201-205

Chapter 201: Are You Still My Equal Now, Hiruzen?

"Getting more timid with age, huh, Hiruzen?"

Danzo's eyes flickered as if contemplating something deep.

Soon, he ordered someone to summon Kai and Jin.

The two quickly appeared before him, bowing respectfully. "Lord Danzo."

"Hmm. I’ve summoned you today to announce something."

Danzo had fully regained his composure, exuding the commanding presence of Root's leader once more.

"Lord Danzo, please rest assured. I’ll see this mission through!" Kaneki declared immediately, full of confidence.

Looking at the resolute Kaneki before him, Danzo felt an odd chill down his spine.

Still, he said seriously, "From today onward, you are no longer members of Root. Instead, you will become Anbu under the direct command of the Third Hokage. Understood?"

Kai remained silent, but Kaneki instantly bristled.

"Why are we being transferred to the Anbu? Is it because Uchiha Shisui escaped from me? I’ll go destroy the entire Uchiha clan right now!"

Before anyone could stop him, Kaneki exuded a terrifying killing intent and turned toward the Uchiha district.

"Stop right there!"

Danzo, watching Kaneki’s retreating figure, sighed in frustration before explaining, "This has nothing to do with Shisui. It’s because Anbu is currently short-staffed, and you are needed there to help."

Hearing this, Kaneki calmed down slightly.

"Will we ever return to Root?"

Danzo shook his head. "That’s uncertain for now. For the time being, do your best under the Third Hokage."

Kaneki’s face darkened once more. Staring into Danzo’s eyes, he asked seriously, "Lord Danzo, be honest with me. Are you abandoning us?"

Seeing Kaneki’s persistence, Danzo felt a headache coming on, but also a tinge of satisfaction—his brainwashing efforts over the past six months had clearly paid off.

"Of course not," Danzo reassured him. "I would never abandon any member of Root."

Hearing this, Kaneki squinted slightly, his expression sinister. "If you’re not abandoning us, then it must be that old geezer Hiruzen forcing us apart, isn’t it?"

Uh…

Danzo fell silent. From a certain perspective, Kaneki wasn’t entirely wrong.

"Don’t worry, Lord Danzo! I’ll go kill the Third Hokage right now and make you the Hokage!"

Kaneki turned again, ready to act—this time, targeting the Hokage himself.

Unfortunately, before he could leave the room, Danzo, frowning deeply, called him back.

"Enough! Kaneki, don’t be so extreme."

"Oh."

Reprimanded, Kaneki immediately wore a pouty, wronged expression, leaving Kai utterly baffled.

Danzo cleared his throat. "I didn’t call you here to kill anyone. Though you’ll officially become Anbu, never forget the debt you owe to Root. Should anything unusual occur in Anbu, report to me immediately. Understood?"

This was Danzo's true intention.

Since the reassignment of Kai and Jin, two skilled Wood-Style users, was already a reality, struggling against it was futile.

Instead, it was better to plant them within Anbu as his spies, ensuring a constant flow of information about Hiruzen’s activities.

At this thought, Danzo couldn’t help but admire his foresight.

He had long ensured these two Wood-Style users were completely loyal to him. No matter how closely Hiruzen kept them, only Danzo could truly control them.

Hearing Danzo's instructions, Kaneki’s face lit up with excitement.

"So, Lord Danzo, we’re not really joining Anbu, but are on a spy mission there?"

Danzo nodded. "You could see it that way."

If it was a mission, Kaneki had no further complaints.

Straightening up, he assured loudly, "I’ll complete the mission without fail!"

Kai, standing beside him, also responded, "Mission accepted."

After receiving Danzo’s orders, Kaneki and Kai quickly returned to their quarters to pack.

The Hokage’s orders were urgent—they had only two hours to report to Anbu.

While Kai was packing, Kaneki suddenly barged into his room.

"What is it?"

Kai, unfazed by the intrusion, turned calmly, clearly accustomed to such behavior.

Kaneki, smacking a fist into his palm as if he’d just had an epiphany, leaned in and whispered, "Kai, don’t you think Lord Danzo is hinting at something?"

Kai felt a foreboding sense of dread.

"Hinting at what?"

"I think Lord Danzo’s plan is this: he wants us to infiltrate Anbu, monitor the Hokage’s movements, gather intel, and then—"

Kaneki made a slicing motion across his neck for emphasis.

Used to Kaneki’s rebellious streak, Kai simply sighed. "Kaneki, the specifics of our mission are Lord Danzo’s concern. Don’t make any rash decisions."

Kaneki pouted, looking at Kai with an expression that seemed to say, You just don’t understand Lord Danzo.  

Regardless, Hiruzen’s reassignment of the two Wood-Style users was a strategic success.

Not only did it strengthen Anbu with two powerful shinobi, but it also weakened both Root and the Uchiha clan by removing Shisui from the equation.

Overall, Root and the Uchiha clan were significantly weakened, while the Hokage’s direct Anbu forces gained strength.

Of course, whether these new assets were truly loyal remained to be seen, but they were better than nothing.

Additionally, this move delayed the Uchiha clan’s rebellion, giving the village more time to prepare for any potential crisis.

Watching Kai and Kaneki leave Root, Danzo’s cold gaze betrayed his deep scheming.

This event had undoubtedly been a severe blow to Root’s overall combat strength.

In the battle against Uchiha Shisui, several elite Root members had been lost, and the reassignment of Kai and Jin only further depleted their ranks.

Root’s overt power had taken a serious hit.

However, for Danzo himself, this was a time of personal gain.

Shisui’s Mangekyo Sharingan was now implanted in his eye socket. Though he couldn’t yet use Kotoamatsukami, Danzo could feel the immense power emanating from it.

Even the Hashirama cells in his body had stabilized somewhat under its influence.

Once he fully mastered the Sharingan, Danzo believed he could achieve a delicate balance within his body.

With Kotoamatsukami, Izanagi, and Wood-Style, Danzo was confident he could challenge anyone in the shinobi world.

Of course, not in a direct confrontation—but through the methods Danzo excelled at: manipulation from the shadows.

"Hiruzen, are you still my equal now?"

(Chapter End)

Chapter 202: The Will of Fire is the Best Way to Dispel Darkness

The Third Hokage's orders were urgent, so both Kaneki and Kinoe quickly arrived at the Hokage's office to report.

As they approached the door, Kaneki could clearly feel numerous hidden gazes watching them.

These must be the Anbu responsible for protecting the Hokage.  

Ignoring the wary stares, Kaneki boldly pushed open the office door. Inside, they saw the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his Hokage robe. His hair had turned completely white, and his face was speckled with age spots.

A smell of decay hits you right in the face, Kaneki thought sarcastically.

"Greetings, Lord Hokage," Kinoe said politely.

Since they had been reassigned to the Anbu, it was necessary to act like proper subordinates to gain trust—at least, that’s what Kinoe thought.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Kinoe, his sharp gaze seemingly piercing through him.

Average appearance, excellent composure, able to adapt quickly to unexpected tasks, and devoid of unnecessary emotions...  

Seeing this, Hiruzen couldn't help but think to himself: This kid is born to be a ninja—especially for roles in the Anbu or the Root, where operating in the shadows is essential.  

As for the other one...

Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Kaneki after observing Kinoe.

This kid's hostility was almost palpable. From the moment he walked in, he had been glaring at Hiruzen as though Hiruzen owed him a large debt.

Is it because of Danzo? Hiruzen quickly deduced.

No one understood Danzo's brainwashing methods better than him.

Nearly every member of the Root was fiercely loyal to Danzo, willing to give their lives for him if necessary.

Considering Kaneki's abilities—especially his rare Wood Style, which could rival even the Mangekyo Sharingan—Hiruzen doubted Danzo would loosen his grip on such a talent.

So, have both of these kids already been brainwashed by Danzo? Hiruzen thought regretfully. If only I had discovered such talents earlier, I could have instilled the true Will of Fire in them.  

Snapping back to reality, Hiruzen looked at Kaneki and forced a kind smile onto his aged face. “If I recall correctly, your codename is Otsu, right?”

Kaneki frowned at the Hokage’s smile.

“Otsu is the name Lord Danzo gave me. You’re not allowed to call me that!”

Hearing Kaneki’s firm response, Hiruzen’s eyes narrowed slightly.

It seems Danzo's influence runs deep with this one.  

He spoke again, “You seem very hostile toward me. Why is that?”

Kaneki crossed his arms and raised his chin defiantly. “Of course!”

Hiruzen chuckled at the childish gesture. “And why are you hostile toward me?”

Kaneki didn’t hesitate: “Because you took Lord Danzo’s position.”

The room immediately plunged into an eerie silence.

Even the Anbu hidden in the shadows tensed up, as though a deadly battle might break out any second.

Even Kinoe, who was familiar with Kaneki’s temperament, froze in shock.

I knew Kaneki was bold, but this is next level!  

While Kinoe frantically tried to think of a way to defuse the situation, Hiruzen’s years as a seasoned politician shone through. His calm demeanor remained unshaken.

He smiled faintly and asked, “Are you saying the position of Hokage should belong to Danzo?”

Without thinking, Kaneki replied, “Of course! Lord Danzo is the best choice for Hokage!”

Hiruzen’s expression turned slightly amused. “Is that your opinion, or Danzo’s?”

Before Kaneki could speak, Kinoe hurriedly covered his mouth. Any more and we’re doomed!  

But Kaneki was not so easily silenced. Without needing hand seals, he split off a Wood Clone from his back, which continued confidently, “This isn’t anyone’s opinion—it’s a fact! Do you understand? Lord Danzo is the greatest man in the world! Only he can lead the development of Konoha!”

Kinoe pressed his hand to his forehead, exhausted. It’s over. There’s no saving this. Let it all burn.  

Surprisingly, even after hearing such treasonous words, Hiruzen didn’t lose his composure. Instead, he asked, “And how do you think Danzo could become Hokage? To become Hokage, he would need the villagers’ approval.”

Hiruzen spoke in a slow, almost playful tone, as though teasing a child. He was trying to uncover Kaneki’s true thoughts.

Sure enough, Kaneki spoke without any guard.

“Kill!”

“Kill?”

This time, Hiruzen looked stunned.

Kaneki's expression grew frenzied, his arms spreading wide as he spoke passionately, “That’s right—kill them! Kill everyone who opposes Lord Danzo, and then Lord Danzo can become Hokage!”

Kinoe pressed harder against his forehead.

He wasn’t thinking about how to stop Kaneki anymore. He was now considering how to fight their way out past the Anbu, praying for a slim chance of survival. Maybe we could take the Hokage hostage?  

Kinoe glanced at Hiruzen, noting that the Hokage’s once kind expression had turned serious. The deep wrinkles on his face seemed to freeze over with a layer of frost.

This kid’s ideology is extreme… Hiruzen thought. Is this Danzo’s doing? The darkness this child carries may even be greater than Danzo’s.  

But fire is the best way to dispel darkness.  

As long as the Will of Fire could be planted in their hearts, Danzo’s radical teachings would eventually disappear without a trace.

To achieve that, they needed bonds. Only by forming bonds would they learn to protect their friends and their village. Once that happened, Danzo’s ideology would naturally collapse.

With that in mind, Hiruzen decided to change the subject.

“Since you’ve left the Root, you should abandon the Root’s codenames.”

“How about this—I’ll give each of you a new name.”

“Kinoe, you’ll be called Tenzou.”

“Kaneki, you’ll be called Dizou.”

“How does that sound?”

“It doesn’t sound like anything!” Kaneki objected immediately.

With righteous indignation, he declared, “As long as I’m alive, I will never abandon the name Lord Danzo gave me!”

Looking at the stubborn boy, even Hiruzen, with all his patience, couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

Still, considering Kaneki’s potential, he chose to remain patient. “Very well. Forget it for now. You two may leave and await further orders.”

“Yes,” Kinoe responded quickly.

Kaneki seemed like he wanted to say more, but Kinoe hurriedly dragged him out of the office.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 203: Uchiha Inaho's Utopian Dream

As Kaneki’s loud complaints faded away into the distance from the Hokage building, Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples with a pained expression. “What do you think?” he asked.

A shadow suddenly appeared before him—it was none other than the famed Kakashi Hatake of Konoha.

“Lord Hokage, are you really assigning me to that guy?”

Kakashi’s tone was filled with reluctance. From the words Kaneki had spoken earlier, Kakashi could already tell this guy was going to be a massive headache.

Seeing Kakashi’s concern, Hiruzen chuckled lightly. “Kakashi, both of them are still just children. They may have been under Danzo’s control before, their thoughts a bit twisted, but as long as they’re shown the warmth of life under the sunlight and allowed to form bonds with others, they will eventually grasp the true Will of Fire.”

Then, Hiruzen’s tone grew serious. “Besides, that boy possesses a power that can rival the Uchiha. If we guide him properly, he could become a tremendous asset to Konoha.”

Kakashi sighed, scratching his silver hair in exasperation. “No matter how you look at it, those two are a real handful.”

Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and said gravely, “Kakashi, you’re currently the most capable person in the Anbu. Only someone like you, who has also experienced darkness, can pull them out of the abyss.”

Though still reluctant, Kakashi realized that with Hiruzen speaking so firmly, he had no room to refuse.

“I’ll do my best, but don’t expect too much.”

“Just do what you can. I trust you, Kakashi,” Hiruzen said, offering an encouraging smile.

---

Meanwhile, Kaneki and kanoe—no, now Tenzo—had just arrived at the Anbu headquarters when they received orders from the Hokage’s office.

“Assigned to join Captain Kakashi’s squad?” Tenzo mused as he read the directive.

As an elite ninja from Root, Tenzo was no stranger to Konoha’s renowned shinobi, and Kakashi was one of the most famous.

Placing them in Kakashi’s squad was likely a precaution against any reckless actions they might take.

However, Kaneki reacted very differently.

“Kakashi? Who’s that?”

Before Tenzo could explain, a silver-haired ninja wearing a mask appeared before them.

“So, you’re Denzo and Tenzo?”

“Let me introduce myself—I’m your captain, Kakashi.”

After the briefest of introductions, Kakashi pulled down his mask, revealing a face that, despite being three-quarters covered, was undeniably handsome.

“I’m Tenzo. Pleased to meet you, Captain Kakashi.”

“Hmph.”

It seemed someone’s introduction didn’t quite follow standard protocol.

Troublesome individuals indeed.

Still, Kakashi didn’t pay it much mind. After giving a brief explanation of Anbu regulations, he suggested they go out for a meal together.

After all, Hiruzen had tasked Kakashi with using the Will of Fire to reform these two children, who had been tainted by Danzo’s darkness.

A meal was a good place to start.

Tenzo readily agreed, even dragging Kaneki along.

---

At Ichiraku Ramen.

“Welcome! What would you three like to order?” the owner, Teuchi, greeted them warmly as they entered.

“The usual for me. How about you two?” Kakashi asked, looking at Tenzo and Kaneki.

Tenzo gave an awkward smile. “Actually, Captain Kakashi, we’ve never had ramen before, so…”

Kakashi immediately caught on. “Ah, my apologies. Let me order for you!”

“Thank you.”

Soon, three bowls of rich, steaming tonkotsu ramen were placed before them.

While Kaneki wasn’t particularly interested in the ramen, he was intensely curious about Kakashi’s face under the mask. His eyes locked onto Kakashi, and Tenzo couldn’t help but share the curiosity.

As Kakashi pulled down his mask, it revealed… another mask with a cutout perfectly positioned to allow him to eat.

“You look disappointed,” Kakashi remarked with a knowing tone.

He was used to this reaction—his dining habits had drawn attention since he was a child.

Tenzo shook his head. “Not at all, just wanted to see the legendary Captain Kakashi’s face.”

Kaneki, unable to satisfy his curiosity, turned his attention back to his bowl and devoured the ramen in frustration.

Kaneki had marked Kakashi as a key surveillance target in his plans. He had sent numerous black beetles to infiltrate Kakashi’s home—his living room, bedroom, even his bathroom.

Yet he still hadn’t uncovered Kakashi’s true face! No matter what Kakashi was doing—eating, sleeping, or bathing—he never removed his mask.

Kaneki even began to suspect that Kakashi’s face might be riddled with acne. And despite his careful maneuvers, his insects had failed to extract any blood samples from Kakashi.

Still, Kaneki’s investigation wasn’t entirely fruitless.

He’d uncovered details about Kakashi’s father, Sakumo Hatake, known as the White Fang of Konoha.

If Kaneki’s suspicions were correct, the rumors that led to Sakumo’s tragic death were orchestrated by none other than Danzo.

Danzo truly carried a mountain of sins on his back—a potential point of leverage for the future.

For now, however, Kaneki’s primary focus remained on the Uchiha clan.

Having acquired Shisui’s body and Mangekyo Sharingan, Kaneki was more curious than ever about the secrets hidden within the Uchiha.

---

Meanwhile, within the Uchiha compound, Uchiha Inaho was immersed in a dream.

In this dream, the world seemed like a fairytale—everything was crafted from crystal, radiating brilliant, colorful light.

Standing proudly beneath the flaming Uchiha crest, Inaho and his clan members looked on with pride as a figure slowly donned the Hokage’s hat.

This marked the rise of the first Uchiha Hokage, signifying the clan’s full control of Konoha.

As the figure raised their head, Inaho was shocked to see a gentle smile.

“You’re…”

“Uchiha Itachi!”

Yes, the one to become Hokage was none other than Uchiha Itachi.

As soon as he raised his head, a surge of immense ocular power erupted like a tidal wave, shattering the dream world into fragments under Inaho’s disbelieving gaze.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 204: Join the Glorious Evolution of the Uchiha!

Standing above, Uchiha Itachi needed only a single glance. The terrifying power of his Sharingan easily shattered the dream world that Inaho had clung to so desperately.

The clouds scattered, the ground fractured, and the proud expressions on the faces of the Uchiha clan members disappeared in an instant as they were reduced to ashes by this overwhelming force.

The entire world was destroyed— all because of one look from Uchiha Itachi.

Inaho's consciousness floated in the void, surrounded by shattered fragments of a once-vibrant, kaleidoscopic world.

The Uchiha clan, a source of his pride, had quietly dissolved into nothingness amidst these fragments.

"Why…"

He looked up, and a pair of crimson Sharingan eyes opened within the void, gazing down at him like an emotionless god.

There was no contempt, no ridicule—simply a complete absence of feeling.

Or rather, Itachi displayed no emotional reaction whatsoever to Inaho, who now seemed as insignificant as an ant.

"The Uchiha will pay the price for their arrogance."

Itachi's calm voice carried no emotion, as though his words were absolute truths, universal laws of the world.

The apathy in Itachi's voice made Inaho tremble uncontrollably.

"Be destroyed."

Itachi's cold declaration sealed the world's fate. The power surging from his eyes intensified, and with a tightening motion of his hand, the void was obliterated entirely!

“Hu… Hu… Hu…”

Inaho jolted upright in bed.

The sheer terror had drenched him in sweat, pouring from every pore of his body like he had just been fished out of the ocean. His chest heaved violently, and his eyes were filled with fear and frustration.

After gasping for what felt like an eternity, he whispered to himself, “Was that… a dream?”

But immediately, the image of Itachi's indifferent eyes after defeating him came flooding back, along with that damning phrase: "The Uchiha's pride has grown far too arrogant."  

He shook his head, rejecting his initial thought.

"This was no dream."

If anything, it felt more like a prophecy of what was to come.

Itachi had completely thrown himself in with the village.

Inaho leaned back against the edge of the bed, clutching his stomach tightly.

The pain coursing through his body only fueled the crimson glow that began to spread from his eyes in the darkness.

"Why…"

"Why did Uchiha Itachi betray the honor of the village?"

"Why does a traitor to the village possess such terrifying talent, while I— a true Uchiha— am forced to stagnate here? Why is it like this?"

Inaho punched the wall with all his might, and blood instantly seeped from the torn skin of his knuckles.

The pain in his bones offered him a brief release from the suffocating frustration in his heart.

As a true Uchiha, he had been raised to believe that the Uchiha were Konoha's greatest clan. The pride of the Uchiha was supreme, and they were born to stand above all others.

At that thought, the fragments of his shattered mental world seemed to freeze mid-collapse.

To his disbelief, the vibrant, dreamlike fragments transformed into something grotesque— decaying flesh that reeked of corruption.

An ominous, foul aura radiated from the rotting pieces.

The next moment, these cursed fragments of flesh gathered together behind him, forming four decayed, demonic wings of meat.

Each feather on those fleshy wings opened into a cursed eye— the Sharingan.

At that moment, Inaho felt as though he had become a god.

He stood tall in the void, like a divine being, as endless ocular power poured out of him. The shattered world reassembled itself once more.

The proud expressions returned to the faces of the Uchiha clan members—but this time, they were kneeling. They no longer worshiped the Hokage in the Fire Shadow Tower. Instead, their reverence was directed at a god-like figure with four wings of blood and decay.

"I see now!"

"I have ascended!"

Inaho's two blood-red eyes glowed brilliantly in the darkness, like the eyes of a demon peering into the human world.

Overcome with excitement, he bit down on his finger, looking deranged.

Because he had finally found a way to defeat Uchiha Itachi.

If his talent alone wasn’t enough, he would consume other Sharingan to enhance his own power.

As long as he devoured enough Sharingan, he could obtain the strength needed to confront Uchiha Itachi!

This was the revelation sparked by his terrifying mental storm—a moment of divine inspiration.

In his eyes, this was a solution bestowed upon him by the great Uchiha ancestors, a method to save the entire clan.

At that moment, Inaho felt as though he were a chosen savior.

His mission was to restore the glory of the Uchiha clan and uphold their honor.

Only the Uchiha were truly great; everyone else was nothing more than insects being nurtured by humanity.

With that thought in mind, Inaho set out on his first action.

Using his position, he lurked in the shadows of the Uchiha compound, moving like a ghost in the dark, as he began hunting his first target.

"The glory of the Uchiha will forever shine upon you."

In a hidden cave, Inaho drove a nail through the hands of his first victim, pinning them to the wall. He carved a triangle into their chest, whispering a quiet prayer.

As the Uchiha clansman struggled, Inaho did not hesitate. The center of his palm split open, and tendrils shot out, wrapping around the victim and pulling them in completely.

Apart from the nail left in the wall, there was no trace of what had happened.

"Join the glorious evolution of the Uchiha!"

Inaho's expression was maniacal as he muttered, showing no guilt or hesitation for taking the life of a fellow clansman.

To him, this was not murder but rather the fusion and evolution of the Uchiha!

The devoured clansman’s chakra and life force surged through Inaho's body, flooding every corner of him with power. Overwhelmed by the intoxicating sensation, he let out an involuntary moan of pleasure.

Soon, two more crimson eyes grew beneath his original pair.

Feeling the tremendous power coursing through him, Inaho grinned in the darkness.

"Itachi, Danzo, Hiruzen— just wait. Very soon, I'll show you the true meaning of…"

"God of the Uchiha!"

His eyes radiated pure arrogance, madness, and insatiable ambition.

As Inaho vanished from the cave, several black beetles that had hidden on the walls quietly disappeared as well.

Miles away, Kaneki, who had witnessed the entire scene, smirked faintly.

---

*Chapter 205: Experiments on the Uchiha Clan*

Through analyzing Uchiha Shisui's body, eyes, and genes, Kaneki finally gained a general understanding of what the Uchiha Clan referred to as "eye power."

To put it simply, the so-called "eye power" is actually a special kind of chakra stemming from a Kekkei Genkai.

Like other Kekkei Genkai, there is a unique genetic fragment within the Uchiha Clan’s DNA that manifests in the eyes.

When an Uchiha experiences intense mental stimulation, this fragment activates, causing their eyes to mutate to a certain degree, forming what is known as the Sharingan.

When Uchiha shinobi inject their Yin Release chakra into the Sharingan, a new and special kind of chakra is formed—this is referred to as eye power.

The stronger the eye power, the stronger the techniques one can perform.

For example, the Uchiha Clan’s specialty: genjutsu.

Generally, as members of the Uchiha Clan endure pain over and over again, their Sharingan gradually evolves.

From a single tomoe, to two tomoe, and eventually the most powerful conventional form—the three-tomoe Sharingan.

Each evolution of the Sharingan brings a significant power boost to its wielder, primarily due to the massive enhancement of eye power.

Moreover, there is a strong hierarchical suppression among different levels of eye power.

Higher-level eye power can easily suppress lower-level eye power.

This is why Uchiha Itachi was able to defeat Uchiha Inaho, a Jonin of the Uchiha Clan, so effortlessly.

If neither had activated their Sharingan, Inaho might not have won, but he could have at least held out for a long time.

However, once the Sharingan is activated, Itachi's eye power can instantly suppress Inaho, resolving the battle with ease.

To illustrate:

If an Uchiha and another ninja of equal strength fight, as long as the latter avoids genjutsu, they might survive against Itachi for five minutes.

But under the immense suppression of eye power, the Uchiha would likely lose almost instantly.

This is the oppressive hierarchy within the Uchiha Clan.

Therefore, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, both wielders of the Mangekyo Sharingan, could easily decimate other Uchiha, like slicing through bamboo.

Given such a vast disparity, Uchiha Inaho’s dream of catching up to Itachi is practically impossible—let alone restoring the Uchiha Clan’s glory.

Faced with this situation, our great and merciful Evil God provided Uchiha Inaho with a solution.

If the eye power of one pair of Sharingan isn’t enough, then what about two pairs?

If two aren’t enough, what about three, four, five, or even the combined power of every Sharingan in the Uchiha Clan?

Surely, such a vast collection of Sharingan eye power would be enough to suppress even the Mangekyo Sharingan.

With this idea in mind, Kaneki decided to experiment, using Uchiha Inaho as his test subject.

The first challenge was ensuring the test subject followed his intended path.

For Kaneki, this wasn’t difficult.

During the conflict with the Higanbana Merchant Guild, when Inaho tried to cast genjutsu on him, Kaneki had already planted a reverse-engineered illusion into his mind.

This illusion would trigger whenever fear and greed took root in his heart, causing an overwhelming arrogance to grow in tandem.

After Inaho was effortlessly defeated by Itachi, his fear and unease, combined with his lingering pride as a member of the Uchiha Clan and his hope of becoming the savior, activated the illusion.

In his mind, a beautiful vision appeared—a world ruled by the Uchiha Clan.

However, Itachi and Shisui, standing against the clan, easily destroyed this dream-like world with the very power they had inherited from the Uchiha Clan.

Inaho couldn’t accept this.

He believed that the only one capable of saving the clan and building a new world was himself.

He began to see himself as the god of the Uchiha.

Thus, the "will of the Uchiha ancestors" emerged, granting Inaho the secrets to control his body and guiding him toward the "right path."

That path was evolution.  

The glorious evolution of the Uchiha Clan.

Inaho agreed.

Therefore, he felt no guilt for hunting down his fellow clansmen. In his eyes, he was merely integrating them into his body, so they could all join together in this "glorious evolution."

To him, it was an honor for those who fused with him.

Thus, the first phase of Kaneki’s experiment—the manipulation of the test subject—was complete.

Next came the transplantation of the Sharingan.

Compared to organ transplants in Kaneki’s previous life, the shinobi world made this process laughably easy.

Take Danzo, for example—his eyes were essentially plug-and-play.

Therefore, seizing the eyes of other Uchiha and transplanting them into Inaho was not difficult.

The real challenge was unifying the eye power from all the Sharingan.

To address this, Kaneki made a few minor modifications to Inaho’s body.

Using the Chimera Worm within Inaho, Kaneki custom-built a chakra circulation system for him.

The stolen Sharingan would be embedded in specific chakra points. This system allowed Inaho’s chakra to automatically flow into these Sharingan, forming an even stronger eye power that converged with the chakra’s movement.

However, this method came with a downside: the more Sharingan Inaho obtained, the greater the chakra consumption.

To counter this, Kaneki planned to perform another minor modification—implanting more worms to extract and supply chakra on Inaho’s behalf.

"I look forward to seeing just how far you’ll grow," Kaneki murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He was deeply fascinated by the legendary Uchiha Clan.

To be honest, the ideal test subjects would have been geniuses like Shisui and Itachi.

However, such geniuses possessed an unshakable will and immense power to carry out their own desires. Kaneki couldn’t manipulate them through external means, and their strength made them unpredictable and dangerous.

For this reason, Kaneki chose to observe and record their progress but avoided experimenting on them as he did with Uchiha Inaho.

After Shisui’s official death, the Uchiha Clan’s previously arrogant atmosphere somewhat subsided, and relations with the village appeared to return to a peaceful, non-interfering state.

But Kaneki knew this was merely the calm before the storm.

This much was evident from the Uchiha Clan placing even larger orders with the Higanbana Merchant Guild.

With the loss of Shisui, an important combat asset, it was only natural to compensate in other areas—such as acquiring more military supplies.

(End of Chapter)