Chapter 56: Summoned by the Third Hokage
Uchiha Kei's days were going surprisingly well lately. Since he no longer had to be on the battlefield, he poured all his energy into improving his strength.
The Uchiha clan's archive was massive, and the information it contained was incredibly useful to him.
Aside from supplementing his ninjutsu, he focused most of his attention on notebooks and scrolls about Sharingan techniques—particularly practical notes on how to utilize it more effectively.
Although Kei had awakened his Sharingan early and it had evolved to a high level, he hadn't used it extensively in combat. While his mastery wasn't bad, he still felt his foundation was lacking.
Now, with all these materials to study, he was confident that with time and practice, his understanding of the Sharingan—and his ability to wield it—would reach new heights.
Having awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, Kei could finally slow down and work on solidifying his basics. Previously, he'd been too focused on survival and long-term security to care about foundational training.
He had essentially forced his Sharingan to evolve through sheer willpower and desperation. Afterward, through the life-or-death trauma of Minato Namikaze's accidental strike, he awakened the Mangekyō.
Kei could still use the Mangekyō's power—and quite effectively—but unless he found a way to obtain the Eternal Mangekyō, overusing it would come at a cost.
Because of this, it was practically inevitable that his main source of combat power would have to be his Three Tomoe Sharingan—he had no intention of following Sasuke Uchiha's path of flashy jutsu and unkillable plot armor.
After all, Sasuke was the reincarnation of one of the Sage of Six Paths' sons. That guy and Naruto both came with built-in cheat codes.
Aside from ninjutsu and Sharingan techniques, Kei also looked into kenjutsu—swordsmanship.
The Uchiha were no slouches in taijutsu, and with the Sharingan's support, their physical combat became even deadlier and more efficient.
To better complement his Sharingan in real battle, Kei decided to keep using a ninja blade—just like he had on the battlefield in the Land of Grass.
"Which means... I need to get myself a good sword."
That was Kei's first thought after sorting through all the materials, some of which were messy but surprisingly helpful.
There wasn't much else in ninjutsu that he needed to learn. Fire Release was his primary style, and after reinforcing it with a few essential techniques, he was satisfied.
As for Lightning Release, he had only just begun learning it—but Chidori alone was enough for now. Instead of learning more, he'd focus on refining and developing that one technique.
"Though... I'm starting to feel more and more like that younger guy..."
Kei couldn't help noticing some parallels between himself and the not-yet-born Sasuke Uchiha. But after thinking it through, he figured that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Sasuke's success was undeniable. It would be foolish not to learn from it. Still, Kei wasn't about to copy him completely.
For example, Sasuke eventually gave up on Fire Release, but Kei had no intention of doing so. He hadn't forgotten just how terrifying Madara Uchiha's fire techniques were.
And then there was genjutsu. Kei wasn't going to neglect that either. Madara was infamous for weaving illusions mid-battle, turning his enemies into little more than training dummies.
Kei wanted to reach that level—and he believed he could. All he needed was time.
After all, no Uchiha who awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan ever ended up ordinary or insignificant. Even someone like Shisui—though often called a fool—left behind a single eye that stirred great turmoil.
(Except Uchiha Fugaku, perhaps...)
"Anyway, it's about time I check on Kakashi and the others."
Kei hadn't forgotten about Kakashi. Since returning to the village, he'd been completely immersed in training.
During the day, he studied the clan archives; in the afternoon, he practiced everything he'd learned, and he made sure to keep refining his Chidori.
At night, he focused on chakra training. Its importance was obvious—he didn't want to end up like Kakashi, always running out of chakra and forced into a 50/50 fight regardless of his opponent.
Having decided, Kei briefly greeted Ryoko and headed out. Improving his relationship with Kakashi could prove beneficial—especially for a certain plan he had in mind.
He also intended to visit Hyuga Ayaka. Regardless of how much he disliked her, she was still his teammate.
As such, Kei would just have to grit his teeth and keep up appearances. It didn't really matter who was watching.
But just as he left the Uchiha compound and walked toward the village center, several ANBU operatives suddenly appeared in front of him.
The unexpected encounter startled him. If this hadn't been Konoha, he might have reacted aggressively. Even so, Kei remained on guard—he didn't trust ANBU, no matter who they worked for.
"Uchiha Kei. The Hokage wishes to see you."
The ANBU leader spoke directly, wasting no time.
"The Hokage?" Kei blinked, then quickly nodded. "Understood. I'll go right away. Thanks for letting me know."
The Third Hokage wants to see me?
Kei mulled it over. It wasn't like he had the right to refuse—not when the man in question had led Konoha through two world wars and was on track to win both. His reputation was unmatched in the village.
Being summoned by someone like that? Most would consider it an honor.
After watching the ANBU vanish, Kei adjusted his path toward the Hokage's office. Still, he couldn't help wondering what the Hokage wanted with him.
It didn't take long for Kei to come up with a few guesses.
Given his background, his behavior on the battlefield, and the way the Uchiha had treated him... it was only natural for the Hokage to be curious.
Even if this meeting didn't accomplish anything concrete, it would at least serve as a show of unity—that Konoha was "one big happy family."
Because before Shisui Uchiha was brainwashed, any Uchiha could have become "the next Shisui."
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