Chapter 123: Arrangements for Naruto

Over the past two years, Setsuna had not wasted any time. Her terrifying ocular technique had improved once again, albeit slightly.

[Huangenzun: An ocular technique that corrupts the opponent's will with a single glance. While preserving their self-awareness, it forces them to submit unconditionally to the user.]

Each time Setsuna activated Huangenzun, she consumed a "Seed of Desire."

Before leaving Kirigakure, her ocular power allowed her to maintain up to twenty Seeds of Desire simultaneously.

(To permanently assimilate Yagura Karatachi, she had consumed ten seeds.)

Now, this number had increased to twenty-five.

Additionally, she discovered a new application of her ocular technique—implanting five Seeds of Desire, each infused with her "intent," into a target to create a semi-permanent avatar. This technique rendered the victim unable to resist for a short time. Only Setsuna herself could dispel the effect, retrieving both her intent and the Seeds of Desire.

Compared to permanent avatars, the semi-permanent version was more practical. Yet, to fulfill her vengeance, permanent avatars were indispensable.

Thinking about this, she instinctively glanced at the figure beside her.

Black Zetsu met Setsuna's gaze and chuckled darkly.

"Uchiha Obito would make an excellent choice. Is it your sentimentality for a fellow clansman that's holding you back, Lady Setsuna?"

"Actually, among the group of kids who defected from Kirigakure, there were a few decent candidates," he continued. "For instance, that little girl Terumi Mei—it's impressive she managed to notice something was off about the Fourth Mizukage. Tsk tsk..."

Setsuna snorted softly.

That Terumi Mei? She vaguely remembered her. Despite possessing two kekkei genkai, she was unremarkable in Setsuna's eyes.

Permanent avatars were a one-time deal, and Setsuna wanted only the best. In the end, her hatred outweighed any fleeting sentiments.

"Uchiha Obito it is," she said coolly. "Once I obtain the Rinnegan, I'll find a way to lure him out of Konoha."

Konoha was no Kirigakure. Charging in recklessly now would be suicide—just the Uchiha clan alone could smash her head in.

Black Zetsu nodded with a sly grin.

"Understood, Lady Setsuna."

...

Land of Fire – Konoha

After the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning signed a peace treaty, the shinobi world had quieted down once more. While covert conflicts persisted, on the surface, everything appeared calm. Even ANBU's missions had decreased significantly.

Obito, suddenly finding himself with too much free time, felt restless. He spent most days thinking of ways to stir things up and drive the plot forward.

That evening, after finishing his ANBU duties, Obito wandered aimlessly through the village streets. When he noticed the Hokage's office light still on, his curiosity was piqued.

"Huh? It's so late, why hasn't Minato-sensei gone home?" he wondered aloud.

The village had been peaceful recently. What could have kept Minato-sensei working overtime?

Intrigued, Obito hopped through the window into the Hokage's office.

Minato was rubbing his temples, lost in thought. When Obito suddenly appeared before him, a smile broke across his face.

"Oh, Obito. What brings you here?"

Obito grinned cheekily. "I was bored, so I thought I'd drop by. Sensei, is something troubling you?"

Minato chuckled and waved a hand dismissively.

"Not exactly troubling…" He gestured for Obito to sit.

"Naruto's about to graduate. I've been trying to decide who should be his team leader, but I can't seem to think of a suitable candidate. Since you're here, why don't you help me brainstorm?"

Obito plopped down beside Minato, nodding in understanding.

So that was it—Minato-sensei was stuck on this parental dilemma. It made sense. All parents wanted the best for their kids, after all.

This wasn't nepotism; this was… legacy building!

"Let me think," Obito said, rubbing his chin. After a moment, his eyes lit up.

"Sensei, how about Kakashi?"

Minato blinked in surprise. "Kakashi?"

Obito nodded enthusiastically. "There aren't many ANBU missions these days. Why not have him lead a team instead? His skills in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and tactics are top-notch. Plus, he's practically watched Naruto grow up. He'd be a perfect fit."

Minato's eyes brightened as he considered the suggestion. He hadn't thought of Kakashi before but quickly realized how ideal he was for the role. After weighing the pros and cons, he nodded with satisfaction.

"Kakashi is an excellent choice. Naruto will be in good hands."

After discussing the matter further, Obito left. Minato then opened a roster and began selecting teammates for Naruto.

"Naruto insists on being on the same team as Fugaku's son, hmm…"

Images of Uchiha Itachi filled Minato's mind. The boy was every bit as talented as his own son. His ability to master new jutsu rivaled Naruto's, and his maturity far exceeded that of his peers.

"Naruto would learn a lot from being on a team with him," Minato mused, writing Itachi's name beside Naruto's.

"But both of them are strong-willed, like Kakashi and Obito used to be. They'll need someone to balance them out…"

Recalling his students' younger days, Minato smiled fondly.

"A girl would be ideal. Let's see…"

He soon found the perfect candidate.

"Alright, this girl named Kokoro should do nicely."

While Minato carefully arranged his son's team, Naruto was wandering the quiet streets of the village. The night was cold and empty, with only the occasional passerby hurrying along.

With his hands in his pockets, Naruto hummed aimlessly as he strolled. Obito had taught him this "hobby" as a way to pass the time.

"Hmm?"

Naruto suddenly stopped. Under a dim streetlight not far ahead, a little girl was kneeling on the ground, crying silently.

Hands still in his pockets, Naruto swaggered over with a confident stride.

"Hey, little girl, what are you doing here? Why are you in a place like this?"

The girl looked up at him but said nothing. Her face was streaked with tears.

Naruto scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Come on, don't just cry. Where's your home?"

The girl shook her head vigorously, sniffling. "I… I…"

Naruto sighed, exasperated.

"Honestly, what a hassle," he muttered. Then, in a softer tone, he said, "Alright, come on."

Taking the girl's hand, he patiently began helping her look for her home.

Half an hour later, they stopped in front of an elegant mansion. The large gate bore the name "Hyūga" in bold characters.

Naruto tilted his head, confused.

"With a house this big, why were you crying?" he asked. "My dad's the Hokage, and our house isn't even half this size."

He crouched down to meet the girl's eyes.

"Promise me, no more crying, okay?"

The girl nodded earnestly, her innocent expression making Naruto laugh. He patted her head and grinned.

"Alright, see you around!"

With that, he swaggered away into the night. The girl watched his retreating figure, her large eyes blinking thoughtfully as if she were deep in thought.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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