206 206.Genjutsu

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After a month of arduous negotiations, the Five Kage Summit ended in failure due to Mizukage's unyielding stance and refusal to engage in discussions.

"What do you see, Shisui?" the Fourth Hokage inquired.

Konoha's senior leadership had determined that Kirigakure had no valid reason to reject peace talks. The primary obstacle appeared to be the stubborn attitude of Mizukage Yagura himself.

Nara Lujiu even ventured to suggest that Yagura might be under manipulation. Thus, during the last Five Kage Summit, the Fourth Hokage discreetly dispatched Uchiha Shisui to observe using his Mangekyō Sharingan.

"This visual prowess cannot be mistaken," Uchiha Shisui declared with certainty. "It's the Mangekyō Sharingan's ocular technique! I've encountered this ocular power before. It was during my mission in the Rain Shinobi Village, where the Heavenly Gods were involved."

At that time, Hanzō of the Salamander led the Rain Shinobi Village. Uchiha Shisui had used his Distinguished Heavenly Gods ocular technique on Hanzō, inadvertently altering his inclination to join the alliance.

"Who could possess the ability to manipulate Mizukage's will?" Hyuga Hiashi questioned, his expression wary.

"Not only that, but I also detected a potent enchantment lingering in his mind. It seems someone is pulling the strings behind Mizukage's actions," Uchiha Shisui added, furrowing his brow.

However, controlling shadows for an extended period with Mangekyō Sharingan's genjutsu alone was challenging. It required an adversary with a similar ability, like his Distinguished Heavenly Gods technique.

"The curse you mentioned... If I'm not mistaken, it's the long-lost Forbidden Technique of our Uchiha clan: the Confinement Charm," Uchiha Fugaku interjected solemnly. "It embeds a curse symbol into the target's heart, effectively puppeteering them. Only one person knew this technique in the past."

"Who?" the group inquired in unison.

"Uchiha Madara," Fugaku revealed, eliciting gasps from the assembled ninja.

The name Uchiha Madara carried significant weight, instilling fear in all who heard it.

"But isn't Madara supposed to be dead, slain by the First Hokage at the Valley of the End? His remains are preserved in our Konoha archives," Hyuga Hiashi pointed out.

The ninja's remains were valuable repositories of information, especially for a figure like Uchiha Madara.

The Fourth Hokage hesitated before disclosing the truth, a highly classified secret reserved for the Hokage's eyes only.

"In reality... before his duel with Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara had set up a contingency plan. He engraved a seal into his own eyes, anticipating that Senju Tobirama, a Forbidden Technique expert, would examine his corpse," the Fourth Hokage explained.

"As expected, after his apparent demise at the Valley of the End, Tobirama concealed Madara's body, intending to study it. However, Madara's Izanaki was activated, creating the illusion of his death. Upon his resurrection, Madara vanished without a trace," the Fourth Hokage concluded.

Senju Tobirama, while dismayed by Madara's escape, never doubted the reality of his demise.

After a careful review of the dialogue and context provided, here are the corrections and adjustments for clarity and consistency:

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After all, he personally examined Uchiha Madara's body, fully confirming the other party's death. According to the Hokage's confidential files left by the Second Hokage, Uchiha Madara's body mysteriously disappeared.

Senju Tobirama, an expert in dissecting countless ninjas, is confident that no one knows corpses better than him. Hence, in the Hokage top-secret file, it's noted that Uchiha Madara's body mysteriously vanished.

"Could it be that Uchiha Madara is still alive?" Uchiha Fugaku posed a startling question. Despite being the contemporary patriarch of the Uchiha clan, he has never revered this infamous Uchiha ancestor, given Madara's attacks on Konoha during his lifetime. For Fugaku, who embraces the Will of Fire, such actions are considered traitorous.

"No, it should be impossible. Even if he is alive, he would be in his nineties," Shikaku analyzed seriously. Ninjas, after all, are human and cannot escape the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. A ninety-year-old ninja, if still alive, would have significantly diminished strength.

"The true identity of the person behind this doesn't matter; what is certain is that he is our enemy," the Fourth Hokage stated firmly. "And having learned Uchiha Madara's Forbidden Technique indicates that this person has inherited Madara's will."

"Unforgivable!" Shisui expressed with gritted teeth. "As a Uchiha, anyone, be they friend, family, or even ancestors, who stands against Konoha cannot be forgiven."

"That's correct! We, the Uchiha clan, are steadfastly on Konoha's side," Fugaku affirmed.

"Don't worry! Fugaku, Shisui, I trust you," the Fourth Hokage reassured with a heartfelt smile, confident in their loyalty.

The issue of whether to inform the Mist Shinobi about Mizukage's manipulation arose. "No! We can't be sure how many within Mist Shinobi have been compromised," Shikaku argued against it.

"Indeed," the Fourth Hokage agreed, emphasizing the need for discretion until after the Chunin Exams while preparing Konoha for potential conflict. "We need to stay vigilant and ready for any level of war."