Chapter 78. Secretly assassinating

Konoha Village hummed with life as the day's classes at the Konoha Ninja School ended.

Naruto's routine remained under the vigilant watch of the ANBU directly reporting to the Hokage.

Despite the constant surveillance, Naruto's actions showed nothing unusual.

Recently, Naruto and Sasuke had grown closer, with Sasuke being escorted home every day.

Today was no different; the two friends chatted and laughed their way to the Uchiha clan compound.

The ANBU, bound by the Third Hokage's order to avoid entering the Uchiha clan's territory, could only watch in confusion.

To their relief, Naruto didn't linger during these visits.

After seeing Sasuke safely into the Uchiha compound, he quickly exited within a few minutes.

Once home, Naruto diligently tackled his homework and engaged in some training, leaving the ANBU with a sense of reassurance.

However, what they were unaware of was...

...

Uchiha Clan Land.

"Ah..."

"Hey..."

Over ten Narutos energetically wielded balloons filled with water, shaping them into various forms.

Sasuke sprinted across the courtyard pond, stopping abruptly on the opposite side before dashing back and forth.

After several rounds of intense training, Sasuke eventually collapsed from exhaustion.

Glancing at the Naruto clones engaged in water polo not far away, a hint of envy flickered in Sasuke's eyes.

However, he swiftly redirected his focus toward the water.

In the pond, a tomoe slowly revolved within Sasuke's eyes. A smile played on his lips before he resumed his training after a brief rest.

Fugaku, observing from a vantage point with crossed arms, admired the progress of the two.

Natsuki's wisdom shone through. not only is Sasuke so talented, but Naruto has also grown up quickly under the guidance of his talent.

Sasuke, at the age of 9, had already unlocked the Sharingan, a feat comparable to Itachi's achievements during wartime.

Fugaku, Sasuke's father, attributed this early success entirely to Natsuki.

Without his guidance on Sharingan and how to stimulate it, Sasuke wouldn't have awakened his eyes at such a young age.

Before leaving, Natsuki provided Fugaku with detailed training plans for both Sasuke and Naruto.

He entrusted him with supervising their training.

Considering the Third Hokage's watchful eye on Naruto and Naruto's unique characteristics, Natsuki specifically instructed Fugaku to teach Naruto the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.

As part of the plan, Naruto would attend school with Sasuke during the day and then join his shadow clone at the Uchiha clan compound for additional training while the main body returned home.

Initially skeptical, Sasuke couldn't believe Naruto could master a B-level ninjutsu so quickly.

However, to Sasuke's surprise, Naruto effortlessly learned the Multi Shadow Clone jutsu, instantly creating dozens of clones with no side effects.

Witnessing Naruto's rapid growth, Sasuke couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy.

Sasuke, eager to learn the jutsu like Naruto, pleaded with Fugaku to teach him.

Fugaku, recognizing the potential dangers, sternly refused, emphasizing that only Naruto possessed the unique ability to use multi shadow clones in such a manner.

Undeterred, Sasuke persisted, believing he could easily master the jutsu.

Uchiha Mikoto, Sasuke's mother, eventually gave in to his pleas and secretly provided him with the scroll.

Sasuke, confident in his abilities, spent a week learning it.

Upon successfully creating a shadow clone, Sasuke was initially disappointed by its limited quantity.

However, realizing the doubled training efficiency, he became excited.

Sasuke completed the training tasks and even exceeded them with his avatar.

Despite Fugaku's silent observation, when the shadow clone eventually disappeared, Sasuke fell into a coma, taking two full days to recover.

Awakening with a buzzing sensation in his brain, Sasuke realized the importance of understanding one's strengths and not recklessly pursuing strength.

Reflecting on Natsuki's teachings about control, Sasuke recognized his arrogance and, feeling embarrassed, went to apologize to Fugaku for his behavior.

Fugaku teasingly remarked to Sasuke with a grin, "Natsuki was right. If you have some ability or have learned something, you will definitely become arrogant."

"The reason why your mother gave you the scroll was to see if you knew anything about yourself."

"You really don't know how high the sky is, and you insist on comparing yourself with others when you see them."

"Have I ever said that Naruto has a special physique and only he can learn multi shadow clones now? What about you, why don't you obey?"

"Natsuki said that if you see what Naruto can do, you will definitely want to learn it as soon as possible. Regardless of whether it is suitable or not, he really expected it."

Sasuke, red-faced and flustered, stuttered, "Did Natsuki-sensei actually expect this?"

"Your teacher is sharp. When planning your training plan, he anticipated your reactions. You tend to neglect your needs like eating or resting unless faced with a challenge."

"You won't learn without facing setbacks. Now, do you see that the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu isn't your best fit?"

Angry and blushing, Sasuke lowered his head, unable to retort.

Fugaku originally considered stopping but recalled Natsuki's analysis of Sasuke's traits.

He continued comparing Naruto and Sasuke.

"Boasting about excelling in academics isn't an accomplishment."

"You've had a privileged education; Naruto didn't. Your foundation should be stronger, not something to be proud of."

"Naruto takes care of all the food, clothing, housing, and transportation by himself. You don't have to cook, your clothes are washed."

"You spend a lot of time practicing ninjutsu and shuriken throwing every day. You are better than others, isn't that right?"

"Naruto wields wind attributes and masters wind escape. Can you? It's a competition..."

Fugaku, channeling his inner strict dad, reduced Sasuke to nothing.

In the end, Sasuke tearfully admitted his mistake. As he looked up, he noticed him quietly activating the Sharingan.

However, before he could revel in this development, Sasuke collapsed, unconscious.

Upon waking up, Sasuke realized that despite the joy of unlocking the Sharingan, he had cleared his previous arrogance.

Following Natsuki's crafted training plan, Fugaku guided Sasuke through his exercises diligently.

The intense training sessions Sasuke engaged in were all stepping stones for his future instruction in the Chidori.

Undoubtedly, Chidori was the most fitting choice for Sasuke's lightning attribute.

Natsuki aspired for Sasuke to master Chidori swiftly, paving the way for Sasuke to embark on the path of developing Lightning Release.

Interestingly, Chidori had a history within the Uchiha family, a gift from Kakashi himself.

This contribution came about when Konoha invested significant resources in Obito's Sharingan.

Voluntarily, Kakashi handed over the Chidori to the Uchiha clan.

...

Within the Uchiha clan's domain:

"Fugaku-sama!"

Hitoki entered with urgent news, "Hizashi-sama's position has been replaced by the Hyuga clan."

"He also sent this letter," He continued, handing over a letter from Hizashi.

Fugaku, intrigued, opened it to find an apology from Hizashi.

The third Hokage had struck a deal with the clan elders to enable this change, warning Fugaku to be vigilant.

Fugaku furrowed his brow. Was the Hokage creating a move?

Before he could ponder further, another Uchiha entered to deliver a report.

"Fugaku-sama, all members of our security team on Eighth Street have been replaced."