"But does the Mangekyō Sharingan also lead to deteriorating vision?"
Akaba acted confused, pointing at a specific line on the record page.
Motonami Uchiha paused for a moment before nodding. "Correct. The price of using it is gradually walking into darkness."
"I see... But I remember Madara used his eyes for a long time without any reported side effects. Could there be a way to solve that issue?"
Akaba casually speculated.
"I don't know."
Motonami Uchiha's expression didn't change—whether he truly knew or not was something only he himself could tell.
After all,
some parts of the Uchiha Clan's history must've survived in whispers or stories. From subtle clues, he should be able to guess part of the truth.
Akaba didn't call him out on it—after all, it had just been a casual question, and no response wasn't unexpected.
The two walked further for a while before Akaba lifted the record page in his hand, intending to return it to Motonami Uchiha, but the latter didn't take it back, instead smiling slightly as he said, "Training Field has become rather busy lately. Would you mind delivering this to Lord Hokage instead?"
"Mm, fine."
Akaba considered for a moment before tucking away the small booklet.
After all,
this was about the Mangekyō Sharingan—the legendary power.
Admitting its downsides helped the village understand these eyes more fully, which was better than letting the village remain suspicious and eventually repeating past mistakes.
Akaba tucked away this small book. By now they had reached the edge of the Training Field, so they turned back and followed another path.
The Training Field was enormous.
Besides being located somewhat far from the village, there weren't really any other issues with it—it definitely qualified as an excellent location for both the Military Police Force headquarters and practice. However, living here would be quite inconvenient.
Being too far away caused all sorts of troubles—not only did it distance one from others, but relationships became increasingly distant over time.
Unlike nowadays, although the Uchiha Clan's reputation still wasn't perfect, there were already many villagers who would enthusiastically greet them upon meeting on the streets.
That was integration.
Moreover, separating the Military Police Force from the Uchiha compound meant the village wouldn't worry about it bearing the Uchiha label anymore.
Motonami Uchiha had really worked hard for his clan.
Nothing short of a struggle!
What they needed to discuss was basically all covered. As for how exactly the training should be done, Motonami Uchiha naturally had his own ideas. After all, he had managed the Uchiha Military Police Force for several years already—though previously without real authority, he certainly wouldn't be completely clueless either.
He had asked Akaba along simply because he had some questions regarding illusionary training.
Additionally,
although Shinku Yuhi could create freely controlled illusions, she lacked the ability to simulate actual five senses; the differences between illusion and reality required further exploration.
As Akaba walked alongside Motonami Uchiha for a bit longer, the latter suddenly stopped mid-step.
Looking around carefully, he whispered, "Akaba, when's the next update on the Muzan series coming out?"
"Huh?"
Akaba froze momentarily before scrutinizing this Head of the Clan.
So you're one of the regular readers too?
He stared in disbelief for a few seconds, then scratched his chin thoughtfully.
Why do even those Bs still recognize me one by one after I changed my pen name?
It's just too good to be blamed for anything.
Akaba sighed inwardly. After a moment's consideration, he waved his hand helplessly and said, "Depends on inspiration, you know? As you can see, I'm just a kid—unlike Jiraiya, I still have some shame. Plus, I've been really busy lately."
"For a creator, lack of inspiration is indeed deadly," Motonami Uchiha remarked.
Of course.
The inconvenient parts about being "just a kid" or "not that shameless" automatically vanished from his ears.
Someone who could produce works surpassing Jiraiya's—how could he possibly be an angel?
At most, he was less obvious than Jiraiya. The guy himself probably got used to it and even enjoyed the process of getting caught.
Akaba mused with a hint of sarcasm.
After yet another reminder to update, Akaba seized an excuse and bolted from the scene.
Update-hunters were terrifying!
Leaving the training grounds, Akaba glanced at the record page in his arms.
Such important material didn't feel safe carried on his person. If he lost it, there would be no way to defend himself.
Thinking about it, he decided to go directly to the Hokage office to report details at the same time.
With his pace, the trip from the Military Police headquarters to the Hokage office would be quick. He'd already filed reports on the Land of River before—no need to go over everything again, just needed to carefully clarify some unmentioned details.
When Third saw Akaba, he pointed at a seat for him to sit down.
There wasn't actually much to discuss here, since many things had already been clearly explained in the reports and replies. At most, they only needed to chat about some work-related matters.
Third's attention, however, mainly focused on the Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan.
The Hokage office did have materials left behind by the Second, recording some mysteries of the Mangekyo Sharingan, but most of it was speculative content. Nothing compared to the detailed information in this record page.
This kind of information could only come directly from the Uchiha themselves.
After thoroughly finishing reading, he placed the book down and fell into deep thought.
Though these various shortcomings existed, one undeniable fact remained—the Mangekyo Sharingan possessed the ability to control bijū.
But currently, Mito Uzumaki was still alive. With her capabilities, no one in the entire ninja world could forcibly extract the Nine-Tails from her unless both her physical condition and chakra reserves had fully deteriorated.
For now, there was no need to worry about these issues.
After all, Third greatly admired Uchiha Motonami's abilities and foresight. He believed Motonami wouldn't do something foolish like this. What required concern was if other people with Mangekyo Sharingan appeared within the Uchiha clan in the future, what attitudes they might hold.
Power inflates the ego, clouding one's original heart—especially when one bears the Uchiha eyes, which are cursed by nature. Those without strong willpower end up like Sasuke, drifting into hatred and losing their true selves.
After a long silence, Third spoke up: "You should be going to see Lady Mito as well? Might as well bring this volume along and let her review it."
"Eh… Sure."
Akaba hesitated briefly before quickly understanding.
Since Danzo was absent from Anbu right now, any documents sent there definitely passed through Third's hands first.
The Third had originally intended to give it to little Kyoyuki, but after further consideration, he hesitated. Although Mito had taken the Senju clan's surname by marrying Hashirama Senju, she was still essentially a member of the Uzumaki clan.
With the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, he truly didn't know how to face her properly.
The Third took a puff from his pipe, letting out a heavy and weary sigh before breaking into a smile. "Still, Hanzo benefited from getting involved in this mess, and now he must bear the consequences."
When the Third received Akaba's report a few days earlier, his first reaction had mirrored Akaba's exactly.
If Sunagakure Village didn't attack the Land of River, they'd certainly target the Land of Bird instead—such an opportunity wouldn't be missed. However, Rain Nation had limited capabilities; even if they accepted an assassination mission order and sent out an assassination team, their remaining strength couldn't match Sunagakure Village's.
"I suspect the decision made by Sunagakure Village implies that there's a high possibility the Second Kazekage hasn't actually died."
Akaba said offhandedly.
Judging from how things played out in the manga, the Third Kazekage always came off as strong-willed and stubborn. During the Chunin Exams in Sunagakure Village, Sankai did seem less composed and experienced compared to Shamon.
This decision obviously wasn't his doing.
"Yeah, [Human Puppet Technique] is one of those forbidden-level techniques akin to [Impure World Reincarnation]—it remains unknown how far along he has progressed with his own body's modifications."
Danzo had once gave The Third a detailed account of the battle. Based on circumstances deduced, he could roughly guess Shamon's current condition.
Unless having completely transformed his physical body, he wouldn't have been able to serve as a ninja anymore.
Yet no matter how much transformation occurred, fundamentally speaking, he had become nothing but a puppet—an incomplete replacement for his original form. Consequently, Shamon's combat abilities would never reach previous levels again and currently probably only matched an average Jonin's level, making him unworthy of serious concern anymore.
What remained most threatening was this man's mind.
Though outwardly appearing burly and rough, he was actually quite meticulous inside. Half of Sunagakure Village's advanced Puppet Techniques currently were developed or extended under his leadership.
This particular aspect didn't relate closely to Akaba. The Third merely mentioned it briefly.
After exchanging a few more words, he exited the office heading toward the Senju clan compound.
Standing outside the gate, Akaba felt extremely nervous.
Though inwardly understanding clearly that little Kyoyuki likely already guessed the truth behind events, delivering the letter personally still stirred up emotions difficult to describe.
It felt something like delivering a death sentence.
Hesitant and uneasy.
Eventually, looking down from the second floor of the courtyard, a young girl peeked her head out observing things below.
He almost forgot—she also possessed exceptional sensory ability.
Letting out a bitter chuckle, Akaba entered the yard.
Mito Uzumaki was reclining on a rocking chair swaying slowly back and forth. Unusually, she refrained from nagging Akaba.
With her sharp mind, she had already seen through Akaba's hesitation the moment he arrived.
A tragedy—but inevitably one that had to be confronted sooner or later.
"Kyoyuki, your father entrusted me with a letter for you."
Taking out the envelope, Akaba waved it gently while standing below.
Little Kyoyuki stayed silent momentarily before forcing herself to offer a faint smile. Then, skillfully controlling her cat puppet, she jumped downstairs.
Next, the cat puppet opened its mouth catching the thin envelope.
In a single bound, it leaped back upstairs.
Fetching a stool nearby, Akaba sat beside it.
At a loss for words, he previously even dared not ascend the stairs nor lift his gaze upward, fearing seeing the look within her eyes.
After a long silence, he murmured in admiration, "It seems Kyoyuki's chakra control is actually slightly stronger than mine."
Still amazed, Akaba took out the small booklet and handed it to Mito Uzumaki.
She took it without a word.
"You're still somewhat short of me — probably around Tsunade's level."
Mito flipped through the booklet while chatting casually with Akaba, though most of her attention was focused on the document itself.
After flipping through it, she set the booklet aside. By then, the chair had already stopped rocking. After a lengthy pause, she remarked, "Motonami's dōjutsu power isn't strong enough."
"Dōjutsu power?"
Akaba feigned surprise.
"The strength of the Sharingan relates to dōjutsu power. Madara's dōjutsu power was extremely strong—he could use an overwhelming force called Susanoo. If the data in this report is accurate, Motonami Uchiha doesn't possess the capability to control the Nine-Tails."
Mito briefly explained before tossing the booklet aside.
Clearly, this intelligence hadn't originated from her.
Akaba thought for just a moment before understanding — the only one who could have such clear knowledge was Kurama himself.
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