It Was All Danzo's Fault!

"No-Hand-Seal Ninjutsu, Rasengan!"

Though it lacked the sheer spectacle of the Uchiha Clan's signature Fire Release Ninjutsu, its no-hand-seal advantage saved precious time on the technique's startup. Combined with the Sharingan's powerful perception, it was more than enough to turn the tide of battle with a decisive counterattack.

And the Rasengan was a ninjutsu with no chakra nature. That meant it was like a blank sheet of paper, able to produce different effects depending on the chakra nature applied to it. Just as Uchiha Senya had mastered Fire Release chakra nature transformation, infusing the Rasengan with it gave the technique even greater penetrating and explosive power.

Lightning Release: Chidori required hand seals, but it was clearly a variation derived from the Rasengan. Although its lightning properties were fixed, it was every bit as formidable in power and in its potential for further development.

And since Chidori required only the Ox, Hare, and Monkey seals, anyone who mastered the technique could eventually skip the hand seals, with only a slight loss in power.

Another no-hand-seal jutsu!

To other clans, this might have been nothing more than an extremely difficult A-rank jutsu. But to the Uchiha, who possessed the Sharingan...

Especially now, when the Uchiha Clan could grind out jutsu experience like they were using a cheat, these two techniques were a perfect match for their bloodline. They naturally had more chakra than ordinary clans, and their observational skills surpassed those of every other clan.

In certain situations, even some Uchiha Chunin could pose a threat to a properly trained Jonin.

And when he imagined nearly a thousand Uchiha shinobi unleashing the Rasengan and Lightning Release: Chidori at the same time, even Uchiha Shisui, who could activate Susanoo, couldn't help breaking into a cold sweat.

Which meant...

"No!"

Uchiha Shisui abruptly looked up toward the stands. His heart gave an uncontrollable lurch.

There!

The usually composed Clan Head Fugaku now wore the same fervent expression as the Uchiha Great Elder beside him.

"Jin, you did it!"

Realizing this, Uchiha Shisui was suddenly overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of helplessness. Somehow, the words slipped right out of his mouth.

"What?"

At first, Uchiha Jin thought he'd misheard. But when he saw the complicated expression on Uchiha Shisui's face, a playful smile tugged at his lips.

"Since he's our clan head, naturally he has to consider the clan's future."

"How did you get the training methods for the Rasengan and Lightning Release: Chidori?"

Uchiha Shisui realized he'd let his emotions get the better of him, but couldn't help asking the question that had been on his mind.

"The Rasengan's training method isn't a secret. You can easily work it out by looking up the right materials."

Could I tell you Kishimoto gave it to me?

"As for Chidori..."

Uchiha Jin gazed into the distance, toward the northern side of the clan compound, as if recalling something amusing.

"Hatake Kakashi may be an Anbu member, but Anbu aren't allowed to reveal their affiliation in their daily lives. We're in the Police Force. Getting him into trouble was easy."

So that was it. Uchiha Shisui nodded slightly. Uchiha Jin didn't need to say more; he could already guess what had happened.

The Copy Ninja had had his jutsu copied...

How ironic!

Uchiha Jin was just as pleased with this outcome. He had to admit, the Police Force's authority was incredibly useful. As long as they didn't directly pick a fight with Sarutobi Hiruzen, they could practically do whatever they wanted in Konoha.

"Can't the village and the clan just coexist peacefully?"

Shisui knew that talking about peace with Jin, that "Jade Shatter ringleader," was absurd. But already on the verge of breaking down, he couldn't help pleading anyway.

"Of course they can!"

To Shisui's surprise, Uchiha Jin gave him a firm answer. Shisui hurriedly pressed him for more.

"Really?"

"Of course. If the village leadership would stop deliberately suppressing and harassing us, and give the Uchiha Clan the fair treatment we deserve, do you really think we'd need an armed coup?"

"Lord Hokage, he's also... It was all Danzo..."

Uchiha Shisui parted his lips helplessly, wanting to offer a few words in defense of the Third Hokage, but not knowing what to say.

He'd been in the Anbu for so many years, and had devoted himself to resolving the conflict between the clan and the village. If Shisui claimed he understood nothing, he'd only be lying to himself.

"Of course I know it's all Danzo's fault. Our great Third Hokage has absolutely nothing to do with it. And we can't forget the aftermath of the Nine-Tails Rebellion!"

Uchiha Jin didn't mind twisting the knife a little further. Once the seed had been planted, it would surely give Shisui another surprise before long!

"But the truth is, we had nothing to do with that incident! The clan members won't understand how hard Lord Hokage has worked for peace in the village. All we've felt is the village's endless hostility!"

"And if people already see us as enemies, are you still foolish enough to offer your neck to the executioner?"

"Or do you think the Uchiha have committed some unforgivable crime? That they deserve the hostility of all Konoha, and such a terrible reputation that even children imitate the adults and spit at them behind their backs?"

Shisui fell silent.

Had the Uchiha ever done anything truly heinous?

Of course not. The Uchiha were arrogant, conceited, and looked down on others, with pride running deep in their bones. But they were also far too proud to commit crimes or break the law.

Yet the village still condemned them. In that case, resistance was inevitable. It was only a question of when.

Even knowing this, Uchiha Shisui still clung to a sliver of hope, naively wishing they could resolve everything peacefully.

But everything that had happened recently suggested that events were hurtling toward the outcome he dreaded most.

So!

It was all Danzo's fault!

"Shisui, I hope you like the gift I gave you!"

Uchiha Jin smiled playfully, patted Shisui on the shoulder with his right hand, then spoke with a meaningful expression.

"What?"

Uchiha Shisui was still mulling over Danzo's position as Hokage Assistant. He looked at Uchiha Jin in confusion.

But Uchiha Jin didn't answer. Instead, a voice rang out from the arena, belonging to Uchiha Tombo in her red-and-white referee's uniform.

"Winner of this match: Uchiha Habara! The loser will leave the arena, and the winner will proceed to the waiting room!"

"Next match: Jonin division, Uchiha Zongxian versus Uchiha Shisui. Take the stage!"

Rumble!

A burst of scorching flame erupted, and Uchiha Zongxian gradually emerged from within it. He then provocatively spun the Sharingan in his eye at Shisui below.

"I... I didn't sign up!"

Uchiha Shisui was utterly bewildered. He couldn't understand why he was being called to the stage when he hadn't even entered the competition.

But the very next moment...

Thud!

A powerful collision against his backside sent Uchiha Shisui floating through the air, stunned. As he turned back in anger, his eyes confirmed who was behind all this.

Uchiha Jin!