Chapter 230: Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan
"Hoshikawa !"
A voice full of surprise and delight rang out from Asuma Sarutobi. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to find you guys, of course," Hoshikawa replied with a sigh. "It's not easy to catch you."
Sakumo Hatake and his ninja squad were responsible for sneak attacks and harassment, meaning they were rarely at the Konoha Headquarters. Hoshikawa had to ask Tsunade for help just to find out they were scheduled to return today.
"Can't be helped," Asuma Sarutobi said with a hearty laugh, a hint of pride in his tone. "Our squad is currently entrusted with an important mission!" After all these years of war, he was no longer the rebellious youth he once was, but he still liked to show off in front of his friends.
"Looks like your strength has increased a lot," Hoshikawa said with a smile. "Want to spar?"
"Ah? No, no, no!" Asuma Sarutobi's smile stiffened, and he quickly refused. "I don't have time! Next time, definitely next time!"
His current strength had surpassed that of an average Chūnin, and becoming a Jōnin was a certainty within a few years. While his progress was fast, Hoshikawa 's was faster, progressing at a literally inhuman speed. Asuma Sarutobi wasn't stupid. Sparring? That would just be a one-sided beating.
"Are you sure?" Hoshikawa asked with a curious look. "You used to love challenging me to a spar."
"That was then!" Asuma Sarutobi suspected the guy was being malicious. "Now I'm a mature man, and things like sparring are unnecessary!"
"What's unnecessary?" Shisui Uchiha walked forward and asked. Standing behind him was Shizune. Her current appearance was similar to her future canonical look: short black hair and wearing the standard ninja combat uniform.
"You came at the perfect time!" Asuma Sarutobi's eyes lit up. "Hoshikawa is looking for someone to spar with, and you're a better match than me!"
Shisui Uchiha blinked, slightly confused about what was happening.
"Hoshikawa , you have no idea how strong Shisui is now. I can't beat him at all anymore!" Asuma Sarutobi exclaimed with emotion.
Previously, their ninja squad had fallen into a Kumogakure trap, and even Yugito Nii (the Two-Tails Jinchūriki) had arrived on the scene. Just when Asuma thought they were about to be severely injured or killed, Shisui Uchiha suddenly unleashed his power, activating the Mangekyō Sharingan. With Sakumo Hatake's cooperation, their squad actually managed to seriously injure the Two-Tails Jinchūriki.
Shisui Uchiha instinctively looked at Hoshikawa . Truth be told, he really did want to spar with him. Since childhood, he had never won against Hoshikawa . Now that he had activated the Mangekyō Sharingan, he had obtained unimaginable power. Of course, Hoshikawa 's strength was also formidable; capturing the Four-Tails alive and killing the Third Mizukage were proof of his terror. But without actually fighting, Shisui Uchiha didn't think he would lose.
"The sparring can wait until we've finished talking about business," Hoshikawa did not refuse. The reason was simple: he wanted to gauge Shisui Uchiha's strength. After all, he needed to be strong enough to help him capture the Fourth Raikage and Killer B.
Hoshikawa knew that the canonical Shisui Uchiha was very strong. But this was the Third Great Shinobi War era; his strength might not have reached its peak yet. He would only know for sure after they fought.
"What business?" Asuma Sarutobi asked curiously. Although they were on the same battlefield, they rarely crossed paths due to their different missions. This was the first time Hoshikawa had actively sought them out.
Shisui Uchiha and Shizune also looked at Hoshikawa with curiosity.
"That's something I need to discuss with Uncle Sakumo," Hoshikawa said with a light cough.
"…?" Asuma Sarutobi was full of question marks. Was there something even the Hokage's son couldn't hear?
"Uncle Sakumo will tell you later," Hoshikawa paused and asked, "Where is he now?"
"He went to the main tent to report his mission, he should be back soon," Asuma Sarutobi could only suppress his curiosity and reply.
"Master is back," Shisui Uchiha noticed Sakumo Hatake approaching and alerted them.
"Hoshikawa , long time no see." Sakumo Hatake walked up and greeted him.
"Uncle Sakumo, I have something I need to talk to you about," Hoshikawa stated directly.
"Come inside to talk." Sakumo Hatake's tone became serious.
The two walked into the tent. Asuma Sarutobi, Shisui Uchiha, and Shizune consciously didn't follow.
"Uncle Sakumo," Hoshikawa said straightforwardly, "I hope you can support Master in tomorrow's Jōnin meeting."
"Support?" Sakumo Hatake's heart stirred. "Is your Master planning something?" As one of the responsible figures on the Land of Frost battlefield, he was naturally aware of Tsunade's predicament. Although not terrible, it wasn't great either, as she was mostly assigned inconsequential tasks.
"She's preparing to do something," Hoshikawa nodded. "But the specifics won't be revealed until the time comes." He found it difficult to directly mention the plan to strip Orochimaru of his authority, as that was, in a sense, bordering on rebellion.
"I understand. That won't be a problem." Sakumo Hatake didn't hesitate and agreed.
The reason was simple: he owed Tsunade and Hoshikawa an enormous debt of gratitude. When he failed his mission and faced heavy criticism years ago, it was the master and student who intervened, even making a trip to the Land of Fire's capital city, which ultimately resolved the situation. Crucially, he did not believe Tsunade would ever do anything that was detrimental to Konoha.
"Thank you, Uncle Sakumo." Hoshikawa was secretly relieved. Although he knew Sakumo Hatake would likely agree, given his personality, there was always the possibility of a different outcome before the commitment was made.
Hoshikawa chatted for a few more sentences, then left the tent with him. Asuma Sarutobi, Shisui Uchiha, and Shizune immediately rushed forward.
"Don't worry, you'll know tomorrow," Sakumo Hatake said with a smile, seeing their expectant faces. "I won't interrupt you any longer, carry on with your conversation."
"So secretive," Asuma Sarutobi complained.
"Hoshikawa -senpai, shall we spar now?" Shisui Uchiha was more concerned about the spar.
"I want to watch!" Asuma Sarutobi exclaimed excitedly. In his view, both Hoshikawa and Shisui Uchiha were already top-tier ninja, and their spar would undoubtedly be spectacular.
Though Shizune didn't speak, her expression betrayed her eagerness.
"Let's go somewhere quiet." Hoshikawa turned and walked out of the main camp.
Shisui Uchiha and the others quickly followed.
"Are we walking this far?" Asuma Sarutobi couldn't help but ask after half an hour.
Shisui Uchiha looked thoughtful. He had a feeling Hoshikawa had guessed something.
"Here is fine." Hoshikawa closed his eyes, used his Mind's Eye of the Kagura to confirm they were alone, and spoke.
"Mhm." Shisui Uchiha felt a sense of readiness and excitement building in his heart.
"Asuma and Shizune, help us keep watch and ensure no outsiders approach," Hoshikawa paused. "Regardless of the outcome of this spar, you must keep it a secret."
Shisui Uchiha possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan. Hoshikawa had the Wood Release or Lightning Release Chakra Mode. Although they might not be necessary for a spar, he was just being cautious. He wanted to ensure that the secret was not leaked, at least for the next couple of days. Hoshikawa had a degree of trust in Asuma Sarutobi and Shizune, having grown up with them and knowing their character.
"Huh?" Asuma Sarutobi looked completely bewildered. Anyone watching would think they were planning some major event that would determine Konoha's fate, not just a spar.
"Hoshikawa is right," Shisui Uchiha affirmed.
"Alright then." Asuma Sarutobi generally grasped their intention. They were likely planning to use some of their ultimate, secret jutsu that they couldn't afford to expose. For instance, Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan. Judging by the situation, Hoshikawa must also possess a similar secret.
"Let's begin." Hoshikawa stood before Shisui Uchiha and formed the Confrontation Seal (Hand-to-Hand seal).
"Be careful." Shisui Uchiha's eyes flashed, and the three tomoe instantly appeared. He drew the ninja blade from his back and swung it.
Uchiha Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu - Blade Dance! Chakra transformed into scorching heat, and a blade of flame shot out. Simultaneously, Shisui Uchiha vanished from his spot.
Water Release: Water Wall Jutsu! Hoshikawa clapped his hands together. A water wall rose before him, blocking the flame blade. Water and fire collided, immediately generating mist.
In the mist, Shisui Uchiha appeared behind him.
Uchiha Style: Solar Eclipse Dance! He swung his blade three times in quick succession, and three blades of flame shot out with extreme speed.
Just before they reached Hoshikawa , the ground swelled, and a giant hand formed of rock emerged. The giant hand opened, catching all three flame blades in its palm, leaving behind deep scorch marks.
Shisui Uchiha leaped, plunging his ninja blade toward Hoshikawa 's neck.
Clang!
Hoshikawa turned, and his Thunderfire Blade blocked Shisui's weapon, then pushed it up forcefully. The immense strength caused Shisui Uchiha's expression to shift slightly. He retreated a step, and his three-tomoe Sharingan rotated.
Genjutsu: Sharingan!
Hoshikawa froze momentarily.
Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique! Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Shisui Uchiha opened his mouth and spat out three fire dragons.
Heat rolled off them. Sweat beaded on Hoshikawa 's forehead. But the next second, his body dissolved into a pool of water. Hoshikawa 's B-rank Title, 'Seven Element Special Jōnin', gave him a 100% resistance to Yin Release (the basis of Genjutsu), allowing him to break the illusion instantly.
The three fire dragons, having missed their target, flew into the distance.
Shisui Uchiha's eyes narrowed, and he plunged his ninja blade toward the pool of water on the ground.
Leaf Great Whirlwind! Hoshikawa reformed into his true body and kicked toward Shisui's wrist.
Shisui Uchiha dared not take the hit. He twisted his wrist, swinging his blade toward Hoshikawa 's thigh. Hoshikawa retreated, his posture becoming erratic and fluid.
Konoha Stream: Willow! Hoshikawa 's Thunderfire Blade swept gently, filling the air with sword shadows.
"That sword technique is useless against me now." Shisui Uchiha easily broke Hoshikawa 's illusion with his three-tomoe Sharingan.
A cold flash of light. Hoshikawa 's Thunderfire Blade emerged from the afterimages, its trajectory extremely complex. Normally, Shisui Uchiha would be unable to move, but now he remained calm, his ninja blade finding a tricky angle and directly knocking away Hoshikawa 's Thunderfire Blade.
The constant clanging of blades echoed. The two were now locked in a pure sword fight. Hoshikawa felt a hint of pressure. Before, he could suppress Shisui Uchiha by being faster and stronger. But now, his conventional speed was useless against the Sharingan. Of course, this was limited to his conventional speed.
"Hoshikawa is still so strong," Asuma Sarutobi commented, watching the clash.
"But Shisui is different now," Shizune said soberly. "If it were before, he would have already been losing ground."
"That's true," Asuma Sarutobi nodded. "Hoshikawa 's movements are being completely seen through by Shisui's eyes."
"But I still think Hoshikawa will win," Shizune said after thinking for a moment.
"Neither of them has shown their true strength yet," Asuma Sarutobi said, watching intently. "The exciting part is about to begin."
A sharp metallic clang rang out. Shisui Uchiha was once again forced back several steps by Hoshikawa 's enormous strength. He shook his wrist, which was throbbing faintly.
"Only after activating the three-tomoe Sharingan can I barely keep up with your movements," Shisui Uchiha lamented. "Hoshikawa -senpai, you are terrifyingly strong." He mentioned the three-tomoe Sharingan, but in reality, his Sharingan was much stronger than an ordinary three-tomoe due to the Mangekyō Sharingan. Even so, the fight was this difficult. No wonder he could capture the Four-Tails alive and kill the Third Mizukage.
"Hoshikawa -senpai." Shisui Uchiha's tone became serious. "Have you ever heard of the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"I've heard of it," Hoshikawa nodded slightly.
"It seems you already had an idea." Seeing his reaction, Shisui Uchiha no longer hesitated. The three tomoe in his eyes began to rotate instantly. They quickly twisted and formed the shape of a shuriken.
"This is the Mangekyō Sharingan, the final form of the Sharingan," Shisui Uchiha said slowly. "However, my eye technique is quite unique and cannot be used directly."
Hoshikawa 's eyebrow rose. This situation clearly still involved the Kotoamatsukami. He was actually curious if the Kotoamatsukami would work on him. The effect of the Kotoamatsukami was to directly invade the target's brain without their knowledge and permanently and completely modify their will. Its only drawback was the extremely long cooldown. However, there was also a theory that the cooldown for his left and right Kotoamatsukami was different, but this was never explicitly confirmed in the original story.
The reason Hoshikawa suspected the Kotoamatsukami might not control him was his A-rank Title, 'Infiltrator,' which allowed him to falsify memories. While memory is not identical to will, the two are closely related.
"Please," Hoshikawa said, looking at Shisui Uchiha. Even without using the Kotoamatsukami, the enhancement provided by the Mangekyō Sharingan was immense. Fortunately, he still had the Yin Release resistance from his B-rank Title, 'Seven Element Special Jōnin', so he wasn't entirely defenseless.
Genjutsu: Mangekyō Sharingan!
Shisui Uchiha's eyes pulsed, and an invisible mental wave struck Hoshikawa . Although prepared, Hoshikawa was still hard-locked for half a second.
He looked up, but Shisui Uchiha had already vanished.
Water Release: Water Wall Jutsu! Hoshikawa formed hand seals without thinking. A water wall rose around him.
But just as it was halfway up, Shisui Uchiha appeared right in front of him.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique! Hoshikawa opened his mouth and spat out a water dragon.
The water dragon hit Shisui Uchiha, and he dissolved into an afterimage.
This is the Body Flicker Shunshin Technique! The name of the jutsu instantly flashed through Hoshikawa 's mind.
(End of Chapter)
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