"Aren't we going to the Ninja Academy?"

"The school grounds are still being set up. There's no rush. Let's have a bowl of ramen first."

Gojo Kaigetsu smacked his lips, the taste of Ichiraku Ramen lingering on his palate.

Upon entering the shop, he ignored Teuchi's wary gaze and confidently ordered a bowl of ramen and a bottle of soda.

It was nearing noon, and the eatery was bustling with customers.

A cacophony of sounds filled their ears.

Two unremarkable-looking ninja, likely civilians, were enjoying a bottle of beer, idly chatting and exchanging jokes in the midday sun.

"Hey, friend, let me ask you something. If one day your chakra runs out and you fall into the water, and the only person passing by is an Uchiha, what should you do?"

"But I can't even mold chakra."

"Eh, you're missing the point. Just pretend you can. What would you say to get the Uchiha to save you?"

"Hmm..." The one being questioned pondered for a moment. "Help me, Uchiha ninja! I have an elderly mother and young children. I can't die here!"

"Wrong! Completely wrong!" The questioner shook his head smugly, as if marveling at the profound wisdom hidden within his question.

Even Samui, who was idly observing, was drawn into their conversation.

Her brow furrowed slightly as she considered the hypothetical scenario.

"If you said that, the Uchiha would probably just glance at you and walk away, pretending not to see."

'As expected, the Uchiha have a terrible reputation in Konoha. The article they're printing is a rebellious declaration, accusing the village of this treatment,' Samui thought to herself.

The one being questioned grew frustrated. "Then what should I do?! Wouldn't that mean certain death?"

"I have a plan. All you need to do is shout while falling into the water: 'All Uchiha are red-eyed maniacs!'"

"That way, they'll definitely be enraged and use Fire Style to burn the entire river dry, then fish you out and throw you in the Konoha Military Police Force."

"Damn! The Military Police Force? I'd rather die!"

Samui couldn't help but hug herself, rubbing her arms.

What a cold joke. It seemed the Uchiha clan's reputation in Konoha was truly...

"You two scoundrels! Are those words fit for human ears?!"

Just as Samui was about to reach a conclusion about the Uchiha, an elderly woman beside them abruptly stood up.

Her eyes were bloodshot, as if she had heard something unbelievable. "You clearly don't understand!"

"Do you know that each Uchiha ninja contributed one thousand ryō to pay the fine?!"

"They're such good ninjas, and you're here making fun of them!"

The old woman raised her cane, threatening to strike.

"What's going on? What's this about one thousand ryō?"

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Hmph.

Samui observed the scene, unconcerned.

'The Uchiha clan has finally resorted to spreading rebellious propaganda~'

It was just an elderly civilian woman. Her eyes were probably failing her, and it was understandable that she couldn't grasp the deeper meaning behind the "Uchiha propaganda."

Once the article spread further, the Uchiha's situation in Konoha would worsen.

And then, it would be time for her Kumogakure to reap the benefits!

Let the article circulate for a while!

Samui, like a mastermind strategist, had a faint smile playing on her lips. Everything was proceeding according to her plan.

Gojo Kaigetsu slurped down his ramen, feeling that the hired actress was perhaps a bit too enthusiastic.

"Burp~ I'm full. Let's head to the Academy now~"

…

…

The Ninja Academy was unusually lively today. The front gate was crowded with people, as if it were a grand festival, drawing curious glances from passing villagers.

"Parents… and children?"

Samui, with her keen observation skills, quickly noticed a pattern among those waiting at the gate.

One adult, one child.

It wasn't the enrollment period for the Ninja Academy, was it?

Why were so many parents gathered at the entrance?

Samui was puzzled, but she understood the principle of "the more you say, the more mistakes you make." So, she simply clung to Gojo Kaigetsu, playing the role of the beautiful and silent companion.

"Long time no see, Mrs. Mikoto. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Oh my, it's Kaigetsu-kun."

Gojo Kaigetsu arrived at the side entrance of the Academy and greeted the beautiful woman with a large belly in a friendly manner.

His attitude was so warm and familiar, it was as if he were speaking to his own sister-in-law.

'She's… Uchiha Mikoto!'

Samui's heart skipped a beat, and she became even more cautious.

None of the Uchiha ninjas were simple. According to the intel, Uchiha Mikoto was the wife of the Uchiha Clan Head.

But judging by the tone of Gojo Kaigetsu's greeting…

Something felt off.

It didn't sound like a greeting someone would offer if their life was being threatened by her husband.

Uchiha Mikoto held the hand of her five-year-old son, Itachi Uchiha, as they waited at the side entrance. Seeing Gojo Kaigetsu, she greeted him warmly.

The "Save the Uchiha Plan" that her husband, Fugaku Uchiha, had long awaited was finally being implemented under Gojo Kaigetsu's leadership.

Now, all they could do was wait patiently for the fruits of their labor.

"And who is this...?" Mikoto inquired.

Itachi Uchiha, beside her, also looked curious, observing the blonde, blue-eyed woman next to Gojo Kaigetsu. She didn't seem like a Konoha villager.

"Oh, this is my distant relative, Gojo Ai. I brought her to see the Ninja Academy today."

"Pleased to meet you."

Samui played along, giving Gojo Kaigetsu face with a polite greeting.

"Come, come, Mrs. Mikoto. Let me take you inside the Academy first. Don't stay out in the sun."

Gojo Kaigetsu diligently led the way.

"Honestly, Fugaku is such a jerk!"

"Leaving his wife to attend this event under such a harsh sun."

"Don't say that, Fugaku… he has his own work to do." Mikoto blinked. "Besides, didn't you want me to attend this event, Kaigetsu-kun?"

Samui: "?!"

She looked at Gojo Kaigetsu with even more suspicion.

"So, Kaigetsu-kun, what exactly is this mysterious event you're holding? Why did you ask all the students in this grade to bring a parent?"

"It's a meaningful parent-child educational activity, of course~"

Led by Gojo Kaigetsu, they soon arrived at the Academy's training ground.

The grounds were already prepared for the event.

A tall podium stood at the far end, with rows of small and large wooden benches arranged below.

The atmosphere was clearly set for a public address.

"And, this event wasn't planned by me. It was organized by the grade head, Chunin Iruka Umino."

(Iruka's father)

However, since this Umino bore a striking resemblance to the Iruka in Gojo Kaigetsu's memories, he often referred to him as Iruka, much to the man's confusion.

It was a nickname bestowed by the Vice-Principal.

"Eh, is that so? But I thought…"

Uchiha Mikoto blinked, a sense of foreboding creeping into her heart.

She recalled her husband's playful assessment of Gojo Kaigetsu:

"Gojo-kun always charges ahead when it benefits him. But when it comes to matters that might damage his reputation, he silently shields everyone behind him."

"That's a truly great quality."