---
Natsume sat on the ground, dazed.
Before he could gather himself, Tsunade had already slipped on her coat and walked out.
"Can you really blame me?" he muttered to himself, chuckling softly.
Shaking his head, he stood up, straightened his clothes, and exited the room.
In the hallway, both Tsunade and Shizune were nowhere to be seen. Instead, a young girl, Kurama Yakumo, lingered by the doorway, seemingly waiting for someone.
"Good morning, big brother," Yakumo greeted with a polite bow.
"Morning, Yakumo." Natsume smiled warmly. "You can head home for now. Tsunade-sensei's been busy and might not have time for training today."
Yakumo nodded in understanding. "Tsunade-sama explained that earlier. I'll return tomorrow."
After seeing her off, Natsume left the Senju residence and made his way to the Daimyō's estate in the Land of Waves.
---
At the Daimyō's Residence
"Shisui, how have things been the past few days? Is everyone settling in?" Natsume asked as he entered the main hall.
Shisui Uchiha, standing with his arms crossed, bowed lightly. "Things have stabilized, more or less," he replied. "On behalf of the remaining Uchiha, I thank you for saving our lives."
"There's no need for that," Natsume said, helping Shisui to his feet. "From now on, you're free to live in peace here in the Land of Waves. One day, the Uchiha clan's honor will be restored. If anything happens, let me know."
Shisui's sharp eyes studied Natsume. While he felt gratitude, he couldn't shake the thought that Natsume's actions were calculated. Despite his strength, Natsume had not intervened during Itachi's massacre. Whether it was due to disapproval of the clan's extremists or another reason, Shisui couldn't tell. Still, their survival was better than complete annihilation.
"I do have a request," Natsume said, breaking the silence. "I want you to give me your Mangekyō Sharingan and transplant Uchiha Fugaku's eyes."
Shisui's gaze didn't waver. "Why?"
Natsume spoke plainly. "If I use Fugaku's Mangekyō, I can evolve it into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan at a cost. However, your Mangekyō will cost me far less due to your closer bloodline connection. With this power, I'll ensure the safety of the Uchiha and the village."
Shisui paused, his loyalty to the clan conflicting with the request. After a moment, he nodded. "Very well. But I have one condition: if you ever become Hokage, promise me the Uchiha will be allowed to return to Konoha."
Natsume's lips curled into a smile. "I promise you," he said, placing a reassuring hand on Shisui's shoulder. "From today forward, you're the leader of the Uchiha clan—and a future advisor to the Hokage."
---
The Transplantation
Natsume summoned Kabuto Yakushi, who performed the surgery to extract Shisui's Mangekyō and implant Fugaku's.
With 300 destiny points, Natsume activated the Mangekyō Sharingan, gaining two powerful abilities:
Kokugan (left eye): The ability to erase memories within a specific time frame.
Seigikan (right eye): A field that either accelerated Natsume's movements or slowed down his opponents.
These abilities resonated deeply with Shisui's personality—his wish to erase the pain of the Uchiha's tragedy and his desire to rewind time to prevent it.
Shisui required several days of recovery, so Natsume left the estate, only to run into Uchiha Mikoto in the corridor.
---
"Aunt Mikoto," Natsume greeted her respectfully.
"Natsume," Mikoto said, her face lighting up. "How is Sasuke doing?"
"He's awakened his Sharingan, so he's progressing well," Natsume assured her. "Konoha plans to let him lead a normal life for now."
Relief washed over Mikoto's features. "When can I see him?"
"Soon," Natsume promised. "Once Tsunade becomes Hokage, you'll have the freedom to visit him."
Mikoto hesitated before asking, "When… will he begin unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Activating the Mangekyō Sharingan was no simple task. A thought crossed Natsume's mind, and he suggested, "When I bring you to see Sasuke, the emotions of the reunion might trigger it naturally."
Mikoto looked surprised but eventually nodded. "If that's what it takes…"
---
Back in Konoha
Natsume returned to Konoha and found Tsunade seated on the sofa, her expression heavy with worry.
"What happened?" he asked, pulling Shizune aside.
Shizune explained, her tone somber. "Sarutobi Seinosuke's daughter-in-law suffered a miscarriage. Konohamaru's mother passed away as a result."
Natsume frowned deeply. "Could this be Danzo's doing?"
Shizune shook her head. "We don't have proof, but it wouldn't be surprising."
Natsume approached Tsunade and gently took her hand in his. His warmth seemed to ease her tension.
"Sister, isn't your birthday coming up?" he asked, feigning innocence.
Tsunade's scowl deepened slightly at the mention.
"How about a trip to the beach?" Natsume suggested with a grin. "I've got a gift you'll love."
The thought of a relaxing escape made Tsunade chuckle softly. She ruffled his hair. "Alright, but that gift better be worth it."
---
The Next Day
Ichiraku Ramen Shop
"Hey, boss, one bowl of tonkotsu ramen," Natsume called out as he hopped onto a high stool. "And another of Naruto's favorite—barbecued pork rib ramen."
"Coming right up!" Teuchi replied with a warm smile, already busy with the orders. "Just a moment."
Natsume glanced around, noticing how lively the small ramen shop was. Almost every seat was taken, and the hum of conversation filled the air. Ichiraku wasn't big, but it was always welcoming.
As he saved a seat for Naruto, he asked with a playful grin, "Hey, boss, you don't happen to have a last name, do you?"
Teuchi chuckled, his hands skillfully working the noodles. "Nope, just Teuchi. Why do you ask?"
Natsume shrugged, his grin widening. "You've got this...air about you. Almost like you're from some prestigious clan or something."
The ramen chef laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "The guest sure has an imagination!"
Before Natsume could tease him further, a familiar voice rang out behind him.
"Uncle!"
Turning, Natsume saw Naruto climbing onto the stool beside him, his bright smile as energetic as ever.
"Morning, Naruto," Natsume greeted with a nod. "Your ramen's already on the way."
"Thanks, big bro," Naruto said, beaming. He always appreciated how Natsume looked out for him, especially when so many others didn't.
As Teuchi stirred the ramen, Natsume hesitated before asking, "Naruto, did you hear about what happened to the Uchiha clan?"
Naruto blinked, his expression turning serious. "The Uchiha clan? What about them?"
Natsume sighed, lowering his voice. "Sasuke's in the hospital."
"Sasuke?!" Naruto's eyes widened, and he nearly jumped out of his seat.
"Relax—he's okay," Natsume said, placing a firm hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Finish your ramen first. Then I'll tell you what happened."
Reluctantly, Naruto sat back down, though worry was etched into his face. "How did he get hurt? Did he trip or something?"
Natsume shot him a look. "Don't joke about that. Here, I'll fill you in." He leaned closer and whispered what he knew about last night's events.
Naruto's grin disappeared as he listened, replaced by a look of shock. "No way..."
He stared at his ramen for a moment before standing abruptly. "Sorry, Natsume—I've gotta go check on him."
Natsume watched Naruto dash out of the shop, saying nothing. He understood.
---
On the Streets of Konoha
As Naruto sprinted toward the hospital, he slowed when he overheard a conversation outside a nearby inn.
"It's terrible, really. The Uchiha clan, wiped out overnight," one voice muttered.
"Serves them right," another replied harshly. "I heard they tried to overthrow the Hokage!"
"Good riddance. Always acting so high and mighty with that police force of theirs."
Naruto clenched his fists, anger bubbling up inside him. He'd heard people say cruel things about him his whole life, but hearing it about the Uchiha clan—and Sasuke—cut differently. Gritting his teeth, he ignored the whispers and ran on.
---
Sasuke's Hospital Room
Naruto opened the door quietly, spotting Sasuke lying in bed, his pale face partially hidden by bandages.
"Keep your voice down. He's still recovering," the nurse whispered before stepping out.
Naruto nodded, walking over to Sasuke's side. "Hey, Sasuke…" he murmured softly.
Suddenly, Sasuke's eyes snapped open. His gaze was distant at first, but as memories of the massacre flooded back, confusion turned to fury. Without a word, he sat up, brushing past Naruto and staggering toward the door.
"Sasuke!" Naruto called, hurrying after him.
Ignoring him, Sasuke moved on instinct, his feet carrying him to the Uchiha compound. When they arrived, he froze.
The once-proud streets of the Uchiha district were eerily silent. Bloodstains marred the ground, and the homes were empty, their doors left ajar.
Sasuke's breath hitched as the weight of the devastation settled over him. He was alone now. Truly alone. All that remained was him...and Itachi.
Naruto approached cautiously, watching as Sasuke's fists trembled. Then, Sasuke turned to him, his eyes blazing with a single tomoe in each Sharingan.
"Sasuke...your eyes…" Naruto whispered, stunned by the sight.
"Shut up!" Sasuke snarled, his voice breaking. "You don't understand! You'll never understand!"
Naruto took a step closer, hurt but determined. "I know what it's like to be alone, Sasuke. I understand more than you think."
"Understand?" Sasuke hissed, grabbing Naruto by the collar. His Sharingan spun with raw emotion. "You don't have a clue what this is!" He pointed to his eyes, his voice rising. "You'll never be a match for me again, Naruto! Never!"
Sasuke's Awakening
"Sasuke… don't do this," Naruto said quietly, his blue eyes locking onto his friend's anguished face. The warmth that had once filled Sasuke's gaze was gone, replaced by cold shadows and seething hatred.
"They're dead… all of them!" Sasuke's voice cracked, his hands trembling with rage. "My entire clan—killed by my own brother!"
Naruto clenched his fists, his chest heavy with guilt and frustration. He understood Sasuke's anger, but the darkness festering within his friend was undeniable.
Suddenly, Sasuke laughed—a bitter, hollow sound that echoed in the clearing. His crimson Sharingan swirled, its intensity terrifying. "Do you get it now, Naruto? Can you even begin to understand what I've lost?"
Naruto's patience snapped. He surged forward, his fist connecting with Sasuke's jaw. The punch sent the Uchiha stumbling backward.
"Shut up already!" Naruto shouted, his voice trembling with emotion. "Stop wallowing in your own pain and wake up!"
Sasuke wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, glaring at Naruto with wild eyes. "You don't get it, do you? My pain… my hatred… this is all I have left!"
Their clash began in earnest.
---
From a nearby rooftop, Natsume crouched, his Sharingan observing the fight. He let out a small sigh as he watched the two genin collide.
"With his Sharingan active, Sasuke's strength has reached that of a mid-tier chūnin," Natsume muttered. "But can that really match Uzumaki Naruto?"
Naruto wasn't an ordinary genin anymore. After extensive Wind Release training with Sarutobi and countless taijutsu sparring sessions with Rock Lee and Might Guy, his combat prowess had skyrocketed. Even without tapping into the Nine-Tails' chakra, Naruto was a force to be reckoned with.
Sasuke's Sharingan allowed him to read Naruto's movements, but Naruto's unpredictable fighting style kept the Uchiha on edge. Every strike, feint, and counter was filled with raw determination.
The fight stretched on for more than ten minutes, neither combatant willing to yield. Finally, Naruto managed to sweep Sasuke's legs out from under him, pinning him to the ground with a kunai pressed to his neck.
"Giving up on yourself won't bring them back," Naruto said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "You're stronger than this, Sasuke."
Sasuke froze, his Sharingan fading slightly. The wild anger in his eyes gave way to something more vulnerable—pain, doubt, and frustration.
"How?" Sasuke whispered. "How can you be this strong without the Sharingan?"
Naruto pulled the kunai away, his gaze softening. "Because I'm not fighting to destroy. I'm fighting to protect the people I care about… including you, you idiot."
Sasuke's Sharingan trembled, his emotions surging. One of the tomoe in his left eye split into two, the mark of his growth through struggle.
---
Watching from the shadows, Natsume smirked.
"In the original timeline, despair and hatred fueled Sasuke's growth," he murmured to himself. "But Naruto's determination and rivalry seem to work just as well."
A familiar notification appeared in his mind.
[Due to your intervention, Uzumaki Naruto's fate has changed. You have earned 77 destiny points.]
[Due to your intervention, Uchiha Sasuke's fate has changed. You have earned 77 destiny points.]
"So, this is the bond that drives them," Natsume thought. "Their fates are tied together, shaping one another in ways even they don't realize yet."
Satisfied for now, Natsume activated Sage Mode, leaping silently toward the Hokage's office.
---
Inside the Hokage's office, Danzo Shimura leaned on his cane, his expression calm and composed as he addressed Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hiruzen, you know me," Danzo began in an even tone. "I would never act against Konoha's best interests."
Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples. The years weighed heavily on him, and recent tragedies had only made matters worse. Rumors swirled throughout the village, accusing him of ordering the Uchiha massacre. Though Hiruzen suspected Danzo's involvement in spreading the rumors, he had no concrete proof.
"Have we identified the source of these accusations?" Hiruzen asked an ANBU operative standing nearby.
"Not yet, Lord Hokage," the operative replied. "The rumors are being spread in crowded areas, making it difficult to trace the source."
"Then issue a statement," Hiruzen ordered. "We can't let misinformation divide the village."
Danzo's neutral expression didn't falter, but Hiruzen couldn't shake his suspicion.
Finally, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his voice heavy. "It's time to name my successor. The position of Hokage has remained vacant for too long."
Danzo's eyes flickered with interest, though he remained outwardly calm.
"Tsunade…" Hiruzen began, but Koharu interrupted.
"This decision should involve all of Konoha's leadership," she said firmly. "Jiraiya must return, and the jōnin should cast their votes."
Hiruzen nodded reluctantly. While he trusted Tsunade, a formal process would strengthen the legitimacy of the next Hokage.
"I nominate Jiraiya," Homura said.
"And I nominate Tsunade," Hiruzen added.
To his surprise, there was no immediate objection.
"And I nominate myself," Danzo said evenly.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, taking a long drag from his pipe. "Danzo, why now? You've never sought the Hokage's position before."
Danzo's voice was calm but resolute. "Konoha needs a leader who understands the harsh realities of the world. My experience makes me the most suitable candidate."
Just then, an ANBU operative entered the room. "Lord Hokage, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has arrived."
Hiruzen frowned. He hadn't requested the Daimyo's presence.
Outside, Natsume crouched on a nearby windowsill, a smirk playing on his lips. "Danzo's already making his move, huh? Let's see how this plays out."
---