Unless you've personally experienced the illusions of the Mangekyo Sharingan, you can never truly grasp its power.
The title of "Number One Genjutsu Among All Dōjutsu" is no exaggeration.
Especially when it comes from a pair of Mangekyo Sharingan particularly focused on genjutsu!
Still, before setting out,
his superior officer and mentor, Fuguki Suikazan, had carefully warned Kisame to be cautious of the Uchiha Clan's genjutsu techniques.
Absolutely do not make eye contact with the Mangekyo Sharingan!
Unfortunately, Kisame still fell victim.
Or perhaps more accurately, he simply didn't believe.
Other than that abnormal prodigy, Shimoku Uchiha,
who else in the Uchiha Clan could possibly have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan at such a young age?
And even then—
to activate genjutsu against an ally village's ninja upon their very first meeting?
But unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—he faced off against Itachi.
A genius who defied all logic.
A ruthless fighter who would never grow careless or hold back during battle…
Thus, to gather intelligence and verify Kisame's strength,
Itachi naturally activated his Mangekyo Sharingan without hesitation.
In fact, he almost activated Tsukuyomi as well...
...
Instantly,
through genjutsu, Itachi obtained most of the information regarding Kisame.
Of course, he couldn't help but feel slightly astonished.
He discovered that
he had practically pushed his ocular powers and illusions to the absolute limit just to trick Kisame into unconsciously revealing much information within the illusory realm.
However, there was absolutely no way to control the man's thoughts and actions using genjutsu alone.
This guy possessed extraordinary willpower and mental fortitude!
Nearly unshakable!
Unlike Deidara, who was already under his control—
with just a pat on Deidara's shoulder, Itachi could easily make him run naked around the village again using genjutsu.
But with this kid Kisame, unless he escalated by activating Tsukuyomi or decided to kill him,
there was absolutely no way to force him to act against his own will through illusions.
Itachi inwardly whistled.
The last time—indeed, the only other time—he had encountered someone with such extreme perseverance was his respected senior, Shisui Uchiha.
Never did I expect the Mist to produce a ninja of equal caliber.
The Hidden Villages definitely shouldn't be underestimated!
Lucky for me, he doesn't seem to have any ill intentions.
Otherwise, I'd already have found some secluded spot to lay him down permanently...
In an instant, Kisame felt as though he'd awoken from a terrifyingly vivid nightmare.
In the dream,
due to conflicting objectives, he ended up fighting against Terumi Mei, engaging in fierce combat.
Then Homura villagers branded him a spy—accused him of sabotaging the alliance between the two villages.
He became hunted relentlessly
by both Uchiha and Kiri ninja...
He used everything he had—he fought like there was no tomorrow.
Finally escaping encirclement, fleeing far from Homura Hidden Village.
Then suddenly, he ran straight into Shimoku Uchiha.
Crushed into a pulp by a single strike from his Susano'o's massive hand!
"Hua——"
Kisame snapped awake abruptly,
cold sweat drenching his back.
He looked again—there was no sign of Itachi Uchiha or the others where they had stood.
At that moment, realization suddenly struck him like lightning.
He had just been trapped in a genjutsu! All within that single moment of eye contact!
And he actually got caught in it that easily?!
Well I'll be.
In just an instant, had he really been defeated by a mere thirteen- or fourteen-year-old Uchiha kid?
Had the opponent even activated his Mangekyo Sharingan?
Could it be that such terrifying experts lurked inside Homura Hidden Village?
This place truly teemed with hidden masters.
...
"Mr. Kisame? Hey?"
"Mr. Kisame?!!!"
The squad leader beside Kisame shouted, jolting him out of his daze.
"What's wrong? Why did you suddenly freeze up just now?"
Kisame remained silent. As an honest man, he simply wasn't good at lying...
"Was it because you used too much chakra on that water release technique?"
"Yeah..."
"Well then, make sure to rest properly later!"
"Okay."
"Also, who was that person earlier?"
Kisame asked once more.
"You mean Itachi Uchiha? Oh! He's the eldest son of our former Great Clan Leader Fugaku, and also the cousin of Young Master Shimoku. It's said he's extremely powerful and gifted, but he hardly ever shows up in public..."
Kisame: "Former Great Clan Leader? Young Master Shimoku?"
Squad Leader: "Yes. Former Clan Leader Fugaku has already voluntarily stepped down."
"It should've been Shimoku, the Young Master, who inherited leadership next. But since the Young Master is still young and underage, according to ancestral traditions, he hasn't officially taken over yet. So everyone continues calling him Young Master."
"Once Shimoku comes of age, he'll officially take over as clan leader."
"Oh!"
Kisame nodded in understanding.
But deep down, Kisame made sure never to forget the name Itachi Uchiha.
That Young Master Shimoku was indeed strong—he had even defeated Yagura, the perfect jinchuriki and Fourth Mizukage, on his own. Kisame knew he himself could never match him.
Yet, he had lost so foolishly to this guy named Itachi—all because of a mere illusion technique.
He really couldn't accept it.
"No wonder they call it the Mangekyo Sharingan!"
"I must find another opportunity for a real showdown with that guy!"
Kisame murmured softly.
"Mr. Kisame, what are you talking about?"
"Nothing."
The squad leader cheerfully slapped Kisame on the back and urged:
"Then let's get moving!"
"It seems the Young Master has returned, and there's a buffet dinner set up in the plaza!"
"It's definitely going to be lively—with lots of delicious food!"
"And if I arrive late, my wife will probably get angry again..."
The squad leader chuckled happily.
With one team member pushing Kisame along, they quickly headed toward the village square.
You see—
A joyous event like this?
Back in Konoha? They wouldn't have even *dreamt* of holding one!
Probably getting shut down before it even started—courtesy of Anbu.
Nothing beats our own ninja village!
Here we can party without worries, freely and thoroughly.
...
In truth, this grand feast wasn't Shimoku's idea.
Just having returned to the village, Shimoku learned about it only after Riyō and the others reported in.
It turned out that Aunt Hazuki, who had long known tomorrow was Shimoku's 11th birthday,
had already discussed with the Elders' Council and decided to host a grand banquet tonight for their Young Master.
The rest of the villagers naturally nodded in agreement, applauding enthusiastically.
They had secretly begun preparing a week in advance,
hoping to give their Young Master a special surprise tonight.
Upon hearing this, Shimoku couldn't help but smile, a warm glow spreading through his chest.
Indeed, it felt wonderful to have family by his side!
If he were alone, he could never pull off such a lively and warm banquet.
So, Shimoku gladly accepted.
This grand event would not only bring the village closer together but also give everyone a chance to unwind and recharge.
How could he even say no?
Besides, after going all day on an empty stomach, he was definitely hungry.
He was all set to indulge in the grand feast tonight.
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