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"I have to believe Otherwise, why would you reveal so many critical secrets about the Uchiha clan?"
"Whether you're Uchiha Kitaro or Uchiha Akira, since you've chosen to participate in the global recruitment process, you must abide by its rules," Sengoku declared firmly.
"Of course. That was always my plan," Kitaro replied with a faint smile.
"Enough chatter! Everyone, disperse and prepare for the test!" Sengoku commanded. The gathered crowd moved swiftly to the testing grounds, eager to begin.
Meanwhile, newspapers around the world went into overdrive, publishing explosive headlines:
Revealing the Secrets of the Mysterious Uchiha Clan!
Shocking! The Uchiha Clan Are Interdimensional Travelers!
Uchiha Kitaro Has a Twin Brother, Uchiha Akira!
The Source of the Giant War God's Power Lies in the Uchiha Clan's Eyes!
Unveiling the Secrets of the Sharingan!
The Other World Is a Ninja World!
The Uchiha Clan: A Clan of Love!
These sensational stories reignited global curiosity about the enigmatic Uchiha clan.
At the testing site, Kitaro was pretending as Akira, preparing for the challenge.
"The first test will evaluate both speed and endurance," Sengoku announced. "Participants will run a lap around Marineford, approximately 200,000 meters. The first 100 to finish will pass the first round."
"What?! Only 100?!" someone shouted. "There are thousands of us here! That's not even a tenth!"
Sengoku explained, "You are all elites selected from across the world, but we're recruiting only the best of the best this time. Even if you fail, don't worry—you'll still be granted the rank of Ensign in the Navy. But for those who pass the first round, the rank of at least Marine Major awaits."
"Marine Major?!"
Hearing this, many participants couldn't hide their excitement. A Marine Major's rank wasn't just respectable—it commanded authority and prestige. Complaints were replaced with determination, and everyone was eager to give it their all.
"Ready... begin!" Sengoku bellowed, and the crowd surged forward like a tidal wave. Yet, one person remained motionless—Uchiha Kitaro.
"Aren't you going to run?" Sengoku asked, frowning at the sight of Kitaro standing still.
Kitaro smirked. "There's no rush. Let them run ahead; otherwise, it wouldn't be fair."
"Arrogant!" Sengoku muttered, displeased. His memories of Uchiha Kitaro's calculated demeanor resurfaced—the same air of arrogance, the same slow escalation of power that made the Navy look like fools performing in a clown show.
"If that's how you see it, I'll make my move," Kitaro said nonchalantly.
With a sudden burst of speed, Akira shot forward like a blur.
"How fast!" Kizaru commented, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "The Uchiha clan members are all speed demons. But Akira is the brother of Kitaro ,so it's even more."
Sengoku turned to Kizaru and Aokiji. "You two have encountered him the most. What do you think? Could he be Uchiha Kitaro in disguise?"
Kizaru shrugged. "I couldn't say. I'm not exactly familiar with him."
Aokiji, frowning, responded thoughtfully, "I can't be sure. Most of what he's said seems genuine, but we can't trust him completely. That said, we've gained valuable intelligence on the Uchiha clan, and that's a significant win for us."
Sengoku nodded in agreement. "I've been analyzing Kitaro's movements recently. According to reports, he's been busy eradicating bandits in the territories he took over from Whitebeard. His forces are consolidating their hold, with only about 300 of Whitebeard's original crew remaining."
"Meanwhile, Akira has been aboard Navy vessels in the West Blue, far from the New World. The distances involved make it unlikely that they're the same person," Sengoku added. "Though we can't rule out the possibility of clones, the odds seem slim."
Aokiji offered a different perspective. "Even if he is Uchiha Kitaro, that might not be a bad thing."
"Oh? Explain," Sengoku prompted.
"First, Kitaro's greatest threat lies in his unpredictable movements. If Akira is a part of him, we can track his location more easily.
"Second, if Akira is Kitaro's sheme within the Navy, we only need to keep sensitive matters away from him or feed him false information.
"Third, if Akira genuinely opposes his brother, then having someone who understands all of Kitaro's abilities could be an enormous advantage."
Sengoku smiled, impressed by Aokiji's analysis. "Well reasoned. As expected from the future Fleet Admiral I've chosen."
Meanwhile, chaos broke out during the recruitment test.
"Get out of my way!" a participant roared, firing a gun at another runner's leg.
"Ahhh!" the injured man screamed, collapsing to the ground.
"You lot better move! I, Trom, am claiming first place in this round!" the shooter declared arrogantly, clearing his path with brute force.
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