As the others chatted and headed off to clean up the battlefield, Fugaku stood frozen in place.
As the commander of the battlefield, he felt utterly invisible.
Everyone's attention was focused on Mirai. Even matters like organizing the cleanup or pursuing the fleeing Kirigakure shinobi—tasks that should require his input—were handled without anyone consulting him.
Humiliation.
Utter humiliation.
As a proud member of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku had never experienced such disgrace.
"Fugaku-sama, please don't take it to heart," Uchiha said softly, stepping up beside him.
"Mirai may be strong, but you are the future clan leader of the Uchiha."
"No matter how powerful Uchiha Mirai becomes, he is just a blade in your hand."
"With his strength, your influence within the village will only grow."
Hearing Yakumi's words, Fugaku responded coldly, "I don't need the reminder. Mirai will pay for his arrogance someday."
As the heir of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku had long been privy to many clan secrets.
From the earlier battle, he could confirm that Uchiha Mirai had grown to the same level as the legendary Uchiha Madara.
The towering Susanoo was proof of that.
But so what?
Back in the day, even Madara, after awakening his Mangekyō Sharingan, ruled the shinobi world with overwhelming might. Only the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, could rival him.
But even Madara almost succumbed to despair when he hit his limits.
It was only after transplanting Uchiha Izuna's Mangekyō Sharingan that he gained renewed strength.
Mirai, however, was an orphan. He had no close kin to provide him with another Mangekyō Sharingan.
For someone like him, no matter how much strength he displayed, it would all eventually fade away.
Furthermore…
Fugaku snorted coldly.
He, too, had secretly experimented after awakening his Mangekyō Sharingan. While Susanoo granted godlike power, its toll on the eyes was immense.
Even using the first stage of Susanoo caused a rapid drain on his ocular power.
Let alone the massive, hundred-meter-tall Susanoo that Mirai wielded.
By Fugaku's estimation, Mirai was already nearing blindness.
When that time came and Mirai lost his usefulness, those who followed him for his power would surely abandon him.
On that day, Fugaku vowed to repay today's humiliation a hundredfold.
...
At the Konoha camp
Inside a private room, Mirai tossed a kunai made of refined steel onto the ground. With a soft blow, he exhaled a white mist.
The kunai was quickly engulfed in the smoke, accompanied by a sizzling sound.
Moments later, the acidic mist dissipated, leaving the kunai completely dissolved. Even the surrounding floor bore a newly corroded pit.
"Impressive power," Mirai murmured, nodding in satisfaction. He opened his status panel.
[Name: Uchiha Mirai]
[Physique: 2004]
[Mental Strength: 1950]
[Chakra: 1961]
[Kekkei Genkai: Mangekyō Sharingan | Magnet Release: Gold Dust | Scorch Release | Shikotsumyaku | Boil Release]
[Ninjutsu: … Water Release: Water Gunshot | Water Formation Pillar | Water Fang Bullet]
[Others: … Secret Technique: Hydrification]
Mirai's lips curved into a slight smile as he scanned his stats.
This time's harvest was astonishing, even to him.
The attribute points he'd gained alone were nearly 3,000.
Before joining this campaign, only his physical strength exceeded 1,000. Now, after just over a month, his stats had skyrocketed.
Both his mental power and chakra were nearing 2,000.
The surge in power made Mirai feel like he could punch a hole straight through the shinobi world.
Beyond the attribute points, he had also acquired numerous Water Release techniques. While not particularly remarkable, having more techniques was always beneficial.
Among them, the Hydrification Technique stood out. It allowed him to transform his body into liquid, rendering him immune to physical attacks. Although it had a weakness against Lightning Release, it was still a formidable secret technique.
As for Shikotsumyaku and Boil Release, their potential in his hands was even more terrifying.
Especially Shikotsumyaku.
Mirai sensed that if his power reached a certain threshold, this kekkei genkai might evolve even further.
Additionally, gaining the power of the Three-Tails made this his most bountiful haul yet.
After briefly savoring his newfound strength, Mirai opened his eyes.
With the battle against Kirigakure over, it was time to return to the village.
...
At the Hokage's Office, Konoha
Danzo stormed into the room, his face dark.
Bang!
His cane struck the floor with a heavy thud as he approached Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, you've heard about the situation on the Kirigakure front, haven't you?"
"Uchiha Mirai is becoming increasingly defiant."
Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke, speaking calmly, "What has he done now?"
"That brat sealed the Three-Tails into his own body, turning himself into its jinchūriki!" Danzo exclaimed, his anger palpable.
The power of a tailed beast, capable of destroying entire villages, was now in the hands of a dangerous Uchiha. And worse, he hadn't even reported it to the village—this was blatant insubordination!
Hiruzen sighed heavily. "Danzo, there's nothing we can do now. Mirai has grown beyond our control."
Danzo pointed an accusing finger at Hiruzen. "This mess is your fault for being too soft. You need to take responsibility."
"Also, someone has to answer for the fallout of this war. Hiruzen, it's time for you to step down."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Even now, all you can think about is my resignation?"
"You've said before that you were considering stepping down!" Danzo retorted.
"That was before," Hiruzen countered. "If I step down now, do you intend for Uchiha Mirai to become the next Hokage?"
Danzo froze, confused. "What does this have to do with Mirai?"
Hiruzen stared at him, exasperated. "In the current generation, who is stronger or more respected than Uchiha Mirai?"
Danzo scoffed. "Why must the next Hokage come from the younger generation?"
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Then what are you suggesting?"
Danzo straightened, adjusting his robes. "Hiruzen… how about me?"
Hiruzen rolled his eyes. "Danzo, a Hokage needs the trust and respect of the entire village."
Danzo snorted. "Nonsense! All it takes is the approval of the jōnin council."
"And the jōnin will trust you?" Hiruzen gestured toward Danzo's heavily bandaged arm. "Don't think your secrets are safe."
"I've made my decision. Until Uchiha Mirai is dealt with, I'm not stepping down."
Danzo's face twisted in fury. "Fine! Keep your seat, Hiruzen. But don't expect me to help you hold onto it!"
Bang!
The door slammed shut as Danzo stormed out.
Hiruzen rubbed his temples, a growing sense of unease settling over him.
Things were spiraling out of control.
And if not for the inevitable blindness of the Mangekyō Sharingan, he would genuinely fear defeat this time.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +70 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo