"So that's how it is. The Uchiha and the Senju Clan are actually related. What a twist of fate!"
Those summoned to the meeting were all clan members with Three Tomoe or higher.
The speaker was an elderly elder. After hearing the history Uchiha Tamaharu had just explained, he couldn't help but laugh at himself.
When they learned that the Uchiha and the Senju Clan were descendants of the Sage of Six Paths' two sons, and shared the same ancestor, many of them couldn't believe it.
"So the Uchiha are suffering from a genetic defect. After awakening the Mangekyo, excessive use leads to blindness."
Uchiha Tamaharu explained to the others.
It brought tremendous power, but also severe side effects.
"Maybe if we maintain pure bloodlines by marrying into the Hyuga Clan, we won't have these side effects in the future!"
Fugaku Uchiha said.
Uchiha Tamaharu had just explained the relationship between the Uchiha and the Hyuga Clan, too.
He had started by explaining the sealing of Kaguya, then briefly described what had happened.
"There's no changing it now."
"There's someone in this world who specializes in researching Lineage Factors. I plan to recruit him and have him work for the Uchiha, researching our bloodline."
"We'll see if he can find a suitable way to change it and strengthen the Uchiha Clan."
Uchiha Tamaharu said.
After all, they couldn't know for sure whether that was the cause, but there was no way to go back and change the past.
After warning the clan members to watch out for their own safety and be careful not to attract attention, he dismissed the meeting. Only the Mangekyo users stayed behind.
"I don't plan to take many people with me this time. Two or three will be enough."
"Our target is Vinsmoke Judge. He's a dominant figure in the North Blue, powerful enough to defeat a small ninja village. His strength is probably about on par with Amegakure's in the past."
"His faction is also good at making weapons. They can help replenish our ninja tools and even develop new ones."
"While I'm away, I'll leave the Uchiha entirely in your hands, Captain Fugaku."
Uchiha Tamaharu said.
It would have made the most sense to go back and find Orochimaru, but Uchiha Tamaharu didn't want to put all his eggs in one basket.
Having two people to compare would give him better results.
One could be assessed from the perspective of the Shinobi World, and the other from the perspective of this world. Maybe he'd discover something new.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of things here."
Fugaku nodded.
Everyone was working for the glory of the Uchiha. He was duty-bound to do his part.
"Itachi, Izumi, you're both coming with me."
"Shisui, I'll leave the people outside in your hands. Your main goal is to get money—kill more Pirates and collect their bounties."
"Of course, if you get the chance to rob the robbers, don't hesitate. It's one of the Shichibukai's privileges."
"And remember, safety comes first. Every clan member matters. If something dangerous needs doing, let those guys handle it."
Uchiha Tamaharu began handing out assignments.
His strength alone was enough to keep Vinsmoke in line.
He was bringing Itachi and Izumi mainly to let the two young people see more of the world.
Uchiha Tamaharu also planned to guide Itachi toward research. After all, he really was the most ruthless member of the Uchiha Clan.
He reminded Tamaharu of Son Gohan.
Held back by the limits of the world around him, yet still incredibly powerful.
"Do you really not need my help over there?"
Shisui asked, puzzled.
He didn't have any objections to Uchiha Tamaharu's arrangements.
"My strength is enough to dominate the Shinobi World as it is now."
The dead didn't count.
Uchiha Tamaharu spoke with great arrogance.
The three of them looked at him in surprise, uncertain why he was so confident.
But Uchiha Tamaharu didn't explain, and they didn't press him.
By now, it seemed their new clan leader only acted when he was sure of success—including when he became one of the Shichibukai.
They trusted him completely.
"We leave tomorrow."
"Itachi, remember to leave behind some of the medical knowledge you've learned so everyone can study it."
Uchiha Tamaharu didn't say much else.
If they could solve the Uchiha Clan's bloodline defect without using First Hokage Cells, that would definitely be better.
Uchiha Tamaharu suspected that ordinary members of the Uchiha Clan couldn't withstand the power of First Hokage Cells. They might even be consumed by it.
Maybe only those who had awakened the Mangekyo had the strength to suppress the power of the First Hokage Cells.
Shisui and Itachi, who could use their Mangekyo without limits, would definitely become even stronger.
"Being the boss isn't easy!"
He sighed.
But Uchiha Tamaharu didn't feel burdened by it.
His clan had protected him when he was young. Now it was his turn to protect them!
"There really is a talking tanuki that can treat illnesses?!"
Sasuke's eyes widened. He could hardly believe what his brother had told him.
"Yeah. Tanuki Teacher is amazing."
"The medical skills it teaches will be a great help to the clan."
As Itachi wrote a book with one hand, he told Sasuke about his adventures at sea over the past few days.
That warmth of family was what Itachi had always yearned for.
Sasuke, meanwhile, had been training hard on the island these past few days.
He had a vague idea of the clan's situation and knew that only by getting stronger could he help them.
Fugaku sat nearby, taking a break with an easy mind.
The house couldn't compare to the courtyard they'd had in Konoha, but here, he felt at peace.
Shisui was training.
His injuries hadn't healed properly for the past few days, so Itachi had used him as a test subject on the island, trying out some new herbs. His injuries were healing much faster now.
So whenever he had time, he trained.
He wielded Shusui, sending out one sword wave after another. Itachi had developed the technique earlier, based on Rankyaku.
Shisui was now refining it, figuring out how to use less stamina while also considering how to infuse it with Fire Release or Wind Style to increase its power.
He deeply regretted trusting the people of Konoha back then. Now, he only hoped to become stronger, protect the Uchiha, and atone for what he had done!
"My Chakra is strong enough now. It's time to develop the Rasengan!"
Uchiha Tamaharu was thinking about how to get stronger, too.
Back then, the Rasengan had been the only Ninjutsu he could use, since it required no hand signs.
But it consumed too much Chakra. He didn't have enough to develop a Rasengan with an elemental nature.
Even the Fourth Hokage hadn't managed to create an elemental Rasengan before his death.
So Uchiha Tamaharu had experimented a few times, then gave up when he couldn't infuse it with an element. After that, he'd pretended to befriend Kakashi and learned Chidori from him.
Developing its shape transformation and nature transformation had been more useful in actual combat than an ordinary Rasengan.
Thanks to everyone for the recommendation tickets and monthly passes.
Thanks to the reader 不觉已千年.梦不觉 for the 500-book-coin tip.
Before you continue