Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

After checking his Mangekyō Sharingan progress, Uchiha Haruki shifted his focus to his chakra panel.

Compared to twenty-two days ago, his chakra capacity had increased by 6,336 points, jumping from 42,644 to 48,980.

With nearly 50,000 chakra points, Haruki now surpassed 99% of the shinobi world in chakra reserves.

And beyond that, his maximum chakra still increased daily—352 points per day (32 × 11).

In other words, every month, his chakra would increase by roughly one full bar, bringing him another step closer to becoming a Chakra Ton-level powerhouse.

In addition, due to frequently healing the wounded these past few days, Haruki had also gained considerable proficiency in both Mystic Palm Technique and Chakra Scalpel.

As for the former, he had already heavily trained it to strengthen his body, so the extra proficiency from medical use wasn't particularly notable.

But with the Chakra Scalpel, it was a different story—Haruki had not actively focused on leveling it up.

Even so, its level had increased—from Lv4 (920/2000) to Lv5 (1200/5000).

Now, when using Chakra Scalpel, he could do so faster and with significantly more precision.

Whether for combat or medical purposes, it had become far more efficient.

In addition, due to the frequent battles, his proficiency in Kenjutsu (Sword Technique) and Illusion Sword Technique had also seen a boost.

Kenjutsu: From Lv6 (5850/10000) to Lv6 (8120/10000)—just under 2,000 points from advancing to Lv7.

Illusion Sword Technique: From Lv3 (15/1000) to Lv3 (870/1000)—almost at Lv4.

However, his Blink Sword Technique, developed alongside Illusion Sword, had stagnated because his current short sword couldn't conduct chakra, making it impossible to train.

Thus, its proficiency still sat at Lv1 (162/200).

Haruki estimated that only once he found the Kusanagi Sword he was searching for would he be able to resume progress in that area.

"It's been a month already, and there's still no word from the Uchiha clan... I wonder if they've found it yet,"

Haruki murmured, dismissing the skill panel with a thought.

Those were the results of the past twenty or so days of training.

All in all, despite the Iwagakure offensive throwing off several of his plans, his personal cultivation hadn't suffered at all.

"Not bad."

With that final thought, Haruki closed his eyes and resumed his evening training.

Even though it was already quite late, he had no plans to sleep. Training was all about consistent accumulation. Without persistence, it would all be for nothing.

Meanwhile, a secret operation being orchestrated near Fūryū Town had just begun.

Late Night.

Not long after falling asleep, Haruki was suddenly awakened by an overwhelmingly violent chakra.

He snapped open his eyes, grabbed the short sword beside him, and leapt out the door, quickly reaching the highest point in the village with a few swift jumps.

Facing northwest, he could feel the immense rage and power radiating from that direction.

That was precisely where Fūryū Town lay.

And the chakra—he recognized it instantly. It was the unmistakable energy of the Four-Tails, Son Goku, in a state of release.

Even from over twenty kilometers away, the chakra had reached him.

That could only mean one thing: the Four-Tails had lost control again.

Haruki's brows furrowed. He had no idea what had just happened.

The elevation in Ogaya Village was too low. Even at the highest point, he couldn't see clearly in that direction.

Without hesitation, he called out to a few Konoha Jōnin rushing toward him, instructing them to calm the lower-ranked ninja. Then, Haruki left the village alone.

A few minutes later—

He arrived at the top of a nearby mountain.

Standing at the peak of a treetop, he looked out into the distance. Through the haze, he could faintly see a giant humanoid figure rampaging across the landscape.

"Sharingan."

Haruki activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.

With enhanced clarity, the view sharpened.

Just as he expected—the raging beast was none other than the Four-Tails, Son Goku, its fiery red fur burning brightly even from afar.

It was pounding its chest and roaring like a mad beast.

Though he couldn't confirm the details, Haruki's instincts told him this had something to do with the plan vaguely mentioned by Ōmura Yuito in his earlier letter.

Judging by the chaos, however, that plan had most likely failed.

Otherwise, things wouldn't be this bad.

Even so, Haruki had no intention of getting involved.

For one, this plan had nothing to do with him. There was no need to insert himself.

Secondly, with the location being over twenty kilometers away, by the time he arrived, the area would likely be under heavy lockdown by Iwa forces. His presence wouldn't make much difference.

As for capturing the beast to serve as a "chakra battery"...

Haruki had considered it—but ultimately, he dismissed the idea.

First, while he could forcibly control a Tailed Beast with his Mangekyō Sharingan, he lacked the tools or means to securely restrain one afterward.

Even if he succeeded in capturing it, it wouldn't be stable.

Secondly, with so many eyes watching, making a move on the Four-Tails would reveal his Mangekyō Sharingan—which was something he wanted to keep secret.

In fact, even if no one were watching, Haruki still had no intention of targeting the Four-Tails or Five-Tails.

Why?

Because both were currently sealed within Jinchūriki—Rōshi and Han.

Capturing the beasts meant also subduing their hosts.

That added far too many unpredictable variables—a risk Haruki wasn't willing to take.

So… does that mean he's giving up on Tailed Beasts?

Absolutely not.

Haruki already had a perfect target in mind—the Seven-Tails, Chōmei.

Based on the future timeline, the Seven-Tails' Jinchūriki, Fū, hadn't even been born yet.

Haruki had never heard of any prior host either, so the beast was likely sealed within an object, waiting.

That made it ideal for theft and usage.

Furthermore, the Seven-Tails was held in Takigakure, a small village. Even if something went wrong, there was no major security threat.

So, all things considered, capturing the Seven-Tails was the best option.

Aside from that, Haruki had one more backup plan.

That's right—the Three-Tails, Isobu, set to revive three years from now.

Soon, Rin Nohara would be secretly transformed into the Three-Tails' Jinchūriki by Mist Anbu under Uchiha Madara's manipulation.

Once she sacrificed herself at Kakashi's hand, the Three-Tails would begin its revival—a wild tailed beast roaming free.

At that moment, Haruki could act behind the scenes and take possession of it.

The only uncertain factor was the revival location—he might not be able to find it.

So for now, the Seven-Tails remained his top priority.

Of course, whether stealing the Seven-Tails or seizing the Three-Tails, neither could be done until the current Shinobi World War was over.

There simply wasn't time right now.

Judging by how things were progressing, the war would likely end in half a year at most.

Once that happened, Haruki would gain more freedom—and finally pursue what he truly desired.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Haruki deactivated the Mangekyō, returning to his three-tomoe Sharingan, calmly watching the distant chaos, waiting for the outcome.