Chapter 80: The Dominant Ishihara! [Phantom and Illusion Heart Training Method]
No matter how much Fugaku regretted it in his heart, the fact that the Uchiha clan had gained a new pair of Mangekyō Sharingan was enough to excite him.
Similarly, even though Ishihara felt a bit disappointed, he did not pass up the opportunity to study Inaho's Mangekyō Sharingan techniques.
After all, each Mangekyō ability was unique and might offer him new insights.
"As per our agreement, it's now my turn to study your Mangekyō techniques!" Ishihara calmly looked at Inaho, observing his reaction.
Inaho's expression was conflicted.
Next to him, Fugaku maintained a calm demeanor, but his eyes were filled with anger. The second elder of the Uchiha clan directly showed his fury on his face. If it weren't for Fugaku signaling him to stop, he might have already lashed out!
However, no matter what they thought, none of them dared to openly refuse at this moment.
Inaho sighed, feeling powerless. Remembering Ishihara's terrifying power and the overwhelming shadow he had just cast over the sky, Inaho accepted his fate. Still, he nervously asked, "Mr. Ishihara, you're not going to take out my Sharingan, right?"
"That won't be necessary, as long as you cooperate." Ishihara glanced at him and replied indifferently.
Accepting his fate was good; it spared Ishihara the trouble of taking action.
Inaho breathed a sigh of relief, feeling fortunate as he stepped forward to face Ishihara, constantly reassuring himself.
"Though humiliating, this is still better than having my Mangekyō gouged out like Tetsuka."
Ishihara placed his hand directly on Inaho's head and activated the Life Chain technique.
Buzz—
His overwhelming chakra surged into Inaho's body without warning.
Caught completely unprepared, Inaho felt the chakra within him and was filled with frustration.
Too rough!
It was as if he wasn't being treated like a person, but rather as an experimental subject!
Watching this, Fugaku clenched his fists tightly, inwardly roaring in rage.
"Once I deal with the higher-ups of Konoha, I will definitely free the Uchiha clan from Ishihara's grasp!"
Ishihara, unaware of Fugaku's thoughts, wouldn't have cared even if he knew. At this moment, all his focus was on studying Inaho's Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Activate your Mangekyō Sharingan now and use your eye technique!"
"Yes!"
Inaho hurriedly complied.
Ishihara quickly began analyzing Inaho's Mangekyō Sharingan techniques.
[You have observed and analyzed the Mangekyō technique "Phantom." You have gained an epiphany, creating the secret technique: Phantom Training Method.]
[Phantom Training Method: Upon mastering this technique, you can control shadows by focusing your vision. Through the shadows, you can manipulate the physical bodies of enemies and launch various attacks.]
A torrent of information rushed into Ishihara's mind, and a trace of surprise flashed across his eyes.
As expected, no Mangekyō technique was ever simple!
Inaho's previous explanation wasn't entirely accurate. His technique didn't just control enemies' shadows; it controlled their bodies through the manipulation of shadows!
Moreover, this wasn't limited to human shadows. Any shadow could be controlled!
If Inaho had enough chakra, he could even control the shadows of a mountain or an entire forest.
Additionally, he could launch attacks through shadows, far more versatile than the Nara clan's secret techniques!
It could even be said that this technique was an upgraded version of the Nara clan's shadow techniques!
Ishihara's eyes gleamed slightly, further increasing his appreciation for the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Meanwhile, Inaho, during Ishihara's research, also came to understand his eye technique's true power, becoming overjoyed.
"So this is the real power of my Mangekyō!"
Thinking of the Nara clan's techniques, which had been passed down for hundreds of years, Inaho couldn't help but show a proud expression.
What use are secret family techniques?
In the face of the Mangekyō Sharingan, they mean nothing!
Didn't he gain such power with ease? And it's even stronger!
At that moment, Ishihara suddenly said, "Continue using the Mangekyō Training Method!"
Inaho's smile froze, and he chuckled awkwardly, "I've already activated the Mangekyō... there's no need, right?"
Using secret techniques consumed lifespan!
He could already feel his body aging, growing weaker compared to his peak state!
This feeling filled him with dread and resistance.
Ishihara, with a commanding tone, said, "Now, use the Mangekyō Training Method and activate the technique in your other eye!"
"I...!"
Inaho's face was filled with anger as he raged inwardly.
"Can't you see what state I'm in? If I continue, I'll die of old age!"
"Damn it!!! Is my life not worth anything?!"
Continuing to use the technique could kill him!
At the thought of this outcome, Inaho's face twisted in fear and frustration.
Ishihara gently pressed his palm against Inaho's head.
"Are you deaf? I don't want to repeat myself."
Although his tone was calm and the force in his palm was light, it felt like a bucket of cold water poured over Inaho, extinguishing his inner fury.
Resist?
Was he seeking death?
Inaho's face turned pale, his twisted expression shifting into a bitter smile.
Fugaku and the second elder of the Uchiha clan watched this scene with deep pain in their hearts.
Fugaku opened his mouth, about to speak, but Inaho shook his head at him.
At this moment, Inaho understood the feelings Fugaku and Tetsuka had experienced before.
To protect his Mangekyō Sharingan, and for the sake of his clan to continue their deals to awaken more Mangekyō Sharingan, he had to endure!
He couldn't let Fugaku's and Tetsuka's sacrifices be in vain!
"Fine!"
Inaho gritted his teeth and spat out a single word, silently activating the secret technique.
This time, his body visibly began aging, even developing wrinkles on his face!
Fugaku trembled all over, clenching his fists tightly, wanting nothing more than to rush over immediately.
But he knew he couldn't!
This was the price!
The price that had been destined ever since he chose this path!
Ishihara, seeing the changes in their expressions, remained indifferent, completely focused on the new Mangekyō technique.
Buzz—
Suddenly, Inaho stopped using the technique, his face lighting up with joy, and tears of excitement welled up in his eyes.
"I did it!"
He hadn't died!
He had activated his second eye technique, only at the cost of a few years of his life!
Ishihara wasn't surprised. After all, once the first Mangekyō technique is unlocked, the second one naturally follows. What did surprise him was how much lifespan Inaho had expended.
However, his attention quickly shifted to the new Mangekyō technique.
Illusion Heart!
That was the name of Inaho's second technique.
It was also a control-based ability, but this one was a genjutsu.
Similar to Kotoamatsukami, it could alter another person's will and thoughts!
A glimmer of light flashed through Ishihara's eyes, though he felt a bit regretful.
Illusion Heart couldn't forcefully change someone's will; doing so was incredibly difficult.
Instead, it planted a seed that had to be gradually guided.
It was somewhat like Izanami, requiring a specific setup to achieve its effects.
Moreover, the changes it imposed weren't permanent and had a limited duration.
It was like a weaker version of both Izanami and Kotoamatsukami!
But Inaho was thrilled! To him, this genjutsu was powerful. After all, Sharingan techniques inherently had genjutsu capabilities, making this highly effective in battle.
Soon, Ishihara had Inaho activate the technique again to begin analyzing it.
[You have observed and analyzed the Mangekyō technique "Illusion Heart." You have gained an epiphany, creating the Illusion Heart Training Method.]
[Illusion Heart Training Method: Upon mastering this technique, you can use genjutsu to guide and change others' thoughts.]
"Perhaps it's time to research Kotoamatsukami."
Thoughts swirled in Ishihara's mind. He calmly said, "Alright, the research is over. Once I finish applying the seals, you can leave."
The sealing technique for the Uchiha clan differed from Konoha's other members.
This seal allowed Ishihara to control their lives and deaths!
Therefore, he needed to apply the seal individually.
Inaho's excitement immediately turned cold.
No matter how strong he became, he was still destined to be Ishihara's puppet!
His heart filled with rage, but he dared not express it.
Fugaku and the second elder could only silently watch as Ishihara applied the seal.
Then, with suppressed emotions and dark expressions, the three of them left the courtyard.
As they stepped outside, they were blocked by the Third Hokage, who stood at the gate with a grave expression.
Already filled with pent-up frustration, Fugaku exploded upon being stopped. "Get out of the way!"
The Third Hokage's expression was tense, and while he avoided meeting their eyes, his words were firm!
"I need to know what kind of deal the Uchiha clan made with Ishihara."
If the Uchiha clan really made a deal with Ishihara to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan, as Itachi claimed, then things were going to get very troublesome!