Drop Some power stones! If you like the chapter! It helps to keep me motivated to upload more!đź’Žđź’Žđź’ŽÂ
------
"Grandma, you're all coming to watch my exam today. I'm getting a little nervous. Let me take it by myself next year—I'll definitely pass!"
Kushina tugged at Nanako's sleeve, pouting as she spoke softly.
Off to the side, Akio shook his head helplessly. Thanks to Kushina's antics, she and Minato had both successfully managed to repeat a year.
Nanako sighed. "You could just take Minato back to Uzushio with you. You're already twelve—how many more years are you planning to stay in the Konoha Academy?"
Kushina put on a face that clearly said: I have no idea what you're talking about.
"If she wants to stay, then let her stay," Mito spoke up, her voice calm. "This way she can keep me company for a few more years."
Akio's expression grew complicated.
Unknowingly, Mito had already reached seventy years old.
"But she shouldn't stay in the Ninja Academy any longer," Mito continued. "That place won't help Kushina improve her abilities."
Kushina was secretly delighted. She glanced toward Akio and Nanako. The three elders had surrounded her like a tribunal, giving her no room to escape.
Akio wore an it's-not-my-business look, while Nanako's expression was conflicted.
After a while, Akio looked around, remembering how Hiruzen and Danzo had used their so-called "handsome men strategy" a couple of years ago. Though the outcome had been favorable, he still felt a lingering discomfort over it.
Looking at the smugly pleased Kushina, Akio smiled and said,
"The exchange program is basically over now. Konoha doesn't have any more Uzumaki kids left. It's not really appropriate for Kushina to keep staying here."
Mito was momentarily stunned, clearly confused. She had thought Akio had always been supportive of Kushina and Minato's situation.
Nanako nodded in agreement.
"Then let's have Kushina graduate first…"
In the end, the three elders came to an agreement. Kushina's graduation was set.
"In addition," Akio added, "we can bring that Minato kid to the Uzumaki clan too."
He wanted Hiruzen to suffer both personal and strategic loss. As for what came afterward—he'd deal with that later.
Arranging Kushina's graduation was a breeze. Hiruzen understood the situation clearly and made no attempt to stop it—not that he dared. Akio had held a grudge for a long time over the last incident.
However, unexpectedly, there was resistance to bringing Minato to Uzushio.
"Old monster, I worked hard to find Minato—he's the Child of Destiny. And now you want to steal him away?"
Jiraiya's words made Akio frown slightly.
"When did you make him your disciple?" Akio looked at Jiraiya, exasperated.
"Since he was ten! I, the great Jiraiya, have always had a keen eye for talent."
"Pity I missed witnessing that moment… it would've been nice."
Akio hadn't planned to take Minato as his own student, but he regretted not being present when Jiraiya accepted him.
"Who would've thought Jiraiya would take him on before graduation?" Akio muttered. "In the original timeline, Minato should've graduated at ten."
"Kushina's going back to Uzushio. Do you want your student to end up single like you?" Akio teased with a smirk.
Jiraiya didn't respond. The contempt in his eyes said it all—Akio had no right to make such comments.
"Fine, whatever. Two years apart isn't a big deal. Kushina can go back to Uzushio first and learn some sealing techniques. If she wants to return later, we'll see."
Akio waved his hand, dismissing Jiraiya.
Truthfully, he didn't have the energy to argue.
During his two-day stay in Konoha, Akio discovered something far more troubling:
Nawaki seemed to have actually "won over" Uchiha Mikoto.
This wasn't a small matter. First, it altered the storyline—Naruto finally had a stable start, but Sasuke couldn't be left out, and Itachi was still part of Akio's long-term plan.
Second, it stirred the long-standing feud between the Senju and Uchiha clans. While they'd been getting along more smoothly in recent years, they were still far from accepting something like a political marriage. The Senju might accept a Uchiha girl joining their clan, but the Uchiha? That was unlikely.
Third—Akatsuki.
If they were committed to "correcting the timeline," they'd have zero tolerance for such major changes. Who knew what action they'd take?
And fourth, the most concerning issue—Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki himself might intervene.
Akio knew that the Rinnegan could only emerge from the combined chakra of Indra and Asura. Even if Nawaki married Mikoto, it'd be nearly impossible for their children to awaken it. But the MangekyĹŤ Sharingan? That was nearly guaranteed. With enough talent, even the Eternal MangekyĹŤ could be awakened without needing to transplant eyes.
If the two clans discovered this secret, they might begin intermarrying systematically—mass-producing Mangekyō users.
Akio doubted Hagoromo would tolerate that.
And right now, he wasn't strong enough to negotiate with the Sage of Six Paths.
"Then again…" Akio furrowed his brow. Hagoromo only had chakra left. Who knew how much power remained?
"Sigh… what a headache," Akio muttered, filled with unease.
Wandering aimlessly, Akio found himself at the Konoha training grounds—where an intense battle was underway.
Nawaki had sparred with Uchiha Fugaku countless times. He'd always lost—until training under Akio. Since then, they always fought to a draw.
Akio glanced at them, shook his head, and stepped aside.
"Looks like another tie."
Fugaku's Fire Release couldn't break Nawaki's defenses, and Nawaki lacked the offensive power to overpower Fugaku. It was a deadlock.
Akio wasn't the only spectator. Konoha's elder, Uchiha Kagami, was also watching.
"Elder Akio," Kagami greeted and walked over.
Akio waved. "You seem awfully interested in Fugaku. He's your... nephew?"
Kagami nodded with a wry smile. "Even if he weren't, this situation is serious enough that I'd still have to keep an eye on it."
Akio sighed too, worry creasing his face.
"You don't seem too pleased about it?" Kagami asked, smiling.
Akio shook his head. "There are things you don't understand."
"Is it about these eyes?"
Kagami's Sharingan spun into a pinwheel—Mangekyō Sharingan.
Akio was startled. "When did you awaken MangekyĹŤ?"
Those eyes… actually gave him a faint sense of danger.
"Damn, Kagami's Shisui's grandfather. Could he have a similar ability?"
Kagami deactivated his MangekyĹŤ, falling into brief silence.
"I awakened them during the final battle against the Sand Village."
Akio nodded slowly.
"You haven't used them since? Don't, if you can help it—it'll ruin your eyesight."
"Is that so?" Kagami nodded. "I understand, Elder Akio."
Akio gave him a thoughtful look, then turned to glance at the still-dueling pair. He smiled helplessly.
"Troubles are piling up..."
---
For early access to advanced chapters visit my P@treon:
P@treon/ Dexy3
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!