Chapter 045: Five Years Later

One day in March of the 63rd year of the Leaf.

Fugaku Uchiha stood with his hands folded inside his sleeves at the steps before his manor, gazing into the distance toward the entrance of the village.

This was Fan Village in the Land of Fields, the place where the remnants of the Uchiha clan now lived. The entire clan neighbored other settlements: Whirlpool Village, Bone Village, and Frost Flower Village. Among these, many ninja taken in by the Security Division of the Ryuzo-kai coexisted.

These villages were so peaceful that, should an enemy arrive with hostile intent, they would likely mistake them for mere clusters of ordinary civilians. Who could imagine that such illustrious clans as the Uchiha, Uzumaki, Kaguya, and Yuki all dwelled here together?

Five years ago, the Uchiha clan, preparing to rebel against the Leaf, collaborated with Orochimaru to evacuate their elders, women, and children, as well as civilians unfit for the ninja path, to this place.

When Fugaku, escorting the final group of elders and children with a squad of the clan’s finest talents, arrived here, he never left again.

Then came a staggering piece of news: on the night they departed the Leaf, a man claiming to be Madara Uchiha annihilated all remaining clan members in their territory. Those were the last of the Leaf’s Police Force—every able-bodied ninja, wiped out single-handedly!

In the end, Fugaku dared not return, lest he arouse suspicion. He had to admit—fear gripped him, so much so that he did not dare go back for Sasuke.

He kept convincing himself, and his wife Mikoto, reassuring them both that with Naruto and Kakashi watching over him, Sasuke would be safe. Besides, with the Uchiha clan publicly purged, no matter how heartless the Third Hokage might be, surely he wouldn’t torment two orphans in succession.

Yet Fugaku could not forgive himself for his cowardice, for abandoning his son. He didn’t even dare send Sasuke a letter, nor inform him that he was still alive. He could only learn of Sasuke’s circumstances secondhand, through others’ correspondence.

Before long, the person Fugaku awaited arrived.

“Mr. Fugaku, your letter.” The hooded figure handed Fugaku the envelope.

“Thank you, Kabuto.” Fugaku took it eagerly.

On the envelope, a simple line: “To Mr. Fugaku and Mrs. Mikoto.”

Fugaku and his wife opened the letter together, reading each word in turn.

“…Spring is flourishing, all things revived. Are you in good health? Time slips by unnoticed—it has already been five years. I often think of your well-being and the clan’s affairs. I am honored to report Sasuke’s growth to you, brimming with joy and anticipation.”

“In these five years, Sasuke has thrived in the village, like new green in spring, full of vitality.”

“In his studies, he is diligent and persistent, achieving remarkable results and standing out among his peers. Until graduation nears, his ranking has never once slipped.”

“In combat, his progress is even more evident; whether in ninjutsu or fighting skills, he has reached new heights.”

“He always remembers your teachings, holds the clan’s revival as his duty, and forges ahead on the ninja path. Every step in Sasuke’s development convinces me he will one day be your pride, bringing glory to the Uchiha name.”

“In addition, I have discovered something in my own training that I wish to share. I found that cultivating ‘spiritual mechanical energy’ not only strengthens the mind, but may also significantly increase the probability of an Uchiha awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.”

“This idea came from Qing.”

“She had no ninja talent, yet after five years training in ‘spiritual mechanical energy,’ she unexpectedly awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.”

“I have also observed signs of Sasuke awakening the Mangekyō as he trains. His mental strength grows daily, and his ocular powers are maturing. Perhaps, by the time you receive this letter, Sasuke will have awakened the Sharingan…”

Reading this, Mikoto could no longer hold back her tears, and Fugaku’s heart surged.

Mikoto was simply joyful for Sasuke’s health and excellence—her tears were from overwhelming happiness, mixed with guilt. As the clan leader’s wife, she understood the conditions for awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Even if Naruto’s claims were true and cultivating spiritual mechanical energy could enhance mental and ocular power, awakening the Mangekyō was far from easy. There were many in the Uchiha remnants who practiced it, yet none had awakened the Mangekyō.

For both Qing and Sasuke to awaken it proved their exceptional talent and dedication. Mikoto dared not imagine what pain and resolve these two children must have endured to unlock this legendary power.

Fugaku’s thoughts were more complicated. Besides sharing Mikoto’s pride and heartache for Sasuke, he weighed other matters.

Five years ago, the clan had lost a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan—now they had gained another. And his son was about to awaken the Mangekyō, meaning soon there would be two more pairs.

Including Shisui, there would be three pairs of Sharingan—a lineup greater than even Madara’s generation during the Warring States era!

Given time, under Fugaku’s leadership, the Uchiha clan might well surpass even Madara Uchiha’s glory.

The rest of the letter held nothing especially noteworthy for Fugaku. Naruto simply reiterated his greetings and blessings.

Fugaku knew Naruto surely sent another letter to the Uzumaki clan as well.

Thinking of both his children awakening the Mangekyō, Fugaku resolved to act. He planned to attempt awakening it himself, to bring Mikoto along too. If their whole family could possess Mangekyō Sharingan, it would be a wonderful thing.

He would also gather the remaining clan prodigies to train in spiritual mechanical energy—perhaps they might add a few more Mangekyō.

Imagine it: one day, the Uchiha clan mobilizes, Fugaku calls out, “Mangekyō squad, move out!”

Then, a dozen pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan lined up behind him—a thrilling vision. Not even Madara Uchiha in his day commanded such awe!

He owed it all to Naruto—without him, Fugaku would never have such prestige.

But how should he thank him?

Recalling the Sharingan’s unique hot-swappable nature, Fugaku pondered the question seriously.

Night fell on the Leaf Village.

Deep within the Uchiha territory, across the Naka River in a desolate valley, the quiet of night and faint moonlight surrounded them.

Sasuke’s mood was somber, his gaze resolute.

“Have you made up your mind? You want to awaken the Mangekyō today?” Naruto asked with concern at his side. “You saw how Qing awakened hers, you must have felt the pain yourself. Are you certain you want to go through with this?”

“I am. I’ve waited too long for this moment.” Sasuke closed his eyes, took a deep breath, struggling to calm the tumult in his heart.

There was something Naruto had omitted in his letter—even though training in spiritual mechanical energy could ease the awakening of the Mangekyō, it did not mean the suffering would be any less.