Chapter 469: Illusion Kill

After Shisui left Muzuki’s house, he first went home to write down how he refuted Elder Sheng Qing’s proposal, and then went to Uchiha Fugaku’s house.

The clan meeting was to be held in a week, so Shisui needed to get everything done as quickly as possible to allow time for unexpected situations.

“Shisui, have you encountered some trouble?” Uchiha Fugaku asked.

It was almost ten o’clock at night, and showing up unannounced at this hour certainly wasn’t for casual greetings.

“Uncle Fugaku, Elder Sheng Qing’s proposal is impossible to succeed. I want to stop him at the next clan meeting,” Shisui said, getting straight to the point.

Based on Shisui’s observations and Muzuki’s analysis, Uchiha Fugaku could be a great help to him, so Shisui didn’t beat around the bush and directly stated his purpose.

“Elder Sheng Qing’s idea indeed lacks some consideration, and its feasibility is very low,” Uchiha Fugaku said tactfully.

“It’s good that you have this intention, Shisui, but this kind of matter isn’t something you need to worry about yet. What you should be doing most right now is to cultivate well and become stronger; that’s enough.”

Uchiha Fugaku didn’t really want Shisui to get involved in the struggle between the dove and hawk factions. Both the dove and hawk factions were Uchiha, and a genius like Shisui should focus on cultivating and getting stronger, then give back to the Uchiha Clan once he was strong enough, rather than getting caught in internal clan strife.

“Uncle Fugaku, please hear me out first,” Shisui requested calmly, not showing any eagerness to prove himself despite Uchiha Fugaku’s words.

Looking at Shisui’s calm and composed expression, Uchiha Fugaku’s mind conjured Uchiha Kagami’s face, and a strange emotion arose in his heart. He finally closed his mouth and quietly watched Shisui.

Even if Shisui’s plan was very impractical, the ultimate result would only be a waste of a dozen minutes of his time, which was not much of a loss.

“I know that my status as a genius is not enough to stand against Elder Sheng Qing, but we Uchiha respect strength the most, so I want to defeat Elder Sheng Qing in a fair battle and gain a status equal to his,” Shisui revealed the initial action of his plan.

This was the first step, and a crucial one, as it not only concerned whether Shisui could stop Uchiha Sheng Qing’s actions but also his future influence within the Uchiha Clan.

“You want to challenge Elder Sheng Qing? Leaving aside whether you can win, even if you do, it might not necessarily…” Uchiha Fugaku shook his head slightly.

Uchiha Sheng Qing must have strength to be an Uchiha Elder; he was an experienced Uchiha Jonin with a Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

“Uncle Fugaku, please allow me to continue,” Shisui interrupted.

He understood Uchiha Fugaku’s distrust of him.

After all, the opponent was an Uchiha Elder revered by the Uchiha Clan, and in terms of both Ninja experience and life experience, he was incomparable to Shisui. On paper, it was practically impossible for Shisui to defeat Uchiha Sheng Qing and refute his proposal.

But Shisui was very confident in the plan after Muzuki helped refine it. The only possible mistake in it was if Shisui couldn’t defeat Uchiha Sheng Qing.

“I am, after all, a young junior. If I directly challenge Elder Sheng Qing, even if I lose, my reputation won’t be affected. But if Elder Sheng Qing loses to me, he will lose face. Considering this, I need your help, Uncle Fugaku.”

Seeing Uchiha Fugaku no longer refuting him, Shisui continued, explaining Muzuki’s martial arts tournament plan.

Uchiha Fugaku was slightly surprised. He hadn’t expected Shisui to be so thorough in his considerations, even thinking about how a direct challenge would cause Uchiha Sheng Qing to lose significant face, leading to more acute internal conflicts within the Uchiha Clan.

The martial arts tournament plan made Uchiha Fugaku re-evaluate Shisui. Where did this child learn so many intricate strategies? He didn’t seem much like an Uchiha anymore.

At this point, Uchiha Fugaku began to seriously consider the feasibility of Shisui’s entire grand plan.

“After all the preliminary work is completed, I will formally refute Elder Sheng Qing at the clan meeting,” Shisui said, handing the pre-written documents to Uchiha Fugaku.

After reading the documents, Uchiha Fugaku’s gaze towards Shisui changed once more.

“If Shisui doesn’t die young, the Uchiha Clan might really restore the glory of the Warring States Period,” Uchiha Fugaku couldn’t help but think.

The impact Shisui had on him today was truly immense, even greater than hearing about Shisui’s various battlefield achievements before.

Looking across the entire Ninja World, there would always be many geniuses in every era, and Shisui was just one of them.

However, what Shisui was demonstrating now was not just simple strength; Shisui’s knowledge and Shisui’s thoughts were not what a normal eight-year-old Uchiha boy should possess.

No kidding, eight-year-old Uchiha Fugaku, let alone coming up with a meticulously feasible plan like Shisui’s, wouldn’t even have considered Elder Sheng Qing’s reputation.

“Uncle Fugaku, I’ve finished speaking,” Shisui looked calmly at Uchiha Fugaku.

As long as Uchiha Fugaku stood on the side of the Uchiha Clan as a whole, he would inevitably choose to help him, because helping Shisui now was equivalent to helping the Uchiha Clan.

“I apologize for before,” Uchiha Fugaku did not immediately express his opinion but apologized for interrupting Shisui earlier.

Because now he understood that Shisui truly wanted to do something for the Uchiha Clan, and had genuinely thought it through, rather than just coming to him on a whim.

“You don’t need to worry about anything moving forward, Shisui. You just need to prepare for the battle,” Uchiha Fugaku said in a deep voice.

With such a detailed plan laid out, Uchiha Fugaku only needed to exercise his authority as clan head.

“Shisui, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Even if you lose, I have a backup plan,” Uchiha Fugaku added after some thought.

Shisui needed to defeat Uchiha Sheng Qing to gain a status equal to his, but Uchiha Fugaku didn’t need to be so complicated.

Uchiha Fugaku was worried that if Shisui accidentally lost, he would be greatly disheartened and never recover, which would be a huge loss for the Uchiha Clan, even greater than if Elder Sheng Qing’s zero-feasibility proposal were submitted.

“I will win,” Shisui said firmly.

This battle was very significant to him; he had to win it.

Uchiha Fugaku could only nod in encouragement. Since Shisui had said so, continuing to comfort him would be impolite.

The next day, Uchiha Fugaku summoned the Uchiha high-ranking members to discuss the martial arts tournament.

The Uchiha Clan was inherently martial, and although Uchiha Fugaku’s proposal was somewhat sudden, no Elder raised any objections.

Among them, Uchiha Sheng Qing was a strong supporter, stating that if other Elders were busy, he could even be solely responsible for guiding the participants.

Of course, the other Elders wouldn’t agree; if Uchiha Sheng Qing was solely in charge, things would surely go awry.

“As long as I display my strength while also showing generosity, more clan members will support me then,” Uchiha Sheng Qing’s calculations were very shrewd.

Uchiha Fugaku was taking action, and Shisui was doing the same.

Shisui found Muzuki for special training before the battle, making his final efforts for the plan.

It was difficult to make a breakthrough in raw strength within just a few days, unless one mastered the Transparent World, otherwise a sudden surge in power was impossible.

However, the Transparent World was the ultimate mastery of the Breathing Technique, and currently, only Kakashi among Muzuki’s disciples had comprehended it. Therefore, Shisui was not aiming for a raw power increase from the start; Shisui wanted to improve his overall combat ability.

During these few days, Shisui continuously battled Muzuki’s main body, with healing and rest occurring simultaneously after each battle.

In just one day, Shisui unlocked a large number of injured postures, being instantly killed by consecutive Flying Thunder God teleports, crushed by Muzuki’s high-power Ninjutsu, and brutally beaten by Muzuki’s Taijutsu.

If Muzuki hadn’t been able to use Transformation to become Tsunade for healing, Shisui would probably be covered in permanent scars by now.

Several days of high-pressure training gave Shisui strong resilience. The day before the martial arts tournament began, Shisui challenged Might Guy once.

Shisui lost, but he felt he had improved.

“Teacher Muzuki, thank you so much for your trouble,” Shisui sincerely thanked Muzuki.

He genuinely felt he had troubled Muzuki too much, because this special training not only tested Shisui’s own endurance but also demanded very high control from Muzuki.

Muzuki had to maintain a level of strength that could put immense pressure on Shisui without completely incapacitating him, and attacks also had to be maintained at a level that could severely injure Shisui but not outright kill him.

Muzuki constantly controlling his strength and attacks like this would undoubtedly consume extra mental energy, possibly making it more tiring than a normal battle.

“How can a teacher teaching a disciple be called trouble?” Muzuki smiled gently, then took out an iron spoon from his Ninja tool pouch and handed it to Shisui.

“This is a Ninja tool that can enhance the effect of Yin Release Ninjutsu. When using it, just inject Chakra into it. The more Chakra injected, the more obvious the amplification effect. You can use it judiciously during battle.”

This was precisely the reward Muzuki had drawn when Shisui was promoted to Jonin.

The reason he didn’t give it directly to Shisui back then was that all other disciples only received an egg, and only Shisui getting both a Ninja tool and an egg seemed unique, so Muzuki didn’t give it immediately.

Shisui took the bent spoon and curiously examined the Ninja tool in his hand. He hadn’t expected this unassuming spoon to actually be a Ninja tool, and with such a special effect.

“I must not let Teacher Muzuki’s teachings go to waste!” Shisui’s desire for victory intensified.

Having already troubled Muzuki so much, losing the battle would truly be inexcusable.

【You gifted the Ninja tool, Bent Spoon. Due to the disciple’s immense gratitude, the reward was a critical hit, and you received the reward – Earth Release: Earth Flow Divide (Mastery Level)】

Muzuki nodded slightly in his heart. Earth Flow Divide was a decent high-level Earth Release Ninjutsu that could trap large creatures like Tailed Beasts, and had strong offensive power when used against people.

That night, Shisui explored the Bent Spoon and found that this Ninja tool was truly simple and crude, with no special techniques, providing a very pure amplification.

Moreover, Shisui discovered that the spoon didn’t need to be held in his hand; it just needed to be on his person, ensuring that Chakra could be injected into it.

…

On the day the martial arts tournament began.

On the Training Ground, Uchiha Fugaku, along with several Uchiha high-ranking members, stood before all the Uchiha participants of the martial arts tournament to give a speech about the event.

“For a Ninja, the most important thing is strength. Strength can help you overcome all difficulties,” Uchiha Fugaku said with a serious expression.

“Today, we will hold the first Uchiha Martial Arts Tournament. Battles will be conducted through a lottery system. The top eight will all receive ranking rewards, and the top four can receive guidance from an Elder on the spot.”

“Whether it’s to become stronger or for the rewards, fight with all your might.”

Uchiha Fugaku didn’t say too much; he simply introduced the rules of the martial arts tournament and gave a word of encouragement before stopping. The Uchiha Clan didn’t favor lengthy speeches before events.

Even with such a brief opening, the Uchiha Ninja present still showed extraordinary enthusiasm, all looking full of fighting spirit.

The shortest and youngest, Shisui, received the most attention.

No one dared to underestimate Shisui; they all regarded him as the strongest opponent, because Shisui was not only one of the few Jonin among the participants but also had a record of directly fighting the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

“As long as I can defeat Shisui, I’ll be first in the tournament. No one else will be my opponent,” Uchiha Yaowei thought as he looked around.

Although there were many Jonin in the Uchiha Clan, a considerable portion of them were Ninja from the same period as the high-ranking members. Even if they weren’t as strong as the high-ranking members, they wouldn’t stoop to participating in a martial arts tournament to be guided by their former peers.

Therefore, very few Jonin actually participated in the martial arts tournament, only three in total. Most were Chunin, and there weren’t many Genin either.

Uchiha Yaowei knew the other Uchiha Jonin; Uchiha Yaowei had defeated him before, so Uchiha Yaowei believed his only opponent was Shisui.

After the lottery drawing was quickly completed, the martial arts tournament immediately began.

“Number one, Uchiha Shisui versus Uchiha Inaho!” the referee shouted after looking at the battle order.

Upon hearing his opponent’s name, Uchiha Inaho showed a hint of regret. His goal was to win two matches, but he didn’t expect to meet Shisui in the very first round.

Shisui was an enemy he could never defeat, no matter what. Their current gap was too great.

“Inaho, that’s a shame. To meet one of the only three Jonin in the first round,” a Uchiha Ninja who was familiar with Uchiha Inaho also felt sorry for him.

With Uchiha Inaho’s strength, if he didn’t encounter the three Jonin, he could basically put up a fight against most people and win.

“Shisui, let me once again experience the true power of an Uchiha genius,” Uchiha Inaho said with a smile.

His idea was simple: since he encountered him, he would test the results of his efforts during this period.

Shisui nodded slightly in response. For the sake of his future influence, he would win decisively until the very end.

“Begin!” the referee shouted.

Shisui gathered Chakra in his eyes, and a rich crimson color appeared in both, with the three tomoe patterns manifesting within them.

Immediately after, Shisui injected some Chakra into the spoon to enhance his Yin Release, and then glanced at Uchiha Inaho.

Boundless crimson appeared and rapidly expanded in Uchiha Inaho’s vision, and then he lost consciousness.

Thud!

When Uchiha Inaho came to, he was already on the ground, with Shisui, holding a Kunai, standing beside him.

–Silence

The scene was utterly silent. Whether it was the battle arena or the high-ranking officials and martial arts tournament participants watching, everyone was incredibly quiet. Even the faint rustle of the wind through the grass was exceptionally clear.

It was a consensus among everyone that Uchiha Inaho was no match for Shisui; no one thought Uchiha Inaho could defeat Shisui.

But no one had imagined that Shisui would instantly defeat Uchiha Inaho, a Chunin with some reputation among the Uchiha, with just a single glance.

“Isn’t Shisui good at Fire Release and Body Flicker Technique? How is his Genjutsu so strong!” Some Uchiha found this unbelievable.

Many of them had watched Shisui’s Chunin Exams, where Shisui mostly crushed opponents with Fire Release, and his title on the battlefield was Shisui the Body Flicker. There seemed to be no connection to Genjutsu.

“This guy is just too monstrous,” Uchiha Yaowei’s forehead broke out in a cold sweat, feeling that he would most likely miss out on first place this time.

He also had a Sharingan, but it was only a Two-Tomoe, completely unable to instantly defeat Uchiha Inaho with a single glance like Shisui.

“Uchiha Shisui wins!” the referee reacted and immediately announced Shisui’s victory.

PS: There’s another chapter coming later, around 3 or 4 AM, which will conclude this storyline.