Naruto: Puppet Master Undercover in Konoha

Kushina said that Shindai simply lacked a reason, rather than hesitating over whether or not to help. Shindai wasn't satisfied with this answer.

Because Shindai felt like he was indeed struggling with whether or not he should help—if he should help, then the reason would naturally exist.

Seeing Shindai's expression, Kushina knew immediately that he didn't really agree with her answer.

So Kushina continued, "If you know for sure that your friend is going to encounter something terrible, yet you let those events unfold anyway, wouldn't you feel guilty afterward?"

Shindai nodded silently. At that time, Rin Nohara would die, Obito would go down a dark path, Kakashi would suffer—knowing everything yet doing nothing, allowing these events to occur, how could he not feel regretful or guilty?

Kushina continued, "Since you'd feel guilty and blame yourself, can you truly go back to living peacefully after all that? Would you ever truly feel at peace again?"

Shindai suddenly stared at Kushina, stunned. What she said seemed to make sense.

By that time, could he really live peacefully with a clear conscience?

Shindai wasn't someone cold-hearted or emotionless. He admitted to himself that he probably couldn't do it.

Smiling gently, Kushina said, "It seems you've already figured it out—your refusal to help is exactly what would keep you from finding peace again. Also, you're afraid of something even worse happening. So tell me, do you actually know if something even worse might happen in the future?"

Shindai shook his head. Of course he didn't know what kind of disasters awaited in the future—he could only guess.

Kushina then reached out, placing her hand on Shindai's head and ruffling his hair as she spoke, "If you don't know what the future holds, why worry so much? At the very least, helping your friends isn't a bad thing, right?

Who knows what the future holds? All we can do now is make the most of the present and avoid any regrets."

Frowning deeply, Shindai fell into deep thought.

Kushina didn't disturb him, quietly waiting for Shindai to figure it out on his own.

She believed that Shindai would eventually understand.

Shindai kept reflecting on Kushina's words.

Yeah, who really knows what the future holds?

He was born into this world, and Obito had awakened the [Sharingan] earlier than expected, which meant this world wasn't just a predetermined script set in stone—the future might have already changed.

And right now, he was close friends with Obito, Kakashi, and Rin. If he simply allowed them to suffer, he'd feel guilt, regret, and remorse.

Since the course had already been altered, maybe nudging it a little further wouldn't be a problem either.

The Uchiha Clan hasn't been wiped out yet, so Madara doesn't have to rely on Obito specifically.

And once Obito and the others grow stronger, they can serve him like servants—repaying everything they owe. He'd still be able to enjoy his own happy and carefree life.

Right! Exactly! That's exactly it!

Shindai, who had convinced himself with this reasoning, gradually relaxed his brows and let out a sigh as if releasing all his worries.

Kushina Uzumaki looked at Shindai gently and said, "It seems you've finally figured it out."

A faint smile unconsciously appeared on Shindai's face as he nodded. "I have."

Now feeling completely at ease, Shindai lazily stretched.

Curious, Kushina Uzumaki asked, "What kind of danger could Obito and them possibly run into that made you so conflicted?"

Midway through stretching, Shindai heard Kushina's question and immediately choked, coughing violently.

"Cough cough cough! Big sister Kushina, who said Obito and them will run into any danger? I was just asking on behalf of a friend!"

Kushina gave him a look that screamed, 'Don't even try pretending—I see right through you,' and replied mockingly, "Oh? You're asking on behalf of a friend? Which friend? Don't you only have Obito, Kakashi, and Rin as friends in Konoha?"

Shindai retorted angrily, "I used to live in Sunagakure! Does that mean I didn't have any friends there either?!"

Kushina scoffed, "Oh right? Minato told me you barely ever left your house back in Sunagakure either. During all those years living there, the number of people who even knew you probably couldn't fill up one hand. Come on, did you really have any friends back in Sunagakure?"

Shindai snapped, "Don't underestimate me! Of course I had friends! I actually had a very close friend in Sunagakure, her name is Pakura!"

"Hmph."

Kushina gave Shindai a sarcastic look, clearly showing she didn't believe him at all.

Feeling insulted, Shindai's face turned red as he insisted, "I'm telling the truth! I really do have a friend named Pakura!"

Kushina responded indifferently, "Ah, right, okay, I totally believe you."

Shindai was so angry his lungs felt like they were going to explode.

When did the truth stop being believable?

Shindai flopped down onto a chair and gave up arguing, "Fine, think whatever you want!"

Kushina stopped pressing him further. If Shindai didn't like Rin Nohara, then honestly, Kushina didn't really care about her either.

Standing up, Kushina said, "Alright then. Take a couple days to rest, and two days from now, I'll take you to meet the Hokage."

"Hmph!" Shindai snorted and turned his head away. Right now, he was simply too mad to acknowledge Kushina.

"Alright, alright, okay, okay, I totally believe you!" Shindai shouted, his voice full of frustration. "Two days from now, got it! I'll definitely be ready to go meet the Hokage with you!"

Shindai, who already had several lumps on his head, now gained yet another bump, as if layers were piling up. He flashed a sycophantic smile at Kushina Uzumaki.

Kushina said, "Rest properly for the next couple days. Go take a bath now; I don't even know when was the last time you bathed—you've got quite a stench going on! And also! Dress your puppet properly!"

Shindai sniffed at himself. "You're right… I do stink a little. Take care, Kushina-nee~"

After seeing Kushina off with a long sigh of relief, Shindai muttered to himself, "Finally got that walking trouble to leave."

After dressing Kannazuki properly, Shindai sighed again. Two days from now, it would be back to the battlefield—no fun at all.

In a location known as the Mountain Tomb within the ninja world,

The aged Madara Uchiha sat on a tree stump used as a makeshift seat, connected by a pipe to the massive Demonic Statue behind him.

From the ground emerged a shadowy figure—it was Black Zetsu.

With a hoarse voice, Madara Uchiha asked, "How did it go?"

Black Zetsu reported, "Madara, about those people you asked to investigate—one is currently doing missions with his team near the border of the Land of Fire, another remains imprisoned in Konoha, and I'm still tracking down the third."

Hearing this report, Madara simply replied softly, "Is that so..."

<><><><><><><><>

Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!

~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!

<><><><><><><><>

~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!

~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!

patreon.com/Tansnovel

<><><><><><><><>