Chapter 19: That's... the Mangekyou!

"No, I have to be faster!" Shisui thought as he rushed towards Yuhara's location, deeply regretting having separated from him. Despite Yuhara's undeniable strength, he now faced an enemy adept in the Hidden Mist Technique. Shisui knew all too well how the Hidden Mist Technique could counter the Sharingan. His years in the ANBU had taught him that Mist ninjas were not to be underestimated.

Even though Shisui had made a name for himself, to the point where Mist ninja like Ao would avoid him, he knew Mist ninjas were highly disciplined and executed their missions with a fearless disregard for their own lives. Moreover, during missions, ANBU operatives would often monitor them, ready to kill anyone who might compromise their objectives.

The explosive sounds kept Shisui on edge, especially when his path was blocked by flames. He didn't know any Water Release techniques to extinguish the fire, meaning he had to find another route, costing him precious time.

"Yuhara, please don't let anything happen to you!" Shisui anxiously thought, quickening his pace in another direction. Within minutes, he had reached the heart of the flames, only to see a strange figure, arms outstretched like wings, engulfed in flames.

As Shisui's gaze shifted, he relaxed slightly upon recognizing Yuhara standing nearby, indicating that Yuhara had won the battle.

"It seems I underestimated Yuhara," Shisui muttered to himself as he approached. But then Yuhara turned around, revealing the eerie, slowly spinning triangular pattern in his eyes.

"That's... the Mangekyou!" Shisui was stunned, instantly recognizing the pattern. In that moment, he realized just how much he had underestimated Yuhara. He knew the immense suffering required to awaken such eyes and the tremendous power they could wield, having experienced it himself.

Suppressing his shock, Shisui pondered, "When did Yuhara gain these eyes?" He quickly dismissed the thought, knowing that everyone had their secrets. Even his own Mangekyou Sharingan was known to only a select few within the clan.

However, knowing that Yuhara possessed the Mangekyou Sharingan caused a subtle shift in Shisui's perception. "Perhaps he's had these eyes for a while. To oppose the clan leader and elders, you need a solid foundation of power. With such strength and vision, he could be the perfect clan leader!"

Seeing Yuhara's Mangekyou Sharingan, Shisui was convinced that Yuhara was the ideal choice for leadership—a powerful, insightful, and strategic individual who understood the root problems within the clan, village, and even the shinobi world. Who else could be better suited?

"Shisui, you're back," Yuhara said, deactivating his Mangekyou and smiling. "No need to worry. The enemy is defeated, and our mission is complete."

"Ah? Oh!" Shisui snapped out of his thoughts at Yuhara's words. "Yes, it seems our mission is complete." He continued to stare at Yuhara, his gaze more intense than before, making Yuhara slightly uncomfortable.

Yuhara understood that Shisui's reaction was likely due to seeing his Mangekyou Sharingan. He hadn't planned to keep it a secret, knowing it would be impossible to hide if he intended to challenge Fugaku and the elders. Demonstrating his Mangekyou was essential to gaining the confidence and support of the clan.

Without tangible proof of his strength, no one would follow him against the current regime. The Mangekyou Sharingan was the ultimate assurance for his followers, proving that he had the power to back his ambitions.

"Alright, let's discuss this later," Yuhara said, feeling elated despite the lingering headaches from his recent awakening. "This place is a mess. Staying here isn't an option."

"Yes," Shisui agreed, nodding seriously and pushing aside his questions.

"You don't have to be so formal with me. You're my friend, not my subordinate," Yuhara joked, glancing at the still-burning Raiga and his fallen swords. "Once the fire dies down, we can retrieve those swords and head back."

"Raiga's swords?" Shisui echoed, looking at the blades. "They're excellent weapons. We could turn them over to the village..."

"I'm not planning to hand them over," Yuhara interrupted. "I intend to melt them down and forge a new sword for myself."

A new sword for himself? Shisui was taken aback but remained silent, while Yuhara began envisioning himself wielding the newly forged blade, having chosen the 'Sword Art: Waterfowl Dance' as his reward from the system.

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(40 Advance chapters)