Inside the Forest of Death, Ayano Uchiha led her clansmen in pursuit of Yanagi.
But the result was disappointing.
The traces Yanagi left behind did not stop at the forest.
They went beyond it…
and crossed the borders of Konohagakure.
Clearly, she had escaped the village.
Ayano stared at the footprints near the forest’s edge.
“One squad stays with me and continues the chase.
The rest of you return.
Tell Naori-sama that Yanagi has already left Konoha’s territory.” * * * Within the underground laboratory of the Zenin Clan, Toji appeared once more in that secret space.
Tonight’s sudden events had been unexpected, but everything still remained under his control, and he had gained quite a lot from it.
First, he had earned the “friendship” of the proud Uchiha Clan.
Whether ordinary members or clan leader Naori Uchiha, they had all fully recognized his value.
Especially Naori.
From the way she willingly shared information with him inside Gospel Clinic, it was clear she already viewed him as someone trustworthy.
Second, and most importantly, was tonight’s greatest reward.
Toji slowly stepped forward and stopped beside the experiment table.
Bound tightly on top of it was the woman the Uchiha were desperately searching for.
The missing rogue ninja, Yanagi Uchiha.
At the very moment she was about to escape, Toji had struck from ambush and captured her, bringing her here to the underground laboratory.
At the same time, he had released Earth Grudge Fear to create the illusion that she had successfully fled.
Though he did not know sealing techniques, Toji relied on his understanding of the human body to precisely sever her chakra nerves.
Combined with physical restraints, Yanagi was now meat on the cutting board, completely unable to resist.
“Uchiha…
Sharingan.” Toji took out his research notebook and opened a brand-new page solely for the Sharingan.
His diagnosis of Naori earlier had not been made up.
It was a conclusion reached through the eyes of a modern medical student, combined with the future conditions of Mangekyo users.
[Itachi’s symptoms involve cerebellar damage, causing intracranial bleeding and stomach lining complications.] And the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, at its core, solved the issue of cerebellar degeneration.
“The eye power becomes stronger, yet the cerebellar damage disappears on its own.
Ninjas really are fascinating.” Toji had immense interest in the Sharingan.
As one of the most powerful kekkai genkai in the ninja world, he had every reason to analyze it… or even control it.
But certainly not by crudely gouging out Yanagi’s eyes and transplanting them into his own sockets.
That method was vulgar.
Primitive.
Completely lacking elegance.
“Without Uchiha blood, forcibly using the Sharingan only becomes a burden.” The future Kakashi had already proven that.
The path Toji intended to walk was the path of deconstructing the Sharingan itself.
Everything that evolves has internal connections.
Ninjutsu and kekkei genkai were no exception.
When he treated Naori at Gospel Clinic, he had already observed her Sharingan and gathered partial data.
Since he did not want to arouse suspicion, he had avoided looking too closely and instead used the excuse of future follow-up treatment to continue observing her later.
“The secret of the Sharingan…” Toji lowered his gaze toward the still-unconscious Yanagi.
Then he connected several advanced precision devices to her body one after another and began collecting data.
Toji was not arrogant.
If anything, he considered himself humble.
He believed his research talent was only average.
Studying the Sharingan would certainly be a long process, but one thing he had in abundance… was time.
* * * Konoha Year 6.
The second day of the new year.
Inside the Hokage office, Naori stood in the center of the room.
Before her sat Hashirama with his chin resting on both hands in the Hokage chair.
Behind him stood Tobirama, his sharp eyes fixed on her.
Tobirama spoke coldly.
“So you’re saying…
an Uchiha jōnin with a two-tomoe Sharingan defected because she wanted to follow Madara Uchiha?” Naori bowed slightly.
“I deeply apologize.
I already sent people to capture her, but even by this morning, we still failed to bring her back.” The atmosphere in the office became heavy.
Tobirama pressed further.
“Is that all?
Was it truly only one person?” “Alright, alright, Tobirama.” Hashirama raised a hand to stop the man, then pointed to a chair before him.
“Naori, sit down.
I’m glad you came to report this to me first thing today.” “Actually, last night when I was about to sleep, I sensed the disturbance near Naka Shrine, but I didn’t interfere.
I believe Uchiha matters should be decided by the Uchiha themselves.” “That missing-nin…
Yanagi Uchiha?
The fact she chose to follow Madara means the village has not done enough.
Tobirama, we should reflect on ourselves instead of only blaming others.” Ignoring his brother’s objections, Hashirama lightly settled the matter.
“Yanagi Uchiha’s case will be handled by the Uchiha themselves as a clan mission.
What I care more about is the matter of Uchiha children entering the Ninja Academy.” Naori had not expected the defection issue to be brushed aside so easily.
She quickly answered, “The clan has completed the count.
There are thirty-three children of proper age prepared to enroll.” “That’s wonderful news!” Hashirama burst into laughter and slapped the armrest.
“As expected of the Uchiha, one of the great clans of the ninja world.
Your numbers are thriving, and the village’s future looks bright.” Then his tone suddenly shifted.
“The position of Ninja Academy principal…
I want you to take it, Naori.” “What?” Tobirama and Naori cried out simultaneously.
Before Tobirama could protest, Hashirama shot him a look that silenced everything, then turned back to Naori.
“Naori, I’m entrusting the academy to you.
As for course design, admissions, testing, graduation procedures, and post-graduation assignments…
you can discuss all of it with Toji.
He has unique insight in this area.” Toji?
Again, Toji.
Naori froze slightly in surprise.
She had not expected the Hokage to value him so highly.
It almost looked as if he already considered him an advisor.
After calming herself, she accepted the task and left the office.
Once she was gone, the carefree Hashirama’s eyes suddenly shone with intelligence.
He began explaining, “What happened at Naka Shrine last night was resolved by Naori.
She proved both her strength and her loyalty.” “I believe part of the Uchiha were dissatisfied with the village opening the Ninja Academy.
That caused the trouble.” “Which is exactly why I want Naori as principal.
First, she is very strong.
Not much weaker than you, Tobirama.
Second,the Uchiha Clan needs reassurance.” Tobirama voiced his concern.
“But I’m worried Naori Uchiha will train all the students into extremists.” “Don’t be so suspicious all the time.” Hashirama patted his shoulder.
“Look at your big brother.
I’m excellent at judging people.
I was right about Toji before, and I believe Naori will do well too.” ** ** ** Thank you for reading!
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