Naruto: Saving the Uchiha-Chapter 444.The Eyes... Are Acting Up Again

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"Itachi would be an outstanding Advisor. With his abilities, given the opportunity, he could even secure the position of Hokage."

Any thoughts on that?

Kazuki raised an eyebrow at Shisui, who immediately put on a bitter expression.

"Elder, it’s best not to say such things. I admit Itachi is exceptional, but if such words spread, it wouldn’t be good for Itachi or the clan. Besides, aren’t you leading the way ahead? I believe Itachi will become your right-hand man."

Could you please not ask me such terrifying questions?

Shisui felt like crying.

He was always wary of these topics because he’d been burned before. So, he often preferred to emulate Itachi’s reserved nature, quietly being a bodyguard, a messenger.

"If I’m not afraid, what are you scared of?"

Kazuki was speechless. It was just an analogy. Look how scared you are. What if Itachi really becomes Hokage one day?

Shaking his head, Kazuki continued, "What about you?"

"....."

Shisui fell silent, his gaze turning complex. After gathering his mixed emotions, he bowed sincerely.

"I wish to become your shadow."

"Your perspective is too narrow. That kind of thinking won’t do."

Patting Shisui’s shoulder, Kazuki smiled without further comment and walked toward the command headquarters. Shisui didn’t dwell on it, immediately following.

What is Konoha doing?

Not long ago, they transported a batch of supplies to the border camp. Now they’re transporting a batch back. All this back-and-forth—isn’t it tiring?

Or is there simply too much stuff?

Because the transported goods were disguised, outsiders didn’t know.

What exactly is this batch of supplies? They could only speculate endlessly.

What made them even more frustrated was that after this transport concluded, they thought Konoha would settle down. But not long after, another batch of supplies was openly transported out of Konoha.

"????"

The spies planted in Konoha to gather intelligence were utterly bewildered.

What are you people in Konoha playing at? Constantly moving supplies out, then back in, all this back-and-forth.

Are you just bored because other villages are busy fighting wars and you’re not involved, so you’re amusing yourselves by transporting supplies back and forth?

This time, Konoha didn’t operate in secrecy. They openly issued an announcement.

In light of the approaching New Year, and considering the ninja stationed at the border camps spend years away, rarely able to return to the village to rest or be with family...

Therefore, the village is specially transporting a batch of high-quality supplies so that the ninja at the border camps can have a proper New Year’s celebration.

This batch of supplies was diverse: new clothes, red envelopes with equal amounts for everyone.

And various high-quality ingredients.

It could be said that aside from alcohol, everything necessary was included.

Following Kazuki’s suggestion, Tsunade had also thoughtfully prepared red envelopes. The amounts weren’t huge—a few 10,000-ryō bills in each envelope—but she believed these envelopes would bring joy to many ninja.

For example, those rookie ninja who spent their days braving wind and snow on patrols or helping with chores.

Replication successful. Acquired partial Asura Chakra. Integrate?

Integrate.

Early in the morning, Kazuki first used his replication ability on the unlucky Naruto, who’d drawn guard duty and was standing there with a runny nose from the cold.

Then he comfortably integrated the replicated Asura Chakra.

"So, kid, you understand how tough being a ninja is now, don’t you?"

Kazuki walked up, teasing Naruto. As he spoke, the replicated chakra fully integrated.

Kazuki couldn’t help but raise a hand to rub his eyes. They were itching again, similar to the sensations during his previous two eye evolutions.

Kazuki’s Sharingan had exhibited this phenomenon both when the three-tomoe evolved into the Mangekyō and when the Mangekyō evolved into the Eternal Mangekyō.

Moreover, as he integrated more and more Indra and Asura Chakra, the sensation became more pronounced.

"Not at all!"

Even with snot dripping freely from the cold, Naruto stubbornly lifted his chin, still talking tough.

Sakura didn’t even want to speak; she felt frozen to the bone.

In contrast, Mizunami, who came from a commoner family with poor conditions, handled it better. Seeing Kazuki rubbing his eyes, he quickly stepped forward, concerned.

"Lord Advisor, are your eyes uncomfortable?"

"It’s fine."

Long accustomed to this sensation, Kazuki smiled and shook his head, looking down at Mizunami.

"Jiraiya has a good eye. Kid, keep working hard."

For civilian ninja like Mizunami, with decent talent, what they lacked were sufficient resources and guidance from an excellent teacher. Under Jiraiya, as long as he applied himself, his ceiling would at least be a Jonin.

As for going beyond that, that wasn’t something a teacher or resources alone could guarantee; it depended on innate talent.

"Yes! I will work hard!!"

Receiving praise from Kazuki, Mizunami was overjoyed. His face, already slightly red from the cold, flushed completely.

Watching Kazuki praise Mizunami but not mention them at all...

Naruto and Sakura immediately felt deeply dejected.

Naruto was okay; his easygoing nature meant if he didn’t get praised, he’d just keep trying harder.

But Sakura... Her heart was a bit fragile. Aside from her stubborn obsession with liking Sasuke, other aspects were... complicated.

Knowing these two kids were feeling down, Kazuki couldn’t help but be amused.

He gave Naruto a light smack on the head. "You, focus on practicing the Rasengan. Once you master that technique, your strength will improve significantly."

"Ow!!"

Naruto clutched his head, yelling.

"If you’re giving pointers, just give pointers! Why hit me?"

"Because you’re mischievous! Because you can’t stay still!"

Kazuki glared at Naruto. Knowing he was at fault, Naruto offered an awkward smile and quickly moved away.

Sakura.....

Kazuki was silent for a few seconds before addressing Sakura.

"Combat... isn’t really your forte. Learn diligently from the medical ninja at the camp! With your level of chakra control, I believe you can become a qualified medical ninja, providing aid to your teammates and companions."

He hadn’t originally intended to say anything. But having praised Mizunami and given Naruto pointers, leaving out Sakura didn’t feel right.

Girls tended to be more sensitive.

If his neglect led to some negative thoughts, that would be unfortunate.

Even though he didn’t particularly have any strong relationship with Sakura, Kazuki still said a few words.

Hearing Kazuki’s few words of encouragement, Sakura finally smiled.

However, with her face flushed bright red from the cold, Sakura’s smile... made Kazuki feel she looked even plainer.

Is it my imagination?

The supplies sent by the village soon arrived. Seeing this pile of New Year’s gifts and the red envelopes, everyone felt a warm glow in their hearts.

As Kazuki had guessed, many ninja were moved to tears, their eyes reddening. More emotional individuals were already crying.

"Wah... Lady Hokage is too good to us."

"I heard these things were proposed by Lord Advisor, and that’s why they were sent. The village never had such customs before."

"It seems while we thank Lady Hokage, we should also thank Lord Advisor."