Chapter 51 Mangekyo and War(2)
"'Mangekyou Sharingan?'"
Upon hearing Elder Zane's regretful sigh, Rui furrowed her brows.
"What does that have to do with the assassination of Shiroshi?"
She didn't understand the inevitable connection between the assassination of Shiroshi and Mangekyou Sharingan.
Elder Zane remained calm, saying nothing. He simply hunched over and walked towards a nearby stone slab. The stone slab floated up, revealing a dark passage leading underground.
"Come with me, and I will tell you the ultimate secret of our Uchiha clan."
Elder Zane descended first, and after a moment of hesitation, Rui followed him down the underground passage.
The underground chamber connected wasn't very deep, but Rui could sense that the surrounding stone slabs were made of special materials with incredible pressure resistance.
On the front wall of this underground chamber, the Uchiha clan's fan symbols were inscribed at both ends, with an ancient stone monument in the middle.
The stone monument bore ancient and mysterious inscriptions that appeared entirely unreadable.
"Do you know this place?" Elder Zane asked.
"I've heard of it, but it's my first time in a place like this. Is there something special here?" Rui carefully observed her surroundings with her Sharingan but found nothing exceptional apart from the stone monument.
"This stone monument holds the secret passed down through generations of our Uchiha ancestors. Using the Sharingan and Mangekyou Sharingan, one can sequentially interpret the content above to access forbidden power," Elder Zane explained, using his own Sharingan to view the inscription and addressing Rui.
"Forbidden power? Mangekyou Sharingan?"
"That's right. The Sharingan can only see a portion of the content on the stone, while the rest requires the more advanced Mangekyou Sharingan to decipher. To unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan, one must... kill a loved one."
In that moment, Elder Zane's amiable demeanor disappeared, replaced by a sinister expression, and his eyes took on a deep and evil color.
The answer to unlocking the Mangekyou Sharingan left Rui shocked, her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Elder Zane. She stood there frozen, as if petrified.
"Kill... a loved one?"
Seemingly to confirm this seemingly absurd question that left her utterly perplexed, Rui eventually responded.
"Yes, Rui. That's the method to unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan. However, it's not entirely accurate to say 'kill a loved one.' Friends as close as family can also suffice. Back when Lord Madara and Lord Izuna were still alive, they used this method to awaken their Mangekyou Sharingan."
Nostalgia seemed to fill Elder Zane's voice as he recounted this piece of history.
After hearing this, Rui clenched her fist, and her brows furrowed. It was the first time she felt disappointed in her clan.
She was equally disappointed in the legendary power of the Mangekyou Sharingan.
"But not everyone can unlock their Mangekyou Sharingan using this method. When Hiruzen surpassed the age for Hokage, I realized that there was an opportunity for our Uchiha clan. I aimed to have the clan members awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan using this method to regain control over Konoha, but... it failed."
Elder Zane recounted this past event with deep regret.
Rui clenched her fists even tighter, realizing what he meant by "failure."
As a member of this clan, Rui felt nothing but disgust and broke out in a cold sweat.
This old man undoubtedly had, in the past, coerced clan members into unlocking their Sharingan by making them kill their friends or loved ones. However, under his leadership, none of the coerced clan members had succeeded.
"Because their aptitude was insufficient, and although they experienced the emotional stimulus of losing something dear, their own abilities were lacking. After all, Lord Madara and Lord Izuna were renowned shinobi before unlocking their Mangekyou Sharingan. When I was disappointed, you appeared, Rui."
Elder Zane stared at Rui's eyes with fanatical intensity, as if he believed that those eyes would ultimately transform into Mangekyou Sharingan.
"I know it's difficult for you to make a decision with your personality. That's why I thought it would be no different for someone else to kill that man in front of you. However, the mission to assassinate Shiroshi failed, which was unexpected."
Ignoring Elder Zane's near-twisted words, Rui went directly to the stone monument and stopped.
"Indeed, you are also an Uchiha, pursuing power by any means necessary. We are all the same. Go ahead, examine the content on this stone monument."
Elder Zane smiled, saying, "You should keep quiet."
Rui's voice was low.
Elder Zane remained silent but exuded an air of certainty.
Rui used her Sharingan to examine the stone monument, starting with the beginning portion. However, when she reached about one-fourth of the way, the inscription abruptly stopped.
The remaining content required a higher level of ocular power to read further.
Rui furrowed her brow and concentrated her chakra into her eyes to enhance the power of her Sharingan.
Beside her, Elder Zane suddenly felt an inexplicable heaviness in his body.
Especially in his Sharingan, this sensation was akin to facing a different level of Sharingan.
It was an indescribable sense of suppression.
"Indeed, you, like Lord Madara, possess such incredible strength in your Sharingan even in the Three Tomoe state. How does it feel? I didn't deceive you, did I? With your ocular prowess, you must have learned many secrets about forbidden jutsu and the Mangekyou Sharingan from the stone monument."
Elder Zane nearly danced with excitement, his face brimming with enthusiasm.
He felt immensely uplifted knowing that Rui possessed such a potent Sharingan.
"Now that you know all this, Rui, it's time for you to complete this task on your own. Awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan with your own hands, experience firsthand the shedding of your loved one's blood. This way, your chances of awakening it will increase!"
Elder Zane exclaimed excitedly, his words becoming increasingly incoherent.
"I know you and Lord Madara are very similar. You're both willing to do anything for power. Whether it's sacrificing lives or disregarding anything else, for people like you, power is the only eternal truth. It's a path you must walk for yourself, for the Uchiha clan, and most importantly, to seize the position of Hokage from the Senju!"
He grabbed Rui's shoulder, growing more and more excited.
Slap!
Rui coldly shrugged off Elder Zane's hand on her shoulder and said, "I won't be your obedient puppet."
"What... what?" Elder Zane stared at Rui in disbelief.
"You've seen the deeper secrets on the stone monument, haven't you?" he inquired.
"What of it?"
"It's impossible... you couldn't possibly be indifferent to such power. You're just like Lord Madara; for the sake of this power, for the legendary doujutsu, you should have no reservations. How can you reject this kind of power?"
"You've lost your mind. Calm down and don't let yourself be fooled by something like this," Rui hoped Elder Zane would regain his composure.
"That's enough! I don't know what's gotten into you. But, Rui, you must awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan. The Uchiha clan needs your power now. The Third Great Ninja War has already begun, and we must use this opportunity to secure the position of Hokage. Don't you understand such a simple matter?"
Elder Zane yelled hysterically, his eyes bloodshot.
He had lost his composure.
Watching the old man fall into a frenzy, Rui could only sigh.
It was truly pitiful.
Had he been seduced by the power of Madara's Mangekyou Sharingan from back then?
Or was it his desire for the Hokage position?
Although it was for the sake of the Uchiha clan, if she were to truly unlock her Mangekyou Sharingan using this method, to ignore her loved ones and ruthlessly pursue power, would she really be responsible for the entire clan?
It would only lead the Uchiha clan to an even more irreversible fate.
"That's your business. I don't need the Hokage position. If you want to compete for it, go ahead, but don't involve me."
For the first time, she expressed her lack of interest in becoming Hokage.
Rui sighed, deeply disappointed.
As she turned to leave, Elder Zane's chilling voice echoed from behind, "If you refuse to act, the assassinations will continue. Unless you kill all the Uchiha clan members who belong to my radical faction."
Rui halted in her tracks, her eyes filled with murderous intent. She turned around, and her icy gaze pierced Elder Zane like a blade.
"Not only that, but your parents are also part of my assassination plan. If one attempt fails, there will be a second, and if two fail, there will be a third. I'll make you awaken one way or another. Your loved ones, your partner, your friends, they will all be killed, not a single one spared."
"Shut up!"
Boom!
Elder Zane's body made contact with the ground, producing a deafening impact.
Elder Zane coughed up blood from his mouth,Rui had him by the throat, pinning him to the ground, but he still wore a smile on his face as he met Rui's Sharingan eyes.
"Angry, aren't you? Yes, you can end it by killing me. Come on, if taking my life will satisfy you and awaken your power, then so be it. You won't have to endure the pain of watching your loved ones die in front of you. Kill me, if it pleases you."
Rui's face was drenched in cold sweat. To be honest, facing Elder Zane in this state made her shudder.
"Why aren't you attacking? You should know that most of the Uchiha clan members are under my command now. They will carry out my orders without hesitation. Either you kill them all, or you kill me, or you personally sever the ties... otherwise, assassinations will endlessly surround your loved ones."
"Don't force me!"
The pressure from Rui's hand on his throat grew stronger.
Elder Zane coughed with a smile.
"Haha... just like this, even an old guy like me, you're reluctant and attached to emotions, Rui. Add your talent to that, and if you can be ruthless, you're the perfect candidate to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan!"
Elder Zane saw through all of Rui's thoughts, making her break into a cold sweat.
He was deliberately provoking her.
From the beginning, she had been a part of his scheme.
If she killed him, it would be exactly what he expected.
To fall into darkness, to become the second Uchiha Madara, all for the sake of power.
"You're insane."
"Because it's the only way to save the clan... The Uchiha clan needs a fresh pair of Mangekyou Sharingan now, to seize the position of Hokage in the village. You have more potential to awaken it than Fugaku."
Elder Zane's evaluation of Rui came with indifference.
Rui fell silent, forcing herself to stay calm and not be swayed by his words.
She released her grip on Elder Zane's throat and stood up.
Elder Zane didn't look pleased; instead, anger filled his expression.
Rui took a deep breath of the cool air in the underground chamber and walked towards the stairs leading up.
"Have you made your decision? If you don't kill me now, assassinations targeting your loved ones will continue indefinitely until you awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan! Aren't you the type who prefers to eliminate threats early? Come on, kill me! That way, you can protect them! Why won't you kill me?"
Ignoring the furious roar of the beast behind her that had fallen into madness, Rui only felt a chill as she ascended the stairs.
She stepped out of the underground chamber and opened the doors to the inner hall's meeting room.
On the shrine's square, numerous Uchiha Jonin had gathered.
After Rui came out of the meeting room, most of them stared at her with cold and angry eyes.
Their silence accused her of her earlier disrespect towards Elder Zane.
They passed by her without a word, emanating a cold atmosphere, as they rushed into the meeting room.
Rui walked forward in a daze.
She was going against her clan.
"Captain."
Several Uchiha shinobi who belonged directly under Rui didn't go in but approached her with puzzled looks, not knowing what had happened between her and Elder Zane.
"Don't ask. It's not in your best interest. I'm tired; I'm going to rest. You should go and rest too."
Rui said softly and, step by step, descended the steps of the Naka Shrine.
Seeing Rui's retreating figure, the Uchiha shinobi who were part of her direct subordinates exchanged glances.
"What should we do?"
"Seeing Captain in such a distraught state, she must have taken quite a hit. I've never seen her like this before."
"After all, that's Elder Zane, the one who holds sway in the clan."
The Uchiha shinobi nodded in agreement, feeling genuine fear for the terrifying Elder Zane who led the radical faction.
The fact that he could subdue those radical faction members was something they couldn't fathom.
…
After returning, Shiroshi saw Rui sitting on the corridor, staring blankly at the night outside. He felt a sense of worry he hadn't experienced before, not knowing what had transpired between Rui and Elder Zane after their meeting.
"Rest," Rui suddenly turned her head and said.
Shiroshi seemed momentarily stunned but nodded in response.
When they went to sleep, Shiroshi gently held Rui in his arms. She closed her eyes and seemed thoroughly exhausted.
What had happened between her and Elder Zane after their meeting?
Shiroshi couldn't fathom it.
But the plan to leave Konoha was scheduled for tomorrow. No matter how inappropriate it might be to talk to Rui about it tonight, he couldn't afford to miss this chance.
However, seeing Rui in such a low mood, was it the right time to discuss their departure from Konoha?
Shiroshi wished he had stopped her earlier, but now he couldn't delay it any longer.
Missing this opportunity meant there might not be another one.
Just as Shiroshi summoned his courage to discuss tomorrow's departure with Rui, her voice reached his ears first.
"Let's leave this place," she said, her tone carrying weariness and sadness.
Huh?
Shiroshi's expression froze for a moment.
What?
What was Rui talking about?
"Leave this place... Where do you mean?" he asked.
"Konoha."
Rui gave Shiroshi a straightforward answer.
Shiroshi took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. He thought he would be the one to bring this up first, so why did Rui mention it first?
"I don't want to stay here anymore. This village, this clan, they're all filled with people who annoy me and disgust me."
After hearing this, Shiroshi lowered his gaze. Rui had opened her eyes at some point, revealing her bright red Sharingan eyes like gemstones.
Shiroshi held her even tighter. He could feel Rui's disappointment and frustration with this place. This decision was made out of desperation.
He didn't know what had transpired during Rui's meeting with Elder Zane to make her suddenly decide to leave like this.
"What happened?" Shiroshi asked, but Rui simply nestled into his warm embrace without answering.
Shiroshi gently patted her back and didn't press any further. Rui's determination to leave Konoha, or more accurately, the clan, was palpable.
Shiroshi could understand her feelings. She had already been profoundly disappointed with the higher-ups in Konoha due to the Root and Shocho incidents. She had continued to identify as a Konoha ninja because of the complicated history between the Uchiha clan and the village.
Now, her patience had run out.
"Well, let's go together then, leave this place, and start anew," he suggested.
In his embrace, he heard the soft sound of Rui falling asleep.
Shiroshi scratched his head, thinking that this might be a reasonable outcome. Although he felt like he hadn't played a decisive role in this decision, Rui probably knew about his intention to leave Konoha from her contacts within the organization.
He decided not to dwell on it. With Rui's Sharingan assistance, their mission tomorrow night would have a much higher chance of success.
…
The next day, which was also the day Shiroshi planned their departure from Konoha, at noon—
Inside a nondescript secret room in Rui's house, the Uchiha clan's fan symbol was engraved on the walls, flanked by three black tomoe on each side.
Rui sat at the top of the seating arrangement, and in front of her were twelve individuals. Three of them were Jonin, seated at the front, while the other nine were Chunin, sitting a bit further back.
Rui glanced at each of their faces one by one, wasting no time and getting straight to the point.
"I plan to leave Konoha. It's up to you whether you want to stay or come with me. Make your own decisions."
After Rui finished speaking, the twelve Uchiha ninja exchanged glances, and the surprise and hesitation in their eyes were apparent.
Given the abruptness of the decision, they had legitimate concerns.
"Captain, aside from the issue of leaving Konoha, if we do leave, where will we be settled?" one of the Jonin asked, hesitating.
This was a valid question that concerned the rest of them as well.
"You don't need to worry about that. I've made proper arrangements regarding our retreat plan and future settlement. Moreover, the place we're heading to has a substantial force that I've organized. Even if all of you join us, there will still be plenty of room for everyone."
Rui's answer addressed their concerns about what would come next.
Seeing the internal struggle and hesitation on their faces, Rui also understood their predicament. It was a sudden decision to ask them to make, after all.
"Regardless of your decision, just make sure you won't regret it. If you choose to come with me, report to me before 3 PM this afternoon. I will have everything arranged for you."
"Yes, Captain."
After Rui's response, the twelve Uchiha ninja exchanged glances again, and their uncertainty and hesitation were evident.
One of the Jonin spoke up again, "Captain, may I ask a question?"
"Do you want to know why I'm leaving the village and the clan?" Rui muttered to herself, then replied to the Jonin, "The reason is simple. I can no longer stay among the radicals. They are about to make a move to seize Konoha's position of Hokage. Either they will be reborn from the ashes, or... end up like the Senju clan. Or perhaps face an even more tragic fate."
Everyone's spirits trembled. This sudden outbreak of war was indeed tempting the radicals. They had been waiting for such a rare opportunity.
Rui left the room and found Shiroshi waiting for her. He was calmly sipping tea.
"Is it alright not to follow them? They might expose our plans."
"No problem. I have confidence in them. I won't choose incompetent subordinates."
Rui replied confidently.
Sitting down next to Shiroshi and pouring herself a cup of tea, she took a sip.
"Our operation is set for 11 PM tonight. How are your preparations coming along?"
Facing Rui's question, Shiroshi's body began to produce clear, flowing water that slowly condensed.
"Don't worry; this child can't wait any longer," he said with a smile.
(Chapter End)
"This chapter is shorter as I intend to release the entire finale of this arc all at once for a more cohesive reading experience."