Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 257: Uchiha

The next morning.

As agreed, Tonari met with a few youngsters at the training ground.

Even Kakashi, who was notoriously late like Tonari, arrived on time today.

His overall mental state had indeed improved significantly compared to before.

This was proof that Tonari's method of stimulating him was quite effective. At the very least, Kakashi now had a goal to strive for, even if he never found a final answer.

Since there was still a significant gap in strength between the three of them, they couldn't train together in the same way.

However, some aspects of training could be similar, such as Kakashi's Sharingan practice and Shisui's Sharingan practice.

Of course, Itachi had yet to awaken his eyes and couldn't use the Sharingan.

However, within the Uchiha clan, talented individuals who showed potential for awakening their Sharingan would receive early training, helping them familiarize themselves with the abilities. This ensured that when their eyes finally awakened, they could immediately wield the full power of the Sharingan.

Itachi watched with great interest from the side.

"Kakashi, you take care of them first. As for your Sharingan abilities, I need to conduct further research before I can guide you properly," Tonari instructed Kakashi.

"Yes." Kakashi nodded.

He was quite concerned about the Sharingan.

After all, it was the last thing Obito had left him. During his lifetime, Obito deeply valued the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, so Kakashi didn't want to let Obito's gift go to waste.

He had to fully develop the Sharingan's abilities.

Seeing their obedient expressions, Tonari nodded in satisfaction and left.

The Uchiha clan's territory was now fully open to Tonari. He could walk freely within their grounds, and whenever he encountered members of the Uchiha, they would greet him warmly.

Skillfully, he made his way to Uchiha Fugaku's residence.

Welcomed enthusiastically by Uchiha Mikoto, Tonari met with Fugaku, who was about to officially become the Uchiha clan's leader, in his study.

"Tonari-kun, what brings you here today? I heard that last night, you and Lord Orochimaru had a fierce battle in the Forest of Death. The result was a draw, but you even had the upper hand at times," Fugaku said, smiling as he welcomed Tonari in and invited him to sit at the table.

Tonari nodded. "The news spreads fast, huh?"

"Hahaha, it was quite a major event, so it's only natural that word travels quickly.

There are currently two rumors going around. One says that you and your teacher were simply sparring but failed to control the scale of the battle, leading to the destruction of a large portion of the Forest of Death.

The other… well…"

Fugaku hesitated to continue.

"They say that I turned against my teacher, right? That I dared to attack Orochimaru?" Tonari smirked with disdain.

Seeing Tonari's reaction, Fugaku subtly breathed a sigh of relief. The Uchiha had a significant cooperative relationship with Tonari, and he didn't want these kinds of negative rumors to spread.

Not long ago, he had made the controversial decision to allow Kakashi to keep Obito's Sharingan, going against the wishes of the Uchiha elders. He had endured considerable pressure for that choice.

If it weren't for the fact that he had emphasized Tonari's relationship with the Uchiha, those old geezers wouldn't have let him take the clan leader's position so easily.

At this critical moment, the fates of Tonari and the Uchiha clan were intertwined—one's success would benefit the other.

"It's just another one of Danzo's petty tricks. No need to worry. Orochimaru-sensei has already helped me establish the narrative. His interference won't change much," Tonari said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Fugaku's eyes lit up. "Lord Orochimaru is supporting your bid for Hokage? That's excellent news!"

Knock, knock, knock—

There was a knock at the door.

"Excuse me."

Both men reined in their expressions as Uchiha Mikoto entered with a tray of tea.

She silently placed two teacups in front of Tonari and Fugaku before quietly leaving.

This was the Uchiha—a clan that valued tradition and legacy.

Tonari picked up the tea, took a small sip, and let the mild bitterness spread through his mouth before it gradually turned into a subtle sweetness.

"Fugaku, this may be a bit presumptuous, but if possible, I'd like to visit the Uchiha clan's shrine," Tonari said after setting his cup down.

Fugaku was slightly taken aback.

"The shrine?"

Tonari nodded. "Yes. There's something I need to confirm.

You know that I've been researching the Uchiha clan's Sharingan. I won't hide anything from you—I have a certain hypothesis I'd like to verify."

Fugaku wasn't particularly surprised that Tonari was studying the Sharingan.

After all, Tonari had played a crucial role in Uchiha Yoshinari's evolution from a single-tomoe Sharingan to a double-tomoe state.

There had even been speculation within the Uchiha about whether Tonari could help members awaken their Sharingan. At one point, the previous clan leader had approached Hiruzen Sarutobi to investigate the matter.

Seeing Fugaku deep in thought, Tonari continued:

"I know your clan places great importance on when a child awakens their Sharingan and at what age they do so.

For example, Shisui is considered a prodigy in your eyes. But wouldn't you like to see Itachi awaken his eyes sooner?

And now that Kakashi is training under me, Obito's Sharingan has already advanced to the three-tomoe stage. I want to fully develop their eyes' abilities."

Tonari didn't hide his intentions.

After listening, Fugaku rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Tonari-kun, can you tell me exactly what you're trying to confirm?

The Uchiha shrine is a sacred place. Even as the future clan leader, I can't open it at will.

I need a reason that will convince the elders."

For a traditionalist clan like the Uchiha, the shrine represented their legacy. Even if their entire compound were destroyed, the shrine would remain untouched.

It held records of the Uchiha's most glorious history.

Even as the soon-to-be clan leader, Fugaku couldn't just bring outsiders in.

Tonari took a deep breath. "Beyond the three-tomoe Sharingan, there should be an even more advanced form, right? Like the eyes Uchiha Madara possessed."

Fugaku was visibly stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief. "You know about that?"

According to Uchiha records, the three-tomoe Sharingan was the pinnacle of their kekkei genkai. It wasn't until a few decades ago, when Madara awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, that the clan realized there was a higher level.

However, only Madara and his brother, Izuna, had ever awakened it.

Since they left behind no records of how to achieve this transformation, no other Uchiha had awakened it since.

"Simple deduction.

Your clan's Sharingan is powerful, but not powerful enough to rival the First Hokage's Wood Release.

Yet Madara was able to fight Hashirama to a standstill.

That means there must be something beyond the three-tomoe Sharingan," Tonari explained.

To him, as a reincarnator, this was common knowledge. But to the Uchiha, it was still just a theory.

Since Madara never left any concrete evidence, the clan had no way to confirm it.

Fugaku stared at Tonari with burning curiosity.

"Do you have proof?"

"Seventy to eighty percent certainty." Tonari took another sip of tea.

Fugaku gazed at him intensely, but Tonari's expression remained calm.

After a long silence, Fugaku clenched his fists and made a decision.

"Alright! I'll take you there. If you're right, the elders can't object. And if you're wrong… worst case, I'll get scolded.

If you become Hokage, all problems will be resolved."

With that, he stood up.

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