Chapter 56: Preparations Complete!

Chapter 56: Preparations Complete!

Obito is truly a good person.

At least, that's what Haruta thought—and he wasn't wrong!

Even though that bastard had tried to screw him over, the benefits he had unintentionally provided were absolutely ridiculous.

Leaving aside the Wood Release Insight, just the huge influx of free points had made Haruta filthy rich in terms of power!

And to top it all off, Obito had shown up right when Haruta needed free points the most.

How could he not be thrilled?

---

"I'm upgrading Water Release!"

Without hesitation, Haruta mentally confirmed his request.

[Upgrade Complete]

[Haruta Shigaru]

Overall Physical Stats: Lv. 7

Chakra: Lv. 7

Abilities:

Flying Thunder God: Lv. 6

Water Release: Lv. 6

Earth Release: Lv. 6

Yang Release: Lv. 6

Remaining Free Points: 0

Looking at his updated stats, a grin spread across Haruta's face.

Three skills at Lv. 6—this was no small feat!

Even though he had plenty of other skills—some already at Lv. 5—getting these three to Lv. 6 meant he could finally begin testing something new.

---

"Wood Release..."

Wood Release was his key to deception and misdirection in the future.

Although, to be honest, the whole "Gundam battle" style of fighting was a bit outdated.

But in this era? "Gundams" were still completely unmatched!

**"My long-term goal is the fusion of Kekkei Mōra.

It's a slow process, but if I can pilot a 'Gundam' along the way, why not?"**

Haruta had a clear career plan—he knew exactly what he needed to do and how to do it.

As an ordinary person, his only path forward was to unlock more advanced Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Tōta.

There was no other choice.

Fortunately, he had confidence in himself—especially now that he had already seen the possibility of mastering Wood Release!

Now, all he needed was enough chakra, and he could begin his first experiment…

---

"We're here."

While lost in thought, Haruta was suddenly brought back to reality by Yugao, who spoke softly beside him.

With the meeting concluded, everyone had been dismissed.

Haruta had worked so ridiculously fast that for now, there weren't any immediate tasks left for them.

They obviously couldn't just charge straight into the Land of Water without any preparations.

That wouldn't be an investigation—that would be suicide.

However, after the group had split up, Haruta had insisted on escorting Yugao home—without giving her a chance to refuse.

She had wanted to protest, but Haruta's overwhelming enthusiasm made it impossible to argue.

Now that they had arrived, she felt like she needed to say something.

**"Next time, you don't have to walk me home.

I'm your senpai—I'm not as fragile as you think."**

"True… but if Uchiha Obito comes after you, even you might struggle to handle him, right?"

Haruta blinked playfully, and Yugao was instantly speechless.

She wanted to say that Obito would never come after her.

But after thinking about it… maybe it was better not to jinx it.

After all, Haruta hadn't done anything to provoke Obito either, yet he had still been ambushed and nearly framed!

Although she was also Shisui's teammate, just like Haruta…

The situation was uncertain.

---

"Alright, I get it. I'll head inside now."

Yugao pressed her lips together, hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke.

But Haruta didn't move—instead, he looked at her curiously.

"Aren't you going to invite me up for tea?"

"....."

Yugao froze, barely holding her composure.

Luckily, Haruta didn't push his luck.

Instead, he quickly pulled a kunai from his pouch and handed it to her.

**"Senpai, take this.

If anything happens, channel some chakra into it immediately—I'll come to you right away."**

Yugao hesitated briefly, then nodded and took the kunai.

She recognized it—it was a Flying Thunder God marker.

Having it would indeed make certain situations much easier to handle.

"Thanks. I'm going in now—you should head home too and get some rest!"

With that, Yugao turned and ran upstairs without looking back, not giving Haruta a chance to say another word.

Watching her flee, Haruta shook his head and chuckled.

"I'm still young, you know. Even if I went up for tea, I'd actually be drinking tea…"

---

As he turned away, Haruta walked down a quiet street, his mind already shifting gears.

After a few moments, he stopped in a deserted alley.

**"You've been following me for a while.

Are you finally going to show yourself?"**

"I was just trying not to interrupt you, Haruta."

A voice responded from the shadows.

Slowly, Kabuto Yakushi stepped out, his glasses catching a faint glint of light.

**"I must say, I didn't expect you to change so much after leaving Root.

Do you really like her that much?"**

"I've always been very accepting of people."

Haruta replied casually.

Though internally, he added: "As long as they're attractive women."

---

"So, what brings you here? Did Danzo assign me another mission?"

**"Yes.

He said there are no further developments in the Uchiha Obito case for now.

So, in the meantime, he wants you to handle the Sunagakure mission."**

Kabuto sighed, looking somewhat resigned.

Hearing this, Haruta almost rolled his eyes.

"That old bastard Danzo… he really treats people like disposable workhorses."

The Obito situation had barely wrapped up, and now Danzo was already throwing another mission at him.

Not even a moment to breathe.

If it weren't for the fact that Haruta still needed to maintain his official status in Konoha, he would have teleported over and assassinated Danzo on the spot.

---

**"Fine, I get it.

Are you coming with me this time?"**

Haruta asked after thinking for a moment.

**"Yes, he wants me to go with you.

But once the mission is complete… I won't be returning to Konoha."**

"What do you mean?"

Haruta narrowed his eyes, suddenly having a bad feeling.

"Wait… are you saying that afterward, you'll…"

"Yeah… you figured it out."

Kabuto let out a bitter smile.

But deep in his eyes, anger was already smoldering.

**"I followed your advice—I told Danzo I wanted to leave Root and reunite with my mother.

He refused.

And instead… he assigned me a new mission.

The destination?

Iwagakure."**

---

Meanwhile—Kirigakure, Mizukage's Office

"We can't deal with it yet, Obito."

Inside Kirigakure's Mizukage Tower, Black Zetsu regretfully shook his head and spoke calmly.

**"This type of sealing formula isn't easy to remove through normal means.

It's incredibly difficult—maybe I can study it further…

Or, you could try using White Zetsu."**

But using White Zetsu would mean scraping off part of his own flesh and replacing it with White Zetsu's body.

Even for a ninja, the pain of such a process was unimaginable.

Not to mention, he would have to readjust to his body again—even if it wouldn't be as bad as his initial recovery, it would still take time.

**"Tch.

If it can't be dealt with, then so be it.

I was hoping to have a 'chat' with that brat."**

Obito scowled, irritated to the extreme.

But in the end, he shook his head.

He would have his revenge.

It had been a long time since anyone had screwed him over this badly.

And the fact that Haruta recognized him just through logical deduction?

That actually intrigued him.

Even his former teacher hadn't figured it out.

"Well, do whatever you want, but I suggest you lay low for now."

Black Zetsu sighed.

"With this kind of loose end, is keeping a low profile really a good idea?"

But before they could continue—

A White Zetsu clone emerged from the ground.

"Obito, staying low might be… difficult."

"…What?"

Obito and Black Zetsu both frowned.

White Zetsu grinned.

"Because… your wanted poster is already everywhere!"

"…"

"…"

***

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