The members of the Kaguya Clan stared in horror at the black flames that could not be extinguished, none daring to step forward.
Such a long-range, ninjutsu was perfectly suited to counter their taijutsu-based abilities. Kaguya Josuke frowned, stepping forward to observe the burning black fire before turning his gaze toward the young boy standing across from the flames.
"Your eyes... Mangekyo Sharingan?"
It was only then that Kaguya Josuke noticed the strange pattern in the boy's crimson eyes—not the typical three-tomoe Sharingan but an unusual, intricate design.
As a clan with a long history, the Kaguya Clan knew much about the Uchiha Clan's legendary eyes.
Kaguya Josuke, had certainly done his homework before coming here.
"Honestly, I didn't really want to use these eyes—they don't look cool at all," Uchiha Gin shook his head, feeling his chakra draining rapidly, leaving him weak.
Unlike the vivid, kaleidoscopic patterns typical of the Mangekyo, his Mangekyo Sharingan lacked the elegance expected of its name. Instead of intricate designs, only a simple "dot" adorned his red pupils, earning it the nickname "Mangekyo without Tomoe."
When he first awakened his Mangekyo in the research facility, people initially thought his eye was defective for not even having tomoe.
"Enough of these tricks, boy. Get up close, and he won't dare use that fire style," Josuke barked, planning his strategy. Familiar with the indiscriminate nature of fire attacks, he quickly organized the Kaguya warriors, who were not ones to shy away from a fight.
"This is bad," Uchiha Gin thought to himself, seeing the Kaguya Clan charging in.
His Mangekyo could only deal mass damage with Amaterasu, his single attack. His other eye ability, Tsukuyomi, was a single-target genjutsu and useless against multiple foes.
"Blaze Release: Kagutsuchi!"
In a critical moment, a familiar voice rang out. The black flames surrounding Gin seemed to come alive, stretching outward to ensnare the Kaguya warriors.
Those who even slightly touched the flames found themselves engulfed. In mere moments, the flames consumed them, leaving no trace behind.
"Hikari! Why did you come out?"
Gin instantly recognized the ability of the black flames as the Kagutsuchi, a power of Hikari's Mangekyo Sharingan.
"If I hadn't, things would have gone badly for you," Hikari replied, glancing nervously at the unfamiliar enemies. This was her first real battle. She clenched her fists, palms slick with sweat, waiting for Gin's guidance.
Compared to Gin's humble "Mangekyo without Tomoe," her eye pattern was exquisite. Three shuriken-shaped wings connected at their bases, forming a beautiful design that Gin had admired for a long time.
"Don't be nervous—just think of it as practice, like in the lab."
Sensing her anxiety, Gin—also in his first battle—did his best to remain calm and began guiding her through the fight.
"Use Amaterasu to trap them in a circle."
At Gin's direction, Hikari exerted her chakra, surrounding Kaguya Josuke and his men with black flames.
"Now, use that!"
Understanding his hint, Hikari activated her second ability, and all of the Kaguya warriors within the Amaterasu flames suddenly felt a sharp pain as a crimson mark appeared on each of them, mirroring the red full moon in the sky.
As the red moon's imprint fell upon them, the once-rowdy Kaguya warriors grew unnaturally quiet, their eyes shining with a violet-red light.
"Whew!" Gin sighed in relief, knowing the effectiveness of Hikari's Mangekyo ability, Yasaka's Spear. Once imprinted, her power could control them and drain their chakra.
As Gin relaxed, he walked over to Hikari, asking, "Is this too much for you?"
"No, I feel better than ever," she replied, her cheeks flushed with a satisfied smile. The Yasaka Spear not only allowed her to control her targets but also drained chakra from them.
For her, this was her first time controlling so many people, and she was practically brimming with energy.
Reassured by her response, Gin turned back, asking, "How is Aunt?"
"I'm fine, thank you both," Uchiha Tajima's wife said, stepping out with three children. Observing the unique patterns in the children's eyes, she chuckled, "Who would've thought you two would have such strength at your age? The future of the Uchiha Clan rests with you two."
"Oh, Aunt! Don't tease us like that!" Gin replied, scratching his head in embarrassment, while Hikari's face turned beet red, almost fainting at the implication.
"Alright, enough teasing. Aunt, do you know when Uncle will return?"
"Soon, I think," she said, glancing toward the lights in the distance.
---
"Quickly, Hiro, let's go," Uchiha Tajima, having sensed the disturbance, led his team at top speed. Entering the clan grounds, he smelled blood and felt a pang of fear.
Their squad raced through the clan's streets, encountering bodies of both Uchiha and unfamiliar intruders along the way.
They were soon ambushed by a Kaguya squad, but Tajima's squad swiftly took them down and, interrogating a prisoner, discovered that the target of the leader, Kaguya Josuke, was his own home. Tajima rushed forward, now desperate.
High above the chaos, an indifferent figure observed everything, gazing at the carnage and the approaching Tajima.
His aged face twisted into a sinister smile as he looked down at the jar in his hand.
"The show is about to begin."
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