Chapter 9: The Plan
Chapter 9: The Plan
Kushina Uzumaki visited Chiba in his hospital room.
Although Chiba was still unconscious, his mind was fully aware.
He could hear every word Kushina Uzumaki spoke clearly.
When Chiba heard that Kushina had made up her mind and was willing to be friends with him despite everyone's disdain, his heart raced uncontrollably.
It was a terrible feeling—it was the feeling of falling for someone.
Aside from the four years of happy life with his parents, Kushina Uzumaki was the first person to show him genuine kindness.
Since Kushina Uzumaki had made such a resolution, Chiba had no reason to refuse her.
Chiba began contemplating his future plans.
From Chiba's understanding, to gain Witness Points, he needed to witness significant events and people in the ninja world, which would earn him these points.
Kushina Uzumaki was an extremely important figure in the ninja world.
After all, the future ninja world revolved around Naruto Uzumaki.
This meant that by aligning himself with Kushina Uzumaki early on, Chiba could gain a significant amount of Witness Points.
However, if Chiba's guess was correct, then from the moment Kushina entered Konoha, she had already fallen into a trap set by the village.
If Chiba wanted to be friends with Kushina Uzumaki, he had to change her fate.
If he succeeded, Kushina wouldn't die, but Naruto would also never be born, which would result in Chiba losing a major source of Witness Points.
Yet Witness Points were crucial for Chiba's future standing in the ninja world.
Originally, Chiba planned to stay in Konoha temporarily, leave after the Nine-Tails Incident, and then gain Witness Points through Naruto once he became a Genin.
But now that plan was no longer feasible.
Chiba had to adjust his plans, prepare to leave Konoha earlier, witness other events, and gather as many Witness Points as possible.
Another thing Chiba needed to consider was the Nine-Tails.
If Kushina was willing to become the host for the Nine-Tails, then he wouldn't need to worry about it.
But if Kushina was unwilling, Chiba would need to prepare for that possibility.
Having a friend who was willing to endure everyone's disdain was rare, and Chiba had to live up to Kushina's resolution.
At that moment, the system's voice suddenly echoed in Chiba's mind.
[Host, please note that obtaining Witness Points is not solely about witnessing specific events.]
Chiba, puzzled, asked, "What do you mean?"
[Witness Points can be obtained by witnessing any event that affects the ninja world, not just those major events you remember.
For example, if you unilaterally declare war on Konoha, you will not gain Witness Points because you lack the power to challenge Konoha, and Konoha would not take you seriously.
However, if you are powerful and Konoha sees you as a major threat, this would be considered an event, and you would earn Witness Points.
Moreover, since you participated in this event, you will also receive a substantial amount of Witness Points once the event concludes.]
Chiba's excitement surged as he exclaimed, "So, I can earn Witness Points on my own!?"
[That's one way to look at it, but there is something you need to be aware of: some major events are bound to happen.]
Chiba's excitement faded immediately, replaced by a serious expression. "So, Naruto's birth is inevitable?"
[Correct. But this person may not necessarily be the Naruto Uzumaki you remember.]
Chiba pondered the system's words, murmuring, "So, Naruto will be born, but he might not be Kushina's child. Perhaps it will be someone else's child who will take on Naruto's role, right?"
[Your understanding is correct.]
Chiba fell into deep thought.
This could actually be good news for him. With major events set to occur regardless, he didn't need to force anything. He could accumulate Witness Points naturally.
Now, he only needed to follow the plan, build up his strength, and help Kushina change her fate.
With this realization, Chiba felt much lighter and began to look forward to the future with renewed hope.
Kushina Uzumaki was still chatting with Chiba, sharing stories about her recent days.
For some reason, everything Kushina said now tugged at Chiba's heartstrings.
When Kushina mentioned a group of kids who had tried to pick a fight with her, Chiba felt a surge of anger.
But when she recounted how she had defeated the kids and made them beg for mercy, Chiba felt immense joy.
"Alright, Chiba, it's getting late. I need to head back; otherwise, Grandma Mito will worry. I hope we meet at the ninja school tomorrow, not the hospital. See you tomorrow."
After Kushina bid farewell, Chiba silently said in his heart, "See you tomorrow, Kushina."
Once Kushina left, Chiba was eager to wake up and meet her at the ninja school the next day.
Perhaps driven by Chiba's strong desire, his fingers twitched slightly.
Feeling his fingers move, Chiba was filled with joy.
He focused on regaining control over his body.
After his fingers, it was his toes, then his arms, thighs, and neck...
Gradually, Chiba regained control over his body and finally opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw was the blinding light of the bulb, causing him to close his eyes reflexively.
Chiba felt his body—aching and sore, indicating he had not fully recovered.
When he reopened his eyes, he noticed some movement outside the window.
Turning his gaze to the window, he saw the branches of a tree swaying.
"Anbu?"
Chiba's expression grew somber.
He was well aware that the damage caused by his Thunder Breathing sword technique in the forest would likely attract Sarutobi Hiruzen's attention.
Therefore, he wasn't surprised by the Anbu's surveillance.
Chiba speculated that after his discharge, Sarutobi Hiruzen would summon him to question how he had caused such destruction in the forest.
What surprised Chiba was that, half an hour later, Sarutobi Hiruzen himself came to visit him in the hospital room.
When Chiba saw Sarutobi Hiruzen, he was momentarily stunned.
In Chiba's view, while causing such destruction at his age was a bit outrageous, it seemed excessive for Hiruzen to personally visit someone he typically ignored.