Scene Nine
#Turning_the_Tables
#Naruto's_POV
After meeting with Ella–chan, I changed my course toward a specific place. If Uncle Oshino wishes to play dirty, then I shall play his very game—and beat him at it!
On my way, I spotted one of the servants—it was the maid who had taken care of me throughout the time I had shut myself off from everyone.
"Mina–chan."
I called out to her, approaching with a small, childlike smile.
Mina the maid smiled back and responded calmly,
"Yes? Naruto–sama, is something the matter?"
Once I reached her, I gave her a pleading look that made her pause in surprise. I quickly said,
"Could you buy a smart camera for me? But don't tell anyone—I want to give Ella–chan a special gift."
The surprise that had filled her dark-skinned face melted into a warm smile as she replied,
"Of course, Naruto–sama. I'll buy it and won't tell a soul."
I beamed at her and asked,
"Is that a promise?"
"Yes, it's a promise."
"Yay! Thank you, Mina–chan!!"
With that, I turned the other way and walked off, a sly grin on my face.
#Turning_the_Tables (1) End
At the Hyūga estate...
At this time of year, a family gathering was taking place. Just like the Uzumaki clan, all the other great clans held such gatherings.
"It seems our profits from Konoha Hospital have been steadily increasing. If this continues, we'll remain the second most powerful family after the Uchiha—and we'll surely surpass the Senju."
The elder of the clan spoke calmly with a smile. It was thanks to his tireless decades of hard work that the Hyūga had risen this far—now counted among the five most powerful forces in Konoha!
Naturally, dominance belonged to the clan that controlled the nation's security—the Uchiha.
Following them were the Hyūga, who had advanced in medicine generally, and especially in acupuncture.
Third in power were the Senju. Some called them terrifying gangsters; others said their influence extended throughout the entire state, infiltrating other clans with cunning.
One undeniable fact, however, was that national leadership always came from them. In the past, it was Senju Hashirama. Now, it was Senju Tobirama. There was no doubt—they governed the country as a whole.
The fourth great clan was the Namikaze—businessmen indispensable to the nation. Their strength neither increased nor decreased. Their power lay in their stability—they were unshakable and undefeated by any who dared to challenge them.
The fifth clan that had rapidly risen in recent decades, like the Hyūga, was the Uzumaki. Ever since Senju Hashirama married Uzumaki Mito, their influence had skyrocketed in a remarkably short time.
A clan with influence close to the top five was the Haruno. They might not seem as strong compared to the others, but they were terrifying enough to bring any clan to its knees.
The Haruno's domain was the toy industry. Heavy support from the Namikaze and their strong ties made their success possible.
"And now, with the blessed marriage of our son Neji, we'll be in a position of undeniable strength."
The elder gently patted his grandson Neji on the head, smiling with joy.
Neji returned his grandfather's smile and nodded quietly, then looked aside, his expression turning calm once more.
#Turning_the_Tables (2)
#Naruto's_POV
Nearly two weeks had passed as I prepared my final strike against Uncle Oshino. The next clan gathering was far off, and I wasn't willing to risk exposing him to everyone—at least not yet.
I considered threatening him, but as I'm still a child, he wouldn't take me seriously. So a better idea came to me—one that would let me keep him under control.
I was walking through the mansion when I saw Uncle Oshino hurrying out of his office. This was my chance.
I walked toward him as if I hadn't seen him and bumped into him hard, falling over.
"Ow! That hurts…"
I clutched my head, one eye shut in fake pain.
"Out of the way, you brat."
Uncle Oshino said that as he shoved me aside and rushed off. I figured something must've happened with our business affairs outside the family.
I didn't bother worrying about those things for now. I'd leave that to my future adult self.
"Hehehe…"
In any case, I had achieved my goal. I grinned as I held the keys to his room and twirled them between my fingers.
I made my way to the room ahead of me, slowly unlocked the door, and slipped inside once I was sure no one was around.
Upon entering, I was struck by the room's elegant design—without a doubt, the office of a businessman!
If this is just his home office, I wonder what his actual office at the company looks like.
After a brief sarcastic smile, I refocused on the task at hand.
Among the rows of books sat the smart camera I'd asked Mina–chan to get for me earlier.
I'd heard that Uncle Oshino and Uncle Michael were going to meet soon, so I'd set up the camera to spy on their conversation.
I hadn't succeeded in catching much yet, but I kept doing it now and then. I was sure I'd find something eventually!
I placed the keys on top of Uncle Oshino's desk to make it seem like he had forgotten them, then quietly left, closing the door behind me.
"What are you doing outside Papa's office?"
Oh no… When did she get here?
I quickly forced a smile and looked at her, speaking with a hint of awkwardness and nervousness,
"Tera–chan!!"
"Hmmmm."
Tera stared at me with clear suspicion on her childish face. She was eight years old—one year older than me.
She was Uzumaki Tera, the only daughter of Uncle Oshino. He had divorced his wife after she gave birth to a girl. Despite loving her deeply, he never remarried, and he also refused to have a son. Uncle Oshino was an odd one.
Tera–chan wasn't a full-blooded Uzumaki. Her hair was red, but her eyes were a beautiful shade of brown. She was extremely sweet.
"U-Um… Actually, I saw Uncle Oshino drop his keys, but he left in such a rush… so I put them in his room until he gets back from his meeting."
I looked to the side, a cold sweat running down my temple.
"Really? You're so nice, Naruto–kun!"
Tera–chan beamed with joy, eyes shut in delight.
I sighed quietly and told her,
"Well then, I'll be going now."
I smiled and walked away while Tera–chan waved at me with an innocent grin.
Sorry for lying to you, Tera–chan… but I must carry out this mission, no matter the cost.
My once-guilty gaze hardened with resolve as I walked toward a certain room.
#Turning_the_Tables (2) End
#To_Be_Continued.