Naruto: Blacksmith

It's December 31st.

The weather grows colder, but the faces of the people in Konoha are filled with joy.

Today is the last day of the year, and the neighbors along the street are already lighting up decorations and hanging garlands to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In the past ten days, Kuro has not slacked off in the slightest. He immersed himself in his daily practice with discipline, focusing on weapon mastery, just as Itachi suggested.

Due to the heavy snowfall, he decided to skip the training field and practice in his dojo instead.

By concentrating on a single discipline, his progress has been much faster than before, when he spread his attention across multiple areas.

With a training regimen far beyond that of any average person, Kuro has already mastered the basic movements of swordsmanship and kunai use.

Now, he just needs to practice with others, gain combat experience, and he'll be ready to face real battles.

Shuriken, however, is a different story.

Whether it's due to the snow or a lack of talent in this area, his progress has been minimal.

From five meters away, he only hits half his throws, and landing a bullseye feels like a stroke of luck.

Out of a hundred attempts, maybe one is accurate.

This slow progress has discouraged him several times. More than once, he thought about giving up.

But he quickly changes his mind: *If I can't master something as basic as shuriken, how uncertain will my future be with ninjutsu?*

That's why, despite the frustration, he never abandons shuriken practice.

During this time, he has barely left his house except to buy food and essentials. He remains unaware of what's happening in the village, his only connection to the outside world being Naruto, who occasionally visits to share news.

Nothing noteworthy has happened.

…

Today, the snow begins to melt.

Kuro decides not to train. Instead, he goes out to buy New Year's items. He also invites Naruto to join him for dinner tomorrow and enjoy the fireworks show at night.

…

It's nighttime.

The full moon hangs high in the sky, illuminating everything with its silver light.

Kuro sits on the stone bench in his yard with a plate of snacks and a drink. As he eats, he enjoys the tranquility of the night and gazes at the moon.

He's not just a fool who only knows how to train.

After six in the evening, he always finds time to relax.

Sometimes he reads novels, other times comics, and occasionally, he takes walks to clear his mind.

However, ever since Itachi dragged him into the Tsukuyomi and forced him to confront his weaknesses, Kuro has been training more intensely, leaving those moments of calm behind.

With the end of the year approaching, he decides to allow himself a break.

Tonight is for rest.

Chewing on sunflower seeds as he admires the moon—which seems larger than the one he remembers from his past life—he can't help but drift into thought.

'This moon… was created by the Sage of Six Paths' Chibaku Tensei. Could I use it as material to forge something related to him?'

But he quickly dismisses the idea.

If he ever needs something from the Sage of Six Paths, he knows Naruto and Sasuke will be his connection. Planning a trip to the moon now is pointless.

That said, if he ever desires the Tenseigan, he knows he'll inevitably have to go there.

The thought makes him smile.

'When did I start thinking about things like the Six Paths' power so casually?'

Whether it's the Rinnegan or the Sage's Body, these are things everyone in this universe—and in his past life—would dream of achieving.

Swish

Suddenly, a shadow flits across the moonlight, briefly entering his view.

It's fast, fleeting, like an illusion barely brushing the air.

Kuro's eyes dim slightly. The scarlet Sharingan in his pupils spins softly before returning to normal.

Without haste, he picks up the teapot, pours a cup, and sets it on the stone table in front of him.

"Arriving at this hour… has something happened?" he asks calmly.

"Yes. I've been sent on a mission," responds a cold voice from behind him.

Itachi, cloaked in darkness, appears silently behind Kuro.

Kuro says nothing more. He simply gestures to the empty seat across from him, inviting Itachi to sit.

Itachi shakes his head. "The longer I stay here, the greater the chance of being discovered. If that happens, you'll have unnecessary trouble. I'll leave after explaining what's necessary."

Kuro nods.

"Let's talk then."

Itachi pulls a scroll from his wide sleeve and places it on the table.

"Here is part of the tissue from various clan members: blood and hair."

Kuro picks up the scroll, examines it briefly, and pockets it.

Then he fixes his gaze on Itachi.

"Anything else?"

"I'm implementing the plan tomorrow."

Itachi replies while pulling out four additional scrolls. "Considering the possibility of failure, I've recorded some of the ninjutsu I've mastered in these scrolls."

"Failure…"

Kuro presses his lips together, tapping his hand lightly on the table before asking, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Itachi shakes his head. "If I fail, please look after my brother in secret."

Kuro frowns.

"Would you involve your family if you fail?"

"Whether I succeed or fail, the conflict between my clan and the village will come to an end. The difference will be the situation they face afterward in the village."

"What kind of plan do you have in mind?"

"You'll know when the time comes," Itachi replies before vanishing into a flurry of crows that fly off into the darkness.

A cloud covers the full moon, plunging the earth into sudden dimness.

Kuro watches the direction where the crows disappeared. He remains silent for a while until finally letting out a sigh.

"Tch, everything is going to change."

…

The sky truly has changed.

It's rare to have a sunny day in the middle of winter, but today the sun shines early, warming the earth.

Kuro wakes with the first light of dawn. He dresses in his new blue kimono, washes, and grooms himself carefully.

Before long, he steps into the yard. His black hair is neatly combed, his dark eyes reflect calmness, and his clear skin contrasts with the day's vibrant colors.

He opens the courtyard door and smiles at the morning sun.

In the distance, Naruto appears, running down the path. He's also wearing a blue kimono and a long scarf.

"New Year, new weather!" he shouts enthusiastically. "I hope I have good luck this year!"

…

Uchiha Territory

Itachi walks down the street holding Sasuke's hand. Both are calm, almost smiling.

The streets are bustling with people. Entire families from the Akimichi, Yamanaka, Nara, Inuzuka, Aburame, and Hyuga clans, as well as ordinary ninjas and villagers, fill the area.

Laughter and lively conversations fill the air as families enjoy the festivities. Happiness is reflected on every face, coming and going, as one by one, joyful smiles emerge.

…

Hokage Mansion

Hiruzen stands on the rooftop, observing from above. His face, marked by wrinkles, shows a warm smile as he watches the village's lively life.

…

In a dark place

A lone figure sits in his office.

The dimness of the room barely reveals his form, with his forehead completely bandaged and only one visible eye.

Hearing the noises from the street, he opens his eye.

A sharp light flickers...

________

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