Until the silhouettes of Nonō and Yūgao completely disappeared into the snowy night.
Naruto then turned around to close the door.
"I think… I already have a lead to save Hinata's mother."
And also, a plan to "become stronger!"
Nonō, the medical ninja second only to Princess Tsunade, mastered powerful medical techniques.
And at the origin of medical ninjutsu was "Yang Release."
The Yang attribute—one of the traits that proved he was the reincarnation of Asura's chakra.
Just as Sako naturally possessed the Yin attribute, allowing her to practice "Yin Release," as the reincarnation of Indra's chakra.
Naruto admitted he wasn't cut out to be an excellent medical ninja like Sakura.
But Yang Release, unlike medical ninjutsu, didn't require such grueling effort.
Talent would determine how far he could go with Yang Release.
And as for the perfect guide—who better than Nonō to show him the way?
A smile formed on Naruto's lips as his mind recalled Nonō's provocative figure… and Yūgao's elegant winter outfit.
On the genkan wall, a shadow flickered—like a monster awakening.
Naruto suppressed it and signaled it to wait.
Soon, whether it was Nonō, Yūgao, or even Hyūga Natsu…
he would have an outlet to release it all…
---
A few days after the New Year...
Itachi had been staying home these past few days.
Temporarily suspended and waiting for the formation of his new team, he found himself with nothing to do.
According to his jōnin instructor,
the Ninja Academy would soon welcome a new wave of students, and two new genin would join his team.
Itachi wasn't eager. All he wanted was to take the chūnin exam as soon as possible.
But the failed escort mission for the daimyo had crushed his hopes.
Would he have to wait another year?
Once again...
Suppressing his frustration, Itachi focused on one consolation:
his sister's incredible progress over the past few days.
"Hah!"
In a small grove, eight targets stood in a row.
It was a secret place within the clan's territory
where Itachi had once trained.
At his sister's request, he had taken her to this place only known to their parents and Shisui.
With a swift motion, Sako flung eight shuriken,
one between each finger.
The projectiles sliced through the air and embedded themselves into the targets.
Thunk thunk thunk—
Every one of them hit the center.
Itachi was stunned.
His sister's progress defied belief.
After a brief moment of surprise, he thought, full of admiration:
That's my little sister.
"Well, big brother?"
Sako, who seemed to have grown quickly after New Year's—not just in skill but even in height—
was smiling, cuter than ever.
To Itachi, she was a priceless treasure.
Though a girl, her reflexes surpassed many boys'.
Her intelligence was just as impressive:
she was already reading books usually reserved for advanced genin,
and absorbed everything in one glance.
Lately, it was as if Sako had "opened her eyes,"
progressing at a staggering pace.
"9 out of 10."
Itachi gave her an almost perfect score.
"The last point's to keep you from getting cocky."
"Eeeh?!"
As Sako protested with an adorable tone,
heavy footsteps echoed nearby.
"Father." Itachi turned, recognizing the stride.
"Dad…" Sako immediately became more reserved.
Fugaku's face, having returned hurriedly from the front lines, was grim.
Recalled by Konoha's higher-ups just as he was about to achieve a major feat,
his mood was understandable.
The official reason?
Avoid provoking the enemy, maintain reserves…
But Fugaku knew the real reason:
the higher-ups didn't want the Uchiha to earn glory or improve their status.
With the Fourth Hokage dead, Orochimaru's betrayal, and the Third growing old,
if the Uchiha were allowed to grow normally,
they would become indispensable.
The higher-ups feared that,
preferring to sacrifice ordinary ninja lives
rather than end the border conflict quickly.
"The Hokage spoke to me about you when I returned."
Fugaku looked at his daughter, then his son.
Itachi: "?!"
"The higher-ups have decided: you'll take the chūnin exam next year.
But this time, you won't be on a three-man team.
You'll face the exam… alone!"
Alone?!
Compared to other candidates in teams,
it was a deliberately unfair challenge.
But…
Itachi understood.
This was a test, an evaluation of his abilities.
If he could stand out and become a chūnin solo,
he would go down in Konoha's history as the strongest candidate ever.
"I… thank you…"
Tears welled up as Itachi struggled to speak.
So many nights spent in frustration,
dreaming of taking the chūnin exam.
Finally, his wish was coming true…
"Congratulations, big brother!"
Sako smiled, truly happy for him.
Itachi: "Sako…"
For his little sister, still in the Academy,
it was a massive step.
Becoming a chūnin was the true start of a ninja's career.
"Daddy! I'll grow up fast and follow in big brother's footsteps!"
Sako expressed her hopes, full of energy.
But her father didn't respond kindly.
"Hmm."
A distracted grunt.
The cold indifference froze Sako.
Watching his father's back, Itachi felt a surge of anger.
Fugaku, ever the traditionalist, imposed a strict upbringing.
Even the Hokage praised the "Uchiha Fugaku" method.
But that same rigidity came with a contempt for girls.
Because Sako was a girl,
he viewed her as secondary,
meant only to be a wife and mother someday.
With no regard for her feelings.