Ch. 181Deliberate Deviation, Aimed at the Heart
Key Plot Points and Events
- Hiruzen Sarutobi summons Enma and transforms it into the Adamantine Staff to attack Uchiha Tunan.
- Uchiha Tunan dodges and counters with Sage Art: Great Fire Dragon Technique, but it's dispersed by Hiruzen's Ruyi Staff: Gale Force.
- Hiruzen uses Combined Ninjutsu: Multiple Wind Fire Shuriken Technique, but Uchiha Tunan doesn't dodge.
- Hiruzen uses Sensing Ninjutsu and can't detect Uchiha Tunan's life signs, leading him to believe Uchiha Tunan is dead.
- Uchiha Tunan reveals he was using Genjutsu, and the real fight begins.
- Hiruzen stabs Uchiha Tunan with the Adamantine Staff, while Uchiha Tunan's Kusanagi Sword only grazes Hiruzen.
- Uchiha Tunan awakens the Mangekyo Sharingan due to emotional distress.
Character Developments
- Hiruzen Sarutobi: Initially driven by revenge, he starts to question his actions and feels a sense of loss and confusion after believing he killed Uchiha Tunan. He becomes more empathetic towards Uchiha Tunan.
- Uchiha Tunan: His resentment and sorrow grow due to Hiruzen's actions. He awakens the Mangekyo Sharingan, indicating a significant emotional shift.
Significant Themes
- The consequences of revenge and the loss of innocence.
- The pain of not being appreciated or loved by a parent figure.
- The awakening of the Mangekyo Sharingan as a result of intense emotional distress.
Character Interactions
- Hiruzen Sarutobi and Uchiha Tunan's dynamic shifts from one of teacher and student to one of adversaries and, later, to one of understanding and empathy.
- Uchiha Tunan's resentment towards Hiruzen for favoring his other students (Shinnosuke and Asuma) over him.
- Hiruzen's realization of the pain he caused Uchiha Tunan and his confusion about his actions.