It's normal to get a kaleidoscope as a first deposit of six yuan, right?

Zhi Xue, who was taking a break in the virtual training arena, opened her eyes and then felt that there seemed to be a furry thing on her legs.

Zhi Xue looked down and saw a nine-tailed orange fox curled up on her bare, white legs, rubbing its cheek against them as if it were enjoying it.

"Good heavens, it really is the Nine-Tails!" Zhi Xue pinched the back of the Nine-Tails' neck and lifted it up.

"Hey, don't you dare touch me! I'm the Nine-Tailed Fox, a ferocious beast incarnate. Be careful, or I'll eat you... Ouch! Even the Six Paths old man never hit me with a slipper!" Just as the Nine-Tailed Fox was baring its teeth, trying to scare Zhi Xue, it suddenly felt a sharp pain on its butt, followed by a burning sensation.

"Oh, the incarnation of the ferocious beast doesn't seem like much. It's just a little fox." Zhi Xue threw her slippers away and sensed the chakra within the little nine-tailed fox. It was only three or four times more than hers, nothing to be afraid of.

Ding! Congratulations, host, on becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. However, the Nine-Tails rewarded by the system is different from Kurama in the ninja world. It will take a long time to grow. However, feeding it Sage Chakra can accelerate its growth.

Upon hearing the system's voice, Zhi Xue felt for the first time that the system was actually being kind. Before, it always seemed to want to empty her wallet, asking for money here and there. But now, it was even directly rewarding her with tailed beasts.

Ding! The reward for the "Slacking Off" task is random, with a 0.01% chance of receiving a Tailed Beast. Increasing your rank will increase the probability of receiving the reward.

"Hey, human, don't think you can take me down with just a slipper! Once my chakra recovers, I'll show you... emmm..." The Nine-Tails, still fluttering in Zhi Xue's hand, looked at Zhi Xue's scarlet eyes and its voice gradually shrank.

"Hmm, it seems you know how powerful the Sharingan is. But if you listen to me, I won't make things difficult for you."

Zhi Xue gave a kind smile. Because of her fear of the Sharingan's power, the little Nine-Tails immediately nodded, but she was still somewhat unconvinced.

Although he didn't know why he had such an inseparable connection with this decent-looking human kid in front of him, Lord Kurama would never submit to humans! Tailed beasts will never be slaves!

The "Tongzi" is for feeding Sage Chakra, right?

Ding! Yes, the host can accelerate the growth of the Nine-Tails by feeding it Sage Chakra.

Zhi Xue actually valued this reward quite a bit. If she could tame the Nine-Tails, even though it was still in its infancy, she wouldn't have to worry about chakra shortages anymore. With Sage Mode and other buffs, she would be able to deal with most of the Kage-level ninjas in the ninja world.

Chapter 64, Dream.

squeak...

The Hokage's office door opened a crack, letting in slivers of sunlight. Sensing someone's presence, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly put the crystal ball away.

"Sarutobi, the time has almost come. It's time to return my rights to me, isn't it?" Danzo, leaning on his cane, walked up to Hiruzen Sarutobi's table and said.

"Ahem, why are you in such a hurry? It's only been three months, and the things that the Dark Division is handling on behalf of the Roots are still going smoothly, aren't they?"

Danzo's face darkened when he heard Hiruzen Sarutobi's perfunctory attitude.

It seems this old monkey is trying to suppress him again. As expected, the old are shrewd. But unfortunately, he's not one to be trifled with. If Root doesn't return soon, the Uchiha clan will be in deep trouble.

Although the Root organization has become more concealed and smaller in secret, Danzo is still hesitant to make a large-scale operation due to Sarutobi's previous public punishment, which imposes many restrictions on the Root organization.

"Ahem, Sarutobi, it's come to this point already. Let's release Danzo's Root. Only when ninjas unite can they unleash a power greater than the sum of its parts, and only then can they be more effective in dealing with the Uchiha clan."

"Agreed. The punishment period has been long enough. We need to remain vigilant at all times."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing the two elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, walking in through the gate behind Danzo, finally understood.

Danzo came determined to succeed this time. After all, they were elders of Konoha, and pushing Danzo to this point was a way of making an example of him. If they didn't help now, what would happen when the punishment came upon them next time?

"It seems you planned this all along?" Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Danzo's old face with a strange look, then composed himself and continued.

"I can return the Root to you, but I hope you will only use it as a precaution, and not directly attack the Uchiha clan members as you did before." Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly, staring into Danzo's fierce old eyes.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Danzo replied calmly, while Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

Konoha really can't do without Danzo sometimes; we just hope he won't cause any more trouble.

……

In Zhi Xue's inner world, next to the gate of the virtual training ground, Little Nine-Tailed Fox wiped the traces from the corner of her mouth and looked at Zhi Xue's position with longing eyes.

Previously, in his eyes, Zhi Xue was just an evil Sharingan brat, but after being fed chakra by Zhi Xue, the Nine-Tails' view of Zhi Xue changed drastically.

The Nine-Tails isn't particularly averse to other people's chakra, since it is itself an energy body similar to chakra.

When Zhixue shared a small portion of his chakra with the Nine-Tails, the natural, clear scent with a hint of milkiness instantly shocked him.

The melt-in-your-mouth texture made Little Nine-Tailed Fox want to pounce on Zhixue and suckle her mouthful, but doing so would likely get her a beating.

Seeing the pitiful, longing expression on Nine-Tailed Fox's face, Zhixue always felt that this scoundrel was thinking something extremely offensive.

After feeding her only one-third of the chakra, Zhixue stopped. She was already weak, and if she continued, she felt that she might be killed by the fox.

Ignoring the fox that was still digesting, Zhixue withdrew from her inner space and then noticed something on her face.

The shadow clone, who was pulling at the cheek of the original body, blinked in bewilderment as it looked at Zhixue, who had already woken up.

That's not right. They should usually be back by now. Why are they back so early today?

What are you doing? O_o

"Emmm...cough cough, I just noticed some dust on your face and was just wiping it off for you. Wait, don't touch me..."

"Disobedient shadow clones will have to obediently accept their punishment~"

……

Two minutes later, the unfortunate shadow clone returned to its post, its cheeks bearing the marks of repeated kneading.

This person is so despicable, wanting to retaliate over such a small thing. But there will definitely be another chance when she enters the training ground to cultivate. She can get revenge then, hehe.

The day passed quickly. Zhi Xue, feeling somewhat tired after dispelling her shadow clone, returned home. After preparing the meal, she took a short nap at the table.

In her sleep, Zhi Xue's deep-seated memories seemed to be awakened again. The sound of being called a loser was like silver needles piercing Zhi Xue's heart. The gazes of her peers looking at her as a good-for-nothing were like a heavy hand pressing down on Zhi Xue.

No matter how dazzling the light carried by still water may be, it cannot illuminate the still snow in the deep sea.

The Shizuka family has been the top geniuses of the Uchiha clan for three generations, and they are highly honored and respected. However, there is a stain in this perfect history, namely Shizuka herself. Although she has five chakra natures, her affability is very touching. Her ability to learn ninjutsu and her physical condition are even worse than those of ordinary people. This is one of the sources of great pressure that Shizuka puts on herself.

Although the adults in the clan were indifferent to whether Zhixue was useless or not, the Uchiha kids, who were still children and had lost their parents in the Fourth Shinobi World War, and whose clan was too busy dealing with the war to manage, vented their resentment on Zhixue, who was the same age as them.

"How come someone as useless as you has such an outstanding older brother like Shisui?"

"If my brother were Shisui, I would have become a ninja and gone to the battlefield to avenge Mom and Dad long ago!"

"Useless! The worst of the bunch!"

A stone struck Zhixue on the head, and streaks of crimson blood dripped down her cheeks along with the tears in her eyes, staining her childhood memories red.

Even years later, Zhixue was still quite sensitive to the words "bottom of the class" and "trash," which represented not only the painful memories of the past but also the tangible manifestation of her scarred heart.

Memory records the past, choices determine the future. Painful memories, like a painting, are reduced to ashes by blazing flames. A pair of eerie clover sprouts from the soil behind the painting, hot sparks falling upon it like nourishing water droplets, fostering its growth until it blossoms into vibrant flowers. This moment, symbolizing rebirth, is also deeply etched into memory…

Chapter 65 Shisui's Worries

"I am back."

The night was hazy. The familiar door to the house was pushed open. Shisui hung the mask of the Dark Division on the hook next to it, changed into slippers and came into the living room. He put some dumplings and sweets that Shisui liked on the table.

"Zhixue, I bought you some good food." Looking at the still-on lights in the house, Zhishui tried calling out, but after not hearing any response, she found Zhixue asleep on the table in the kitchen.

"Why did you fall asleep here..." Looking at the food covered on the dining table, Shisui felt gratified and proud at the same time.

Zhi Xue is not only very beautiful, but also a good cook and very capable. She truly deserves to be his sister.

Zhishui found a blanket and carefully covered Zhixue with it. It was already autumn, and the temperature difference between day and night was huge. If she didn't take precautions, she could easily catch a cold.

"Nisan, are you back?" Seemingly sensing Shisui's movement, Shiyuki rubbed her eyes, emerging from her dream and speaking in a daze.

"Ah, sorry, Zhixue, I woke you up." Zhishui said apologetically, rubbing Zhixue's head.

"It's okay, anyway, what I had before was probably just a nightmare, it's good that I'm awake now." Zhi Xue picked up the water glass next to her and drank it. The stimulating cold water made Zhi Xue a little more awake.

"Haha, now that you're awake, I'm going to take a shower. I brought you some good food, it's on the table, but remember not to eat too much tonight." Zhi Shui said, about to leave, but Zhi Xue grabbed her arm.

"Wait... I have something for you." Zhi Xue looked into Zhi Shui's eyes and said seriously.

"Something?" Shisui scratched his head in confusion. His birthday was still a few days away. What could it be?

Zhi Xue pulled Zhi Shui closer, and they stared at each other face to face. In an instant, Zhi Xue's eyes turned blood red, and the three tomoe shimmered with an eerie light.

Shisui felt a surge of pupil power slowly transferring into his eyes, and his expression froze.

This is a transcription seal!? ...

……

At the Root base, Hiruzen Sarutobi had just publicly restored Root's ownership rights when Danzo immediately began renovations.

"Lord Danzo, the original Root personnel have been assembled, and the equipment is still being moved. It should be restored around this afternoon."

Danzo nodded upon hearing the report from the Root.

"Well done. As the representative of Konoha's dark side, Root cannot be let down for a moment. Make sure Root personnel start working immediately after they are assembled. Also, don't forget to strengthen the surveillance of the Uchiha clan."

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

After the Root ninja left, Danzo stood alone on the iron bridge, watching the busy work below, and took a list out of his pocket.

During the last operation, Danzo was framed by someone behind his back, and he actually killed all the guards. It was outrageous.

"The current restructuring of the root still needs fresh blood..." Danzo looked through the list for a long time before turning his attention back to Kakashi Hatake.

“Perhaps the darkness in your heart is just right for the Root…” Danzo nodded in satisfaction, then summoned a Root member.

"Go and bring Jia to me. I have an important task for him."

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

…………

"Hey Kakashi, why are you looking so gloomy? Come on over for a bowl of ramen, it's been so long since we ate together." In the Ichiraku Ramen shop at night, Guy lifted the curtain and warmly invited Kakashi, who had just finished get off work and was about to go home.

"Ah, it's Kai. It's been a while since we've gotten together." Kakashi ruffled his hair. He'd just finished get off work and hadn't had dinner yet, so why didn't they go grab a bite together?

"Oh ho, Kakashi, this is our 99th match. You might lose to me this time if you're not careful! Cough cough... What's that, cough cough, why is there a fishbone here..."

"You ordered seafood ramen, so of course it has fish bones."

"What?! You actually ate two extra bowls of food during my halftime break?! I absolutely do not acknowledge your youth!"

"Ah, I guess I've already passed the age of youth, probably..."

……

As time gradually passed, it was just dawn the next morning when Shisui had already packed up the Anbu's equipment and left home. On the way to the Anbu base and while doing missions, Shisui couldn't help but doubt what had happened the day before.

Zhi Xue can transcribing the seal? Is that reasonable? It's not reasonable, but it happened right before his eyes yesterday. Zhi Shui is very suspicious of how much Zhi Xue is hiding from him.

Even the Mangekyou Sharingan couldn't see clearly, which made Shisui very worried that his sister might have made a dirty deal with something unclean, after all, there were many stories of evil gods circulating in the ninja world.