Chapter 76: The Eighth Gate is Finally Opened! (Subscription Request?)
🕑 Added 2024-08-17 10:33:13 +0000 UTCUchiha Akira's words left the old man beside him momentarily stunned.
Saying something like that in front of Clan Leader Fugaku... that wasnât very appropriate, was it?
The old man sneaked a glance at Fugaku, thinking that if the clan leader were truly angry, heâd have to step in as a mediator and smooth things over.
However, when the old man looked at Clan Leader Fugaku, he noticed that Fugaku wasnât showing any signs of anger. Instead, he seemed lost in thought.
This made the old manâs heart tightenâcould it be that his beloved grandson had hit the nail on the head again?
Could it really be that Itachi might choose to side with Konoha?
After all, as the clan leader's eldest son, Uchiha Itachi was practically the crown prince of the Uchiha clan!
Could it be that, at the critical moment of the Uchiha clanâs survival, he would choose to stand against them?
In truth, upon hearing Uchiha Akira's words, Fugaku's initial reaction was anger.
No parent likes to hear someone criticize their child, especially not in front of them.
However, Fugaku also knew that Uchiha Akira wasnât the type to make baseless accusations.
So, he suppressed his anger and carefully considered Akiraâs words, reflecting on Itachiâs actions and behavior over the past two years.
To his dismay, Fugaku realized that Akira's concerns werenât entirely unfounded.
The possibility of Itachi betraying the Uchiha clan and siding with Konoha was not completely out of the question.
This realization left Uchiha Fugaku inwardly astounded.
Akiraâs eyes always seemed to see things others couldnât.
Just like in recent days, when everyone, including Fugaku himself, believed that Konoha was hesitant to oppress the Uchiha clan due to their strength.
But Akira saw the potential crisis, suspecting that Konoha was deliberately trying to lull the Uchiha into a false sense of security.
And most importantly, while Akiraâs words were shocking, upon closer consideration, they werenât just idle talk.
âGrand Elder, you have a remarkable grandson,â Uchiha Fugaku finally said after a long moment of contemplation. He stood up to take his leave, realizing there was much work to be done, and sighed with admiration as he spoke.
âClan Leader, take care,â the old man said, watching Fugaku leave. He knew that Fugaku had taken Akira's words to heart, so he didnât try to make him stay longer.
After Fugaku left, the old man turned back and sat down in front of Uchiha Akira.
âGrandson, when did your body recover?â he asked, scrutinizing Akira.
âThat very night, I was already healed,â Akira replied honestly, not hiding anything from the old man.
âIf you were already healed, why did you go around in a wheelchair?â the old man said reflexively, raising his hand as if to give Akira a smack.
This kid! Doesnât he know how much his family worries about him?
He made me worry for days!
But before he could finish his sentence, the old man stopped himself, his hand pausing mid-air as realization dawned on him.
Then, a sly grin spread across his face. âYou did it on purpose, didnât you?â
âOf course! If the Third Hokage wants to lull the Uchiha into a false sense of security, why canât I do the same to him?â Akira nodded, confirming his intent.
âYou little rascal, youâve got quite the devious mind!â The old manâs smile grew even broader, though it was clear his pride was shining through.
Though he called his grandson mischievous, his expression was one of pride and joy.
âI learned it from you!â Akira replied cheerfully, not at all offended by the old manâs words.
âNonsense! Your grandpa is as pure as they come, kind-hearted and all. Youâre the one whoâs gone astray, donât blame that on me!â the old man retorted, his face suddenly taking on a stern, righteous expression.
Pfft...
Hearing the banter between the grandfather and grandson, Keiko couldnât help but stifle a laugh.
But as soon as she realized what she had done, she quickly covered her mouth, thinking she had overstepped.
The grandfather and grandson looked at Keiko, but neither of them seemed to mind.
Instead, they exchanged glances and then burst into laughter themselves!
For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became harmonious and warm.
âBy the way, grandson...â After a while, the old manâs expression became serious again as he looked at Akira. âWhen you go after the Third Hokage, be careful. If things donât go as planned, prioritize your safety.â
âDonât worry, Grandpa. I understand the principle of âas long as the green hills remain, thereâs no fear of running out of firewood,ââ Akira replied, nodding.
âWith my talent, as long as I stay alive, Iâll eventually avenge the Uchiha.â
âAnd as long as Iâm alive, I can father dozens of children. Within a hundred years, our Uchiha clan will rise to power again!â
Akira spoke with confidence, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
âYou rascal, if thatâs truly how you think, then thatâs the best,â the old man laughed, clearly pleased with Akiraâs response.
No matter what, the old man seemed very satisfied with his grandson's answer.
Following this conversation, the Uchiha clan quickly sprang into action.
All the elite Uchiha, especially those outside the village, were summoned back, and patrols were strengthened.
The elite Uchiha shinobi, aware of these new orders, were not only without complaints but were actually invigorated!
Was the clan leader suddenly tightening the defenses, or had he changed his mind and was planning to initiate a coup?
Thanks to Akiraâs warning and Fugakuâs subsequent reflection, the recent activities of the Uchiha clan were subtly kept from Itachi.
Even Itachi's whereabouts had been somewhat erratic these past few days.
âIâm finished,â Itachi announced one evening, setting down his bowl early and standing up.
âItachi, where are you going?â Uchiha Mikoto, his mother, had recently noticed that her eldest son seemed a bit off.
âThereâs some work in the Anbu that needs handling,â Itachi replied calmly, his expression as composed as ever.
âBut brother, you promised to teach me how to throw shuriken!â Sasuke, who was nearby, complained unhappily.
Seeing Sasukeâs disgruntled face, Itachiâs otherwise stoic expression softened slightly. He motioned for Sasuke to come closer.
When Sasuke approached, Itachi gently tapped his forehead with his finger. âForgive me, Sasuke, this will be the last time.â
As Sasuke cried out in frustration, Itachi turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.
âDarn it, always treating me like a child!â Sasuke grumbled, rubbing his forehead and glaring in the direction Itachi had gone.
Sigh, I hope Akira was wrong...
âThe Third Hokage and Itachi will soon make their move against the Uchiha? We should stay vigilant and on guard these coming days.â
âIf a month passes and Akiraâs visible injuries are about seventy to eighty percent healed, and the Third Hokage hasnât acted yet, then maybe Akira was wrong.â
Fugaku mused quietly to himself, setting a rough timeline for the increased security measures within the Uchiha clan.
But then, glancing at Sasuke and comparing him to Uchiha Akira, who was the same age, Fugaku shook his head in silent contemplation.
Though they were both seven years old, even playmates, the difference between Sasuke and Akira was vast.
Sasuke was still just a child, unaware of anything.
Meanwhile, Akira was already risking his life for the future of the Uchiha clan.
âFugaku...â Uchiha Mikoto hesitated, looking at her husband as if she wanted to say something.
Understanding that his wife had likely sensed something, Fugaku gave her a reassuring smile. âDonât worry, everything will be fine.â
Reassured by her husbandâs words, Uchiha Mikoto nodded slightly, feeling a bit more at ease.
The night passed without incident. The next morning, Uchiha Akira woke up and noticed that his savings had dwindled to just over 200,000 ryĆ.
âFĆ«ton jutsu feels satisfying, but if I keep using it, Iâll feel satisfied all the time!â
The 2 million ryĆ inheritance left by Shisui-sensei had almost been completely drained!
Just two more attemptsâI hope I can finally master the Eight Gates!
This time, Uchiha Akira thought carefully about what he needed to do next, made up his mind, and began a new round of life simulation.
The life simulation began...
[On the surface, you appear to be severely injured and crippled, but in reality, you have long since recovered.]
[With your strength, you managed to secretly leave Konoha without being detected.]
[Three days later, the Night of the Massacre occurs, and the news of the Uchiha clanâs annihilation shocks the ninja world!]
[You hide in the Land of Snow, fully dedicated to mastering the Eight Gates.]
[Two years later, the Eighth Gate remains unopened, but your chakra has increased by 10%, placing you firmly at Kage-level.]
[Five years later, you encountered Uchiha Sasuke and his companions who were with Princess Koyuki Kazahana as they sought to reclaim the Land of Snow. You chose to avoid meeting Sasuke and slipped away unnoticed.]
[Your chakra reserves have increased by another 20%, but more importantly, you finally began to feel some give in the final gate of the Eight Gates.]
[Seven years later, you heard rumors of Konoha being destroyed by Pain. You drank a few extra cups in celebration, sensing that you were close to mastering the Eighth Gate.]
[Eight years later, the Fourth Great Ninja War broke out, engulfing the entire ninja world!]
[You decided to observe the war and, using your Sharingan, witnessed Might Guy open the Eighth Gate and enter Night Guy mode!]
[Might Guyâs attack severely injured Uchiha Madara, leaving him unable to move!]
[After years of grueling training and observing Might Guyâs use of the Eighth Gate, you finally found the breakthrough you needed. You attempted to open the Eighth Gate and succeeded!]
[With Uchiha Madara already gravely injured, you engaged him while in the Eighth Gate state, utterly overwhelming him!]
[You completely dominated Uchiha Madara in battle!]
[As the Eighth Gateâs effects wore off, you died.]
[Please choose one of the following rewards from the simulation:]
[Option 1: All learned knowledge, skills, and combat experience.]
[Option 2: Increase in chakra reserves.]
[Option 3: Bloodline awakening status.]
The life simulation concluded, and seeing the final outcome, Uchiha Akira was overjoyed.
After all the effort, he had finally managed to open the Eighth Gate!