Chapter 54: 054 The Secret of Fugaku's Mangekyou
"Hmm?"
Hearing Yugito's words, the Fourth Raikage frowned, showing a hint of impatience as he spoke.
"Now is when Konoha is at its weakest. If we don't attack now, when will we? Don't forget, the previous Eight-Tails Jinchūriki died because of them."
Like Konoha, Kumogakure had also experienced a tailed beast going out of control.
At that time, the Fourth Raikage had not yet assumed his position.
Orochimaru, one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, infiltrated Kumogakure alone and poisoned the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki, causing the beast to go berserk.
Fortunately, the Third Raikage, known for his unparalleled physical prowess, battled the Eight-Tails for days and nights, finally subduing it.
This grudge had never been forgotten by Kumogakure.
Now the Yellow Flash was dead, and Konoha's strength had greatly diminished due to the Nine-Tails incident.
If they didn't attack now, when would they?
The Fourth Raikage intended to seize this opportunity to profit from war and teach Konoha a painful lesson.
Seeing the unwavering determination of the Fourth Raikage, Yugito opened her mouth but couldn't find any words to refute.
In Kumogakure, there was no concept of forgiving grudges or swallowing pride—only revenge and retribution.
"Lord Raikage."
As Yugito struggled to articulate her thoughts, Mabui, standing to the side, spoke up.
"I think Lady Yugito has a point. Konoha, after all, has deep roots. If we are to proceed with an attack, it might be time to show our true strength."
"You think so too?"
The Fourth Raikage frowned slightly, his expression showing contemplation.
Although Mabui was still a young woman, she had shown exceptional talent in handling village affairs, earning recognition as a rare and strategic mind in Kumogakure.
In truth, the Fourth Raikage often left village matters to her.
Hearing Mabui speak in support of Yugito, Yugito glanced at her, and the two exchanged a knowing look.
"It seems she has a diary too."
On the surface, Kumogakure indeed appeared stronger than Konoha.
However, only those like Yugito and Mabui, who possessed diaries, knew just how terrifying the hidden strength of Konoha was.
After a long silence, the Fourth Raikage finally spoke in a heavy tone.
"We've already sent out the Two-Tails Jinchūriki. Isn't that enough?"
"It's not."
Though Mabui wasn't skilled in combat, she knew that Yugito, unable to fully utilize the Two-Tails' power, wouldn't stand a chance against Night Star Uchiha.
"Is that so…"
The Fourth Raikage had clearly grasped the implication in their words. Normally decisive, he now showed a hint of hesitation.
"If we're to send Bee to the battlefield… let me think it over a bit more."
"Yes, Lord Raikage."
Mabui and Yugito did not press him further, as they were also waiting for an opportunity.
That opportunity being Orochimaru's defection.
...
Elsewhere, in Konoha, within the Uchiha clan's district:
"You've come."
Hearing a knock at the door, Mikoto Uchiha, dressed in a kimono, walked over and opened it.
"Lady Mikoto."
Seeing Night Star at the door, Mikoto was momentarily stunned before smiling.
"So it's Night Star. You've come at a bad time; Fugaku is meeting with the clan elders."
"No, perhaps my timing is just right."
Night Star is tone was calm, as he replied indifferently.
"Lady Mikoto, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Hmm? You want to ask me something?"
Mikoto blinked in surprise and then waved her hand dismissively.
"I don't know much about clan matters. I might not be of much help."
"Oh, I see."
Night Star responded casually, speaking as if it were a passing remark.
"By the way, has Clan Leader Fugaku's eyesight stopped deteriorating recently?"
At these words, Mikoto's expression instantly changed. Forcing a smile, she feigned confusion.
"Why would his eyesight deteriorate? There's no such thing. Where did you hear that?"
"Oh, then I must have misunderstood."
Night Star replied nonchalantly and, without saying more, turned and left.
At the same time, he recorded in his diary:
"As expected, Fugaku Uchiha awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan during the Third Shinobi World War."
"Though Mikoto is the clan leader's wife, she is ultimately just an ordinary woman. Her subtle expressions made it abundantly clear."
"Fugaku's reason for hiding his Mangekyou awakening is simple."
"It seems he has always been trying to avoid instigating a coup, unwilling to clash directly with the village."
"However, with Shisui awakening his Mangekyou and the growing rift between the clan and the village, it eventually reached an irreversible point."
"At this stage, he's even less likely to reveal his Mangekyou awakening."
"Controlling the Nine-Tails requires immense ocular power."
"Once the Mangekyou is exposed, the village's higher-ups would undoubtedly view Fugaku as the mastermind behind that incident."
"The gap in ocular power between the three-tomoe Sharingan and the Mangekyou is significant."
"Fortunately, I possess the unique ability to be immune to all genjutsu. If it ever comes to a fight with Fugaku, this trait will provide a significant advantage."
After recording this, Night Star prepared to head home.
However, on his way, he noticed a familiar figure searching for something along the street.
When Kurenai saw him, her delicate hands tightened nervously, but she still walked over and greeted him softly.
"Um… Night Star, our classmates said they're gathering for dinner tonight. Would you like to join us?"
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