The more people Kiyoshi angered, the higher the chance he would return with him to Yumin.
Kiyoshi silently watched Natsu, her expression full of distress.
Truly, misfortune comes from the mouth.
Whether it was Samui or Hyuga Ginka, some people simply could not control their tongues.
It was understandable—who would have guessed Kiyoshi would make use of such matters?
The Hyuga main family ranked among Konoha's elite, and ordinary ninjas dared not offend them.
On top of that, during the Second Hokage's era, Uchiha Setsuna had once led a rebellion, which over time worsened the Uchiha's reputation.
Shikamaru Danzo's subtle manipulations had cemented the Uchiha as arrogant and overbearing.
So saying such things was not entirely incomprehensible.
"What's wrong? You won't tell me what crimes the Uchiha committed that led Hyuga Ginka to command you—"
Kiyoshi didn't continue.
For a branch family member, this could be shrugged off. But Hyuga Ginka represented the main family, and the main family's influence in the vast Hyuga clan was immense.
Her words reflected the stance of the Hyuga as a whole.
"Natsu!"
Hyuga Tetsu, his chakra nearly depleted, could no longer wrap his fists in chakra. Using only his flesh, he clashed with Druke's twin blades, instantly leaving several wounds.
Seeing Kiyoshi's overwhelming presence and Tetsu's desperate state, Natsu's face paled.
She turned and noticed Hyuga Himura was also struggling.
At this rate, they would inevitably be defeated—or even killed—by Yumin!
"Kiyoshi, I can explain… please, in consideration of us being classmates, I will make amends. Please help us,"
Natsu lowered her posture, almost pleading.
This incident could not be publicized—if it reached Hyuga Ginka, Natsu would be punished.
Thinking of the Hyuga clan's penalties made her shiver; the "Caged Bird Curse" on her forehead felt like a sword hanging over her head, ready to strike at any moment.
"Explain and make amends."
Seeing Natsu's almost desperate expression, Kiyoshi's previously still eyes showed a hint of change.
"Then I'll trust you this once."
With a composed air, Kiyoshi summoned a black ninja sword, drawing it from its sheath.
"!"
Yozuki Kei's heart skipped a beat.
Just moments ago, the situation seemed delicate, yet now everything had been resolved in mere words?
Clang!
Kei drew his sword to block Kiyoshi's strike.
"Yozuki… Uchiha Kiyoshi, are you sure you want to oppose us?"
Kei asked in a serious tone.
Kiyoshi's only response:
"I am an Uchiha of Konoha. Uchiha are the greatest clan in Konoha!"
Pride shone on his face, his strength in the swing intensified.
The pattern of the double-tomoe Sharingan appeared in his eyes.
With the Sharingan enhancing his body, Kiyoshi's physical abilities surged.
Already growing gradually due to activating the double-tomoe Sharingan, his power now skyrocketed.
Boom!
Flames rolled along Kiyoshi's ninja sword, glowing crimson, even affecting Kei's blade.
"This… the chakra flow—it's not lightning style, but fire style?"
Kei's palm throbbed from the force.
As far as he knew, the Yumin operatives infiltrating Konoha had only taught Kiyoshi lightning-style techniques.
Why was he using fire chakra flow?
The flames bathed Kei's dark skin in a deep red glow. He could not understand it—or how Kiyoshi could match his strength.
Could this be the Sharingan's effect?
Kei's left hand sparked with blue-white arcs.
"Lightning Release: Fang Path!"
Jagged lightning shot toward Kiyoshi.
With a flick of his wrist, Kiyoshi slid his sword along Kei's blade.
Bang!
Blinding white light erupted as lightning and fire intertwined, grounding the electricity.
"The insight of the Sharingan…"
Kei's expression darkened.
Though both shared the Yozuki heritage and superior physique, Kiyoshi's Sharingan gave him monstrous perception.
"So Kiyoshi can awaken both eyes of the Sharingan,"
Yuuhi noticed the eerie red glow in both of his eyes.
Previously, only one Sharingan had been seen. She had assumed he could only awaken one.
"Perhaps he just awakened it, or had been hiding it all along,"
Asuma speculated, guarding Yuuhi while observing.
Activating the Sharingan was said to be extremely painful. Could Kiyoshi have awakened the other eye out of grief over the Hyuga's words?
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball shot from Kiyoshi's mouth, growing in size in an instant.
"So powerful…"
Kei's expression changed; he dodged.
At close range, the fireball passed dangerously near, scorching his skin despite the dodge.
Druke and Tuff immediately disengaged from Tetsu and Himura to support Kei.
The Sharingan's enhanced perception revealed their movements entirely.
Kiyoshi's lips curled into a small smile.
Slow. Slow. Too slow.
He drew his sword from the ground. Chakra surged through his meridians, activating every cell.
Then he vanished.
When everyone saw Kiyoshi again, blood splattered.
Druke and Tuff were covered in wounds, their smell of charred flesh filling the air.
If not for their Yumin training and superior defense, Kiyoshi's strike could have cleaved them in half.
"Leave the scrolls, and go."
Kiyoshi said coolly.
Kei stared at him deeply as Kiyoshi threw three scrolls and vanished with his teammates.
[Entry: Impartiality (White)]
[Requirement Completed: Strike mercilessly at ninjas from the Land of Lightning.]
[Progress: Completed.]
[Effect: Your Yin-natured chakra transformation talent increased by 5%.]
[Note: Can continue to advance.]
"All right, we can discuss the details now, Hyuga Natsu."
The flames on his sword extinguished; Kiyoshi sheathed it.
"…Okay."
Natsu could only nod.
"Tetsu, Himura, are your injuries serious?"
She rushed over.
"I'm fine."
Tetsu shook his head, pointing at Kiyoshi:
"What exactly happened? Can't you tell us, Natsu?"
(End of Chapter)