Chapter 168: Trouble
"Grandma, I got a little nervous because you all came to watch my exam today. Let me take the test by myself next year; I'll definitely pass!" Kushina tugged at Nanako, whining softly.
To the side, Masahiko shook his head helplessly. With a flurry of maneuvers, Kushina had successfully managed to hold both herself and Minato back a grade.
Nanako sighed. "You could have taken Minato Namikaze back to the Land of Whirlpools. You're already twelve; how many more years do you plan to study at the Konoha Academy?"
Kushina put on a face that said, "I don't understand what you're talking about."
"If she wants to stay, let her stay. It just so happens she can keep me company for a few more years," Mito spoke up, causing Masahiko's expression to become complicated.
Unknowingly, Mito was already seventy years old.
"However, she shouldn't stay in the Ninja Academy anymore," Mito continued. "Kushina's strength won't improve there."
Kushina felt a burst of joy inside, secretly glancing at Masahiko and Nanako. The three elderly figures surrounded her like a tribunal.
Masahiko had an expression that said "it's none of my business," while Nanako looked conflicted.
After a long while, Masahiko looked around, remembering the "Honey Trap" (Handsome Man Trap) Hiruzen and Danzo had deployed two years ago. Although he was happy to see the final result, it still left a knot in his heart.
Looking at Kushina, who was revealing a secret delight, Masahiko smiled and spoke, "The exchange student program is effectively over by now. Konoha no longer has any children in the Whirlpool, so it wouldn't be good for Kushina to stay any longer."
Mito was startled, showing a confused expression. In her heart, she felt that Masahiko had always been supportive of Kushina and Minato's relationship.
Nanako nodded along, expressing her agreement.
"So, let's have Kushina graduate first..."
Finally, the three reached a consensus, and Kushina's post-graduation destination was decided.
"Besides that, you can also bring that kid Minato to the Uzumaki clan," Masahiko continued. He wanted Hiruzen to suffer a double loss. As for future matters, they could be discussed later.
Kushina's graduation was handled easily. Hiruzen knew the specific situation and didn't stop it—nor did he dare to. He had been held in a grudge by Masahiko for a long time after the last incident.
However, bringing Minato to the Land of Whirlpools encountered unexpected obstacles.
"Old Monster, Minato is the Child of Prophecy I worked so hard to find. You want to abduct him?" Jiraiya's words made Masahiko frown.
"When did you accept him as a disciple?" Masahiko looked at Jiraiya helplessly.
"When Minato was ten, I, the Great Jiraiya, recognized his talent with my keen eyes."
"Missed a wave of Witness Points, what a pity." Masahiko didn't intend to steal Minato as a disciple, but it was a shame he missed witnessing the apprenticeship.
"Who would have thought Jiraiya accepted him as a disciple before he even graduated?" Masahiko muttered. "In the original story, Minato should have graduated at ten."
"Kushina is going back to the Land of Whirlpools. Do you want your disciple to become a single dog like you?" Masahiko asked with a smile.
Jiraiya didn't speak, but his disdainful look said it all—Masahiko had the least right to say that.
"Forget it, let it be. It doesn't matter if the two kids are separated for two years. Kushina can go back to the Land of Whirlpools to receive instruction in Sealing Jutsu first. There are many new Sealing Jutsu that Mito doesn't know. We'll talk about it when she wants to come back." Masahiko waved his hand, ignoring Jiraiya.
In fact, he wasn't in the mood to pay attention to him.
After staying in Konoha for two days, he discovered something even more troublesome.
It seemed Nawaki really did "snatch" Mikoto Uchiha.
In his heart, this matter was more than just a little troublesome. First was the change in the plot. Naruto finally seemed somewhat on track, but there couldn't be no Sasuke, and Itachi was someone he had always looked forward to.
Secondly, there was the trouble between the Senju and Uchiha. Over the years, the old rivals, Senju and Uchiha, had gotten along relatively well, but they were far from reaching a level where they could accept intermarriage. The Senju might be fine since it was an Uchiha girl marrying in, but the Uchiha clan probably wouldn't tolerate it.
Thirdly, the trouble with the Akatsuki. Since they were dedicated to correcting the plot, they would likely have zero tolerance for such a major plot change. Who knew what measures they might take?
Fourthly, and most troublesomely, the union of Senju and Uchiha might invite interference from the Sage of Six Paths.
Masahiko knew that the Rinnegan could only be produced by the combination of Indra and Asura's chakra. Even if Nawaki married Mikoto, their descendants would likely not possess the Rinnegan. However, the Mangekyou Sharingan would almost certainly appear. With enough talent, they might even produce the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan without needing to swap eyes. Once the two clans discovered this secret, they might truly start intermarrying constantly to "mass-produce" Mangekyou Sharingans.
Masahiko felt that the Sage of Six Paths would find it hard to tolerate such a thing. And the current Masahiko didn't possess the ability to maneuver against the Sage of Six Paths yet.
"Not necessarily..." Masahiko frowned. The Sage only had chakra left; who knew how much strength remained?
"Sigh, truly troublesome." Masahiko sighed with emotion, his heart full of conflict.
Wandering aimlessly, Masahiko arrived at the Konoha Training Grounds. A fierce battle was taking place there.
Nawaki was fighting Fugaku Uchiha for the umpteenth time. Before, he always lost, but after studying with Masahiko, it was always a draw.
Masahiko watched for a moment, shook his head, and walked to the side.
"Probably another draw."
Fugaku's Fire Release couldn't break Nawaki's defense, and Nawaki's offensive capabilities weren't strong. The two went back and forth, neither able to do anything to the other.
Masahiko wasn't the only spectator; there was also a Konoha Elder, Kagami Uchiha.
"Elder Masahiko." Kagami greeted him and walked over.
Masahiko waved his hand. "You care quite a bit about Fugaku's affairs. He should be your... nephew?"
Kagami nodded and smiled bitterly. "Even if he wasn't my nephew, for such a big matter, I have to pay constant attention."
Masahiko also sighed, looking worried.
"Shouldn't you be happy to see this happen?" Kagami asked with a smile.
Masahiko shook his head. "There are some things involved here that you don't understand."
"Is it about these eyes?" The three tomoe in Kagami's eyes spun, unexpectedly turning into a windmill shape.
Masahiko was startled. "When did you awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan?"
These eyes actually gave him a slight sense of threat.
"Damn, Kagami is Shisui's grandfather. Could it be a similar ability?"
Kagami deactivated the Mangekyou and fell silent for a moment.
"I awakened them during the final battle against the Hidden Sand."
Masahiko paused, then nodded.
"Have you never used them? Don't use them if you can help it; it will degrade your vision."
"Is that so?" Kagami nodded. "I understand, Elder Masahiko."
Masahiko glanced at him, then looked at the two still fighting, smiling helplessly.
"Troubles are piling up..."
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