56-60

Chapter 56: Undercurrents

*Konohagakure*

Itsuki had departed.

Danzo, stripped of all his duties by the Hokage due to his involvement with the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, found his influence significantly diminished, though he retained his freedom.

The conflict between the Ino-Shika-Cho clans and the Hokage further eroded the Hokage's standing within the village. Many shinobi in the village began to doubt the Hokage's authority.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado took charge of reorganizing Root.

On the surface, the Uchiha clan seemed to emerge as the victor, but no one cared.

The Uchiha, much like Danzo, were deeply unpopular in the village.

Many harbored intense resentment toward them.

As soon as Itsuki left, all eyes turned to the Uchiha.

People were watching closely for any unusual behavior.

Should the Uchiha show any intent of seizing the Hokage position, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans and the Hokage would likely join forces to suppress them again.

Danzo was formidable but relied on the Hokage, acting as his subordinate. Once dismissed, Danzo lost all his power.

The Uchiha, however, were strong in their own right.

Before leaving, Itsuki ordered Hachidai and others to keep everyone in check. Any signs of irregular behavior would be dealt with severely, without exception.

Under these circumstances, the Uchiha strictly adhered to Itsuki's orders. They focused solely on training, supporting the elderly, women, and children in the clan.

The Uchiha compound became like a separate world, detached from the rest of the village.

Only the police force members ventured out of the compound, resembling office workers on a daily routine.

Far from being ambitious, they hardly wanted to fulfill their basic duties.

This nonchalant attitude reassured others, allowing them to take action.

Take Shikaku Nara, for example.

He began secretly recruiting minor clans and civilian shinobi to expand his influence.

Though ambitious, he was meticulous, targeting mostly those dissatisfied with Danzo.

There were plenty of such individuals.

Shikaku carefully constructed his own power base.

Meanwhile, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado appeared to emerge as the real winners, tasked by the Hokage with rebuilding Root.

Already holding considerable power, they now oversaw a unit that had grown nearly as strong as the ANBU under Danzo's leadership.

This elevated them to some of the most powerful figures beneath the Hokage.

Yet, they felt nothing but unease.

Why was the Hokage reorganizing Root and giving them everything they needed?

The answer was clear: Root would become a key weapon against the Uchiha.

For Koharu and Homura, now in charge of Root, a confrontation with the Uchiha was inevitable.

They despised the Uchiha, believing them to be inherently malevolent. They saw opposing the Uchiha as their duty, inherited from their teacher’s will. But more than hatred, they feared the Uchiha's power.

Unlike Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo, who worried about the Uchiha’s instability and influence, Koharu and Homura were purely terrified of their strength.

The stronger their public hostility, the deeper their private fear.

Entrusting them with Root to counter the Uchiha was bound to yield questionable results.

Complicating matters, Shikaku Nara was working in the shadows to undermine the Hokage’s authority.

Under these conditions, Konoha grew eerily silent—a suffocating calm before a storm.

In the Hokage’s office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat quietly. Aside from routine tasks and minor duties, there was nothing on his desk.

The emptiness unsettled him.

He smoked incessantly, his brow deeply furrowed.

“Something’s wrong. Too wrong.”

By now, Hiruzen realized that Konoha was slipping out of his control.

The Uchiha, Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka, Aburame—every clan had its own agenda. Despite their internal conflicts, they could instantly unite on certain issues.

Such as anything involving the Uchiha.

Since the Forest of Death incident, Hiruzen had noticed subtle expressions of dissatisfaction from the clans.

Though they despised the Uchiha, the Ino-Shika-Cho openly protested because of Danzo. Even Chokoku Akimichi came out of seclusion to make a public stand.

As a former disciple of the Second Hokage, supported by the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, Akimichi was proving to be a tricky opponent.

Exhaling a heavy puff of smoke, Hiruzen called out, “Summon Koharu and Homura.”

“Yes!”

An ANBU member vanished into thin air.

“No matter,” Hiruzen muttered to himself, gazing out the window. “As long as I remain Hokage, none of you will succeed in your schemes. No one.”

---

*In the Land of Grass*

Inside a secluded room, Itsuki spoke at length, expounding on the state of the ninja world for over half an hour before finally smiling at the two red-haired women he had abducted.

One was a mother, the other her daughter. Both were undeniably beautiful, though their bodies were covered in bite marks.

They were none other than Karin Uzumaki and her mother, Uzumaki Yako.

Terrified, they huddled together, trembling under Itsuki’s intense gaze, no matter how eloquently he spoke.

“Hey, cut me some slack,” Itsuki sighed, looking down at them. “I saved you two, yet here you are, clinging to each other like I’m some kind of monster.”

You are a monster—a terrifying one at that.

Recalling the bloody scene they had just witnessed, Yako forced a nervous smile as she shielded her daughter. “Sir, what exactly is your purpose?”

“Good question!” Itsuki exclaimed, launching into another rambling speech about a divine mission he’d received. Finally, he extended his hand toward the Uzumaki women. “You’ve been chosen. Join me in saving the ninja world.”

Yako hesitated before cautiously asking, “Sir, are you...from the Uchiha clan?”

Itsuki was dressed in traditional Uchiha attire and had demonstrated the Sharingan earlier.

As someone who had once lived in Uzushiogakure, Yako recognized the signs.

“Indeed!” Itsuki grinned. “Now do you believe me?”

It all made sense now.

The Uzumaki clan had long known that the Uchiha were unpredictable and dangerous.

As a former skilled ninja of the Uzumaki clan, Yako understood all too well that certain clans in the ninja world were best avoided at all costs.

The Uchiha were near the top of that list, second only to the Kaguya clan.

In every sense of the word, they were untouchable.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 57: How Many Floors Does One Bag of Rice Need to Be Carried Up?*

"This esteemed sir..."

"Don't want to come with me?" Itsuki smiled at Uzumaki women, tilted his head slightly, and said softly, "Think carefully before you speak. I'll give you a chance to reorganize your words!"

 words were laced with strong threats.

He clenched his hand, crack, crack, a series of sharp sounds.

 Uchiha bully has arrived!

 Uzumaki women trembled.

She had just escaped tiger's mouth, only to fall into wolf's den.

No, person in front of him is tiger!

Those grass ninjas—are y even wolves in comparison?

they’re just a pack of dogs and cats!

“We'll go with you!”

A young voice echoed.

“Karin!” Uzumaki women exclaimed urgently, grabbing girl’s arm.

“Mom, if we don’t leave now, you’ll die.”

Uzumaki Karin raised her arm, which was covered in bite marks.

Her bright eyes were filled with sorrow.

 Uzumaki women had even more bite marks, not just on her arm, but all over her body—almost no place was unharmed.

Itsuki cursed under his breath, animals, how could they bite a woman so ruthlessly?

Spit!

You shouldn’t even bite!

 Uzumaki women pressed her lips toger, her eyes filled with hesitation.

In Land of Grass, Hidden Grass Village, this ninja village was very unfriendly to them. they were nothing more than tools here.

And tools that were destined to be bitten and ruined.

She had long known her fate, and it would arrive soon.

But Karin… she couldn’t let her suffer same fate!

She had already made a deal with leader of Hidden Grass Village. He promised that after her death, Karin would not face same treatment. She would be treated as a comrade, living within village.

But Uchiha in front of her was far too dangerous—she absolutely could not go with him.

How could she refuse him?

Thinking back to just now...

A group of Grass ninjas had been tearing at her.

And n, this Uchiha appeared out of nowhere, bloodily slaughtering Grass ninjas.

Strongest one had their limbs twisted off.

Most of them were left wishing they were dead!

How could she let Karin follow such dangerous person?!

"Hehe!" Itsuki suddenly smiled, his Mangekyō Sharingan appeared, and he stared directly at Uzumaki women, saying, "You mean to tell me you believe Grass ninjas? You’re probably only one in ninja world who still trusts them."

"No, that’s not true..." Uzumaki women was agitated, shouting, "I made a deal with leader of Hidden Grass Village. He promised me..."

"You believe them?"

 Mangekyō Sharingan locked onto Uzumaki women’s gaze, seemingly seeing straight through her heart, shutting down all her words.

"Look at her arms and legs." Itsuki pointed at Karin, "You’re still alive, and they’ve already started. You really think they’ll honor deal after you’re dead? Was your deal signed by god of ninjas? Let me tell you, her best-case scenario is that she dies quickly."

 Uzumaki women broke down, lowering her head and crying.

What could she do?!

Even though she knew future was a lie, she had no choice but to force herself to believe.

Because she had no way out!

Uzumaki Karin suddenly broke free from her mor, walked up to Itsuki, and turned to look at Uzumaki women, saying, “Even if you won’t go, I will.”

“Karin!”

"I want you to live, even if it’s just a slim chance."

Young but resolute words shattered Uzumaki women’s resolve. She felt as though all her strength had drained, and she collapsed to ground.

"Good girl!" Itsuki smiled at Karin and pulled out a lollipop, saying, "Here, Uncle will give you some candy. Come with Uncle, you'll get anything you want!"

Karin numbly took lollipop.

With his overwhelming aura, his eerie eyes, and blood-stained hands...

Everything about Itsuki was unquestionable.

He was strongest!

But why couldn’t he just act a little more serious?

Uzumaki Karin’s expression was complex.

She had originally trusted him completely, but after seeing expression on his face, she felt like she had a stroke.

"Hey, woman, get up."

Itsuki looked at Uzumaki women.

 Uzumaki women was utterly hopeless, her eyes vacant. She struggled a few times but couldn’t stand.

Karin tried to help but was scolded by Itsuki.

"Don’t touch her!"

Itsuki looked directly at Uzumaki women and coldly said, “Are you in despair?”

“Feel pain!”

“Accept pain!”

“Understand pain!”

“Starting now!”

"Let world feel pain!"

With Itsuki’s words, his Mangekyō Sharingan erupted with evil energy, continually flowing into Uzumaki women’s body. Karin was also affected.

ir expressions began to change.

they looked at Itsuki, ir expressions becoming lively and eventually turning into fanaticism.

Seeing this, Itsuki froze, deep in thought.

So that’s how it works!

This was also a part of his Mangekyō Sharingan’s power. effect strengned depending on target’s emotions.

This wasn’t as obvious against Uchihas because y were already an emotional clan.

But against Kakuzu, this effect was very clear.

Because orders he gave Kakuzu were related to money, which was something Kakuzu liked. So, effect of Sharingan was strengned, and Kakuzu became very obedient.

Could it really be that a bag of rice could brainwash someone?!

No matter how high you carry it, it won’t help!

Itsuki gently covered one of his eyes with his hand.

With two eyes, each with a Mangekyō, effects were incredible.

"My Sharingan is strongest. Shisui, you’re no match!" Itsuki grinned and turned his gaze toward mother and daughter.

"Listen to my command, and stand up using your own strength."

“Woman, move on your own!”

In end, the mother and daughter, struggling, stood before Itsuki, as if accepting fate’s judgment.

“Good. Now, come back to Konoha with me! Welcome your new life!”

“From now on, you won’t suffer anymore. Let world feel pain!”

Itsuki smiled faintly.

With se two women in hand, he now had two more trump cards. If it came to fighting Sarutobi Hiruzen, with his level of Body Flicker Technique, he could quickly pull out a bite and be fully revived.

A chaotic fist can defeat a master!

Sarutobi Hiruzen, you’re old!

I can still beat you, even if I have to force it, let alone you can’t beat me!

If you really anger me, I’ll pierce Konoha through and through!

Squeak!

Itsuki pushed open dilapidated door and stepped outside.

A large group of Grass ninjas had gared outside.

Even though this was edge of Hidden Grass Village, Itsuki’s massacre would certainly not go unnoticed.

A middle-aged ninja, around thirty, with a stern expression, stepped forward, staring at Itsuki with hawk-like eyes, "Who are you? Killing our Grass ninjas?"

"Don’t you recognize clan symbol on me and these eyes?"

Itsuki’s eyes displayed three-tomoe.

"Uchiha?" middle-aged ninja gritted his teeth. "What does Konoha want?"

"You should be asking yourselves that!"

Itsuki sneered, "Your plot against Konoha has been exposed. Your leader needs to go to Konoha and apologize. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude."

"Absurd!" middle-aged ninja shouted. "I don’t understand what nonsense you’re saying. It looks like you’re after those two Uzumaki people. they’re ours, don’t even think about taking them."

Itsuki shook his head, "Looks like you’re determined to stay on wrong path."

"then let’s dance!"

"Feel the pain!"

(End of chapter)

Chapter 58: Uchiha Frenzy - The Fifth Act

“Hahaha!”

“Ahahaha!”

The Uchiha’s fifth act of frenzy has begun, heralding the arrival of Uchiha Itsuki!

His Mangekyō Sharingan spins, radiating overwhelming power.

The colossal Susanoo roars, towering over fifty meters tall, wielding a massive spear. With each strike, it rends the Grass Ninja into pieces.

The mother and daughter of the Uzumaki clan stand in a safe spot, their gazes fanatical as they watch the spectacle unfold.

The Grass Ninja who persecuted them for years.

The Grass Ninja who treated them as mere tools.

Before this figure, they are nothing more than ants.

The entire Land of Grass trembles in fear before Uchiha Itsuki.

The battle is long over; what remains is nothing but pure slaughter.

The Susanoo, shaped like a Crow Tengu, is too powerful. The Grass Ninja, who at best match an ordinary Jōnin, stand no chance.

Fire Style, Water Style, Lightning Style, or Wind Style—none of their jutsu make a difference. Shuriken, kunai, even explosive tags thrown in waves explode against Susanoo to no avail.

Unscathed, Itsuki presses his relentless assault.

This was deliberate.

Words, paired with the overwhelming might of his Mangekyō Sharingan, create the deepest impact.

The shock to the two women would be profound, leaving an indelible mark on their souls.

“No, no... ah!”

“Spare me!”

“I was wrong!”

“We’re allies with Konoha; you can’t do this!”

The Grass Ninja beg for mercy, their voices trembling with terror.

Itsuki pays no heed. Laughing maniacally, he unleashes one devastating blow after another.

“Yes, despair! Feel pain! Dance in the throes of death!”

Finally, all life before him is extinguished.

Itsuki releases his sensory perception. Other than a few who managed to escape, no one remains alive in the vicinity.

He slowly retracts his Susanoo and turns slightly, casting a glance at the Uzumaki mother and daughter.

His strikingly handsome face and the sinister, triangular Mangekyō Sharingan make them feel as if they are gazing upon a god.

“Lord Uchiha!”

“My name is Uchiha Itsuki.”

“Lord Itsuki, we are willing to follow you!”

It is Uzumaki Yako who speaks.

Moments ago, she had feared the danger Uchiha represented. But when danger surpasses all comprehension, it leaves only absolute submission.

Now, she stares at Itsuki with fervent devotion, like the most devout believer.

“Follow me, and you will no longer feel pain!”

Itsuki waves his hand grandly. “Let’s go—back to Konoha!”

He turns his gaze toward Konoha.

This time, the rewards were plentiful.

He has made contact with Obito. Upon returning to Konoha, Obito is sure to reach out again.

After all, Konoha’s barriers are like paper before that man.

The cultists have all been captured, and Hidan has become his enforcer.

The rest of the cultists will either be absorbed by his Mangekyō Sharingan or turned into fertilizer for the God Tree. Some will be deployed as suicide squads.

Lastly, the Uzumaki mother and daughter.

With them by his side, Itsuki can’t help but shout internally: Who dares stand against me now?!  

Moreover, he reminds himself not to treat every opponent with brute force. One must be civilized, especially toward beautiful women.

The mother and daughter both possess exceptional potential. Uzumaki Yako, in particular, is already a capable combatant.

Once they return to his clan, with proper care and training, she could easily become a Jōnin.

Not just any Jōnin, but one with immense chakra reserves and mastery in sealing techniques. Such talent is invaluable anywhere.

He hasn’t forgotten the Uzumaki clan’s specialty—jinchūriki.  

“A major harvest!” Itsuki stretches lazily and grins. “F4, don’t let me down. You should’ve prepared a surprise for me.”

On his journey, he didn’t bother hiding his tracks. Although his sensory checks showed no one nearby, he knew better.

He didn’t believe Konoha’s upper echelons could remain completely oblivious to him.

If they did, they’d be utterly incompetent.

He’d left a trap for them.

See, Uchiha Itsuki is overusing his Mangekyō Sharingan and Susanoo! His eyesight is failing. What are you waiting for? Attack!  

---

In a secret underground laboratory in Konoha, Danzo Shimura listens to a report.

“He’s used Susanoo again?”

“Yes!”

Danzo muses, “How many times can a Mangekyō Sharingan sustain such intense combat?”

“With the intensity of Uchiha Itsuki’s battles, based on our current data, he can fight at full strength four or five more times!”

“Even without Susanoo, just using the Mangekyō Sharingan drains his eyesight, albeit at a slower rate.”

“How many more full-power battles can he manage?”

“At most, three.”

Danzo frowns deeply.

Itsuki’s strength already exceeds the Kage level. With Susanoo, he becomes overwhelmingly invincible.

Danzo recalls seeing footage of Itsuki wielding Susanoo in battle—it brought back memories of the Nine-Tails’ rampage.

The damage from that night nearly sparked another Shinobi World War.

Danzo reflects bitterly: If only Hiruzen Sarutobi had agreed to his plans to deal with the Uchiha earlier, things wouldn’t have reached this point.

Each missed opportunity has led to this untenable situation.

“Danzo-sama, should we launch an attack to probe Uchiha Itsuki’s defenses?”

“No.” Danzo dismisses the suggestion.

Previous attempts had cost him dearly, leaving his forces depleted.

He can’t afford reckless moves now.

But how can they wear Itsuki down?

Danzo paces, growing restless.

The infamous Kakuzu has failed.

The cultists were annihilated.

The enigmatic masked man had even intervened and seemingly struck some deal with Itsuki.

It was all unfavorable.

“Danzo-sama, please calm down. The Uchiha are formidable—during the Warring States period, only the Senju clan could rival them. It’s natural they’re difficult to handle.”

Danzo scoffs. “The strongest two ninja clans of that era... and yet the Senju have faded into obscurity, lost to history.”

Suddenly, Danzo smirks coldly.

“Of course, how could I forget him?”

The ninja beside him looks curious. Could there still be someone capable of confronting Itsuki?

Danzo, however, says nothing, disappearing into the shadows, his cane echoing in the darkness.

(End of Chapter)  

Chapter 59: "Your Leader Has Returned?"

 Itsuki felt utterly bored.

 The journey back had been uneventful.

 Even the so-called "Konoha F4," those four useless fools, hadn’t prepared any surprises for him.

 As Konoha's gates came into view from a distance, Itsuki lost all hope.

 He looked utterly disheartened, muttering to himself nonstop: **"Idiots!"**

 **"No wonder Konoha has been run into the ground with you lot. This is the reason."**

 **"You're nothing but four pigs!"**  

 No, that's not accurate.  

 **"One's a monkey, one's half a cripple, and the other two are spineless cowards who don’t even qualify as animals!"**

 **"Damn it!"**

 Itsuki cursed under his breath. **"My Devil Fruit needs a lot more life force to level up. Where the hell am I supposed to get it now?!"**  

 **"I can't seriously devour the two Uzumaki clan members, can I?"**  

 The Grass ninjas were useless. Killing and absorbing so many of them hadn't done much to upgrade the fruit.  

 This was why he had placed some hope on the F4.  

 **"But those bastards disappointed me too!"**

 He had envisioned himself stepping over the bodies of ANBU or the Root Division, activating his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan at Konoha’s gates, and shouting:  

 **"Your emperor has returned!"**

 **"See these eyes? Whoever I glare at will meet their end!"**  

 Now?  

 Nothing! They didn’t even give him a stage for his grand entrance.  

 Behind him, the mother-daughter duo accompanying him looked puzzled. They couldn’t understand why their master seemed so deflated.  

 **"Weren’t we going back to Konoha? Isn’t that Konoha right there? Why does he seem like he’s lost his spirit?"**  

 Could there be something in Konoha that worried him?  

 ---

 Suddenly, a group of Konoha patrol ninjas appeared before Itsuki.  

 **"Oh? Uchiha Itsuki-sama!"**  

 Once they confirmed his identity, the patrol team immediately bowed.  

 This man was the Uchiha clan’s deputy leader, a Konoha jonin, and the captain of the Konoha Police Force.  

 Regardless of personal feelings, his position made him one of Konoha’s elites. Even major clan leaders had to show him respect, let alone these ordinary ninjas.  

 The leader of the team, a special jonin, eyed the two women behind Itsuki with suspicion.  

 **"Itsuki-sama, these two are…?"** 

**"Oh, just friends of mine,"** Itsuki replied nonchalantly.  

 **"Friends?"**

 **"Yeah, they’re here for a visit."**

 **"A visit?"**

 **"What? Is that a problem?"** 

Itsuki rolled his eyes, making the patrol team leader flinch.   

It wasn’t unusual for the Uchiha to have friends. Konoha wasn’t a closed-off village; there were always visitors, like merchants.  

 Having friends over wasn’t a big deal—they just needed to check their identities.  

 The issue was the bright red hair of the two women.   

That trait was far too distinctive.   

Even academy students knew about the close ties between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan.  

 The patrol leader hesitated. **"Itsuki-sama, these two… they’re…"**

 **"What about them?"** Itsuki smirked coldly. **"Are you suggesting the Uchiha aren’t allowed to have friends? Or is it village policy to interrogate everyone I associate with?"**

 **"No, no! It’s just—they’re from the Uzumaki clan!"** 

**"So what if they are?"** Itsuki sneered. **"What, does the Uzumaki clan hold a grudge against Konoha, and now Konoha ninjas can’t befriend them?"**

 **"Of course not!"**

 The patrol leader waved his hands frantically.  

 Was this a joke? The Uzumaki and Konoha were ironclad allies, bound together in mutual support.  

 But why would members of the Uzumaki clan be friends with an Uchiha? Weren’t they supposed to be allied with the Senju and opposed to the Uchiha?  

 As the three walked away, the special jonin quietly ordered one of his men to report to the Hokage’s office.  

 ---

 As soon as Itsuki stepped into Konoha’s barrier, the Police Force was informed of his return.   

Barely 200 meters in, a squad from the Police Force approached him.  

 **"Minister!"**  

 **"Mm."**  

 Itsuki nodded lightly. **"Anything happen with the clan while I was away?"**

 **"No, everything has been peaceful,"** one of the squad members replied.  

 Uchiha Hachidai, who was walking alongside Itsuki, muttered quietly, **"A bit *too* peaceful."**  

 **"Peace is good. I could use a few days off,"** Itsuki said with a chuckle. **"Send Shirayuki to my place."** 

Hachidai looked conflicted but responded in a low voice, **"Understood."**

**"What’s with that face?"** Itsuki rolled his eyes. **"Don’t overthink it! I just got back. It’s nothing shady!"**

Hachidai coughed awkwardly, stealing glances around before whispering, **"Minister, do you even have a reputation left to ruin? Besides, it’s not overthinking—your companions change every time!"**

 **"Get lost!"** Itsuki growled, clenching his teeth in frustration.  

 ---

 After returning to his private home on the edge of the Uchiha compound, Itsuki settled in.  

 The two red-haired women were left in Shirayuki’s care.  

 **"Treat their injuries and set them up to stay here,"** Itsuki ordered. **"They’re my trump cards, so keep an eye on them."**  

 As he soaked in his oversized, custom-made bath, Itsuki reflected on recent events.  

 The Uchiha clan was stronger than ever, and his own power had grown significantly.  

 Still, the quiet in Konoha felt unsettling.  

 **"Too peaceful,"** he muttered to himself. **"That’s not a good sign."**

 But instead of waiting for trouble, Itsuki decided to stir things up himself.  

 ---

 A shadow entered the room.  

 Turning his head, Itsuki smiled faintly.  

 **"Shirayuki, come here."**

 (End of Chapter)  

*Chapter 60: The Eye of Reflection*

After a round of activity, Itsuki walked out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed. Shirayuki followed closely behind.

Itsuki was a bit surprised and said, “I thought you needed a break.”

At the same time, he couldn't help but admire her resilience. As expected of a kunoichi, her endurance was impressive!

Even with the enhancement of his constitution due to the Divine Tree, making him think he could easily dominate, he had almost been defeated.

“What’s with those two women?” Shirayuki asked with a frown.

Her tone carried a hint of displeasure, edged with an icy chill. The combination of her long black hair and this cold aura gave her an air of nobility that made Itsuki's heart race.

He blinked and said, “Don’t get jealous, they’re not my women.”

“I know. As if I could even be jealous of you with all the women you have?” Shirayuki snapped coldly. “Two women, one older and one younger, covered in bite marks—who’s the animal that did this?”

She couldn’t care less about how many women Itsuki had. The number was already significant enough that a few more didn’t make any difference. The main issue was that she couldn’t control the man in front of her!

“Grass Shinobi!”

Itsuki understood why Shirayuki was upset. He sighed and pulled her into his arms, saying, “But don’t worry, I’ve avenged them. I almost leveled the entire Grass Village.”

Of course, some of the Grass Shinobi had escaped, including their leader. But after Itsuki’s rampage with Susanoo, the village had been left in shambles, almost erased from existence.

Perhaps their leader would become a rogue ninja.

Shirayuki frowned and said, “The Mangekyō is a forbidden power. You shouldn’t use it recklessly.”

“Oh, just moments ago you were angry over two women, and now you’re worried about me again.”

“Of course!” Shirayuki retorted sharply. “I just feel bad for those women. But between them and my own man, I know what matters more. Besides, you’re responsible for the entire clan now; you can’t afford any mistakes.”

“Relax, I know what I’m doing.”

Itsuki smiled, saying, “When it comes to the Mangekyō, you don’t need to worry at all.”

“How can I not worry?” Shirayuki’s delicate face was full of concern. “You’ve already used the Mangekyō multiple times in battle. This time, I can guess you used it at least twice while you were out. Sigh.”

Itsuki chuckled lightly. “When I say don’t worry, I mean it. Don’t overthink or ask too many questions.”

The Mangekyō Sharingan—a forbidden power.

It was an evolution of the Sharingan that only the Uchiha, after experiencing intense negative emotions and with a strong desire, could awaken through the creation of a special chakra that stimulated the brain.

In terms of individual power, it was the ultimate dōjutsu.

To evolve the Mangekyō into the Eternal Mangekyō, one needed to merge two sets of Mangekyō. Beyond that lay the Rinnegan.

Because of its intense origin, the Mangekyō was called the Eye of Reflection. Each dōjutsu manifested according to the user's inner desires, and their abilities varied.

Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami reflected his wish to change things—to change the village and the Uchiha.

Itachi’s Amaterasu symbolized his desire for strength and the will to protect Konoha.

Tsukuyomi was more like a deception hidden under power, representing his hope for his beloved brother to live a peaceful, pain-free life.

In the original story, Itachi once tortured his brother with Tsukuyomi, leaving Sasuke covered in wounds. If Itachi hadn’t held back, would Sasuke really have been okay? As for Obito’s Kamui, it was a form of escapism.

He wanted to escape from the hellish world without Rin and create a new one.

A world he envisioned.

Sasuke’s Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi showed his wish for personal power and control.

If Fugaku’s Mangekyō, rumored to possess time-space powers, really could glimpse future fragments, it would reflect his uncertainty as the Uchiha clan leader.

Before leaving the village, Itsuki had a brief conversation with Fugaku, who said something strange to him.

“…The Uchiha’s future has changed. I can no longer see it clearly.”

That was a hint.

It was also why Fugaku chose Itsuki.

Similarly, Itsuki, confident in using his Mangekyō Sharingan, had his unique dōjutsu due to the Eye of Reflection.

Despite enhancing his abilities with the Divine Tree, it gave him the two most desired dōjutsu.

To counter Kotoamatsukami!

Yes.

What Itsuki feared most was Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami.

In this life, as an Uchiha with the Divine Tree, he could overcome anything in time. But his only worry was Kotoamatsukami.

If he was caught by it, he’d lose his sense of self entirely.

There was no solution.

While Shisui might not use it on him, what about Danzo?

Or others who might obtain Shisui’s eyes?

Even Itachi and Naruto in the original series!

Unless he killed Shisui first to eliminate those eyes.

But because of Itsuki’s presence, the world had shifted from its original path. There was no guarantee another pair of Kotoamatsukami wouldn’t appear.

Therefore, out of his fear of Kotoamatsukami, Itsuki’s Mangekyō awakened.

And his dōjutsu was defined:

Left eye: Realm of Null!

Effect: Nullifies all dōjutsu effects!

With this power, Itsuki was overjoyed.

He no longer feared Kotoamatsukami.

Later, he discovered that even the self-harm caused by Susanoo could be negated by Realm of Null.

Susanoo could be used limitlessly!

As long as he endured the pain, the side effects would gradually disappear shortly after.

With this, his plans could move forward confidently.

“You idiot, I’m not asking,” Shirayuki said irritably. “As long as you know what you’re doing. The Uchiha are at a critical point now. You can’t afford anything happening.”

“Don’t worry!”

The two were about to share another tender moment when—

“Knock, knock, knock!”

There was a knock at the door.

Itsuki smirked. “Take a guess—who is it?”

“Yatsushiro? Tekka?”

“No, it’ll be someone with a mask.”

Sure enough, when he opened the door, there stood an Anbu.

“Uchiha Itsuki, Lord Hokage awaits you in the office.”

Whoosh!

The Anbu vanished after speaking.

Shirayuki frowned and said, “Is it because of those two Uzumaki clan members?”

“Probably.”

Itsuki wasn’t surprised at all.

The Uzumaki clan members were too special. Uchiha bringing back two of them would undoubtedly stir interest from the Hokage’s faction, who would want to take them.

But trying to take something from Itsuki? Not likely.

Even if those two had nothing to do with them, if Itsuki wanted them, he would get them.

Even if it were just their bodies.

“I’ll head to the Hokage’s office. We’ll hold a meeting tonight once I return. Let everyone know.”

“Understood.”

(End of Chapter)