Ch. 181You're the One Who Has to Guess
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Kei stops Uchiha Kawa from attacking Uchiha Asahi after Kawa suffers an extreme reaction to Kei’s Mangekyō-stimulating Genjutsu.
- Kawa collapses unconscious from the psychological strain. Kei initially reassures Asahi that he is merely asleep, though he is uncertain of Kawa’s condition.
- After roughly half an hour, Kawa awakens and is instructed to channel chakra into his eyes. He discovers that the Genjutsu has successfully awakened his Sharingan.
- Kawa and Asahi become emotional and embrace, grateful that Kawa has obtained the power he wanted. Kei orders them to rest and reminds them not to reveal his secrets or betray him.
- Kei leaves the Guard Division, deliberately leaving Imai Kenta in charge of his squad. He anticipates conflict with the other two squads and hopes the situation will frustrate Kenta.
- Kei then meets Hyūga Aya to discuss their cooperation. He asks about her progress in Medical Ninjutsu and requests that she repair a recently deceased body, particularly its heart, for his unknown purposes.
- Aya explains that repairing a corpse is difficult because chakra and cellular activity disappear after death, but agrees that sealing a freshly deceased body might make the procedure possible.
- Kei keeps the corpse’s identity vague, prompting Aya to speculate that it may be Uchiha Obito.
Character Developments
- Uchiha Kawa: Endures a terrifying Genjutsu, awakens the Sharingan, and becomes more devoted to Kei. His willingness to continue working despite his weakened condition demonstrates loyalty, though Kei recognizes that he needs rest.
- Uchiha Asahi: Displays strong paternal concern, prioritizing his son’s safety over the value of the Sharingan. His emotional response also reinforces his bond with Kawa and his loyalty to Kei.
- Uchiha Kei: Shows both scientific curiosity and manipulative ambition. He tests whether intense emotional trauma can awaken the Sharingan, manages the consequences, and begins planning further schemes involving Uchiha Shuu and Hyūga Aya.
- Hyūga Aya: Has made impressive progress in Medical Ninjutsu and is increasingly involved in Kei’s plans. She remains observant and suspicious, immediately trying to identify the corpse he wants repaired.
- Imai Kenta: Though he does not appear directly, Kei positions him as the temporary leader of the squad, intending to place him in an uncomfortable political situation.
Significant Themes
- Power through trauma: The chapter emphasizes the brutal emotional and psychological conditions associated with awakening the Sharingan.
- Loyalty and secrecy: Kei demands absolute confidentiality, while Kawa and Asahi openly pledge not to betray him.
- Family bonds: Asahi’s fear for Kawa and their emotional embrace contrast with Kei’s detached, experimental attitude.
- Manipulation and political maneuvering: Kei treats people, assignments, and information as tools for controlling the Guard Division and advancing his plans.
- Scientific experimentation and moral ambiguity: Kei’s Genjutsu experiment and interest in repairing corpses show his willingness to cross ethical boundaries in pursuit of power and strategy.
- Suspicion and hidden identities: The unclear identity of the corpse and Aya’s guess about Obito create an atmosphere of intrigue and foreshadow future revelations.
Character Interactions
- Kei physically restrains Kawa and later evaluates his condition, acting as both experimenter and superior.
- Asahi anxiously seeks reassurance from Kei and later shares an emotional reunion with his son.
- Kei dismisses Kawa’s insistence on working and orders both father and son to rest, reinforcing his authority while showing practical concern.
- Kei meets Aya in the forest and tests her medical abilities. Their conversation is marked by mutual curiosity, guarded cooperation, and subtle manipulation.
- Aya challenges Kei by questioning the corpse’s identity, while Kei deliberately preserves the mystery to maintain her interest.