Two days later, Konoha's White Fang arrived at the front lines, and the morale of the Konoha shinobi soared. Meanwhile, Shirou, from an outsider's perspective, appeared lucky to be returning to Konoha to rest with Tsunade's squad.
At that time, among the graduates of his class, the top students—Uchiha Shirou, Nawaki, and Namikaze Minato—were each assigned to be guided by one of the Third Hokage's disciples as their Jonin mentor.
"Kid, hurry up." "Yes."
Along the way, Tsunade's mood was noticeably tense, perhaps due to the message scroll she'd received two days prior. Even so, with her golden twin ponytails and youthful vigor, Tsunade looked as heroic as ever. Shirou, maintaining a determined expression, kept his guard up, scanning the surroundings as the group moved toward Konoha at a brisk pace.
[Perfect Version: Chimera Jutsu]
In Shirou's mind was a forbidden technique—perfected to a level that shouldn't have existed at this time. This was something he had acquired after reborn. Spending his free time playing games, who would have thought he would end up in this world?
"This forbidden technique is powerful, but extremely challenging to control, especially at the perfect level."
Now, in the real shinobi world, Shirou understood the true dangers of forbidden techniques. This one allowed him to absorb and strengthen himself with the bloodlines of others, but each use demanded time for his body to fully integrate the new power.
"If that's the case, using this technique to devour bloodlines will also require some kind of gene-stabilizing medicine."
As this thought crossed his mind, Shirou glanced at Tsunade, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips. A skilled medic was right in front of him—someone who could be his perfect ally. If things went as planned, he would need Tsunade's help after using this technique. After all, relying solely on his knowledge of medical ninjutsu would make creating such a medicine incredibly time-consuming and costly.
...
A few days later, the group finally returned to Konoha.
The Senju Clan
"Grandma Mito, regardless of whether this information is true, we have to prioritize Nawaki's safety!"
Upon returning, Tsunade headed first to the Hokage's office to submit the mission report before going to the Senju clan grounds to find Uzumaki Mito. When she found her, Tsunade's face showed clear anger.
Uzumaki Mito now looked very old. The Yin Seal on her forehead could no longer hold back the passage of time; it was evident that she was nearing the end of her life. Yet, upon hearing Tsunade's news, Mito's kind face turned serious.
"That Uchiha Setsuna has changed significantly," she muttered.
"Seems he's gotten smarter—or perhaps he learned to bide his time in the shadows after his last imprisonment."
"Grandma! Nawaki—"
Seeing Tsunade's anxious expression
"Such impatience! How will you accomplish great things with that attitude?"
Uzimake Mito reprimanded her harshly.
Though fiery by nature, Tsunade was respectful toward Mito and could only sigh. After a pause, Mito spoke solemnly.
"Nawaki's safety must be ensured, but if someone is scheming even under Orochimaru's supervision, you must realize the gravity of this."
Tsunade's face grew somber as she nodded.
"Orochimaru is one of Konoha's strongest Jonin, and few surpass his skill. His vigilance is also extremely high. If someone intends harm toward Nawaki, it could only happen if he leaves the village."
Tsunade's expression darkened with anger.
"Damn it! Do they think the Senju Clan no longer exists?"
Seeing Tsunade's fury, Mito was silent for a moment before sighing. Despite her noble status, she was, after all, the village's weapon as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—and now, more like Konoha's prisoner.
"Tsunade, I'm old and don't have much time left. If this information is accurate, perhaps you should take this chance to send Nawaki away."
Her words left Tsunade shocked, staring at her grandmother in disbelief. But Mito shook her head, sighing again.
"You may protect him this time, but what about the next? Konoha no longer needs the Senju Clan."
The weight of Mito's words bore down on Tsunade, reminding her that Konoha had changed. After a long silence, she nodded, her voice low.
"I understand."
This was no longer the era when the Senju ruled Konoha.
...
"Finally, we're back!"
In Konoha, Shirou basked in the warm sunlight, appreciating it more than ever after the dampness of the Land of Rain. The Uchiha Clan may have been sidelined, but their grounds were still in the bustling heart of the village.
"Shirou, welcome home."
As Sjirou opened his door, a voice from inside made him freeze.
"Sister M-Mikoto!"
Inside stood Uchiha Mikoto, a long Uchiha-style sword on her back and a gentle smile on her face. But there was a certain edge in her eyes. Seeing her, Shirou's expression tightened.
Mikoto approached him and, as if it were natural, gently cupped his cheeks with both hands. Shirou felt a flash of panic.
"Sister Mikoto, don't! I still…"
But before he could finish, Mikoto pulled back his eyelids, and with that gentle smile said softly, "Still haven't awakened your Sharingan, Shirou? You are such a little failure."
Little failure.
Who else but a Uchiha could say something so cutting with a smile? And there, behind her words, was the unstable temperament of a new Sharingan user.
Shirou couldn't help but feel a pang of envy and helplessness.
As expected—Mikoto's Sharingan had evolved.
The awakening and evolution of the Sharingan were always triggered by intense emotional stress, often through significant loss or great pain. The evolution flooded the brain with special chakra, intensifying the user's emotions and making them prone to irritability.
"Sister Mikoto!"
With the door closed, Shirou abruptly pushed Mikoto to the ground, grabbing a whip he had prepared long before.