Chapter 16: Paying Homage to Shisui, Who Lacks Political Talent

For the next few months, Tetsuya fully immersed himself in the practice of Chakra Nature Transformation. Mastering Chakra's Nature Transformation required understanding the essence of each element. For Wind Style, it was about perfecting the cutting power of the wind. For Fire Style, it was increasing the flame's temperature. Tetsuya's chosen Lightning Style aimed to enhance the speed and damage of lightning. His training was simple but effective: constantly converting his Chakra into electric currents and releasing them. With his enormous Chakra reserves, Tetsuya could train far more each day than ordinary ninjas, making rapid progress.

October tenth marked the anniversary of the Nine-Tails attack. The sky was overcast, and a sense of somberness enveloped Konoha. Tetsuya, dressed in solemn black, picked up a bouquet of aster flowers and left his house, joining others who were silently walking to the memorial monument. At the monument, he placed the flowers by the names of his parents and stood there, remembering and reflecting.

The weather grew darker, and soon, a light rain began to fall, as if the sky itself mourned the fallen. People gradually left the memorial site, but Tetsuya remained, lost in thought for over an hour, letting the rain soak him. As he was about to leave, he noticed he wasn't alone. On the other side of the monument stood Hatake Kakashi, staring silently. Kakashi's presence, filled with a palpable sorrow, reminded Tetsuya of the numerous losses Kakashi had endured.

Tetsuya chose not to disturb Kakashi, understanding the weight of his grief, and left quietly. The sight of Kakashi reinforced Tetsuya's resolve. He had come far but still had a long way to go. Strength and power were not enough; he needed to continue growing to truly control his destiny.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Uchiha Shisui knelt respectfully before Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and firmly declared his intention. Shisui planned to use his Mangekyō Sharingan's ability, Distinguished Heavenly Gods, to manipulate the minds of the Uchiha clan and prevent the looming coup. Hiruzen, however, advised caution and told Shisui to wait, dismissing him after.

Shisui left, feeling grateful, but unaware of the impending danger. Hiruzen then instructed Anbu to inform Danzo of Shisui's plan. The power of Distinguished Heavenly Gods was too great a risk for any one person to hold, and Hiruzen feared what might happen if Shisui ever turned against him.

Danzo, upon receiving the information, sneered. He understood Hiruzen's hypocrisy but saw an opportunity to strengthen his own power by acquiring Shisui's Sharingan. The political machinations within Konoha were complex, and even noble intentions were entangled with dangerous consequences.

Back home, Tetsuya felt a renewed sense of purpose. The expansion of his power came with the realization of its limitations. His strength had grown, but he still had much to learn and achieve. As he lay down to rest, his mind was already planning the next steps in his journey to become a formidable ninja and master of his own fate.

Tetsuya's journey was far from over, and each step forward brought new challenges and revelations. He had to continue striving, not just for his own sake, but for the future he envisioned for himself and those he cared about.