Shisui's Bakudō

Noticing this slight discomfort in Kenma, Fugaku quickly leaned in, his face showing genuine concern.

"My lord, it might be best to keep Shisui's eyes permanently."

"If there's a mission for Shisui, these eyes of mine are also Mangekyo, qualified to serve as my lord's eyes."

As for the clansmen nearby, they only had Three Tomoe, not as excellent as the Mangekyo, hardly worthy.

Hearing Fugaku's words, Kenma was taken aback.

Qualified...

This was about seizing the Uchiha's most vital ability, yet Fugaku was acting like he was discussing seniority and rank—what was going on?

Kenma swept his gaze around, seeing all the surrounding Uchiha wearing expressions of equal concern.

Not a single one opposed Fugaku's view.

It was truly hard for Kenma to imagine.

If he were an Uchiha and heard someone could take his Mangekyo Sharingan, he would absolutely nip that threat in the bud.

If he found someone could steal his Zanpakuto's power, he'd act without hesitation.

But these Uchiha's choices and focus were completely different from his.

Instead of fear or worry, they were concerned for him?

Could these people truly be loyal to him?

After all, Kenma dared to stand among these Uchiha because he had absolute trump cards giving him confidence.

First, his immense Spiritual Pressure.

The combined Spiritual Pressure of everyone present didn't even reach a tenth of his own.

As Aizen once said, a Shinigami's battle is a battle of Spiritual Pressure—before such a vast gap, no technique could work.

Kenma could crush them with just his Spiritual Pressure alone.

Second, his Zanpakuto's ability.

His oath was no empty words—if anyone dared harbor rebellious intent, his slash would follow the connected threads and land on the traitor, making blade meet body and death fulfill the vow.

With these two safeguards securing his absolute advantage, he dared to be so bold.

But the concern and urgency in these Uchiha's eyes didn't seem fake.

And their proud nature meant they wouldn't bother to feign.

Had he truly been the petty one?

Kenma fell silent for a moment.

Yet his demeanor only made the surrounding Uchiha's faces grow more anxious.

Just as they were about to speak all at once, Fugaku's fierce, murderous Sharingan swept over them.

Quiet!

Don't disturb my lord!

The crimson Mangekyo conveyed that meaning.

Every Uchiha saw it and instantly fell silent, only casting anxious glances at Kenma, surrounded at the center.

Fugaku asked worriedly, "My lord, is something wrong?"

Kenma lifted his head, his gaze passing over each Uchiha. In those ominous Sharingan, all kinds of emotions were reflected—all genuine.

He gripped the Zanpakuto at his waist.

The connected threads also transmitted everyone's true feelings.

They...

were truly worried about him from the bottom of their hearts!

Was this the Uchiha's emotions... or trait?

Or was it Stockholm syndrome?

Kenma couldn't figure it out.

If he were in the Uchiha's situation, even if the other party had done him a great favor, he might be grateful for a time.

But to serve as a subordinate for life? He couldn't do it.

Even if he didn't rebel immediately, he would definitely stab them in the back someday.

Not because Kenma thought himself so proud or possessed a kingly spirit that refused to bow.

But because he knew his own nature—how filthy, greedy, and envious he was in the deepest part of his soul.

"It's fine. I'll adapt soon."

Kenma looked at these Uchiha, and his usually expressionless face softened considerably in that moment.

Fugaku still asked with concern, "Does Master want to switch back to Shisui's eyes? My eyes are also Mangekyo, they'll work too."

"No need. You still have missions ahead—how could I let you go blind?" Kenma shook his head in refusal.

"Yes, Master. This Subordinate failed to think it through."

"Mm. Go carry out the mission."

"As you command."

"Wait."

Watching the departing Uchiha, Kenma suddenly spoke, stopping them.

The group turned around. Fugaku, as Clan Head, voiced their confusion: "Master, do you have further orders?"

"One more thing."

Kenma paused, then explained another use of the Zanpakuto [Kiritsugu]'s connection ability.

"Silently call my name in your hearts, and you should see a thread of light connecting to your chests."

Though puzzled by Kenma's words, the Uchiha followed the order and tried it.

They found a thread extending from their chests, linking to the Zanpakuto at Kenma's waist.

"Master, we can indeed see it."

"Good, as long as you can see it." Kenma said. "If you encounter trouble you can't handle alone, use your will to tug that thread, and it will contact me."

"I can temporarily grant you part of my Spiritual Pressure to use against your enemies."

"If even that isn't enough, I can extend my consciousness over to fight for you. That should bring out considerable strength."

After hearing Kenma's words, the Uchiha exchanged glances. Fugaku stepped forward and said, "Master, rest assured. We of the Uchiha Clan are a proud clan—we will never cause you trouble."

"If we can't even complete the tasks you've assigned, and even need to borrow your power... to make you toil so, even if you don't hold us accountable, we will absolutely punish ourselves without mercy!"

Fugaku's answer made the Uchiha nod repeatedly, their expressions full of agreement.

They were the strongest clan in the Ninja World—the Uchiha Clan. Even in death, they had their pride.

Failing a mission was shameful enough. Borrowing their Master's power on top of that? What kind of nonsense was that!

It wasn't worth the embarrassment!

The Uchiha Clan's reaction barely surprised Kenma.

His face returned to its usual stern, almost rigid expressionlessness as he said to them, "This is just a reminder. Use it or not, it's up to you."

"Go."

The Uchiha responded with a shout, stepped into Flash Step, and with a shwoosh, left the Rooftop, heading toward the positions Kenma had just designated.

Fugaku led his squad to the Execution Platform, overlooking the square and bay below.

Seeing everyone had reached their assigned spots, Shisui nodded to Kenma in acknowledgment.

Kenma said, "Shisui, contact them."

"Yes."

Shisui immediately crouched down, tracing patterns on the blue tiles with his fingers while quietly chanting the Kido incantation.

"South's heart, north's eye, west's fingertip, east's toe, gather with the wind, scatter with the rain."

"Binding Spell Fifty-Eight, Snaring Claw."

The Kido activated successfully, capturing everyone's Spiritual Pressure, their locations fully within Shisui's perception.

He didn't stop. He used his fingertips to carve curved lines on his arms, then spread both hands forward.

A square frame appeared before him, glowing with a soft radiance that lit up Shisui's face.

He chanted again.

"Black and white net, twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowns and belts, footprints, distant thunder, sharp peaks, returning earth, night crouching, sea of clouds, azure ranks—fill the great garden and soar to the sky."

"Binding Spell Seventy-Seven, Heavenly Net Prison!"

As the words fell, the Kido activated. Shisui's Spiritual Pressure spread out, forming a net-like search, successfully linking to the scattered group.

Shisui's voice rang in everyone's minds.

"Now, activate the barrier!"