Genius

Fugaku looked at Shin-getsu and suddenly said, "You're very clever."

Shin-getsu didn't respond.

Fugaku continued, "But clever people without power often die even sooner."

Shin-getsu raised his head.

"That's why I need to get stronger."

"I need the clan's resources."

"I need a teacher."

"I need ninjutsu."

"I need to learn how to use the Sharingan."

He didn't beat around the bush.

There was no need.

For the Uchiha, wanting to become stronger wasn't shameful.

Especially after an attack like last night's.

It would've been strange if he still acted like he wanted nothing.

Fugaku looked at him and asked, "Why do you think the clan would direct its resources toward you?"

Shin-getsu replied calmly, "Because I survived last night."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly.

Shin-getsu continued, "Two adult ninja infiltrated the clan grounds to capture me."

"Not only did I survive, I killed them."

"I awakened the Sharingan."

"I didn't panic or just cry."

"Clan Head, the Uchiha need geniuses right now."

"More than that, they need people willing to strike at their enemies."

His words were blunt.

Even a little sharp.

But Fugaku wasn't angry.

Because Shin-getsu was speaking the truth.

The Uchiha were beset by troubles both within and without.

The clan's younger generation really did need more people capable of shouldering its future.

Itachi was a genius.

Shisui was a genius too.

The problem was that both of them were too gentle.

Or rather, they both had the village in their hearts.

That was good for Konoha.

But not necessarily for the Uchiha.

Shin-getsu was different.

After experiencing a Root attack, he could never have naïve faith in Konoha's High Command.

His loyalties would naturally lean toward the Uchiha.

If nurtured well, he might one day become a truly sharp blade for the clan.

Fugaku pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "Once you've recovered, I'll arrange for you to train at the clan's Training Ground."

"Someone will teach you shuriken techniques, Fire Style, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu."

"But there's one thing you need to remember."

Shin-getsu said, "Please, go ahead, Clan Head."

Fugaku's tone was stern.

"Until you have enough power, don't try to provoke Root again."

"They underestimated you last night, and that's why you survived."

"Next time, they won't give you another chance."

Shin-getsu nodded.

"I understand."

He certainly understood.

Danzo wasn't a fool.

Root had lost two men in a row. Though they might not strike openly right away, they would certainly investigate in secret.

If Danzo decided Shin-getsu was too much of a threat, he would absolutely find a way to eliminate him early.

So for the time being, Shin-getsu had to stay within the Uchiha Clan Grounds.

He would use Fugaku's protection to develop rapidly.

Fugaku stood up.

"Rest and recover."

"The clan will hold a meeting tonight."

"Your situation will be discussed there."

Shin-getsu's heart stirred.

A clan meeting.

That meant last night's incident had become more than a personal attack. It had risen to the level of internal Uchiha politics.

That was exactly what he wanted.

As Fugaku reached the door, he suddenly stopped.

"Shin-getsu."

Shin-getsu looked at him.

Fugaku didn't turn around. He merely said, "You said Itachi was dangerous."

"What about you?"

Shin-getsu fell silent for a moment, then said, "I'm dangerous too."

Fugaku slowly turned around.

Shin-getsu met his gaze, his voice calm.

"But at least I know who the blade should be pointed at."

Fugaku gave him a long, searching look.

He said nothing more.

The door closed.

The hospital room grew quiet again.

Shin-getsu leaned against the headboard and slowly let out a breath.

His back was soaked with cold sweat.

His conversation with Fugaku had seemed calm, but every word had walked a knife's edge.

If he'd said too little, he wouldn't have shown his worth.

If he'd said too much, he would've aroused suspicion.

Fortunately, things had gone well.

He'd earned Fugaku's initial approval.

From here on, once he entered the clan's training system, he would grow much faster than before.

Shin-getsu closed his eyes and opened the system panel again.

[Current Causality Points: 700]

[Would you like to spend 700 Causality Points to raise your One-Tomoe Sharingan progress to 100%?]

"Do it."

Shin-getsu didn't hesitate.

Causality Points were meant to make him stronger.

More than anything, he needed the ability to protect himself.

A cool force surged into his eyes the next instant.

Shin-getsu felt a faint sting deep within his eyeballs.

It wasn't the pain of an injury.

It was as if some kind of power was being activated.

His spiritual energy began to gather rapidly.

His awareness of the Sharingan grew clearer.

His field of vision.

His ability to track movement.

His ability to observe the flow of chakra.

Even the faint trails left by the evaporating medicinal liquid in the hospital room seemed to slow down.

A few breaths later, the system notification sounded.

[700 Causality Points spent.]

[One-Tomoe Sharingan progress raised to 100%.]

[Current status: One-Tomoe complete.]

[Causality Points required to evolve to Two-Tomoe: 3,000.]

Shin-getsu opened his eyes.

His irises turned crimson.

A black Tomoe slowly revolved within them.

Compared to when he'd first awakened it last night, the Sharingan was now far more stable.

If last night's Sharingan had been forcibly awakened by the threat of death, he had now truly mastered the One-Tomoe Sharingan.

Shin-getsu looked toward the window.

A withered yellow leaf was lifted by the wind on the windowsill.

In his vision, its spinning path was crystal clear.

He could even make out every crack along the edges of the leaf.

"So this is the Sharingan."

Shin-getsu murmured.

No wonder the Uchiha Clan was feared by so many.

Even the most basic One-Tomoe brought such a marked improvement.

What about Two-Tomoe, Three-Tomoe, or even Mangekyo?

A burning eagerness flashed in Shin-getsu's eyes.

He had to evolve as quickly as possible.

But 3,000 Causality Points was no small sum.

Ordinary training wouldn't be enough.

He had to keep influencing key figures or changing key events.

Just then, there was another knock at the door.

Shin-getsu deactivated his Sharingan.

"Come in."

The door opened.

A young ninja wearing the Uchiha Clan's uniform walked in.

He looked around seventeen or eighteen. A warm smile played on his face, and his black hair was tied back. Unlike most Uchiha, who carried themselves with cool arrogance, he seemed approachable.

But the moment Shin-getsu saw him, his heart jolted.

Uchiha Shisui.

Body Flicker Shisui.

One of the Uchiha Clan's youngest geniuses.

He was also the key figure who would have his eyes stolen by Danzo and be driven to leap to his death.

If Itachi was the one who carried out the Night of the Clan Massacre,

then Shisui's death was the fuse that made the tragedy accelerate.

And now, he had actually come here.

Shisui stood by the bed and said with a smile, "You're Shin-getsu, right?"

"My name is Uchiha Shisui."

"The clan head asked me to check on you."

Shin-getsu looked at him without answering right away.

Shisui didn't mind and kept smiling warmly.

"I heard you took down two intruders by yourself last night."

"That's impressive."

Shin-getsu replied calmly, "I was just lucky."

Shisui shook his head.

"In a ninja battle, being able to seize an opportunity is impressive in itself."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Shin-getsu's eyes.

"And you awakened the Sharingan, too."

"A One-Tomoe at nine years old."

"Lots of people in the clan are talking about you."