CHAPTER 12

c12 - Uchiha Clan

That night, beneath the quiet moonlit sky.

Yuuji sat cross-legged on his bed, his senses keenly aware of the subtle but persistent gazes watching him from outside. Ignoring the hidden Anbu surveillance, his consciousness sank deep within himself, entering the unique dimension inside his body.

---

In the vast, dark void, an enormous figure loomed, its colossal frame shrouded in an oppressive aura. A behemoth that exuded both terrifying power and absolute stillness Godzilla.

"Every time I see you, I feel reassured... but the question is, which version of Godzilla are you?"

Yuuji sat on the ground a hundred meters away, studying the giant creature before him. He attempted to establish a connection, but, as always, there was no response. Whether it was an unwillingness to communicate or simply an inability to do so, he couldn't tell.

Compared to the sheer size of this monster, Yuuji was nothing more than a speck of dust.

He sighed and refocused, beginning his training in earnest. With his mind and chakra as a bridge, he sought to draw closer to Godzilla and tap into its immense power.

"During the day, I revealed my Nuclear Release abilities and nearly resorted to using the White Hot Light technique. If I step onto the battlefield, relying solely on my Suction Art and White Hot Light won't be enough."

His expression hardened.

"You don't want me to die, do you? If possible, guide me. I'm not the reckless type—I'd rather be prepared. I need your strength."

He closed his eyes, delving deeper into his connection with Godzilla. This time, something changed.

A faint, yet indescribably heavy presence stirred within the void. It was profound, unfathomable—an ancient consciousness shifting ever so slightly. And in that instant, an overwhelming force swept over Yuuji.

"There's a response… Interesting. You seem drawn to chakra… but then again, who wouldn't be?"

A smirk tugged at Yuuji's lips.

"Your body holds incredible abilities—Atomic Breath, Electromagnetic Shields… If you're willing to share, I certainly won't refuse. Hell, if you've got things like Spiral Atomic Breath or Infinite Atomic Breath, feel free to pass them along. I wouldn't mind at all."

Silence.

"...Still nothing? Alright, let's make a deal. I'll refine chakra using your body as a medium. In return, I'll help you grow stronger. Sounds fair, right?"

A deep rumbling filled the space—a wave of disapproval radiated from the massive entity.

"Come on, don't be so stingy. You're living inside me rent-free. At least let me borrow some of your abilities. If you don't want me to use your body, fine—how about a summoning contract? When I'm in danger, I can summon you to fight alongside me."

An instant later, a shockwave erupted from Godzilla, slamming into Yuuji and hurling him backward.

---

In the real world, Yuuji's eyes snapped open.

"...Kicked out again, huh?"

He exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders.

"Such an enormous body, yet such a petty attitude… Whatever. This is progress."

As he recalled the sensation of being repelled, a glint of realization flashed in his eyes. The force that had ejected him—it was akin to a shockwave attack.

"In Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Void Godzilla's roar alone wiped out the advanced civilizations that tried to reclaim Earth. That super vibration wave could devastate entire battlefields."

However, the chakra cost of replicating such an attack was astronomical. At his current level, attempting it would be suicide.

"But a weakened version, an ordinary vibration wave… That might be feasible."

With a focused mind, Yuuji began experimenting.

---

Meanwhile, in the Uchiha Clan District…

Kazue stood in the grand hall of the Uchiha estate, her expression carefully neutral as she faced the scrutiny of the clan elders.

"Is that so? You truly stunned the entire village by awakening your Sharingan so suddenly…"

Sitting at the head of the hall, Uchiha Setsuna observed Kazue with a knowing smile. As one of the highest-ranking elders in the absence of the clan's strongest fighters, Setsuna held immense authority within Uchiha.

"Good work. Continue honing your abilities. The Uchiha Clan must never fall behind."

Kazue bowed respectfully.

"…Kazue, can you describe the exact moment your Sharingan awakened?" Setsuna's sharp gaze pierced into her.

Kazue's heart pounded, but her expression remained steady.

"Years of relentless training, unwavering determination… I refused to accept mediocrity, and my efforts finally bore fruit."

Her voice was firm, her blood-red eyes swirling with a single tomoe in each pupil.

Setsuna nodded slowly, fingers tapping against the armrest of his chair. The clan had meticulously documented the genetic trends of Sharingan awakening over generations. By their estimates, Kazue had been deemed average—unlikely to manifest her doujutsu until later in life, if ever.

Yet, she had shattered expectations, awakening her Sharingan at ten years old.

"…You are certain there's nothing else you wish to share with the clan?" Setsuna's voice was casual, but the weight behind his words was suffocating.

"For instance, your interactions with that Shiranui boy—Yuuji."

Kazue tensed.

"I was merely curious about him," she replied. "He isolates himself, wrapped in bandages, keeping secrets. I suspected he was hiding something. Now it's clear—he has awakened a new bloodline ability."

Setsuna's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her every movement.

Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke.

"…I see. It seems I was overthinking things."

Kazue maintained her respectful bow, keeping her face carefully blank.

"You may go."

She turned to leave, keeping her pace steady. But just as she reached the door—

"I will be recommending you to Hokage-sama," Setsuna called out. "You and Yuuji shall be placed in a three-man squad together. Do you have any objections?"

Kazue froze for the briefest moment.

"...None. I will follow the will of the clan."

"Good."

Setsuna watched her disappear into the corridor before turning his attention to a stack of documents.

A dossier on Shiranui Yuuji lay open before him.

"What kind of ability could awaken the Sharingan of a so-called 'mediocre' clansman?" he murmured.

His keen eyes landed on an old academy photograph of Yuuji.

Since the era of the Second Hokage, Setsuna had been among the most radical Uchiha loyalists. Now, his instincts screamed at him—this Shiranui boy warranted closer observation.

'If my suspicions are correct… could his power stimulate the evolution of Uchiha bloodline abilities?'

Just imagining the possibilities sent a thrill through him.

'This child… He must be brought into the Uchiha fold.'

---

Later that night—

"Sister! You're back!"

A tiny figure rushed forward, arms wrapping around Kazue's leg.

A young Uchiha Izumi, barely three years old, peered up at her sister with wide, innocent eyes.

"Sis, why do you look so pale?"

Kazue inhaled deeply, forcing a gentle smile.

"It's nothing. Just a bit tired," she reassured, ruffling Izumi's hair. "What did you do today? Were you a good girl?"

"Yes! I made a new friend! His name is Itachi! He's really quiet, but super nice!"

Kazue's smile widened.

"Is that so? That's wonderful…"

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