Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou [278]

Time flies. In just a few short years, the ninja world has undergone earth-shattering changes.

Konoha in particular has seen unprecedented development.

Especially with the mission to restore the Land of Whirlpools, the major ninja villages initially thought they were taking it seriously enough, secretly attempting to sabotage it. However, a few years later, they realized just how devious the Hokage of Konoha was.

At first, they thought the military development in the Land of Whirlpools was just Konoha absorbing wandering ninja clans to expand its influence.

But in only a few years, countless Kekkei Genkai ninjas from the Land of Water fled and joined Konoha. Even the defected White Rogue Ninjas from the split in the Hidden Cloud Village—seven or eight out of ten of them—ended up being drawn to Konoha.

On top of that, information leaked by spies revealed that the former hero of the Sand Village, Pakura, and the Kazekage's daughter, Temari, were now in Konoha.

At this moment, the major ninja villages were shocked to realize that Konoha wasn't just simply developing its military power; it was preparing for the next Great Ninja War.

...

In the Hidden Stone Village.

"The entire ninja world underestimated the ambition of this Hokage! His methods are even more ruthless than Tobirama Senju's!"

Ōnoki stared at the intelligence report in anger and shock, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

"The White Rogue Ninjas from the Hidden Cloud that defected have already integrated into Konoha over the years. If a ninja world war breaks out, these people will become the vanguard attacking the Land of Lightning.

And the Hidden Mist Village—are they out of their minds?! They pushed all their Kekkei Genkai ninjas away. What are they going to use to fight Konoha in the future? And don't even get me started on the Sand Village. They left such a huge weakness behind. Why didn't they just deliver two corpses over themselves…"

Ōnoki couldn't help but curse loudly. Only years later did they see through Konoha's sinister intentions.

The restoration of the Land of Whirlpools was just an excuse—it was nothing more than a forward military base designed to defend against the Hidden Mist Village.

And by using this as a pretext to attract ninjas and wandering families, Konoha arranged for their families to settle within the village. Over the years, these families had integrated into Konoha.

Even on the front lines, the bonds between these new recruits and Konoha ninjas had grown stronger through shared experiences and battles, forming deep connections.

By the time they realized this problem, it was already too late.

"Father, there are already over a hundred members of the Uzumaki Clan in Konoha, with more than a dozen of them being ninjas…"

Hearing his son Kitsuchi's report, Ōnoki's face grew even darker. He slammed the table in frustration and cursed:

"Idiots! Konoha used this restoration mission as a cover to completely deceive us. They've already rooted the Uzumaki Clan in Konoha. Forget about restoration! Even if they do restore the Land of Whirlpools, it'll still be Uchiha Shirou's country!"

Just as Ōnoki said, while the ninja world focused on the restoration of the Land of Whirlpools and sent people to disrupt it, they had already missed the best opportunity to sabotage it.

The ninjas and wandering clans that joined Konoha had already begun to integrate with the village.

"This is terrifying! Uchiha Shirou is even more devious than Tobirama Senju!"

Ōnoki's expression was extremely grim. While Kitsuchi also understood the situation, he thought his father was overly worried.

"Father, Konoha's actions have already alarmed the major ninja villages. While they've grown stronger, we've also been preparing for this."

"Preparations? What do you know?!"

Ōnoki glared at his son, clearly dissatisfied.

"Konoha now has the four major Kekkei Genkai clans: Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, and Uzumaki. They've also absorbed the Yuki Clan and Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku survivors from the Land of Water. Not to mention the Fūma Clan and Tsuchigumo Clan of secret techniques…"

The more he spoke, the darker Ōnoki's expression became. His voice grew hoarse as he continued:

"Konoha is too cunning. The Hidden Mist Village drove out their Yuki Clan and Kaguya Clan Kekkei Genkai users. Konoha secretly took them in, including their elderly, women, and children. It might not seem significant now, but in just ten years, they'll become a powerful force!"

"This ninja world has truly changed!"

At this point, Ōnoki revealed an unprecedented sense of fatigue. Konoha's growth was visible to the naked eye, while his village remained stagnant.

It wasn't just his village that was falling behind. Even their allied villages were disappointing—each one worse than the last.

The Hidden Cloud Village had exiled its White Ninjas, effectively severing an arm. The Hidden Mist Village was even more ridiculous. The war had ended, and instead of focusing on development, they were busy killing each other internally.

The Sand Village had lost its reputation, leading to a sharp decline in mission assignments. After all, a village that could coldly abandon its daughter and betray its heroes couldn't be expected to hold much credibility.

Even though the Sand Village had publicly explained the situation, some stains could never be fully washed away.

Thinking about their unreliable allies, Ōnoki was overwhelmed with frustration. None of them were dependable.

"Contact the brat from the Hidden Cloud. At least the Hidden Cloud Village is developing steadily right now. Bring the Sand Village into the fold as well. We need to unite and focus on economic growth."

As for the Hidden Mist Village's isolationist policies in recent years, even Ōnoki couldn't help but feel helpless. He wondered if their Mizukage had lost their mind.

"Yes!"

Under immense pressure, the three major villages began setting aside their differences, forming secret alliances, and prioritizing economic recovery through trade.

...

In Konoha.

At the ninja academy's training ground, an eight-year-old Uchiha Sasuke was sweating profusely as he practiced shuriken techniques. Beside him was the golden-haired Uzumaki Naruto.

"Sasuke! I won't lose to you!"

Unlike his usual hot-headed and impulsive behavior, Naruto was now calmer. His confident smile mirrored Sasuke's, showing a sense of composure and determination.

This newfound confidence stemmed from their respective families.

Watching the young students training in the academy, Uchiha Shirou smiled in satisfaction.

Nearby, countless parents were also watching.

"Go for it!"

"That blonde-haired, fair-skinned girl is incredible."

"Look over there—it's the Senju and Uzumaki kids…"

Amid the cheerful atmosphere of the academy, Uchiha Shirou sat among the parents on the stone steps, smiling as he observed.

"Minato, it seems you've done a great job teaching Naruto."

Beside him, Namikaze Minato responded with a humble smile.

"Hokage-sama, I've been busy with missions. It's thanks to you that Naruto has done so well."

"Don't be so modest. I didn't teach him theory, yet Naruto scored full marks on his theory exams."

Without the influence of kyuubi's impulsive chakra, the young Naruto now had a composed smile, his blue eyes reflecting a calm determination.

"Move aside! I'm the number one here!"

A domineering voice echoed across the training ground, causing many students to pale. Even Naruto and Sasuke quickly stood aside.

A young girl with long hair, red lips, and a bold demeanor strode forward. Despite her age, her commanding presence made her the undisputed queen of the academy.

"Step aside! Lady Hinata is coming!"

The arrival of the domineering Hyuga Hinata caused a stir, leaving many in awe. Among the observing parents, many turned their gazes toward Hyuga Hiashi, who was usually known for his strict adherence to etiquette.

At this moment, Hiashi's face turned red with embarrassment. He wished he could find a hole to crawl into.

Beside him, Hyuga Hizashi smirked in rare amusement.

"Big brother, it seems Hinata has been taught very well, huh?"

With this teasing remark, Hyuga Hiashi felt utterly embarrassed. However, at that moment, Hanabi, standing beside him, excitedly shouted out.

"Wow! Big sister is first place again—so amazing!"

The queen of the Ninja Academy, whether in combat or theory, was always number one. Especially when everyone watched with wide eyes as the eldest Hyuga daughter demonstrated her shuriken skills.

With overwhelming strength, she directly obliterated the targets previously hit by Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. The kunai and shuriken scattered all over the ground.

"Hey, hey, do you two have any objections?!"

After finishing her impressive feat, under the astonished murmurs of the crowd, Hyuga Hinata glared at Naruto and Sasuke. The two were so frightened that they shook their heads frantically like rattles.

Watching this unfold, Namikaze Minato gave an awkward smile—his son seemed genuinely intimidated.

"Hyuga Hiashi's daughter is incredible, first place again."

Hearing this, Hiashi lowered his head even more in embarrassment. What a disgrace! When Hinata came back, he hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed his daughter, and glared at her with his Byakugan.

"Didn't I tell you to tone it down? How are others supposed to view our Hyuga clan if you act like this?"

"Annoying old man!"

Hinata glared at her father. Despite her young age, her rebellious nature was evident from the inside out.

"I got first place, didn't I? What's the big deal?"

"You!" Hiashi's eyes widened at his daughter's defiance.

"Big sister, even Lord Hokage is praising you!"

Hanabi, who greatly admired her older sister, eagerly chimed in. Upon hearing this, Hinata's expression instantly changed.

She zipped up her jacket, wiped her lips, and adjusted her tied-up ponytail. In Hiashi's eyes, his rebellious daughter had suddenly transformed into the obedient girl he'd always dreamed of.

"Ho-Hokage-sama is here?"

Hinata immediately looked around, her face lighting up with excitement when she finally spotted him.

Watching this, Hiashi could only shake his head and sigh helplessly. He had hoped to instill discipline in his eldest daughter, but judging by her behavior, it seemed hopeless.

Uchiha Shirou, observing this different side of Hinata, narrowed his eyes and smiled.

This world seemed slightly different because of his influence. A domineering Hinata? If not for the fact that the changes in others were minor, he might have thought this was a completely different world.

"Wow, it's Lord Hokage!"

The students of the Ninja Academy shouted excitedly, and Shirou smiled as well.

In today's Konoha, Uchiha Shirou, the current Hokage, was seen as a heroic figure. He frequently gave speeches at the academy, spreading the true meaning of the Will of Fire.

At the same time, he observed how children from outside Konoha were integrating into the village, which made the Ninja Academy the most enthusiastic place in the village.

"It seems Hokage-sama is very popular."

Amidst the cheers and laughter, a shadowy figure appeared, causing Shirou to frown and leave the scene.

Meanwhile, Hinata, who had been paying close attention, furrowed her brows and then turned around, hands on her hips. Looking every bit like the boss of the academy, she confidently strode over to Naruto and Sasuke.

"Blondie, and you, Second Pillar, did you mention me to Hokage-sama?!"

Faced with Hinata's intimidating presence—especially her terrifying strength and appetite—Naruto reluctantly replied, "Um, I'm not called Blondie."

"And I'm not called Second Pillar!"

Both Naruto and Sasuke protested. However, Hinata raised an eyebrow and asked curiously:

"Aren't you blond? And didn't Hokage-sama and your brother both call you Second Pillar?"

Damn it!

With a single statement, both Naruto and Sasuke were left speechless. Sasuke, in particular, looked utterly defeated.

That nickname, "Second Pillar," coined by Shirou, had become his most embarrassing memory.

"Wow! Did you guys notice? Sasuke looks so much like Hokage-sama."

"Yeah, Hokage-sama is so handsome!"

Amid the excited chatter, veins popped on Hinata's forehead. She activated her Byakugan and stormed over to Haruno Sakura, who was cheering the loudest.

"Haruno Sakura! If you dare have any thoughts about Hokage-sama, I'll take you out!"

The pink-haired, adorable Sakura turned pale with fear under Hinata's threat. After all, Hinata was the queen of the academy.

"N-No, I was just saying Sasuke looks like Hokage-sama!"

The other girls quickly nodded in agreement, vowing they had no ulterior motives.

"Yeah, we were just saying Sasuke and Hokage-sama look alike!"

Hearing this, Hinata appeared thoughtful. She stared at Sasuke, and for once, her fiery temper seemed to subside.

The next moment, Hinata walked over to Sasuke with a smile, patted him on the shoulder, and said:

"Second Pillar, if Blondie ever bullies you, or if you can't beat him, just come to future step mom for help."

"Who can't beat Naruto?!"

Sasuke's eyes widened in indignation. How could she say that?

He completely ignored the last part of her statement.

"Good, then don't disgrace Lord Shirou's name."

Hinata smiled approvingly, patted Sasuke's shoulder, and walked away. Naruto, watching this, was dumbfounded.

"Sasuke, we'd better stay on Hinata-boss's good side—her strength is terrifying."

"Wait! What did she just say?!"

Sasuke suddenly realized something and turned to Naruto, looking for confirmation.

Naruto scratched the back of his head and said hesitantly, "She said if you can't beat me, you should ask her for help?"

"No! The last part!"

"Uh… something about…?"

Sasuke's face turned pale, and Naruto's eyes widened as if they'd uncovered a shocking secret.

"Sasuke, don't tell me—"

"You idiot!" Sasuke nearly exploded from frustration. This wasn't the point!

Even so, the repeated comments planted seeds of doubt in Sasuke's mind.

...

At the Root Base.

"Hoho, Shirou-kun, the Dragon Vein has shown some energy fluctuations. According to the reports, it should happen within the next few days. If our calculations are correct, the time flow between the two worlds is different.

In simple terms, crossing over from that world to this one takes only a moment, but for us, it takes several days..."

Orochimaru's raspy laughter echoed as he spoke, monitoring the energy waves from the ruins of Roran's Dragon Vein on a complex instrument.

After hearing this, Shirou revealed a smile.

"Has it finally arrived? No wonder the bait I planted only moved now—it turns out it's a matter of the flow of time."