naruto: the last brother to the ghost of the uchiha

The Uchiha Training Grounds lay in complete ruin. Cracked earth, shattered boulders, and scorched tree trunks stood as silent witnesses to the battle that had unfolded. The once-pristine landscape had become a wasteland of destruction. Deep trenches carved into the ground told of Madara's overwhelming power, while patches of blackened frost and warped space bore Jinx's unmistakable influence.

At the center of the devastation, three brothers lay sprawled on the ground, exhausted.

Madara, panting heavily, turned his head slightly to look at Jinx. His eyes burned with the intensity of the battle, his two-tomoe Sharingan still spinning, though hazy from fatigue. Izuna, lying on his back with an arm draped over his forehead, stared blankly at the night sky, his newly awakened second tomoe still flickering with residual energy.

But Jinx had taken the worst of it.

His body trembled slightly, sweat dripping down his face, but what concerned him most wasn't his body—it was his mind. His breath was ragged, his pupils slightly dilated as he fought to suppress the lingering effects of his Curse Technique—Echoes of Madness. The fight had pushed him further than ever before, and using his illusions so intensely had taken a toll on his sanity. For a moment, he could still hear the screams, the distorted voices of his own creation whispering in the back of his head.

"Tch… too much…" Jinx muttered, gripping his forehead as if trying to suppress the chaos within. His mental state had cracked slightly from overuse, and the weight of his own illusions had almost become too real—even to him.

Madara turned his head slightly toward him, a rare look of concern crossing his face. "You okay?" he asked, though his voice was laced with exhaustion.

Jinx let out a slow exhale before nodding. "I just… pushed it too far. My technique—it's not just an illusion. It forces people to experience their worst nightmares, but if I push it beyond its limit, even I start to feel them."

Izuna sat up slightly, rubbing his temples. "You really are insane," he muttered, though there was no real malice in his words. His second tomoe spun briefly before fading as he closed his eyes.

Jinx chuckled weakly. "Takes one to know one."

There was silence between them for a moment before Madara spoke. "Your powers… that wasn't just chakra, was it?"

Jinx's expression darkened slightly. He stared up at the sky, recalling a memory from years ago.

"No… it's something else entirely."

He had first sensed it when he was seven years old—a strange, malevolent energy lurking beneath the surface of his being. It was different from chakra, more primal, more twisted. It felt as if it wasn't just power—it was a reflection of raw emotions, negativity, fear, and suffering.

At first, he thought it was his imagination. But then, one night, while he was meditating alone, he felt it pulse through his body, sending a cold shiver down his spine. Unlike chakra, which felt like an extension of one's life force, this energy responded to hatred, rage, and pain.

One day, he had asked his father about it, but the response had been dismissive. "There is no such thing as a power beyond chakra, Jinx. Focus on your training."

But Jinx knew better.

This "Cursed Energy" wasn't something anyone could just use. It was born from the negativity within the soul, and only those who truly understood it could wield it. He realized this at a young age, but his technique would not manifest until he properly unlocked Cursed Energy.

Years passed, and finally, when he was twelve, it happened. He unlocked it. The moment he did, his unique technique—Echoes of Madness—was born.

Unlike normal Genjutsu, which affected the mind through chakra manipulation, Jinx's Curse Technique bypassed logic entirely. It didn't just make someone "see" an illusion. It made them feel it. Live it. Experience it.

And worst of all—Jinx himself wasn't immune to it.

Jinx sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "I call it Cursed Energy," he finally admitted. "It's different from chakra. It's fueled by emotions—negative emotions. I discovered it when I was young, but it didn't fully awaken until I trained it."

Madara frowned slightly. "A power that comes from negativity? That sounds… dangerous."

Jinx smirked. "It is. But it's also powerful."

Izuna, still resting, raised a hand slightly. "So let me get this straight… you use some weird, unstable power that feeds off emotions, and the more you push it, the more insane you get?"

Jinx let out a small, exhausted laugh. "Something like that."

Madara sat up now, resting his arms on his knees. "So what happens if you lose control?"

Jinx's smirk faltered. His gaze drifted to the destruction around them—the shattered ground, the lingering darkness from his illusions, the faint echoes of the horrors he had conjured in Madara's mind during their battle.

"Then I become the nightmare itself."

Silence followed his words.

For the first time in his life, Madara felt uneasy. Not afraid, but… cautious. He had always believed that strength was everything. But Jinx's power? It wasn't just strength—it was something else entirely.

Izuna finally stood up, stretching his sore limbs. "Well, that's enough craziness for one day." He turned to Jinx and grinned. "Just don't lose your mind before our next fight, okay?"

Jinx smirked, pushing himself off the ground with great effort. "No promises."

Madara stared at him for a moment longer before standing up as well. He didn't know why, but something about Jinx's words lingered in his mind. The illusions Jinx had shown him—especially the vision of that **shadowed figure betraying him—**had left a scar in the deepest parts of his consciousness.

He shook his head, brushing off the thoughts. It was just an illusion. Nothing more.

For now.

As the dust and smoke still lingered in the air, the sound of footsteps echoed across the battlefield. The three brothers remained where they were, still recovering from their grueling fight, their bodies aching from the intense strain they had just endured.

Out of the haze emerged an elderly Uchiha, his figure draped in a long, flowing robe, the traditional garb of the Uchiha Clan's elders. His face was lined with age, and his once sharp eyes now held the wisdom of many years. His long, graying hair framed a weathered face, his expression hard to read, but the disbelief on his face as he surveyed the utter destruction around him was unmistakable.

"What... happened here?" The elder's voice was low, tinged with concern and astonishment as his eyes scanned the battlefield. He took in the scattered debris, the deep cracks in the ground, and the scorched trees that had been reduced to nothing more than charred remnants.

Jinx, still kneeling, was the first to look up at the elder. His face, though tired and strained, remained calm as he rose to his feet, wiping his brow. "Training got a little out of hand," he muttered, his voice betraying just how exhausted he truly was.

Izuna, who had stood up moments before, scratched his head, glancing at the elder. "It was just a spar," he said, though his tone clearly indicated that it had been far more than that.

Madara, whose Sharingan had long since faded back to its natural state, stood silently. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if analyzing the elder's arrival. He could feel something more serious looming over them—this wasn't just a casual visit.

The elder's gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, noting their worn-out bodies, before he spoke again, his voice now a bit more serious. "This level of destruction... this is far beyond just a spar. The whole of the clan will know about this."

Jinx met the elder's eyes briefly, but before he could respond, the elder shook his head. "Never mind that. Your father is calling a clan meeting. He wants the three of you there immediately."

Madara's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of their father. The elder's words didn't feel like a simple summon; they carried an urgency—something had happened. "What's going on?" Madara asked, his voice flat yet curious.

The elder seemed to hesitate for a moment before responding, as though deciding just how much to reveal. "It's about the Ishigami Clan."

The mention of the Ishigami Clan immediately caught the attention of all three brothers. The Ishigami Clan, hailing from the Land of Stone, had always been a powerful clan, especially known for their mastery of Lava Release and Earth Release techniques. They had been a formidable force during the Warring States Period, but over time, they had remained mostly distant from the Uchiha and other major clans.

"The Ishigami Clan?" Izuna repeated, his tone laced with confusion. "What about them?"

The elder's face grew more serious. "They've begun sending scouts into our territory. Our borders have been breached, albeit subtly. They are testing our defenses and, more importantly, gathering information." He glanced at each of the brothers, his gaze lingering on Jinx for a moment longer. "This isn't just a matter of scouting, though. The Ishigami are known for their strength. If they're testing us, it may mean something more."

Madara clenched his fists, his two-tomoe Sharingan flashing for a brief moment as his mind raced. "Why now?" he asked, clearly perplexed. "Why would the Ishigami Clan be interested in us at all?"

The elder paused, his gaze shifting to the horizon as if searching for answers in the distance. "We don't know yet. But it's clear that something is happening in the Land of Stone. The Ishigami Clan is preparing for something… and we need to be ready." His expression softened slightly as he looked back at the three brothers. "Your father wants all of you there. He needs your input."

Jinx wiped his brow again, his exhaustion still evident, but there was a glint of focus in his eyes. "I'll be there," he said quietly, already making his way toward the exit of the training grounds. His mind wasn't just on the meeting, but on the implications of the Ishigami Clan's sudden activity. What did they want? Why now? And most importantly… what did it mean for the Uchiha?

Izuna followed close behind him, stretching as he walked. "I'm curious to hear what Father has to say about this. The Ishigami Clan has always been a mystery to us." He shot a quick glance at Jinx. "But don't think you're getting out of this one without a real explanation of what happened here." He grinned, the exhaustion still lingering in his voice.

Madara lingered for a moment, still staring at the elder. "If the Ishigami are truly a threat, then we'll need to be ready." His eyes flickered with the intensity of his ambition, but for now, he kept his thoughts to himself. "Let's go."

The three brothers began walking toward the Uchiha Clan's main compound, their minds focused on what was to come. The Ishigami Clan's sudden presence in their territory was a mystery, but one thing was certain: the Uchiha were not going to let anyone encroach on their land without a fight.

And as the elder watched them leave, his own thoughts were clouded with concern. The Ishigami Clan had always been a powerful force, and this sudden shift in their behavior could mean more than just a small skirmish.

The wheels of fate had begun to turn once more, and the Uchiha Clan was about to face a storm they hadn't seen coming.

As the three Uchiha brothers made their way toward the Uchiha compound, the air was thick with tension. The revelation that the Ishigami Clan had begun scouting their territory had shaken them, and none of them took the matter lightly. Though exhausted from their previous battle, their focus shifted to the meeting ahead.

The elder, now identified as Uchiha Kenshiro, walked slightly ahead of them. He was one of the oldest living Uchiha, having fought in countless battles during the Warring States Period. His insight into warfare and political strategies made him one of the clan's most respected advisors.

As they entered the compound, they saw dozens of Uchiha already gathered. The clan's strongest warriors, strategists, and elders had assembled, their faces grim. Uchiha Tajima, the father of Madara, Izuna, and Jinx, stood at the center of the room, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His long, black hair flowed behind him, and his piercing eyes scanned the crowd.

Beside him stood several key figures:

Uchiha Hikaku, a brilliant tactician.

Uchiha Naori, a powerful kunoichi with exceptional Genjutsu.

Uchiha Setsuna, a warrior known for his aggressive fighting style.

As the three brothers entered, all eyes turned to them. Madara and Izuna stood tall, their posture confident despite their exhaustion. Jinx, however, remained silent, his mind still weighed down by the effects of his curse technique from the battle earlier.

Their father wasted no time. "Now that we are all here, we begin." His voice was deep and commanding, instantly drawing everyone's attention. "The Ishigami Clan has sent scouts into our territory. This is not an accident. This is a calculated move."

Murmurs spread throughout the room. The Ishigami had long remained in the Land of Stone. Why would they now suddenly take an interest in Uchiha land?

Uchiha Kenshiro, the elder who had found the boys, stepped forward. "Their scouts are highly skilled. Our sentries barely noticed them. However, one of our patrols intercepted an Ishigami shinobi two nights ago. We captured him, but he refused to talk."

Jinx narrowed his eyes. "Then what do we know so far?"

Kenshiro sighed. "Very little. But we do know this—the Ishigami Clan is not just gathering information. They are preparing for something bigger. Their forces are on the move."

Madara crossed his arms. "Then we must prepare for war." His voice was resolute.

Naori, the Genjutsu master, shook her head. "We cannot act recklessly. We do not know their true goal. Attacking without understanding their intentions could backfire."

Tajima nodded. "That is why we need to decide our next move carefully." His gaze swept across the room before settling on his three sons. "Madara. Izuna. Jinx. What do you make of this?"

Madara stepped forward first. "The Ishigami are not fools. If they're sending scouts, they already know we are aware of them. If we wait too long, they will solidify their position."

Izuna spoke next. "I agree. But rushing in blind could cost us dearly. We need more information."

Finally, all eyes turned to Jinx. He had remained quiet up until this point, but when he spoke, his voice was steady. "They are testing us. If they wanted an immediate conflict, they would not have been so subtle."

Tajima nodded. "And what would you do?"

Jinx's expression darkened. "Send a small team to infiltrate their territory. If we can gather intelligence without alerting them, we will gain an advantage."

A murmur of agreement spread through the room. Hikaku stroked his chin. "A preemptive strike disguised as reconnaissance… It's risky, but effective."

Tajima closed his eyes for a moment before making his decision. "Very well. We will send a team of our best shinobi to investigate the Ishigami movement." His eyes turned to his sons. "Madara. Izuna. Jinx. You three will be part of this mission."

The three brothers nodded without hesitation.

(timeskip)

Under the cover of darkness, the Uchiha reconnaissance team moved silently through the dense forests near the border of the Land of Stone. The team was composed of Madara, Izuna, Jinx, Uchiha Naori, Uchiha Hikaku, and three elite Uchiha shinobi. Their mission was straightforward—gather intelligence on the Ishigami Clan's movements and return without being detected.

The mission had been set in motion after reports of Ishigami scouts infiltrating Uchiha territory. The possibility of an impending war was looming, and the Uchiha needed answers. But what they were about to uncover was something entirely unexpected.

Jinx, his Sharingan activated, moved slightly ahead of the group, scanning the surroundings. His mind was sharp, though he was still recovering from the toll of his curse technique used during their brutal training session days earlier.

As they neared the Ishigami scouting location, they noticed strange markings on trees and rocks, as if someone had been mapping out the area. The symbols didn't resemble any known war formations.

Madara crouched beside one of the markings, inspecting it carefully. "This isn't a battle plan. These are navigation markings."

Izuna frowned. "Then what exactly are they looking for?"

Jinx narrowed his eyes and focused his gaze deeper into the forest. "They aren't scouting us… they're looking for something else."

The team advanced further, carefully following the Ishigami trail, until they reached a small clearing near a mountain range. There, a group of Ishigami warriors had set up camp, their movements methodical and cautious.

At the center of the camp was a large scroll, partially unrolled, displaying a detailed map. The map did not show Uchiha territory—instead, it was focused on Ryūchi Cave.

Naori's eyes widened. "They're searching for Ryūchi Cave…?"

The name struck a chord with everyone. Ryūchi Cave was one of the three great training grounds for legendary shinobi, home to the powerful White Snake Sage. It was said that those who survived its trials could gain access to Sage Mode, a power beyond normal shinobi capabilities.

Hikaku clenched his fists. "This has nothing to do with us. The Ishigami aren't trying to invade Uchiha land—they're looking for the cave."

Madara's expression darkened. "Then the real question is—why?"

Jinx remained silent, deep in thought. What would the Ishigami gain from Ryūchi Cave? Were they seeking Sage Mode? A hidden power? Or something even more dangerous?

Before they could retreat and report back, one of the Uchiha shinobi stepped on a hidden wire.

SNAP!

The sound echoed, and in an instant, the Ishigami scouts turned their heads.

"Intruders!" one of them shouted.

A kunai whizzed through the air, barely missing Madara's face. In the blink of an eye, battle erupted.

Madara and Izuna charged forward, engaging the Ishigami in close combat. Their Sharingan spun as they dodged and countered every attack.

Naori unleashed a powerful Genjutsu, trapping three of the Ishigami warriors in an illusion where they believed they were buried alive in molten rock. Their screams filled the night.

Jinx, however, had his own problem. Three Ishigami warriors had singled him out.

As the battle raged on, a strange sensation filled Jinx's mind—a system notification appeared in his vision.

Quest Activated: Survive and Defeat the Ishigami Squad!

Objective: Defeat the attacking Ishigami shinobi and survive the battle.

Reward: Armament Training Manual & Six Styles Training Manual.

Jinx's heart pounded. He had never seen anything like this before. A system? A quest?

There was no time to think. The Ishigami warriors rushed him, their Lava Release techniques igniting the battlefield.

The sun dipped low on the horizon as Jinx, Madara, and Izuna stood facing the three Ishigami ninja scouts, who had been tirelessly hunting for the elusive Ryūchi Cave. Their mission had taken a deadly turn as they discovered the true scale of the Ishigami clan's operations—this wasn't just reconnaissance; it was an all-out assault on Uchiha territory.

The battlefield was tense. Jinx's eyes glowed with anticipation, the weight of the quest heavy on his shoulders. It was clear that only one thing was certain in this battle—victory or death. Each Uchiha was facing off against three Ishigami ninja, while the rest of the Uchiha clan, hidden in the distance, held back the lower-level ninja from the Ishigami forces.

The Ishigami scouts, though outnumbered, were no pushovers. They had power, resolve, and an unrelenting hunger to capture whatever secrets Ryūchi Cave held.

Jinx stood in the clearing, his body poised in readiness as his eyes flickered with a touch of purple. He was ready to unleash the full power of his abilities, but the challenge was ahead: three formidable foes.

The first Ishigami ninja, a bulky man with tattoos across his body, cracked his knuckles. He was an Earth Release user—strong, durable, and dangerous in close combat.

The second ninja, a woman with sharp eyes and a snake-like demeanor, wielded twin kunai. She moved with unnatural grace, and Jinx quickly realized she was skilled in taijutsu.

The third and final enemy was an Ishigami ninja who specialized in genjutsu—a man whose eerie grin made the hairs on the back of Jinx's neck stand up. His eyes were fixed on Jinx as he prepared to unleash illusions on him.

"You're outmatched, Uchiha," the Earth Release ninja taunted.

Jinx cracked his neck and charged forward, moving like a blur. The battle began.

"Fire Release: Fire Fox Bullet Technique!"

A massive fiery fox sprang to life, roaring as it sped toward the Earth Release user. He quickly raised his hands to form a stone barrier, but the fox exploded on impact, scattering molten rocks everywhere.

The woman darted forward, kunai gleaming under the fading light of the sun. Jinx responded by summoning ice from the air, his hands flashing with chakra.

"Ice Release: Glacial Fang Spear!"

Several sharp ice spears shot toward her. She dodged with a quick roll, but one spear grazed her arm, freezing the wound instantly. She hissed in pain, but her resolve didn't waver.

The genjutsu user began to weave hand seals, his lips whispering incantations. Jinx could feel the air around him growing heavier, colder, as though the very world around him was starting to shift.

"Genjutsu," Jinx muttered, recognizing the telltale signs of an illusion. "Not today."

In an instant, Jinx slammed his fist into the ground, activating his Sharingan and cutting through the illusion. His eyes locked with the genjutsu user's, and for a brief moment, Jinx felt the familiar rush of power.

"Penance Stare."

The genjutsu user's body trembled, and he fell to his knees as his deepest sins played out in front of him. His mind spiraled into agony, and within moments, his will shattered.

Seeing the genjutsu user fall, Jinx turned his attention back to the Earth Release user, who was charging toward him with massive fists raised.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

A massive sphere of fire erupted from Jinx's mouth, expanding rapidly and colliding with the Earth Release user's stone wall. The explosion created a thick cloud of smoke, obscuring their view.

When the smoke cleared, the Earth Release user stood, his body charred, but his resolve unbroken. He charged forward, now more enraged than ever.

"Lava Release: Lava Bomb!"

The ninja's hands glowed orange with molten lava as he hurled an orb of liquid fire at Jinx.

But Jinx was quicker. "Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"

A large water dragon shot out from his mouth, colliding with the lava bomb and cooling it into hardened rock. Jinx immediately followed up, summoning a Frostfang Dragon made of ice that lunged at the Lava Release user. The creature's fangs gleamed, its icy breath freezing the ground as it hurtled toward him.

The Lava Release ninja tried to jump out of the way, but the dragon's tail swept him up, sending him crashing into a nearby tree. Jinx didn't hesitate. He summoned a burst of Lightning Release: Chidori into his hand and lunged forward, thrusting it straight through the Lava user's chest.

The fight was far from over, but Jinx was gaining the upper hand.

Madara faced off against three of the Ishigami clan's finest warriors. One of them was a woman with long, silver hair and twin blades that crackled with electricity. The second was a ninja with a long cloak, his eyes hidden behind a mask. The third was a short, quick-witted male whose eyes glinted with arrogance.

Madara grinned. "This is more like it."

"Wind Release: Air Bullets!"

Madara fired multiple blasts of wind, each one cutting through the air at high speed. The woman with the twin blades skillfully deflected them, her movements like a dance. She moved in close to Madara, slashing with blinding speed.

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

Madara responded with a blast of fire that took the form of a dragon. The woman was forced to leap backward, narrowly avoiding the flames.

Her companion, the cloaked figure, formed a series of seals and summoned a massive cloud of smoke, disappearing from sight. Madara's eyes widened, but before he could react, the cloaked ninja appeared behind him, slashing downward with a kunai.

Madara grinned. "Aren't you predictable."

He spun around, catching the kunai with his hand, and used the momentum to throw the cloaked ninja to the ground.

But the third ninja, the small and quick one, had already closed the distance. He delivered a brutal kick to Madara's side.

Madara grunted, but his Sharingan flared to life, and with a single glance, he froze the ninja in place, his movements paralyzed.

"Perfect."

Madara followed up with a swift elbow to the back of the small ninja's head, knocking him unconscious.

But the woman and the cloaked figure were not done yet. The woman charged again, blades glowing with chakra, but Madara wasn't phased.

"Chidori!"

Madara unleashed a burst of lightning, thrusting it straight through her chest. Her eyes widened in shock as the electricity coursed through her body, rendering her completely still.

With only the cloaked figure remaining, Madara released the genjutsu that had paralyzed the ninja. The man attempted to flee, but Madara was already in pursuit.

"Chidori!"

The cloaked figure was down in seconds.

Izuna stood confidently as he faced off against three Ishigami ninjas. They were faster and more agile than most, but Izuna's instincts told him this would be a one-sided battle.

The first was a female ninja who had mastery over wind techniques. She slashed the air with chakra-infused blades, creating violent gusts of wind to knock Izuna off balance.

Izuna dodged and retaliated with "Wind Release: Air Bullets!" Multiple bullets of compressed air shot at the female ninja, forcing her to retreat into the shadows.

The second enemy was a tall, muscular man who wielded a pair of heavy chains. With a flick of his wrist, the chains extended, striking at Izuna with brutal speed. Izuna darted to the side and engaged him in close combat.

The third ninja, a man with a long, serpentine sword, remained back, watching the fight unfold.

Izuna smirked. "You think you can take me down?"

With his Sharingan activated, he read the chain user's movements perfectly. He dodged every strike and used his agility to land a hit on the chain user's arm.

"Chidori!" Izuna shouted, delivering a powerful lightning-enhanced strike to the chain user's chest, knocking him out cold.

The wind user, who had been lurking in the shadows, appeared again, launching a barrage of razor-sharp winds. Izuna retaliated with his Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, engulfing the entire area in an explosion of flames.

When the smoke cleared, the wind user was on the ground, burnt and unconscious.

Izuna now faced the serpentine swordsman, who seemed to be waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But Izuna didn't wait. He closed the distance with lightning speed, landing a solid punch to the man's gut before following up with a devastating Chidori to his chest.

The battle was over, and the battlefield fell silent. The three Uchihas stood amidst the wreckage, panting from the intensity of the fight. The Ishigami ninja had been eliminated, but questions still lingered in their minds.

What was the true objective of the Ishigami clan? And what exactly were they after in Ryūchi Cave?

The Uchiha brothers turned to face one another, knowing this was only the beginning. They had won the battle, but a much larger war was brewing on the horizon.

As they regrouped, Jinx's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. The Ishigami clan's true intentions are still shrouded in mystery. But I won't rest until I find the answers.