With a Patron in Your Corner, What Is There to Worry About

Shisui never expected that, provoked by Inabi's despicable tactics, he would unintentionally activate a Sharingan with one Tomoe. He couldn't even recall how he returned to the camp.

All he knew was...

Upon his return, he found himself unknowingly standing in front of Kyōichi's tent.

Kyōichi was resting inside.

The recent surprise attack had drained a significant amount of his chakra, so a swift recovery was essential, especially since they needed to scout for more opportunities the following day.

However, soon after, Kyōichi sensed Shisui's arrival.

"Sensei, may I come in?"

"Come in."

Kyōichi massaged his temples. His energy hadn't fully recovered — originally it would have been sufficient, but he spent some chakra replenishing the Yin Seal, leading to the deficit.

This confirmed one thing.

The gaps in the Yin Seal needed to be addressed.

As Kyōichi pondered this, Shisui entered, lifting his head to reveal a solemn expression and pointing to his eye.

Suddenly, a blood-red color emerged from his eyes.

A single Tomoe!

He has awakened it?

Kyōichi was startled and then took a deep breath.

He knew something must have happened.

"Alright, I did promise to teach you a ninjutsu. So... let's go outside. We shouldn't disturb the others."

Kyōichi got up and led Shisui out of the Nagano Mountains to a secluded area.

Shisui quickly explained everything that had happened.

Kyōichi frowned.

Yashiro Uchiha?

He vaguely remembered this man, like Inabi and Tekka Uchiha, who caused trouble for Itachi after Shisui's death, apparently a relentless military faction whithin Uchiha.

Could such a person really believe Shisui's words?

Impossible.

A sinking feeling grew in Kyōichi's heart as he looked at Shisui, asking, "Do you really think that man will help you?"

"Sensei, I... I don't know. But at that moment, I was worried and regretful, thinking that if I had stayed in Konoha for a few more days, Inabi and Tekka Uchiha wouldn't have acted so rashly."

Shisui was distressed, feeling that he had made a mistake.

His Sharingan, activated amidst excitement, fear, and regret, had only one Tomoe.

But...

Kyōichi suspected the reason Shisui only had one Tomoe was because he was just five years old.

Too young!

At this age, even if one could awaken the Uchiha's special power, it wouldn't be overwhelmingly strong. Whether he could freely control the power of his eyes was another matter.

However...

This was much stronger than Sasuke.

Sasuke was eight when his clan was slaughtered, and even then was unable to awaken the Sharingan.

Kyōichi internally criticized while pondering Yashiro Uchiha.

After much thought...

Shisui was uneasy, feeling something was amiss.

"Sensei, then what should I do?"

"Just improve yourself. Chat with Inabi from time to time, and even teaching him some of the sword techniques I taught you wouldn't hurt."

"How could I do that!"

Shisui was shocked.

The sword techniques were his teacher's; how could he just teach them to others?

Kyōichi shook his head, saying, "It's not that important. You need to make them believe you're doing this for the Uchiha."

"..."

Shisui pondered and began to understand.

By "stealing" even his teacher's techniques, the clan would believe he was wholly dedicated to the Uchiha. Even if some knew his ulterior motives, they wouldn't harm him but protect him instead.

On the contrary.

Those who agreed with him would further validate his actions.

He admired and envied his teacher.

He was so worried, yet Sensei clarified everything with just a few words.

"You don't have to admire me. What I do is trivial compared to those who specialize in such matters."

Kyōichi patted his head.

Shisui nodded and then looked up, asking, "like Danzo?"

"Him? Sort of. Of the three old geezers I despise the most, he's the only one with some skills. The others, haha!"

Kyōichi chuckled.

With Tsunade's temperament, if she took the position without strength, it would be one thing. But with strength, she would definitely find an excuse to strip those two old men of their power.

As for strength...

Wasn't he an example?

"Sensei, I feel reassured now."

"Don't rush back. I'll teach you a genjutsu, a movement-based illusion, which might complement the Sharingan. Develop it yourself."

Kyōichi motioned with his fingers.

Under the moonlight, Shisui saw his movements, and then...

He saw knife shadows slashing from all directions.

Genjutsu: Blade Swarm Mirage.

In the anime, Itachi's illusion was countless crows, but Kyōichi changed them to knives, keeping the essence the same.

Although Shisui had been learning sword techniques under him, his talent for genjutsu was also remarkable; otherwise, he wouldn't have awakened another heavenly god. So...

After understanding the principles and usage,

He quickly mastered it!

"Get used to it when you return. You don't need to enter the battlefield at this stage, but this war might last for quite a while."

"Yes!"

Shisui was unaware of the situations in the north and west.

But...

He knew that Konoha was not safe at the moment; otherwise, Minato Namikaze wouldn't have stayed away from the eastern front.

Kyōichi didn't send the Genin because, although the Mist Ninja lacked high-end combat power, their silent killing techniques were effective against weaker opponents.

Sending them was unnecessary.

Shisui returned without telling Asuma and Kurenai about his eyes. Instead, he relayed Kyōichi's words, urging them to practice and improve themselves.

On Kyōichi's end, he hadn't expected such a simple instruction to also grant him the Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death.

This jutsu was a commonly used B-rank technique.

Not bad.

At least it could enhance his genjutsu skills and chakra control. As for the illusion itself, its utility wasn't significant unless one day Kyōichi could perform the Tree Binding Death with a single hand.

His focus remained on the Chakra Absorption Technique.

Upon detailed study, this secret technique showed great potential for improvement.

Combined with the Yin Seal, it could directly convert absorbed chakra into the seal.

Kyōichi documented this technique and sent it to Tsunade via slug, also updating her on the battle situation.

...

Tsunade was swamped with work.

She had been studying various medical texts and her grandfather's notes, hoping to quickly create a non-branded healing technique she and Kyōichi could use, but so far, there were no leads.

Too difficult!

Even with Kyōichi's guidance, allowing her to master the Strenght Hundred Healings Jutsu, this step alone might have stalled her progress.

Tsunade was fretting.

At that moment, a slug appeared, spitting out a scroll.

"Hmm?"

She immediately became alert.

A message scroll from Kyōichi!

Was there a situation at the front?

She picked it up, reading briefly before sighing in relief.

"Proactive attack, wiped out four squads, plus discovered a new enemy base..."

Such recklessness.

But...

After reading through, she felt Kyōichi's strategy was well thought out. The first batch of Uchiha Squad members had arrived, significantly easing the pressure.

She continued reading.

Then she saw the overview, principles, and usage of the Chakra Absorption Technique, first in shock, then delight.

She understood the potential of this technique.

If she could improve the conversion rate and absorption speed, combined with the Slug Technique and other ninjas, it could significantly extend the effects of the Slug Technique on the battlefield, a veritable weapon.

Currently somewhat mediocre, but its potential was immense.

Excellent secret technique!

Then she thought of herself...

Damn it.

While others casually tossed out secret techniques, her non-branded healing had yet to show any promise.

She sighed, holding the scroll and pondering, ready to practice.

At that moment, she sensed a presence approaching.

Why would he come?

Tsunade frowned.

She glanced at her bedroom, where Shizune was already asleep, then walked to the courtyard and whispered, "Come out, what do you want?"

"Clearing up some misunderstandings, and helping you with something."

A slightly hoarse voice sounded, and then, Orochimaru appeared in a flash.

"Oh? Do we have misunderstandings?"

"The exam Kyōichi took was arranged by Danzo, but after the attempt failed, I gave up trying to obtain blood through such means."

Orochimaru's lips curled slightly. "Besides, if I really wanted it, would I use such a foolish method?"

Tsunade didn't speak, squinting at Orochimaru.

"Here's some information you might find useful."

Orochimaru produced a scroll.

Tsunade took it, glanced at it, then her expression turned solemn, revealing a mix of surprise and anger.

Research on Hashirama Senju's Cells!

"Human life is fragile. If I had encountered it back then..."

He spoke somberly, then turned to leave.

"Orochimaru."

Speaking of Nawaki, Tsunade's emotions were complex.

Nawaki was a disciple recognized by Orochimaru, and she knew that he wouldn't use this matter to plead.

Orochimaru wasn't that kind of person.

She took a deep breath and said, "Don't stray onto the wrong path, and especially don't research that jutsu. It has significant flaws."

"Don't worry, he's not qualified to command me! Heh, becoming Hokage is their dream, but it's good you came back. With you here, that boy might change some things."

Orochimaru tilted his head, glancing behind him, then paused before saying, "I'm sorry about Nawaki, but one cannot always live in the past."

The next moment, he disappeared with a Body Flicker Technique.

Tsunade, holding the scroll, felt a tear slide down her cheek.

"Nawaki!"