Chapter 241: Lord Tsuchikage, You Don’t Want Anything to Happen to Your Granddaughter, Do You?

When Shūichi found Shisui, the latter was training with Uchiha Itachi—or more accurately, teaching him.

Leaning against a tree trunk, Shūichi quietly observed. He had to admit, the young Itachi was rather adorable.

Moreover, he should technically be at the ninja academy right now.

It seemed he was using a Shadow Clone to attend classes in his place.

After about half an hour, Shisui had Itachi continue practicing on his own and approached Shūichi. "What brings you here?"

Shūichi smiled. "Even I need a breather sometimes."

Shisui, perceptive as ever, chuckled. "It's a mission, isn't it?"

He knew his friend well—an obsessive training and research fanatic, surpassing anyone else in the village in his dedication.

"Indeed, a mission—to Iwagakure, to meet with the Third Tsuchikage."

Shūichi appeared relaxed. "But I'll leave tomorrow."

Shisui's expression turned serious. "The Third Tsuchikage, a wielder of Dust Release… He must be incredibly formidable, right?"

Shūichi thought for a moment. "In terms of raw ability, yes. But from a combat perspective, every jutsu has its flaws—it's all about exploiting them."

"For example, the Fourth Raikage's Lightning Release is so fast that even Sharingan users struggle to evade it. But if you use Susanoo defensively, you can find the right moment—one genjutsu is enough to take him down."

After all, the Fourth Raikage was taken out by Madara Uchiha in an instant.

And when it came to genjutsu prowess, Shisui was undoubtedly superior to Madara.

At that moment, Itachi ran over from the training field and respectfully greeted him. "Lord Shūichi!"

Shūichi reached out and ruffled Itachi's hair with a smile. "It seems Shisui wasn't exaggerating—you truly are a genius. At your age, I couldn't have used a Shadow Clone to attend classes!"

Itachi smiled shyly.

Shūichi didn't treat him like a mere child. After all, this was someone who had gone to war at four years old and had been praised for having the mindset of a Hokage. He said with a smile, "Shisui must have taught you everything about the Sharingan, right?"

Itachi glanced at Shisui and nodded. "Shisui has already taught me."

Shūichi nodded approvingly. "Physical training goes without saying… As for the accumulation of mental strength…"

"First, it's tied to the body—perseverance and willpower. Every time you push through training, every time you surpass your limits, it's a transformation of your mental fortitude."

"Second, it's about will itself—an inner strength. This requires you to set goals and build this positive force bit by bit by achieving them. I call it 'positive energy.'"

"Beyond setting goals, the key is this: find your own ninja way!"

Ninja way?

Itachi had heard this term many times before. "Lord Shūichi, what do you think a ninja way is?"

Shūichi smiled. "One's way of living is one's ninja way."

"Every word and action you take is part of your ninja way."

"The path you walk is your ninja way."

This response was clearly not what Itachi expected.

What his father and Shisui had told him differed from Shūichi's perspective.

His father had said that as an Uchiha, his ninja way was to uphold the clan's honor and bring greatness to the Uchiha name.

Itachi found this view too narrow-minded.

Shisui had told him that a ninja was an unsung guardian who protected their village and loved ones from the shadows.

This resonated with him, and he had intended to adopt it as his principle as a ninja.

But now, Itachi realized—

Whether it was his father's belief or Shisui's, these were their ninja ways.

Each person had their own path!

Seeing the understanding dawn on Itachi's face, Shūichi couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This guy really is a genius.

Another kid might not have understood a word.

Let's just hope he doesn't stray down the wrong path.

Patting Itachi on the shoulder, Shūichi smiled. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"Everyone starts as a child, gradually gaining strength and maturing into an adult."

"Even a dam is built brick by brick."

"Goals are achieved one step at a time—nobody succeeds in a single leap."

"Even when it looks like an overnight success, it's the result of hidden effort."

Itachi nodded thoughtfully. "It's like awakening the Sharingan—gaining and losing it seems instantaneous, but the process of gaining it was already a form of accumulation."

"It's just unfortunate that it's a flawed method."

Shūichi shook his head slightly. "I wouldn't call it flawed."

Itachi looked at him, confused, then glanced at Shisui.

Shisui also turned to Shūichi, waiting for his explanation.

Shūichi explained, "People have emotions and desires. You can't completely detach yourself and avoid experiencing them."

"Once you gain something, losing it is often beyond your control."

Shisui sighed inwardly. This explains why Shūichi has such immense strength yet remains so dedicated to training. This is his ninja way…

Unifying the ninja world is just one of many steps toward achieving it.

Meanwhile, Itachi was shaken.

Shūichi smiled. "It's harsh, isn't it?"

Itachi nodded silently.

Shūichi ruffled his hair again. "But that's also why humanity has become the dominant force in this world."

"Even when faced with harsh realities, we strive to overcome them!"

"The Sharingan reflects one's soul. Many call it a cursed eye, but I see it as a blessed eye—one that transforms loss and pain into the power to confront reality, carrying the blessings of those who have passed."

"The key is how you control and use it—don't let it control you."

"That's why awakening the Sharingan through loss isn't a flawed method. Not just because it's unavoidable, but because the true question is whether you rely on it!"

Itachi seemed deep in thought, while Shisui smiled.

Shūichi added a simple analogy: "A knife is used for killing, but does that make the knife evil?"

"Don't resist it."

"But don't depend on it either."

"The most important thing…"

He tapped Itachi's chest. "Is your heart."

"With the right understanding and the right path, every step you take builds your strength—naturally."

"That's how Shisui awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan."

"As for the Eternal Mangekyō… You might be the first to achieve it."

Itachi nodded firmly. "Lord Shūichi, Shisui, I'll do my best!"

Shūichi smiled. "Alright, you two carry on. I'm off."

And with that, he disappeared.

---

The next morning, Shisui was already waiting outside Shūichi's house, as usual.

After breakfast, Shūichi bid farewell to Yakushi Nonō and Asuka with a warm hug before leaving the house. Accompanied by Uchiha Shisui, he used the Body Flicker Technique to swiftly depart the village.

The day before, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already led a group of Konoha shinobi toward Kusagakure in the Land of Grass.

With his abundant chakra reserves, Shūichi transported himself and Shisui straight to the Land of Earth in one burst. Using the Ultralight-Weight Rock Technique and Heavy-Weight Rock Technique, they flew high above the ground, eventually arriving outside Iwagakure.

After a brief wait, White Zetsu—wearing his Tobi persona—emerged from the ground. "Lord Shūichi, we've located the Jinchūriki of the Five-Tails."

Shūichi gave a slight nod and then created a Wood Clone.

The Wood Clone said, "I'll handle it first," and promptly vanished.

Meanwhile, Shūichi's main body and Shisui waited until White Zetsu submerged back into the earth and approached the Five-Tails Jinchūriki before making their next move.

---

Inside Iwagakure.

Leaning casually against a tree, Shūichi watched a group of children playing nearby, a faint smile on his lips.

One of the children, a short-haired, dirt-covered girl who looked no older than three or four, stood out. Despite her young age, she exuded the commanding presence of a "big sister" as she led the other children in a game where she played the role of the Fourth Tsuchikage.

"Ah, so this is that legendary little darling," Shūichi mused, recognizing her.

This tiny commander was none other than Kurotsuchi, the future "Yondaime Tsuchikage."

Shūichi regretted not bringing a camera. This scene would've been perfect for blackmail someday.

Fourth Tsuchikage, you wouldn't want the world to know...

The thought made him smirk, though he decided not to dwell on it too much.

Just then, Son Gokū—the Four-Tails—noticed Shūichi and said to Kurotsuchi, "Hey, Kurotsuchi, that guy over there is a friend of mine. Go invite him to play with you."

Kurotsuchi, who had been bossing the other kids around, blinked in surprise. She glanced up and met Shūichi's warm smile. "Big Monkey, he's your friend? I've never seen him before!"

Son Gokū, ever the charmer, reassured her, "Trust me, he's a good guy."

"Ask him to play. Make him the 'big bad villain.' You're the Tsuchikage—you need a villain to defeat!"

Kurotsuchi's eyes lit up with excitement. She nodded vigorously and, under the confused gazes of her little friends, waddled over on her short legs to Shūichi. Tilting her head back to meet his gaze, she asked, "Mister, are you Big Monkey's friend?"

Big Monkey?

Shūichi chuckled and crouched down. "That's right, I'm his good friend. Did he send you over?"

Kurotsuchi nodded earnestly. "Can you play with us? You'll be the bad guy, and I'll be the Tsuchikage. How about it?"

Amused by her sparkling, expectant eyes, Shūichi smiled. "Of course, I'd love to."

"Yay!"

Kurotsuchi cheered, immediately calling her friends over.

A group of curious kids surrounded Shūichi, their eyes filled with awe and a bit of suspicion.

Shūichi pondered for a moment. "If I'm going to play the bad guy, shouldn't I look a little scarier?"

Kurotsuchi nodded enthusiastically.

With a quick Transformation Technique, Shūichi turned into a "child" around their size but with an exaggeratedly fierce face, complete with a menacing scowl and bulging muscles.

Kurotsuchi's eyes went wide. "Amazing!"

But one of the younger girls behind her burst into tears.

Startled by the scary transformation, the other kids froze, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Only Kurotsuchi remained unfazed, her trust in Son Gokū unshaken.

She quickly scolded her friends with surprising authority, restoring order in no time.

Soon, the game was in full swing. Shūichi played the villain, valiantly "fighting" against Kurotsuchi and her "ninja army," retreating just enough to make their victories feel epic. Having often played similar games during his time in the orphanage, he knew exactly how to keep the children engaged and entertained.

Their laughter echoed through the village, much to the amusement of White Zetsu, who watched from the shadows.

"I never imagined Lord Shūichi had such a playful side," White Zetsu murmured. "But what's the point of this? Is he planning to give the Third Tsuchikage a heart attack by playing with his granddaughter?"

---

As time passed, it was soon lunchtime. One by one, the children left, leaving only Kurotsuchi behind.

"Mister, aren't you going home to eat?" she asked curiously, staring at the now-handsome Shūichi.

Shūichi grinned. "How about you invite me over for lunch?"

"Sure!" Kurotsuchi beamed, eagerly taking his hand.

Covered in dirt but radiating innocence, she led Shūichi toward her house.

Watching them leave, White Zetsu nearly choked. "If the Third Tsuchikage sees this, he might actually keel over from shock!"

Unable to follow for fear of exposure, White Zetsu remained hidden, his curiosity gnawing at him.

---

Meanwhile, Shūichi arrived at Kurotsuchi's home.

"Grandpa… Daddy, Mommy, I brought a friend over for lunch!" Kurotsuchi called out before they even entered.

Sitting at the dining table, Ōnoki—the Third Tsuchikage—looked up curiously but immediately sensed something was off.

The moment he saw Shūichi step in behind Kurotsuchi, his pupils shrank in alarm.

Why is this brat here?

And what about Han?

In an instant, every hair on Ōnoki's body stood on end.

Shūichi looked at him, nearly blurting out, Tsuchikage-sama, you wouldn't want your granddaughter to…

Stop!

At that moment, Kitsuchi emerged from the kitchen, having heard his daughter's voice. The sight of Shūichi made him freeze in place, almost dropping the dish he was carrying.

Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi clung to her father's leg, looking up and exclaiming, "Daddy, this is my new friend! He's super amazing!"

Kitsuchi forced a strained smile. "Uh… welcome!"

Despite the words, cold sweat was already dripping from his forehead.

Shūichi bowed politely. "Forgive the intrusion, Tsuchikage-sama, and Jōnin Kitsuchi."

Hearing this, Kurotsuchi turned her head. "Mister, you know Grandpa and Daddy?"

Shūichi smiled. "Of course, we're friends!"

Ōnoki gritted his teeth. "I don't recall having a friend like you."

"It seems the Fourth Hokage didn't teach his disciples very well!"

Shūichi sat down across from Ōnoki, smiling. "Tsuchikage-sama, perhaps you misspoke?"

"With my level of infiltration, I doubt Iwagakure could detect me."

Ōnoki's face twitched, his restraint evident as he glanced at his granddaughter and daughter-in-law. He refrained from making a move.

At this moment, Kurotsuchi's mother stepped out of the kitchen, curious about the commotion. Kitsuchi quickly whispered an explanation, and her eyes widened in shock. Without hesitation, she handed the remaining kitchen tasks to her husband and took Kurotsuchi away to clean up.

---

Half an hour later, lunch began.

Ōnoki was too furious to eat, Kitsuchi wore a strained smile, and Kurotsuchi's mother quietly sighed in relief, seeing that Shūichi and Kurotsuchi were chatting happily rather than fighting.

Kurotsuchi, ravenous after her morning of games, ate with great enthusiasm while talking to Shūichi, who casually joined her in the meal.

By the time Kurotsuchi finished eating, so did Shūichi. Ōnoki, however, spent most of the meal glaring at him.

When lunch ended, Kurotsuchi's mother took her daughter off for a nap. Before leaving, Kurotsuchi asked hopefully, "Mister, will we play again this afternoon?"

Shūichi smiled. "Next time, okay? I have some things to discuss with Tsuchikage-sama."

Though disappointed, Kurotsuchi nodded. "Alright, then! Bye-bye!"

Shūichi waved as she left.

---

As soon as Kurotsuchi was out of earshot, Ōnoki glared at Shūichi with venom in his eyes. "Shūichi Hoshita, what's your real purpose in getting close to Kurotsuchi?"

Shūichi chuckled lightly. "I'm just here to visit an old friend. Is that so wrong?"

"Besides, I'd never harm a child. Kurotsuchi is quite adorable, and it's nice to be friends with her."

Kitsuchi couldn't help but interject awkwardly, "Isn't there… a bit of an age gap for that?"

Shūichi replied earnestly, "Age doesn't matter when it comes to friendship. You saw how much fun Kurotsuchi and I had together."

"Don't let old-fashioned ideas cloud your judgment."

"And who knows? If Kurotsuchi becomes the Fourth Tsuchikage and I become the Fifth Hokage someday, our friendship could strengthen relations between our villages!"

Ōnoki snorted. "Enough! State your purpose for coming here!"

Shūichi's demeanor turned serious. "Since you insist, Tsuchikage-sama, how about letting me experience the power of a Kekkei Tōta?"

Ōnoki's gaze turned sharp and dangerous. "If I kill you, I won't take any responsibility."

Shūichi smiled calmly. "Don't worry, for Kurotsuchi's sake, I'll make sure nothing happens to you, Tsuchikage-sama."

Ōnoki clenched his teeth. "Arrogant brat!"

"Follow me!"

With that, he rose into the air and floated out of the house, heading toward the outskirts of Iwagakure.

(End of Chapter)

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