Chapter 63: The Shocked Crowd! Fugaku: Why Is the Third Hokage No Longer So Firm?

Chapter 63: The Shocked Crowd! Fugaku: Why Is the Third Hokage No Longer So Firm?

[You have created a weakened version of the genjutsu Izanami. Your mastery of genjutsu has deepened.]

[You have achieved enlightenment. Your genjutsu space has merged with the abilities of Izanami, greatly enhancing its power.]

"Not bad, not bad!"

Ishihara smiled with satisfaction.

Even in its weakened form, Izanami was still extremely terrifying. By constructing a special loop similar to Izanami, the target of the technique could never escape. Its effects were far stronger than ordinary genjutsu performed by the Mangekyō Sharingan. However, it also consumed more eye power. But this genjutsu had now fused with his genjutsu space, not only strengthening the space itself but also allowing him to cast Izanami without the need for Mangekyō Sharingan. As long as his mental power was sufficient, there was no cooldown period required. It was simply perfect.

Ishihara smiled and nodded at Fugaku.

"It's done."

"That's it?"

Fugaku looked at him in astonishment. Even though he had witnessed Ishihara's terrifying abilities before, he was still shocked at this moment. This was Izanami, one of the Uchiha clan's top forbidden techniques! It could even be considered one of the top forbidden techniques in the entire ninja world! Yet Ishihara had just created a new secret technique in such a short amount of time.

"Here you go!"

In a joyful mood, Ishihara directly wrote down his modified version of Izanami on the scroll. Fugaku stood by, staring intently at every word Ishihara wrote, becoming more and more delighted until he was practically overjoyed by the end.

"So strong!"

"Although the power is somewhat weakened, there's no longer the cost of losing one's eyesight!"

"And the power of this genjutsu is far beyond that of ordinary genjutsu!"

"Hahaha, indeed, working with Ishihara was the right decision!"

The Third Hokage, along with Hiashi Hyūga and the others, frowned as they watched this scene. Although they didn't want to believe that Ishihara had truly developed a secret technique, they couldn't help but stare longingly at the scroll, even moving closer.

"Back off! This is the Uchiha clan's secret technique...!"

Fugaku immediately glared and shouted in anger. Hiashi Hyūga and the others awkwardly backed up a few steps, exchanging glances and whispering amongst themselves.

"Do you think this is real or fake?"

"Do you believe it? Learning an ordinary ninjutsu in such a short time would make you a top genius, but just now..."

"But Fugaku's expression doesn't seem fake!"

"Why don't one of you try it?"

Fugaku's excitement had stirred curiosity in the crowd. If Ishihara could truly improve forbidden techniques, they were naturally tempted. However, every clan's secret techniques were their most guarded treasures, and no one wanted to share them with others. So, despite their interest, no one dared to try in the end.

The Third Hokage's gaze shifted back and forth between Fugaku and Ishihara, his mind in turmoil. This was the first time he had witnessed Ishihara's terrifying talent firsthand. Although he was reluctant to believe it, considering the intelligence he had gathered, the Third Hokage had to admit that it was likely true.

"Ishihara's talent far exceeds my expectations. No wonder he rejected my proposal!"

"If he's given a few more years, he'll be able to easily obtain any secret technique he desires!"

With this realization, the Third Hokage's heart grew cold. A person like Ishihara could either be a friend or an enemy, and if he became an enemy, he must be eliminated immediately with all possible force. However, Ishihara had already mastered space-time ninjutsu!

The Third Hokage felt a sense of helplessness. He understood how terrifying the mobility of space-time ninjutsu could be. Without any ties holding him down, it would be nearly impossible to catch someone like that.

I cannot become Ishihara's enemy!

This thought flashed through the Third Hokage's mind, and he instantly regretted having strained their relationship earlier. But more than that, he felt humiliated. He was, after all, the leader of Konoha, the strongest of the Five Great Ninja Villages, the Hokage. Yet now, he was feeling cowardly before even fighting, even considering bowing his head. His pride wouldn't allow him to do so.

As he looked at Fugaku, who was beaming with excitement, the Third Hokage's expression grew even graver. The Uchiha clan had already gotten ahead, and he had to make a decision quickly.

"Return to Konoha to convene a high-level meeting!"

Even though he was the Hokage, he couldn't make this decision alone. He still needed to convince his three old friends—Danzō, Homura, and Koharu. But for now, he had to take a stand, or else Ishihara might side with the Uchiha clan, which would be a disaster for the Konoha leadership, who were already at odds with the Uchiha.

"Ishihara, please reconsider my earlier proposal. If you have any conditions, feel free to discuss them with me!"

The Third Hokage forced a smile and approached Ishihara, trying to soften his tone.

"Heh! Weren't you just being so tough, Lord Hokage?"

Fugaku glanced at him and sneered dismissively. He had clearly noticed the Third Hokage's change in attitude. He no longer saw anything wrong with the Uchiha clan bowing to Ishihara. Instead, he felt as though he had gotten ahead by seizing the opportunity. This foresight made him a little excited!

The Third Hokage glared at him harshly, then turned to Ishihara and said gently, "I'll go back and call a meeting to discuss this."

Then, he hurriedly left.

Seeing this, Hiashi Hyūga and the others exchanged looks, their expressions serious.

"Could it be that what just happened was real?!"

The Third Hokage's actions had already confirmed it. Everyone's gaze toward Ishihara was filled with shock.

Gulp.

Someone swallowed nervously and said in a strained voice, "Isn't his talent a bit too terrifying?"

"Terrifying? This might change the entire ninja world!"

Shikaku Nara sighed. As brilliant as he was, he couldn't imagine how far someone like Ishihara could go in the future. When he looked at Ishihara, it was as if he could see him ruling over the entire world one day.

A few people exchanged glances, unsure of what to do.

"Are you willing to hand over your secret techniques?"

"I'm not handing mine over. No matter how the ninja world changes, our clans won't just disappear."

"I need to think about it..."

The heads of several clans seemed hesitant. Shikaku Nara sighed again. Personally, he was inclined to cooperate with Ishihara, but he needed the approval of his clan's higher-ups.

Hiashi Hyūga looked at Fugaku with a complicated expression, then back at Ishihara.

"If he can truly do it, perhaps we should give it a try..."

The Hyūga clan had many secrets, most of which only the clan leader knew. The more Hiashi knew, the more questions he had. Was the Hyūga clan truly from the moon? Was there more heritage there?

Hiashi raised his head and looked at the shadow of the moon in the sky, his gaze gradually becoming resolute.

Perhaps it was time to unravel these mysteries.