The moon hung high over the Uchiha compound, casting silver shadows as Mali gathered his trusted team and his grandfather, Raigen, in a quiet, candle-lit room. The air was tense with anticipation. Mali's voice was steady but urgent as he revealed his plan.
"We can't keep living as Konoha's watchdogs," Mali said, eyes burning with conviction. "Our clan's pride is wasted here, always under suspicion, always used as tools. I want us to find a place where the Uchiha can live free—where we answer to no one but ourselves."
His team exchanged glances, the weight of his words settling in. Raigen, who had been quietly observing, nodded. The months of Qi cultivation had changed him; his posture was straighter, his hair darker, his energy unmistakably stronger—a transformation that had not gone unnoticed by the elders.
Raigen spoke, his voice firm, "You're right, Mali. The clan's future can't be chained to the village's fears. If we are to survive, we must prepare. We'll need a secret place—somewhere beyond the reach of Konoha. Perhaps an island, far across the sea, where no one can find us."
Mali's mind raced with possibilities. "If we could master space-time techniques, we could move the whole clan instantly. But for now, we'll need to scout for a hideout. I'll select a few of our most trusted to begin searching."
The team began to discuss logistics—who would go, what supplies they'd need, how to keep the mission secret. Plans formed quickly, each member eager to prove themselves.
Suddenly, Mali's excitement was interrupted by a sharp, searing pain in his eyes. He clutched his face, a scream tearing from his throat. Raigen rushed forward, panic flashing in his eyes, but stopped short as a wave of pressure radiated from Mali—so intense it forced him back a step.
Mali's eyes snapped open, glowing with a crimson light. The single tomoe of the Sharingan spun slowly in each iris, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The room fell silent, awe and fear mingling in the air.
Raigen steadied himself, then smiled with pride. "The Sharingan… you've awakened it, Mali. Our path just became a little clearer."