Konoha.
The Senju Clan, Tsunade's Medical Research Lab.
"How does your Kekkei Genkai feel?"
"Hot! I feel heat, and there's also pain."
In the research lab, Tsunade meticulously examined the unknown Kekkei Genkai, while Shirou obediently answered every question she asked.
"Alright, stop now. Your cells are starting to get corroded!"
Following Tsunade's command, Shirou frowned as the black, flame-like curse marks slowly receded from his face and half of his body. Seeing this, Tsunade's eyes gleamed with interest.
"It hurts! After the Kekkei Genkai fades, I feel like every cell in my body is in pain."
Upon hearing this, Tsunade let out a laugh.
"Your Kekkei Genkai causes rejection. Every time you use it, it corrodes your body. Although the corrosion happens slowly, if it fully takes over, you'll lose your sense of self."
"Of course, it also depends on your luck."
At this point, Tsunade seemed to have finished her examination. She calmly sat down on a nearby chair.
"While it corrodes you, your body is also adapting to this new Kekkei Genkai power. As long as you don't overuse or exhaust it, and with the help of medication, I estimate that within five or six years, this Kekkei Genkai disease will stabilize completely..."
Listening to Tsunade's professional explanation, Shirou nodded respectfully. From Tsunade's perspective, a top-tier medical-nin, Shirou's condition had already been diagnosed as Kekkei Genkai disease.
"Thank you, Captain Tsunade."
After the last drop of fluid from the IV entered his body, Shirou finally removed the needle. This scene didn't escape Tsunade's notice. Even though Shirou's body seemed a bit weak, he still got out of bed.
"Here's the bill for this treatment."
At this moment, Tsunade tossed him a bill. Shirou glanced at it, and his pupils shrank in shock as he exclaimed:
"Tw... twenty thousand?!"
Shirou's eyes widened. He knew the cellular stabilizer wasn't cheap, but he didn't expect it to be this expensive! Tsunade, however, let out a laugh.
"Twenty thousand is expensive? The best medical-nin of the entire shinobi world has to specially concoct the medication for your condition. The dosage has to be precise, and we have to constantly monitor your body's changes. Do you have any idea how much it cost just to examine your body earlier?"
Faced with Tsunade's laugh, Shirou was left speechless.
Twenty thousand! A B-rank mission in the shinobi world only pays between 80,000 and 200,000, not counting the portion taken by the village, the cost of ninja tools, and post-mission medical expenses.
(According to official mission payout data in the Naruto world: D-rank mission: 5,000–50,000, C-rank: 30,000–100,000, B-rank: 80,000–200,000, A-rank: 150,000–1,000,000, S-rank: over 1,000,000)
Seeing Shirou's stunned expression, a hint of amusement flickered in Tsunade's eyes. It seemed she had successfully scared Shirou.
"In recognition of your service to the village, I'll help you concoct the medication regularly."
Before Tsunade even finished speaking, Shirou nodded solemnly and replied in a serious tone:
"Captain Tsunade, I will repay you."
The determination in Shirou's eyes made Tsunade pause for a moment. But upon reflection, it made sense. A stubborn mindset, proud nature, and an unwillingness to owe anyone—this was exactly what being a Uchiha was all about.
Thinking about it, Tsunade couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. Any Uchiha who awakened the Sharingan never seemed to be normal.
They all had issues in their heads!
In the silent medical room, Shirou stood up and respectfully bowed.
"I'm sorry, Captain Tsunade."
That apology seemed to come from Shirou's deep sense of guilt.
As Shirou turned to leave, Tsunade calmly tossed him a scroll and then crossed her arms, blocking her view.
"This is the research report on your new Kekkei Genkai."
"Thank you, Captain Tsunade."
After respectfully bowing again, Shirou left the room. With a creak, the door closed, and after Shirou's footsteps faded away, Tsunade finally let down her guard.
In the quiet room, Tsunade gently crossed her long, graceful legs, revealing her black high heels and the delicate, jade-like toes painted with red nail polish. She absentmindedly swung her foot back and forth, her face no longer marked by the sorrow of Nawaki's death, but instead by exhaustion.
"That Uchiha brat, and the one lurking in the shadows..."
Tsunade furrowed her brow, her gaze drifting out the window toward the Hokage Rock, a look of irritation crossing her face.
"Is the Senju clan really something you all fear so much?"
At that moment, Tsunade, staring at the Hokage Rock, was filled with a deep sense of dread.
...
The Uchiha Clan.
The Uchiha Clan Compound.
"Shirou, you've awakened your Sharingan!"
After returning to the clan's territory, the first person Shirou told about his awakening was Mikoto. As expected, upon hearing the news, Mikoto was first shocked, then broke into a joyful smile.
"Shirou, I knew it! It was only a matter of time before your talent would lead to the awakening of your Sharingan."
Seeing Mikoto's excited smile, Shirou felt a warmth in his heart. In this world, the people who were truly happy for him awakening his Sharingan were probably only from the Uchiha clan.
"Sister Mikoto, don't get too excited. Here's Captain Tsunade's report. This time..."
Shirou didn't hide anything as he explained the entire process of his Sharingan awakening to Mikoto, including the fact that he had awakened two Kekkei Genkai.
With the Uchiha name, he could not rely on anyone else; he could only depend on the clan.
After all, why would he forsake a prestigious clan like the Uchiha to align himself with the Third Hokage? He wasn't stupid!
The Uchiha clan could provide him with things the Hokage never would. Not to mention, the Third Hokage would only see him as a double agent.
Within the Uchiha clan, as long as you displayed your talent and strength, you could have everything.
That's why, from the start, Shirou never considered hiding his dual Kekkei Genkai. He was eager to progress!
Only by progressing could he gain more resources.
"Dual Kekkei Genkai!"
After listening to Shirou's story and reading Tsunade's report on the Kekkei Genkai, Mikoto's initial shock turned into a crescent-moon-shaped smile.
"Shirou!"
Holding the report, Mikoto's expression turned serious after her initial excitement.
"Do you want me to give this Kekkei Genkai report to the Elders, or should I deliver it to the clan leader?"
The clan leader or the Elders? This was a choice between two paths. The current clan leader was part of the more peaceful faction, while Elder Setsuna, who had once dared to stage a rebellion, was undoubtedly part of the Hawks.
Shirou understood Mikoto's intentions and smiled as he nodded:
"Sister Mikoto, haven't you always been waiting for me to awaken my Sharingan?"
The two exchanged a look, and Mikoto smiled sincerely.
Mikoto was the only blood relative of Elder Setsuna and the sole heir to his power.
In a noble clan like the Uchiha, bloodline inheritance was crucial, but one also needed sufficient strength to claim it.
Though Mikoto was a woman, her current strength, marked by her two-tomoe Sharingan, made her an undeniable talent. Shirou was the ally Mikoto needed.
Shirou wasn't foolish. Although the current clan leader held significant power, Elder Setsuna's faction was in hiding. It was obvious that supporting him now would be more advantageous than later.
As for the hawks?
With the Uchiha name, Shirou had no other choice. Besides, how many Uchiha who awakened the Sharingan weren't extremists?
Although the clan leader had more overall power, most of the elite Uchiha with awakened Sharingan were aligned with the hawks. And with Mikoto by his side, Shirou was more eager than ever to grow stronger!