"Standing high really does let you see farther! I can see everything clearly—and that means everyone can see me clearly too, hehe."
With a flicker of motion, Uchiha Izumi leapt onto the shoulder of Uchiha Rokuro's Susanoo.
"Hey—why is yours black? I know! It must be because you're so sneaky and scheming your chakra turned black!"
"Izumi, please be kind! How is this 'scheming black'? This is a deep, steady, mature kind of black, thank you very much!"
Izumi rolled her eyes and looked around, lowering her voice.
"By now the whole village should know. Will everything proceed just as you planned?"
Rokuro smiled.
"For this fishing operation, I even threw out a giant bait like Susanoo. They'll bite for sure—just watch."
While Rokuro and Izumi discussed their fishing strategy, the entire village trembled.
In this era, most of Konoha's buildings were single-story houses or small three- to four-story structures, barely ten meters tall.
Rokuro's Susanoo, even in its second stage, stood at thirty meters, almost rivaling the height of the Hokage Rock. Naturally, every villager saw it instantly.
Inside the Hyūga main estate, Hyūga Hizashi and Hyūga Taiki activated their Byakugan. Immediately, the towering Susanoo came into view—along with Rokuro standing hidden within its head.
"It's Rokuro?! He created that? Is that… the legendary Uchiha ultimate form, Susanoo?"
Hyūga Taiki was shocked. Though no longer clan head, Hyūga Hiashi—as the former leader—possessed the richest knowledge among them.
"Legend says Susanoo symbolizes slaughter and destruction, its defense flawless and impenetrable. Only those who awaken the Uchiha's forbidden eyes—the Mangekyō Sharingan—can summon it. Who would've thought Uchiha Rokuro awakened such eyes… at just ten years old!"
Compared to Hiashi's shock and apprehension, Hizashi looked relieved, even exhaling deeply.
"Good. This solves our problem. No more headaches over alliances—and it means Fugaku's era as clan head is over."
The Hyūga elders present understood instantly.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku, standing under the eaves of his home, stared at the black Susanoo in silence.
As the Uchiha clan head, he understood Susanoo far better than any Hyūga.
"Second-stage Susanoo… Impossible!"
His son Itachi rushed to him the moment Susanoo appeared. Hearing Fugaku's words, he anxiously asked for details.
"Susanoo is the third power awakened after fully mastering the Mangekyō Sharingan. Its destructive might allowed the Uchiha to rival the Senju during the Warring States era—thanks entirely to Uchiha Madara's Susanoo."
"Even at the height of the Senju's strength, only Hashirama could withstand Madara's. Susanoo has four stages: skeletal, humanoid, armored, and the final tengu form. Rokuro's is clearly second stage."
Hearing that this was the same ultimate power only Madara had ever mastered—and that it rivaled the God of Shinobi—Itachi instantly understood the implications.
Even without Fugaku's explanation, he could sense the sheer terror of Rokuro's power.
"So he really awakened that cursed power… This is the true might of the Uchiha…"
Itachi felt conflicted.
Across the village, Uchiha Setsuna—on seeing Susanoo—trembled with excitement.
"He awakened it! He truly awakened those forbidden eyes—haha!"
Shaking, he stood and hurried toward the courtyard. In his haste, he tripped, nearly falling.
Uchiha Meika quickly caught him, but the old man shoved him aside, insisting on walking under his own strength. He looked up at the towering Susanoo.
"Hahaha! The Uchiha revival is finally in sight!"
While the Uchiha were ecstatic, other clans were uneasy—especially those who had once clashed with them.
The Ino–Shika–Chō trio felt particularly heavy.
Nara Shikaku, still holding a shogi piece mid-game, stared at the Susanoo. Finally, he sighed and tossed his piece into the basket.
"…The era is shifting."
For clans like theirs, watching from the sidelines was still bearable. But for Sarutobi Hiruzen and the rest of the F4, the shock was too great to sit still.
Without being called, Shimura Danzō rushed into the Hokage's office. Koharu and Homura arrived seconds apart.
"You all saw it?"
Hiruzen stood by the window. Even as Susanoo faded, its monstrous chakra still lingered, unmistakable.
"That was truly the Uchiha's ultimate power—Susanoo? Could it be genjutsu?"
Koharu asked, panic stripping her usual composure.
Danzō glared through his single eye.
"Images can be forged by illusion. But that killing intent, that oppressive chakra—those cannot be faked. That was Susanoo, awakened through the Mangekyō. Rokuro must have reached three tomoe long ago, hiding his strength."
The other two elders froze—then begrudgingly agreed.
Their teacher, Tobirama, knew more about the Uchiha than most Uchiha themselves. His disciples naturally inherited that knowledge.
To awaken the Mangekyō, one must first attain three tomoe. Rokuro had kept only a two-tomoe façade for years—clearly suppressing his power.
Homura slapped the table.
"Danzō's right. Rokuro is also skilled in sealing arts. He must've suppressed his Sharingan with a seal to hide it. A child who knows how to conceal power… leaving him alive is a disaster waiting to happen!"
He was wrong about the sealing—but right about the concealment.
Danzō turned to Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, it's time. Even our teacher feared the Mangekyō. Back then, just facing Uchiha Izuna pushed him to the brink. If Rokuro continues to grow, he may surpass Madara himself. If he becomes another Madara… can you match Hashirama?"
His tone dripped with mockery.
Everyone knew Hiruzen couldn't compare to Hashirama—or even Tobirama.
A second Madara with no second Hashirama? Impossible risk.
Hiruzen said nothing, smoking silently.
Koharu pressed.
"Why didn't Shisui report this earlier? He and Rokuro are clanmates—he must have known!"
Danzō sneered.
"Clan loyalty outweighs everything. You're all too naive. We should never trust an Uchiha."
"Danzō! I trust Shisui's loyalty above everything!"
Hiruzen finally snapped back, then returned to his seat. The others followed.
"Then what do you intend to do?" Koharu asked.
Danzō raised his chin.
"Rokuro must have lost control. Otherwise he'd have used a barrier to hide his test. The fact that the whole village saw it means the power overwhelmed him. That proves he lacks full control—this is our chance. Our only chance."
Hiruzen exhaled deeply.
"Why must these destabilizing threats always appear… For Konoha, for the Land of Fire, I must fulfill my duty as Hokage. Any threat to stability must be eliminated."
If Shisui had heard this, he would have been moved to tears. The other elders, immune to Hiruzen's hypocrisy, felt nothing.
After displaying Susanoo, Rokuro returned home.
Moments later, several familiar Uchiha clansmen arrived. Shortly after, Uchiha Meika invited him to the elder's residence.
Facing Setsuna's fiery gaze, Rokuro shivered slightly before handing over a small scroll.
Setsuna excitedly assumed it was a new sealing technique—or even the secret of awakening the Mangekyō.
But upon reading it, his expression grew grave.
"You really plan to do this? Isn't it too risky? With your current strength, just a few more years and the whole ninja world would be at your mercy. Why take the risk now?"
"Elder… the ninja world isn't peaceful. In some ways, it's even more dangerous than the Warring States. Our enemies won't give me years."
Setsuna didn't fully believe that—but he also trusted Rokuro's judgment.
Meanwhile, Shisui arrived at Rokuro's home but didn't find him. Instead, he encountered Izumi—and immediately sensed an intense power.
Not only Shisui—Izumi sensed his as well.
"Izumi… you too?"
"Shisui really is the Uchiha's strongest. I couldn't sense it before—but now… your pupil power is overwhelming."
Instinctively, Izumi's Mangekyō flared. Shisui's activated in response.
Both being genjutsu specialists, their sensitivity to ocular power made the exchange unmistakable.
Having obtained the information he sought—and more—Shisui left quickly.
Izumi watched him go. Uchiha Ashikaga approached.
"Izumi, do you think he'll report it?"
Izumi hesitated, then gave a conflicted nod.
"Rokuro wants him to report it—it's part of the fishing plan. But I don't want him to. He's Uchiha… I don't want to see another clanmate betray us."
Ashikaga gently stroked Izumi's long hair.
"Izumi, a ninja's world is filled with betrayal and helplessness. You can still walk away. Rokuro said it himself—at his current strength, he fears no one. Hands in his pockets… 'doesn't know what an opponent looks like,' remember?"
Izumi burst into laughter recalling Rokuro's smug expression.
"He was bragging! Doesn't know an opponent? If we both fought seriously, who knows who'd win! Don't worry, Aunt Ashikaga. Rokuro has always protected us. Now I can finally protect him. I won't back down!"
After sharing this small sentiment, Izumi returned inside.
Shisui, meanwhile, raced toward the Hokage building—only to be intercepted by Itachi.
"Shisui, did you learn anything?"
Shisui instinctively reached for the sword on his back, then relaxed.
"Itachi… I must report this to the Hokage. It's not just Rokuro—Izumi awakened the Mangekyō as well."
Itachi froze, even though he had somewhat expected it.
"I see… Back in the academy, I knew Izumi was gifted. But this…"
"Itachi, don't be discouraged. Your talent is no less than anyone's. The reason you're behind Rokuro and Izumi… is probably because of that tool."
The secret of the eye-opening tool was still hidden, but many Uchiha children had awakened their Sharingan because of it—anyone with reasoning could infer something.
"I'm not discouraged. They're members of the Uchiha, and they're members of the village. The stronger they become, the stronger Konoha becomes."
"What worries me is if their hearts aren't aligned with the village. Enough, Itachi—I have to report this information to Lord Hokage. Will you come with me?"
After hesitating repeatedly, Itachi—the dutiful son—decided to accompany him. The two headed to the Hokage Building, where they found not only Sarutobi Hiruzen, but the other three elders of the F4 already present.
"Itachi, just report your information directly."
"Yes… I've just confirmed it. Not only has Uchiha Rokuro awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan—Uchiha Izumi, who lives in his home, has awakened it as well."
"What?! Another Uchiha awakened the Mangekyō?"
Koharu was stunned. Homura immediately flipped through the ninja registry and quickly found Uchiha Izumi's file.
Hiruzen, however, appeared calm and unbothered.
"Well done, Shisui. Both Uchiha Rokuro and Uchiha Izumi have awakened the Mangekyō. This is a blessing for the Uchiha—and a blessing for Konoha. You two may return. I will handle this matter appropriately."
Itachi glanced at Shisui. Shisui hesitated briefly, then boldly spoke:
"Lord Hokage… may I ask how you intend to handle it?"
Hiruzen gave a gentle, benevolent smile, walked forward, and helped both of them to their feet.
"Although they are Uchiha, they are also members of the village. Even if there were misunderstandings in the past, they are not irreconcilable. I will summon them personally, speak with them, resolve their grievances, and once their resentment fades, they will surely serve Konoha wholeheartedly—protecting the entire Land of Fire."
It was empty, meaningless rhetoric—but Shisui was moved to tears.
"I believe Rokuro and the others will definitely understand your good intentions, Lord Hokage!"
After swallowing several bowls' worth of emotional chicken soup, Shisui was so touched he could barely think straight. He left with Itachi—whose face never changed from start to finish.
Once the two were gone, the smile on Hiruzen's face vanished instantly. He turned sharply toward Danzō.
"Danzō, your plan won't work. Facing two Mangekyō at once? Even if your entire Root unit is wiped out, you won't kill them!"
This almost made Danzō break down on the spot. They had clearly agreed before—Root and ANBU would act together. Why did it suddenly become Root's problem alone?!
He was extremely displeased, but no one hated the Uchiha more than he did. And besides, he had received good news from Orochimaru: the Wood Release experiments had restarted successfully. Although they hadn't produced a second Yamato yet, experiments involving Hashirama's cells were showing results.
All he needed was a supply of Sharingan, and he could finally fulfill his teacher's—the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama's—vision: merging Senju and Uchiha to achieve true evolution.
Yes—combining Senju and Uchiha wasn't only Madara's dream.
Tobirama had attempted it too.
Otherwise, how could he have known that Uchiha brains produced a special chakra when subjected to intense emotional trauma?
Such knowledge was impossible without live experiments. And why would he conduct such experiments?
To merge the powers of the Senju and Uchiha.
After Madara died, his corpse was never disposed of because Tobirama intended to use it for experiments—yet Madara tricked him with a shadow clone. Black Zetsu likely forged traces of a grave robbery afterward, and the matter was left unresolved.
In short, Danzō's infamous Wood Release arm embedded with Sharingan originated from Tobirama's inspiration.
In the original story, the eyes in Danzō's arm were all three-tomoe Sharingan—used up entirely as "extra lives." The only Mangekyō among them was Shisui's.
Right now, Danzō still didn't know Shisui had also awakened the Mangekyō. But learning that Rokuro and Izumi possessed Mangekyō—both of them—made him tremble with excitement. If he could seize them, he would gain four eyes at once. The thought alone thrilled him.
"If our strength is insufficient, we'll find outside help. Mangekyō are powerful, but not invincible. As long as we have enough manpower, even if Uchiha Madara were resurrected, I could kill him!"
Danzō boasted without restraint. No one called him out—after all, they still needed him to act as the vanguard.
"Where will this outside help come from?"
"The Land of Lightning—Kumogakure!"
Hiruzen and the two elders frowned.
"Danzō, are you an idiot? Kumogakure just fought a brutal war with us. They're desperate for Konoha to fall into chaos. Why would they help us?"
Koharu retorted angrily. Danzō sneered.
"Fools. Precisely because we were at war, and because they've personally experienced the Uchiha's power, they will cooperate. Don't forget—both of Kumogakure's jinchūriki were defeated by Uchiha Rokuro. If they learn he has awakened the Mangekyō, do you think they won't be terrified? Sleepless?"
The three mulled over Danzō's words—they found some truth in them.
"Besides, I will act personally. Kumogakure would merely be assistance. All they need to do is send manpower to eliminate a threat from a rival nation. Unless the Fourth Raikage is a complete fool, he will agree."
Is the Fourth Raikage a fool?
In the past, Hiruzen and the others might have thought so. But after the Thunder-Fire War, they understood: the Fourth Raikage was rough on the outside but shrewd inside. He was troublesome as an enemy—but reliable as an ally.
"Fine. We'll follow your plan. This time, there can be no failure."
END OF CHAPTER
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