Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

The three-tomoe spun relentlessly in Sasuke's scarlet eyes, forming fleeting illusions of connection, as if success was just within reach. Sasuke devoted all his energy to the evolution of his Sharingan, completely unaware of Itachi's reaction.

At that moment, Itachi was stunned.

From his perspective, Naruto's idea was naive and overly idealistic. The evolution of the Sharingan requires extreme emotional stimulation, after all. Could mere friendship with a teammate truly trigger such growth?

Yet, Itachi had agreed to Naruto's plan to observe Sasuke's potential change, even if it meant yielding to Naruto's whims.

What he hadn't anticipated was Naruto's plan succeeding beyond expectations. Sasuke's Sharingan indeed evolved into the three-tomoe form, and its momentum suggested an imminent breakthrough to the Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Could it be that Naruto's bond with Sasuke goes far deeper than mere camaraderie?"

Itachi silently mused, feeling both gratitude for Naruto's care toward Sasuke and concern for his younger brother's well-being.

Of course he genuinely hoped Sasuke could obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan.

However, the rotation of Sasuke's Sharingan slowed, just shy of reaching the Mangekyo. Ultimately, it failed.

However, Itachi did not show any disappointment at this.

After all, Naruto wasn't truly dead, and Sasuke's emotions hadn't reached their absolute peak. Even achieving the three-tomoe was a remarkable feat.

Since Sasuke's scene was over, then according to the plan, Itachi only had to do the finishing touches.

Putting away the sword, he said indifferently, "Foolish little brother, you lack the worth for me to kill you. If you wish to kill me, curse me! Hate me! And survive your miserable life... Run away, run away... Cling to life!"

With those words, Sasuke lost consciousness.

Though it felt like an eternity inside the Tsukuyomi World, in reality, mere moments had passed. Such was the terrifying nature of the technique, as it was instantaneous in both activation and conclusion.

…

"How did it go?"

Seeing Sasuke had fainted, Naruto turned over and finally stood up.

His acting skills were impeccable. Despite Itachi never truly using Tsukuyomi on him, he pretended to be affected by it.

It can't be helped. Every time After all, casting Tsukuyomi inflicted a strain on Itachi's eyes, so there was no need to risk genuine harm just for a performance.

"It triggered the three-tomoe Sharingan. He was on the verge of unlocking the Mangekyo but fell short. Since you're still alive, his emotions didn't reach their breaking point." Itachi answered truthfully.

Hearing this, Naruto was speechless: "What, do you expect me to fake my death for your dear brother's Mangekyo?"

Feigning death was off the table. After all, he and Sasuke have a Servant Contract, so if he dies, Sasuke's contract will react. Feigning death will definitely give clues, and it is very likely backfire disastrously.

The current results were already ideal.

Seeing that Itachi remained silent, Naruto walked over to the stone tablet, then carefully stashed the only possible evidence into his system's inventory.

After wrapping things up, Naruto waved his hand and said, "Okay, the plan's done. Let's make our retreat. Head to the nearest outpost outside the village and wait for me. I've got a few things to sort out, and then I'll join you."

"That's fine, but I have one question." Itachi paused, "What did you mean by suggesting Sasuke seek out Orochimaru?"

Itachi didn't have a good impression of Orochimaru.

Naruto's response was straightforward, needing only a single line, "Orochimaru is also my servant."

"… I'll wait outside the village."

Itachi had no further questions.

That explanation sufficed. Regardless of Orochimaru's intentions or ambitions for the Sharingan, the Servant Contract ensured he couldn't act recklessly. In fact, Itachi believed that Sasuke would be safer under Orochimaru's watch than in Konoha.

Trusting Naruto's thorough planning, Itachi vanished from the underground chamber.

Naruto followed suit but chose a different path.

He doesn't know how long he will be away from Konoha this time, so he had to address all loose ends properly.

Using Transformation Technique, Naruto disguised himself as an Anbu, put on the cat-shaped mask exclusive to the Anbu, and headed to the third training ground first.

"Hyuga Neji, come here." Naruto waved him over.

"What can I do for you, sir?"

No matter what, he is a member of the Hyuga Clan. Even if he is just a branch family's member, Neji still knows etiquette.

"It's me, Naruto. Don't make a scene. I've got something to tell you. Time is short, so just listen." Naruto lowered his voice and spoke in his original voice.

Neji flinched but quickly composed himself, nodding to indicate his readiness.

Naruto spoke softly, "To help Sasuke evolve his Sharingan, I just put on a show. As far as Sasuke knows, I've been captured by an enemy. I'm using this chance to explore the outside world. Sasuke will likely come to you soon for help, but don't agree to his request. I need you to stay in Konoha and ensure Hinata's safety."

"Don't worry, I won't leave the village. I still have my dreams to fulfill," Neji declared resolutely.

Right now, Neji is putting all his effort into improving his strength in order to resolve the division between the main and branch families within the Hyuga Clan. Leaving Konoha wasn't an option, especially when Naruto wasn't in any immediate danger.

Naruto smiled approvingly, "As long as you understand, that's enough. Whatever explanation you want to give is up to you. My time is limited, so I'll head out first. When I return, I hope to see you have achieved your dream."

"You can count on it!" Neji said firmly.

Having regained control of his own destiny, Neji was determined to achieve his goal, no matter what.

"Alright, I'm off," Naruto whispered, and with a flicker of movement, he disappeared from the training field.

Watching Naruto's retreating figure, Neji clenched his fists and, after silently wishing him well, threw himself back into his training.

…

Not long after, there was a knock on the door of the Hokage's Office.

Knock knock knock!

"Come in!"

Opening the door, Naruto, who is wearing a mask, walked in.

"Naruto, what are you scheming now?" Sandaime questioned immediately.

Seeing the crystal ball in front of Sandaime, Naruto's face twisted with annoyance, "Why are you spying on me again?"

"The village has been peaceful recently, so I had some free time. I thought I'd check on your activities. I didn't expect to see you teaming up with Itachi. It looks like he's now one of your servants. What exactly are you planning?"

Sandaime couldn't make sense of Naruto's motives. From his perspective, Naruto's actions often seemed impulsive and without rhyme or reason.

This kind of unpredictability was dangerous, as it could lead to chaos if Naruto decided to act without warning.

"You focus on being Hokage, and I'll handle my own affairs. Why do you care? Just know that I pose no threat to Konoha."

Naruto said with a resigned tone, "I've said this countless times, so stop assuming I'm lying. Oh, and I'll be leaving Konoha soon. You already know this from your crystal ball, so I won't bother explaining. Once I'm gone, you won't have the chance to spy on me. Instead, keep an eye on Sasuke. All the troubles that follow, I'll leave for you to handle."

Although Naruto harbored some disdain for Sandaime, he had to admit that Sandaime, as a cunning and experienced 'old fox', was well-equipped to deal with Sasuke, who was still immature and inexperienced. So leaving Sasuke in Sandaime's hands gave Naruto peace of mind.

Before Hiruzen could object, Naruto turned to leave.

As his hand gripped the doorknob, a sudden thought crossed his mind. Naruto paused, turned back, and added, "One more thing: you know who's connected to me. I don't care about others, but no one touches my people. If anything happens to them, small scuffles are one thing, but if I come back and find out someone died, don't blame me for losing my temper..."