Rebuilding Uchiha By Removing Fugaku

[Ninjutsu R&D Center Activated...]

[Ninjutsu R&D Center (Level 1): Capable of transforming, upgrading, and optimizing existing ninjutsu to achieve unexpected and powerful effects. Upgrade requires 10,000 family reputation points.]

[Ninjutsu R&D Center (Level 2): Capable of deducing unknown ninjutsu... Upgrade requires 100,000 family reputation points.]

A series of system prompts echoed in Toki's mind as he frowned thoughtfully.

"So the system's capabilities scale with the amount of reputation spent? As expected."

The Ninjutsu R&D Center and Ninja Tool R&D Center seemed to be starter benefits for new system users. Most people would naturally upgrade the cheaper ones first and save resources for the future.

However, Toki, with his unconventional mindset, had postponed upgrading the Ninjutsu R&D Center until now.

"Deducing unknown ninjutsu, huh?" Toki pondered.

He already understood the system's ability to transform, upgrade, and optimize existing techniques. But back then, the Uchiha clan needed a way to quickly strengthen themselves, so he prioritized ninja tools and the Psychic Beast Training Center. After all, even the most advanced ninjutsu required strength to wield effectively.

The results proved his decision correct. The introduction of scientific ninja tools and noble phantasms had significantly compensated for the Uchiha clan's lack of manpower.

Now, with the clan's strength growing steadily, it was time to shift focus back to optimizing and improving their ninjutsu techniques.

Toki first took Pakura and Konan to the Bloodline R&D Center.

Pakura wasn't too shocked by the advanced machinery. The ninja world already had some modern technologies like cloning tanks and biotechnological devices, so this wasn't beyond her expectations.

Toki led her to the device that previously analyzed her Scorch Release and said with a smile:

"Go in and try it."

Pakura nodded curiously, trusting Toki enough not to suspect foul play.

[User: Ye Cang]

[Possesses Bloodline: Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai]

[Current Chakra Natures Developed: Fire, Wind, Earth]

[Bloodline Development Direction: Dust Release (1 year)...]

[Ding~ Scan successful. Data backup complete. Scorch Release added to the training program.]

With a mechanical beep, the device concluded its analysis of her Scorch Release.

Unlike the case with Sarutobi Shinnosuke's Wood Release, Pakura's Scorch Release wasn't artificially implanted. With complete genetic data on Scorch Release, no further research was needed. It was akin to Kamui—usable immediately after scanning.

Pakura, however, was wide-eyed with astonishment.

"Dust Release? A Kekkei Tōta?"

Dust Release, the pinnacle of ninjutsu, combined three chakra natures. She already considered herself a genius for merging wind and fire chakra. Could this machine truly develop a Kekkei Tōta in just one year?

Toki, much calmer, nodded.

"One year? Seems like developing two bloodline limits first significantly reduces the time needed to develop a third."

Wood Release, for instance, started at five years of research time. Even with complete samples, it required half a year.

This realization sparked an idea in Toki. Instead of directly developing a three-nature Kekkei Tōta, why not first master the two-nature Kekkei Genkai combinations? It would greatly expedite the process.

He muttered, "Earth and water form Solvent Release, but only with yang chakra does it evolve into Wood Release. That means two-nature combinations can yield different outcomes. Fascinating..."

Toki stroked his chin in thought.

"Should I head to Kirigakure and capture Mei Terumi next? If I scan her Lava Release and Boil Release, developing Wood Release might be even faster."

He then smirked at Pakura and teased:

"Once you marry me and officially become Uchiha Pakura, I'll upgrade your Scorch Release to Dust Release. It'll make avenging yourself on Sunagakure much easier."

Pakura rolled her eyes.

"It's not that simple. Dust Release exists, but even that old fossil Onoki couldn't take down Sunagakure."

Toki gave a sly smile.

"Don't worry. We'll return to Sunagakure soon. Revenge is only a matter of time."

With that, Toki stepped into the bloodline research device himself.

[User: Uchiha Shiyu]

[Possesses Bloodline: Uchiha Clan]

[Current Chakra Natures Developed: Wind, Water, Fire, Lightning, Earth, Yin, Yang]

[Bloodline Development Options:

Yin Release Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan (5 years)

Yang Release Immortal Body (5 years)

Earth + Water + Wood Release (5 years)

Wind + Earth + Dust Release (5 years)

Infinite Tsukuyomi (10 years)

Kamui + Yomotsu Hirasaka (10 years)

Truth-Seeking Balls (10 years)

Ice Release, Lava Release...]

---

Meanwhile, in the Land of Wind, within Sunagakure...

Rasa slammed his hand on the table, glaring at the trembling ninja before him.

"What did you say?"

The ninja stammered nervously:

"Lord Kazekage, Pakura has escaped..."

Rasa's face darkened.

"Escaped? How?"

The jonin explained hesitantly:

"The heavy mist during Kirigakure's operation made visibility poor. We only heard an explosion. When we questioned them, the Kirigakure ninja claimed Pakura fled after an ambush. They blamed us for misleading them."

Rasa's expression twisted in rage.

"Those Kirigakure bastards betrayed us! There's no way Pakura could've escaped without their help!"

The mission agreement stipulated that Pakura's body and belongings would be returned to Sunagakure. Losing both a hero's legacy and the Scorch Release bloodline was unacceptable.

However, before Rasa could act, an Anbu ninja appeared before him, visibly excited.

"Lord Kazekage, we've received urgent news from Konoha. Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, and the Shimura clan have defected. Hiruzen Sarutobi is leading the Sarutobi clan in an internal conflict, splitting Konoha in two!"

Rasa's eyes widened in shock.

"Konoha is split?!"

When Rasa first heard about the Nine-Tails Rebellion, he kept an eye on it but didn't think much, as he was already mired in conflicts with Iwagakure and Kirigakure.

Later, when news came that Konoha had defeated Kumogakure, Rasa couldn't help but feel suspicious. It seemed like every time Konoha was on the brink of collapse, it miraculously rebounded with incredible strength. First, they defeated Iwagakure, then survived the Nine-Tails Rebellion, defeated Kirigakure, and now even crushed Kumogakure. It felt like Sarutobi Hiruzen was somehow orchestrating these situations, playing a long con.

The Third Ninja World War, after all, started with Sunagakure attacking Konoha following the mysterious disappearance of the Third Kazekage, whose traces were later found near Konoha's borders. And in retrospect, Konoha had defeated all four other great nations during the three wars, raising Rasa's suspicion further.

Narrowing his eyes, Rasa gave an order to the Anbu:

"Send spies into the Land of Fire. Gather intelligence and verify the authenticity of this information. Also, find a way to get this information onto Ōnoki's desk."

The Anbu hesitated and said, "But there's a peace treaty between Konoha and Iwagakure, isn't there?"

Rasa sneered, "That treaty is worthless. The only reason Iwagakure ceased hostilities was the presence of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato. Now that he's dead, Konoha is in disarray. Ōnoki won't waste an opportunity like this."

There were no permanent allies or enemies in the ninja world. Rasa recalled how, even in death, the Second Tsuchikage had told Ōnoki to secure resources for Iwagakure. It was only natural that the Tsuchikage would seize this chance to attack Konoha.

Rasa's expression turned cold as he thought about this further. Konoha had always been wealthier than Sunagakure. If Konoha truly was weakened, wouldn't it make sense to form an alliance with Iwagakure and attack? Maybe even convince Kumogakure to join them. After all, Kumogakure had lost the Two-Tails Jinchūriki and was likely still seething with frustration.

If the three villages worked together to dismantle Konoha, they could carve up its territory and wealth for themselves. And without Konoha's influence, Kirigakure would be left isolated, unable to contest the power balance. Rasa couldn't help but smirk as he envisioned the benefits for Sunagakure. Perhaps the Daimyō of the Land of Wind would finally stop treating them like glorified desert scavengers.

"Do it quickly," Rasa commanded.

"Understood!" the Anbu replied, disappearing in a flash.

---

Meanwhile, inside the Bloodline R&D machine, Toki was completing the integration of the Scorch Release (Burning Escape). As the machine emitted a bright glow, Toki felt the power of a new chakra nature fusing into his body. It was as if the ability to manipulate this advanced nature transformation was innate to him now.

Toki extended his hand, conjuring a fireball that radiated intense heat, resembling a miniature sun.

"What!?" Pakura stared at him in shock. "How is this possible? How do you have Scorch Release?"

Toki smirked. "Why not? If you can master it, why can't I? I'm a genius, after all."

Pakura turned her gaze to the machine behind Toki, still in disbelief. "This machine… Is this how you acquired Scorch Release?"

She had clearly heard the machine's announcements earlier, but witnessing Toki manifest the bloodline ability in an instant was too shocking to process.

Toki pulled her into his arms with a confident grin. "Don't worry. You're my woman now. You have the right to use this machine. Once we finish gathering the necessary data, you'll be able to develop Dust Release just like Ōnoki. It'll take about a year."

"Dust Release…" Pakura murmured, her eyes widening in amazement. Dust Release was a legendary ninjutsu that could pulverize even the strongest defenses. It was said to be the pinnacle of elemental manipulation. Now, Toki was telling her she could achieve this level of power in just a year?

Seeing her astonishment, Toki smiled. "Dust Release is nothing. Once you've mastered all seven chakra natures, I'll let you experience the joy of wielding the Bloodline Selection."

"The Bloodline Selection?" Pakura asked skeptically. "What's that?"

"It's essentially god-like power," Toki explained. "It includes abilities like creation, instant space manipulation, and erasing someone at the cellular level."

Toki blinked, unsure if she should take him seriously. "Are you bragging?"

Toki chuckled. "Doubting me, are we? Looks like I'll have to remind you who's the boss tonight."

Pakura grinned confidently, puffing out her chest. "Bring it on! Let's see what you've got."

Toki admired her boldness, finding it refreshing. Unlike ordinary women, battle-hardened kunoichi like Pakura weren't easily intimidated.

On the sidelines, Konan watched the two of them flirt. A tinge of sadness flickered in her eyes. She thought of Yahiko and Nagato, her closest companions, both gone now. Yahiko, her first love, had died tragically, and Nagato had sacrificed himself for his ideals.

Looking at Toki, Konan quietly spoke up, "Can I use the machine too?"

Toki turned his gaze to her, his expression thoughtful. At 24, Konan was still a young, beautiful woman, though she carried the weight of loss.

"Yes, but this machine requires Uchiha DNA to function. It only works for members of the Uchiha clan," Toki replied.

Konan furrowed her brow. "What does that mean?"

Toki shrugged. "Simply put, the only way for an outsider to gain access is to marry into the Uchiha clan."

"Marry into…?" Konan's face turned red. "Are you serious, or are you messing with me?"

Toki laughed and gestured to the machine. "You can try it yourself if you don't believe me."

Determined, Konan stepped into the machine. A red light scanned her, and the mechanical voice began to announce:

"[Scan complete. Current attributes: Wind, Earth, Water, Yang. No bloodline limit detected.]"

Toki raised an eyebrow. "You haven't developed Paper Release yet?"

"Paper Release?" Konan frowned. "It's not a bloodline limit. It's just a secret technique that transforms chakra into paper."

"Ah, I see," Toki said, nodding in realization. He had always assumed Paper Release was a bloodline limit, but it turned out to be a high-level secret technique, similar to techniques like Sand Release or Water Transformation.