Chapter 32: Eyes of Shisui, Kotoamatsukami
The night was slightly cool. On the edge of the Uchiha Clan Territory, inside a secluded teahouse rarely visited by people, candlelight flickered, illuminating two figures.
Uchiha Akira sat upright, calmly sipping the fragrant tea in his cup. Across from him was the Uchiha Clan's acknowledged genius, Uchiha Shisui, known as Shunshin no Shisui. Unlike his usual gentle and sunny demeanor, Shisui at this moment had a hint of undeniable fatigue and worry between his brows.
"Akira-kun, the recent turmoil within the clan, caused by you, is truly significant." Shisui put down his teacup, his voice gentle yet carrying a hint of heaviness. "The reform of the Guard Team and the establishment of the Elite Reserve Camp have made some Dove Faction elders uneasy."
Uchiha Akira heard this and said, "Uneasy? Is it because their interests have been touched, or because they see the possibility of the Uchiha's change and are afraid of it?"
Shisui gave a bitter smile. "Perhaps, both. I understand your determination to strengthen the clan, but are some of your methods too radical?"
"Radical?" Uchiha Akira retorted, "In an environment surrounded by wolves, the meekness of sheep will only lead to a faster demise. Shisui, do you still not understand? Konoha's higher-ups' suspicion of the Uchiha has never disappeared."
Shisui was silent for a moment, looking at Uchiha Akira. "Akira-kun, I believe that as long as we can show enough sincerity, there is a possibility of peaceful coexistence between the Village and the clan."
Shisui paused, then continued, "My eyes, perhaps, can offer some help for this. They… they possess some special power that can, unknowingly, change a person's thoughts and guide them towards a more peaceful path."
Uchiha Akira's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly. Here it comes! Change a person's thoughts? Isn't this the Kotoamatsukami, known as the strongest genjutsu in his past life's memories?! Uchiha Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan!
"Oh? Change thoughts?" Uchiha Akira feigned surprise, raising an eyebrow. "That's truly an incredible ability. Shisui, do you mean you can use this power to influence Third Hokage-sama, or… Elder Danzō?"
Shisui gently shook his head. "This power is not meant to manipulate people's hearts, but to protect Konoha's peace. I hope it can resolve the misunderstandings the higher-ups have about us and allow the Uchiha to truly integrate into the big family that is Konoha."
Protect Konoha's peace?
"Shisui, do you really think that relying solely on this ability can bring lasting peace?" Uchiha Akira put down his teacup. "Can changing a person's thoughts change deep-seated prejudices? Can it change the inevitable conflicts brought about by power structures? Will this so-called peace be merely a temporary compromise, a mirage?"
Shisui was speechless. He opened his mouth and finally let out a sigh. "My power also has its limitations. It cannot change everyone's will, especially those… already solidified concepts."
Uchiha Akira understood in his heart. Shisui, you are too naive. Or rather, you are too kind. Your powerful Kotoamatsukami, in the eyes of an old fox like Danzō, is not a hope for peace, but a tool that can be exploited and stolen! Your fate will probably be even more tragic than in the original story!
A strong sense of crisis surged in Uchiha Akira's heart. He knew that Danzō would absolutely not let go of those eyes! Countless thoughts flashed through Uchiha Akira's mind in an instant. Logically, perhaps he should warn Shisui to be careful of Danzō, or even propose to team up against him.
But… that wasn't Uchiha Akira's style. If Shisui's 'sacrifice' was unavoidable, then the value of this sacrifice must be maximized!
"Shisui, I admire your sincerity. But you must understand that placing hope in the goodwill of others, or the miracle of some ability, is very dangerous. The only thing that can truly protect the clan is the absolute power we ourselves wield. Your eyes are very powerful, but if used improperly, or coveted by those with ill intentions, they will instead bring greater disaster to the clan."
These words, rather than a reminder, were a subtle warning. Shisui heard this, his body trembled slightly, a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes, immediately replaced by deeper worry. He knew what Akira said was true, but his inner conviction prevented him from giving up easily.
Uchiha Akira said no more. He had already sown the seeds of doubt. Now, it was up to Shisui himself to choose.
At the same time, Uchiha Akira silently opened the [Clan Growth System] in his mind.
[System, search for skills or items related to 'mental control defense' and 'dōjutsu counter.']
[Search for dōjutsu skills or items related to defending against Kotoamatsukami!]
[System Notification: Searching…]
[Related skill nodes found:]
[1. Mental Barrier (MAX): Immune to mental attacks such as Kotoamatsukami, Tsukuyomi, etc., carried by the Mangekyō Sharingan. Glory Points Required: 200,000 points.]
[System, immediately consume Glory Points to acquire the skill Mental Barrier!]
As 200,000 points of Glory Value were deducted, a virtual mental barrier appeared deep within Uchiha Akira's consciousness. Now Uchiha Akira could rest assured. With this divine skill, Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, touted as the strongest genjutsu, was now completely ineffective against him.
After this, whether it was Shisui, or Danzō who obtained Shisui's eyes, any attempt to use Kotoamatsukami to change his will would fail, ultimately making them look like clowns. Uchiha Akira couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't be attacked by Kotoamatsukami in the future, so to be safe, he would prepare for it. Although 200,000 Glory Value was a lot, being able to be immune to Kotoamatsukami was worth it.
"Shisui, thank you for your hospitality today." Uchiha Akira stood up to bid farewell. "The road ahead is still long, I hope you can consider the clan's survival more."
Shisui nodded silently, watching Uchiha Akira leave. The candlelight in the teahouse flickered gently, casting his shadow long, making him appear exceptionally lonely.
Uchiha Akira, leaving the teahouse, walked on the cold street with icy eyes. Shisui, you are ultimately a living sacrifice to the conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha's higher-ups. Since that is the case, let your "Kotoamatsukami Eyes" be the first lever for me, Uchiha Akira, to pry open the entire Ninja World's pattern! Future enemies are not just Danzō. Six Paths Pain, Uchiha Madara, the Eye of the Moon Plan... and the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
Uchiha Akira took a deep breath, calming his mind. There are still many challenges ahead. For now, let the Uchiha stand at the apex of Konoha, becoming the undisputed number one ninja clan of Konoha!