Chapter 40

Gōka Mekkyaku possesses a wide range and formidable power, but it also consumes a significant amount of chakra. Each time Fugaku utilizes it, the chakra drain is substantial.

In comparison to Gōka Mekkyaku, Fugaku prefers Gōryūka no Jutsu. Once he has mastered it completely, he can strike his targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Fugaku diligently recorded the hand seal sequence and principles of Gōka Mekkyaku, intending to practice it gradually in the future. As his strength improves, he recognizes the need to learn more ninjutsu.

Regarding the Uchiha Clan's forbidden jutsu, Izanagi and Izanami, which Fugaku desires to witness, there is no trace of them. It is believed that they are either hidden within the Naka Shrine or in another secret room.

At least Fugaku can be certain that Izanagi must remain within the Uchiha Clan and has not been taken away by Uchiha Madara. Danzō is also incapable of learning this forbidden jutsu.

As for the whereabouts of Izanami, it can only be discovered through further investigation. However, at present, this forbidden jutsu holds little significance for him.

The two-month vacation is drawing to a close, leaving Fugaku with limited time. Besides his necessary training, he spends each day visiting the secret room to study historical materials.

Next to a small lake near Konohagakure, Uchiha Fugaku meticulously performs a series of hand seals.

"Fire Release, Gōka Mekkyaku."

A stream of fire erupts from his mouth, swiftly spreading across the lake. The flames are fierce and intense, raising the ambient temperature. They swiftly engulf the surface of the lake, covering a small area.

Fugaku feels somewhat disappointed, but he understands that this is to be expected. It can only be considered a Fire Release jutsu with a larger and more potent form. If it were Uchiha Madara performing it, it would transform into a sea of fire.

Both the three-tomoe Sharingan and Mangekyō Sharingan undergo at least three qualitative transformations: from the initial Mangekyō to the Eternal Mangekyō, and finally to the Rinnegan. Each initial transformation represents a significant advancement for me.

For Fugaku, the path ahead is long and filled with challenges.

After his training, Fugaku walks into the village, and the bustling atmosphere brings him back to reality. The ongoing Land of Rain wars have yet to affect the excitement within Konoha. For ordinary citizens, the war still feels distant.

In the evening, while studying some data, Fugaku hears Uchiha Tenjō's voice.

Setting aside the scroll, Fugaku heads to the living room, where Uchiha Tenjō awaits.

"Father," Fugaku greets, "is there any task?"

"Nothing major," Uchiha Tenjō smiles at Fugaku, "but Hyūga Hiashi and Hyūga Hizashi, the two sons of the Hyūga Clan Patriarch, are about to graduate from the Shinōbi Academy. I've heard they are performing well in their studies. These two great clans of Konoha have been engaged in a friendly rivalry for many years."

"With your recent accomplishments, you have brought great honor to the Uchiha Clan. I hope you won't let your strength go to waste and be overshadowed by those two Hyūga teenagers."

Fugaku nods and assures his father, "Yes, father, I will not disappoint the expectations of the clan."

Now that the Hyūga brothers have graduated, it won't be long before the future leaders of the major clans in Konoha also complete their training. This group of shinobi will become the backbone of Konoha once they mature.

"I wonder if you'll be assigned to the Police Force tonight," Fugaku continues, "as a member of the Uchiha Clan, I have never contributed to the Police Force. I still have some time left before my vacation ends, and I believe a few days there would count as a contribution to the clan."

Uchiha Tenjō's expression turns serious, suspecting that someone may have whispered rumors about Fugaku's incompetence, likely originating from within the Uchiha Clan. Otherwise, his father wouldn't be so sensitive to the matter.

However, Fugaku doesn't take such rumors seriously. After all, the Uchiha Clan is a revered powerhouse. As long as he continues to grow stronger, these rumors will eventually fade away. Nevertheless, he still hopes to spend a few days in the Police Force.

There are certain things that one can only understand by experiencing them firsthand.

"Father, rest assured," Fugaku says, "I am simply considering the typical duties of our clan members. No one has directly spoken ill of me."

Uchiha Tenjō realizes he may have been overly sensitive, and his serious expression returns to normal.

"Since you wish to go, spend seven days on night duty with the Police Force. Approach Uchiha Saki when you arrive and let him arrange everything for you."

Uchiha Saki, a higher-ranking member of the Uchiha Clan, was present during their last meeting with Fugaku's father.

"Yes, father."

Fugaku's mind begins to wander as the sky gradually darkens outside, and a radiant moon appears in the night sky.

Leaving the Uchiha Clan's territory, Fugaku strolls through the streets of Konoha, not rushing to the Police Force headquarters. He has an important task to accomplish tonight, and certain actions cannot be entrusted to others, as the risk of exposure is too great.

Tonight, Fugaku has a simple objective: to spread awareness of Senju Hashirama's greatness and the power of Wood Release, ensuring that people recognize the strength possessed by the first generation of ninja who brought peace to the world.

He wants people to believe that as long as Wood Release exists, the Land of Rain war will not come to an end easily.

Fugaku selects a target for his plan. He starts by subtly disseminating information among the civilians of Konoha.

In a world dominated by shinobi and where strength is highly valued, few pay attention to the daily chatter of ordinary people. However, when more individuals engage in discussion, news naturally reaches the ears of Konoha's higher echelons.

Amidst the crowd, Uchiha Fugaku spots a restaurant situated across from a tavern. He enters and takes a seat by the window, allowing him to observe the happenings in the tavern across the street.

Ordering a few side dishes, Fugaku casually surveys the tavern while eating.

The tavern is bustling with customers, seeking an evening drink to unwind after a day's work. It's a common sight.

A group of civilians emerges from the tavern, engaging in conversations outside. Fugaku quickly identifies the most suitable individual within the crowd as his first target.

Having finished his meal, he leaves the restaurant and walks through the streets. Fugaku subtly follows the chosen person, who walks unsteadily ahead. Observing them enter a courtyard, Fugaku stops in his tracks.

Taking note of the location, he turns and heads toward the Police Force headquarters. The building once served as the residence of the Second Hokage, providing the Uchiha Clan with both privileges and restrictions, effectively isolating them.

When it comes to bravery and generations of leadership, the Second Hokage pales in comparison to his predecessor. The First Hokage willingly entrusted Uchiha Madara with the position of Hokage during the village's establishment. In the interest of peace among ninja, he even distributed the Tailed Beasts to other Hidden Villages.

The Second Hokage, on the other hand, demonstrates a different attitude towards the Uchiha Clan. Even Konoha's White Fang, who made countless contributions to the village, couldn't escape the spread of gossip within the village. The disparities are evident.