"Minato Namikaze."
"A disciple of Kawaki Hatake? I've heard of him."
Ōnoki felt a bit annoyed but didn't show it. He knew when to hold back since he had a request to make.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen to invite Nawaki for discussion instead of directly assigning him a support ninja.
"So you've heard of him?"
"That boy's quite impressive."
Nawaki wasn't bothered at all that Ōnoki didn't recognize him but knew about Minato. Mentioning Minato filled him with pride.
"Honestly, I hadn't paid much attention to either of you before."
"I received border intelligence last night—thanks to Minato, we were able to continue resisting the Akatsuki invasion."
Ōnoki spoke truthfully, though with slight worry that Nawaki might not be pleased.
Although both Nawaki and Minato had long been noticed by various nations' intelligence networks, they hadn't yet reached the level of being personally recognized by Tsuchikage like this.
It was only natural that he hadn't known them previously.
"That's good to hear."
Nawaki remained outwardly calm but inwardly delighted at the thought of how Minato and Nagato must have gone easy on their opponents.
"Either way, I'm grateful for your assistance."
Ōnoki took the initiative to pour Nawaki some tea—a privilege practically unheard of in Iwagakure.
"You're too kind."
"Our Konoha has always loved peace and detests invaders like Cloud Ninjas or Akatsuki most."
Nawaki spoke with such grand virtue that even Ōnoki almost believed him.
"We can skip discussing the matter of a support ninja since you dislike it."
"If there's anything else I can assist you with, just say the word."
Ōnoki appeared generous, though it was mostly just polite formality.
In truth, any gratitude should go to Tsunade, not to her younger brother here.
"Well, since you've opened the door, there actually is something important I'd like to ask of you."
Seizing the opportunity, Nawaki acted as if he completely misunderstood Ōnoki's previous words, feigning innocent boldness.
"Ahem~ Go ahead."
A chill ran down Ōnoki's spine. He really shouldn't have invited this brat today.
"It's like this—I've been practicing the Light and Heavy Rock Jutsu but still have some confusion."
"Would you kindly help me out with it?"
As soon as Nawaki said this, Ōnoki winced inwardly.
Just thinking back to how Kakashi Kawaki had once blackmailed him for secret techniques sent shivers down his spine.
"Of course, go ahead."
Ōnoki forcefully suppressed his emotions. Now that he'd spoken so generously, he couldn't very well refuse.
That would be slapping himself in the face.
After all, he'd already shared his secret techniques. Given this young man's talent, reaching Ōnoki's level was only a matter of time.
He might as well seize this opportunity to foster goodwill.
"The issue is, whenever I try it, I feel as though..."
Seeing the opening, Nawaki poured out all his problems in one go.
"Perfectly normal. Even I faced such issues when I was your age."
"You just need to..."
After steeling himself mentally, Ōnoki gave no holds barred, sharing every lesson he'd learned through years of practicing the [Light and Heavy Rock Jutsu].
"Thank you, thank you so much."
"Your experience today has truly benefited me."
"Let me raise a cup of tea in your honor instead of sake."
"Many years of training experience from Ōnoki—this isn't some random junk you find on a street stall. Nawaki naturally knew how to distinguish quality."
"No need to be so polite."
"Train well, and defeating the AB combo next time will be the greatest reward for me."
Ōnoki said with a smile. Teaching such a bright kid was truly a pleasure.
If only he were a genius from Iwagakure, that would've been even better.
Unfortunately, life often disappoints nine out of ten times, and Nawaki ultimately belonged to Konoha.
"You can rest assured; next time I'll definitely adjust my attitude properly," Nawaki replied, indirectly admitting his mistake, which pleased Ōnoki greatly.
"Fine then, if there's nothing else I won't keep you any longer."
Ōnoki also finished his cup of tea, clearly signaling it was time for the guest to leave.
"Actually... there is something awkward I'd like to ask..."
Nawaki had already risen halfway off his seat but turned back and sat down again.
He looked genuinely embarrassed, like a lovesick boy.
"What is it?"
Ōnoki didn't know what to say anymore.
You damn well know this is going to be awkward—yet here we are?
"The thing is... when fighting the AB combo, I feel like I'm still lacking somewhat."
"I wonder if you have any ninjutsu that could boost my combat strength?"
Nawaki made his request tactfully, leaving the choice entirely to Ōnoki.
If Ōnoki handed him a basic jutsu just to brush him off, Nawaki wouldn't feel guilty about holding back next time.
"What kind of ninjutsu do you want to learn?"
Ōnoki, being as cunning as ever in his old age, realized this kid had targeted him all along.
That introduction to Light and Heavy Rock Jutsu earlier was just an appetizer.
"I saw your Dust Release—it's incredibly powerful."
"My brother-in-law even called it one of the strongest offensive techniques in the ninja world."
With a brown-nosing tone and brazen determination, Nawaki boldly went for the sky-high asking price, masterfully pulling off shameless flattery.
"Dust Release?"
Ōnoki stared at Nawaki, eyes filled with disbelief.
How dare you even ask? Dust Release wasn't some technique to hand over to a ninja from another village!
Even if you were a genius from our own Iwagakure, without being the heir of the Tsuchikage, you wouldn't qualify to learn Dust Release.
"Well... I don't know if it's convenient or not?"
Nawaki nodded enthusiastically, looking genuinely excited—an expression few could fake convincingly.
"You know Hatake Kawaki mentioned it before, so you must understand how difficult it is to master a bloodline limit like Kekkai Tota."
"It won't be something you can rely on in battle anytime soon."
"Why don't we pick something else instead?"
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Ōnoki took several deep breaths to calm himself enough to continue speaking normally with Nawaki.
"That's a real shame. Your Dust Release is honestly something I really admire."
Nawaki shifted to a look of disappointment, proving he was quite the actor.
"Don't blame me for being stingy."
"To rephrase, Dust Release is an ability exclusive to the Tsuchikage of our Iwagakure."
"As a ninja from Konoha, I simply cannot teach it to you."
Ōnoki made his position clear—learning Dust Release could be summed up in three words: absolutely impossible.
"Alright..."
"I noticed you have another jutsu where rocks shoot out of your mouth—seems pretty effective both offensively and defensively. That might work too."
Nawaki scaled back his request and revealed his real goal.
He certainly knew dreaming of learning Dust Release was pure fantasy, so perhaps learning an Earth Release technique wouldn't be too bad!
"Not bad either?"
"Fine. Old man will write it for you."
Ōnoki nearly choked with rage upon hearing Nawaki's words, but compared to Dust Release, this could only be considered "not bad either."
"Thank you, Tsuchikage-sama."
"I'll always cherish your guidance."
Nawaki was genuinely polite—so much so that if there were sake, he'd have turned around and downed three bottles right then.
"Here."
Ōnoki wrote quickly, each stroke felt like slicing through his own skin, paining him deeply.
But now he had to work with Nawaki. Since he had already refused Dust Release, he could only endure the pain and teach him the Rigid Binding Technique.
Thinking how teaching this technique to Nawaki was no different from handing it straight to Konoha—and that thought hurt even worse.
Anyone tied to Kakashi Hatake was trouble—no exceptions. Every last one of them was rotten.
"Alright, take it and go."
Before Nawaki could say anything else, Ōnoki started chasing him away.
He feared if Nawaki stayed any longer, he'd give in and punch him.
Now that he got what he wanted, Nawaki didn't stick around. He carefully stored the scroll and turned to leave, his steps unusually light and quick.
No sooner had he walked a short distance than he heard loud crashing sounds coming from inside the house. His grin stretched wider.
...
Nawaki knew the value of staying quiet while reaping rewards.
After all, he had just scored something off Ōnoki. If word spread among the Konoha ninja, it would definitely cost Ōnoki some dignity.
He believed it was still important to maintain a sense of conscience.
As soon as he returned home, he couldn't wait to unfurl the scroll.
Ōnoki's notes were extremely detailed—detailing essential hand seals and key techniques.
But this wasn't out of kindness; Ōnoki simply wanted Nawaki to learn it quickly so he could use it in battle.
Before Nawaki could fully dive into studying, Ginji and others crowded in.
"What do you want?"
Nawaki stared at these kids, utterly speechless—why were they so clingy?
"Hehe~ Uncle."
"You look suspicious. What shady benefit did you get this time?"
Ginji grinned as he plopped down beside Nawaki, eyes instantly locking onto the scroll.
"Just average. The old man insisted on giving it to me, so I reluctantly accepted."
Nawaki acted indifferent and pulled off looking cool.
Anyone who didn't know better might think Ōnoki gave it to him willingly.
"Rope Tree Uncle, your face is getting thicker than my dad's ever was."
Naruto didn't spare Nawaki any embarrassment. Anyone who called his dad 'bro' couldn't be up to any good.
Shisui and Kinoto watched the scene unfold, barely holding back their grins.
"Watch your tongue or I'll report you to your dad."
Nawaki frowned. These brats didn't understand a thing about manners.
A little praise wouldn't do them any harm.
"There's no way Dad would dare with Mom around."
Nawaki feared nothing, and it also showed how low Jiraiya's standing in the household really was.
"Alright, alright, all of you get lost now."
"When I've learned it, come look for me if you want to learn too."
Rin stood up and shooed the bothersome kids away, then slammed the door shut behind them.
Once the flurry of hurried footsteps faded into the distance, the room finally grew quiet.
"There aren't many people as strong as me who are still this eager to learn."
Since no one else would praise him, Rin did it himself.
He shook his head, then sat at the table. Now undisturbed, Rin quickly threw himself completely into studying.
...
Inside a dark cave, Madara Uchiha sat on a stone bench, one hand tracing the hilt of his massive scythe.
As time passed, Zetsu silently emerged from the ground within the cave.
"Lord Madara."
Zetsu spoke with just his head above ground.
This conniving double agent seemed unwilling to appear fully aboveground.
"What's the situation at the battlefield?"
Madara's aged voice carried no echo in the cave, sounding frail beyond recognition.
"The Akatsuki ninja led by Nagato are engaged in fierce combat against the combined Iwa and Konoha forces."
"That boy Obito and that little girl have grown increasingly close."
While reporting what he had personally witnessed at the battlefield, Zetsu sarcastically remarked how utterly foolish Ōnoki truly was.
After all, Nagato originally came from Konoha, yet Ōnoki still went there requesting aid.
As someone in the know, he was certain Konoha must have far greater ambitions.
However, none of this concerned him, nor did he bother interfering.
For his own mother-saving plan, Madara remained the most crucial piece on the chessboard.
"Deluded soul obsessed with youth and love."
"Can we begin the plan now?"
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Madara couldn't care less about whatever schemes Konoha plotted.
Once he completed all his plans and returned to the ninja world at his peak, all conspiracies would become mere paper tigers before him.
He had every confidence in this, because he was Madara Uchiha.
"I think it's almost ready."
"As long as that girl dies before Obito's eyes, everything will fall perfectly into place."
"At that moment, your final safeguard will be complete."
Between Shisui and Obito, Zetsu had ultimately chosen Obito.
He believed Obito would be easier to deceive and manipulate under Madara's influence.
Without Kakashi interfering during this period, Obito and Rin's already harmonious relationship had become even more intimate.
"Hmph, then let's proceed."
"First, bring that brat named Obito here."
"Once that girl dies, I'll convince him to carry out my plan."
"Afterward, I'll send him back to Konoha while you assist him in reclaiming my Rinnegan."
Madara understood Nagato was affiliated with Konoha, which made it even more important for Obito to maintain his Konoha identity.
With this insider advantage, he believed Obito and Zetsu working together to retrieve the Rinnegan had a high chance of success.
Due to Kawaki's interference, Madara's plan had already strayed far from the original plan.
All he needed to do was dangle grand promises before Obito, and he had full confidence Obito would follow his plan without question.
Once the Rinnegan was in hand, Zetsu could manipulate Obito into using it to resurrect Madara.
By then, he would handle everything himself.
Dreaming of a bright future, Madara's lifeless eyes flickered with renewed light.
"Yes."
Zetsu saw no major flaws in Madara's plan, though he knew reclaiming the Rinnegan wouldn't be easy.
But so what?
He'd come this far already—he wouldn't stop now.
After Zetsu accepted his orders and left, the dark cave was once again left with only Madara, clinging desperately to life.
All of this unfolded in silence, unknown to Obito, who remained unaware that a conspiracy against him had already begun.
"Thank you."
Obito's injured right arm had been properly bandaged by Rin. He couldn't look away from her.
"The wound isn't deep; it'll heal tomorrow."
"Don't be reckless in the future."
Rin said as she gently tapped the wound, her voice laced with both concern and irritation.
Why is it always *you* getting hurt?
Don't you know I worry?
"Heh~ Got it."
Obito winced at the pain but grinned anyway.
"You still laugh? If you get hurt again, I won't take care of you anymore."
Seeing how he brushed it off, Rin grew even angrier.
Why do boys always have to be so stubbornly competitive?
"Don't be mad!"
"I swear I won't fight them again."
Obito quickly apologized and made his vow. He knew he was wrong, after all.
If Akatsuki ninja weren't allies, he probably wouldn't live to see tomorrow.
There was a limit to how much they could fake—it was sometimes necessary to take real damage. Nagato and Minato both understood this all too well.
"I hope you keep your word."
"I'm leaving."
Rin softened her tone and stood up, preparing to leave.
"I'll walk you out."
Obito chased after her. Under the moonlight, their shadows stretched long together.
"Look, Obito's happy again."
Gai nudged Kakashi beside him. The two good friends were sitting on an open field chatting about something.
"You little walnut, still got time watching other people's dramas?"
"Why don't you worry about yourself first?"
Kakashi really knew how to hit where it hurt, hitting Gai right in the heart with just two sentences.
"Ahhh!!!"
"Kakashi, I'm gonna kill you!"
Not having any girl like him wasn't a big deal for Gai, but calling him "little walnut" had crossed the line.
In one swift motion, Gai tackled Kakashi to the ground. The two best friends were locked in fierce hand-to-hand combat, throwing down hard without mercy.
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