Uchiha Shisui was a true genius.
If Uchiha Madara hadn't died before he was born, it was likely that Indra would've chosen him for reincarnation.
Even after having his original eyes gouged out and replaced with another pair of Three Tomoe Sharingan, he still managed to awaken the Mangekyō again years later.
Such a miracle might be unprecedented in the thousand-year history of the Uchiha clan.
If not for Yami's sensory techniques and his deep understanding of Uchiha ocular powers, even he wouldn't have noticed Shisui had reached that level.
Yami had already sensed that Shisui's pair of Three Tomoe Sharingan had reached their limit six months ago. Yet over the past half year, Shisui had been forcibly suppressing his ocular power.
Yami understood Shisui's hesitation. Though his eyes weren't the root cause of the clan's destruction, they were the trigger.
But there was one thing Yami couldn't understand.
"Why are you so certain that the Mangekyō technique you'll awaken will still be Kotoamatsukami?" Yami asked directly.
Shisui gave his answer without hesitation.
"The essence of the Mangekyō Sharingan is the unique chakra secreted by the brain, which stimulates the special evolution of the eyes. My original eyes were taken, but that chakra still resides in my brain."
At this point, Shisui's voice took on a note of resignation. "It was fine in the first few years. I initially planned to use that chakra as a trump card, enough to barely activate Susanoo once. But starting two years ago, my body gradually adapted to this new pair of Three Tomoe, and that chakra began merging with my current eyes."
"I see…" Yami thought to himself.
The Mangekyōs possessed by Hikari and Izumi back home were just ordinary ones. Especially Hikari, who had lost significant vision due to overuse in battle.
Even if Yami completed his cell research and implanted them into Hikari, he could only restore vision and some pupil power. It wouldn't bring him to the level of an Eternal Mangekyō.
But if he used Shisui's method to nurture another perfectly matched pair of Mangekyō, then merged the two sets of pupil power—could it succeed?
With that thought in mind, Yami left the hospital, preparing to go home and discuss it with the two women to see if they were willing.
However, as soon as he arrived, Yami saw a pervy-looking white-haired man standing at his front door.
"What are you doing here?"
Seeing Jiraiya holding a scroll, Yami's expression turned unfriendly. He looked like he wanted to kick him on sight.
No one would feel comfortable seeing someone like this show up at their house.
Jiraiya saw that look and quickly explained, "I came to see you, Yami. You just fought with Uchiha Itachi, didn't you?"
"I did."
"Did he reveal anything about the organization he's part of?"
Yami shook his head decisively. "Itachi only said he came back for Naruto."
"So his target is Naruto... or rather, the Nine Tails…"
Jiraiya's expression turned serious. Noticing how indifferent Yami looked, he gave a stern warning. "Yami, I know you're strong, but don't underestimate the organization Itachi is part of."
"That organization is called Akatsuki, a mercenary group made up of dangerous rogue ninja from across the nations."
"Oh, and?"
Yami didn't react much. He simply gestured for Jiraiya to continue.
Jiraiya finally got to the point. "That's why I want to take Naruto away."
Yami chuckled. "You're going to find Tsunade, aren't you?"
Jiraiya looked a bit awkward.
After all, Yami and Tsunade were currently political rivals. Not only was he going to bring back a competitor, but he also wanted to take her opponent's disciple along. It was indeed a little underhanded.
For someone like Jiraiya, who always prided himself on being a heroic figure, this made him feel rather guilty.
But this concerned Konoha and the future of the entire shinobi world.
Jiraiya wasn't about to give up on recommending Tsunade for the position of Fifth Hokage.
So he had no choice but to push forward. "Yami, Naruto is in a dangerous situation right now. You can't protect him every moment of the day. It would be safer if he came with me."
"Sure."
Yami agreed so easily that Jiraiya couldn't believe it.
He asked again, just to be sure.
"Why wouldn't I agree to someone helping me with my student? I'll be really busy once I become Hokage."
With Jiraiya's face stiff, Yami gave a small laugh and turned back into the house, leaving one last message:
"Don't think bringing Tsunade back will change anything, Jiraiya. Treat it as your contribution to Konoha. Tell her I'll leave the position of Medical Director open for her."
Jiraiya stood still in silence for a few seconds before sighing and turning away.
Human nature was complicated. Being a good person didn't mean being a perfect person.
Aside from his flaws with women, Jiraiya was undoubtedly a hero, a good man.
But he was also stubborn. He only believed in what he thought was right. Naruto was the same. That's why he was always trying to change others, trying to shape the world to match his ideals.
Many people were like that—especially those with power and influence.
Yami was the same.
So his conflict with Jiraiya was inevitable. It was a matter of position, not personal grievance.
"Uchiha truly does produce extraordinary geniuses…"
Late that night.
Yami and Hikari spent several hours continuing the Shimura bloodline.
During their break, Yami also told Shisui about his situation and the plan he had for the two of them.
After listening, Yami couldn't help but sigh at Shisui's talent.
He had awakened two sets of Mangekyō Sharingan.
Something like this had never been recorded in Uchiha history for over a thousand years.
At least, there was nothing in the clan archives that Hikari had read.
Otherwise, the power-obsessed Uchiha would've already conducted similar experiments long ago. It would've been impossible for such a thing to go undocumented.
Yami hugged the petite girl in his arms, enjoying her soft skin, and asked casually, "I still have a few pairs of Three Tomoe. Want to give them a try? Izumi doesn't have the same level of understanding of Mangekyō as you do. She still has a lot of room to grow."
"I have no objections."
Hikari also wanted to become stronger. She wanted to use the Eight Thousand Spears freely, to slay anyone who dared defy Yami.
These two really were a perfect match.
The next day, Jiraiya successfully tricked Naruto.
After saying goodbye to Yami, the two left the village.
The succession ceremony was approaching. Konoha had already begun preparations, and with several days of delay, Jiraiya only had a little over half a month to bring Tsunade back.
Fortunately, he had received intel recently. A certain "fat sheep" had appeared in the Land of Fire—visiting gambling halls, distributing charity, and rescuing households on the verge of collapse.
Jiraiya was almost certain it was Tsunade.
He just hoped the persuasion wouldn't take too long. Ever since Nawaki's death, Tsunade had been deeply resistant to becoming Hokage.
On the other side, Sasuke, who had been unconscious for a full day and night, finally woke up.
Shisui took him out of the hospital. After suffering that mental blow, Sasuke became even more silent and trained even harder. Reliving the night of the massacre deepened his hatred for Itachi and made him realize the vast difference between their strength.
Fortunately, under Shisui's guidance, Sasuke had no thoughts of betraying the village, let alone seeking out Orochimaru.
Yami had no time to worry about his student's mental health—he was busy.
Suna and Iwa had finally made their move. Both villages sent formal apology letters, blaming everything on Orochimaru. They even sent evidence of the Fourth Kazekage's tragic death.
Their delegations would arrive soon to negotiate compensation and the return of captives with Konoha.
Although there was no official Hokage yet, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura tactfully handed the letter to Yami for him to decide.
After reading it, Yami only sneered.
"Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe this excuse. Should I say they're naïve, or that they think we're stupid?"
"This kind of shameless tone definitely reeks of Ōnoki."
Homura tried to analyze things for Yami. "The excuses are just to save face. Ōnoki wants a way out, not just for Suna and Iwa, but for Konoha as well."
Koharu followed up, "Thanks to you, Yami, we contained the situation without falling into a drawn-out war. But the village did suffer losses. If we pursue this too harshly, we don't have the resources or manpower."
"My suggestion is to negotiate and ask for higher compensation to help the village recover."
"That's a good suggestion. Don't suggest it again."
Yami's blunt response made the two elders blush, but they dared not argue.
Ignoring them, he turned to Danzō. "Old man, have Root ninjas monitor the envoys. Do it openly. If they try anything extreme, wipe them out. I want to see just how tolerant Ōnoki really is."
Danzō immediately understood Yami's intent, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. "I understand. Leave it to me."
Although Yami hadn't officially become Hokage yet, his iron-fisted approach reminded Danzō of himself. It made Danzō feel much more at ease.
"Yami, Konoha really can't afford to start another war," Koharu tried to persuade again.
Yami waved dismissively. "I never said I'd start a war."
The two elders let out a breath of relief, only to hear him continue:
"I just want to stage a massacre as a gift to commemorate my succession as Hokage."
Koharu and Homura were stunned speechless.
At the same time.
In an alley on…
The person Jiraiya was looking for, Tsunade—known as the "legendary sucker" of the gambling world—had just escaped from a group of creditors.
Shizune panted heavily, glaring at Tsunade, who was disguised as a loli. "Tsunade-sama, our debt keeps piling up. At this rate, we won't be welcome in any corner of the shinobi world!"
"Hahaha! A little debt is nothing!"
"You know, there's a saying in the gambling world—going all in is a form of wisdom!"
With a poof, Tsunade released her transformation and laughed heartily. "As long as I go all in on the right hand, I can pay off the debt and live in comfort again!"
Hearing that Tsunade was planning to go all in, Shizune's face turned green.
Just then, a cold chuckle came from the narrow alley entrance.
"Tsunade, you haven't changed at all over the years."
The two looked up. Shizune froze, but Tsunade's face instantly darkened.
"Orochimaru… You actually dare to show your face in front of me?"
(To be continued.)
***
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