"Mahoraga. Light chakra."
Zenji now had a certain degree of confidence in being able to shape Mahoraga.
But to shape one sufficient to act as the source vessel of light chakra was still far from enough.
"One step at a time. I still have a period of peace."
Zenji let out a breath and rubbed his temples.
Soon. By the night of the massacre a few years from now, his strength should be just about enough to flip the table.
Konoha Village.
Uchiha clan, at the general assembly.
"Clan Head! Is it true that Zenji possesses a three-tomoe Sharingan?" A Jonin from the Police Force spoke with intense emotion.
Fugaku Uchiha was expressionless, but his heart had already sunk.
Why did the news he'd tried so hard to hide suddenly become known to the clansmen?
Glancing around, Shisui wasn't present. He was still on a mission and seemed like he would only return recently.
Facing the agitated clansmen, Fugaku could only reveal the truth.
"There is indeed such a matter. But the other party is not a member of the Uchiha clan. It is merely the simulated effect of a special secret technique."
"That is still a Sharingan. Eyes just like ours. We can completely rope them in."
"Not only that—the Nine-Tails incident a year ago..."
"Silence!"
Fugaku widened his eyes and shouted with a sharp gaze.
He only wanted to recruit Advisor Zenshu's family. Not make an enemy.
Moreover, that elder was on the verge of death and in a sensitive period. Even if he had the Sharingan, Fugaku was unwilling to make too intense contact—deeply afraid of provoking him.
"Advisor Zenshu is one of the few Konoha higher-ups who harbors no hostility towards the Uchiha clan. He is even willing to make active contact. We absolutely cannot anger him."
Fugaku's tone was serious.
Hearing this, the agitated crowd could only forcefully calm down.
Although it had only been a year, the targeting by the village higher-ups and the ostracization—even covert cursing—from the civilians stimulated them.
The Uchiha clan was proud. They might not care about death, pain, and hardship.
Even temporary injustice.
But over a long period, it would instead make the proud among them unable to endure it. Ultimately leading to more extreme decisions.
"We absolutely cannot act rashly on this matter."
Fugaku looked at his clansmen—who were hesitant to speak, some even revealing unconvinced expressions.
He could only change his phrasing.
"I will personally contact Advisor Zenshu. Do not do anything unnecessary."
Only after receiving his promise did the crowd retreat.
Fugaku reached up to rub his glabella, pondering countermeasures as he walked back.
There's a problem with the source of the news.
I originally didn't want to easily involve the Advisor. After all, this is one of the few neutral—even recruitable—forces within the village.
But the surging emotions within the clan couldn't be ignored. Otherwise, it would lead to even more extreme situations.
But why? In the future I see with these eyes, Zenshu, Zenji, and even the other five have never appeared.
Doubt filled Fugaku's eyes.
It was precisely because of this reason that he hadn't gone to visit Zenshu.
In reality, it was because of the Book of Ages. Even if it wasn't the genuine article, it was impossible to be observed by the Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Father."
A childish voice rang out.
Itachi Uchiha was standing at the door of the house, bowing slightly.
"It's Itachi. How are things at the academy?"
Fugaku temporarily forgot his worries. He chuckled lightly.
"The courses taught by the teachers are all very simple. My studies are going very smoothly."
As Itachi said this, a face flashed through his mind.
His thoughts couldn't help but stall for a moment. It was his first time being toyed with by a peer.
"Good. Worthy of being my son."
Fugaku was very satisfied with his eldest son.
Thinking of this, his heart suddenly stirred.
Advisor Zenshu's younger brother, Zenji, seemed to be about the same age as Itachi. And had a very good relationship with Shisui.
"Itachi, do you know Gojo Satoru?"
Fugaku turned his head and asked.
Itachi was taken aback. Why would his father ask about that frivolous guy?
"I know him. His strength is very strong. But he likes to tease others."
"It seems you've interacted with him."
Fugaku smiled. He didn't care about interactions between children.
"Come with me to visit Advisor Zenshu."
"Yes, Father."
The two prepared a bit, then went out and walked toward the center of the village.
Outside the Hokage Building, Zenji and his three teammates walked out.
"The mission is complete. Everyone can rest for a few days. If there are missions later, I will notify you."
Shisui revealed a rather forced smile as he addressed his teammates.
"Then I'll get going. Bye-bye."
Genma Shiranui waved his hand and left with a senbon in his mouth.
Soto Noguchi cast a cold glance at Zenji and prepared to return to report.
During this mission, he had already figured out Zenji's six Shadow Shikigami. A few more difficult missions, and he should be able to complete the intelligence gathering.
Zenji crossed his arms and watched this person's retreating back.
Wondering when the Danzo behind him would make a move?
Shisui's hand suddenly patted Zenji's shoulder. A comforting voice rang out.
"Lord Assistant isn't targeting you. He has always acted like this—having this attitude towards everyone. Don't take it to heart."
These words made Zenji feel a bit astonished internally. He turned to look at Shisui comforting him.
"I didn't expect you to actually comfort me. That old man is not like you say."
Zenji couldn't help but sneer as he spoke.
"It's all for the peace of everyone... The cruelty of war is something ordinary ninjas and civilians cannot deeply understand."
Shisui turned his gaze to the villagers walking on the street.
Some, after making eye contact, immediately looked away with foul expressions.
Some kept their heads down, not looking at him at all.
But there were also some who glared at him angrily.
The conflict between the clan and the village had already shown a more obvious trend.
Zenji threw his arm around Shisui's shoulder, smiled, and said, "Don't think so much. It's peacetime now."
"Come, let's hang out at my place for a while. I'm guessing you don't want to go back right now either."
After speaking, he dragged Shisui toward a nearby street.
Passing by the original site of Zenji's training class—it had now become the registration building, while the actual training grounds had been moved to the village's edge.
Turning a corner, Zenji's house appeared before their eyes.
After pushing the door open and entering, Shisui's gaze paused slightly.
Unexpected people appeared before his eyes.
"Little brat, it's useless!"
Gojo Satoru smiled very flamboyantly, hovering slightly in the air, looking down at the little tyke in front of him.
Itachi Uchiha had a tense little face. He held a kunai in his hand, cursing the other party as a bastard in his heart.
"Trying to use Genjutsu on me? Even an Uchiha can't do it."
Gojo flew over, looking straight into Itachi's eyes. Turning his head. Meeting his gaze. Even winking.
A blatant provocation.
Itachi remained expressionless—acting like a cool little kid—but his tightly clenched fists completely exposed his emotions.
He suddenly threw a punch. It hit Gojo Satoru's face, seemingly landing—but causing no damage whatsoever.
"Satoru, stop teasing Itachi."
Shisui walked over somewhat helplessly.
He had a good relationship with Zenji, so naturally, he also knew Gojo Satoru.
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