This so-called "Takamagahara" was naturally the large-scale immersive genjutsu training space Shinji had created by fusing Jikibi and Tsukuyomi.
To avoid exposure, he didn't name it Jikibi or Tsukuyomi but instead casually chose the name "Takamagahara."
The connotation of a divine abode suited the extraordinary genjutsu space he and Mumei had constructed.
Upon hearing Shinji's explanation, some in the room lit up with interest, while others fell into deep thought.
With the looming battle against the Akatsuki, even Tsunade, as Hokage, felt the need to train. After all, every bit of strength gained before the war could tip the scales in their favor.
At the same time, everyone realized that Shinji's current strength was likely the result of relentless training in "Takamagahara."
A combat environment where one could freely define scenarios and opponents was incredibly valuable.
Hidden Leaf Village had gone so far as to designate a large area near the village—where land was scarce—to build the "Forest of Death" for near-realistic training.
Yet, in "Takamagahara," both scenarios and opponents could be freely adjusted, and most importantly, the results of training could be brought back to reality. For ambitious shinobi eager to push their limits, this was nothing short of paradise!
Kakashi, catching on, asked: "Can others enter your 'Takamagahara'?"
"Well…" Shinji hesitated before shaking his head. "I haven't tried."
The more critical the moment, the less he could appear overly eager. By holding back, he could spark others' curiosity and make them take the initiative to explore.
"Alright, you can go now," Tsunade said, waving her hand to dismiss Shinji.
Shinji gave a respectful bow and left the Hokage's office without hesitation.
Once Shinji was gone, Tsunade turned to the others in the room: "What do you all think?"
The Third spoke first: "Considering the Nine-Tails incident, Shinji's likely telling the truth. It wasn't Sasuke who subdued the Nine-Tails back then—it was him!"
Kakashi recalled: "When I arrived, Naruto had already returned to normal, and only a shaken Sasuke was at the scene. It's possible someone left before we got there."
Koharu Utatane nodded: "The timeline matches. He likely awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan on the night of the clan's massacre!"
Kakashi agreed, nodding: "From what I know, the Uchiha are more likely to awaken the Sharingan under extreme emotional distress. If Shinji witnessed the clan's annihilation that night, it makes sense that the trauma triggered his Mangekyo Sharingan."
Homura Mitokado voiced doubt: "But he was only seven years old. Could that really…"
Tsunade interjected: "There's no doubt—Uchiha Shinji is an Uchiha with even greater talent than Uchiha Shisui or Uchiha Itachi!"
Shizune, standing nearby, nodded: "Exactly. Sasuke is already a rare genius, but compared to Shinji, he seems ordinary. Shinji has redefined the word genius!"
Shikaku added: "Regardless of how much truth or deception was in Uchiha Shinji's words just now, one thing is certain—he harbors no ill intent toward the village. Given the current situation, that's the best outcome we could hope for."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Today's discussion not only confirmed that Shinji had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan but also revealed when he awakened it and the nature of his dojutsu.
The Nine-Tails incident provided evidence that Shinji's words were trustworthy.
After all, the Sharingan pattern in the Nine-Tails' eyes was unmistakable, seen by more than one person. And aside from Sasuke, Shinji was the only Uchiha left in the village at the time.
Shinji's revelation of his dojutsu, "Takamagahara," also dispelled the doubts in everyone's minds, explaining how he had become so powerful.
From a results perspective, this was the best possible outcome.
The Third said: "Still, we need to verify whether the abilities of this 'Takamagahara' match his description."
Tsunade nodded: "Yes. If his 'Takamagahara' is truly that remarkable, perhaps we can let other shinobi in the village try it out."
Homura Mitokado cautioned: "The dojutsu of the Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan can be very unpredictable. We should proceed carefully."
"Agreed," the others concurred.
No one dared to be careless when it came to Mangekyo dojutsu.
At that moment, Kakashi stepped forward: "I have a Sharingan, which gives me an advantage against genjutsu. How about I test it?"
After a moment's thought, Tsunade agreed: "Alright!"
The Uchiha had a saying: "Only a Sharingan can counter a Sharingan." Thus, sending Kakashi—who possessed a Sharingan, was highly skilled, and had extensive experience—was undoubtedly the village's best choice.
The Third added: "During the test, have the Anbu monitor from the perimeter. Hiashi, select a few clan members for long-range observation."
"Understood," Hiashi replied.
The reason the Hyuga clan head was present was to guard against any potential genjutsu attacks Shinji might launch on the village's leadership.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been qualified to attend such a confidential meeting.
After the meeting adjourned, Kakashi left the Hokage Building, his thoughts turning to Sasuke.
Back then, the village leadership had mistakenly believed Sasuke stopped the Nine-Tails' rampage, placing immense expectations—or rather, pressure—on him.
Now that the truth was out, others might think Sasuke was merely average, but Kakashi, who had been looking after and training Sasuke, felt a pang of guilt.
He understood the weight of such lofty expectations, having been hailed as a "genius" himself from a young age. Only he could empathize with the pressure Sasuke had endured.
Kakashi went to the training ground where Sasuke often practiced and, as expected, found him training diligently.
Sasuke paused his training: "Kakashi? Something up?"
Kakashi approached: "Just now, Shinji admitted in front of Leader Hokage that he awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan."
Sasuke's brow furrowed, realizing something: "Sakura? You had Sakura trick me into talking?"
Kakashi shook his head: "It has nothing to do with Sakura. The village had suspicions for a while, so this time, Leader Hokage spoke with Shinji directly."
Sasuke asked, puzzled: "Shinji admitted it?"
"Yes. He admitted he awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan on the night of the Uchiha massacre, when he was only seven. The Nine-Tails rampage afterward? He quelled it with his Mangekyo Sharingan. We all got it wrong."
Kakashi spoke calmly, as if casually chatting.
Sasuke's pupils contracted: "You… what did you say?! He awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan at seven? That's impossible!"