Uchiha Clan Territory
After delivering the clan leader back to the care of the medics, Uchiha Kiyome found himself pushed aside in the flurry of activity.
Kiyome, uninjured but feeling useless, stood there blankly, watching his clan members rushing back and forth.
Injured clan members lay everywhere, and their clan leader, Fugaku, was on the brink of death.
Everyone had sacrificed so much to protect the family.
Happiness had not come easily. Kiyome thought about how the clan used to be and how much it had improved now.
Finally, life had gotten better, and yet, disaster had struck again.
Kiyome's eyes turned red, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably.
Those damn invaders!!!
He clenched his teeth in anger.
The clan!
I must protect the clan in the future!
Suddenly, a loud, sorrowful cry broke through his thoughts.
"Clan leader!!!"
Kiyome turned to look. Fugaku's vital signs were dropping fast, and his spiritual energy was fading.
Every second, Fugaku was slipping further into the abyss of death.
"Clan leader!!!"
You can't die! The clan has only just begun to recover. You can't die!
Kiyome cried out in despair, and his Sharingan spun wildly, out of control.
The three tomoe of his Sharingan rotated faster and faster.
Until, finally, they connected. The tomoe transformed into three circular patterns resembling flowers.
A sudden realization hit him.
Kiyome's eyes throbbed in pain as immense power surged forth.
The Uchiha gathered around Fugaku could feel a powerful force emanating from Kiyome, directed toward Fugaku.
Fugaku's scattered spiritual energy began to stabilize.
Everyone turned to Kiyome in shock.
"Kiyome, you...!"
The group erupted in astonishment—Kiyome had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan!
Kiyome's Mangekyō spun madly, radiating waves of energy.
Under its influence, Fugaku's condition steadily improved.
Divine Protection!
Kiyome's Mangekyō Sharingan ability provided defense on a soul-deep level, stabilizing the spirit and shielding against spiritual attacks.
Fugaku's state finally stabilized.
Everyone around him heaved a collective sigh of relief.
But then, Kiyome groaned softly and suddenly collapsed.
"Kiyome!"
They rushed to catch him.
After a quick examination, they confirmed Kiyome had only overexerted himself and was not in any life-threatening danger.
The group exchanged glances. These were the Uchiha clan's core members, its inner circle.
Hayaki spoke up, "Kiyome's awakening of the Mangekyō Sharingan must be kept a secret."
Everyone nodded in agreement. The Mangekyō Sharingan was one of the Uchiha clan's greatest secrets.
Any new awakening of the Mangekyō meant a significant leap forward in the clan's strength.
Fourth Elder Yangpei pushed through the crowd to join them.
He had just confirmed Sasuke's safety when he heard about Fugaku's critical condition and rushed over.
By the time Yangpei arrived—having exhausted his chakra using Body Flicker repeatedly despite being over sixty years old—Fugaku's condition had already stabilized.
After hearing what had happened, Yangpei realized Fugaku had been on the brink of death.
Yangpei sighed deeply. He hadn't fully supported Fugaku's earlier decisions, but seeing this outcome, he was both grateful and troubled.
Fugaku had long planned for the worst-case scenario, but his injuries brought the clan to a critical juncture.
Yangpei gave orders:
Summon Itachi - Use summoning techniques to inform Uchiha Itachi so he could prepare and, if possible, return to the village.
Reverse Summon Yoruya - Kiyome's elder brother and an elite clan member, Yoruya was to be brought back to strengthen the weakened clan defenses.
Inform Natsuki - The Fourth Elder would contact Natsuki directly about the situation.
All other clan members were ordered to abandon outside tasks and focus on securing the clan territory.
Meanwhile, after Zetsu fled, Kakashi arrived at the scene with a team of ANBU.
Over the years, Kakashi had become a highly skilled elite jonin and a trusted right-hand man to the Third Hokage.
When the news from the Uchiha reached the Hokage, Kakashi was immediately sent to support them while other ANBU investigated the incident.
Upon arrival, Kakashi was alarmed to see Naruto shrouded in a red chakra cloak, reminiscent of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
"Naruto!" Kakashi called, rushing over.
Naruto, holding an unconscious Sasuke, shouted, "Kakashi-nii-san, help! Sasuke is hurt!"
Kakashi quickly raised his headband, revealing his Sharingan to assess the situation.
To his relief, Naruto seemed calm and coherent despite the ominous cloak.
After ensuring Naruto hadn't lost control, Kakashi turned his attention to Sasuke.
Sasuke's injuries were severe. His shoulder had a gruesome puncture wound, and his hands were bloodied and raw.
When Naruto handed Sasuke to the ANBU, his chakra cloak dissipated, and the strain of maintaining it finally hit him. Naruto stumbled and collapsed into Kakashi's arms.
Alarmed, Kakashi examined him closely, only to realize Naruto had fallen asleep.
Kakashi sighed in exasperation.
Leaving part of the team to investigate the area, Kakashi carried Naruto and led the ANBU escorting Sasuke to the hospital for urgent care.
At the Hospital
The medical staff was already prepared when Kakashi arrived with Naruto and Sasuke.
Naruto's seal was immediately inspected by the Third Hokage himself, who ensured it remained intact.
Relieved that Naruto's seal was stable, the Hokage turned his focus to Sasuke.
Although his injuries looked dire, the expertise of Konoha's medical team ensured he would recover fully.
After the initial treatments, the Third Hokage met with Kakashi to review the situation.
The Hokage's primary concern was the security of the village and the well-being of its people. He began issuing new directives, preparing Konoha for any further threats.