"Trying to deal with this type of ninja using conventional ninjutsu is a bit of a stretch, huh?"
Even Uchiha Kage hadn't expected to drive Terumi Mei away like that.
When he first arrived on the water, he'd planned to test Terumi Mei's Lava Release with his Great Shark Bullet Technique. But once his vision cleared, he noticed the female ninja was almost completely undressed.
"Well, it's for the best. Even though I only have Sakura with me, it's best not to reveal my full strength if I can avoid it."
The Rasengan and Water Dragon Bullet Technique could be explained away, but that ninjutsu unique to Kisame? No way to explain that one.
While he wasn't weak by any means, Uchiha Kage wasn't like Obito, charging headfirst to challenge the Hokage with only one trick up his sleeve – Intangibility.
Before he gained absolute power, development was his priority.
The only unfortunate thing was that he didn't get any Ninja Fragments from Terumi Mei.
"I was even planning to confirm if the reason 'female NPCs' get added to the Dream Space at night happens because of the Ninja Fragments..."
As Uchiha Kage returned to Sakura's side, he muttered to himself, lost in thought.
Hm? Sakura?
Something occurred to him, and Uchiha Kage's eyes lit up as he looked at the girl before him.
"W-what is it?"
Is there something on my face?
Sakura was worried about Kakashi and the others in the forest. She was about to ask Uchiha Kage about the female ninja, but he suddenly stared intently at her face.
"That woman seemed to leave something on your back. Turn around, and I'll get it off for you."
"Oh..."
Without suspecting a thing, Sakura quickly turned her back to Uchiha Kage.
*Thwack.*
She felt a heavy blow to the back of her head, and her vision swam before she collapsed onto the grass.
"Sorry, I'll make it up to you next time."
The one who ambushed the unsuspecting Haruno Sakura was, of course, Uchiha Kage.
He obtained her Ninja Fragment without any trouble.
----
"Ugh..."
Sakura didn't wake up until the next morning.
"Yesterday… was it a dream?"
No, it wasn't a dream!
Pushing open the door, Sakura saw a scene of devastation – the ground and vegetation were corroded everywhere.
Yesterday, she and Uchiha Kage were indeed attacked by two Kirigakure Ninja. One of them, the Female Ninja, had even fought her and Uchiha Kage before… then...
She only remembered Uchiha Kage telling her to turn around, and then... she passed out?
Wait, where's Sasuke?
Did Kakashi and the others return?
Thinking this, Sakura rushed to the living room.
I'm so relieved everyone's okay!
"Sas..."
Seeing Sasuke safe and sound, eating breakfast with the others around the table, Sakura finally relaxed.
However, just as she was about to greet him, she stopped when she saw another Uchiha boy next to Sasuke.
"Kage..."
Why did she dream about Kage last night?
And it was a dream where she was a nurse in a hospital. Not only that, but she was taller in the dream, and her chest was more developed. If she *really* tried, maybe she could *almost* fill out a B cup. Right now, an A was a *stretch*.
That was the only thing that made her slightly happy.
As for the 'doctor and patient' game she played with Uchiha Kage in the dream... she was too embarrassed to talk about it.
But why did Kage have to say something so unnecessary like, 'Small is cute too'? He didn't even take the initiative!
How annoying. Ugh, of all the dreams to have, it had to be *that* kind...
No, no, why am I having these dreams?
Kage is the one Ino is so infatuated with, not mine. I wouldn't...
Thinking this, Sakura glanced guiltily at Sasuke, who was bickering with Naruto over food.
It's so unfair! Sasuke looks at Naruto more than me!
The guilt in Sakura's heart quickly turned into resentment.
"You cooperated well last night. Thanks to you, we were able to drive away that female ninja safely."
Worried that Sakura would ask about him knocking her out, Uchiha Kage quickly handed her a bowl of porridge, distracting her with another topic.
"No, it was all thanks to your ninjutsu..."
He's so gentle, Kage-san.
No wonder Ino is so infatuated with him.
Sakura smiled as she took the breakfast from Uchiha Kage, occasionally stealing glances at the boy sitting next to her.
Then she subconsciously looked at the inside of the boy's collar.
I wonder if his heartbeat in reality is the same as 'his' in the dream...
The girl couldn't help but blush as she recalled the scene in the dream where he was lying naked in the hospital bed, allowing her to explore him.
No, no, she's not a pervert like Ino!
She definitely doesn't want to have dreams like that ever again!
----
Konoha Village.
Hokage Office.
"You actually brought back Zabuza's corpse?"
Looking at Team 7, Uchiha Kage, Uzuki Yugao, and the others returning to the village, along with the two corpses taken out of the Space Scroll, Hiruzen felt a surge of joy.
He didn't expect that even though he had suspended the mission, Kakashi and the others still completed the task of gathering intelligence on Kirigakure.
Looks like he can assign Itachi to another mission...
Hiruzen originally intended to have the injured Kakashi return to the village and have Uchiha Itachi lead the team to Kirigakure.
"You've done an outstanding job again. Bringing back Zabuza's body and those ninja swords is a major victory for the village."
Money, intelligence – everything was obtained, and they even brought back two Kirigakure Ninja Swords.
Now, whether relations with Kirigakure turned sour or improved, Konoha held the initiative.
The corners of Hiruzen's mouth couldn't help but turn up.
Uchiha Kage is truly a lucky charm.
But...
Remembering Uchiha Itachi's suspicions, Hiruzen remained cautious.
"Kage, stay behind."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Hiruzen dismissed Kakashi and the others, leaving Uchiha Kage alone.
"What is it, Hokage-sama?"
Having anticipated this, Uchiha Kage wasn't surprised that Hiruzen wanted to speak with him privately.
"Given your exceptional performance on this mission, I have decided to end your probationary period early. You are now a formal member of the Anbu."
Instead of questioning Uchiha Kage directly, Hiruzen first acknowledged his merits and promoted him.
"Not only that, but I also intend to appoint you as a Squad Leader in the Anbu."
"Squad Leader? Me?"
Uchiha Kage quickly put on a surprised and flattered expression.
"But I'm just a Genin..."
"It doesn't matter. Uchiha Itachi was promoted to Anbu Squad Leader at your age."
Hiruzen was pleased with Uchiha Kage's reaction. He naturally steered the conversation toward Uchiha Itachi.
"Uchiha... Itachi? That traitor!?"
Uchiha Kage did his best to fake resentment.
"Yes, you've fought him before, haven't you?"
"Indeed. It's a pity he got away!"
"He is very strong."
"Hmph, he's somewhat skilled, but nothing special. Next time, I'll definitely kill him!"
"Calm down, Kage. Uchiha Itachi possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan. Ordinary ninjutsu and illusionary techniques won't work on him."
"Is the Mangekyo Sharingan really that powerful? But I..."
"What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Yes, his Sharingan doesn't seem to work on me. I don't know why."
"Is that so? Kage, tell me in detail what happened that day..."
Hiruzen coaxed him, and Uchiha Kage cooperated with his performance.
Except for concealing the Byakugan and Intangibility, Uchiha Kage recounted almost every detail of his battle with Uchiha Itachi.
"I see. That's very strange..."
This child is indeed as Iruka said – obedient, compliant, and doesn't hide anything.
Hiruzen was very satisfied with Uchiha Kage's account. What he said was almost identical to what Uchiha Itachi had said.
"However, your Uchiha clan is a miraculous clan. Perhaps you possess the ability to resist the Mangekyo Sharingan's ocular powers."
After discovering that Uchiha Itachi's and Uchiha Kage's words corroborated each other, Hiruzen became even more convinced that Uchiha Kage possessed a special constitution.
However, Yuhi Kurenai is hiding the truth.
Does she think I, as the Hokage, would harm an Uchiha child?
Honestly, it's not like all the Uchiha geniuses are dead. Itachi is still alive... isn't he?
"Really? So I'm a genius..."
So Hiruzen mistakenly thinks I have a special constitution.
That saves me the trouble of explaining.
Uchiha Kage breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"That's just my guess. By the way, who taught you the Rasengan? It's an A-rank advanced ninjutsu. It's difficult for ordinary people to learn."
Although his doubts had been mostly dispelled, Hiruzen still asked the last question.
"I found it among the clan's collections. I taught myself after practicing for a long time."
Uchiha Kage 'created' the Rasengan not long after he was born.
Namikaze Minato wasn't even born yet at that time.
So, in theory, it shouldn't be strange for this technique to appear in the Uchiha clan's collection.
"So the Uchiha clan also possesses this ninjutsu..."
Hiruzen assumed that an Uchiha had copied the ninjutsu, made a scroll, and stored it away. He didn't think much of it.
"Come in."
No longer harboring any doubts about Uchiha Kage, Hiruzen clapped his hands and summoned two Anbu-clad ninja who had been waiting outside.
"Ita, Sai, this boy will be the Squad Leader of your team from now on. Introduce yourselves."
As Hiruzen introduced them, Uchiha Kage looked up at the two who entered.
His expression instantly became interesting.
So, Sai was here. It wasn't hard to guess that Danzo would plant people in the Anbu.
This 'Ita', although wearing a mask and bandages around his face, Uchiha Kage recognized his Chakra at a glance with the help of the Byakugan.
Wait, what? Uchiha Itachi has returned to Konoha so openly? As an Anbu ninja?
Inwardly astonished, Uchiha Kage cautiously glanced at Hiruzen.
What exactly is going on?
Did Uchiha Itachi sneak in disguised, or did he get Hiruzen's approval?
"What's wrong, Squad Leader?"
Sai was also sizing up the Uchiha boy. Danzo had given him many tasks, including this boy.
"Nothing. I look forward to working with you."
Smiling slightly at Sai, who was giving him a fake smile, Uchiha Kage greeted the two as if he knew nothing.
Whatever, he'll deal with it as it comes.
Moreover, he was in the shadows while they were in the open. Uchiha Kage wanted to see what Uchiha Itachi was trying to do.
"Ita's face was burned, and he's very introverted. Him nodding means he acknowledges you. Remember to get along well in the future."
Hiruzen's words were directed at both Uchiha Kage and Uchiha Itachi, telling them not to target each other.
"Yes!"
Burned face, introverted and silent?
It seems that Uchiha Itachi's return was likely approved by Hiruzen.
Could it be... because of the 'Future Note' he gave earlier, Hiruzen called Uchiha Itachi back to the village?
Was it to deal with Orochimaru?
----
"Hey! I'm talking to you. Why are you so distracted?"
Yuhi Kurenai playfully ruffled Uchiha Kage's hair. She, Hinata, and Shino were waiting outside the Hokage Building, smiling at her student.
"Teacher? And Hinata? What are you..."
Having just met two Anbu teammates who were like hidden dragons and crouching tigers (people with unseen potential), Uchiha Kage was indeed a bit troubled.
Seeing Yuhi Kurenai, Hinata, and Shino waiting for him, his chaotic mood immediately cleared up.
Konoha is truly a village to love and hate.
Uchiha Kage dodged Yuhi Kurenai's attempt to ruffle his hair and gave Hinata and Shino a natural smile.
"Hey, don't ignore me again!"
Shino felt that this guy was deliberately ignoring his name.
"Of course, it's a celebration after completing the mission. Why else would we be waiting for you?"
Seeing Uchiha Kage after many days, Yuhi Kurenai, unable to ruffle his hair, turned her attention to the boy's handsome face.
Let you use your tongue to tease me in my dreams every day, I'll also...
Pinch you.
"Teacher said we should go eat barbecue..."
Seeing Uchiha Kage after many days, Hinata was both shy and happy.
Although she could "fantasize" about Uchiha Kage putting her in all sorts of embarrassing positions every night, fantasies were just fantasies. The real person made her feel more secure.
"Barbecue? Sounds good."
Uchiha Kage subconsciously glanced at Hinata's bulging chest.
He thought that she had grown a little bigger in just a short period.
"By the way, you haven't told anyone about that, have you?"
Although he knew Hinata wouldn't harm him, Uchiha Kage still wanted to tease the girl who blushed every time she saw him.
Right, even though she can't see clearly with her Byakugan, she's probably staring at my *outline* right now.
"O-of course not! I would never tell anyone about Kage-san's affairs!"
Hinata knew that Uchiha Kage was referring to the events of the day when they fought Uchiha Itachi.
At that time, she was the only one who noticed that part of Uchiha Kage's body had disappeared unbelievably.
"Don't bully Hinata!"
Seeing Uchiha Kage corner Hinata as soon as he arrived, Yuhi Kurenai grabbed the back of his collar, feeling somewhat annoyed.
Although she was happy to see these two together, for some reason, she was a little upset today.
----
"The Instance has finally finished updating?"
That night.
As soon as Uchiha Kage entered the Dream Space, he noticed that the Instance interface was displaying an 'Enter' option.
[Enter Instance?]
"I wonder what it will be this time..."
*** Entering Translator's Territory (Handle with Care! 😉) ***
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