The Path to Unlocking the Mangekyo

With that said, Shimizu took the bewildered Uchiha Hikari by the hand and followed the Uchiha guide to their temporary living quarters.

Uchiha Hikari stared blankly at the tall figure in front of her, feeling the warmth in her palm, and felt somewhat at a loss.

She had never before encountered anyone who had voluntarily shown her kindness.

Here, everyone treated her as a "weapon" of war.

In another part of the Uchiha settlement, Uchiha Tajima listened to his subordinate's report.

"A newly appeared Uchiha, Uchiha... Shimizu?"

"That is correct, Lord Tajima, and he possesses the Mangekyō Sharingan."

The subordinate spoke in a low, serious voice.

"To think he actually possesses the Mangekyō Sharingan."

Tajima sheathed the well-maintained katana in his hand and pondered for a moment, deciding to go and see the situation for himself.

This was his duty as the clan head.

"Would you like to go bathe?"

In the simple yet elegant courtyard, Shimizu brewed a cup of tea for Uchiha Hikari using the tea leaves found in the room.

Having just come out of the dungeon, the ninja outfit Uchiha Hikari wore was covered in dust and carried a faint, strange odor.

Her hair was matted into clumps, reflecting an oily sheen under the sunlight.

She was a weapon of war; no one within the Uchiha Clan cared about her hygiene. As long as she did not die and it did not affect her combat performance, no one cared.

Seeing that Uchiha Hikari remained standing where she was, Shimizu asked:

"Is it not to your liking?"

Uchiha Hikari shook her head, her long black hair swaying. She kept her head down, her hands clasped together and slightly hunched over, appearing cautious.

She parted her lips slightly and said:

"Why... did you save me? I