"Right eye pupil technique… Real Illusion… Hey, there's a change!"
As Uchiha Fugaku focused on his right eye's dojutsu, a hint of satisfaction appeared on his face.
His Real Illusion had evolved.
Previously, activating Real Illusion required direct eye contact with the target.
Now—eye contact was no longer necessary.
Simply looking at the target was enough.
Even if obstacles stood in between, as long as his gaze was in the direction of the target, the technique would take effect.
This significantly lowered the activation conditions, making it far harder to guard against.
There was no doubt—his right eye's pupil technique had undergone a powerful transformation.
"This change… could it be related to Uchiha Shisui's dojutsu?"
Fugaku's eyes narrowed as he considered the possibility.
Shisui's Kotoamatsukami was one of the most feared genjutsu in existence, capable of subtly altering a target's mind without requiring eye contact.
It was what made his illusion-based abilities so terrifying.
Although Fugaku had not inherited Kotoamatsukami, it seemed that by absorbing Shisui's body, his own dojutsu had adapted, acquiring a similar characteristic.
"Not only did my eyes evolve into the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, but I also gained this unexpected advantage…"
A rare smile appeared on Fugaku's lips.
The gains from melting Shisui's corpse had far exceeded his expectations.
His power had surged—and the Third Hokage's greatest weapon was gone forever.
The next morning, Fugaku awoke feeling refreshed.
Despite exhausting his pupil power in both battle and corpse melting, his recovery had begun.
Although his pupil power hadn't fully regenerated, it had already exceeded what it was at its previous peak.
"If my estimations are correct, once fully recovered, my pupil power will be more than six times stronger than before."
Before this, Fugaku had already absorbed six Uchiha corpses, granting him stronger dojutsu reserves than the average Mangekyō Sharingan wielder.
Now, with his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, his pupil power had reached an unfathomable level.
Compared to a normal Mangekyō Sharingan, the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan was at least ten times stronger.
This was why those with Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could unleash the true form of Susanoo, standing over a hundred meters tall.
Meanwhile, even a fully-trained Mangekyō user could, at most, reach the third form of Susanoo, two full levels away from completion.
The difference in strength between these two states was immeasurable.
"No wonder the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan is considered the true power of the Uchiha Clan."
"Clan leader, since we're already in Daimyo Prefecture, why don't we take some time to explore?"
After breakfast, Uchiha Hoshi and Uchiha Wei arrived, suggesting a casual outing.
Fugaku, still in high spirits from his recent evolution, agreed immediately.
"That sounds like a good idea."
Just as they prepared to leave, a familiar voice called out.
"Patriarch Fugaku, are you preparing to head out?"
They turned to see Iwai Yoichi, the rotund, middle-aged patriarch of the Iwai Clan, approaching with a wide smile.
"Yes, since we're already here, we thought we'd take the chance to explore."
Fugaku replied with a polite nod.
"You absolutely should! Daimyo Prefecture is filled with rich culture and historical landmarks!"
Iwai Yoichi's round face beamed with enthusiasm.
"Why don't I, as a local, personally guide you through the city?"
Fugaku hesitated.
"There's no need to trouble you. A guide from your clan would be more than enough."
After all, Yoichi was a clan leader himself. Having him play tour guide would be unreasonable.
But the Iwai Clan Head shook his head firmly.
"No, no, no! It would be an honor!"
For him, this was a golden opportunity to strengthen ties with the Uchiha Clan.
The closer their relationship, the greater the benefits for his family's political standing.
Seeing his insistence, Fugaku nodded in agreement.
"Then we'll trouble you, Clan Head Iwai."
And so, under Iwai Yoichi's enthusiastic guidance, the three Uchiha strolled through Daimyo Prefecture.
They dined at a famous sushi restaurant at noon and a prestigious century-old establishment for dinner.
By nightfall, the tour had concluded.
Throughout the day, both Fugaku and Yoichi subtly strengthened their alliance, making the trip mutually beneficial.
A Fitting Response to the Third Hokage
Back in his room, Fugaku's expression darkened slightly.
"I was invited to attend the coming-of-age ceremony for Iwai Yoichi's eldest son. After that, I can return to Konoha."
But—
"I can't leave Daimyo Prefecture without doing something first."
He knew the Third Hokage believed he had come to hypnotize the Daimyo—but that was never his intention.
Even if he tried, Sharingan's Genjutsu could be detected by those with the Byakugan or other skilled sensory abilities.
However—he still needed to act.
"Since I'm here, I should give the Third Hokage something to truly panic over."
Then, a cold glint flashed in Fugaku's eyes.
"If I remember correctly… the Third Hokage's son, Sarutobi Asuma, is currently serving as the Daimyo's bodyguard."
That was it.
The Third Hokage had sent Shisui to assassinate him.
Now—it was only fair to return the favor.
Killing Sarutobi Asuma would send a clear message.
It would inflict unimaginable pain upon the Third Hokage—the same pain the Uchiha Clan had suffered under his rule.
Asuma Sarutobi was not innocent.
As the son of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had enjoyed privileges and status far beyond that of ordinary shinobi.
And yet—when the Uchiha Clan was exterminated, weren't many innocent Uchiha slaughtered that night as well?
Fugaku's eyes darkened.
"It's time for the Third Hokage to feel that pain."
With a thought, Fugaku created a Spore Clone.
Before him stood a perfect duplicate—
One that possessed his chakra, his appearance, and even his memories.
"You will remain here."
The clone nodded, seamlessly taking on his role.
Meanwhile, Fugaku's true body activated—
"Mayfly Technique—"
With silent precision, he sank into the earth, vanishing without a trace.
His destination was clear.
The Daimyo's inner palace.
Where Sarutobi Asuma awaited his fate.
(End of this chapter)