Yahiko was constantly worried about Nagato. He frequently came to Kawasaki to ask for updates. This was because Kawasaki had a special ring that allowed him to easily contact Nagato.
After returning, Kawasaki had already contacted Nagato once and learned that he was in good condition, preparing to fuse with a solution of Hashirama's cells ahead of schedule.
Some time had passed since then. Since Yahiko was so concerned, Kawasaki contacted him again.
He learned that Nagato was steadily fusing with the Hashirama cells and had discovered the Cursed Seal on his heart. However, Nagato expressed great confidence and told them not to worry.
Kawasaki went over some details with Nagato, particularly emphasizing how Konan should deal with Obito. He also introduced Minato to them.
When Nagato and Konan learned that Minato had been resurrected, they were completely stunned. They had no idea how Kawasaki had managed it. But with the Flying Thunder God Technique, they were finally safe.
Kawasaki gave them further instructions on what could be said and what secrets to keep. He only cut off the connection after ensuring all arrangements were in place. He then told Yahiko not to worry, assuring him that follow-up safeguards were in place for Nagato.
After reassuring Yahiko, Kawasaki quietly slipped into Konoha.
Naruto had graduated recently and hadn't come to the clan compound for meals. Sasuke mentioned that their jonin-sensei was already teaching them about C-rank missions, and they would soon begin undertaking them.
Kawasaki quietly approached Naruto's house. To his surprise, he saw Minato openly cooking a meal for his son.
"Impressive, Minato!"
The sudden voice from outside the window startled Naruto. He thought it was the Anbu, but it turned out to be Kawasaki-senpai.
Naruto opened the window, pleasantly surprised. "Kawasaki-senpai, what are you doing here?"
Kawasaki vaulted into the room and patted Naruto's head. "I have some business with your old man."
Minato had already sensed Kawasaki's presence and wasn't fazed at all. He served the food onto a plate and set it on the table. "Join us for dinner, Kawasaki."
Kawasaki shook his head. "I can't. I'm here on important business."
"Naruto, you go ahead and eat."
Naruto pouted. "Okay."
He sat down at the table and took a few bites, but his ears were perked, trying to overhear what Kawasaki-senpai and his dad were talking about.
Kawasaki looked Minato up and down. "What's with your face?"
Minato smiled. "It's Jugo's ability."
Kawasaki understood. "You're just openly coming here to cook for Naruto like this? Aren't you worried about causing problems?"
Minato glanced at the eavesdropping Naruto. "I set the Anbu shift changes around here," he said. "Besides, I'm Naruto's supervising instructor now. It's perfectly safe."
Kawasaki shrugged. Minato was experienced; there was no need for him to worry needlessly.
"The Uchiha clan is planning to establish its own village."
Hearing this, Minato frowned. "The Third has already stepped down. If Lord Orochimaru had taken over, this probably wouldn't have happened."
Kawasaki shook his head. "This isn't about past grievances anymore. The Uchiha need more room to grow."
"Our population is growing rapidly. If we stay in Konoha, we'll inevitably encroach on the living space of other clans. Sooner or later, we'll become a target for everyone."
"The Sarutobi clan is expanding just as quickly, and even they don't dare keep all their members within the village for the same reason."
"The world is a big place. We don't have to confine ourselves to the Land of Fire."
He thought of a certain braggart who loved to say, "This world is so small there's barely any room for expansion. It's just enough for me to mess around in."
But in reality, that man had spent his entire life fixated on Hashirama, determined to oppose him, just spinning his wheels in the Land of Fire. He never once thought of venturing out. With his power, creating his own nation would have been effortless.
Just then, Naruto edged closer, asking nervously, "Kawasaki-senpai, what do you mean by 'establish your own village'?"
He was afraid of losing the father and family he had just found.
"Are you reluctant to part with me, or Sasuke, or Tsunade?" Kawasaki chuckled, seeing Naruto's worried expression.
Naruto looked at Kawasaki, his eyes turning red. Kawasaki patted his head. "Alright, no more jokes."
"You and Sasuke will continue doing missions together. Tsunade won't be coming with us either."
Sasuke and Naruto had just formed a team, and Kawasaki didn't want to break them up yet. After all, when Indra and Asura were together, a special chemical reaction occurred.
Some Uchiha would remain behind; Sasuke could leave with the next wave of migrants. The graduates from the Academy included not only the familiar faces but also five other Uchiha children from their year and a dozen more from the lower grades.
Until the new Uchiha settlement was built, these children would stay here. Besides, leaving Sasuke behind served another purpose.
Naruto looked at Kawasaki seriously. "What about you, Kawasaki-senpai?"
Kawasaki gave a helpless smile. "You're growing up, too. You'll be traveling all over for missions... We'll just be apart for a while. There will be plenty of ways to see each other in the future."
Naruto bit his lip and looked down, but when he looked up again, he wore a cheerful expression. "Kawasaki-senpai, when are you leaving? I'll come see you off."
As Kawasaki spoke with Naruto, Minato listened from the side, understanding perfectly why his son cared so much for Kawasaki.
If not for Kawasaki's intervention, who knows what would have become of Naruto. His own soul had been captured by the Reaper Death Seal, and it was only thanks to Kawasaki that he was revived.
It was no exaggeration to say that Kawasaki had saved their family.
Naruto was finally shooed back to his dinner. But his dejected look and the absentminded way he picked at his food made it clear he was in low spirits.
He'll get over it in time.
Kawasaki took out the ring for contacting Nagato and some other items, handing them all to Minato while reiterating several important points.
Then, he lowered his voice. "The Flying Thunder God technique consumes a lot of chakra over long distances. Don't use it unless it's absolutely necessary..."
Kawasaki pointed toward Minato's abdomen. "You can take Jiraiya with you..."
Minato nodded continuously as he listened.
Kawasaki had arranged several layers of backup plans to ensure his senior apprentice, Nagato, would return safely.
Although Nagato was technically younger than Minato, he had become Jiraiya's student earlier, making him the senior apprentice. After his resurrection, Minato was only 24 years old, while Nagato, despite his poor health, was already 30. By age, Nagato was also his senior. This suited Minato just fine, who preferred to consider himself the younger of the two.
After finishing his instructions regarding Nagato, Kawasaki left Konoha as silently as he had arrived.
...
The Uchiha Compound. Training Grounds.
For the past few days, Shingo-sensei had been lecturing them on the preparations and precautions for long-distance missions.
Sasuke, who had never traveled far from the village, was looking forward to it immensely.
Especially since his older brother could train with him again. Itachi had already permitted Sasuke to use the Chidori and was helping him strengthen the coordination between his shuriken techniques and the jutsu.
Sasuke was ecstatic, right up until he heard the news about the Uchiha clan's plan to become independent.
"Brother, what did you say? We're leaving the village?"
Sasuke was dumbfounded. Hadn't he just graduated?
Sasuke asked urgently, "Does this mean Naruto and I won't be able to do missions together anymore?"
Itachi patted Sasuke's head. "That won't happen for a while. You're not on the list for the first departure. You'll be staying in Konoha for at least another year."