Address the recent controversy.

Addressing the current controversy, this will not count toward today’s update word count.

First, regarding the names of the eye techniques—I admit I’m not very good at naming in this area. Since I haven’t deeply studied Japanese mythology, I wasn’t sure what to call these two abilities. If any brothers out there have strong suggestions, please feel free to offer them.

Next, on why Shisui was spared.

The protagonist needed someone to inform the Third Hokage about the Heavenly Gods’ abilities, but this had to be done covertly. Only then could they truly exert effective deterrence over the Third Hokage, buying the protagonist time to grow stronger. At that time, only Shisui was capable of accomplishing this.

Moreover, if the protagonist had simply taken his eyes, they could claim it was a matter of reclaiming clan power due to betrayal—similar to the Hyuga clan’s system—an internal affair within the ninja world. However, killing him would easily escalate into the murder of a fellow village ninja, giving the Third Hokage a reason to exploit the incident.

Finally, Shisui still has a role to play in the plot later on.

Regarding Sasuke’s education.

I envision the protagonist much like a young general in reality—a complete scoundrel among men, merely appearing somewhat human within the existing environment of the ninja world.

As Sasuke is his chosen disciple, the protagonist certainly would not raise him according to the conventional education we accept today. If Sasuke were groomed as a legitimate successor, wouldn’t that just bring trouble upon the protagonist?

Choosing Confucian classics to enlighten him was deliberate, appreciating their grand but vague nature. These texts could never fully explain the confusion Sasuke would encounter as he matured. When that time of bewilderment arrives, that will be when the protagonist teaches him game theory, dialectics, and other methods akin to dragon-slaying arts.

Also, don’t forget, Sasuke is only seven years old now. Teaching him too profound a philosophy would be pointless—after all, one can’t expect him to think without learning, nor to learn without thinking.

But rest assured, Sasuke will embark on a path entirely different from the original story, and so will Naruto.

As for the protagonist’s strength.

Currently, he ranks around the upper middle tier of the Anbu level—stronger than when the Second Hokage caused chaos at the Five Kage Summit, but still limited. His combat style combines large-scale AOE ninjutsu with swordsmanship enhanced by a lightning chakra mode.

After mastering Sage Mode, his strength will reach the pinnacle of the Anbu ranks.

As for how he overcomes blindness caused by the Mangekyo Sharingan and breaks through to the level beyond Anbu, I won’t spoil that—just know it doesn’t involve Hashirama’s cells.

Lastly, I ask for your continued support in following the story.

Also, here is the fan group number: 147262843. Feel free to join for discussions or questions.

I honestly don’t know what else to say to close this, so I’ll just wish everyone a Happy New Year in advance.