"Is this the space-time where that guy is?"
Uchiha Sasuke looked at Konoha, far more prosperous than the one in their own time, and fell silent.
According to Uchiha Retsufū's explanation, this era belonged to the time when Hiruzen served as Hokage.
But why was Konoha so prosperous?!
No, more precisely, the other ninja villages were just as prosperous.
They were even more flourishing than the ninja world three or four decades in their future!
"Uncle Sasuke, weren't we here to track down Urashiki's traces?"
Boruto was equally shocked by Konoha's prosperity, but he hadn't forgotten their objective.
Not only had they failed to find any trace of Urashiki, they had also come to a completely unfamiliar space-time through the Dragon Vein.
Was this really okay?
"No need to worry. We'll be leaving soon," Uchiha Sasuke said calmly. "After I take care of some personal matters, it won't be too late to leave."
The memory of being beaten back then still couldn't be forgotten, even now.
Aside from his brother and parents, he was the first clan member who left such a lasting impression on him!
Wait… parents!
Uchiha Sasuke suddenly realized that by coming here, he could see his parents in this space-time!
This was the period under Hiruzen's rule over Konoha.
Perhaps his father and mother were already married.
Retsufū hadn't clarified the exact time, and Sasuke hadn't asked.
Subconsciously, he assumed it was sometime after the Third Great Ninja War.
Boruto: "…"
He couldn't persuade Sasuke. Since they were already here, they could only take things one step at a time.
He might as well take the chance to see his father in this timeline.
Though he wondered if he had even been born yet.
"Are you two going in or not?"
Uchiha Retsufū watched the two of them standing at the village entrance for a long time and finally asked impatiently.
His original plan had been to travel through time with Black Zetsu, searching for the optimal timeline to realize the "Eye of the Moon" plan.
Then he would return to his original timeline and replicate it.
But after only a few trips, that guy Black Zetsu had gone missing.
Along the way, he also encountered a request from a Uchiha clan member, asking him to bring them to find Renya.
Logically speaking, Retsufū would never agree to something like that.
But the Uchiha in front of him gave him a strangely familiar feeling.
In the end, he agreed to bring the two of them back.
Sasuke and Boruto exchanged a glance and nodded at the same time.
"Retsufū, it really is you, Retsufū!"
The guard at the gate became excited upon seeing him.
This guy had been missing for years; many had even thought he was already dead.
Fortunately, he had finally returned today.
Uchiha Retsufū originally didn't want to reveal his identity, but thinking about the missing Black Zetsu, he ultimately chose not to hide it.
Since he was back, he might as well go home and see Fugaku.
Moreover, the two people beside him came from the future—they might know the truth behind the "Eye of the Moon" plan.
What Black Zetsu said might not be accurate; it was possible he had been using him.
He felt it was necessary to find out.
Because during his three years of traveling through time, he discovered that Black Zetsu seemed to be searching for something.
Although it hid it very well, long-term interaction still allowed him to notice something unusual.
In truth, he understood everything—he just didn't want to give up on that possible hope.
The news of Uchiha Retsufū's return quickly spread throughout the village.
"Renya, Hiruzen told me that Uchiha Retsufū has returned."
Shimura Danzō woke up the sleeping Renya and briefly relayed the earlier report from the Anbu.
"Huh? Who is Retsufū?"
Renya had just been woken up, his brain still sluggish, and couldn't immediately figure out who his good friend was talking about.
Danzō: "…"
This guy slept all day—he was practically becoming an idiot from it.
Fortunately, Renya quickly reacted. He wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth and said in surprise:
"Retsufū actually came back?!"
He had always thought Retsufū had been abducted by Black Zetsu.
He didn't expect him to return!
It seemed his guess had been inaccurate—maybe the other party had disappeared for some unavoidable reason.
Looks like he'd have to visit the Uchiha clan tomorrow.
"There's something suspicious. The intelligence says Retsufū didn't return alone—he brought back two men, one older and one younger."
Shimura Danzō added.
"One older and one younger… two men?!"
Renya was instantly stunned.
Retsufū had only been gone for a few years, yet he brought back two men from outside!
The key point was—two men!
If Fugaku found out that his father had been gone for three years and returned with two men, what kind of expression would he have?
"How old is the younger one?" Renya suddenly asked.
"About the age of someone who just graduated from the Ninja Academy," Shimura Danzō thought for a moment. "The older one should be slightly younger than us."
Renya: "…"
A story immediately formed in his mind.
While on a mission, Retsufū was gravely injured and on the brink of death, only to be saved by a single father traveling with his child.
During his recovery, feelings developed, and they secretly pledged themselves to each other.
Fearing societal judgment, he hadn't returned to the village for three years.
Now that he had come back, he probably wanted to give the father and son a legitimate identity.
At that thought, he shuddered.
If Danzō didn't forbid him from writing such novels, he could totally use this as material.
The rest of the plot would be the younger one competing with Fugaku for inheritance.
The older one bullying Fugaku, while Retsufū stood by and did nothing.
The more melodramatic, the better!
Later, Fugaku would endure for decades, eventually becoming the Uchiha clan head and starting a satisfying revenge arc!
Heh, it would definitely be thrilling!
Too bad his good friend thought it would have a bad influence and affect the village's future, so he wouldn't allow it…
Shimura Danzō: "???"
What weird things was this guy thinking about again?
Just by looking at his expression, it was clear he wasn't thinking anything good.
"Renya, what are you thinking?"
"Nothing, I just zoned out for a moment."
Naturally, Renya wouldn't reveal his speculation, or Danzō would start lecturing him again.
Uchiha clan district.
"Retsufū, you're back!"
Passing clan members stepped forward one after another, expressing concern.
They had all thought Retsufū had died outside.
They never expected him to return today—it could only be called a blessing in disguise.
Only poor Fugaku…
Uchiha Sasuke looked around at the clan district and its members, feeling somewhat emotional.
Even if it wasn't his own timeline, being able to see his clan members was still nice.
Perhaps he would soon see his father and mother.
"Retsufū, Fugaku will definitely be happy to know you've returned."
"That's right, that child has been training diligently all these years."
Listening to the clan members, Uchiha Retsufū nodded in satisfaction.
Fugaku truly was his son!
Even after he suddenly disappeared for three years, he hadn't fallen into despair—instead, he had worked even harder in his training!
Uchiha Sasuke: "???"
Did he just hear someone talking about his father?
And it seemed that his father had some kind of connection with Uchiha Retsufū…
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