Gradually Takes on the Appearance of Menma-sama
After learning that Zabuza Momochi and Mangetsu Hōzuki had independently decided to land on the island, Naruto left the Uzushio Village administration building, entrusting the office's affairs to Kamon and Shisui. He allowed them full authority to manage Uzushio Village while he focused on his training.
After all, he couldn't afford to waste too much time on internal affairs—his primary concern was strengthening himself. As long as he reached a sufficient level of power, he could steer Uzushio Village's future and adjust its direction as necessary. No matter how outdated his strategies might seem, they were still far ahead of the five great nations.
Soon, Naruto arrived at the highest point in Uzushio Village, gazing down at the settlement as he fell into deep thought.
Although the late Uzumaki clan leader often claimed he lacked talent in sealing techniques, his effortless ability to subdue Zabuza and Mangetsu using fuinjutsu proved otherwise. If nothing else, his sealing prowess alone put him at an elite jōnin level.
It was clear that the old patriarch had either been too humble or simply unwilling to admit that his talent was surpassed by Naruto's.
Naruto had plenty of experience dealing with such stubborn elders, but the old clan leader was long gone—never to witness the colorful, ever-changing ninja world again.
Perhaps the old patriarch's greatest wish had been to see the Uzumaki Clan rise to power once more.
In that regard, Naruto couldn't resent him. He wasn't Uchiha Itachi—he had no intention of sacrificing his clan for the greater good, nor was he destined for loneliness.
After venting his frustrations, Naruto felt a bit more at ease. He turned his gaze toward Kirigakure, considering the village's role in his plans for the future.
Economic development wasn't a major concern—the Land of Whirlpools had once been a key trading hub, and while its dominance had been usurped by the Land of Waves, reclaiming its former status wouldn't be too difficult.
However, recruiting new talent was another issue entirely. He could only look toward the nearby villages—Konohagakure and Kirigakure—for potential allies.
Konoha had just absorbed a significant influx of Uchiha refugees, and they were still adjusting to the transition. That left Kirigakure as the primary source of potential recruits.
More importantly, Kirigakure still housed two Tailed Beasts—the Three-Tails (Isobu) and the Six-Tails (Saiken).
The Nine-Tails had once told Naruto that as long as he got close to the other Tailed Beasts, he could assimilate their chakra and make use of their power. In theory, the other Bijū would find him more agreeable with time.
In truth, Kurama was growing anxious after sensing the presence of White Zetsu, though his pride kept him from admitting it outright.
After all, as a Jinchūriki, the worst-case scenario meant death and freedom for the Bijū. But if the Ten-Tails were revived, the Tailed Beasts would be completely consumed—losing their individuality and becoming mere fragments of chakra.
Naruto respected Kurama's desire to keep certain things secret, but he already understood his partner's fears.
He even knew which direction Kurama liked to rest his tails when he slept.
Naruto certainly had no objections to the Nine-Tails gathering chakra from other Bijū to enhance his power. Not only would it make him stronger, but he knew he would inevitably face formidable enemies in the ninja world.
However, contacting Isobu and Saiken posed a challenge.
Any attempt to reach the Tailed Beasts would risk attracting the attention of Obito and Nagato. If he faced either of them alone, he had a slim chance of victory—but if they joined forces, he wouldn't stand a chance.
His strength was still lacking—he hadn't even reached the level of a Super Kage.
At that moment, a clear system notification sounded in his mind:
"Shisui's favorability toward you has reached the level of trust. You have obtained experience in using the Sharingan—this is a gift from Shisui Uchiha, who should have perished, to the great Lord Menma!"
Naruto received another reward from the favorability system. As expected, it was yet another useless prize—the so-called "gift" was merely memories of Shisui's Sharingan training.
He had already recruited Shisui as his subordinate, so he could have easily asked him for training experience directly.
That said, he rather liked the title of "Great Menma-sama."
Leaving a few shadow clones behind to stand guard, Naruto accessed the Sharingan experience. Immediately, a flood of training memories surged through his mind, flashing like a rapid slideshow.
Hours later, Naruto opened his eyes. His Sharingan flickered uncontrollably.
Shisui's memories had nearly overwhelmed him, influencing his own thoughts. However, on the bright side, his resistance to Kotoamatsukami had improved significantly, and he was now able to deactivate his Sharingan at will.
Still, having mismatched eye colors wasn't exactly normal—he would have to continue wearing contact lenses.
With a sigh, Naruto began to analyze the mechanics of the favorability system.
Initially, he had assumed it was based solely on friendship or loyalty, but now it seemed more like a system of approval.
Beyond having high favorability, it required the other person to acknowledge him—to see him as the image they had in mind.
Additionally, Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) didn't appear to fall within the system's range, and the chakra construct of a revived soul remained an unknown factor.
After all, the old Uzumaki patriarch had likely held him in high regard.
As for Namikaze Minato… that was a more complicated case. Kato Dan still didn't fully trust him either. Perhaps he should have the old patriarch discipline them and remind them of their duty to rebuild the Uzumaki Clan.
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Inside the Mizukage Building
Meanwhile, within Kirigakure's Mizukage Building, Obito continued his usual routine—forcing the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, to sign absurd decrees. With practiced ease, Obito stamped the documents with the Mizukage's seal and handed them off to the waiting Kirigakure Anbu.
The Anbu member accepted the order, hesitating briefly as he glanced at the vacant-eyed Mizukage before leaving.
He couldn't understand Mizukage-sama's decision to remain secluded. The village was in chaos, yet Yagura refused to take charge, acting more like a puppet than a leader.
But soon, the Anbu abandoned the thought.
Kirigakure revered strength above all. Yagura was the strongest ninja since the Third Mizukage. If he were truly being manipulated, it would turn the entire village into a laughingstock.
Obito, however, observed the Anbu's hesitation with disinterest.
To him, Kirigakure was nothing more than a breeding ground for rogue ninjas. The more chaotic it became, the more it aligned with Akatsuki's goals.
If anything, Obito was the most diligent worker in Akatsuki, tirelessly advancing the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Shortly after, another Anbu arrived, delivering new intel.
"Captain Kisame failed in his mission to assassinate the Land of Water's Daimyō. He has defected from Kirigakure."
Obito wasn't surprised.
Eliminating the Daimyō—Kirigakure's primary financial backer—was a far graver offense than assassinating the Mizukage. The village elders wasted no time branding Kisame an S-rank rogue ninja.
Obito had planned this outcome from the start. Having Kisame attempt an assassination, defect, and then conveniently be "recruited" into Akatsuki was all part of his grand scheme to solidify his influence within the organization.
After dismissing the Anbu, Obito began considering his next move.
Perhaps it was time to lure more Kirigakure jōnin into defection.
Zabuza and Mangetsu were prime candidates. However, Mangetsu posed a slight problem—his lineage traced back to the Second Mizukage, making him deeply entrenched in Kirigakure's political structure.
Just then, White Zetsu surfaced.
"Madara-sama, Zabuza and Mangetsu have disappeared. They were last seen heading toward the Land of Whirlpools…"
Obito's expression darkened.
"The Land of Whirlpools… Could it be Uchiha Shisui?"
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