Chapter 68: Uchiha Fugaku's Resolution

The sharp blade, augmented by the cutting power of Wind Release, sliced through the air. Hara elegantly brought down his sword, the power of Reversal enhancing his every move. He felt as if he held the power to destroy the world, but he knew this was merely an illusion. Hara was aware of the future trajectory of events, and he knew that his current power was still insufficient.

The Mangekyo Sharingan was undeniably powerful, but its significance would only hold for a few more years. Within the next decade, with the onset of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the definition of a ninja's power would be redefined.

"Furthermore, Fugaku is using Susanoo. Even with the enhancement of Reversal, my Water Bird Dance may not be enough to break through his defense," Hara thought. Despite Susanoo's vulnerability to Wind Release in the past, it was still one of the most formidable defensive techniques.

Hara's Water Bird Dance was powerful, but cutting through Susanoo directly was unlikely. However, he was confident he could create enough cracks in it. Once cracks formed, Fugaku would have to expend more ocular power to repair them, giving Hara his chance.

Hara also had to be cautious, as he was still unsure about the specifics of Fugaku's ocular powers. Regardless of what they were, Hara was prepared, determined to achieve his goal today. Though he already held authority in the clan, he lacked the official title, which would grant him numerous system rewards.

The fierce wind blades and flames relentlessly assaulted Fugaku's Susanoo. Hara's precise and elegant strikes left marks on the yellow chakra construct. The Water Bird Dance consisted of three stages, each a painful memory for Hara, who had died countless times during training. Now, he intended to turn this technique into a nightmare for the entire ninja world. The Root ninja had already proven its effectiveness, and now Hara would use Fugaku to demonstrate its power.

"Hmm?"

As Hara executed the second stage of the dance, he noticed cracks forming on Fugaku's Susanoo. However, at that moment, a terrifying chakra gathered in Fugaku's eyes.

"Amaterasu? Or something else?"

Hara didn't pause, but his eyes began to spin, and the blue chakra of his 'Qi Shield' started to change. If it were Amaterasu, he wasn't sure if the Qi Shield could block it. The best choice was Susanoo. If it were another technique, without knowing its nature, Susanoo would still be his best defense. In a Mangekyo-level battle, ordinary defensive techniques were often ineffective.

Suddenly, the world around Hara changed dramatically. The vibrant world turned black and white, the sun in the sky became lifeless, like a pale moon. The surroundings grew desolate, and the flames and wind blades vanished. Even the battle between Hara and Fugaku seemed nonexistent.

"An illusion?"

Hara raised an eyebrow, realizing he had been pulled into an illusion without noticing any abnormality. It was evident that this was Fugaku's ocular power. It resembled Tsukuyomi but felt distinctly different.

However, what puzzled Hara was that he didn't feel restricted or bound in any way. "No restraints or limitations. What's going on? Is Fugaku being overly confident or just too self-assured?"

Hara assessed his situation, finding himself unbound and in perfect condition. This oddity made him wary, as Fugaku's behavior throughout the battle had been unusual.

"Hara-kun, I apologize for using this method to communicate with you."

Fugaku's voice echoed through the space, and his figure appeared. Hara turned to face him, confused by Fugaku's actions but not lowering his guard.

"Communicate? Clan Leader Fugaku, what do you want to say to me?" Hara asked cautiously.

"Yes, there's much I want to say, but I never had the chance," Fugaku replied with a bitter smile, making Hara even more puzzled. Ignoring Hara's confusion, Fugaku continued.

"Your speech at the clan meeting a month ago was enlightening. I once thought that while I may not be an excellent clan leader, I was at least competent. But after hearing your words and seeing the support you garnered, I realized I needed to reflect."

Fugaku's smile grew more pained. "I isolated myself for a month, seeing no one, not even my wife and children, to reflect on my actions as clan leader. Combining your words with my introspection, I reached a sorrowful conclusion: I am not just an inadequate leader; I'm a terrible one."

Hara's expression grew more perplexed. "What's happening? Is this a flashback scene in the middle of a battle, or has Fugaku lost his mind?"

"Thank you, Hara-kun. You made me realize my weaknesses and shortcomings. You made me see how unfit I am," Fugaku said sincerely. "I'm sure you're wondering about the purpose of this battle?"

Hara remained silent, observing Fugaku. He felt he was beginning to understand, but he wasn't certain.

"This battle has a clear purpose. It's a signal and a necessary process, especially significant for me," Fugaku continued with a smile. "When this illusion ends, I will stop defending. Your swordsmanship is exceptional, one of the best I've ever seen. Dying to such a technique, wielded by someone with the Mangekyo, I will have no regrets."