The Art of Following One's Heart

Land of Hot Water, Daimyo Residence.

Guards stood in rows on both sides, completely turning a blind eye to the two who had entered.

It was not until they reached the Daimyo's quarters that a few guards sensed something amiss, their hands just reaching for their hilts...

The last thing they saw was a pair of magnificent, crimson eyes.

"Sora... attacking the Daimyo violates the ninja treaty, doesn't it..."

Glancing at Shisui, Uchiha Sora said casually, "You, the guy who keeps saying he wants to slaughter the Hokage's advisor, are talking to me about the ninja treaty?"

"Uh..."

Uchiha Sora stepped straight into the residence and continued, "You handle the rest. I'm not very good at maintaining control over someone for a long time."

Shisui was a bit puzzled: "How did you know my genjutsu could do that? I've never told anyone."

Mangekyō ocular techniques are manifestations of the heart.

According to Uchiha Sora's speculation, the awakening of a Mangekyō technique is closely linked to the user's thoughts at the moment of activation.

In the original timeline, a few years later:

Shisui, wanting to turn the village and clan around and ease the conflict, obtained Kotoamatsukami, which alters the will.

Itachi, due to Shisui's death, developed destructive thoughts and awakened Amaterasu.

Obito, having witnessed his best friend kill the girl he loved and wishing to escape reality, awakened Kamui.

The thoughts at the time of eye-opening are one factor, but the inherent talent of the Mangekyō user is also crucial.

An Uchiha like Uchiha Sasuke, who is not of the genjutsu-type, could never awaken the strongest genjutsu no matter how much he let his imagination run wild.

Before Uchiha Obito awakened Kamui, he already possessed a hint of space-time attributes while still at the Two Tomoe stage.

Madara Uchiha himself once said that when Obito's body was half-crushed by a boulder, it was as if he had phased through the rock; his survival was a miracle.

It is possible that intangibility was his unique talent, and it wasn't until he opened his Mangekyō that he connected to the Kamui dimension and could fully utilize the ability.

Genjutsu is fundamentally the manipulation of the five senses, and Shisui was the Uchiha with the greatest talent for genjutsu.

Based on this information, Uchiha Sora concluded that even if Shisui didn't have Kotoamatsukami yet, he certainly possessed similar means.

"I told you, I have seen the future."

Looking at Shisui with amusement, Uchiha Sora teased, "You guy, you have a very strong desire for control."

"D-don't talk nonsense!"

Shisui's face flushed slightly: "I just want others to acknowledge me!"

"Mm, controlling them counts as acknowledgment too. Forced love, I get it."

"What are you talking about! I don't understand at all!"

Amidst their banter, the Daimyo's personal guards had already surrounded them.

Just as the Land of Fire's Daimyo had his Guardian Ninja, other Daimyos had similar existences.

These were three ninjas from Yugakure; judging by their chakra levels, they were about on par with Konoha's Chūnin.

In this region, they could be considered minor experts.

"Uchiha..."

Both Sora and Shisui wore the fan crest on their clothing, a symbol most ninjas were not unfamiliar with.

The lead ninja had slightly more chakra and appeared to be the leader.

Facing two brats, he dared not show the slightest bit of contempt, and in fact...

Seeing the Three Tomoe Sharingan in Shisui's eye sockets, he felt his scalp tingle and fear take root in his heart.

During the Warring States period, there was no distinction between Jōnin, Chūnin, and Genin.

The first shadow, the Hokage—who was the source of this title?

Madara Uchiha.

Because he excelled in Fire Release, the leader of the village was called the Hokage.

So, could the ranks below the Hokage... also have been determined by the number of tomoe in the Sharingan?

One tomoe is roughly a Genin, two tomoe is a Chūnin...

It is recognized throughout the ninja world that an Uchiha with a Three Tomoe Sharingan is, without question, a Jōnin-level combatant.

It is such a coincidence that it is hard not to suspect that Hashirama was simply too lazy to think of a ranking system and just used the number of tomoe in the Uchiha clan's Sharingan as the standard.

Other ninjas might have the potential to play the pig to eat the tiger, but once an Uchiha reveals their Sharingan, others can immediately judge exactly who to send to deal with you.

Shisui's physical features were also quite distinct, and a Three Tomoe Sharingan at such a young age...

The ninja's body gave a violent jolt, and he stammered, "Could it be... you are Body Flicker Shisui!"

Uchiha Sora raised an eyebrow and laughed, "As expected of Lord Body Flicker Shisui, has your reputation spread this far already?"

Shisui rubbed his nose, "It's quite awkward, don't say it like that."

Unlike the relaxed pair, upon confirming Shisui's identity, the Yugakure ninja became even more nervous.

"Why are you invading the Daimyo Residence! Don't you know the Five Great Nations have an agreement that no one can accept missions to harm a Daimyo!"

"That's quite unfortunate, we aren't ninjas from the Five Great Nations."

Hearing Uchiha Sora's words, the Yugakure ninja was stunned.

No, do you take me for an idiot?

In the entire ninja world, the only ones with more distinct features than you Uchiha are probably that group of Byakugan users from the Hyuga clan, right?!

You've already flashed your Sharingan, and you still want to pretend to be wandering ninjas?

At least cover up the clan crest on your back first! You bastard!

"Has the news not reached here yet... forget it."

Uchiha Sora smiled faintly, "I don't like killing; you all have five seconds to leave."

He hadn't activated his Sharingan, so his deterrent force was far less than Shisui's.

The Yugakure ninja shouted at him angrily, "What kind of joke is this! Even if..."

He choked for a long time, but he still couldn't bring himself to say the lie, "Even if it's Body Flicker Shisui, the three of us can handle it."

He took a deep breath and came back to his senses.

"Five seconds isn't quite enough, ten seconds, we guarantee we'll leave your sight, is that okay?"

"What! What are you saying! Suixi! We are..."

Smack!

The lead Yugakure ninja backhanded the speaker, hurriedly grabbed the other female ninja, and retreated in a flurry.

The Land of Hot Water had been without war for many years, and Yugakure was a village that advocated pacifism.

In short, they were weak and cowardly.

He had a very clear understanding of his own strength; the three of them working together might be able to stall Shisui for a little while.

But the brat beside him spoke to Shisui so casually, clearly implying they were equals.

Anyway, they had already tried to stop them; since they wouldn't retreat, couldn't he just leave?

Is it worth risking one's life for a Daimyo?

The one who had been hit watched his companions flee at top speed, then turned to look at the two of them...

"One... five seconds, is that okay?"

Uchiha Sora was almost amused by these guys and waved his hand, "Hurry up and go, you might still make it in time for a midnight snack."

Shisui shook his head with slight helplessness, "Although I don't want to kill either, giving up a mission so easily..."

"Then what do you want? To charge up heroically and then be killed by us?"

"He has a family too, you know."

Uchiha Sora laughed, "It doesn't have to be a death-defying charge against a strong enemy to be called courage."

"Being able to clearly judge the gap in strength between the enemy and oneself, and decisively choosing to retreat..."

"That can also be considered an art of following one's heart."

Clang...

Uchiha Sora kicked the screen aside, looking at the fat Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water huddled into a ball.

His smile gradually faded.

"Do you understand this art?"

"I... I... I..."

"Wrong answer. Shisui, do it."