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Chapter 159: Uchiha Shisui's Other Sharingan
🕑 Added 2024-06-29 18:16:08 +0000 UTCAfter delegating the tasks for the development of the Land of Sea, Natsuhane carried a fishing rod and basket to a secluded coastal area, where he pretended to fish. In reality, he was waiting for two expected visitors.
By noon, the awaited guests finally arrived.
Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame appeared silently behind Natsuhane. Disguise and infiltration were Itachi’s specialties, and his demeanor and tone made it seem like he was meeting Natsuhane for the first time in years.
"Natsuhane, it's been a long time. I never expected someone I once thought of as useless to become this powerful. If I had known, I would have killed you on the night of the massacre," Itachi said.
Kisame interjected mockingly, "Itachi, is this really Uchiha Natsuhane? Haha, are you really from the same clan? He looks like he despises you..."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Hoshigaki Kisame. Kid, let's get along well," he added with a sneer.
"Oh! I’ve got a bite!" Natsuhane ignored their words, focusing intently on his fishing. He lifted his rod, only to find the hook empty.
Kisame couldn't resist another taunt. "Is this guy an idiot? Using such a big hook without bait... he'll never catch anything, not in this lifetime."
"Heh..." Natsuhane re-set his rod, turning back with a cold glance at Kisame. "Haven't you noticed? I'm fishing for a shark without eyes."
"Hmm?!" Kisame immediately caught the implication in Natsuhane's words, his blood boiling with excitement. "Itachi, the leader was right. This guy is strong. It seems he has been waiting for us. Ha! He's a worthy opponent for me to slice!"
Itachi’s eyes narrowed. "Kisame, don't be reckless. We're not here to fight. The organization's goal is to ascertain Natsuhane's intentions."
Kisame smirked. "He doesn’t look like someone who will tell the truth willingly. Let me show him some color first!"
"Haaa!" Kisame drew his large sword, Samehada, and charged at Natsuhane, filled with murderous intent.
Natsuhane remained calm, merely activating his three-tomoe Sharingan.
"The same eyes as Itachi’s, tsk tsk..." Kisame murmured, leaping at Natsuhane.
However, Natsuhane didn’t flinch.
Just as Samehada was about to strike, Kisame's hand suddenly stopped...
"?" Itachi was slightly shocked.
Had Kisame fallen under a genjutsu?
No, having partnered with Itachi for so long, Kisame understood the Sharingan well. He wouldn’t be so easily ensnared.
What was going on?
As Itachi puzzled over the situation, Kisame lowered his hand and turned slightly to face Itachi, saying, "Itachi, Kotoamatsukami is really useful..."
"!!!" Such words could never come from Kisame. Clearly, he was under the influence of Kotoamatsukami.
"Natsuhane, did you transplant the eye you took from Danzo?" Itachi asked, his voice tinged with realization.
Natsuhane circled around the subdued Kisame, self-satisfied. "Indeed, Kotoamatsukami is a powerful genjutsu. It consumes a lot of chakra, but luckily, I have plenty."
"Itachi, you of all people should understand Kotoamatsukami. From now on, you don’t need to disguise yourself around Kisame. He’s my puppet now, his will bent to mine."
During their conversation, Natsuhane had already subtly copied Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan abilities. If he wished, he could now use both Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi.
This was the strength of an SSS-level reward!
With Kisame under his control, Natsuhane continued, "Itachi, you and Kisame can report back that I, Natsuhane, am now a rogue ninja willing to join Akatsuki."
"You’re joining the Akatsuki?" Itachi asked.
"Yes, I’ve decided," Natsuhane replied.
"Alright, Natsuhane. It’s wise not to oppose Akatsuki. Although you’re strong and now have Shisui’s eye, the power of the Rinnegan is immeasurable. Our Sharingan alone may not be enough."
"Heh..." Natsuhane chuckled, confident in his strength. He wasn’t joining Akatsuki out of fear but to see his child and reconnect with Konan.
After all, it wasn’t right that the mother of his child hadn’t even met the father.
As Itachi and Kisame prepared to leave, Natsuhane called out, "Itachi, wait a moment. You carry it with you, don’t you?"
"What do you mean?" Itachi asked.
"I want you to hand over Shisui's other Sharingan," Natsuhane stated.
"......!"
Itachi hesitated. This was his last trump card. Clearly, Natsuhane wanted to take Shisui's left eye to complete his pair.
Honestly, Itachi didn’t want to give it up. But Natsuhane’s tone wasn’t a request; it was a command.
Even the usually composed Itachi felt a chill.
After a moment of silence, Itachi summoned a crow from his sleeve. In its left eye gleamed a three-tomoe Sharingan.
"Natsuhane, this eye was entrusted to me by my best friend upon his death, along with this crow. Today, I give them both to you... consider it my atonement."
After much contemplation, Itachi decided to trust Natsuhane. In Natsuhane, he saw a different future for the Uchiha—a future not marred by subservience.
Late at night in Amegakure, atop a high tower, Konan sat cradling her recently awakened baby, about to nurse him.
Just as she started to unbutton her top, there was a knock at the door.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
"Konan, it’s me," came the voice.
"Oh..." Konan buttoned up again and called, "Come in, Pain."
Pain entered, his face expressionless. "How is Akatsuki? Has he stopped crying?"
Konan replied, "I managed to soothe him to sleep. He just woke up. It’s late. Do you need something important? Akatsuki is hungry, and I need to feed him."
Pain nodded. "I just wanted to inform you that we will have a new member joining the organization soon."
"Oh? Who is it?" Konan asked, surprised.
"It’s Uchiha Natsuhane. According to Itachi and Kisame, Natsuhane has confirmed his status as a rogue ninja and expressed interest in joining us."
"Natsuhane? Can he be trusted?"
"That remains to be seen. This is Madara’s decision. It seems Madara is somewhat wary of Natsuhane. Perhaps this is a strategic move."
Konan looked down, pondering. "His recent actions have been increasingly hard to understand. Nagato, do you truly trust him?"
Pain gazed out the window at the rain-soaked village. "This world is cursed and twisted. Without understanding pain, there can be no true peace. People will never fully understand each other."
"My cooperation with Madara doesn’t mean I trust him. It just so happens... that we are walking the same path."
Konan also looked out the window. "I used to believe that one shouldn't force oneself onto a path they dislike. Living or dying as one wishes is acceptable, as long as I protect those I cherish. That’s why I agreed to follow Madara—because it was your decision."
"But the moment Akatsuki was born, I realized that life and death are part of the natural cycle."
Pain turned to Konan. "What are you trying to say?"
Konan placed the newborn in Pain’s arms. "Nagato, I’ve never forgotten Yahiko’s pain. Until yesterday, I constantly mourned the past. But now, with new life, I have new hope."
"I hope... this can be your hope too."
