CHAPTER 36

Kill an Uchiha Instantly with One Glance

In the moonlit forest, where the torches flickered against the night breeze, Uchiha Gen and Uchiha Shisui walked side by side.

The two bore a striking resemblance in stature and attire—both clad in dark combat tights and protective armor with the Uchiha crest emblazoned on their backs. The only differences lay in the placement of their ninja swords and the fact that Gen possessed a sharper, more striking appearance.

Of course, Shisui was no less remarkable. Among the Uchiha, beauty—whether in men or women—was almost a birthright.

"How are you getting along with Kakashi and Rin?" Gen asked casually.

"They're both great people," Shisui replied with a warm smile.

"Minato-sensei is also admirable," he added, his voice carrying quiet respect.

"Shisui, it seems you've been accepted."

"That was fast. You really are more suited for Team 7 and Minato-senpai than I am."

"No matter what, they've already acknowledged you."

"Haha, don't try to console me. Minato-senpai hasn't fully accepted me yet…"

Shisui looked momentarily conflicted, unsure of how to respond.

"But it's fine. After becoming Orochimaru-sensei's disciple, I realized he's more suited to my temperament than Minato-senpai."

"You don't need to dwell on it."

Gen smiled and patted Shisui's shoulder.

Namikaze Minato was a man of deep compassion—gentle, kind, and treating everyone in the village with warmth. Yet, that very kindness created a distance; few could truly reach his heart.

So far, the only one who had was Uzumaki Kushina, and even she had taken years. His three students held a special place in his heart, but not much more than any other loyal shinobi of Konoha.

In many ways, Minato resembled the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama—a man who would sacrifice anything for the village, including himself and even those closest to him.

If Kushina ever turned against Konoha, Minato would likely kill her… and then take his own life.

That was his nature. As long as one remained an ally of the village, he was unfailingly supportive. This was one reason why Gen had ultimately chosen Orochimaru. The Sannin's trust was rare and, to Gen, more valuable.

Shisui remained silent, mistaking Gen's words for mere reassurance. He resolved to find a way to repay him.

To Shisui, no teacher in the world could surpass Minato. Orochimaru was undoubtedly formidable, but still fell short.

Gen said no more. He had spoken the truth—what others thought was none of his concern.

As they conversed, they arrived at the Uchiha encampment.

Though unfamiliar with Gen, the Uchiha warriors here knew Shisui well. They had watched him rise through the ranks, becoming a legend in their clan.

Seeing Shisui, the gathered Uchiha temporarily set aside their sorrow and greeted him with warmth, their usual pride replaced by respect.

After exchanging greetings, Shisui raised his hand and introduced Gen.

"This is Uchiha Gen, a shinobi whose abilities rival mine—perhaps even surpass them."

The "excellence" Shisui referred to wasn't just strength but also intellect and strategic foresight.

Gen raised an eyebrow. "Good grief. If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were flattering me."

The surrounding Uchiha frowned at his words, casting skeptical glances at Gen.

The so-called "Uchiha Twins" were a title known only among Konoha's Uchiha.

These Uchiha warriors, stationed on the Kirigakure front lines, had heard little of them. Only their fallen leader had corresponded with Fugaku about them.

And even if they had heard, pride ran deep in the Uchiha. Without witnessing proof firsthand, they remained doubtful.

"Stronger than Shisui?"

"Tch… I'd like to see that."

A young man stepped forward from the crowd, clad in a high-collared black combat uniform. His slim frame carried an air of rebellion, and his crimson Sharingan gleamed with challenge.

His left eye bore two tomoe; his right eye, three. Among those present, only a handful of jōnin wielded three-tomoe Sharingan.

"Osamu, what are you doing?"

"Stand down."

Realizing his words had caused trouble for Gen, Shisui's face darkened.

Osamu hesitated but did not retreat. Bowing his head slightly, he murmured, "Shisui, I only wish to test this so-called superior shinobi."

"Yeah, I'd like to see it too."

"So would I."

"Count me in."

Shisui's frown deepened as murmurs spread.

Just as he was about to use his authority to quell the challenge, Gen stepped forward.

"It's fine, Shisui. I'm curious about my fellow clansmen's skills, too."

"But—"

"There's no need to worry. Do you think I'll lose?"

Gen's quiet confidence silenced Shisui.

He stepped past him, and his dark eyes bled crimson—the two tomoe of his Sharingan spinning slowly.

"Have some nerve. Don't cower like a child and disgrace the Uchiha name."

Osamu scoffed. "How can two-tomoe eyes compare to Shisui's three?"

Sharingan hierarchy was ingrained in their blood. More tomoe meant greater power—Osamu had no doubt of his superiority.

"You'll see soon enough," Gen replied calmly.

"Then let's go elsewhere—"

"No need."

"What, afraid?" Osamu taunted.

"There's simply no need. This will be over quickly."

Gen's voice was nonchalant, as if stating a simple fact.

The arrogance in his tone irked the surrounding Uchiha.

This brat… who does he think he is?

How dare a mere two-tomoe user act superior to someone with five?

"Enough talk! You're finished!" Osamu growled, lunging forward.

But in that instant—

Gen's gaze ensnared him.

Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes!

Their eyes met, and Osamu's body stiffened.

Inside the genjutsu, he found himself trapped in a crimson void—five massive rusted stakes impaling his limbs and torso.

Though painless, his body refused to move.

"Tch, what a cheap trick! I—"

Osamu's Sharingan spun furiously as he tried to dispel the illusion.

But nothing happened.

"What…?"

Panic flickered in his crimson eyes.

He poured his chakra into breaking free, his Sharingan blazing.

"Move."

"Move!"

"MOVE, DAMN IT!"

Osamu roared in frustration, his expression contorting in disbelief.

A moment later, he shattered the illusion, regaining control—

Only to feel cold steel pressed against his throat.

His breath hitched as he looked down at the kunai resting against his jugular.

His face paled.

"See? It's already over," Gen murmured, his Sharingan gleaming playfully.

The watching Uchiha stiffened.

They had seen everything.

Gen had drawn his kunai leisurely, walked up to Osamu, and placed it at his throat—

All while Osamu had stood motionless, trapped.

It wasn't just about the illusion.

The fact that Osamu, a five-tomoe user, couldn't break free in time was the true shock.

The gap between their genjutsu mastery was enormous.

Shisui, who had remained silent, finally exhaled.

Though he could do the same, he needed three-tomoe eyes.

But Gen had done it with two.

His Sharingan wasn't just strong—it rivaled Shisui's.

And in genjutsu…

It was superior.