Now that Byakuya had accumulated enough negative energy, he didn't hesitate to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"En, I'll leave the rest to you," Byakuya said calmly, turning to exit the dimly lit interrogation room.
"Understood! Lord Byakuya, I'll make sure he stays... cooperative," Uchiha En responded with a smirk, clenching his fists and resuming his ruthless beatdown of Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
Byakuya entered a secluded safe room and activated the system.
[Ding! 100,000 negative energy consumed. Mangekyō Sharingan activated.]
A searing force surged into his eyes, shattering the invisible limits of his three-tomoe Sharingan. Byakuya groaned lightly as his vision twisted. The tomoe began to spin rapidly, merging and reshaping into a hollow, triangular windmill pattern — a unique form of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Pupil power erupted from his eyes like a storm.
"So... this is my Mangekyō Sharingan...!" Byakuya muttered, trembling with excitement. The raw strength flowing into him was intoxicating.
Almost instantly, knowledge of his personalized Mangekyō abilities surfaced in his mind.
Left Eye Ability: "Zōka Myōzō"
This ability amplified all techniques Byakuya used, whether taijutsu, ninjutsu, or genjutsu. The enhancement ratio was directly proportional to the amount of chakra and pupil power he infused.
"This enhancement... it reminds me of Madara's sheer power output," Byakuya thought.
But it made sense. The Mangekyō Sharingan was born from one's deepest emotions and desires. For someone like Byakuya, who prioritized power above all else, "Zōka Myōzō" was a natural reflection of his obsession.
While this technique was auxiliary in nature, its potential was nearly limitless. A true amplifier of all things.
Right Eye Ability: "Shinkōgan"
It granted him access to a personal sub-dimension, allowing him to phase his body out of reality — nearly identical to Uchiha Obito's Kamui. It was both a perfect defense and a means of unpredictable offense.
"As expected… a space-time technique. The Mangekyō gave me exactly what I needed."
Finally, the signature ability of any Mangekyō Sharingan bearer surged through him — Susanoo. The giant chakra avatar began to form instinctively, its skeletal ribcage briefly flickering around Byakuya before vanishing again.
"With this... I'm already beyond most Kage-level shinobi," Byakuya whispered. "But it's still not enough..."
He deactivated his Mangekyō, a faint sting already forming in his eyes.
Yes, the Mangekyō Sharingan was powerful — but not without cost. Prolonged or reckless use would inevitably lead to blindness.
There was only one known solution: the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
But that required the transplanted Mangekyō of a blood relative — usually a sibling.
Byakuya had none. No family. No siblings.
But he did have the system.
[Requirement to evolve to Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan: 1,000,000 negative energy.]
"So that's the price... Looks like I'll need to sow even more chaos."
Meanwhile, in the Uchiha compound — an elegant courtyard nestled deep within the district.
The aging clan head, Uchiha Gen, knelt facing a younger man with sharp features and a composed aura — Uchiha Fugaku.
"Fugaku... I've grown old," Gen said, his voice raspy. "And my old injuries no longer allow me to lead effectively."
At only fifty, Gen wasn't that old by shinobi standards. But wounds from the Second Great Ninja War had left him frail.
"I've spoken with the elders. After careful consideration... I've chosen you to succeed me as head of the Uchiha clan."
Fugaku's eyes widened. "You mean it? Chief, I—thank you. I won't disappoint you."
"You're calm. Rational. You've earned the trust of the village leadership. Even the Third Hokage has praised your loyalty."
Gen's gaze turned serious. "But there is one obstacle — Uchiha Byakuya."
Fugaku's expression stiffened.
"He has strength. Influence. And some among the younger Uchiha believe he should be the one to lead."
Gen stood slowly. "You must prove your strength and conviction. Only then will the entire clan stand behind you."
Fugaku nodded. "If that's what it takes... I will face him."
A storm was brewing within the clan — and only one Uchiha would emerge as its rightful leader.
Uchiha Gen glanced at Fugaku, who looked visibly excited.
As the current head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Gen understood his family well—especially Uchiha Byakuya, a young man who had recently gained increasing attention within the clan.
Byakuya possessed both considerable strength and an influential reputation among the younger generation. For a time, Gen had even considered grooming him as a potential successor to the Uchiha leadership.
However, there was a problem.
Byakuya's ideals stood in direct opposition to those of the Hokage, especially the Will of Fire that bound the village together. His methods were too extreme—more focused on power than unity—and Gen believed that someone like that could only bring conflict to the clan's already fragile standing within Konoha.
After much deliberation, Gen had finally made his decision: Uchiha Fugaku would be the next patriarch.
Although Fugaku lacked Byakuya's raw charisma and overwhelming strength, he had something more important—stability, loyalty to Konoha, and a strong belief in the Will of Fire. Gen believed that under Fugaku's leadership, the Uchiha clan could gradually restore its honor and position within the village.
"Byakuya, huh? I understand," Fugaku said confidently. "I will surpass him."
He had heard much about Byakuya. The stories of his strength were impressive, but Fugaku wasn't intimidated. He was older by several years, more experienced, and already respected within the Konoha military police.
Besides, to Fugaku, Byakuya's behavior—such as extorting so-called 'protection fees' while serving as a guard—was a disgrace to the Uchiha name. Fugaku saw himself as someone who would restore the clan's pride, not tarnish it further.
"Ahem… Don't underestimate Byakuya," Uchiha Gen warned between coughs, his frail condition worsening.
"Father, are you alright?" Fugaku asked, stepping forward.
"Please, take your medicine," came a gentle voice.
A girl walked out from the house holding a bowl of medicine. Fugaku's eyes widened slightly at the sight. The girl had striking features—serene and refined, with the signature black hair and eyes of the Uchiha.
"Haha, Fugaku," Gen said with a smile, noticing his son's reaction. "Let me introduce you. This is my daughter, Mikoto."
"Mikoto, this is Fugaku."
"You two are close in age. You should get to know each other better."
Gen, fully aware of his declining health, had long made arrangements in his mind. With Fugaku likely to become the next clan leader, it was only natural to entrust Mikoto's future to him. Together, they would lead the Uchiha forward.
"Miss Mikoto," Fugaku said politely, offering a respectful nod.
"Please, just Mikoto," she replied with a soft smile.
Before the conversation could continue, a sudden commotion erupted outside. A member of the Uchiha clan burst in, clearly flustered.
"Lord Gen! Urgent news—something has happened!"