Compared to the previous Hyūga bloodline purification project, Uchiha Rokuro and his team were far better prepared this time. Even their medical tools had undergone a major upgrade.
Previously, they used ring-type medical devices that required the coordinated effort of three people.
Now, however, Uchiha Rokuro had integrated every medical tool into one—creating a massive medical apparatus resembling a space capsule. Not only could test mice be placed inside, but even a person could comfortably lie down within it. Naturally, this design was created with future live-subject experiments in mind.
After several days of work, the Uchiha genetic serum was finally completed. The serum was injected into the test mouse, which was then placed inside the large medical capsule.
"Begin."
This time, they no longer needed three people. Only one person had to supply chakra at a time; when exhausted, they would rotate.
Not only was this far more efficient, but the fusion between the mouse and the serum was significantly quicker.
Green light enveloped the mouse's entire body. Results appeared almost immediately.
"There's a chakra reaction—it's getting stronger… already at chūnin level."
Uchiha Izumi opened her three-tomoe Sharingan to observe. Although the Sharingan couldn't see chakra pathways, it could see chakra itself—and gauge its strength with perfect clarity.
"No negative reactions. We can continue."
Uchiha Ashikaga monitored the data, while Rokuro maintained chakra output.
Two hours passed quickly. The mouse's chakra had reached jōnin level and was on the verge of breaking into Kage-class.
"Izumi, take over. I need to switch to sealing techniques."
Izumi replaced Rokuro. Meanwhile, Rokuro activated a five-layer sealing array—centered on the Adamantine Sealing Chains—to eliminate any possibility of a rampage.
Another five hours passed. It was now three in the morning. Dawn was only a few hours away, and the mouse's chakra had already reached Kage-level.
If released at this moment and trained as a summon, it would at minimum rival Gamabunta—perhaps even surpass him due to its small and agile frame.
Crack.
A sharp sound came from the seal—the mouse had begun rampaging once again.
Strengthening the seal, Uchiha Rokuro felt a surge of excitement.
"Just as expected. The Mangekyō represents a higher tier of power—far beyond ordinary chakra. In terms of chakra grade, it should be comparable to Senjutsu chakra. That's why it can break through the Adamantine Sealing Chains!"
After all, the Uzumaki clan's Adamantine Sealing Chains could restrain even a tailed beast. Clearly, the issue wasn't mere chakra quantity.
There were many similar examples: Hashirama's Godly Gates could suppress Edo Tensei Madara, but once Madara was fully revived, he shattered the gates instantly.
The Four Red Yang Formation, constructed by four Kage-level shinobi, could block the Ten-Tails' massive Tailed Beast Bomb—yet Six Paths Obito tore it apart with his bare hands.
All these cases showed one truth: higher-tier chakra naturally suppresses lower-tier chakra. Sealing techniques can restrain chakra of the same tier, but not one above it.
"It's time to end this."
Rainbow-colored light gathered along the chakra chains, transforming into blades that pierced the mouse's body, ending its life instantly.
This was a degraded form of the Truth-Seeking Orb's power. Although still far from the real thing, killing a mouse that didn't understand its own power was trivial.
They removed the mouse's corpse and extracted its eyes. The pair glowed blood-red, each with a triangular spinning-fan pattern—almost identical to the Mangekyō Sharingan the future "dutiful son" would possess.
"We did it! This really is the Mangekyō, isn't it?!"
Izumi stared at the unique pattern, trembling with excitement.
"Mom, is there anything abnormal in the data?"
"A bit. Right before death, its brain cells suffered widespread necrosis—it couldn't withstand the power of the Mangekyō."
Hearing this, all three immediately began investigating for flaws, then continued refining the genetic serum.
As dawn approached, the three returned to Konoha.
"The first trial was a success, but achieving absolute safety requires many more experiments. We can't rush into human trials. Alright—let's get some sleep."
The family of three went to rest. Meanwhile, the Hyūga and Uchiha's counterattack against Sarutobi Hiruzen's propaganda had just begun.
Inside a small, ordinary tavern in Konoha
Several civilians were drinking together. One of them cursed loudly between gulps.
"It's been so many days! Why hasn't the Hokage punished the Uchiha and Hyūga yet? They're the ones who started the war!"
"They're the first and second strongest clans in the village. Even the Hokage wouldn't dare move against them casually."
"Ridiculous! If they go unpunished, how can Konoha have a future?"
Just as their complaints grew louder, someone at the next table suddenly cut in.
"Can you people stop parroting rumors? The Uchiha and Hyūga aren't culprits—they're heroes. Don't you feel ashamed talking like this?"
"Heroes? Them? What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Nonsense? Listen carefully—I'll tell you what really happened. That envoy leader from the Land of Lightning? The night he arrived in Konoha, he sneaked into the Hyūga Elder's home and kidnapped the clan head's son. The Elder caught up to him and killed him on the spot. Isn't that strange? A diplomatic envoy sneaking in to steal a child—the child of the village's best reconnaissance clan at that? Isn't that just asking to die?"
The civilians were stunned. The situation indeed sounded odd. Still, some clung stubbornly to their stance.
"Y-You're just guessing. Who knows what really happened?"
"Guessing? My neighbor's kid is in the ANBU. He was at the scene the moment it happened. I heard all this straight from him."
"T-Then… why did the envoy steal the clan head's son if he went to the Elder's home?"
"Hmph. Because that night was the Elder's daughter's birthday banquet. Many Hyūga were there—including the clan head and his son."
His explanation was so coherent that many listeners began to believe him.
"But what about the Uchiha? I heard the war wouldn't have escalated so badly if not for that brat Uchiha Uchiha Rokuro capturing the Two-Tails' jinchūriki. And they withdrew from the war early!"
"Pfft—You actually believe that? First of all, that Uchiha Rokuro kid? He's the one who deciphered the Hyūga's Caged Bird Seal. And he captured the Two-Tails using sealing techniques. Besides, the jinchūriki wasn't captured on the frontline—it happened at the harbor in the Land of Hot Water."
"Doesn't that sound strange to you? Why would she be there? Why was Uchiha Rokuro in Hot Water Country? The entire region was occupied by Kumo at the time!"
The tavern grew silent as curiosity spread. Someone quickly waved for the owner.
"Boss! Bring two hard dishes for this brother—it's on me. Brother, go on. Why were they fighting in Hot Water Country? And how do you know all this?"
Once the food arrived, the storyteller leisurely ate a few bites before continuing.
"I used to be part of the logistics transport unit. I delivered provisions to the frontlines several times. I heard this directly from the ninja fighting there."
"Those two factories were traps from the very beginning. Kumo wanted Konoha's elites to infiltrate—so they could surround and exterminate them inside Hot Water Country."
"Damn… so sinister!"
"That explains why Uchiha Rokuro appeared deep in enemy territory!"
The civilians whispered among themselves—this explanation fit perfectly.
From there, the storyteller—handpicked by the Hyūga for his excellent speaking ability—described the entire infiltration mission in vivid detail: the ambush, the struggle to break out, the desperate escape toward the harbor, and the destruction of Kumo's supply ships.
For the first time, these civilians learned what truly happened on the battlefield.
They imagined themselves in the same situation. Under pursuit by thousands of enemy shinobi—would they dare take the initiative to counterattack?
Many fell silent. Even surviving would be difficult, let alone fighting back.
"So Uchiha Rokuro was that heroic? And he's only ten?"
"He's ten now—he was barely nine during the mission. As for the Two-Tails, Kumo sent out both jinchūriki. Who could possibly hold back in that situation? If it were me, I'd have killed her outright instead of capturing her."
"Yet you people blame him for worsening the war. If both jinchūriki had appeared on the main front, Konoha would've fallen long ago, and the Land of Fire would now be burning!"
The men who had originally been shouting insults now lowered their heads, faces flushed. Some still resisted.
"How do we know any of this is true? If it is, why did the Uchiha withdraw and let the Ino–Shika–Chō take over?"
"Heh. Because nobody likes the Uchiha. Who here hasn't badmouthed them before?"
"T-That's… true. They do act arrogant…"
"Exactly. Because they're disliked—by civilians and by the Hokage—they weren't allowed to take credit. When the Two-Tails was captured, Konoha actually held the advantage. That's when Ino–Shika–Chō replaced the Uchiha. The reasons behind that? Complicated."
"N-No way. Are you saying Ino–Shika–Chō were in the wrong?"
"I'm saying it's possible. After all, desertion is a capital offense. But when the Uchiha returned to the village, the Hokage personally welcomed them back. That means they didn't retreat on their own—they were ordered to."
"T-That's… that's switching commanders mid-battle! A serious military taboo!"
People weren't fools. Everyone could think for themselves. Most of those who spouted nonsense were simply pretending to be stupid for their own benefit.
Everyone in Konoha knew that the Ino–Shika–Chō were the Hokage's direct loyalists, and it was equally well-known that the Uchiha had never been well-liked. With those two facts put together, the truth was already obvious.
Seeing that his job was done and the message had successfully landed, the informant paid his bill and slipped away. If he stayed any longer, ANBU would surely come to arrest him.
And he wasn't the only one. That very morning alone, the Hyūga and the Uchiha had sent out several dozen rumor-spreaders. Some even used Shadow Clones, multiplying the number even further.
So by the time ANBU realized something was wrong and started arresting suspects while reporting to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the rumors had already spread through the entire village.
Merchants visiting Konoha heard the stories as well—and through them, the news quickly traveled to the Land of Fire.
Good news never leaves the house, but bad news travels a thousand miles. And when battlefield secrets intertwine with political conflict, the story becomes even more irresistible. Men and women alike love listening to such tales. Within a single week, from the capital to the most remote countryside, the entire Land of Fire had already heard about what happened.
Eventually, even the daimyō sent envoys to question Hiruzen directly:
Was it true?
Had he really removed the Uchiha from the battlefield because he disliked them?
As Sarutobi Hiruzen struggled to placate the daimyō while ordering ANBU to arrest more rumor-spreaders, he grew increasingly furious.
But rumor-spreaders who were shinobi themselves? Not so easy to catch. And the few ANBU managed to seize were nothing more than Shadow Clones.
For all their faults—fragile bodies and a tendency to become missing-nin—ninjas were absolute professionals when it came to spreading false information and sabotaging from within.
They say, "A rumor spreads with one mouth, but debunking it breaks your legs."
Facing rumors spread by ninjas, it wouldn't matter if you broke your legs or were paralyzed from the waist down—you still couldn't stop it.
And to make matters worse, these rumors weren't even false. Almost every detail could withstand scrutiny.
By contrast, the rumors spread by Root had always been full of holes. The only reason they spread before was because there was no opposing narrative.
Now that two opposing stories were circulating, people only needed to think for a moment to know which one was true. Never assume the public is stupid.
People only get deceived when information is unequal between both sides. If everything is laid bare for all to see, right and wrong become immediately obvious.
Inside the Root office, all Root operatives were absent. Only Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō remained.
Being scolded directly to his face, Danzō's expression darkened.
"Hiruzen, how is this my fault? What you did was disgraceful to begin with. And on top of that, we lost the war. Honestly, maintaining the situation this well is already a huge effort on my part!"
"Hmph. So you're saying you can't fix this anymore?"
Hiruzen's eyes turned cold.
Among the so-called Konoha F4, Hiruzen only considered Homura and Koharu to be his comrades. As for Danzō—he had long since been reduced to little more than a watchdog.
Before the Second Hokage died, Danzō regretted not being the first to step forward. Because of that hesitation, he lost his chance at becoming Hokage.
He always believed Hiruzen didn't notice his ambition. But how could Hiruzen—an absolute political animal—not know who his rival was?
Among Tobirama's six guards—the F4, Uchiha Kagami, and Akimichi Torifū—Hiruzen had long analyzed every one of them.
Uchiha Kagami? Impossible. Even if he were the strongest, Tobirama would never pick an Uchiha as his successor.
Koharu and Homura? Small clans, no backing. No chance.
Akimichi Torifū? Strong and with clan support, but too gentle. He had no desire to be Hokage.
Thus, out of all five companions, Danzō was Hiruzen's greatest rival—clan support, strength, and ambition.
Danzō thought Hiruzen stepped forward out of pure personality, but the truth was: Hiruzen simply couldn't allow his rival the chance to rise.
Afterward, to suppress Danzō even further, Hiruzen permitted him to form Root—a department designed to handle dirty, underworld tasks.
And Hiruzen knew one thing well: politicians could be hypocrites and commit many dark deeds—but once exposed, their careers were finished.
From the moment Danzō founded Root, his fate was sealed. No one would ever choose a sewer rat as Hokage.
As for Danzō's brief stint as Hokage in the original timeline—that was merely an emergency measure. The moment Tsunade awakened, he was kicked aside.
Having stepped into the trap without realizing it, Danzō mistakenly believed Hiruzen genuinely needed his help—and even felt slightly proud.
"Don't worry, Hiruzen. When it comes to rumor-spreading, I'm the expert. Those arrogant Uchiha and the Hyūga branch upstarts are no match for me. Leave everything to me."
"Hmph. Don't make me wait."
Hiruzen turned and left.
In the following days, Konoha drowned in a sea of rumors. The debate over whether the Uchiha and Hyūga were heroes or culprits split the entire civilian population into two camps.
Some supported the Uchiha.
Many cursed them.
But overall, the majority still believed the Uchiha were heroes.
Seeing public opinion turn against him again, Hiruzen played his trump card.
He issued triple the standard compensation to the families of fallen shinobi.
Immediately, his popularity surged. The compensated families publicly voiced support for the Hokage and declared the Uchiha and Hyūga to be the true instigators of the war.
Money power had won him the upper hand—but only barely.
Not all civilians were families of the fallen. Those who received nothing had no reason to twist the truth. Some even felt Hiruzen was revealing his guilt—why else hand out such excessive compensation?
A month passed, and the unrest still had not calmed.
Hiruzen grew anxious again. Danzō offered another idea.
"Fighting both the Uchiha and Hyūga at the same time is tough. Why not start with the Uchiha—while showing goodwill to the Hyūga?"
"I don't care how you do it. But I'm giving you one month. After one month, I don't want to hear a single voice opposing me in this village."
Soon after, a message reached the Konoha Military Police Force. Upon receiving the Hokage's order, Uchiha Fugaku's face turned ghostly pale.
Without a word, he rushed straight to the Hokage's office.
"Lord Third—why are you cutting the Military Police Force's funding by half? With so little budget, we can't even operate!"
Hiruzen took a slow drag of his pipe and sighed.
"Fugaku, you know the village is in a difficult situation. We lost to the Land of Lightning. Heavy casualties, heavy losses. And I just issued compensation to the families of the fallen. The village treasury is stretched thin. Surely you don't expect me to take away their support simply to pay your Police Force, do you?"
Fugaku fell silent. Of course he couldn't argue against support for the families of the dead—but he also knew perfectly well this was Hiruzen intentionally making life miserable for the Uchiha. Yet he had no way to fight back.
"But Lord Hokage—with this little funding, many of my men won't even have enough to eat. I can't ask starving shinobi to patrol the village."
Hiruzen glanced sideways at him.
"They can take missions. Don't worry—I'll prioritize high-paying assignments for your Uchiha."
END OF CHAPTER
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