Rising Shadows: Uchiha's Wrath

Obito was seething with frustration. "Was one of your clones killed because of carelessness?" he snapped at Black Zetsu.

Black Zetsu remained calm and replied, "No, it wasn't recklessness. Itachi was unusually vigilant, so I used a more cautious clone to avoid exposure."

Obito's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"There's someone in the Land of Water who seems capable of sensing our Mayfly Technique," Black Zetsu explained seriously.

The revelation sent a chill through Obito. Even with his Mangekyo Sharingan, sensing the Mayfly Technique was impossible. His mind raced to a single figure: Kaito Uchiha.

This was the same Kaito who had once pushed Obito to use Izanagi in desperation. A man whose mastery of space-time ninjutsu rivalled anything Obito had encountered. Worse, Kaito's strategies had previously outmanoeuvred Obito and four Kage-level ninjas, leading to devastating losses.

"Could it be that Kaito and his clan have moved to the Land of Water?" Obito muttered.

Black Zetsu noticed Obito's unease. "Are you talking about Kaito Uchiha?" he asked, recalling the infamous Uchiha who had escaped annihilation during the clan's downfall. Though Black Zetsu had observed the night of the massacre, Kaito's mastery of a mysterious space-time technique had obscured his movements.

Obito nodded gravely. "If Kaito is in the Land of Water, releasing Yagura from control must be his doing. The power of the Mangekyo Sharingan makes it plausible. But why take his clan there? What's his goal?"

Black Zetsu speculated, "Kaito is about Itachi's age but far more cunning. If he's in the Land of Water, he must have a specific purpose."

Obito considered the implications. Kaito's abilities, combined with the potential to harness the power of multiple Mangekyo Sharingans, posed a terrifying threat. If Kaito unlocked the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, he could become an unstoppable force.

Reluctantly, Obito admitted, "We're not prepared to face him now. Akatsuki is too weak to confront someone like Kaito. For now, we'll avoid the Land of Water entirely. Let him play his games there."

Black Zetsu nodded but suggested, "We should still deploy some clones to gather intelligence. If Kaito has a plan, it likely targets Mist Village."

"Fine," Obito conceded. "But keep them away from the village itself. We can't afford unnecessary risks."

***

Seven ghostly figures convened around a dark altar. Pain surveyed the group and immediately noticed two absences. "Where are Itachi and Juzo?" he demanded.

Black Zetsu reported grimly, "I've lost contact with the clone tailing them. It seems they've fallen."

Pain's expression darkened. Itachi's strength was undisputed, and Juzo was no novice. That they could both be eliminated silently was a chilling prospect.

The other Akatsuki members exchanged uneasy glances but kept their thoughts to themselves. Only Orochimaru seemed intrigued.

"What a shame about Itachi," Orochimaru mused. "His body would have been a perfect specimen. But if he and Juzo were defeated together, their killer must be extraordinary. Perhaps I should visit the Land of Water myself."

Pain dismissed the group. "Until we understand the situation, no more missions in the Land of Water."

After the meeting, Pain and Konan sought Obito's counsel. He convinced them to stay clear of the Land of Water for now. Still, the mysterious Kaito lingered in their thoughts, a potential obstacle—and perhaps a valuable asset.

Unbeknownst to them, Kaito had already returned to the Mist Village, planning his next move.

***

In a hidden chamber within Mist Village, Kaito sat cross-legged in deep meditation.

It had been five days since he defeated the duo.

Suddenly, he felt an intense surge in his eyes, a sensation of sublimation that startled him. Wasting no time, he secluded himself in the secret chamber.

"Finally, after all this time, it's a success!" A flicker of excitement was on Kaito's face.

On the night of the battle, the system hinted at unexpected benefits from absorbing Fugaku's Mangekyo Sharingan. After two months of adaptation, Kaito was convinced that the benefits the system alluded to were finally manifesting.

"System, what are the perks you mentioned?" Kaito asked eagerly.

[After analysis, the host has now unlocked the ability to create space.]

"What? Create space?" Kaito's eyes widened in shock.

[Yes. The host's Mangekyo Sharingan possesses spatial powers, while Uchiha Fugaku's Mangekyo Sharingan contains traces of temporal power. Combined with your unique pupil technique, 'Mirror Space,' you can now create a stable, non-disappearing space.]

[The number and volume of these spaces are unlimited, and all rules within them are dictated by the host.]

[Note: The initial creation of space will consume a substantial amount of chakra and pupil power, but maintenance afterwards requires no further expenditure.]

Kaito subconsciously swallowed, muttering, "This... this is incredible!"

Having read about such abilities in the original story, Kaito understood the significance of this power. Kaguya's "Amenominaka" could manipulate preexisting dimensions, but now, he could create them from scratch, with no limitations.

"System, how do I do it?" Kaito inquired, barely containing his excitement.

[Activate 'Mirror Space,' inject chakra and pupil power, and visualize the space as real.]

[Note: Given the host's current chakra and pupil reserves, the initial space should be modest in size.]

"Got it!" Kaito nodded and immediately activated Mirror Space. As this was an experiment, he started small—a one-cubic-meter space.

Closing his eyes, he followed the system's instructions.

After some time, Kaito exhaled heavily, beads of sweat dripping down his face. "I didn't expect it to consume so much energy!"

Creating the space had drained nearly 90% of his chakra and pupil power, even though he possessed an Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, an immortal body, and the power of the Nine-Tails.

"Thankfully, the space is complete," Kaito muttered, a smile breaking across his face.

The system chimed in again:

[Space creation is primarily powered by pupil strength, with chakra playing a supporting role. For space expansion, chakra takes precedence, with minimal pupil strength required.]

[Expanding the space by one cubic meter will now consume approximately 10% of your chakra and even less pupil power.]

"That's manageable," Kaito concluded, nodding in satisfaction.

If every expansion required exhausting him, the skill would have been impractical. He estimated that his chakra reserves could fully replenish in a day, while pupil power would take three days.

"It seems chakra capacity will be a challenge for a while," Kaito murmured thoughtfully.

Despite his immense reserves—comparable to a mid-level Tailed Beast—his young age meant his body was still maturing. However, his current strength was enough to dominate 99% of the ninja world.

"For now, I'll focus on growing steadily."

As Kaito stretched, he decided to use the new space as a personal storage area, stowing his belongings there.

"Terumi Mei should have wrapped up matters in Mist Village by now," he mused. "It's time to proceed with transforming the Land of Water."

In a blink, Kaito used his teleportation ability, to leave the chamber and reappear in the Mizukage's office.

There, Terumi Mei and Master Yuan were engaged in discussion.

"Well, isn't this a coincidence," Kaito drawled, appearing lazily in the Mizukage's chair.

"Mizukage-sama!" Both of them greeted him respectfully.

"No need for formalities," Kaito waved them off. "How are things in the village?"

Terumi Mei straightened and proudly reported, "I've implemented strict rules to restore order. Thanks to your reputation, the mist ninjas comply. Villagers no longer fear us, and life is stabilizing."

"The ninja school has reopened, and over 80 children have enrolled!"

"Excellent," Kaito praised. In the past, the school barely attracted 10 students due to widespread distrust. Terumi Mei's leadership had achieved remarkable progress.

She continued, "However, the teachers need replacement. They still adhere to the methods of the Blood Mist era."

Kaito pondered briefly before replying, "Select older ninjas with calm temperaments. I'll also assign some Uchiha clansmen to the school, as well as other departments, to foster integration with the village."

Terumi Mei nodded as Kaito outlined additional plans. "Divide the ninja school into two campuses—Combat and Technology. Those with ninja potential will train in combat, while others will study practical technologies. The curriculum will ensure every graduate possesses elite Jonin-level strength."

"Graduation is contingent on meeting this standard. Those who fail will repeat the year."

With his vision for the village unfolding, Kaito leaned back, his confidence unwavering. The transformation of the Land of Water had only just begun.