**Chapter 22: Senior Obito**

For an entire day, Reijin dedicated his time to teaching Uchiha Izumi how to use the Sharingan.

Uchiha Izumi had never had anyone to teach her how to use the Sharingan before.

Now, with all these techniques laid out before her, it felt like her meridians had suddenly opened up.

Although her talent was not on par with someone like Shisui, she was still considered above average within the Uchiha clan.

Awakening the Sharingan at this age promised a future where her achievements would be comparable to those of others like Tetsuka.

As dusk settled and the sky grew dim,

"That's enough for today. At your age, the Sharingan is quite a burden."

"Being able to master two genjutsu techniques already meets the basic requirements."

"From now on, just focus on training your Sharingan."

Reijin spoke to Uchiha Izumi, who was drenched in sweat.

This girl was truly diligent, never once complaining during Reijin's guidance.

She wasn't very knowledgeable about genjutsu, so whenever she didn't understand something, she would actively ask questions.

"Lord Reijin, can I practice a bit more?"

For the first time, Uchiha Izumi felt the joy of improving her skills.

Her strongest ability was taijutsu, not because she liked it, but because no one had taught her genjutsu or other ninjutsu.

Her late father left her with only the shuriken handling technique.

And two Fire Release jutsu; nothing else was left for her.

Even if she wanted to improve her strength, she had no clear direction.

But today, Reijin had taught her just two genjutsu techniques.

She already felt more comfortable using her Sharingan, finally making proper use of the Uchiha's most prized eyes.

Uchiha Izumi felt much lighter, as these Sharingan were no longer just for show.

"Make sure to rest! These things can't be mastered in a day."

"You can come to ask me more questions next time."

Reijin said kindly.

"I can come to you again?" Uchiha Izumi was overjoyed. She had thought this would be a one-time lesson.

But to her surprise, Lord Reijin was willing to continue guiding her.

She was starting to enjoy the feeling of growing stronger.

If her strength increased, she could catch up to Itachi.

"Yes, but I hope that next time you come to see me, it's as a Genin of Konoha."

"Otherwise, if word gets out that I'm teaching you, it might be a bit embarrassing for me."

Reijin chuckled softly and turned to leave.

He didn't mention anything about the Uchiha clan's situation to Uchiha Izumi.

The entire day had been dedicated to training.

This girl was almost a non-entity within the Uchiha clan.

And Reijin didn't need another person for the front lines.

It was only because she was a good friend of Uchiha Itachi.

"Don't worry, Lord Reijin, I'll graduate right away."

Uchiha Izumi waved at Reijin's retreating figure.

Her heart surged with excitement; finally, she could apply for early graduation from the ninja academy.

Reijin walked through the dark forest when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Come out! You, lurking in the shadows."

Someone was spying on him, that much was clear from the chakra he sensed.

It was just as sinister as an Uchiha who had awakened their Sharingan.

Hmm!

Calling his own clan's chakra "sinister" might be a bit much.

But there was no denying that after awakening the Sharingan, the chakra of most Uchiha underwent a noticeable change.

Many Uchiha with Mangekyō Sharingan had chakra that was downright evil, the kind that made you feel nauseous just being near it.

"As expected of Uchiha Reijin, you were able to sense my presence."

A swirling vortex appeared in front of him, and Uchiha Obito, wearing a mask and clad in a black robe, emerged before Reijin.

"…"

A slight twitch appeared on Reijin's otherwise serious face.

He had originally thought it might be one of Danzo's subordinates!

But to his surprise, it was Uchiha Obito...

Reijin's thoughts suddenly froze, unsure of how to describe Obito.

Obito is the epitome of obsession, with a twisted mind and a lack of intelligence.

It's tough to sum him up with just a word or two. 

"Spacing out at a time like this? Have the Uchiha really fallen so low?" 

Obito felt a bit frustrated. 

He originally planned to first observe the state of the Uchiha clan, then check out the situation in Konoha to see if he could stir up some trouble. But to his surprise, he was discovered the moment he arrived. 

"Who are you? You seem to know a lot about the Uchiha," Reijin asked, squinting his eyes and striking a combat stance. As his chakra flared up, Obito's eyebrow twitched. 

This chakra was comparable to his own, even after awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan and merging with Hashirama's cells. 

Was this kid's chakra really this massive? 

Obito vaguely remembered Reijin from before, back when he had just awakened a single tomoe in his Sharingan. 

It had been a while since they'd last met, and Reijin, who was once only slightly stronger than Obito, had now grown to such an extent. 

Reijin had always been top of the class, and even after awakening the Sharingan, Obito only felt he was slightly stronger. 

"I am Uchiha Madara," Obito declared in a deep voice. He had used this persona countless times before. 

"Uchiha Madara? Madara died a long time ago—who knows how many years it's been!" 

"Besides, Madara wouldn't be someone who hides in the shadows like you." 

"If you're too afraid to even show your true face, how can you call yourself Uchiha Madara?" Reijin scoffed, immediately seeing through Obito's act. 

If you're going to impersonate Uchiha Madara, at least have the same aura of dominance. How can a lovesick fool like you pull off being Madara? 

"Hmph, believe whatever you want," Obito responded, his body starting to fade as he prepared to retreat into the Kamui dimension. 

"Where do you think you're going?" Reijin threw a kunai from his sleeve. 

Attached to the kunai was an explosive tag. 

Obito must become solid when entering the Kamui dimension, which is the perfect time to attack. 

*Boom!* 

A loud explosion echoed as Obito slowly emerged from the smoke. 

"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Song Technique!" 

Four or five fire dragons surrounded Obito from all directions. Reijin stood a short distance away, holding a kunai, ready to strike when Obito solidified. 

The fire dragons passed through Obito's body, causing a massive explosion on the ground. 

"Your skills are impressive, but you've picked the wrong opponent." 

Obito swiftly dashed toward Reijin, unaffected by the ninjutsu that passed through him. 

*Clang!* 

The kunai collided with an iron chain, sparks flying from the impact. 

Obito twisted slightly, and the chain wrapped tightly around Reijin. 

"You should realize the difference between us by now, kid!" Obito tightened the chain, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked at Reijin. 

Reijin was indeed strong. 

But! 

The gap between a Mangekyō Sharingan and a regular Sharingan is immense. 

This difference isn't something that chakra alone can bridge. 

With his Mangekyō Sharingan, Obito could easily subdue Reijin. 

"Is that so, Senior Obito?" 

The voice startled Obito, causing him to momentarily loosen his grip on the chain. 

(End of Chapter)