CH - 237 …Hidden Ancestor?!
A figure materialized before them, stooped with age, his face etched with deep wrinkles, his snow-white hair a testament to his advanced years. Clad in traditional Uchiha attire, this individual appeared to surpass even the eldest members of the clan in age. Yet, no one dared underestimate him.
His demeanor, coupled with his mastery of Fire Style seen by his jutsu, hinted at a formidable prowess. Whispers spread among the assembled, speculating on his origins and his potential connection to legends like Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama. Such a revelation left everyone breathless. Never had they fathomed that the Uchiha clan still harbored such formidable prowess—a shinobi from the Warring States Period.
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Konoha shinobi stood in solemn reverence, recognizing the gravity of the moment, while excitement rippled through the ranks of the Uchiha clan members. Caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, both factions paused in anticipation.
Even the astute reporter lurking in the shadows, White Zetsu, blinked in astonishment. Had the Uchiha clan kept such powerful figures hidden from the world? Why had this information never surfaced before? Why did Madara never mentioned this? Yet, amidst the astonishment, a spark of excitement ignited within him. "This is huge news! A scoop of a lifetime!"
As he contemplated the revisions needed for his draft, it was clear that the original story would require significant reworking.
As the elderly Uchiha made his appearance, the clash between Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Fugaku came to an abrupt halt. Both wore expressions of perplexity as they gazed at their unexpected visitor.
Uchiha Fugaku, in particular, bore a look of utter bewilderment. Who was this enigmatic figure? Yet, a flicker of realization passed over his features, followed by a subtle twitch of his lips. What game was the Grass Village leader playing?
Observing Fugaku's reaction, Shisui discerned a deeper meaning. It seems, the clan leader evidently knew of this mysterious ancestor, prompting Shisui to inwardly lament the depths of the clan's secrets. "To think that such a formidable figure from the Warring States Period was concealed within our territory," he mused bitterly.
Fugaku, catching Shisui's misunderstanding, could only respond with a silent, bewildered expression. It seemed to say, "Don't ask me, I'm as clueless as you are."
However, Observing Fugaku's reaction, Shisui couldn't help but misinterpret his thoughts, assuming a hidden familiarity between the clan leader and this mysterious ancestor.
"It appears the clan leader has chosen silence," Shisui mused, a glint of determination flashing in his Mangekyo-imbued eyes. "The Uchiha clan's rebellion is futile. I will explain everything to the Hokage. If we offer a sincere apology, forgiveness may yet be within reach."
"Foolish," Fugaku retorted with indifference, locking eyes with Shisui. "The die was cast the moment you revealed your abilities to the Third Hokage."
Shisui was stunned. How had the clan leader uncovered his actions? Before he could question further, Fugaku launched into another assault, their clash resuming amidst the chaos. At that moment, Fugaku cared little for the chaos surrounding them.
Spectating the renewed clash between Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shisui, others were jolted back to awareness.
"Elder Setsu, could this be the legendary figure concealed by the Uchiha clan?" A young Uchiha ninja, sensing a shift in the tide, exclaimed with excitement. "He must possess incredible strength. No wonder the clan leader dared to rebel. With his aid, our success is assured!"
Uchiha Setsu could only respond with a bewildered silence to the praise. He shared in the confusion. Moreover, Despite his status as an elder, he had never heard of a figure from the Warring States Period capable of rivaling Madara and the First Hokage.
Yet, the figure seems to donned the traditional attire of the Uchiha clan and emerged from their inner section of the clan's territory. Could it be that the clan harbored secrets known only to its leaders across generations?
Before anyone could inquire further, the elderly man standing before them, seemingly from the era of the Warring States Period, gazed ahead and let out a deep sigh. "I am Uchiha Tatsuno. Once, I clashed with Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama. Despite wielding only Fire Release, we were evenly matched. In the shinobi world, I was known as the Master of Flames."
His eyes took on a distant look as he folded his hands behind his back as if lost in memories. "During those days, as I witnessed the Uchiha and Senju clans unite to establish Konoha, I foresaw the inevitable downfall of the Uchiha at the hands of the village. Yet, I was powerless to prevent it alone. Realizing my futility of awakening the Mangekyo, I chose to fade into obscurity, secretly employing a technique to enter a deep slumber. I became the silent guardian of the Uchiha, awaiting the day when they would face calamity and I could intervene."
With a regretful shake of his head, he continued, "Never did I imagine... awakening today amidst such turmoil, only to find my predictions come true. What a lamentable turn of events."
Upon learning that he was indeed an Uchiha who had willingly sacrificed himself to safeguard the clan, tears welled up in the eyes of all Uchiha clan members. "Ancestor!" they cried, deeply moved by his selflessness.
Meanwhile, among the Konoha shinobi, a sense of awe and respect stirred within them. After all, Despite lacking the Mangekyo, he had fought on par with Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage. And to discover that, aside from Madara, the Uchiha clan still harbored such a formidable figure left them speechless.
Yet, the name Uchiha Tatsuno remained unfamiliar. Had he purposely erased his own legacy, ensuring no record of him existed in Konoha? Urgently, they decided to inform the Hokage of this remarkable revelation.
At this juncture, Uchiha Tatsuno's demeanor took on a tinge of sadness as he spoke once more, "It appears that Madara has passed, and even Hashirama is no more."
"Allow me to explain." Uchiha Setsu, as an elder of the Uchiha clan, snapped back to the urgency of the situation, realizing that the Leaf shinobi must have informed the Hokage by now. With time being of the essence, he stepped forward swiftly."Over fifty years have passed since the founding of Konoha. Throughout this time, Konoha has harbored suspicions and fears regarding the capabilities of our Uchiha clan, subjecting us to continuous oppression. Faced with such circumstances, our Uchiha clan felt compelled to launch this rebellion."
A bitter expression clouded his features as he continued, "Yet, the tide has turned against us, we find ourselves at a disadvantage now. The barrier constrains our movements, and the threat of annihilation looms over us. As descendants, we have failed in our duty. For this, we offer our sincerest apologies. However, We beseech your aid, Ancestor!"
Moved by his words, the Uchiha clan ninjas standing behind him rose to their feet, their faces etched with shame as they echoed his plea, "Please, help us!"
The resounding shouts of the Uchiha clan ninjas filled the entire battlefield, their voices unified in purpose. Observing this scene, Kakashi's expression shifted once more, fraught with concern over the potential for further turmoil. With Konoha already teetering on the brink of instability, Konoha couldn't afford any more chaos; thus, it was imperative to quash the rebellion swiftly.
Moreover, as Kakashi regarded Uchiha Tatsuno before him, a thought crossed his mind—perhaps this elder, who had not unlocked the Mangekyo, was not as formidable as presumed. Given his advanced age, it was plausible that his strength had waned over time. With urgency, Kakashi commanded, "Attack!"
Instantly, countless ANBU ninjas sprang into action, exchanging knowing glances before launching into a coordinated assault without hesitation.
Yet, Uchiha Tatsuno, confronted by the onslaught of attackers, remained unperturbed, maintaining his stance with hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of seasoned expertise. Just as the ninjas closed in on him, he suddenly clapped his hands together, unleashing his technique, "Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction!"
Kakashi's instincts kicked in at the command, prompting a swift realization. "Fall back!" he ordered, recognizing the imminent danger posed by the Uchiha clan's formidable Fire Release. "Everyone, take a defensive stance!"
Before they could react, a colossal wave of flames, akin to the sea itself, surged forth from Uchiha Tatsuno's mouth, engulfing the entire vicinity and setting off explosive eruptions. Gasps echoed through the area as everyone beheld the sea of fire unfolding before them. It was no wonder that he could contend with Hashirama Senju and Uchiha Madara with merely his mastery of Fire Release—truly, it was terrifying.
Beside him, the Uchiha shinobi erupted with excitement at the display of power. This was their moment. Guided by their clan leader and ancestor, the Uchiha clan was infused with newfound hope.
Yet, their jubilation was short-lived. cough cough Amidst the chaos, violent coughs erupted from Uchiha Tatsuno. The Uchiha shinobi tensed, concern etched on their faces. "Ancestor!"
"Who would have thought that even in my slumber, the ravages of time would catch up with me? A simple ninjutsu has drained my energy." Uchiha Tatsuno addressed the worried Uchiha shinobi, waving off their concerns. "There's no need to fret; I'm not departing this world just yet!"
With a composed gaze, he lifted his head to survey the barrier before him. "So, this is what obstructs the Uchiha clan's path? Entrapping us?"
He stood tall, his resolve unwavering. "Allow me, the Master of Flames, to shatter it. No force can impede the Uchiha clan's progress!"
With those words, before anyone could react, Uchiha Tatsuno emanated an overwhelming aura. All present seemed to anticipate what would unfold next.
Kakashi, on the other hand, also swiftly reacted, "Stop him! The barrier must remain intact!"
The Uchiha clan, too, comprehended the gravity of the situation, voicing their sorrow and fury, "Ancestor!"
"Fret not, my descendants!" Uchiha Tatsuno's voice resonated once more, "Allow me to expend all my might in breaking this barrier!"
With a resounding clap, he bellowed even louder than before, "Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"
As shock rippled through everyone, a vast sea of flames erupted from Uchiha Tatsuno's mouth, resembling hellfire as it engulfed the entire area. Despite their efforts to defend themselves with ninjutsu, the sheer force of the flames razed nearby buildings in an instant.
In disbelief, they beheld the inferno, murmuring once more, 'Truly befitting of Uchiha Tatsuno, who once clashed with the First Hokage.'
The relentless onslaught of heat and explosions persisted, wreaking havoc around them. After an indeterminate period, when the dust settled, all eyes turned forward.
Yet, the figure of Uchiha Tatsuno was nowhere to be found. Tears welled in the eyes of the Uchiha shinobi, their voices hoarse with grief as they cried out for their ancestor.
"I am but a relic of a bygone era, with no place in the new shinobi world," a serene voice echoed softly, "Do not look back. Forge ahead and honor the Uchiha legacy!"
Before anyone could react, the barrier fractured with a resounding crack.
"Ancestor!" The furious shouts of the Uchiha shinobi reverberated throughout the space.
Meanwhile, only two individuals gazed upon the ruins with a pang of regret. "What an utterly reckless goddamn ancestor!"