Chapter 173: Uchiha Itachi's Awakening, Uchiha Fugaku's Resolve! (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Votes)
Pulling his gaze back, Sarutobi Asuma entered the laboratory and asked, "How do you feel?"
"My chakra limit has at least tripled!" Tsunade said, flexing her fist.
"That's amazing!" Shizune exclaimed.
Yūhi Kurenai also looked astonished, "With this much chakra, you've surpassed regular ninjas, haven't you!"
This was Asuma's classification. Ninjas like Jiraiya and the Third Hokage represented the ceiling for regular ninjas in terms of chakra. Then came "super ninjas" like Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Miri, individuals with exceptionally large chakra reserves. In other words, they were Kage, or even Super Kage.
"Let's look at your cells first!" Asuma said. Tsunade nodded. The four of them then got busy again. They obtained Tsunade's cells and analyzed them using the equipment. Of course, Asuma was more direct; he used his chakra to penetrate the nucleus of Tsunade's cells, allowing him to directly observe the genetic information and compare it with the genetic information of Senju Hashirama that he already possessed.
"It's only 75%..." Asuma frowned slightly. Even when transplanting original cells that had been modulated to the greatest extent to adapt them to Tsunade, they still couldn't achieve complete inheritance. Genetic information was inevitably lost during the transplant. This was something he couldn't control or change at the moment. Unless Asuma directly edited and modified Tsunade's genes. However, while he dared to tamper with his own genes, he didn't dare to do so with others'. Even with clones, he only edited and modified their genes after mastering them through the Spirit Transformation Technique. Of course, 75% was still several times better than Yamato! Tsunade's Yang Release would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced as a result. Perhaps the Six Paths level of Rank 9 was not far off!
Having reached his conclusion, Asuma smiled. This surgery could be called a great success. Withdrawing his chakra, Asuma said, "Sister Tsunade, for the next period, you will need to train extensively to unlock your potential."
"This includes stamina training, agility training, and training for Yang Style Chakra Nature Transformation."
"In the coming period, you should see significant improvements in all aspects. By then, your chakra reserves should not be inferior to Sister Kushina's!"
Tsunade, still examining her cells, waved her hand dismissively upon hearing Asuma's words, saying a bit impatiently, "I know, stop nagging!" Yūhi Kurenai and Shizune couldn't help but laugh. Asuma was speechless. What a classic case of crossing the river and demolishing the bridge, how annoying!
Leaving the laboratory, Asuma headed to the clone laboratory on the other side. Several shadow clones were busy there. As they saw their main body arrive, one shadow clone looked up and said, "Some not-so-good news. The Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku appears to have flaws."
"The current research, engraving the genes onto clones, shows a tendency for mutation."
"We need more research samples." Asuma nodded, "Understood!" The Kaguya Clan in Kirigakure would likely be wiped out soon, and then there would be plenty of research samples. He could also collect enough genetic information from the Kaguya Clan. Thinking about it, he immediately dispatched a shadow clone to enter the Land of Water using a Flying Thunder God marker to monitor the Kaguya Clan.
At this moment, the shadow clone said, "The development of Dust Release is sufficient, and the main body can begin. Also, the genetic information of the Uchiha Clan has currently been 89% analyzed."
"However, I think you should ask Obito to get Uchiha Madara's information as well." Asuma raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, "Isn't Uchiha Sasuke's enough? He's also an Indra reincarnation."
The Shadow Clone pursed its lips, "Are our targets only Indra?"
"Our targets should be the Sage of Six Paths, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya!"
"Furthermore, we analyze and refine genetic information not to perfectly replicate their genes, but for Kekkei Genkai, for the Sharingan, Rinnegan, and Byakugan."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded upon hearing this, "I understand. It will be resolved."
He had never considered directly transplanting all the genetic information of Senju Hashirama and the Uchiha clan.
What he wanted was the part pertaining to Kekkei Genkai.
Therefore, he hadn't made a move on the Sharingan so far.
Analyzing and refining genetic information was a massive undertaking!
After understanding the experimental progress and situation, Sarutobi Asuma, the hands-off manager, left the research base.
Afternoon.
Gathering all the information about Dust Release from the Shadow Clone, Sarutobi Asuma began editing his own genes again.
This time, it was for Kekkei Tōta, Dust Release!
Allowing the clone to develop for nearly two years was enough.
Afternoon.
The Ninja Academy was letting out.
Uchiha Fugaku was feeding his fish. Hearing footsteps, his hand paused, and he turned to look at Uchiha Itachi, who was returning. Just as he was about to speak, Itachi spoke first, "Father, I have awakened my eyes!"
Uchiha Fugaku paused for a moment, then a smile spread across his face, "Excellent!"
"Truly worthy of the Uchiha bloodline, my son!"
"Hahaha!"
Uchiha Fugaku let out a rare hearty laugh.
Uchiha Itachi smiled looking at his father like this, but quickly composed himself and bowed, "Father, I wish to apply to enter the Genin Preparatory Class!"
Uchiha Fugaku's smile faded, and after a moment of thought, he nodded, "Since you have awakened your eyes, you indeed don't need to stay in the academy any longer."
"In the past, you could have directly applied for graduation, but the Genin Preparatory Class is the best option now, especially with Mr. Asuma as the instructor."
"I will personally apply for this with the Third and Fourth Hokage!"
Uchiha Itachi immediately expressed his gratitude.
Uchiha Fugaku nodded and said, "Go see Sasuke, he's been waiting for you!"
Uchiha Itachi's expression softened considerably. He nodded and went to play with his younger brother.
Uchiha Fugaku, however, fell into thought.
In the past two years, five people from the Uchiha clan had evolved their Sharingan through their own training. This had completely proven that Sarutobi Asuma's method was entirely feasible and the correct path.
As for awakening their eyes through their own ability, currently, only Uchiha Itachi had done so. But with this example, Uchiha Fugaku believed that there would be more and more in the future.
As time passed, perhaps one day, the Uchiha clan would no longer need the cruel methods of the past to awaken and evolve their eyes.
The only pity was.
So far, no one from the Uchiha clan had managed to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan through their own efforts.
Including the strongest person in the Uchiha clan currently, himself, the clan head!
However, his ocular power had indeed increased.
This was something he could clearly feel.
"The path of light is always difficult!"
Uchiha Fugaku sighed inwardly, then thought of the experiments on Sarutobi Asuma's end.
More than a year, and still no results?
Although anxious, Uchiha Fugaku restrained himself and did not urge them.
After a moment of contemplation, Uchiha Fugaku gave an order.
"Gathering at Naka Shrine at 8 PM tonight!"
During this period, the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Konoha higher-ups had greatly eased.
However, Uchiha Fugaku felt it wasn't enough.
The existence of Uchiha Madara was like a thorn in his throat, a constant worry.
Mangekyo, only Mangekyo could contend with Mangekyo!
8 PM.
Naka Shrine.
The flickering bonfire made the surroundings appear somewhat eerie.
All the core members of the Uchiha clan within the village had arrived, including Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Yashiro from the Anbu.
Additionally, Uchiha Itachi, who had just awakened his Sharingan, was also present.
And among the Uchiha gathered, he was the youngest!
His gaze swept over the many clan members, and Uchiha Fugaku spoke, "Everyone, Itachi awakened his Sharingan today!"
Swish!
gazes turned towards Uchiha Itachi.
Uchiha Shisui showed a look of surprise. He had only just returned today, so he didn't know that Uchiha Itachi had awakened his Sharingan.
As Uchiha Itachi was still attending the Ninja Academy, the method of his awakening was undoubtedly clear.
"As expected of Itachi!"
Uchiha Shisui praised him sincerely.
Uchiha Itachi was the first person to awaken his Sharingan through his own abilities!
The other Uchiha clan members were initially shocked, then they too became delighted.
Uchiha Fugaku continued, "Everyone should know what Itachi's awakening signifies!"
"From this moment on, our Uchiha clan can break free from that evil curse!"
"The clan head is right!"
Immediately, a Uchiha clan member chimed in, "We will surely reclaim the glory of our Uchiha clan!"
"Itachi is so outstanding; he will definitely not be inferior to Shisui in the future!"
"Shisui is a disciple of Lord Asuma, so he should also have a chance to compete for the position of Hokage!"
...
In an instant, Naka Shrine was filled with fervor.
Listening to the radical remarks, Uchiha Shisui worried inwardly, while Uchiha Itachi frowned slightly.
Uchiha Fugaku remained expressionless. Once the discussion subsided, he said, "We will naturally reclaim the glory of the Uchiha clan!"
"Therefore, we need to participate more deeply in the village's affairs and contribute more to the village!"
"I have decided to relinquish the complete control of the Konoha Military Police Force!"
Instantly, Naka Shrine fell silent.
After a moment, a Uchiha clan member stood up and asked, "Clan head, is this... is this the will of the village?"
"Are they perhaps wary of our Uchiha clan's growing power?"
"Or is it because of the Nine-Tails incident?"
Another Uchiha clan member added, "But the Nine-Tails incident had nothing to do with us; that was done by Uchiha Madara!"
"The Konoha Military Police Force has always belonged to our Uchiha clan; why should we give it up?"
"Moreover, shouldn't we have more rightful power since we possess greater strength?"
One Uchiha after another spoke.
Uchiha Fugaku did not answer, merely looking at them with a stern expression.
When no one else spoke, he then said, "Does anyone else have anything to say?"
No one spoke further.
Uchiha Fugaku said solemnly, "Relinquishing part of the power over the Military Police Force is my consideration!"
"This is a step towards improving the relationship between our Uchiha clan and the villagers."
"Besides, do you all only wish to remain in the Military Police Force?"
Uchiha Fugaku questioned them one after another, "Shisui and Yashiro have joined the Anbu and are trusted subordinates of the Fourth Hokage!"
"We also have clan members in the Ninja Academy, teaching the young sprouts of Konoha and assisting them in becoming accomplished ninjas!"
"We also have clan members who have entered the Chunin Special Training Class and the Jonin Special Training Class; some of them were personally selected by the Fourth Hokage!"
"Is all this a sign that the village higher-ups are wary of our strength?"
"Is the Uchiha clan's strength so great?"
"Which one of you can withstand the Fourth Hokage?"
"Which one of you can withstand Mr. Asuma?"
The Uchiha who had been speaking earlier were left speechless.
Last year, the graduation exam for the Jonin Special Training Class was held on a grand scale, and many Konoha Jonin were invited to watch.
Most importantly, the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, also entered the arena at the end.
Ten members of the Jonin Special Training Class attacked Namikaze Minato together, but they were all instantly defeated.
Many Uchiha were present at the time. Even with the perception of the Three Tomoe Sharingan, they couldn't react to that speed.
As for Sarutobi Asuma.
A new legend in the Ninja World, said to be more powerful than the Fourth Hokage, stood before them. Those present didn't even feel the urge to compare themselves.
They could only silently think that perhaps, after awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan, they might stand a chance.
"The Hokage position, as members of the village, anyone has the opportunity, anyone can compete!"
Uchiha Fugaku asked sternly, "But do you have the confidence to be a good Hokage?"
"Do you have the capacity to become Hokage?"
"Are you confident you can reach the level of the Fourth Hokage, or Mr. Asuma?"
"For everyone here, if anyone wishes to become Hokage, I will support them with all my might, but please first demonstrate the capacity of a Hokage, conquer us first, and then you will be qualified to conquer the others in the village!"
"If you want to become Hokage, you need to aim for the current and past Hokages!"
"Possess their strength, possess their achievements."
"Not the pride of the Uchiha clan, placed only in words!"
Hearing these words, Uchiha Shisui couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "As expected of the Clan Head, possessing such a calm mind and discerning capacity!"
In his view, the only one in the current Uchiha clan with Hokage potential was Uchiha Itachi.
The others lacked the vision and capacity to surpass their clan.
As for himself, Uchiha Shisui knew his own personality well; even with his teacher's guidance and some changes, he was still not suitable to be a leader.
"To be a ninja who silently protects the village, that is my greatest goal!"
Uchiha Shisui's eyes were filled with a smile.
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