Another deafening explosion erupted from the depths of the Uchiha Clan. A powerful shockwave swept through the entire district as flames surged skyward, spreading rapidly. This explosion was significantly stronger than the previous one.
The shrine of the Uchiha Clan had been completely reduced to rubble, with many surrounding houses also damaged in the blast. The Uchiha clan members on the battlefield were caught in the explosion, while only a few warriors who had kept their distance from Fugaku managed to avoid being engulfed.
After a long while, the storm of dust and debris gradually settled.
By this point, even the Uchiha guards—who had been following strict orders—realized that something catastrophic had occurred. Without hesitation, they abandoned their posts and rushed toward the clan grounds. Seeing the guards depart, the Konoha ninjas who had remained at the entrance exchanged glances before quickly following suit, charging toward the Uchiha compound.
The Battlefield
"He actually diverted my attack!"
"His ability is similar to Minato's Flying Raijin! But it's even more terrifying—he can stretch the effect without marking my body?!"
"I was careless this time!"
Uchiha Fugaku slowly pushed himself up from the ground, his surroundings scorched black from the blast. His Susanoo, though still standing, was severely damaged. Though it had shielded him from the worst of the attack, its form was riddled with cracks and vulnerabilities.
"Hahaha!"
"Fugaku, give up! No matter what you do, you can't change the outcome in front of my eyes!"
Not far away, Uchiha Kiyoshi watched Fugaku rise, his face filled with exhilaration. A trail of blood trickled from his right eye, yet he paid it no mind. Wiping it away carelessly, he grinned and shouted:
"This is the power of my Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"It's overwhelming! It's unstoppable! As long as I have these eyes, I—Uchiha Kiyoshi—am invincible!"
Drunk on his newfound strength, Kiyoshi reveled in his own power. However, just as he was about to revel further in his victory, Uchiha Fugaku sneered and scoffed:
"You think nothing can change the outcome in front of your eyes?"
"Uchiha Kiyoshi, you've been blinded by the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan!"
"Your eyes may be powerful, but strength depends on the one who wields it!"
"You are still no match for me!"
With those words, Fugaku deactivated his Susanoo. Given its extensive damage, maintaining it would be more of a burden than a benefit.
"Side effects?"
As he released Susanoo, Fugaku noticed his vision blurring slightly. A dull pain coursed through his body, making him narrow his eyes.
Although he looked down on Kiyoshi's arrogance, Fugaku acknowledged that his opponent's ability was formidable. By now, he had a basic understanding of Kiyoshi's technique, but as for how to counter it—he had no immediate solution.
Just then, a hoarse voice echoed beside him.
"Interesting… So it's space-time ninjutsu. Is this the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
The sudden voice sent chills down Fugaku's spine. He hadn't even noticed anyone approaching him. Instinctively, he drew a kunai and thrust it backward—only for his wrist to be caught mid-strike.
"It's been years, and this is the welcome I get?"
Fugaku's pupils constricted as he turned around, his expression shifting from shock to surprise. Before him stood a familiar yet foreign figure.
The familiarity came from Uzumaki Raiden's face, which hadn't changed much over the years—aside from the darker markings on his forehead, his taller stature, and his longer hair. The strangeness, however, came from his aura.
In the past, Uzumaki Raiden radiated raw power, a force that could be felt even when he sat still. But now, the man before him exuded a different kind of pressure—calm, controlled, and seamlessly integrated with the environment.
There was no doubt—Uzumaki Raiden had become even stronger.
A Meeting of Legends
"You're a bit late. Any later, and you might not have seen me at all."
Uchiha Fugaku let out a rare chuckle, exhaling in relief as he eyed Raiden. The two conversed as if no one else was present, completely ignoring Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Kiyoshi in the distance.
"It's really him… the Fourth Hokage!"
Upon recognizing him, Uchiha Kiyoshi and Uchiha Shin felt their hearts sink. The very man who had shaken the ninja world during the Third Shinobi War stood before them.
The two Uchiha brothers exchanged glances, their silent communication clear—they had no chance of escaping.
Everyone in the ninja world knew of Uzumaki Raiden's speed. Even the Third Raikage of the Cloud Village had struggled against him. Running was not an option.
They had only one choice—fight.
The Battle Begins
"Not too late, am I? I had something to check out, but it seems that may no longer be necessary."
Only now did Fugaku notice that Raiden was carrying an unconscious Uchiha over his shoulder. Without hesitation, Raiden casually tossed the body toward Fugaku before stepping forward.
"I'll handle this. You stay back."
"Should they live or die?"
Raiden dusted off his clothes nonchalantly as he spoke. Two Mangekyō Sharingan users would make excellent practice for testing his power.
Fugaku caught the unconscious body instinctively and quickly relayed what he knew:
"It's best to keep them alive. I have many questions."
"That old one is Uchiha Susumu. One of his Mangekyō abilities allows him to control weapons, but the other is still unknown. He can use Susanoo, so be careful."
"The other one, Uchiha Kiyoshi, was the one who used space-time ninjutsu. He can divert attacks—his ability is even trickier than Minato's Flying Raijin. His other eye has a space-cutting ability."
"I only gathered this much from our fight. There may be more. Stay cautious."
Fugaku had fought formidable opponents before. Even with Raiden here, he remained wary.
However, to his surprise, Raiden simply picked his ear, flicked away some earwax, and said indifferently:
"Relax. This won't take long."
Then, he clapped his hands together.
A terrifying chakra erupted from his body.
Before their eyes, Uzumaki Raiden underwent a dramatic transformation. A golden, regal aura enveloped him, draping his figure in a glowing mantle. Golden chakra engulfed his entire form, and around his neck, a ring of tomoe-shaped seals appeared.
His long red hair floated as though caught in an unseen current, and even Raiden himself began to levitate.
A suffocating pressure settled over the battlefield.
His eyes locked onto the two Uchiha before him.
"You two…"
"Give me a good fight!"
(End of Chapter)