THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

Entering the second floor of the Uchiha reference library, Uchiha Kiyo followed Elder Xiong's instructions—he ascended the stairs, turned right, and walked toward the last section at the end of the hallway.

Compared to the neatly arranged shelves in the main hall, the bookshelf before him was visibly aged, its wooden structure showing signs of wear. The scrolls and books here were few in number but carried an air of antiquity.

Anything preserved for this long must hold significant value.

Kiyo's eyes landed on a thick book titled "The First Interpretation of Illusions." Flipping through a few pages, he immediately sensed its depth and importance. Unlike basic Genjutsu guides, this book didn't just explain techniques—it detailed the underlying principles of illusion-based chakra manipulation.

Even better, it contained two C-rank Genjutsu techniques, which aligned perfectly with his current needs.

With this book alone, he could establish a solid foundation in Genjutsu.

Because of that, Kiyo decided not to search for additional reading materials on the Sharingan's direct applications. After all, the Sharingan's primary function in battle was Genjutsu enhancement, and this book already included insightful sections on ocular-based illusions.

Having made his choice, Kiyo left the aisle and approached Elder Xiong's desk.

"Elder, I'll be borrowing this one. Please register it for me."

Elder Xiong, who had been observing him closely, took the book and glanced at the cover. "Hmm? Just this one? Aren't you interested in books on Sharingan techniques?"

The elder was pleased with Kiyo's choice. "The First Interpretation of Illusions" was well-regarded within the clan for its foundational and systematic approach. However, he found it surprising that Kiyo hadn't picked up any texts on Sharingan combat applications.

For a brief moment, Elder Xiong wondered—Had Kiyo simply overlooked them?

Kiyo, however, shook his head. "The contents of this book are enough for me to study for now. Since the Sharingan's main ability is in Genjutsu, and this book covers both Genjutsu principles and ocular-based illusions, I believe it's a good starting point."

The elder raised a brow, then nodded approvingly. "That makes sense. Trying to absorb too much at once will only slow your progress. Mastering the Sharingan isn't overly complicated—you might naturally refine it while training in illusions."

Kiyo didn't respond to that. Mastering the Sharingan? What exactly counted as "mastery"?

To simply activate it? To be able to use it proficiently in battle? Or to fully unlock its potential without letting it influence his psyche?

For Kiyo, mastering the Sharingan wasn't just about utilizing its abilities—it was about controlling its influence over his mind.

With the thick book tucked under his arm, Kiyo left the library and returned home.

---

A Period of Rest and Training

Due to Sarutobi Shuo's severe injuries, Team Three was given a two-week break from missions. With Orochimaru absent and Roki also taking time off, Kiyo decided to train alone at home during this period.

Since his primary focus was on studying the Sharingan and Genjutsu, he didn't need a large-scale training ground. His home was sufficient for his needs.

Kiyo also thought of Nawaki Senju (Rope Tree). That guy needed ample space to train his ninjutsu, but the Senju estate was ridiculously large—easily surpassing the size of Konoha's standard training fields.

Each time Kiyo remembered this, he couldn't help but feel a mix of jealousy and resentment. "Damn rich clan heirs…"

After leaving the library, Elder Xiong hesitated for a moment before making a hand seal. A small black-furred cat materialized before him.

Recording the details of his earlier conversation with Kiyo, Elder Xiong handed the scroll to the summon.

The ninja cat vanished in an instant, reappearing at the Uchiha clan estate, where it delivered the message to Uchiha Sukesada, the current clan patriarch.

---

The Uchiha Patriarch's Thoughts

"Hmm? A report from Elder Xiong?"

Uchiha Sukesada recognized the ninja cat immediately. It was one of the foreign affairs summons used for discreet communication within the clan. Curious, he took the scroll and began reading.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face. "Kiyo awakened his Sharingan?"

As a core member of the Uchiha clan, Kiyo was primarily valued for his medical ninjutsu talent. Sukesada had always acknowledged Kiyo's potential, but he hadn't expected him to unlock the Sharingan this late.

"Thirteen years old… that's quite delayed. But, perhaps this is for the best. The awakening seems natural, without excessive emotional trauma. That should minimize the side effects…"

Sukesada understood the dark truths of the Uchiha bloodline. While the clan prided itself on the Sharingan, they could no longer ignore its psychological impact.

A few years ago, Tsunade openly stated that many Uchiha suffered from mental instability due to their bloodline. Though the clan was reluctant to admit it, even Sukesada had noticed the signs—obsession, paranoia, extreme emotional responses.

"It's a good thing he unlocked it naturally."

Still, he wondered—what triggered Kiyo's awakening?

Had it been a moment of life-or-death tension? A surge of rage? A desperate desire to protect someone?

Rubbing his chin, Sukesada considered the possibilities. "Could it have been a near-death experience? A teammate in danger?"

After a moment, he shook his head.

"No need to investigate further. What's important is that he's progressing."

With that, he set the scroll aside and returned to his work.

Meanwhile, Kiyo, completely unaware that the Uchiha patriarch had taken an interest in his growth, was already deep into his Genjutsu studies.

---

The Fundamentals of Illusion

"Genjutsu is a technique that manipulates the target's chakra flow within the nervous system, distorting their sensory perception and creating false experiences."

The book's introduction was straightforward—Kiyo had already learned the basics in the Academy, and Orochimaru had previously taught him countermeasures against Genjutsu.

He flipped through the first few pages quickly, searching for advanced insights.

"Huh… as expected, all Genjutsu fundamentally relies on Yin Release. Mastering Yin Release is essential for casting illusions, as it allows chakra to influence the opponent's brain directly."

Even Sharingan-based Genjutsu relied on Yin Release principles—the difference was that the pupil's natural power made casting illusions far easier.

Kiyo tapped his fingers against the book, deep in thought.

"Yin Release is one of the core chakra transformations. If I can refine it, I won't just improve my Genjutsu—I'll also gain deeper control over my Sharingan's abilities."

Instead of merely relying on the natural advantages of his Uchiha bloodline, Kiyo wanted to develop a solid foundation in independent illusion techniques.

"Even if I have the Sharingan, I should still study non-Sharingan Genjutsu. It will expand my understanding and give me greater flexibility."

With a clear training plan in mind, Kiyo immersed himself in his studies.

For the next two weeks, his focus would be Genjutsu mastery—a step toward unlocking his full potential as an Uchiha.

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