The change in Fugaku's state of mind after awakening the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan had given him pause. If he followed his impulses now, he might well become another Madara Uchiha.
Or another Sasuke Uchiha, losing his balance and driving everyone away. That was not the outcome he wanted.
Many of the schemes he had once entertained no longer interested him. The evolution of his Sharingan had truly changed his outlook.
It seemed he would have to let the Assassination Team take on more of the Security Force's work. He had little interest left in handling its countless trivial matters.
That was the greatest change within him. He was more detached than before.
Black Mist surged out, faster than ever. In the blink of an eye, it enveloped him and Black Fox completely. Back at his house in the village, Fugaku released Black Fox from the hypnosis.
"Sir, I lost focus just now. When did you say the operation would take place?"
Fugaku gave Black Fox a long look. He could not tell whether Black Fox was pretending or genuinely unaware, but it no longer mattered.
"The operation is finished. You can go back," Fugaku said calmly.
Black Fox nodded, left the house, and disappeared into the crowds of Konoha. Inside, however, he was anything but calm.
He had come from Root and was far more alert than an ordinary ninja. Yet after a moment's daze, he had found that nearly an entire day had passed.
Fugaku also felt more dangerous than before. There was a trace of coldness in his voice that had never been there before.
Black Fox did not know what had happened during the day he could no longer remember, but one thing was clear: Fugaku Uchiha was more dangerous now than he had been before.
Dusk