Chinya and Kushina Uzumaki were holding young Sōnagi Uzumaki's hand as they arrived at the Ninja Academy.
After smoothing out Sōnagi's clothes, Kushina gave him a gentle reminder, "Don't go looking for trouble, but don't let anyone push you around either. If someone picks on you, give 'em what they deserve."
Chinya couldn't help but feel a little helpless in the face of Kushina's reminders. Just having Sōnagi not stir up any trouble on his own was already a win.
Chinya noticed a lonely Naruto Uzumaki standing not far away.
When Naruto spotted Chinya, Kushina, and Sōnagi, he lit up with joy and almost ran over to greet Chinya—before stopping himself abruptly.
Naruto simply watched from a distance. When he realized Chinya had seen him, Naruto gave Chinya a bright smile and silently mouthed the words "Uncle Chinya."
Looking at Naruto now, Chinya felt genuinely moved.
Naruto seemed so much more mature now—he hadn't rushed over recklessly, proof that he'd really taken Chinya's words to heart.
Chinya smiled back at Naruto.
Kushina, upon spotting Naruto in the distance, couldn't hide her surprise and excitement and wanted to go see him.
But Chinya held her back. "Kushina, not today. Naruto doesn't want to be a burden to us—and we shouldn't be one to him either. He's already doing just fine on his own."
Kushina looked disappointed—she truly cared for Naruto.
Chinya turned to Sōnagi and asked, "Do you see that person? Do you still recognize him?"
Sōnagi glanced at Naruto and nodded firmly, "Of course I do."
Chinya then spoke seriously, "He's like your Uncle Neji—he's your brother too. Treat him well on our behalf. Understand?"
Sōnagi gazed intensely at Naruto, "I understand, Dad."
Seeing Chinya encouraging Sōnagi to bond with Naruto, Kushina looked at Chinya happily.
Smiling gently, Chinya explained, "If we interact directly, it might bring Naruto unnecessary trouble—but Sōnagi won't."
"Alright," Chinya lightly patted Sōnagi on the head. "Go on."
Waving goodbye to Chinya and Kushina, Sōnagi ran straight toward Naruto and said, "Long time no see, Naruto. From now on, we'll be brothers."
"Eh?"
The sudden declaration caught Naruto off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"You shouldn't find me that unfamiliar, right? What's wrong? You don't want to?" Sōnagi curiously stared at the stunned Naruto.
Snapping out of it, Naruto hesitated before asking, "But... won't this cause trouble for Uncle Chinya?"
Sōnagi shrugged casually, "It's just between us, right? Got nothing to do with my dad or anyone else. So… what's your answer?"
Happiness returned to Naruto's face as he grinned widely, "Of course I do!"
Side by side, Sōnagi and Naruto walked into the Ninja Academy together, completely ignoring the strange looks coming from all around them.
Chinya looked at the two children entering the Ninja Academy and said to Kushina Uzumaki, "Looks like starting tomorrow, you'll need to prepare two lunchboxes."
Kushina smiled warmly. "Happy to do it!"
Chinya noticed something on the other side—Itachi Uchiha had arrived at the entrance of the Ninja Academy carrying Sasuke Uchiha on his back.
"Brother, I'm going in now."
"Hmm. Be sure to get along with your classmates and study hard."
"I will! Goodbye, brother!"
Sasuke waved goodbye to Itachi and ran into the Ninja Academy.
Itachi felt someone watching him and turned toward Chinya.
Seeing that Itachi had noticed him staring, Chinya made no effort to hide it but kept watching.
Itachi slightly furrowed his brow, then bowed politely to Chinya before turning and leaving.
Chinya murmured, "Just one year left. Time truly flies... The curtain is about to rise."
Kushina asked curiously, "What do you mean 'only one year'?"
Chinya shook his head. "Nothing. Let's go home."
...
Inside the Hokage Tower.
In the mission hall, Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Team Shisui return from their mission.
Shisui Uchiha and his team members knelt on one knee before Hiruzen. "Team Shisui has successfully completed its mission!"
Hiruzen looked at Shisui and nodded. "I see. You've worked hard on this long-term assignment. Take some time off to rest properly."
Shisui Uchiha remained serious as he made a request of the Third. "Then, there is something I must ask of you, Lord Third."
"Hm?"
Hiruzen was slightly surprised by Shisui's request.
Ever since Minato Namikaze fell into unconsciousness, Shisui Uchiha—one of the former Hokage Bodyguards—had been assigned an extended mission outside the village by Hiruzen. Now returning directly with a request raised Hiruzen's curiosity.
Hiruzen and Shisui Uchiha made their way to the rooftop of Hokage Tower.
Again, Shisui knelt on one knee before the Hokage, lowering his head. "I feel deep sorrow over the growing distrust between the Uchiha Clan and the village."
Hiruzen sighed. "As do I."
Shisui continued, "I wish to rebuild the trust between the clan and the village. Lord Third, would you entrust me with this task?"
Hiruzen asked, "You want to stop regular missions?"
Shisui nodded. "Yes. And I would also request a certain degree of authority."
Hiruzen thought for a moment.
Under Danzo's oppressive policies, discontent within the Uchiha Clan had definitely been growing.
Using Shisui Uchiha as a mediator could help ease tensions, possibly preventing the Uchiha from taking extreme actions. And through Shisui, the village would be kept informed of the Uchiha Clan's movements.
Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, "I understand. I'll announce publicly that you've been sent on a top-secret investigation mission by me. If anything unexpected happens, just mention my name. I'll take full responsibility."
Shisui Uchiha nodded gratefully. "Thank you immensely."
Looking at Shisui with a kind smile, Hiruzen said, "You remind me so much of my old friend, Kagami Uchiha."
"You flatter me," Shisui humbly replied.
Hiruzen walked up beside Shisui and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I also hope the Uchiha and the village can improve their relationship. After all, we're comrades in the same village. No one wants to see tragedy unfold. Perhaps you can achieve this, Shisui. Do your best—Shisui, I believe you can do it."
Shisui was deeply moved by Hiruzen's trust. He turned to face him with unwavering resolve and declared, "Third Hokage, I will definitely do my best—to rebuild the relationship of trust between our clan and the village!"
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