*
Naruto moved at amazing speed and in a matter of moments reached the high tower in the gorge.
- Interesting ... - He stopped at the very entrance and admired the multi-story building with interest.
The building is right on the outskirts ... Who took it into his head to build it here? Roofing in oriental style, quite good.
"Ha… Why don't they build towers in my honor?" Oh, the world is really rotten...
The Hokage slowly parted the doors, and then stepped into the darkness...
— Ho? Couldn't you have chosen an even darker hole? He immediately turned to the silhouette in the corner. A lone dark-haired man in a raincoat sat there with his eyes closed, soundlessly, like a shadow. But, he did not sleep, only waited, like a lurking predator.
- Hm? Sasuke had known about Naruto's arrival for a long time, so he slowly got up and said gloomily:
- You came early. Impressive.
"Ha..." The Hokage chuckled and gave his old "rival" a mischievous look.
Nothing remarkable. The dark cloak covered everything except his pale, handsome face. A long bang of black hair covered the left Rinnegan. The second eye is quite ordinary, black as night, straight, like his hair. Sasuke didn't show much of an aura, like a shadow, but he still evoked a slight sense of wariness.
Shinobi has always stood out from the crowd. I wonder how strong he is now? And what will he do against Mokuton?
"Hmm, you are still so gloomy. I would cut my hair, or something ... - Naruto could not restrain himself and smiled brightly.
Sasuke's eyes flashed cold.
I just missed your advice...
"How rude." With a chuckle, the Hokage turned away and looked around.
- I was followed. I think it's the guy's animal with the Sharingan... He showed up just in time. I wonder if he has the guts to attack?
"Hmm..." The Uchiha frowned. "Did you show up on time?" What are you talking about?
Naruto didn't answer, just turned and nodded towards the exit.
- Let's go to. I think he will show up soon. Reckless, of course, but, apparently, his target is you. What a fearless...
"Naruto... Tell me what you know!" Sasuke immediately demanded. He clearly understood that his friend knew something and naturally was not going to remain in the dark.
The Hokage stopped at the door and calmly said:
Come on, I'll tell you on the way.
"Hmm..." After a brief nod, the Uchiha followed.
All this mystery was starting to irritate him...
"Haa… just look. The weather is what you need...
As soon as the rays of the sun shone on Naruto's face, he smiled as he turned to his old friend.
His name is Uchiha Shin. His goal is the shame of the Uchiha Clan, that is, You. Understand?
Laughing, he asked:
- It's enough?
— What the hell? Sasuke grabbed Naruto's shoulder sharply and raised his voice, "Stop showing off!" Speak normally! Who is this Shin?
His friend's behavior pissed him off...
"Hey, take it easy…" The Hokage slowly grabbed the insolent man's wrist and pressed hard:
- Relax.
"Kh-h! The Uchiha winced in shock! The strength of the grip was terrifying! The bones cracked - he could not escape!
"What the heck?!"
After this little exchange of "pleasantry", Naruto released Sasuke and snorted in displeasure.
- Keep calm. Why so fiery? It doesn't look like you at all. I would be ashamed...
"Wh-what are you…" The Uchiha raised his hand in bewilderment. She kept shaking...
"What..." Sasuke looked up and frowned. In fact, from the very beginning he understood that something was wrong here, but did not attach any importance to it, and now ... Looking at a familiar opponent, he did not recognize him at all. It seems like the same smile and face, but everything else ... Even the aura seemed to have changed, and the manner of carrying on a conversation too. He no longer looked carefree, or rather not so naive. Naruto used to be light-hearted for no reason, but now, he was acting loose for a different reason. It's like looking down on everything! That was what annoyed him, because before he was inferior to him, and now ...
"What the hell..."
Like another person - self-confident and filled with pride. This was completely unlike the very Naruto Uzumaki.
Did it seem? Or is he on purpose?
What does all of this mean? What happened? Has he become stronger or is it something else? Perhaps because of a new power or some event, he became so harsh ... But, how could this neglected fool, could he change so easily? What happened in Konoha in his absence?!
Sasuke asked a lot of questions, but you can only reach the answer yourself ...
He quickly calmed down and coldly asked:
"Naruto, what's going on?" What happened to you? - He asked the most important question right on the forehead!
Not a bad move... Although, he could be understood. Naruto would never have reacted like that to a change of tone before.
"Ha…" The hokage let out a light chuckle before reaching out and lightly patted his friend on the back.
- Yes, you calm down! I'm glad I asked... I get asked this all the time. Even had a fight with Sakura.
- With Sakura? - Sasuke was surprised: - Quarreled? You?
— Hah, well, yes... It was the case. True, we seem to have already reconciled. Never mind." Turning his gaze to the clear sky, Naruto smiled brightly.
- I'm just tired. So many years have passed and nothing has changed. Disrespect, constant work and for what? I decided to change everything, and started with myself. Turning to his old rival, he said seriously:
"Otsutsuki are moving into our world, and I tend to believe this information. That's how I found out about Shin Uchiha.
Sasuke instantly changed his face, frowning sharply.
— Otsutsuki?
"Well… I think we still have time…"
Switching the topic first to Sakura and then to himself, Naruto easily shifted the conversation in the right direction, and in doing so, left the word to himself. Now some people will have to think before acting insolently. Maybe it was not noticeable, but Sasuke accepted the lesson, and even he did not understand it.
The Hokage no longer pissed him off - with his actions he achieved what he wanted, prepared the ground, and then simply told his old story about Ōtsutsuki and how he found out about it. True, like Kurama, Sasuke still did not immediately believe in everything, he had very big doubts about this, so he had to demonstrate some tricks ...
- What do you think? Twisting the snow-white bone in his hands, Naruto returned it back to his body and grinned at Sasuke's surprised face. For the first time he saw him so worried and excited at the same time... Although, this is their first meeting after all...
However, this demonstration helped not only bring evidence, but also allowed Sasuke to find out the reason for such a strong grip touching his hand.
Naruto solved two problems at once, planted doubts in the mind of a possible opponent, and also turned his attention to another threat.
"Shikotsumyaku… So it's true. Now I understand why you seemed so strange... You really have become much stronger! Damn…" It is not clear if the Uchiha was annoyed by the fact that his opponent gained more power or knowledge of the Ōtsutsuki.
Although, since Naruto had stressed that Sasuke would meet them in person in some ancient ruins in the future, he was now eager to hasten the event.
There was no point in trying further. The Hokage did not pursue the goal of raising an army to fight the heavenly beings. All he needed was Sasuke's temporary blindness. The remaining problems could be covered by force. No matter how suspicious he may seem - the attention of the Uchiha can be diverted, the same with the rest of the people. If you use information correctly, then your entire environment may well simply not notice the obvious. As long as people are confused and divided, one can dominate and strengthen one's position. Strength is an important factor, and the rest is not so important. After all, even Sasuke wouldn't interfere in the Hokage's business. At the moment, he can spoil the plans, but very soon even his existence will have absolutely no meaning. Until...
- O? Naruto suddenly turned around, which immediately distracted his thoughtful friend:
- We have guests.
- BUT? The Uchiha looked surprised and then frowned sharply. He also noticed distortions in the air.
Shin Uchiha has arrived!
The Hokage's eyes shone, his entire body was immediately covered with golden chakra, and then the Byakugan instantly manifested!
"Let's start..."
"Wh-what!?" Those eyes…" Sasuke marveled at the unfolding spectacle, but all he could make out was just a silhouette flashing in front of him, followed by a silvery line of sparkling dojutsu…