Naruto had kept up his habit of farming protection charms and had stocked several Crimson Soul Earrings in his inventory.
"System, show my personal panel."
Host: Naruto Uzumaki Strength: Kage Level, Second Stage (already possesses the strength of an ordinary Kage Level ninja) Abilities: Kurama Link, Shadow Clone, Clone Great Explosion, Gallant Rasengan, Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, Lariat, Chidori, Lightning Release: Kirin, Byakugan, Sharingan, Cherry Blossom Impact... Summons: Ninja Dog, Blue Snake, Gamakichi, Ninja Tortoise, Sickle Weasel, Enma Artifacts: Kōkinjō, Shichiseiken, Benihisago, Bashōsen, Amber Purifying Pot, Kubikiribōchō Secret scrolls: Forbidden Jutsu: Yin Healing Wound Destruction, Release Jutsu: Dispel, Secret Scroll: Chakra... Combat power: 1,000,000 Chakra: 660,000 System evaluation: (New to the Shinobi World, you can already hold your own in a fight. A very strong man-kun.)
After studying it for so long, Naruto had more or less figured out how some of the things in the system worked. For example, he could only call three summons per day. Each could remain in this world for fifteen minutes, and he could only summon one at a time.
As for the secret scrolls, Naruto had been surprised to discover that there were no usage limits, but every use consumed his chakra.
Artifacts also consumed chakra when used, and in particularly large amounts. Moreover, he could only summon one artifact per day, for fifteen minutes at a time.
With these things, Naruto felt he should be able to go a few rounds with Obito as he was now. As for Uchiha Itachi, that had nothing to do with him. Whenever he imagined arriving early with Sasuke in tow, Naruto couldn't keep the smile off his face.
Sure enough, people never felt tired when they were up to no good.
Counting the days, the night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre would be in the next day or two. When the time came, he would take Sasuke to perch on a utility pole and give Itachi a scare.
Over the past year, Sasuke had gradually become part of Naruto's little group. He was still a bit of a tsundere, though, and refused to eat at Naruto's house. Even when the food tempted him unbearably, he still wouldn't go. He always said that the Uchiha had their own pride.
But to Naruto, this was a classic case of a dead duck with a stubborn beak.
"Should be in the next day or two, right?"
Naruto looked out the window, somewhat unsure of exactly when they would make their move, then glanced at Sasuke, who was still obediently listening to the lesson.
"That old schemer Danzo should have gouged out Shisui's eye by now, right?"
Naruto really wanted to go kill Danzo right now, but when he thought of the man's endless life-saving tricks, he might genuinely be unable to finish him off as he was now. If Danzo got away, finding him afterward would be difficult.
Meanwhile, the very Danzo Naruto was looking for was hiding in Hiruzen Sarutobi's office, eavesdropping on Shisui's conversation with Hiruzen Sarutobi. The more he heard, the more alarmed he became, but he couldn't help feeling a little excited as well.
What? The Mangekyō Sharingan? Shisui, I have to admit, you really are a genius. Just as much of a genius as Kagami was back then.
At that thought, pinpoints of cold light glinted in Danzo's eyes, as though he were sizing up his prey.
After hearing Shisui's report, Hiruzen Sarutobi was also somewhat alarmed. So this was the Uchiha Clan? Truly terrifying.
The Mangekyō Sharingan. Kotoamatsukami. A terrifying ability.
Though alarmed, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed none of the emotions he shouldn't have. He even assumed the air of an elder and instructed Shisui.
"Shisui, you mustn't casually reveal an ability like this to others in the future. That's the most basic duty of a ninja. You must take responsibility for yourself, understand?"
Hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words of concern, Shisui couldn't help feeling touched. The clansmen always said Lord Hokage wasn't a good person, but he cared for the younger generation so kindly. How could he possibly be like they said? Sure enough, hearing was no proof, but seeing was believing. Those rumors had misled me.
"No, Lord Hokage. I've only told you about this. I haven't even revealed it to Clan Head Fugaku. I believe that with this ability, I can definitely stop the Uchiha Clan's rebellion."
Hearing Shisui's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi was a little dumbfounded. Wait, child, are you genuinely a bit simple? With you being this foolish, how am I supposed to have the heart to deceive you?
Hidden in the shadows, Danzo also snorted. This fool didn't deserve something so powerful.
That's it? Just you Uchiha? Wait and see. This powerful pair of Mangekyō Sharingan will be mine sooner or later.
"Ahem. Shisui." Hiruzen Sarutobi really couldn't bear it anymore. He coughed lightly, cutting Shisui off. He was afraid that if this continued, the boy would pull out his underwear to show him what color it was.
"I'm very pleased that you have such resolve. But an ability this powerful really shouldn't be revealed lightly in the future. A man may be innocent, but possessing a treasure makes him guilty."
Shisui looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi gratefully and nodded solemnly.
"Shisui, the village cannot do without you. With greater power comes greater responsibility. Your possession of such a powerful ability is truly a great blessing for Konoha."
Only after spending another long while feeding Shisui empty promises did he wave a hand, signaling that he could leave.
After Shisui left, Danzo slowly emerged. Without giving Hiruzen Sarutobi a chance to speak, he seized the initiative.
"Monkey, did you see that? The Uchiha Clan still hasn't abandoned its treacherous ambitions. I told you long ago that they were no good. Look at what the Uchiha Clan has done over the years. Are you really going to keep indulging them? They now have a deadly weapon like the Mangekyō Sharingan, and an ability as heaven-defying as Kotoamatsukami at that. Monkey, look me in the eyes and tell me: are you really at ease?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing and simply kept smoking, seemingly pondering something. He put down his pipe and fixed his eyes on Danzo.
"Konoha is one whole. It belongs to everyone. Danzo, how could you act like this?"
"Oh, stop joking, Monkey. We're both old foxes. Who are you trying to fool?"
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi like this, Danzo knew he was already halfway there. He spoke with a cold smile.
"Monkey, just stay out of this. If something really happens, put the blame on me. It wouldn't be the first time, anyway. And of course, it won't be the last."
With that, Danzo left straightaway, leaving Hiruzen Sarutobi sitting in his office, smoking in gloomy silence.