BUILDING A VILLAGE IN NARUTO WORLD

"Mm! Thank you, Mom!"

Uchiha Xuanzhou's lips curled into a bright smile as he responded to his mother.

A moment later, he stepped closer to Uchiha Chizuru, sitting straight and steady. His expression grew serious as his eyes fixed on her. "Mom, do you trust me?"

"Huh?"

Chizuru blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly, her hand instinctively reaching out to pat Xuanzhou's head. "What kind of silly question is that? Of course, Mom will always trust you, no matter what."

"So, do you have something to tell me? Speak your mind."

Her smile didn't falter, but she could sense the gravity in Xuanzhou's demeanor.

Although a faint doubt lingered in her heart, her faith in her son remained unwavering.

"Thank you, Mom!"

Xuanzhou's face lit up with a smile once again. He raised his hand, and under Chizuru's startled gaze, a mysterious rune materialized in midair, suspended by his will. It exuded a faint glow as he carefully guided it toward her.

"Mom, please touch this mark and choose to accept it in your mind."

"If you have any questions, we can discuss them afterward. Is that alright?"

Explaining too much at once would be tedious. Xuanzhou decided it was simpler to let his mother first become the bound recipient of his Temporal Gate ability.

This way, the rest could be proven more effectively.

As expected, when the rune neared his mother, Xuanzhou felt a surge through his innate ability. The Heavenly Sense confirmed it—his mother's affinity toward him was at a perfect 100.

She was an ideal candidate for the bond.

So, why waste time with unnecessary formalities? Direct action was best.

"Oh?"

Chizuru's gaze shifted between the enigmatic rune and her son's solemn face. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded. "Alright!"

Without further delay, she extended her hand and touched the rune.

Instantly, a stream of information flooded her consciousness. Chizuru's eyes widened in realization—the mark was a contract.

By forming this contract, she would gain immense benefits but also be somewhat tethered to Xuanzhou's power.

Though she couldn't quite grasp how her son had acquired such extraordinary abilities, her trust in him outweighed any concerns. Without hesitation, Chizuru chose to accept.

In the next moment, the glowing rune dissolved into a streak of light, flowing through her hand and into her body. It settled within her spiritual sea, manifesting as a phantom gate etched into her consciousness.

As the information regarding the mark's functions and limitations poured into her mind, Chizuru's expression shifted from amazement to astonishment.

"This… A Temporal Gate that leads to another world?"

She absorbed the newfound knowledge, her gaze snapping to Xuanzhou. "Xuanzhou, what's going on? How did you acquire something like this?"

Xuanzhou's calm smile carried a hint of pride. "It's not that complicated. When I succeeded in refining chakra, I suddenly awakened this innate ability."

"I also received a mysterious inheritance—knowledge about this Temporal Gate, our world, and others connected to it."

"Innate ability? Mysterious inheritance?"

Chizuru furrowed her brow as she digested his words. "This is unlike anything I've ever heard of… It's far too extraordinary!"

"Could it be… Xuanzhou, did you receive the Sage's inheritance?"

As one of the elder leaders of the Uchiha clan, Chizuru's familiarity with ancient texts granted her insight into the world's secrets.

Among them was a long-held speculation: the Sage of Six Paths might not be a mere legend, but a historical figure of immense power.

"The Sage's inheritance? Perhaps!"

Uchiha Xuanzhou shrugged lightly at his mother's speculation. Then, his demeanor turned serious. "Mom, whether or not that's true isn't important right now. What matters is that this is a great opportunity for us."

"Our top priority is to fully utilize this inheritance and the resources of the other world to improve our health, restore vitality, and extend our lifespan. Other matters can come later. What do you think?"

"I've inherited advanced medical knowledge, and according to my findings, your health is currently in a poor state."

Death would render everything else meaningless.

"Oh?"

Chizuru's eyes lit up slightly at these words. There was a glimmer of hope in her voice. "Are you saying, Xuanzhou, that your inheritance includes methods to heal your own frailty and improve health?"

"Yes!"

Xuanzhou nodded confidently. "There's a cultivation method that strengthens and nourishes the body, making it healthier."

"I've already tried it myself, and it does have effects."

"Although a single session doesn't show much, consistent practice over time will surely prolong life and enhance well-being."

"This is verified by the feedback from my innate ability."

"Oh?"

Chizuru smiled faintly, her thoughts racing.

It seems little Xuanzhou has secrets he's not sharing yet. But that's okay. I don't need to know everything—as long as I can be sure he means no harm.

As a mother, there was no need to pry too deeply. It was enough to ensure her child's safety and well-being.

"Mom! I'll teach you this cultivation method right now! Try practicing it and see if it helps!"

Without waiting for her response, Xuanzhou stood up and began demonstrating the technique while explaining it in detail. His instructions were thorough and precise.

Chizuru listened attentively, her Sharingan activated, memorizing every movement and word with ease.

[You have practiced the Health-Nurturing Technique once. Proficiency +1, Lifespan +1 day.]

"How was it? Did you memorize it, Mom?"

After finishing, Xuanzhou exhaled deeply, wiping sweat from his forehead. He turned to his mother with a hopeful expression.

"Yes, I've got it."

Chizuru nodded affirmatively and stood up. "I'll try practicing it once now, and you can tell me if I'm doing anything wrong."

Though she didn't have high expectations that this method could improve her health or prolong her life, she wouldn't waste her son's sincere efforts.

Deep down, Chizuru also wished to live longer, to protect her son and ensure his future. She wanted to remain his unwavering shield.

The hostility and suppression from Hiruzen Sarutobi and his faction, which had escalated after the Second Hokage Tobirama's death, weighed heavily on her mind. Even Uchiha Kagami had fallen victim to their schemes.

Though there was no concrete evidence, the circumstances of Kagami's death left Chizuru certain it had been orchestrated by Danzo's group.

As long as she lived, Sarutobi and his allies dared not openly target the Uchiha but only resorted to covert actions.

If her health deteriorated further, her death might spell the clan's downfall—and Xuanzhou's as well.

Even if Xuanzhou had awakened extraordinary abilities and inherited a Sage's power, he would need time to grow and strengthen his body. Without enough time, he wouldn't have a future.

This was something Chizuru could not allow.

With hope and determination, she began practicing the Health-Nurturing Technique under Xuanzhou's watchful eye.

The method itself wasn't overly complex for her, even without relying on the Sharingan. She could easily memorize and execute it thanks to her exceptional talent.

In Xuanzhou's view, Chizuru smoothly and skillfully completed her first session of the technique.

"Mom, you're amazing! You got it on the first try! How do you feel? Do you notice any changes?"

Xuanzhou's applause and admiration filled the air as he eagerly awaited her response.

"Phew!"

Chizuru exhaled deeply, finishing her practice.