The air crackled with anticipation at the Uchiha training grounds as Itachi and Arashi faced each other.
"Honestly, I'm surprised you're having this problem," Itachi began, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Using a Dojutsu requires advanced chakra control, which you've clearly mastered. Yet, you can't seem to deactivate your Rinnegan. I suspect it's simply a matter of focus. Eventually, it'll become as natural as breathing."
'To think, just how much chakra does he have?' Itachi marveled inwardly. 'Keeping the Rinnegan active for so long, yet he's still able to perform hundreds of shadow clones and utilize ninjutsu that demand immense chakra. His potential is beyond even my comprehension.'
Arashi closed his eyes, concentrating on his chakra pathways, attempting to block the flow to his eyes. But nothing happened. He felt a slight change, a subtle decrease in the intensity of his vision, but the Rinnegan remained stubbornly active.
"Hold on," Arashi declared, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'll speed things up with shadow clones." He formed the hand seal.
"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Dozens of clones materialized around them, each one a perfect replica of Arashi. They sat down in unison, mirroring Arashi's meditative pose, their collective focus amplifying the effort to control the Rinnegan.
Itachi observed the scene, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "Shadow Clone Jutsu," he murmured, creating his own clone.
"What's the clone for?" Arashi inquired, curiosity piqued.
"I'm running an errand, but I'll be back soon," Itachi explained. "I'll leave a clone with you to guide you while I'm gone."
"Alright," Arashi nodded, his attention returning to his task.
Whoosh...
Itachi vanished in a blur, leaving his clone behind to assist Arashi.
Meanwhile, Itachi arrived at the Anbu headquarters, swiftly changing into his uniform. 'It's only a matter of time before the Hokage realizes he's left,' he thought, his Mangekyou Sharingan activating, its intricate pattern swirling within his eyes.
The door slid open, and Itachi's Sharingan returned to its normal state as Kakashi appeared in the doorway. "We're being called in," Kakashi said urgently. "Hurry up, it's an emergency."
'Right on time,' Itachi thought, nodding in acknowledgment. He left with Kakashi, their footsteps echoing through the empty halls. They rendezvoused at a secret hideout deep within the forest, a place shrouded in shadows and secrecy.
Inside, multiple Anbu agents and captains stood in formation, their faces masked, their postures tense. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat at the head of the room, his pipe clenched between his teeth, his expression grim.
After a moment of silence, he addressed the assembled shinobi. "Very well," he began, his voice grave. "I'm sure you're all wondering why I've summoned you here. The truth is, the village is in severe danger."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "All of you here should be aware of the situation with Danzo Shimura, one of the village elders and the man previously in charge of the Foundation. As a reminder, Danzo Shimura was put into a coma by one of our very own villagers. A child named Arashi Uchiha."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the room.
"Those who've heard about him know he's no ordinary child. He possesses the greatest Dojutsu wielded by the father of all ninjutsu, the Sage of Six Paths. Using this power, Arashi placed Danzo in a genjutsu, leaving him paralyzed and on the brink of death. He remained in that state for the past few weeks. However, after all this time, Danzo Shimura has awakened."
The Hokage's words sent a wave of confusion and disbelief through the assembled shinobi. Kakashi's brow furrowed in concern.
"That's impossible," he interjected. "The state I saw him in was unlike any I've ever seen. He could barely breathe, let alone open an eye. How did he break through a Rinnegan genjutsu?"
"It is unclear how Danzo woke up," the Hokage replied, his tone somber, "but what is clear is that this isn't good news. Before falling into this state, Danzo showed his true colors. He hunted down the late Shisui Uchiha, attempted to steal his eyes, and tried to kill Team Ro's Captain Kakashi. He even targeted the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and Arashi Uchiha, ultimately leading to his downfall."
"Danzo is no fool," the Hokage continued, his voice grave. "He knows trying to return to the Leaf would be futile. If he comes back, he'll come back as an enemy. Given the information he's collected over the years, he is a severe threat to the village. He may even attempt to restore the Foundation after I've dismantled it and integrated the remaining agents into the Anbu. In any case, I want you all to find and capture Danzo Shimura at all costs!"
"Yes, sir!" the agents shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the hidden chamber.
"Itachi and Kakashi will lead this operation. This is an S-rank mission," the Hokage declared.
"Affirmative!" Itachi and Kakashi responded, their expressions resolute.
In a blink of an eye, the Anbu agents vanished, leaving only Itachi and the Hokage in the room.
"Hokage-sama," Itachi spoke up, his brow furrowed with concern, "it's likely that Danzo will target Arashi. I have a shadow clone near him, but I'd like additional Anbu for extra security."
"I've already sent Anbu to guard Arashi and Naruto," the Hokage assured him. "You have nothing to fear."
"Very well, thank you," Itachi acknowledged, a flicker of relief crossing his face. With a swift movement, he too disappeared, leaving the Hokage alone in the silent room.
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Taking a break from his rigorous training, Arashi sat on the ground, his brow furrowed in concentration. 'Maybe hand seals could make it easier?' he pondered. 'No, that's not necessary for other ocular jutsu. I need to concentrate.'
Closing his eyes, Arashi focused on his chakra flow, trying to visualize its path through his body. 'It's like my chakra is overflowing into my eyes. If only I could...'
Suddenly, his vision cleared, the world returning to its normal colors and shapes. "Itachi-Nii-san! Itachi-Nii-san! I did it!" Arashi jumped up, his excitement palpable.
Itachi rushed over, his eyes widening in surprise. "You turned off your Rinnegan?"
"Yes, only for a few seconds, but it's the best progress I've made," Arashi confirmed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
Itachi smiled warmly. "That's a step in the right direction."
Summoning more shadow clones, Arashi returned to his training with renewed vigor. "I could probably turn them off completely soon," he mused, "but what if they don't turn back on?" He shook his head, dismissing the negative thought. "I can't afford to think like that now."
For the next five hours, Arashi pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion, determined to master the deactivation of his Rinnegan. Although he couldn't maintain it for long, his vision flickered back to normal several times, offering a glimmer of hope.
Finally, his body reached its limit. His eyes fluttered shut, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
"Arashi, let's break for lunch," Itachi suggested, his voice laced with concern. "You can continue training after you've regained some energy."
Arashi nodded, summoning the last of his strength to stand. "How about Ichiraku Ramen?" he asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "We might even run into Naruto there."
Itachi smiled. "Lead the way."
"Hm." Arashi nodded, taking the lead as they made their way into the village, the promise of ramen fueling his weary steps.
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Fugaku Uchiha sat opposite Yashiro and Inabi in a dimly lit room, two prominent clan members who had been fervent advocates for the coup. The atmosphere was charged with tension, their frustration palpable.
"Captain, this is unacceptable!" Yashiro blurted out, his voice barely contained. "The village has wronged us! Wronged our clan! How could you just stand down?"
Fugaku listened intently, his eyes closed, absorbing their words. "The village has oppressed us for ages. You know it, I know it. What has changed your mind, Fugaku-dono?" Inabi chimed in, his tone equally urgent.
The room seemed to hold its breath as the two men stared at Fugaku, their eyes blazing with anger but their hands still. No one would dare lay a finger on their clan leader.
Finally, Fugaku broke the silence, his voice firm and resolute. "The truth is simple. As it stands, the Uchiha clan lacks the might to overthrow the village."
Yashiro opened his mouth to protest, but Inabi's restraining hand silenced him.
"We may possess the Sharingan, with all its formidable power, including control over the Nine-Tails," Fugaku continued. "But what then? If we manage to defeat the village forces, we'll be left with nothing but ruins to govern. Moreover, we'd become a prime target for other great villages. We'd be wiped out."
Fugaku opened his eyes, his gaze piercing through the dim light. "I've pondered over every possible outcome. It may be a late decision, but it's the one I've made."
Yashiro couldn't contain himself any longer. "With all due respect, Fugaku-dono, you make it sound as if we have no choice but to comply."
Fugaku's eyes flickered crimson for a moment, a warning sign of his power. "Is that not the case? I am the leader of the Uchiha clan because I am the strongest among us, am I not?"
Yashiro sneered. "This must be the work of your son! He's manipulating you!"
"Inabi, restrain him," Fugaku ordered, but it was too late.
"No, Fugaku-dono has lost his way!" Yashiro's Sharingan activated, a challenge in his eyes.
In an instant, Fugaku's eyes met Yashiro's. 'Genjutsu: Sharingan!' With barely a glance, Fugaku trapped Yashiro within an illusion, his body slumping forward, rendered immobile.
"As he regains his senses, he will come to understand that this course of action is for the betterment of our clan," Fugaku declared, his voice firm. "Pursuing a war with the village would lead to our destruction."
He turned to Inabi, his gaze unwavering. "Inabi, remove Yashiro from here. And inform the clan that there will be a meeting soon."
Inabi bowed his head, his expression a mask of obedience. "Yes, sir." He carefully lifted Yashiro's unconscious form and left the room, leaving Fugaku alone with his thoughts.
The weight of his decision pressed heavily on Fugaku's shoulders. He had chosen the path of peace, even if it meant facing dissent and accusations of betrayal from within his own clan. But he knew, deep down, that it was the only way to ensure the survival of the Uchiha.