Chapter 69: Adaptation Doesn't Mean Random Fabrication

"The Third has gotten involved, Clan Leader."

Uchiha Eno returned without mentioning the ambush orchestrated by Akaba or how he narrowly escaped death.

"Good then."

Motonami Uchiha let out a sigh of relief and relaxed. "The Third's involvement means Konoha isn't entirely extreme. All of this was simply Danzo's faction acting alone."

"But we can't just let it go like this, or our clan's reputation will be completely ruined."

Uchiha Eno said solemnly.

"Of course not. Next, we'll pressure the Sakuma family while contacting The Third, hinting that he should step in to resolve the conflict."

"As long as that brat isn't stupid, he'll take the opportunity to back down."

Motonami Uchiha remarked.

"But Danzo and his men have gone too far—if one day even the Hokage..."

Uchiha Eno's voice brimmed with anger but trailed off when Motonami suddenly raised his hand, stopping him mid-sentence.

They sat in silence for a moment before Motonami continued, "Leaving Konoha—where else could we go? Did you really think this manga appearing is the only reason others are eyeing us?"

"This..."

"There won't be another Madara Uchiha. Leaving Konoha means becoming the next Uzumaki clan."

Motonami Uchiha said calmly.

"The Uzumaki clan?"

"The Third brought back ten children from the Land of Whirlpools. I had someone look into it—now the Uzumaki face total annihilation."

He sighed heavily, his tone growing darker.

"What?! Annihilation?! How did this happen?!"

Uchiha Eno couldn't hide his shock. The Uzumaki had always maintained strong ties with Konoha and possessed formidable power themselves. That such a mighty clan would face catastrophe seemed impossible.

However,

After hearing what Motonami explained, he understood.

"The jewel brings misfortune to its possessor!"

Whether the manga appeared or not, other ninja villages wanted the Sharingan regardless—the problem existed independently of the manga; Akaba's drawing merely exposed it outright.

He sighed again, feeling even more confused.

Yet at that moment, Motonami suddenly smiled and said, "Actually, this might turn into an opportunity. Let's have Sakuma Akaba exaggerate the dangers and flaws of Sharingan transplants."

"You mean making everyone realize the cost of acquiring a Sharingan far outweighs its benefits?"

Uchiha Eno mused thoughtfully.

"Precisely. The Branch Family's Byakugan — [Caged Bird] — isn't worth stealing anyway; it only causes problems for anyone who tries."

Motonami couldn't help but laugh as he said this. "We can use this incident as propaganda to showcase our [Caged Bird]."

You'd be surprised how useful manga can be—if played right.

"I need to meet up with that brat and Danzo soon."

Walking down the street after leaving Hokage Tower, Akaba recalled their recent conversation.

It was clear that The Third had profound knowledge of the Sharingan to make such an observation.

"From what The Third said, a reconciliation will likely be mediated within a few days."

Akaba strolled idly along the road, bored.

Since the time of The Second, the Hokage line had oppressed the Uchiha in various ways, later plotting their destruction following the Nine-Tails' attack.

In short, the Hokage side never truly trusted them—and Akaba was simply using the situation to his advantage.

There's always a price for standing at the forefront.

The benefits here were twofold: first, the Uchiha clan itself showed interest in the manga, offering an opportunity to gain many points; second, Danzo's willingness to take the blame indicated his interest. If he pursued this research further, Danzo would end up taking any fallout.

But it wasn't enough!

Akaba's mind raced as he considered another matter.

Should he modify or delay the upcoming massacre storyline?

Just one outsider possessing the Sharingan was enough to make the Uchiha go nuts—once the massacre arc came out, the uproar would likely be even worse.

As he thought, he began walking toward Danzo's location.

However, before long—

"Lord Danzo has ordered training canceled for today. Please come to this location."

One of the Root team's ninjas?

Akaba accepted the Scroll and the messenger vanished instantly.

Unrolling the Scroll revealed a coded message pointing to Training Ground 32 within the Forest of Death.

What did it mean?

Could Danzo have regretted taking the blame and now wanted revenge through training?

"Impossible—that's way too childish. It must be the Uchiha behind this."

Akaba took a deep breath.

Only the Uchiha could have convinced Danzo to cancel his schedule last minute and request a meeting in such a remote place.

But what if this was a trap?

After thinking it over, he created a Shadow Clone.

"Tough luck for you—go in my place."

The Forest of Death was filled with danger everywhere, especially with the Uchiha's stance still unclear.

Going there personally would be like hanging his own head from Danzo's belt.

If there were no risks involved, then one Shadow Clone would suffice.

"Alright."

The Shadow Clone nodded and promptly headed for Training Ground 32 in the Forest of Death.

Inside the Forest of Death, Danzo stood silently at the center, waiting.

"Lord Danzo, it's been a while."

Motonami Uchiha appeared. "Where's that kid?"

"He hasn't arrived yet."

Danzo replied coolly. "What business did you call me here for?"

"What do you think we're here about? We're very interested in that brat's work."

Motonami smiled slightly.

"Hm?"

Danzo frowned faintly, not fully understanding his meaning.

"Nothing much. Let's wait until the boy gets here."

Leaning against a tree, both he and Danzo sensed movement nearby.

Here he comes!

Rustling...

The sound of leaves stirred overhead before someone swiftly jumped down from the trees, landing between them.

"I apologize for being late, lords."

Akaba gave them both a glance, appearing calm on the outside but confused inside.

The Uchiha meeting directly with Danzo instead of going through the Third was indeed unusual.

"No problem. Allow me to introduce myself first—I am Motonami Uchiha, the current Clan Leader of the Uchiha clan."

Motonami gave a slight smile without making any sudden moves.

"Pleased to meet you. I am Sakuma Akaba."

Even though they might currently be adversaries, he maintained every ounce of courtesy.

Akaba bowed briefly, paying attention to Danzo's expression. Clearly, his mentor himself had only learned about this meeting recently.

"Now that everyone is here, allow me to speak plainly."

"Sakuma Akaba, I want you to explain the cost of obtaining a Sharingan for non-Uchiha in your manga."

Uchiha Motonami said.

Akaba thought to himself—could that really be the only reason this person approached him?

Unlikely!

He considered briefly before replying with the same prepared response: "I don't know much about the Sharingan. Do you have any specific questions?"

"The Sharingan, also known as the Eye of Reflection, reflects its wielder's mind. The decisive factor in its power lies in the eye's chakra. Although we don't yet understand the specifics, what we do know is that even if non-Uchiha obtain a Sharingan, they'll struggle to generate chakra from it."

"In other words—"

"It isn't just an eye; it's actually an evolution of the bloodline itself tied to the Uchiha clan. Non-Uchiha cannot use it properly. Even if there are rare exceptions, the bearer must have paid a heavy price."

Motonami asked while Danzo answered, and then they both fell silent.

"You mean you want me to present it like this in my comic?"

Akaba said thoughtfully.

"Even made-up stories should follow some logic. Adapting isn't the same as making things up out of nowhere. These details will make your story more complete. As for how to draw it—that's entirely up to you. I simply hope there's a reasonable explanation."

Uchiha Motonami said kindly.

"I understand."

Akaba looked toward Danzo and finally nodded slightly.

Uchiha Motonami's goal remained reconciliation. This time, however, he had chosen to speak openly, leaving Danzo to discern truth from falsehood on his own.

The Second Hokage had deep hostility toward the Uchiha clan and naturally studied them extensively. He believed Danzo possessed sufficient judgment.

In some ways, it was true—no one had ever successfully transplanted a Sharingan up until now.

Danzo mused inwardly for a while before finally keeping his silence, implicitly accepting the agreement.

To Akaba, this wasn't just an agreement—it was also a gesture of goodwill. Undoubtedly, this was another reason why Motonami requested this meeting between Akaba and Danzo.

When it came to such issues, the Uchiha weren't completely unwilling to talk.

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