Chapter 54: Kotoamatsukami (Requesting Votes! Requesting Investments!)

Shisui wasn't stupid.

With a little thought, he understood why Sōgen was doing this—it was meant to provoke the Hyuga clan and create a rift between them and the Third Hokage. But would it work? The Hyuga hadn't rebelled two years ago, so why would they break ties with the Third Hokage now?

Besides—

"Sōgen, Hyuga Hizashi committed suicide, didn't he?"

"Heh... This is the first time I've heard you talk so much nonsense, Shisui. Whether Hyuga Hizashi killed himself or was murdered, does it really matter?"

Sōgen laughed out of frustration.

Shisui's personality... was truly troublesome! If they weren't friends, Sōgen might have considered taking his own eyes out to see if he could use "The Knight Never Dies Unarmed" for himself! After all, the Sharingan is just a tool, and even Uchiha Madara had used Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan. But, of course, that wasn't the right path.

His own eyes were the best. Rather than obsessing over eye-swapping tactics, it would be better to study how to unlock the Rinnegan. After all, the Mangekyo Sharingan is ultimately inferior to the Rinnegan. Kotoamatsukami may seem powerful, but it might not even work against the Rinnegan.

Not to mention, even among Mangekyo Sharingan users, Sōgen doubted that Kotoamatsukami could permanently alter someone's will—at most, it would only distort it for a short time.

He reined in his wandering thoughts and continued to explain:

"The most important thing here is to make the Hyuga and other clans realize that the Third Hokage has aged. He's no longer the strong shinobi he once was. Under his leadership, Konoha is becoming a pushover for anyone to exploit. You might think this method is despicable, but the fact is the Third Hokage chose to back down in the face of Cloud Ninja's threats."

"If we don't act now, when the Third decides to give up a Uchiha body to appease the Mist Ninja, how do you expect me, as the clan leader, to respond? Should I pick a clan member to die?"

Sōgen stood up from his chair, walked towards Shisui, and questioned:

"If I choose war, are you going to try to stop me from clashing with the village? Shisui, you need to make a final decision—either support me and trust that I can unify the clan and the village, or continue doubting me. Of course, you can also make another choice... you've been curious about my ocular powers, haven't you? Try them out for yourself!"

As he said this, he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Sitting on the sofa, Shisui looked up at Sōgen, whose red eyes were gleaming. They stared at each other for more than ten seconds before Shisui turned his head and said in a low voice:

"Sōgen, don't let me down!"

"If you've made up your mind, then act quickly. You have one minute. In one minute, I need to see results. I'll deal with the Anbu outside, but if I don't see what I want in one minute..."

Sōgen could tolerate Shisui to a certain extent because they were friends, and because Shisui had the Mangekyo Sharingan. But precisely because they were friends, Sōgen wouldn't allow him to make the wrong choice. The Uchiha clan's rise required the efforts of many people. 

As the ancient saying goes: "One flower does not make a spring, but when hundreds bloom, spring arrives."

For the Uchiha to rise again, Sōgen couldn't do it alone!

So, if Shisui truly strayed from the path, Sōgen wouldn't hesitate to use force to correct him.

After delivering this ultimatum, Sōgen turned around, walked to the window, opened it, and leaped out. He blocked the approaching Anbu before they could enter the police department, intercepting them on a nearby rooftop.

"Uchiha Captain!"

The Anbu with the dog mask knelt on one knee. "Lord Hokage has ordered that you bring the Mist emissary to the Hokage's office."

"I understand. I'll be there shortly."

Sōgen said with no expression, noticing the Anbu still kneeling and not leaving. He frowned. "Didn't you hear me? You can go back and report to Lord Hokage that I'll be there soon."

The Anbu trembled slightly, not daring to say anything further, and silently left.

When Sōgen returned to the office, Shisui was wiping the blood from the corners of his eyes with a tissue. The trash bin was filled with blood-stained tissues, evidence of how much strain Kotoamatsukami had placed on Shisui. The blood loss alone made it clear how severe the burden had been.

Sōgen lifted the limp, compliant Mist Ninja by the eyelids and used his ocular powers—just as Shisui had done earlier—to hypnotize and interrogate him.

"… Threaten Konoha with war… Mimic the Cloud Ninja's success… Demand the Samehada sword and Shisui Uchiha's head... Not bad! No obvious flaws."

Sōgen let go, and the Mist Ninja collapsed to the ground.

"Well done!"

Sōgen praised Shisui.

In response, Shisui forced a bitter smile. If Sōgen hadn't pressured him, he would never have used Kotoamatsukami. In his eyes, that power was horrible—he'd rather defeat enemies with a single strike than alter their will.

"One more thing, Shisui—remember not to leave your blood or hair lying around. It's best to burn it!"

As he spoke, Sōgen flicked his hand, sending a small flame into the trash can, incinerating its contents completely. In seconds, only a pile of ash remained in the ceramic bin, though the bin itself was unscathed. The precision of this fire technique left Shisui amazed.

"Sōgen really has mastered Fire Release to an art form!"

Shisui thought to himself that he should settle down and train more seriously.

"Shisui, get ready. Bring this guy with us to the Hokage's office."

Sōgen ordered.

Shisui walked over and picked up the lump of human trash.

"Wait!"

Sōgen handed Samehada's hilt to Shisui. "Hold onto it."

Samehada obediently infused Shisui with its refined spiritual and physical energy. He soon felt a warmth in his eyes, and his damaged eyesight began to heal. The energy replenished his depleted ocular powers, and within three minutes, even the Mangekyo Sharingan strain from earlier had recovered.

"Sōgen, this is..."

"Keep it secret. I don't want too many people knowing about this."

Sōgen whispered. "Don't forget, the unknown Uchiha who attacked during the Nine-Tails' rampage—compared to the Third Hokage, that person poses the greatest threat to our clan."

(End of Chapter)