"You mean… you also believe the current plight of our clan has something to do with me?"
"Yes, please forgive me, Grand Elder. I feel the relationship between our clan and the village has grown too tense. If left unchecked, trouble is inevitable."
The Grand Elder chuckled without expression, two short, hollow laughs, shifting the topic instead:
"Arata, do you know how Konoha was founded?"
"Grand Elder, I know a little. Originally, the village was established by the Senju and Uchiha clans together. Later, the Hyuga, Yamanaka, Shimura, and others joined, gradually forming the village we know today."
The Grand Elder's gaze softened slightly as he regarded Arata, letting out a long sigh.
"You are impressive. Few young people today understand our history."
"I simply have an interest in the past, so I've learned more than most," Arata replied modestly.
The Grand Elder ignored this, continuing:
"Long ago, Konoha was founded by our Uchiha ancestor, Uchiha Madara, alongside Senju Hashirama, leader of the Senju clan. Hashirama initially intended for Madara to be the First Hokage. For reasons unknown, Madara declined, and Hashirama became the First Hokage.
Later, Madara and Hashirama fell out, and they fought at the Valley of the End. Madara was slain by Hashirama. Soon after, Hashirama also passed away.
Hashirama's brother, Tobirama, took over as the Second Hokage. He blamed Madara for Hashirama's early death and treated our clan with constant suspicion.
Remember, Konoha was built by the Senju and Uchiha. Without us, there would be no village. Yet, look at the successive Hokage—all from the Senju line. There is no recognition for the Uchiha."
At this point, the Grand Elder's anger flared, his voice nearly shouting.
"So, you feel we, the Uchiha, should lead Konoha?"
He sighed heavily: "I know that is impossible, but the resentment remains. Look at today… a minor clan like the Yamanaka even occupies the Hokage's position."
He slammed his hand on the table, splashing tea from his cup.
Seeing the Grand Elder's anger, Arata could only smile helplessly. There was no reasoning here; only one final approach remained.
Once the elder's emotions settled, Arata spoke:
"Grand Elder, I didn't come just to advise you. My Sharingan has shown unusual signs. As a senior of the Uchiha, you understand these matters better, so I came seeking your guidance."
At Arata's words, the Grand Elder put down his cup and looked at him.
Arata activated his Sharingan, slowly channeling chakra. The three tomoe began spinning faster, gradually transforming into the four-pointed shuriken pattern identical to Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan.
The Grand Elder stared, a mix of shock, excitement, and disbelief on his face. His right hand clenched the tea cup tightly, murmuring:
"Finally… finally, the Uchiha clan's Mangekyo Sharingan has appeared…"
Tears welled in his eyes.
Arata had intended to use Kotoamatsukami on the Grand Elder directly, but seeing his reaction, he reconsidered. The elder's emotions were so strong that Arata decided to wait and listen instead.
After a long while, Uchiha Ryo recovered, letting out a self-deprecating chuckle:
"Old… old… crying like a child, Arata, forgive me."
Arata asked:
"Grand Elder, why such emotion? Is it only because of my Sharingan's evolution?"
Ryo shook his head:
"Your Sharingan is not merely an anomaly—it's an evolution. It surpasses the three-tomoe Sharingan. It is the Mangekyo Sharingan. Do you know what that signifies?"
Arata, though aware, could not reveal where he had learned it, so he shook his head politely.
"Don't blame you. Our clan hasn't seen the Mangekyo in a long time. Since our ancestor Madara possessed it, we don't openly discuss it. Few in your generation would know."
"So… Madara's strength came partly from the Mangekyo Sharingan?"
The Grand Elder nodded: "Partly, yes. But Madara's power wasn't only the Sharingan—it was because he was Madara Uchiha."
"Still, the Mangekyo is an incredibly powerful kekkei genkai. Anyone who awakens it and allows time to grow can reach the peak ANBU level."
"And Madara… was he also at the peak ANBU level?"
Lord Madara Uchiha? Of course, Lord Madara surpassed even peak ANBU-level strength. He was a super-ANBU, equal in reputation to the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju," the Grand Elder said, his eyes filled with both memory and pride.
"Super-ANBU?"
"Yes. Beyond peak ANBU strength. Someone who can easily overpower other peak ANBU warriors is called a super-ANBU.
In Uchiha clan history, such figures are extremely rare."
Hearing the Grand Elder praise Madara so highly, Arata pointed at himself.
"And me? I've awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan as well. Does that mean I can reach Lord Madara's level?"
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