Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Something’s Off with Mikoto!
Two days later, Konoha's White Fang arrived on the front lines, greatly boosting the morale of the Konoha forces.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yo, perceived by others as lucky, returned to Konoha for a short rest alongside Tsunade's team.
As one of the top graduates from his academy class, Uchiha Yo had been assigned to one of the Third Hokage's disciples, just like Nawaki and Namikaze Minato.
"Hurry up, brat."
"Yes, ma'am."
Tsunade's mood seemed foul, likely due to the intelligence scroll from two days prior. Still, she cut a striking figure, her twin golden ponytails giving her an air of youthful vigor.
Uchiha Yo maintained a determined expression, occasionally scanning the surroundings for potential threats as the team made their way back to Konoha at top speed.
Perfect Version: Chimera Technique.
Sealed within Uchiha Yo's mind was a forbidden jutsu that shouldn't exist at this point in time—a perfected version, no less.
It was a skill he had obtained in his previous life, using downtime as a sales champion to play games and make small purchases. He never expected it to follow him into this world.
"Though this jutsu is powerful, its difficulty is immense, especially in its perfected form."
Only after arriving in the real Shinobi World did he fully understand how dangerous forbidden techniques could be.
This particular jutsu allowed him to devour and assimilate bloodline limits, enhancing his power. However, each use required a significant amount of time for his body to fully adapt to the changes.
"To use this jutsu, I'll need stabilizing agents for gene fusion."
Glancing at Tsunade, a sly smile tugged at Uchiha Yo's lips.
After all, wasn't there a perfect solution right in front of him? If all went according to plan, he would need her expertise after using the jutsu for the first time.
Relying solely on his own medical ninjutsu knowledge to create such agents would take far too long—and cost a fortune.
Several days later, the group finally arrived back in Konoha.
"Lady Mito, regardless of whether the information is true or not, we must ensure Nawaki's safety!"
Back in the village, Tsunade first visited the Hokage building to report in before returning to the Senju compound.
Once there, she sought out Uzumaki Mito with visible frustration etched on her face.
Uzumaki Mito, now frail with age, bore the marks of time despite the Yin Seal on her forehead. Her time was nearing its end.
Hearing Tsunade's report, Mito's kind expression turned grave.
"That old fox Setsuna has really changed his ways, hasn't he?"
Mito's first thought was of the Uchiha elder's shift in tactics. It seemed his imprisonment had taught him a harsh lesson, forcing him to rely on underhanded schemes.
"Grandmother! Nawaki—"
Tsunade's anxiousness was evident, but Mito interrupted her with a cold snort.
"With such recklessness, how can you hope to accomplish great things?"
The normally fiery Tsunade could only sigh in resignation under Mito's stern gaze.
Mito, after a moment of contemplation, said in a serious tone, "Nawaki's safety must indeed be a priority. However, for someone to plot against him even under Orochimaru's protection… Tsunade, you must understand the gravity of this situation."
Tsunade's expression turned solemn as she nodded heavily.
"Orochimaru's strength places him among the top Jonin in Konoha. Few could rival him, and his vigilance is second to none. If someone truly intends to harm Nawaki, it would only be possible if Nawaki leaves the village!"
You can guard against a thief for a thousand days, but not forever.
Tsunade's anger flared.
"Damn it! Do they think the Senju clan doesn't exist anymore?"
Mito fell silent, finally letting out a deep sigh.
Despite her esteemed status, she was ultimately just the village's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, a tool to be wielded. Her current situation wasn't much better than being imprisoned in Konoha.
"Tsunade, my time is almost up. If this information proves true, you may need to send Nawaki away."
Tsunade froze in shock at her grandmother's words, staring at her in disbelief.
Mito shook her head and sighed. "You may be able to protect him this time, but what about the next?
"Konoha no longer needs the Senju clan of old."
The weight of those words sank into Tsunade, leaving her silent for a long time. Finally, she nodded grimly.
Konoha today is no longer the era where the Senju dominated the village.
"Finally back!"
Upon returning to Konoha, Uchiha Yo basked in the sunlight with a look of blissful satisfaction.
After the endless rain of the Land of Rain, the warmth of the sun felt like a luxury he'd never appreciated before.
Though the Uchiha were ostracized, their compound had yet to be relegated to the outskirts of the village. Their residence was still situated in the bustling heart of Konoha.
"Yo, welcome home."
The moment Uchiha Yo pushed open the door, a voice greeted him from inside, freezing him in his tracks.
"M-Mikoto?"
Standing in the room was Uchiha Mikoto, carrying a standard-issue Uchiha blade on her back and wearing a warm smile. Yet there was something off in her eyes—a hint of something unsettling.
The sight of her made Uchiha Yo's expression stiffen.
Mikoto approached him with practiced ease, placing her hands on his face.
Alarmed, Uchiha Yo stammered, "M-Mikoto, wait! I'm not—"
Before he could finish, Mikoto gently pulled back his eyelids, her warm smile intact as she spoke softly, "Still haven't awakened your Sharingan? Yo-kun, you really are a little waste."
A waste?!
Have you ever been insulted with such cruelty by someone who looks so gentle and kind?
That's very Uchiha.
After all, the Uchiha's Sharingan awakening always stemmed from emotional turmoil.
As he stared at the two crimson tomoe spinning in Mikoto's eyes, Uchiha Yo couldn't help but feel a mix of envy and helplessness.
So, Mikoto's Sharingan has evolved.
The activation and evolution of the Sharingan were tied to intense emotional upheaval, often involving loss or pain. The resulting surge of special chakra stimulated the Sharingan's growth.
Newly awakened or evolved Sharingan users were often volatile, prone to anger, and needed proper guidance to stabilize their emotions.
"Mikoto!"
As soon as the door shut behind them, Uchiha Yo pushed Mikoto to the ground with an exaggerated motion, pulling out a whip he had prepared beforehand.