After listening to Uchiha Izumi's explanation of "Infinite Tsukuyomi," Rokuro finally began to take her unique dōjutsu seriously.
"Genjutsu becomes useless in the late game for one reason—those few Six Paths–level monsters at the top aren't genjutsu-type shinobi. And unless you reach that level, no illusion works on them."
"Even before reaching the Six Paths tier, genjutsu already has huge limitations. Take Tsukuyomi: besides requiring eye contact, the range can't exceed five meters. Meaning, despite how dramatic it looks, Tsukuyomi is nothing more than a close-range single-target skill."
"At such a short distance, and with mandatory eye contact, if you face someone like the Fourth Raikage—whose reaction speed is absurd—you'd get flattened before your genjutsu even fires."
Because of all these restrictions, Rokuro viewed Tsukuyomi as nothing more than a first-strike or newbie-crushing move. Once someone takes precautions, the ways to break it are endless.
For example: ninjutsu that attacks the eyes—Lightning Release: Lightning Pillar, Kabuto's White Rage Technique—anything that seals vision. If you can't even open your eyes, how do you cast genjutsu?
Even without targeted counters, simply widening the distance and attacking with long-range ninjutsu—like what Kakuzu excels at—would prevent Tsukuyomi from ever activating.
But all of that became meaningless before Uchiha Izumi's dual-eye Tsukuyomi.
"Light of Ocular Power, huh? And it's a wide-area genjutsu… now that's impressive!"
"Right? I told you—my exclusive dōjutsu is amazing!"
Izumi raised her chin proudly.
"Izumi… let me ask you something. Can you maybe rename this 'Dual-Eye Tsukuyomi' of yours? Don't call it Infinite Tsukuyomi."
"Why? I think the name Infinite Tsukuyomi sounds cool!"
"It is cool—too cool. If a certain chakra progenitor used this technique in a key battle, the story would've ended instantly. Anyway, if you don't want to rename it, that's fine, but don't mention it in front of outsiders."
Izumi had no idea what nonsense Rokuro was muttering about chakra ancestors, but after his repeated warnings, she agreed never to mention "Infinite Tsukuyomi" in front of others.
Then the three returned home.
"Izumi, you just fused the genetic serum. I'm placing you under observation for one month. During this time, you'll focus on getting used to your eyes and dōjutsu. If anything feels off in your body, even slightly, you tell me immediately. No hiding."
"Got it! I'm basically half a biologist myself—I know the importance of post-operation recovery."
After discussing things, the three slept straight until noon the next day.
Then they performed a full physical check on Izumi before heading out to shop.
The moment they reached the shopping district, intending to buy clothes, they heard yelling. A customer and a clothing merchant were arguing loudly.
The customer said the clothing tore after being washed once; the merchant insisted it wasn't their product. Both sides argued endlessly, and people on the street gathered to watch.
Normally, a dispute like this would be broken up by Konoha's Military Police Force.
But today, despite the noise lasting so long, not a single Uchiha showed up.
"Huh? Doesn't this street have Uchiha patrols? Why isn't anyone handling this?"
"What's wrong with the Uchihas today? They usually nitpick every tiny issue, but now something affecting business is happening and they don't show? This is dereliction of duty!"
Hearing discussions like this from the crowd, the three exchanged a look and left.
"Should I check on the Police Force?"
"Let's go together. No point shopping after that mess."
When they arrived at the police headquarters, the place was deserted—no guards, no personnel.
Izumi, being part of the Police Force, walked in with familiarity and soon found a few Uchihas. After asking around, they finally learned the truth.
"More than half the Uchihas quit! I heard they're all from the Elder's faction. Rokuro, do you know what's going on?"
Rokuro thought for a moment.
"I'm not entirely sure. Previously, I warned the Elder—Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō would definitely pull dirty tricks again. The most likely starting point would be financial restrictions. Looks like the Elder had already prepared a countermeasure."
"Huh? You predicted this? And the Elder's solution was telling everyone to resign?"
Izumi was stunned—and so was Uchiha Fugaku, the clan head.
At this moment, Fugaku was in Uchiha Setsuna's home, agitatedly questioning him.
"Elder… is it true that you told so many Uchiha to resign?"
Uchiha Setsuna slowly opened his clouded old eyes, staring at Fugaku for a full thirty seconds without speaking.
Fugaku was furious at first, then realized his tone was too harsh and forced himself to calm down.
"Elder, please forgive me. I was too anxious just now—I meant no disrespect."
"Anxious? About what? What is there to be anxious about?"
Those three sharp questions made Fugaku's blood pressure rise.
"How can I not be? The Military Police Force is the symbol of our clan's authority—our roots in Konoha. I know everyone's upset about the salary cuts, but that's only temporary. We can't dismantle our foundation over this!"
"Foundation? More like a ball and chain! Fugaku, you led the clan in the Lightning–Fire war. Tell me this—did our clan members grow from the experience?"
"Of course! Not just Shisui, but many juniors and even older members improved greatly. No one can deny that!"
He assumed the Elder was going to criticize him for retreating, so he rushed to praise the clan's progress. But he was completely wrong.
"So tell me—do they grow faster on the battlefield, or in the Police Force?"
"This…"
Fugaku froze, feeling uneasy.
"Of course the battlefield is better. But Elder, we can't abandon the Police Force!"
"Fugaku, after watching this institution for decades, I've concluded it brings us no benefit—only restrictions. We are a shinobi clan. Authority matters, yes, but strength matters far more."
"Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō pulled their tricks first—cutting funding and planting fake civilians to stir trouble. Fine. Let someone else manage the village's security."
Hearing the Elder talk about abandoning the Police Force, Fugaku panicked.
"Elder, if we give up the Police Force, many clan members will lose their income! There'll be chaos!"
Setsuna glanced toward Uchiha Meika, who handed Fugaku a scroll.
Fugaku opened it—and his face went pale.
"Elder, this is real?! This is competing directly with the entire village! If discovered, the whole village will target us!"
No wonder he was terrified—aside from Fire Country's funding, Konoha's biggest income came from escort missions, protection fees, and similar work.
The clients? Fire Country nobles and merchants.
But here Setsuna had secretly formed business partnerships with merchants—essentially cutting into Konoha's core income. If discovered, Sarutobi Hiruzen would definitely retaliate.
Seeing Fugaku's horrified expression, Setsuna grew annoyed.
"What are you afraid of? They wronged us first. We're merely defending ourselves. They're allowed to set fires but we're not allowed to light a lamp?"
"And we aren't sending our clan directly as bodyguards. We're only stepping in after an incident happens—not the same as Konoha's system."
"Even if this gets exposed, we simply claim ignorance. As long as those we dispatch aren't caught red-handed, who can prove they're Uchihas?"
Setsuna tapped the contract in Fugaku's hands.
"The merchants won't admit anything. Bandits we kill can't talk. Perfect, isn't it?"
Fugaku's jaw dropped.
This… was this still the Elder who used to value dignity and reputation above all else? When did he become so cunning and ruthless?
Setsuna lightly massaged his leg.
"In the beginning, troublemakers will appear. Fine—let their deaths remind the world of Uchiha's terror. I've already sent word: whoever touches our partner merchants—no matter who they are or what background—kill them all."
"Strength comes from blood and fire. Babysitting civilians every day only dulls our edge."
Fugaku listened, dumbfounded—until sudden realization struck.
"Elder… did you already predict the Hokage would cut the Police Force budget?"
Setsuna gave him a cold look.
"Shouldn't I? As a clan elder, removing danger before it arrives is the most basic responsibility."
Fugaku fell silent, speechless.
Setsuna waved him away.
"If you still can't decide, tell the other two Elders and get their opinions. I'm tired and want to rest… sigh. Growing old is troublesome. And the clan has so many issues. Fugaku, as clan head, you must shoulder the burden."
Fugaku, ashamed, left and summoned the Second and Third Elders to explain the plan.
They were shocked at first, but soon the Third Elder—leader of the neutral faction—slapped his thigh excitedly.
"The Elder's plan is brilliant! It solves our financial crisis and slaps Sarutobi right in the face. Let's see how they deal with us now!"
The Second Elder hesitated.
"But will the clan accept this? We've always disdained being merchants' bodyguards…"
"Bodyguards? The contract states clearly—we are partners. Different roles, same level. In fact, higher, because they begged us. Stop worrying. If you disagree, present a better solution."
The Second Elder fell silent—he had none.
Seeing both Elders agree, Fugaku sighed.
"If both of you approve… we'll proceed. As for the Police Force—those who want to stay may stay. Those who don't, let them leave."
The two Elders left to spread the message.
Soon, the entire Uchiha clan knew. And just as expected, most had no objections—families needed income. With a new source of money, they weren't going to complain.
Some old-fashioned Uchihas complained at first, but once they heard they were partners—not hired muscle—and even held a superior position, their pride settled and resentment faded.
If anyone was most opposed, it was Uchiha Shisui.
Upon hearing the news, he immediately went to Fugaku to stop him. But since Shisui never handled the clan's real burdens, once Fugaku confronted him with harsh realities, even Shisui fell silent.
Feeling dejected, Shisui went to train with the dutiful son, and eventually couldn't hold back his frustration. Naturally, Itachi learned the whole situation—but he held a different view.
"Shisui, I don't think the clan did anything wrong this time. We're both in the ANBU—we know very well how this whole mess started. I won't argue who's right or wrong, because lately I've been reading, and I realized something: depending on your standpoint, right and wrong can flip entirely."
"Even if both sides aren't wrong, just looking at the Uchiha's response—the Elder's method solved the clan's income problem without confronting the Hokage head-on. That's the best way to protect the bigger picture. I honestly can't think of a better solution."
Shisui froze. Sensing something was off, he hurried to correct the boy's perspective.
"Itachi, the real root of the issue is the losses on the front lines. That caused the financial strain. We just need to endure for a while—once things stabilize, it'll all return to normal."
"Shisui, I know what you mean—but you didn't get my point. I already said right and wrong can flip depending on one's standpoint. I know the Hokage is doing all this for stability—for the sake of the village. That's what you believe too, right?"
Shisui nodded lightly. It seemed the kid hadn't gone astray—if anything, he understood even more. Shisui felt both comforted and faintly uneasy.
"But the Elder's actions clearly didn't consider those things…"
"No, Shisui—you're the one missing it. The Elder sees it perfectly. What he did resolves the clan's financial crisis and gives up part of the Police Force's authority. That helps stabilize the village too. Because if we followed my father's order and pulled money from the clan's already thin savings to pay wages, it would've only caused more resentment."
Itachi looked at Shisui.
"You're a jōnin, Shisui. You've taken plenty of missions and have good income—you don't have to worry about money. But many in our clan don't live as comfortably as you. So you might not understand how hard life gets when someone has no money. And when a person lacks money… they're capable of doing crazy things."
"The Elder understands that. That's why he made this decision. It is a sound strategy to stabilize Konoha."
With that, Itachi drew a kunai and resumed his daily throwing practice. Shisui stood there stunned, needing a long moment to digest everything.
"Itachi… you've grown."
Perhaps Itachi's words gave Shisui new insight, or perhaps Shisui already had doubts of his own. Either way, he didn't report the clan's plan to establish an independent branch of authority.
But something like that couldn't be hidden for long. Within just a week, Konoha's Intelligence Division learned that several major Fire Country merchants had aligned themselves with the Uchiha. After further investigation, they discovered these merchants had signed contracts and become business partners with them.
Konoha had never attempted this kind of cooperation. To them, it seemed no different from merchants simply assigning missions through the village—but that didn't stop people from getting jealous.
"Unbelievable! Those Uchiha bastards with rebellion growing out of the backs of their heads—how dare they bypass the village and make private deals with merchants! Do they even care about Konoha's interests anymore? Do they still see you as the Hokage?!"
Shimura Danzō was shouting in the Hokage's office again. The other three elders were present as well—and equally furious.
"Since when did the Uchiha get so crafty? They actually used their brains to poach business?"
Homura was astonished, while Koharu was already calculating.
"Hiruzen, with the Uchiha doing this, our mission count will drop by at least ten to twenty percent. We can't ignore that."
"Exactly. If we let this slide, other clans might copy them. Then what's left of Konoha?"
Danzō was roaring as if he wanted to blow the roof off.
"Danzō, I didn't call you here to hear you curse. I want solutions."
Hearing his old friend ask for help again, Danzō's pride swelled.
"Heh. We can't pressure them directly at this stage. But we can go with the flow. Half their people quit the Police Force, right? And recently ordinary citizens have been complaining about rising crime and lack of patrols. Hiruzen, use that as the excuse to forcibly take back their authority."
Hiruzen didn't respond, but Homura did—immediately panicked.
"Danzō, have you forgotten Lord Tobirama's intent when he assigned the Police Force to the Uchiha? It's a swamp. We must never let them pull their feet out of it!"
"Heh. Of course I know Lord Tobirama's reasoning. But our political opponents aren't only the Uchiha."
Homura and Koharu instantly understood.
"Have the Hyūga fill the remaining half. Two birds with one stone. First, it drags the stubborn Hyūga into the swamp as well—let them taste the villagers' distrust. Second, the Hyūga's involvement will make the Uchiha feel their power being carved away. Tension will form between the two clans."
"They wanted to form an alliance, didn't they? Let's see how that goes now."
Danzō looked smugly toward Hiruzen. The Hokage took eight long drags on his pipe, filling the room with smoke and making Homura and Koharu cough before he finally spoke.
"We'll do as you suggest… sigh. Hizashi really doesn't understand my good intentions at all."
Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, both rolling their eyes. They'd worked with Hiruzen for so many years, but sometimes they still couldn't stomach his hypocrisy.
In this respect, Danzō's tolerance was unmatched—Hiruzen's nauseating "benevolence" drew no reaction from him at all. He simply turned and began carrying out his plan.
Time passed, and half a month went by. During these two weeks, Uchiha Rokuro and his family focused entirely on Uchiha Izumi. Now the two of them stood in an unnamed patch of forest beside the laboratory, seemingly staring at each other. The next second, Rokuro was panting heavily, hands on his knees, looking exhausted.
Uchiha Izumi rubbed her left eye, then opened her palm to inspect it.
"No more bleeding. Haha! That proves it—I really have the Eternal Mangekyō now, right?"
Rokuro took several deep breaths before stabilizing his breathing.
"Five uses of Tsukuyomi in one day… only the Eternal Mangekyō can handle that. If it were a normal Mangekyō, your eye would've been spurting blood like a fountain by now."
"Rokuro, have you rested enough? Let's continue!"
"No, no, no—Tsukuyomi drains my mental energy even if you do nothing inside it. If we continue, I might literally die of brain failure. That's enough for today—tomorrow."
Izumi looked disappointed, so Rokuro snapped his fingers.
"It's been half a month—your eyes should have stabilized. Want to try Susanoo?"
"Really? I can use Susanoo now?"
For half a month, she had trained strictly according to Rokuro's instructions, not daring to deviate—for this concerned her eyes. If anything went wrong, it would haunt her for life.
"It should be fine. Start with the skeletal form."
Uchiha Izumi took a deep breath. Pink chakra erupted from her body, covering her entirely.
"Why pink?! That's way too personalized!"
As Rokuro complained, the chakra grew denser and thicker, forming ribs that wrapped around her body—the most primitive form of Susanoo: skeletal Susanoo.
"Izumi, take this. Let's test its durability."
Rokuro formed hand seals and launched a Great Fireball.
Boom!
The explosion blossomed in front of Izumi—yet she remained completely unharmed.
Lightning burst around Rokuro's body—the Lightning Armor.
"Next—Lightning Release: Four-Pronged Thrust!"
END OF CHAPTER
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