The Grand Elder looked at Arata as though recalling long-forgotten memories.
His gaze lingered on Arata's Mangekyō Sharingan, and the stern lines of his face gradually softened into a look of satisfaction.
"You will," he said with certainty. "You are still young, Arata. At your age, even Madara had not yet awakened the Mangekyō."
"If you continue to work hard, you can become the next Madara Uchiha… or even surpass him."
Arata knew that with the help of his system, surpassing Madara was only a matter of time. Still, hearing such words from the Grand Elder stirred an indescribable emotion within his heart.
Seated at the table, the Grand Elder's expression shifted several times, as though memories were surfacing one after another. Finally, his face settled into stern resolve, and when he spoke again, his voice carried unmistakable weight.
"Uchiha Arata!"
Recognizing the gravity of the moment, Arata straightened at once, his tone equally serious.
"Yes, Grand Elder. What are your orders?"
The Grand Elder adjusted his posture.
"I, Uchiha Ryo, in my capacity as Grand Elder of the Uchiha clan, swear this to you," he declared slowly.
"From this day forward, so long as you do not betray our clan, I will fully support you—and help you become the leader of the Uchiha."
Each word fell like a hammer, heavy and resolute.
Arata was stunned.
I haven't even used Kotoamatsukami yet…
How did he reach this decision on his own?
Noticing Arata's astonishment, the Grand Elder allowed himself a faint smile.
"Arata, you underestimate the value of the Mangekyō Sharingan to our clan," he said calmly.
"Do you know how precious it is?"
"It is not merely a symbol of strength," he continued.
"It represents potential—the ability to grow into a true master. It also signifies the purity of one's bloodline."
"Anyone who awakens the Mangekyō is not only talented, but among the purest of the Uchiha."
"Such a person has the qualifications to contend for clan leadership… and the destiny to guide our people toward glory."
Arata was genuinely taken aback.
Though he had read some ancient records, much of the Uchiha's true history had been lost over the years, buried beneath hardship and turmoil.
Yet fragments of that knowledge had endured.
As he absorbed the Grand Elder's words, Arata noticed the expectation in the old man's eyes. Something stirred within him.
"Grand Elder," he asked carefully,
"if I were to make certain requests… would you be willing to fulfill them?"
The Grand Elder laughed heartily.
"You mean restraining the clan and reducing conflict with the village?" he said.
"Even if you hadn't asked, I would have done so."
Seeing the confusion on Arata's face, he continued.
"The times have changed. Now that your Mangekyō Sharingan has awakened, your strength will enter a period of explosive growth."
"The Mangekyō is far more than heightened chakra and perception," he said gravely.
"Each Mangekyō contains a unique dōjutsu—often more powerful than ninjutsu, or possessing unpredictable abilities."
"The most terrifying among them can even manipulate space and time. Without an extraordinary kekkei genkai, such techniques are nearly impossible to counter."
"Of course," he added, his voice lowering with reverence,
"the ultimate manifestation of the Mangekyō is its divine power—Susanoo."
At the mention of Susanoo, Arata saw the Grand Elder's face flush with fervor, as though that name alone stirred his soul.
The Grand Elder fixed his gaze on Arata.
"Susanoo—the ultimate Mangekyō dōjutsu of the Uchiha," he said solemnly.
"In his era, Lord Madara refined Susanoo to the fourth stage, standing equal to Hashirama—the so-called God of Shinobi."
"These coming years will be your period of explosive growth," he continued.
"In time, your dōjutsu will be fully mastered."
"Once you have perfected Susanoo, no one in Konoha will be able to rival you."
"That," he declared,
"is when our Uchiha clan will rise again."
Arata felt the immense weight of the Grand Elder's expectations settle upon his shoulders.
Clearly, he would need to push himself—to master Susanoo as quickly as possible and achieve a qualitative leap in strength.
From the situation, it seemed that Fugaku had not informed the Grand Elder of his own Mangekyō awakening.
Otherwise, Ryo would have supported him long ago instead of opposing him.
Seeing the elder's unwavering resolve, Arata felt reassured.
Uchiha Ryo had been won over—far more easily than expected.
Not only had Arata gained the Grand Elder's support, but he had also preserved a Kotoamatsukami for later use.
Now, there was one person left to meet.
Clan Head Uchiha Fugaku.
As the leader of the Uchiha—and the father of Itachi and Sasuke—Fugaku must have awakened the Mangekyō as well.
But Arata knew he would need to proceed with extreme caution.
After bidding farewell to the Grand Elder, Arata headed straight toward the center of the Uchiha estate.
As clan head, Fugaku naturally resided in the largest and most central mansion.
The Uchiha compound was not particularly vast, and Arata arrived quickly.
Because he had spent considerable time with the Grand Elder, night had already fallen by the time he reached Fugaku's courtyard.
The courtyard lay in darkness.
Fugaku had already retired for the night.
I haven't even slept yet, Arata thought to himself.
And you're already asleep?
He scaled the gate with practiced ease, landed silently in the courtyard, and spoke in a low voice:
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