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Chapter 54: He Might Be in Kirigakure!
🕑 Added 2025-02-21 13:56:46 +0000 UTCChapter 54: He Might Be in Kirigakure!
"I understand why you're here. This matter is extremely serious, after all."
Despite the various thoughts running through his mind, Uchiha Fugaku quickly composed himself and spoke in a calm tone.
"However, I also hope you all understand—I can only disclose limited information. After all, I have to consider the well-being of my clan."
"I understand, Clan Leader Fugaku."
Haruta nodded.
Honestly, it didn’t matter how much Fugaku said—he already knew most of it.
What he really needed was an official reason to act.
"Still, given the gravity of this situation, we need useful information."
"We wouldn’t dare to be negligent with the Hokage’s orders."
Fugaku maintained a neutral expression as he responded, his face devoid of emotion.
**"You want detailed information on Uchiha Obito. That has already been prepared—I can give it to you now.
However, regarding the evolution of the Sharingan, there are many details I cannot discuss. I can only provide you with the basics."**
Truthfully, Fugaku wanted to mock them—
"Doesn’t Konoha already have records on this? Why come to me?"
Senju Tobirama, despite his obvious bias, was undeniably a brilliant researcher.
Even Uchiha Setsuna had acknowledged Tobirama’s deep understanding of the Sharingan.
Who knew how extensively he had studied it?
But Fugaku wasn’t foolish enough to say that out loud.
Some things seemed light until placed on a scale—then, they could crush you under their weight...
---
"The Sharingan is a symbol of power, but at the same time, it is a curse."
Fugaku paused briefly before continuing, his voice carrying a hint of gravity.
**"Because only through loss can these eyes evolve.
And once something is lost, what follows is endless pain.
Itachi, myself, Shisui… we have all endured this pain."**
With those words, Fugaku closed his eyes, choosing to remain silent.
As far as he was concerned, he had already said enough—the rest was for the others to interpret as they wished.
---
"That’s not right."
Just then, Kakashi, who had remained mostly silent, suddenly frowned and spoke up.
"Obito awakened his Sharingan right beside me. He didn’t lose anything—he did it to protect me!"
"But when I awakened mine, it was because of my teammate..."
Shisui sighed, his voice filled with conflicting emotions.
However, after a moment of thought, he shook his head.
"Let’s look at Obito’s records. That will be more helpful."
"No, I have a theory."
Haruta didn’t rush forward. Instead, he looked directly at Fugaku and asked,
"Tell me—does this rule still apply even to what you call 'advanced eyes'?"
"Under normal circumstances, yes."
Fugaku opened his eyes, staring at Haruta for a few seconds before nodding slightly.
Then, he fell silent.
"I see."
Haruta smiled.
This was enough.
"Even though the information is limited, it’s still sufficient."
---
"Huh?"
Yugao and Yamato both looked confused.
Even Shisui, Kakashi, and Fugaku had puzzled expressions.
They didn’t understand what Haruta had deduced.
"If what Clan Leader Fugaku said is true, then I can confirm that the masked man is Uchiha Obito."
Haruta stated his conclusion outright.
Kakashi’s face stiffened.
Before he could speak, Haruta raised a hand to stop him.
"Don’t rush to argue. If we consider both Fugaku’s and Kakashi-senpai’s information, I think I’ve figured out how the Sharingan works."
Fugaku's face remained stoic, but internally, he scoffed.
"You think you understand the Sharingan with just this little bit of information?"
---
"You’re both right."
Haruta continued, looking directly at Kakashi.
**"Clan Leader Fugaku described 'loss,' while you described 'protection.'
So, can we conclude that awakening the Sharingan depends on a certain mental state?
That only by experiencing intense emotions can one awaken its power?
To put it simply—it’s a form of psychological stimulus."**
"Psychological stimulus?"
Shisui muttered under his breath.
Fugaku also furrowed his brows.
He was starting to suspect that Haruta had read Konoha’s classified research and was just pretending to analyze things now.
---
"Yes, psychological stimulus."
Haruta nodded and continued.
Since the Uchiha were aware of last night’s events, he had no reason to hold back information.
**"The loss of a teammate and the overwhelming desire to protect someone—these are both emotional responses.
Both serve as psychological stimuli to trigger the Sharingan’s evolution.
And earlier, Clan Leader Fugaku mentioned that this principle applies to 'advanced eyes' as well.
So, can we assume that the level of emotional intensity required is simply… greater?"**
"A greater level of intensity..."
Shisui murmured again.
Kakashi's face turned pale, while Yugao and Yamato still looked confused.
Fugaku’s expression darkened—
At this point, he was certain that Haruta had seen Konoha’s research and was deliberately making things difficult for him.
He had merely hinted at the truth, yet this brat had said it outright!
---
"Yes, exactly—greater intensity."
Haruta tapped his fingers on the table and let out a long sigh.
**"We all know Kakashi-senpai’s past.
And I’ve also heard that Uchiha Obito and Kakashi were close friends.
Moreover, Obito had strong feelings for Nohara Rin.
So… if Obito was present that day—what do you think happened?"**
There was no need to spell it out.
The room fell into absolute silence.
To personally witness your closest friend kill the person you love most…
The sheer pain and mental breakdown that would cause was beyond imagination.
And based on Kakashi’s own account, Obito had always fought with a strong "will to protect."
But that will to protect had been shattered.
He had suffered the ultimate loss—and in double the magnitude.
In the face of such extreme emotional trauma…
"He would have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Both Shisui and Fugaku came to the same conclusion simultaneously.
At this point, there was no doubt—
The masked man was Uchiha Obito.
After all, no outsider had ever unlocked the Sharingan through such extreme emotions.
---
"Haruta-kun, we need to report this immediately."
Shisui stood up at once.
He glanced at Kakashi, who looked completely dazed.
Although he felt bad for him, this was too important.
"It’s almost certain—he’s the one."
"Impossible!"
Kakashi suddenly stood up, his voice shaking.
His eyes were shut tight, hiding any emotion.
"Even if that were true… he should have sought revenge against me! Why did he attack the Fourth Hokage instead?! Why?!"
"Do you remember what happened back then?"
Haruta let out a quiet sigh and shook his head.
**"You and Rin-senpai were being hunted by Kirigakure.
But as a squad, your captain—the Fourth Hokage—never showed up in time.
Do you think Obito might have blamed him for it?
That if Minato had arrived sooner, this tragedy could have been prevented?"**
"He... no... that's not..."
Kakashi wanted to argue, but…
He couldn’t.
He couldn’t say for sure that Obito hadn’t thought that way.
Because when grief and hatred consume someone, even the most rational person can lose control.
---
"Aside from that, I think I’ve also figured out where he might be."
Haruta stroked his chin, then glanced at Yugao.
She suddenly realized what he was implying.
"You think… he’s in Kirigakure?"
"Exactly."
Haruta nodded, his voice calm as he looked at Kakashi.
**"After all, it was Kirigakure’s pursuit that set everything in motion.
And considering his mysterious abilities…
If he wanted to wage war against Konoha, Kirigakure would be the perfect place for him to operate from."**
