So… you believe the current plight of our clan has something to do with me?" the Grand Elder asked.
"Yes," Arata replied respectfully. "Please forgive me, Grand Elder. I feel the relationship between our clan and the village has become far too strained. If this continues unchecked, conflict is inevitable—sooner or later."
The Grand Elder let out two short, hollow laughs, devoid of humor, and abruptly changed the subject.
"Arata," he asked, "do you know how Konoha was founded?"
"Grand Elder, I know a little," Arata answered.
"Originally, the village was formed through the alliance of the Senju and Uchiha clans. Later, the Hyūga, Yamanaka, Shimura, and others joined, and Konoha gradually became what it is today."
The Grand Elder studied Arata for a moment, his gaze softening slightly as he let out a long sigh.
"You're impressive," he said quietly.
"Few young people today still remember the true history of our village."
"I'm simply curious about the past," Arata replied modestly.
"So I've learned a bit more than most."
The Grand Elder did not comment further, but continued in a deeper, heavier tone.
"Long ago, our ancestor—Uchiha Madara—joined hands with Senju Hashirama, leader of the Senju clan, to establish Konoha. Hashirama originally wished for Madara to become the First Hokage."
"For reasons still unclear, Madara refused, and Hashirama took the position instead."
"Later, their disagreements deepened, and Madara and Hashirama fought at the Valley of the End."
"Madara was defeated and believed to have died at Hashirama's hand. Not long after, Hashirama himself also passed away."
The Grand Elder's voice carried a deep-seated resentment as he continued.
"Hashirama's younger brother, Tobirama, succeeded him as the Second Hokage."
"Tobirama blamed Madara for Hashirama's early death and harbored profound distrust toward our clan."
"Remember this, Arata," he said sternly.
"Konoha was founded by both the Senju and the Uchiha. Without us, there would be no village."
"And yet," he continued bitterly,
"look at the line of Hokage. Every single one carries the Senju's bloodline—or their ideology."
"The Uchiha have received no recognition. Only suspicion."
At this point, the Grand Elder's emotions surged. His voice rose with anger.
"So," Arata asked carefully, "you believe the Uchiha should rule Konoha?"
The elder sighed heavily, the fire in his eyes fading into weary sorrow.
"I know such a thing is impossible now," he said quietly.
"But the bitterness remains."
"Look at the present," he continued.
"Even a comparatively small clan like the Yamanaka has produced a Hokage. Tell me—does that not sting?"
He slammed his hand against the table. The teacup rattled, droplets spilling across the wooden surface.
Seeing the Grand Elder's anger, Arata could only offer a helpless smile. Logic alone could not dispel such long-held resentment.
Only one final path remained.
After the elder finally calmed himself, Arata spoke again.
"Grand Elder, I did not come merely to offer advice," he said evenly.
"Recently, my Sharingan has shown unusual signs."
"As a senior of the Uchiha, you understand these matters better than anyone. That is why I came—to seek your guidance."
At Arata's words, the Grand Elder set down his teacup and looked at him with renewed focus.
Arata activated his Sharingan, slowly channeling chakra into his eyes.
The three tomoe began spinning faster and faster, until they twisted and reshaped—forming a four-pointed shuriken pattern…
Identical to Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan.
The Grand Elder froze.
Shock, disbelief, and excitement flashed across his face all at once. His hand clenched tightly around the teacup as he whispered, his voice trembling,
"Finally… finally, the Uchiha clan's Mangekyō Sharingan has appeared again…"
Tears shimmered in his aged eyes.
Arata had originally intended to use Kotoamatsukami on the Grand Elder immediately—but seeing such raw, genuine emotion, he hesitated.
These feelings were real… perhaps they deserved to be heard before being influenced.
After a long silence, Uchiha Ryo let out a self-mocking chuckle.
"An old… foolish man," he said softly.
"Crying like a child. Forgive me, Arata."
"Grand Elder," Arata asked gently,
"why such emotion? Is it only because of my Sharingan's evolution?"
Ryo slowly shook his head.
"Your eyes are not merely unusual—they have evolved," he said gravely.
"What you possess is the Mangekyō Sharingan. Do you understand what that means?"
Though he already knew from his own research, Arata respectfully shook his head.
"Don't blame yourself," Ryo continued.
"Our clan hasn't seen the Mangekyō in many decades. Since the time of our ancestor Madara, few have even understood its true nature."
"The elders stopped speaking of it long ago."
"So… Madara's strength came partly from the Mangekyō Sharingan?" Arata asked.
Ryo nodded.
"Yes—in part. The Mangekyō grants unique and terrifying techniques… abilities capable of warping reality itself."
"But remember," he added firmly,
"Madara's power did not come from his eyes alone."
"His mastery of chakra, ninjutsu, and battlefield instinct was beyond imagination."
"Still," Arata pressed,
"the Mangekyō must be an incredibly powerful kekkei genkai."
"Anyone who awakens it and trains long enough should reach at least Elite Jōnin level, correct?"
The Grand Elder nodded.
"Indeed. A skilled Uchiha with the Mangekyō can easily stand among Elite Jōnin—or even ANBU operatives."
"With time and mastery," he said slowly,
"they may rise even further… to what we call true Kage-level strength."
"And Lord Madara?" Arata asked curiously.
"How strong was he compared to that?"
The Grand Elder's eyes shone with reverence.
"Lord Madara Uchiha surpassed ordinary Kage entirely," he said solemnly.
"He was a legendary warrior—one of the very few whose power rivaled that of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama."
"In today's terms," Ryo concluded,
"he stood at the absolute pinnacle of Kage-level strength."
"The pinnacle of Kage-level…" Arata murmured.
"Yes," Ryo affirmed.
"That is the realm of legends—where a single shinobi can stand equal to multiple Kage."
"In the history of our clan," he added quietly,
"such figures are exceedingly rare."
Hearing the elder praise Madara so highly, Arata smiled faintly and gestured toward himself.
"And me?" he asked.
"I've awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan as well. Does that mean I could reach Lord Madara's level someday?"
The Grand Elder looked at him with both pride and gravity.
"Awakening the Mangekyō grants you the potential to become a top-tier shinobi," he said.
"With sufficient will, training, and experience, you may even touch the Kage-level realm."
"But remember," Ryo said firmly,
"Madara was not powerful merely because of his Sharingan."
"He was Madara Uchiha—a man who stood at the summit of the shinobi world."
"You have inherited his light," he finished,
"but the path to his height… is one only you can climb."
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