Land of Fields, Otogakure (Sound Village)
Three months had passed, and Natsuki had grown significantly more robust. He could now easily defeat Fugaku and Orochimaru in the dream space, allowing him to relax his rigorous training schedule for a while.
One day, after finalising plans with Orochimaru and leaving behind some money, Natsuki decided it was time to go. Despite these three months, Kabuto had not returned to Otogakure, but thanks to the soul lamp Orochimaru had made for him, they could see that Kabuto's soul was still burning brightly, indicating he was likely still training in senjutsu and unable to return for now.
Unable to acquire snake senjutsu from Kabuto, Natsuki sought out Tsunade, aiming to bring her back to the Uchiha and continue with his next steps. Since this was a personal mission, Natsuki chose to travel alone.
"Kimimaro, stay here in Otogakure for a while and let Orochimaru monitor your condition to avoid any unforeseen complications," Natsuki advised.
Although reluctant to see Natsuki leave, Kimimaro understood that staying healthy would allow him to help Natsuki more effectively in the future.
"I understand, Natsuki-sama," Kimimaro responded.
Natsuki reached out and affectionately patted Kimimaro's cheek. "Be good and listen to Orochimaru," he said.
Kimimaro blushed slightly and nodded.
Standing nearby, Haku, who had become healthier during his time with Natsuki, also looked saddened by Natsuki's impending departure. Natsuki smiled and ruffled Haku's hair. "Keep learning ninjutsu here. Orochimaru has some ice release techniques for you. We'll see each other again soon."
Haku lifted his head with determination and nodded. "Next time, I'll definitely be able to help you, Natsuki-sama."
"Good, I'll be counting on you next time," Natsuki smiled.
Kimimaro and Haku had grown deeply attached to Natsuki during their journey from the Land of Water to the Land of Fields. Thankfully, Natsuki's next step would reunite them all soon.
After reassuring Haku, Natsuki turned to Kisame and Kyoko. "Kisame, take a long break with Kyoko for now. Your salary will be paid as usual. Stay in Otogakure for a while, and when the next part of the plan begins, you'll join Orochimaru and come over."
Kisame had grown fond of Otogakure, where he enjoyed fighting with Itachi and Shisui and relished the local cuisine. Plus, the fact that he didn't have to do any assassination missions while still getting paid made him extremely happy.
"No problem, boss! Thanks for the paid vacation," Kisame said with a grin, his sharp teeth showing.
"Karui, Jūgo, you two behave and listen to Orochimaru," Natsuki told the two, who his request had rescued. Though they hadn't spent much time together, they were closer to Orochimaru.
Natsuki briefly exchanged nods with Itachi and Shisui, having already spoken with them earlier. Orochimaru didn't come to see him off, as he never wasted time on such things.
"Alright, I'm off!" Natsuki waved casually and walked away.
Kimimaro and Haku watched him leave, gazing after him for a long time until he disappeared.
…
Once he was far from Otogakure, Natsuki decided to test the sand cushion technique he had obtained from Rasa.
He couldn't use the techniques he had acquired within the dream space, fearing the risk of failure would ruin the fun. So, he waited until he was out of Otogakure to summon the sand cushion.
Though he could only use it once, there was no time limit, right? If he maintained the chakra flow, maybe he could keep it forever. Natsuki chuckled to himself, feeling clever.
In the air, golden sand appeared, forming a cushion that looked like cotton candy. Stepping onto it, Natsuki found it quite comfortable. Adding more chakra expanded the cushion's size, allowing Natsuki to lie comfortably as it floated forward.
Flying felt fantastic! Though the cushion didn't fly high or fast, with his Uzumaki chakra reserves, the energy it consumed was insignificant.
Flying just above the treetops, Natsuki travelled toward the Land of Iron. The cushion wasn't fast, and more chakra didn't increase its speed. Overextending it could even cause it to collapse. But Natsuki was content, feeling pleased as he thought, "Am I exploiting a bug here?"
…
Konoha Village, Uchiha Clan Grounds
After receiving his first task at the Konoha council meeting, Hiashi Hyuga sent a formal request to the Uchiha clan the next day. He wasn't sure if he'd be turned down, but to his surprise, Fugaku Uchiha quickly agreed to meet.
However, instead of meeting in a formal setting like the council room, Fugaku received Hiashi in his private courtyard.
Sitting across from each other, Fugaku poured tea without saying much. Hiashi finally broke the silence. "Fugaku-sama, I'm here first to apologize for the recent information leak, and also to discuss the vacant shops on Eighth Street."
Fugaku sipped his tea and tapped the table. "The leak wasn't your fault, and an apology from the Hyuga clan doesn't really show much sincerity."
Hiashi felt a chill run down his spine, realising this wouldn't be easy. He smiled bitterly. "Our clan leader has relieved the Fourth Elder, Haido, of his duties. He's currently under house arrest, awaiting your decision."
Fugaku laughed. "Hiashi, you're too tense. You used to call me just Fugaku. Why so formal now?"
Hiashi was stunned. He had assumed the Uchiha would resent the Hyuga after what happened. Why did Fugaku seem so calm?
Seeing Hiashi's confusion, Fugaku explained, "The Uchiha had long planned to leave the village. This incident had nothing to do with it."
"Planned all along?" Hiashi had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed it surprised him.
"We would have left over some other issue eventually. This just happened to be convenient," Fugaku continued. He didn't consider Hiashi an outsider, so he spoke freely, confident that the situation was resolved.
"Before Natsuki left, he mentioned that your clan's main house would eventually try to restrain you. It's actually surprising they waited this long."
Hiashi held his tea in silence.
"What did the Third Hokage offer in exchange for your cooperation?" Fugaku asked.
"The Third offered an honorary elder position, which the clan gave to me," Hiashi replied softly.
Fugaku quickly deduced the situation. "Don't worry, the Uchiha won't make this easy for them. As for Haido, we'll decide his fate when Natsuki returns."
Hiashi was relieved that there would be negotiations. If the Uchiha had forgiven the matter too quickly, it would have left him in an awkward position with his clan.
"As for the shops on Eighth Street," Fugaku said after a moment, "we aren't planning to sell them yet, but we can lease them out."
"How would you like to handle the leasing?" Hiashi asked.
Fugaku stood up, retrieved a stack of property deeds, and handed them to Hiashi. "You'll manage them for me. Set the rent, handle the negotiations, and report back to me."
"Fugaku, this really isn't appropriate..." Hiashi was shocked.
"It's settled," Fugaku said firmly.
Seeing there was no changing Fugaku's mind, Hiashi reluctantly agreed. "Alright then..."