Chapter 32 Chinatsu Gets BusierInside the Uchiha residence.
Naruto and Sasuke had already returned to their usual routine, each training separately in the courtyard. The intense hostility from their spar at the Ninja Academy had completely disappeared, replaced by focused, independent practice.
"Hey~ even if this is all part of my customized training plan, shouldn't you include more real combat? Sparring with each other occasionally would help. Honestly, it might even be more effective if I sparred with you myself."
Chika sat casually on a wooden chair, propping her chin on her hand as she watched the two of them train.
It wasn't that sparring with her was useless but the gap between them was too large. Training against someone of equal strength would allow them to better understand their limits, refine their timing, and most importantly… experience the satisfaction of victory earned through effort.
The moment those words fell
Naruto and Sasuke froze.
Did she… see it?
Their minds immediately flashed back to the fight at the Academy.
The reason they didn't want Chika watching wasn't complicated. It wasn't just about losing it was about dignity. What they considered impressive techniques might look childish to her. Worse
What if they lost badly in front of her?
That would be unbearable.
The two exchanged a glance.
No words.
But perfect understanding.
Naruto: Absolutely no fighting in front of her!
Sasuke: Agreed… wait, she's my sister!
A spark flickered between them
And vanished instantly.
More important than arguing… was survival.
They turned back toward Chika with identical, exaggerated smiles.
"Sister, I think real combat isn't necessary right now. We haven't even fully mastered the basics yet… right, Naruto?"
Sasuke immediately shifted responsibility.
Naruto stiffened for a second, then nodded rapidly.
"Yeah! Yeah! Sasuke's right! I still haven't mastered water walking properly!"
Without hesitation, Naruto dashed toward the pond nearby
Splash!
He stepped straight into the water and sank, emerging completely soaked.
Sasuke: 👍
Naruto: When I commit, I commit!
In reality, Naruto had already learned how to concentrate chakra under his feet to walk on water something that aligns with advanced chakra control training shown later in canon (like tree climbing and water walking).
Originally, he planned to show it off in a cool way.
Now?
Sacrificed.
"Really? If your basics aren't solid yet, then I guess there's no choice~"
Chika spoke lightly, though she was clearly holding back laughter.
Keep acting.
They weren't bad but they were still children.
Who was she?
A veteran cosplayer and performer who had spent years acting in front of crowds. Their little performance was… transparent.
Not to mention
She had already watched the entire fight.
Chika covered her mouth briefly, shoulders trembling.
Naruto and Sasuke sighed internally.
We survived…
But the next second
Her hand dropped.
The smile disappeared.
What replaced it
Was terrifying seriousness.
"You haven't mastered the basics yet… and you're proud of that?"
Her tone turned cold.
"According to the training plan I gave you, you should've completed foundational training long ago. So… you've been slacking off~"
She raised her fists slightly.
The pressure alone was enough to make children cry.
Naruto and Sasuke trembled instantly.
They had dug their own grave.
"Sister… she knew everything from the start…"
Sasuke's expression stiffened. He was now certain
She wasn't fooled.
She was playing with them.
If this were the old Chika, he would never believe she could act like this.
But now?
It made perfect sense.
The two looked at her as if facing a demon.
The courtyard fell silent
Then
What followed…
Was a memory they would never speak of again.
The next morning.
Naruto and Sasuke left the Uchiha compound drenched in sweat, their movements stiff and unnatural as they limped toward the Ninja Academy.
What happened last night?
A secret.
Even if someone asked, they would never admit it.
Sasuke: …Never again… I will never lie to her again…
When they arrived at the classroom, Iruka took one look at them
And lit up.
Iruka: They look exhausted today? Perfect time for practical training!
Finally, a chance to regain control of the class!
However
A dozen minutes later
Watching Naruto and Sasuke once again dominate their matches with overwhelming skill
Iruka lowered his head.
Iruka: …I need to rethink my life choices…
Meanwhile
Chinatsu, as a member of the ANBU, received a new mission.
"Go to Kumogakure… for investigation?"
She stared at the message delivered by a messenger bird, slightly stunned.
It made sense.
In the original timeline, the Hyuga incident ended with a compromise Hyuga Hizashi's death prevented escalation, and both villages avoided full conflict.
But now?
Everything had changed.
Because of Chika's interference, Kumogakure had been exposed and forced into an unfavorable agreement. Konoha gained advantages while Kumogakure suffered humiliation.
And the Hidden Cloud Village
Was not known for letting things go.
Retaliation was almost guaranteed.
Sending ANBU for intelligence gathering was logical.
But
Chika: Why am I going alone?!
Her expression froze in disbelief.
Still
She had no choice.
Right now, she wasn't strong enough to refuse missions. She hadn't reached the level of a Kage, and acting recklessly would only put her at risk.
"I have to go again… those two will definitely complain when they see this…"
She sighed softly, leaving behind a short note on the table.
After that, she changed into a tight-fitting black outfit suited for stealth operations.
Her ninja forehead protector remained behind.
ANBU didn't wear them.
They operated in the shadows more like assassins than traditional ninja.
Chika stepped outside, the morning air cool against her skin.
She patted her cheeks lightly.
Focus.
"Alright… Kumogakure…"
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Here I come."