38Distribute benefits and win people's heartsAI Model: gemini-2.5-flashChapter 38: Distribute benefits and win people's hearts
"That's strange. Why am I secretly following him?"
Hiashi, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, looked somewhat sneaky despite his tall and upright posture.
He thought about Hinata's recent changes.
For a large clan, investigating something is truly not very difficult.
Although Naruto seemed to have done nothing, the changes in Hinata, whom he focused on, were naturally observed by him.
Because Hinata's diet and everything else were traceable, only the food Naruto gave her was outside his control.
Therefore, eliminating all impossibilities, even if it was hard to believe, he knew that the food Narutogave was definitely not simple.
"Uzumaki Naruto!"
Hiashi was deep in thought when he suddenly startled.
When he accepted that Naruto had a secret, the events of these past few days seemed to connect.
Everything seemed to be manipulated by a large hand.
And this large hand pointed directly at Uzumaki Naruto.
"Hiss!"
Thinking of this, Hiashi broke out in a sweat.
He didn't believe a five-year-old child could achieve this much; there must be deeper reasons behind it.
It seemed an astonishing vortex was forming in Konoha Village.
The moment it formed, it would surely be earth-shattering.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?"
Hiashi's face stiffened, and he turned his head to look. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was Shikaku.
His hands, clasped in his sleeves, tightened, and he subtly forced a smile: "I'm thinking these people are truly pitiful."
"Pitiful? Sometimes, those who are pitiful have something hateful about them."
As a wise man,
after learning some things about Naruto, he couldn't bear to see this scene, yet for Naruto, this was a kind of sharp edge.
He was very rational and understood this scene well.
Putting himself in Naruto's shoes, he might even have done worse than Naruto.
"Are you thinking of something?"
The two walked side by side on the road with broken tiles, Shikaku turned his head, asking in a low voice as if in normal conversation.
Hiashi's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Shikaku in surprise.
"Is it you?"
"No, I don't have such great ambition."
Shikaku shook his head.
He knew his position was to serve as Konoha Village's second-in-command, or even third-in-command.
But the Hokage position, no!
The Ino–Shika–Chō were connected by a common thread.
If one of their clans became Hokage, that connection would be completely severed, never to be as it was before.
This was simply not worth it.
To be honest, if Hiruzen and Danzo hadn't made so many outrageous moves, he wouldn't have considered anyone else.
After all, he was the heir to the Fire Will, the successor designated by the Second Hokage.
However, there were no "ifs" in reality.
"Then you are…"
"In short, just wait. When they make their move, we'll see what you choose."
Shikaku patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "But I think you will make a move."
Why?
Hiashi was puzzled.
Their Hyuga Clan was currently acting like grandchildren; what significant interest was worth them making a move for?
The two said no more, chatted casually for a few minutes, and then parted ways.
Returning home, Hiashi watched Hinata sparring with Neji.
Although she still had that gentle personality, the power in her movements had greatly increased.
Uzumaki Naruto.
Nara Shikaku.
And Uchiha…
Hiashi walked under the eaves, picked up the newspaper nearby, and quietly pondered.
He continuously replayed the events in his mind.
He was surprised to find that when everything connected, the hidden forces were terrifyingly powerful.
"What if my Hyuga Clan joins them?"
Hiss!
Hiashi took a breath, feeling a little restless.
"No, I must hold back."
He took a deep breath, suppressing the restless feeling in his heart, but for some reason, the knuckles of the hand holding the newspaper turned faintly white.
...
"There's more and more."
Naruto stood in the space, took a sip of the spiritual spring water, and looked at the mountain of vegetables.
Carrots, bok choy, and napa cabbage were piled high enough to feed pigs.
"These are all good things. They can be used to solidify the loyalty of those who have sided with me."
"First, the Nara Clan. Their overt and covert support means I can't not show my appreciation."
"Also the Uchiha Clan."
"As for the Hyuga Clan, let's put them aside for now."
Naruto found several burlap sacks, sorted the items, and packed them.
After finishing, he waited until late at night.
At the same time, he also needed Shikaku and the others to get him some seeds.
The space had expanded a bit more now.
However, no new Ninjutsu seedlings had appeared besides the original three.
This was somewhat disappointing.
"I said, you should get some new seeds. Eating these same ones over and over is getting boring."
"I'm just about to ask for some, aren't I? I already told the Uchiha people to prepare them. Don't worry, you'll have plenty to eat later."
"That's more like it."
At the thought of a future full of diverse delicacies, the Nine-Tailed's mouth watered uncontrollably.
"I also want to get some fruit trees, or watermelons, cantaloupes, and other fruits."
Naruto rattled them off: "Actually, I'm also planning to raise livestock."
As the space grew larger, these vegetables would definitely not be eaten completely.
Giving too much makes people not cherish it, so Naruto didn't intend to give too much; maintaining mystery was most important.
So the rest had to be consumed.
Livestock was the best choice.
Naruto's gaze drifted, suddenly fixating on the Nine-Tailed.
The Nine-Tailed shivered: "You, what kind of look is that?"
"Nothing."
Naruto withdrew his gaze; he needed to observe more.
...
Midnight, late at night, dark clouds rolled across the sky.
Only sporadic lights shone in Konoha Village.
Hiruzen had another busy day.
Naruto smiled slightly at this, believing that in another day or two, they would find the 'correct' target.
No rush, let the bullet fly for a while longer.
Whoosh!
Naruto first transformed into Minato and used Flying Thunder God to appear beside Uchiha Fugaku.
Uchiha Fugaku, who was about to go to sleep with Uchiha Mikoto, was startled and jumped up, his face slightly pale.
Naruto: "..."
Nine-Tailed: "..."
"Ah haha, you actually put a Ninjutsu kunai in your room. That's a bit underhanded."
Naruto covered his face, lamenting inwardly: "I came too early, what a pity."
Uchiha Fugaku almost spat out a mouthful of old blood.
He really hadn't thought of that point.
"Speak, what is it this time?"
In the reception room, Uchiha Fugaku glared at Naruto, annoyed.
"Are the carrots delicious?"
"Excellent!"
Uchiha Fugaku's eyes lit up, and he whispered excitedly: "This stuff can actually affect the Sharingan, and my eye power has recovered a lot."
"Do you want more?"
"If there is, of course."
Since they were already drawn into the faction, it was only natural to ask for something good.
Naruto raised his hand and grabbed, throwing three burlap sacks over.
"Here."
Hiss!
So much.
Uchiha Fugaku's expression became serious, and he looked up at Naruto, asking solemnly: "What do you need us to do?"
Naruto smiled.
He raised his hand and wrote a few words on the table...