Yuzuru Uchiha's pitch-black eyes gleamed with quiet depth.
Along the way, they had already encountered many such scenes.
He wasn't some saint, but the education he'd received before crossing into this world made it impossible for him to turn a blind eye.
In today's shinobi world, the people at the bottom lived in endless suffering.
Although his goal was to become the strongest and attain immortality, he didn't mind improving the world of shinobi while he was at it.
Perhaps the order he would one day build would also have flaws—but at least there would no longer be bandits running rampant or people treated as worthless as weeds.
With that thought, Yuzuru turned to Sakumo Hatake and said, "Sakumo, it's not just these ordinary people.
"Even shinobi live every day not knowing if they'll see tomorrow."
"For the sake of missions—today you kill me, tomorrow someone else kills you."
"Hatred continues to fester, until finally it evolves into war..."
"It's just like a cycle, endlessly repeating."
"No matter how I think about it, only five words come to mind..."
Sakumo Hatake asked in a deep voice, "Which five words?"
Power surged from Yuzuru Uchiha's body as he said coldly, "Use Killing to Stop Killing."
Sakumo fell silent for a long moment, then looked at Yuzuru with solemn resolve. "Yuzuru, I understand your resolve now.
From now on, I'll follow your lead—and help you build that new order."
Yuzuru patted Sakumo's shoulder and nodded.
With that pledge, even if they were to one day wage war against Konoha, Sakumo Hatake would no longer hesitate.
After steadying his emotions, Yuzuru glanced at the boy behind him and suddenly asked, "Kakashi, why are you blushing?
You didn't just see something you shouldn't have, did you?"
Kakashi's eyes darted nervously. "I-I-I definitely didn't see it!"
Yuzuru chuckled. "But I never said what I was referring to..."
"No matter what it is, I didn't see it!"
Seeing Kakashi's guilty look, Yuzuru pulled out a book and quietly slipped it into his hands.
"When you read it, be careful not to let your father find out."
Curious, Kakashi flipped through a few pages—then quickly stuffed the book inside his clothes.
"Hahahahaha..."
Yuzuru burst into hearty laughter.
Maybe it was a little inappropriate to corrupt a child, but interacting with these familiar characters from the original story was simply too much fun.
——
——
Kumogakure.
Raikage Building.
Raikage's Office.
The Third Raikage stared at Sakumo Hatake and Kakashi Hatake in disbelief. "Yuzuru, you actually managed to bring Sakumo Hatake over here?"
Yuzuru raised an eyebrow. "He's standing right in front of you. Can't you see for yourself?"
The Third Raikage laughed loudly and clapped Yuzuru on the shoulder. "Yuzuru, you truly are a blessing to Kumogakure!"
Sakumo Hatake's power was recognized across all ninja villages. Even a man as domineering as the Third Raikage had once issued the command: 'If you encounter Konoha's White Fang, abandon the mission unconditionally.'
And now, such a powerful expert was willing to bring his son and join their Kumogakure...
It felt like a dream!
First the Uchiha clan and the orphan of Uzumaki, and now Sakumo Hatake and Kakashi Hatake...
Had those fools in Konoha completely lost their minds?
Shaking the thought away, the Third Raikage turned to Sakumo. "Sakumo, settle down here in Kumogakure. If you need anything, talk to Yuzuru—or to me directly."
The Raikage's open attitude eased the tension that had been weighing on Sakumo's heart.
After all...
Among the shinobi he had once slain were more than a few elites from Kumogakure.
After a brief conversation, Yuzuru and Sakumo left the Raikage Building together.
As they walked through the streets, Sakumo couldn't help but say, "Yuzuru, I didn't expect you to hold such authority here in Kumogakure."
He still couldn't believe how the Third Raikage treated Yuzuru—with the ease and camaraderie of equals.
For an outsider to be not only accepted but treated like a brother by the Raikage—it was unheard of.
He couldn't help but think: if he had defected to Konoha instead, he'd probably have been dragged straight to the interrogation unit.
Yuzuru said calmly, "Those with true power don't care about trivialities—because they have confidence in their control over everything.
And here in Kumogakure," he pointed toward the training grounds, "as long as you're strong enough, you'll earn their respect."
Following Yuzuru's gesture, Sakumo saw several members of the Uchiha clan.
They were surrounded by Kumogakure shinobi like stars encircling the moon—lining up to request sparring matches, from the sound of it.
It was a scene Sakumo had never witnessed even in Konoha.
It seemed the Uchiha were thriving in Kumogakure.
Seeing the look on Sakumo's face, Yuzuru explained,
"When we first arrived, my clansmen had the same worries you do. But later, they realized there was no need for such concern.
Kumogakure values strength above all. Most people here are straightforward and bold.
If you're strong and willing to blend in, they'll accept you.
There's not so much scheming here—you can live with a lighter heart."
That had been one of his main reasons for choosing Kumogakure.
The Uchiha were proud by nature—but only toward those weaker than themselves.
And to the shinobi of Kumogakure, that kind of pride was perfectly natural. What's wrong with being arrogant if you have the strength to back it up?
If the weak couldn't stand it, they simply had to get stronger.
Combined with the power of the Sharingan, the Uchiha were nearly unbeatable one-on-one against opponents of equal strength, cementing their reputation within Kumogakure.
And in missions or battles, Uchiha shinobi always charged forward even more recklessly than their allies.
They spoke their minds, disdained political games, and fought with all they had.
So in just over half a year, the Uchiha clan had become deeply integrated into Kumogakure life.
Now, not being friends with an Uchiha was something to be laughed at.
That's right—
In today's Kumogakure, befriending an Uchiha has become a badge of honor.
If Yuzuru were to sum it up in one phrase—it would be: After leaving Konoha's umbrella, I realized there was never any rain outside!
Just as Yuzuru and Sakumo were chatting, A suddenly appeared before them.
"Hatake Sakumo, fight me! I'm going to personally return the defeat from the battlefield to you!"
Seeing the fierce determination in A's eyes, Sakumo instinctively looked to Yuzuru.
Yuzuru shrugged. "That's just how he is. Either you let him keep pestering you, or you beat him until he yields—like I did."
A immediately protested, "I never yielded! I just don't think I've surpassed you yet!"
Yuzuru ignored him and said to Sakumo, "Looks like beating him halfway into submission works too."
"..."