The first option—refuse the request, walk the path of a lone wolf, and receive the Fang Over Fang Technique.
Shuoye Uchiha shook his head inwardly.
Fang Over Fang had decent power, but it wasn't what he desired.
The second option—accept the request, protect his classmate as duty demanded, and receive the A-rank ninjutsu Chidori.
He shook his head again.
Chidori was certainly powerful. But for someone who possessed Whitebeard's template, it wasn't indispensable.
With his talent and potential, he would eventually master even stronger techniques. There was no need to bind himself over a single ninjutsu.
Then—
The third option.
Protection alone is not enough. Tease Kushina Uzumaki in front of Mito Uzumaki. Reward: Adamantine Physique.
This made him hesitate.
There was no doubt—
It would greatly enhance his survivability.
He already had Whitebeard's template. In the future, reaching Kage level and beyond was inevitable.
In the short term, there was no need to greedily pursue more abilities.
"Option Three."
In the end, he made his decision.
Mito Uzumaki and Kushina Uzumaki watched the silent Shuoye, unable to hide their confusion.
Did he not want to protect Kushina?
Just as doubt filled their minds—
Shuoye suddenly moved.
He turned sharply and pulled Kushina into his arms.
Kushina's mind went blank.
Her face flushed instantly, red as a ripe apple.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Shuoye felt the softness of her trembling form. His emotions stirred as well.
He knew this act was bold.
But for the reward, he had to do it.
Lowering his head slightly, he whispered into her ear—
"Don't be afraid. I'll protect you."
His voice was steady. Certain.
Kushina's initial shock slowly gave way to something unfamiliar. She tried to push him away—
But found herself unable to muster strength.
Mito stood frozen for a moment, equally stunned.
She had not expected such audacity.
Yet soon, she regained composure.
In Shuoye's eyes, she saw resolve.
Perhaps—
This was his way of declaring his determination to protect Kushina.
"Lady Mito," Shuoye said firmly, "I promise. I will protect Kushina."
Mito paused—
Then smiled gently, satisfaction in her gaze.
Time passed like a fleeting horse crossing a narrow bridge.
Days turned into months.
Months into years.
Kushina clung to Shuoye daily, and their relationship deepened rapidly.
At the same time—
Shuoye's strength skyrocketed once again.
Though he had yet to awaken the Sharingan, the power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit alone allowed him to overwhelm jōnin with ease.
Even against Kage-level opponents—
He now had the confidence to fight.
"Tch. Shuoye, looks like you've been living pretty well lately."
A sour voice called from outside.
Shisui Uchiha.
Ever since Kushina had begun spending most of her time with Shuoye, the time he and Shuoye spent training together had grown noticeably shorter.
"Shisui. Come in. Don't hover outside."
Shuoye's voice rolled like low thunder through the quiet night.
He tilted his head slightly. His long black hair shimmered faintly beneath the moonlight, deep and mysterious like the night sky itself.
Shisui nodded slowly.
After all—
Shuoye Uchiha was no longer an ordinary ninja.
His name had spread throughout the shinobi world.
Who could have imagined—
That during the Third Shinobi World War, the Hidden Leaf Village would produce three monsters?
The Yellow Flash—Minato Namikaze.
Shisui of the Body Flicker—Shisui Uchiha.
And the Mad Exterminator—Shuoye Uchiha.
Among them—
Shuoye stood at the very center of terror.
He had made it onto the blacklists of nearly every major village.
In a sense—
He had directly brought the Third Shinobi World War to an end.
Because he had faced ten thousand alone—
And buried nearly ten thousand shinobi from the Hidden Stone Village alive.
Though later he had been nearly killed by Ōnoki, and rumors spread that he would not live long—
No one dared ignore his existence.
And so—
The Third Shinobi World War ended in a strange, abrupt silence.
"Recently… the village has increased surveillance on our clan, hasn't it?"
Shuoye poured tea for Shisui and took a slow sip.
His tone was calm.
Shisui froze slightly.
Then nodded.
Helplessness flickered in his eyes.
After Shuoye's terrifying achievements during the war spread—
The Uchiha clan had become a thorn in the eyes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura.
Even ordinary clan members were being targeted.
It was said that when they tried to purchase daily necessities, they were charged three times the normal price.
Absurd.
"What do you think about the relationship between the Uchiha… and the village?"
Shuoye's question struck like a hammer against Shisui's heart.
His gaze was deep—piercing—searching.
Shisui hesitated.
After a moment of silence, he finally spoke.
"There may be conflict between us… but I still believe there must be a way for the village and the Uchiha to coexist peacefully. We have all given everything for the village. Shouldn't we seek a way to live together?"
Shuoye smiled.
But there was mockery in that smile.
His eyes gleamed with cold clarity—
Like a blade honed sharper with each passing year.
"Shisui…"
"Do you truly believe that?"