Sasuke was completely confused. After Kakashi disappeared, he slowly opened the sealed scroll.
The scroll recorded various Uchiha-style ninjutsu and genjutsu, covering training methods from genin all the way to elite jōnin, including detailed notes on how to use the Sharingan and its precautions.
After just a few casual glances, several problems that had been bothering Sasuke during his training were instantly solved.
This… was definitely not something an outsider who had merely obtained a Sharingan could write.
Could it be that Kakashi hadn't lied to him? That some members of the Uchiha clan were still alive… living somewhere outside the village with Naruto?
But then—
When Naruto left… why didn't he take him along? Why leave him alone in that empty, lifeless Uchiha compound?
Sasuke couldn't figure it out.
However, he did come up with a clear plan for improving his strength.
First, train according to the scroll. Then, at the right time, find a way to awaken the three-tomoe Sharingan. After that, defeat Kakashi, leave the village, find the surviving clan members… and finally take revenge on Uchiha Itachi.
Early the next morning, Sasuke arrived at the Ninja Academy and sat by the window in the back row.
This was his first time attending class since entering the sixth grade.
By this stage, academy life was basically coming to an end. Aside from a bit of guidance from instructors, all that remained was the final evaluation of the Three Basic Techniques.
Sasuke had already mastered the Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques long before finishing his first year.
Most students only managed to grasp the Three Techniques around their third or fourth year. Only a handful of dead-last types couldn't learn them at all—and those people might as well say goodbye to becoming ninja.
Resting his chin on his hand, Sasuke watched the leaves drifting outside in the breeze… while the corner of his eye lingered on his new deskmate.
Sai.
This transfer student always gave Sasuke a strange feeling—like he was deliberately imitating him. That faint, constant smile of his was especially irritating.
Like a puppet.
According to Iruka-sensei, Sai had previously trained in ANBU. Maybe that emotionless behavior came with the job.
Sasuke clicked his tongue inwardly, then stopped thinking about it. He propped up his book… and promptly lay down on the desk to sleep, showing absolutely zero respect for Iruka.
Since skipping class wasn't an option, he had stayed up all night training.
So why not just sleep through class?
What was Iruka going to do—beat him?
Yeah, right.
He wasn't the only one zoning out.
Shikamaru was, as usual, asleep like it was his full-time career, while Chōji kept stuffing chips into his mouth every few seconds, as if he'd starve to death if he paused.
Iruka had long since gotten used to these problem children.
After all, kids from major clans received additional training at home. If not for the Third Hokage's strict rules forcing them to attend the academy, they'd probably already be working as full-fledged ninja.
Still, something caught Iruka's attention today.
Hinata… seemed distracted.
Normally, she listened to every word attentively. But today, her focus was clearly elsewhere.
What Iruka didn't know was that Hinata was clutching a small fox-shaped purse hidden in her hands.
She had picked it up in the park.
Inside, along with her name, was a golden pendant—and even a secret technique belonging to the Kaguya clan.
She didn't understand why the purse had her name on it… but her instincts told her one thing:
This was from Naruto.
"So… even after three years, Naruto-kun still remembers me…"
Her thoughts grew warmer—and more embarrassing.
"Did he leave me behind… because I was too weak? Because the outside world is dangerous?"
Her face flushed bright red.
Her body softened, and she slumped weakly in her seat.
At that moment, the golden pendant around her neck seemed to melt from her body heat, turning into a mark that quietly spread across her skin… silently transforming her body.
Kakashi's visit to Sasuke—and his secret gift to Hinata—didn't go unnoticed.
Jiraiya and Tsunade quickly caught wind of it.
Given Kakashi's relationship with Obito, it made sense for him to look after Sasuke, who had gone through something similar.
But Hinata?
Why was Kakashi getting involved with the Hyūga clan's eldest daughter? He had no connection to them.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "Could he be trying to form an alliance with the Hyūga to gain more influence?"
Jiraiya immediately shook his head.
"That's not Kakashi's style. If he cared about power, he wouldn't have turned down the ANBU Minister position… or spent half his time nagging me to update my novels."
Tsunade gave him a flat look. "…You just exposed yourself."
Jiraiya coughed awkwardly.
"In any case," he continued, regaining composure, "Kakashi isn't the type to scheme for authority unless he has no other choice."
Hearing that, Tsunade leaned back slightly, her expression turning faintly disgusted.
"Come to think of it… in terms of older bachelors, you and Kakashi really do understand each other."
Jiraiya: "Hey—watch it!"
After tossing aside that theory, Jiraiya crossed his arms and said confidently:
"If I had to guess… the one really trying to contact Sasuke and Hinata isn't Kakashi."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"It's Naruto."
"And he's probably mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique by now."
This wasn't just a random guess.
Kakashi had recently learned the Flying Thunder God. And the Scroll of Seals Naruto took when he left also contained its training method.
It wasn't far-fetched to assume that teacher and student had both mastered it… and were now secretly staying in contact.
Tsunade's gaze sharpened.
"Don't forget—Naruto is now the leader of Uzushio Village. Kakashi's actions could be considered treason. As Hokage, you can't just ignore that."
Jiraiya's expression grew serious, his usual carefree grin fading.
"I'll talk to Kakashi," he said. "Warn him, at least."
Then he smirked slightly.
"But… if we can use this chance to establish contact with Uzushio Village, that wouldn't be so bad either. They're not an immediate threat to Konoha."
He paused.
"If anything… I'm more concerned about Kusagakure."
"According to ANBU reports, the Akatsuki have already infiltrated it—and are working with Amegakure."
Tsunade thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Akatsuki… the group that includes that masked man and Uchiha Itachi. That's definitely bad news."
She tapped the table lightly.
"Still, their control over Kusagakure effectively cuts off Iwagakure from us. In the short term… that might actually benefit Konoha."
Jiraiya, however, shook his head.
What he knew was even more troubling.
The founders of Akatsuki—
Yahiko… Konan… Nagato.
And the current leader… possessed the Rinnegan.
If they were all truly dead, that would be one thing.
But if they were alive…
Then sooner or later, he—Jiraiya—would face his own students on the battlefield.
And that was the worst outcome imaginable.
Letting out a quiet breath, Jiraiya shook off those thoughts and looked at Tsunade.
"Tsunade, how's the reconstruction of the police force going? The village needs it to maintain order. ANBU and the security forces need to be clearly separated."
Tsunade nodded confidently.
"Already handled."
"The new police force will recruit from all ninja—not just a single clan. It'll never become another Uchiha-controlled department."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"What happened before… won't happen again."
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