Chapter 58: You Are the Best Match for the Two of Them

Chapter 58: You Are the Best Match for the Two of Them

"Intermarriage!? What does that mean?"

Katsuragi feigned ignorance, looking innocently at the Third Hokage. How could he not know that the Hyuga clan, much like the Uchiha clan of old, arranged marriages within the clan to preserve their bloodline limits.

"Hmph! When I become the strongest ninja, forget about clan internal or external issues. Besides..."

Katsuragi had his own plans in mind.

Actually, it wasn't without precedent; hadn't Naruto managed to break such restrictions in the original story? So, as long as one was powerful enough, nothing was impossible.

Even childbirth could be managed alone with sufficient strength; just look at Orochimaru and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—prime examples.

The Third looked at Katsuragi, who seemed genuinely confused, and was at a loss for words. He didn't believe for a second that Katsuragi didn't understand what he meant. From what he had observed covertly, Katsuragi knew plenty!

However, the Third didn't say much more, feeling that Katsuragi simply didn't want to accept this fact.

"In any case, it's not possible. Hinata has other arrangements!" The Third considered the special reconnaissance team he had initially planned and ultimately shook his head, dismissing Katsuragi's suggestion.

More importantly, he still felt that Katsuragi was the best fit to bring Naruto and Sasuke together. No one else could achieve the same effect.

"But..."

Seeing the Third's firm tone, Katsuragi wasn't sure what to say.

"What about the extra person? How does Lord Third plan to handle that?"

Moreover, Katsuragi had another reason for not wanting to join Team 7; he still couldn't guarantee Sasuke wouldn't defect later. Sasuke's obsession with Itachi was so deep that Katsuragi felt nothing could change his mind unless he revealed the truth about the matter.

If Sasuke did defect in the future, he certainly wouldn't chase him until the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War like Naruto and Sakura did.

"Why don't you want to be in the same team with them?"

Seeing Katsuragi's persistent questioning, the Third frowned, unable to understand why Katsuragi was reacting this way. Was it just because of Hinata?

If that was really the case, the Third felt it might be time to reassess his judgment of Katsuragi.

"Why?"

Katsuragi was taken aback, then fell silent in thought. Aside from really wanting to be on the same team as Hinata, the biggest reason might be that he didn't want to change the original storyline.

Although he seemed strong now, he was only strong compared to his peers and average ninjas. Against any member of the Akatsuki, he doubted he could prevail, so he didn't want to mess with the plot he knew so well.

Observing Katsuragi's contemplative expression, the Third felt that Katsuragi might be keeping some secrets he wasn't aware of. After taking a couple of puffs from his pipe, the Third finally sighed and said, "Katsuragi, I know you're a sensible kid."

"But you're also aware of the issues with Naruto and Sasuke. Besides you, no one else could probably get along with them as teammates."

"So do an old man a favor, will you?"

Truth be told, even if Katsuragi was reluctant, the decision was ultimately up to the Third. If not for the policies of Konoha and the Third's ideology, there wouldn't be so much discussion.

"Is there really no other choice but me, Lord Third?"

Katsuragi looked up, seriously considering the Third. Although Sakura was not very useful in the early stages, she did grow significantly later on when everyone was 'powering up'.

Looking at the earnest Katsuragi, the Third didn't want to deceive him and sighed before answering, "There is another girl who I think is as smart as you, but after much consideration, you are the best fit."

"Is it Sakura?" Katsuragi guessed.

"Yes?" The Third was surprised by Katsuragi's guess and then responded appreciatively, "Not bad, how did you guess?"

"Naruto's crush on Sakura is well-known, and since Sakura likes Sasuke, I couldn't think of any other girl who would have a connection with the two of them."

"Besides, Sakura can also stimulate their competitive spirit. Naruto likes Sakura and Sakura likes Sasuke, so Naruto will definitely want to surpass Sasuke in front of her, while Sasuke doesn't want to lose to Naruto, thus pushing himself even harder."

Katsuragi explained his reasoning, though he omitted the most crucial reason: he was a man who had followed hundreds of episodes of Naruto and was well aware of these details.

"You're truly the top student in your grade!"

The Third nodded in satisfaction. Although it was a simple deduction, if he had asked anyone else in Katsuragi's class, probably only Shikamaru could have guessed it.

"However, if we replace Sakura with you, the effect would be similar."

The Third continued to explain as he smoked, "You and Naruto have known each other since childhood, almost like childhood sweethearts, right?"

"No, I don't have that kind of childhood sweetheart!" Katsuragi quickly objected before the Third could finish; his only childhood sweetheart was Hinata.

The Third didn't pay heed to Katsuragi's objection and continued, "So, you guys working together on missions would certainly go smoothly..."

"Who says? He's so dumb; he would definitely affect me!" Katsuragi tried to resist.

"Shut up and listen to me!" The Third, usually patient, could no longer tolerate Katsuragi's interruptions. He glared at Katsuragi and continued, "Sasuke is naturally proud and aloof, and with the tragedy in his family, he has no friends other than you."

"Half the girls in the class want to be his friend..."

Katsuragi muttered quietly.

The Third pretended not to hear and sighed, "And you are the only one in the class whose grades can surpass his, so in terms of competition, you have more of an advantage over Sakura."

Katsuragi felt a chill hearing this. Recalling Sakura's role in the original series, it seemed she was mostly there to spice things up between the two boys?

"Considering everything, I still think you are the most suitable person for them."

Hearing this conclusion, Katsuragi was somewhat at a loss for words, sensing a definite "malice" in the Third's words.

"What about Sakura then?"

Katsuragi asked. Sakura was also a crucial character throughout Naruto, and in the original story, she also took on the hope of continuing the Uchiha lineage, although it seemed that role had now fallen to Naruto.

Upon hearing Katsuragi's question, the Third appeared puzzled, then scrutinized Katsuragi more closely, wondering if Katsuragi also had feelings for this girl.

"She has her own arrangements!"

The Third didn't elaborate much, simply saying before standing to leave, "Alright, it's getting late, I should head back. Don't spread what we discussed today!"

"Wait, Lord Third!"

As the Third prepared to leave, Katsuragi hesitated but still called out to him. Wanting to avoid being constrained by the team dynamics, he asked, "Is there any chance for a four-person team?"

"Actually, I think I've far surpassed them in skill. Being on a team with them might not be motivating; it could actually be demoralizing!"

Katsuragi decided to reveal some of his strength to resolve the issue and also wanted to showcase his abilities to prepare for openly using his shikigami powers in the future.

End of chapter 58