One week later, urgent news spread through Konoha like wildfire.
"Uchiha Shisui is dead," the ANBU messenger announced to the gathered clan members.
"What happened?" Fugaku demanded.
"Ambushed by unknown enemies during his reconnaissance mission. His body was found three days ago."
"And his eyes?"
"Removed. Whoever killed him took his Sharingan."
The clan erupted in angry voices. Only Setsuna and Bali remained calm, exchanging a brief glance.
"This is an outrage!" one elder shouted. "Our bloodline stolen by enemies!"
"We demand an investigation!" another added.
Later that evening, Setsuna met privately with Bali.
"The fabricated story is working," Setsuna reported. "The village believes Shisui died in the field."
"Good," Bali replied. "No suspicion on the clan?"
"None. They assume outside forces killed him for his eyes."
"Perfect. This gives us cover for future operations."
"The real Shisui?"
"Remains secured in the basement. His chakra is completely suppressed."
Bali nodded approvingly. "One problem solved. Many more to handle."
At the academy the next day, Bali maintained his weak student persona.
"I still can't get my shadow clones to last very long," he complained to his instructor.
"Keep practicing. You're showing improvement, just slower than others."
During lunch break, he sat alone, looking dejected while other students ignored him.
"Perfect performance," he thought. "They all think I'm hopeless."
Seven-year-old Itachi occasionally glanced at him with what looked like sympathy.
"Even future enemies pity me," Bali observed with dark amusement.
That night, Bali gathered his followers for special training.
"Tonight I'm teaching you a new chakra technique," he announced.
"What kind?" Kenji asked eagerly.
"It's called Rasengan. A spinning ball of pure chakra."
"How does it work?" Taro questioned.
"Step one - form chakra in your palm and make it spin in circles."
Bali demonstrated, blue energy swirling in his hand.
"Step two - control the rotation. Keep it smooth like water in a whirlpool."
The sphere became more defined and stable.
"Step three - rotate the chakra rapidly in one direction," Bali continued.
His demonstration Rasengan spun so fast it created a visible blur.
"Step four - expand the size while maintaining rotation."
The chakra ball grew from marble-size to the size of a small melon.
"Focus is everything. If your mind wanders, it collapses immediately."
His followers stared in amazement at the swirling energy.
"Boss, that looks incredibly powerful," Masa whispered.
"It is. Now try forming basic chakra spheres first."
Within days, selected loyal Uchiha were practicing the technique under Setsuna's supervision.
"Form the chakra... make it spin..." one adult ninja muttered, struggling with the basics.
"I got it to hold for three seconds!" another reported excitedly.
But some showed natural talent. Shadow, Setsuna's veteran operative, managed a stable Rasengan within a week.
"Impressive," Setsuna commented. "What about variations?"
"I tried adding fire chakra," Shadow reported. "It created an explosive effect."
"And?"
"Destroyed the training dummy completely. Very promising."
Other clan members experimented with different elements.
Takeshi attempted a lightning Rasengan but the energy became unstable.
"It keeps dispersing when I add the lightning nature," he explained.
"Keep practicing," Bali advised. "Balance the rotation with the elemental energy."
Yuki had better success with wind chakra.
"It cuts through targets instead of just impacting," she demonstrated on a thick log.
The wind-enhanced Rasengan sliced cleanly through the wood.
"Excellent adaptation," Setsuna praised.
After two weeks of secret training, the results amazed everyone.
"This technique could revolutionize our combat capabilities," Setsuna told Bali privately.
"How many have mastered the basic version?"
"Twelve adult ninja can form stable Rasengans. Six have successful elemental variants."
"Good progress. But keep the training absolutely secret."
"Of course. What's our next priority?"
"Continue building our escape resources while appearing completely loyal to the village."
Meanwhile, the village prepared for Minato's official inauguration as Fourth Hokage.
Red and white banners hung from every building. Festival stalls lined the streets.
"This is a historic day for Konoha!" people cheered.
"The Yellow Flash will lead us to a new era of peace!"
Bali walked through the celebrating crowds, observing everything with calculating eyes.
"They have no idea what's coming," he thought. "The future I've seen will still happen."
"But when it does, the Uchiha will be ready."
At the inauguration ceremony, thousands gathered to hear Minato speak.
"Citizens of Konoha," Minato began from the Hokage building balcony. "Today marks a new chapter in our village's history."
"I pledge to protect every person within these walls, regardless of clan or background."
The crowd erupted in cheers. Uchiha members clapped and smiled, playing their parts perfectly.
"Unity and cooperation will be the foundation of our strength," Minato continued.
"Together, we can build a future where all our children can live in peace."
Bali stood with his family, appearing inspired like everyone else.
But his mind was already planning years ahead.
"Enjoy your moment of hope," he thought, watching the crowd's enthusiastic faces.