Kapitel 19: The Challenge

The Uchiha clan possesses a truly unique bloodline limit. Once they awaken the Sharingan, their training yields results that would take ordinary people many years to achieve.

If their chakra and ninjutsu talent are sufficient, they can effectively copy and master nearly any ninjutsu with just a single glance. Upon opening their eyes, they reach at least Chunin-level proficiency. When they activate the Mangekyō Sharingan, they unquestionably become Kage-level masters.

Throughout Naruto, the Sharingan's evolution and the activation of the Mangekyō Kekkei Genkai technique are terrifyingly powerful. Notably, techniques such as Kotoamatsukami, Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, and Kamui have proven exceptionally formidable.

In addition to these techniques, Uchiha clan members possess the ability to activate Susanoo, an exclusive super ninjutsu that combines offense and defense.

To obtain Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, a conflict must be orchestrated between Shisui and Shimura Danzo, resulting in their mutual weakening and providing an opportunity for someone to benefit.

Yato continued to recall, extracting snippets of useful information and intelligence and pondering the occurrence of the battle between Shisui and the Root.

In Shippuden, when Kabuto confronted Obito with the Impure World Reincarnation army to negotiate, he mentioned never finding Shisui's body. Shisui never made a physical appearance in the series, existing solely in memories. It is likely his body, like Jiraiya's, was carried away by the river and could not be recovered.

The only known fact is that Shisui died almost two years before the Uchiha clan's destruction. His intention was to utilize the Mangekyō eye technique known as Kotoamatsukami to prevent the clan from launching a coup. However, Danzo and the Root attacked him before he could, resulting in the loss of his right eye.

Before Shisui's demise, he entrusted his remaining right eye to Itachi and then jumped off the Naka River to take his own life. Afterward, Shisui the teleporter vanished entirely from this world.

"It shouldn't be too far. After the attack by the root, Shisui was at his wit's end. The location where he took his own life is likely not too distant from where he was assaulted. Conservatively estimating, it should be around 10 miles away."

"But it's plausible that Danzo chose not to pursue him further, wanting to avoid raising suspicion. If that's the case, the distance might be shorter, perhaps even half."

Upon returning home, Yato requested a map of Konoha from Riku and laid it out. Looking at the map, he realized that finding the spot where Shisui was attacked by the root would not be an easy task. The TV animation indicated that the place where Shisui ended his life was a cliff with a waterfall. However, the Naka River had multiple cliffs with waterfalls, and they were spread far apart.

"Even if we exclude locations far from the Uchiha clan, there are still four possible places where Shisui might have committed suicide."

Yato couldn't help but think of the Flying Thunder God Technique, considered the fastest ninjutsu in the world. If he could use it now, he could carve seals in multiple places and send shadow clones to monitor those locations, arriving quickly without having to travel on foot. However, he was aware that if the battle between Root and Shisui was brief, his plan could fail.

"I have to find a way to determine where Root attacked Shisui so that I can set traps and increase the chances of capturing the eye. Otherwise, I'll have to take my chances."

After putting away the map, Yato's eyes filled with determination. Opportunities like this were rare and wouldn't come back. He wasn't going to give up on this plan to obtain the eye, knowing that missing this opportunity would mean losing it forever.

"Now, I have to strengthen myself as much as possible in these four months."

In addition to the devil fruit, the Navy Six Styles, and Haki training, he had obtained other items in exchange for the chakra fruit from the talent exchange shop.

Potential Explosion:

Prop type: disposable consumable.

Item Effect: After activating this card, the user's body and energy, including all physical and energy attacks, will increase fivefold for the next two hours.

Note: The strengthening effect is obtained by squeezing cells. (After the item effect ends, the user will temporarily be in a weak state.)

Side effects: After the item effects end, the user's physical stats would drop by one third ⅓.

A fivefold physical and energy attack bonus would mean that with his current 400 Doriki, he could achieve 2000 Doriki with his physical body alone. When adding gravity to the mix, his attack power would become unpredictable.

Such an enhancement was amazing. Even without enough chakra for a devastating blow, the power of the gravity fruit would make him unrivaled below the Kage level. Even some Kage-level masters might struggle due to their insufficient knowledge and understanding of him. The devil fruit had the incredible feature of not requiring hand seals to release killing ninjutsu, making it even more impressive.

"It's a pity. Even if I asked for the Eight Gates from Might Guy and learned it, I wouldn't be able to use it in this situation. Otherwise, I would have a chance to confront them head-on!"

Yato was well aware of the danger his plan posed. If he wasn't careful, he could die on the spot. If possible, he wanted to be stronger, even if it was just a slight improvement.

"I can't give up on refining my chakra. A little more chakra means my moves will become stronger. However, I can temporarily set aside practicing the Navy Six Styles."

Four months might seem like a substantial amount of time, but for him, it still falls short. "Mastering the three styles of paper drawing, storm kick, and finger gun is a daunting task. I can temporarily set those aside and focus on shaving and ironing. As for the moon step, even though I have the ability to fly, I can let go of it!"

"Understanding and practicing Haki is even more challenging. I have yet to discover the path to achieving it, so for now, I will put it aside. My priority now is to enhance my combat effectiveness."

Having determined his future training objectives, Yato unlocked the shadow clone technique. However, fatigue instantly overwhelmed him, crashing into his mind like a colossal wave, resulting in momentary pain and a loss of consciousness.

"Don't train tonight, Yato! Rest after dinner." Riku attempted to assist but found it impossible due to Yato's massive size. Thus, it could only offer a reminder.

"I understand." Yato finally relented and agreed. His body required time to assimilate the vast amount of information and the sudden surge of chakra.

****

The next day, Yato left the cabin before daybreak. He pulled out a map and made his way towards the Naka River. Upon arrival, he quickly realized that Shisui and Itachi purposely chose this secluded area for their secret meetings. Surrounded by mountains and abundant vegetation, it provided natural camouflage.

As Yato walked along the deserted Naka River, he noticed the absence of patrolling or sentry ninjas. He could hear the crash of a waterfall hitting rocks in the distance. This particular spot was rumored to be where Shisui might have taken his own life.

Observing the scene from the cliff, Yato saw the waterfall flow rapidly into the river, vanishing into the distance. With no people or fishermen around, the chances of discovering a body were low. While he was convinced that this was the place, Yato acknowledged that Itachi and Shisui might have chosen other locations.

Understanding the hierarchy of ninja strength, Yato was uncertain about the abilities of higher-level ninjas. He had encountered Genin and Chunin before, but the powers of the higher levels remained a mystery. For his own safety, he decided to check a few other locations before drawing any conclusions.

Leaving the cliff, Yato ran for ten miles, searching for other potential sites of Uchiha Shisui's supposed suicide. His next objective was to find a suitable ambush location.

After leaving the Naka River, Yato changed his clothes and headed to the Ninja School. However, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts about whether his assumptions were correct.

According to the textbooks and his school teachers, the location he had visited earlier was indeed ideal for an ambush. The terrain sloped downward, and the abundance of weeds provided excellent cover. It allowed for both a swift retreat and a powerful strike if needed. Yato's eyes gleamed coldly at this realization, but they quickly dimmed.

As one of Konoha's elite Anbu ninjas, Shisui would also be aware of this advantageous location. Yato began considering the opposite possibility. In his mind, he reviewed several potential ambush locations for Danzo.

"Yato!"

"Yato!" After three calls, Yato was interrupted from his thoughts when Hanabi, looking anxious, reminded him, "The teacher is calling you!"

"What's the matter, Teacher Iruka?" Yato stood up calmly, hiding his thoughts.

"Come out and demonstrate the transformation technique to everyone!" Iruka almost gritted his teeth as he said this.

When Iruka learned that Uzumaki Naruto and Yato would be in his class, he initially wanted to request a class change from the Third Hokage. However, the Third Hokage persuaded him to stay.

Although Iruka knew that the deaths of his parents had nothing to do with these two children, he couldn't help but vent his anger at them. Usually, he punished Naruto the most, as Yato was serious about his studies. This frustrated Iruka because he couldn't vent his anger at Yato. Today, however, he got his chance.

Yato remained calm as he walked to the podium, ignoring the whispers and gloating faces of other students.

The transformation technique is one of the three body techniques, the most common ninjutsu, and one of the ninjutsu recently taught by the teacher at the ninja school. Of course, although this ninjutsu is the most basic, it has a wide range of uses. It can be used in combat and can also be used to infiltrate enemy lines and gather intelligence. In the TV anime, Uzumaki Naruto has used this ninjutsu extensively, transforming into various objects to deliver powerful attacks. This is a simple yet practical ninjutsu!

However, even this basic ninjutsu is considered advanced for students in the ninja school today. Only a few students in the class can use it flexibly. These people are called geniuses!

"Let's start!" Iruka gestured.

Yato performed the seal for the transformation technique. With a "bang," smoke erupted, and a deafening roar followed. A fox head with red eyes appeared, roaring in the classroom, its sound waves making eardrums vibrate.

Even Iruka was affected, with cold sweat pouring down his body and his legs giving out. Fear overwhelmed him, bringing back bloody memories of a broken Konoha, splashing blood, and his parents' deaths.

Bang!

The fox's head disappeared, and Yato returned to normal.

"I'm not proficient in transformation yet, Mr. Iruka. If you want a demonstration next time, ask someone else." After glancing at the panicked Iruka, Yato returned to his seat.

This time, the whispers stopped. The students hadn't recovered from the commotion.

"What a joke, this kind of chakra..." Sasuke, his fists clenched, couldn't believe Yato's chakra far exceeded his own.

Although Yato hadn't mastered the transformation technique, Sasuke couldn't achieve that level. This made Sasuke start believing that Yato might actually be stronger than him.

"Why are you so high-profile now when you said you would keep a low profile?" Riku asked.

"You underestimate the people in Konoha. This level of chakra won't attract their attention. At most, it will make them raise their eyebrows," Yato replied confidently.

Looking at Iruka, who had resumed teaching, Yato opened his book and focused. He knew that what he did today might draw some attention, but he was determined to keep a low profile afterward to avoid any problems. He understood that as a ninja without talent for ninjutsu, no powerful bloodline limit, and only taijutsu skills, he wouldn't cause much concern, even with more chakra.

"Even so," Riku started to say.

"Iruka is prejudiced against me!" Yato interrupted, his tone calm. "Being a bit confrontational will prevent him from making things difficult for me in the future."

Yato believed that the real high profile wasn't about causing trouble but about forming unnecessary connections. He didn't want to create bonds like Naruto, who sought attention through his antics, resulting in various emotions like disgust, hatred, sympathy, and resonance. Yato preferred to keep his distance from others and avoid entanglements.

"What about Hanabi?" Riku asked curiously.

Click!

Yato's pencil lead broke. He replied expressionlessly, "She is my inner demon. One day, I will kill her!"

After a long silence, he picked up a new pencil, recalling the night a year ago. If he hadn't been soft-hearted, none of this would have happened.

"Yato, let's have lunch together at noon." Hanabi asked. "I made your favorite rabbit rice ball!"

Snap!

The new pencil lead broke again. Yato turned back with a cold face and said, "I won't eat with you, and I don't like rabbits. Don't bother me."

"Rabbits are so cute; why don't you like them?" Hanabi ignored him, tilting her head and blocking the teacher's view with a book, staring at Yato with a distressed expression.

Yato almost blurted out a line from a TV show but held back. "This damn woman!"

Realizing his abnormality, Yato turned away, ignoring her. Riku tried to hold back laughter, finding Hanabi more interesting.

...

Yato had lunch with the Hyuga sisters at noon but remained silent for the rest of the afternoon. As soon as school ended, he left immediately, feeling that today was exceptionally bad.

When he returned to his training ground, he didn't bother warming up. He began hitting the wooden stake, trying to drive away his irritability.

"Yato..."

"Don't bother me."

"Listen to me first..."

"Shut up."

"Someone is coming!"

Yato stopped and removed the gravity suppression, furrowing his brow as he wondered who could be approaching.

Hanabi was unlikely, as the Hyuga clan always picked her up on time after school. Might Guy was on a mission outside the village. Who else could it be?

"You're here!"

Uchiha Sasuke?

Sasuke stood there, still carrying his schoolbag, indicating that he had come straight from school.

"What are you doing here?" Yato asked.

"I want to challenge you," Sasuke said proudly, dropping his schoolbag and stepping forward.

As the reincarnation of Indra's Chakra, Uchiha Sasuke possessed incredible talent, especially with the power of his Sharingan. His Ten Thousand Sharingan, described by Uchiha Madara as the strongest physical attack, had the ability to freely control the black flame of Amaterasu with his left eye and utilize Flame Release Kagutsuchi with his right eye.

However, compared to Uchiha Madara and Indra, Sasuke was less scheming. He was straightforward and direct.

This was why Uchiha Itachi left a "transcription seal" in his eyes to prevent Uchiha Obito and entrusted Kotoamatsukami to Uzumaki Naruto. People like Sasuke, who loved deeply and hated thoroughly, often acted on extreme emotions.

******

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