Chapter 66: Fugaku Uchiha’s Strength

Below the cliff, the river surged swiftly. Standing on the river, Hara and Fugaku Uchiha faced each other, while the observing Uchiha ninjas watched silently from the forest above.

A gentle breeze blew past, but neither Hara nor Fugaku moved. However, the intense pressure between them had already reached its peak, with their chakra swirling above the river like a tangible force. Under such an oppressive aura, they appeared as fearsome as shuras, instilling fear in those who beheld them.

"Honestly, Hara, I never expected you to be my opponent," Fugaku finally spoke, breaking the silence. "You truly are an astonishing individual."

"Should I thank you for the compliment, Fugaku, or feel guilty?" Hara replied, shaking his head slightly, his gaze focused as if seeking an opening.

"You needn't feel guilty. You're simply doing what you must," Fugaku said, his expression growing serious. "I'm amazed by your talent, patience, and vision. I admit, I've underestimated you, viewing you merely as an isolated genius of our clan. But your actions have proven you're not just a clan prodigy—you're someone who could sit in the Kage's position. Your strength rivals Shisui's, and like him, you possess the Mangekyo Sharingan. You'll make an excellent clan leader."

"Fugaku, what do you mean by that?" Hara frowned, finding Fugaku's behavior today unusually strange. His words implied a lack of confidence, almost as if he had already conceded the clan leadership to Hara. If that were the case, today's duel could be avoided. However, Fugaku's actions suggested otherwise, leaving Hara puzzled. Nevertheless, he remained vigilant, facing an opponent with a Mangekyo Sharingan.

"It's just some thoughts," Fugaku said, shaking his head slightly. "You'll understand soon enough, but for now, be careful because the battle…"

Before he finished speaking, a swift gleam of light slashed towards Hara's neck, as fast as a lightning strike!

"…has already begun!"

Hara had been fully focused, and as Fugaku moved, his eyes transformed into the three-tomoe Sharingan, narrowly dodging the deadly attack. Simultaneously, his ninja blade flashed from its sheath, aimed directly at Fugaku's back with a radiant blue glow.

Ninja battles are always fierce, and those with the Sharingan have an even keener sense of timing. Any moment of distraction would lead to a deadly assault. In an instant, the two were engaged in a close-quarters combat, their blades clashing with a flurry of strikes. Despite the intense appearance, it was evident to all that they were merely warming up, gauging each other's strengths and abilities.

The crimson tomoe in their eyes spun relentlessly, displaying their terrifying insight. Fugaku dodged Hara's blade and countered with a kunai aimed at Hara's neck. However, midway through his motion, Fugaku abruptly twisted, stabbing his kunai into the space beside him. Hara appeared, grabbing Fugaku's arm and thrusting his blade into Fugaku's abdomen, but Fugaku vanished in a puff of smoke.

The spectators above the cliff were left in suspense, admiring the dazzling display of combat. Many activated their Sharingan, realizing it was necessary to fully comprehend the high-speed movements below.

Hara's eyes spun as he accelerated to an incredible speed. Though his Mangekyo's enhancements were primarily in chakra, his physical speed had also improved significantly.

"Such speed," Fugaku murmured, appearing by the riverbank. Despite acknowledging Hara's speed, he remained unperturbed. His Sharingan had locked onto Hara's movements. Hara's blade flicked out, effortlessly deflecting Fugaku's kunai and slicing towards him. At that moment, Fugaku completed a one-handed seal, causing the river water to surge and form a thick wall before him.

"Water Style: Water Wall!"

"Water Style?" Hara was momentarily surprised, as few Uchiha specialized in Water Style due to their innate proficiency with Fire Style. Fugaku's adept use of water jutsu was unexpected, yet Hara didn't hesitate. His blade now infused with Wind Chakra sliced through the water wall like tofu. Fugaku had already leaped back, creating distance.

Just as Fugaku retreated, the wall split, and a kunai, attached to an explosive tag, hurtled towards Hara. His eyes narrowed, recognizing the explosive tag on the kunai. Fugaku's tactics were diverse and cunning, showcasing his undeniable combat prowess despite his problematic personality.

"Boom!"

The tag exploded with a deafening roar and a burst of flames, engulfing Hara. Yet, in the moment of the explosion, a hint of blue chakra enveloped Hara's form...