Hidan.
In Genya's eyes, the most unique thing about him was his immortality. His ritual—trading blood for death—was only possible because of that undying body.
As for his other abilities? Completely second-rate!
Genya even believed that just one skilled person could easily subdue Hidan and seal him away.
Not just him—even one or two elite Earth Style jonin could probably do it. Honestly, Genya didn't understand why the Akatsuki even recruited someone like that.
Of course, he still wasn't sure whether Hidan's curse technique could be used from long range. If it could, he might have to reassess Hidan's threat level.
But from what Genya understood, Hidan's jutsu definitely had limits. Either he needed to be close to his target, or the blood had to be fresh. Otherwise, why would he show up to fight in person?
"Genya-sama!"
As Genya was deep in thought about the future, Hikari walked over, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
"Genya-sama, the Shisui cell serum should be fully ready in three days!"
Oh?
Genya's eyes narrowed slightly. That was good news.
"Hikari, how do the eyes feel? Is there any hope of fully restoring Shisui's vision?"
It had been a while now, but Genya was still a bit worried about the eyes Shisui was currently merging with.
Shisui was going to be one of his major forces in the future. He didn't want there to be any flaws in Shisui's power.
He was also one of the strongest members of Atsukara.
If there was still a flaw, it would be that he wanted to replace Uchiha Shisui's eyes as soon as possible.
"Shisui's eyes have already reached 99% synchronization. It's just shy of perfect compatibility," Hikari said seriously. She knew how much Genya valued Shisui, so this was one of her top priorities.
"I've prepared a Wood Release fusion serum for him. Combined with Uzumaki cell injections, there shouldn't be any problems."
"At this point, he should be able to use his Sharingan again. But if he overuses it, there's a real risk of going blind."
"So, he's basically recovered to the state he was in before his eyes were taken?" Genya murmured.
"He can use the Mangekyō Sharingan again, but it's not an Eternal Mangekyō just yet. If he gets through this stage, he'll level up again."
At the same time,
Genya was getting more and more satisfied with Hikari. She was basically his own personal Orochimaru.
When it came to research and experiments, she was a master.
"No matter what, I'll do my best to protect Shisui's new eyes," Hikari replied with determination.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You've already done a great job," Genya encouraged her and handed her a cup of tea. The two of them continued chatting as they sipped.
But as they talked, Hikari noticed something.
"Genya-sama, where's the clan head? I haven't seen him around lately."
"Uncle Shin dragged him off for training," Genya said, shaking his head. "The Uzumaki cells in their bodies should be close to fully integrating. But my old man still hasn't made any real progress."
"He still can't even pull off basic jutsu properly."
"Speak of the devil!" Just then, Uchiha Shin's teasing voice echoed as he walked in with big strides. Behind him was a completely exhausted Uchiha Kinya.
Right now, Kinya looked completely drained, like he'd been through some inhuman torture.
"Uncle Shin, judging by how happy you look, my old man's training must've gone well today," Genya said, raising an eyebrow at Shin's energetic expression.
"He's been learning for over three months now, and today—finally—he mastered the Body Substitution Jutsu!" Uchiha Shin looked so proud, like a teacher whose student had finally made progress.
"..." Genya was speechless. His father had taken three whole months to learn a single jutsu.
After that, life returned to its usual calm. Uchiha Shin continued helping his father train.
Maybe it was because of the Uzumaki cells he'd fused with—his chakra had increased dramatically, and he was training harder than ever.
That day, while Shin was meditating, his eyes suddenly snapped open.
He looked toward the Hokage's office, a small smirk forming on his lips.
"Itachi, you're here again? Is Hiruzen the one who called you?"
As expected... always the double agent.
He used to spy on the Uchiha for Konoha. Now he's with the Akatsuki, still spying for Konoha.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop of the Hokage building, a crow landed silently—then transformed into a figure in a black cloak.
It was Uchiha Itachi.
"You're here," a calm voice greeted him. Another figure appeared beside him—it was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"What did you want to talk about?" Itachi asked with a nod. He had planned to return to the village in a few days, but Hiruzen's urgent message had brought him early.
Even as he spoke, his eyes weren't on Hiruzen. Instead, he was gazing in the direction of the Uchiha compound, lost in thought.
Lately, the Uchiha clan had been thriving in Konoha. There hadn't been any of the usual tension.
A thought crossed his mind— Could it be that he and his father had been wrong all along?
Hiruzen frowned slightly at Itachi's distant attitude, but continued speaking.
"Recently, a Wood Release user has appeared in the shinobi world. You've heard, haven't you?"
"Oh? The Hokage is interested in that Wood Release ninja too?" Itachi finally looked at Hiruzen, though there was a hint of disdain in his voice—like he'd expected this.
Looks like even Konoha isn't immune to temptation. They want that Wood Release ninja as well.
"Yes!" Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned again but continued, "Konoha needs that Wood Release ninja, so you'll have to go personally."
Even though he said this, he was deeply unsettled. It seemed like Uchiha Itachi was becoming harder and harder to control.
It looks like I need to nurture more loyal subordinates, especially strong ones. It seems like Naruto and Sasuke's training needs to be sped up.
"Are you bringing him back for experiments?" Uchiha Itachi asked again, his tone almost indifferent.
"You don't need to know that!" Hiruzen's face darkened. Uchiha Itachi had repeatedly crossed his line. "All you need to know is this is your mission."
"I understand, but that Wood Release ninja is strong. I'm not sure if I can capture him," Uchiha Itachi nodded, then added, "But I'll try my best."
"Mm, you can go ahead and do it," Hiruzen nodded as well, though he added a follow-up, "You don't need to worry about Sasuke. I'll take care of him."
Though his tone was soft, it carried a hidden threat.
Take care of Sasuke? If Itachi doesn't try his hardest, would he still go as far as to harm Sasuke?
Uchiha Itachi's face grew darker. His already numb expression became even more grim.
"I'll do my best, but whether or not I succeed is another matter. Of course, I trust that you'll take care of Sasuke. If I get the chance, I'll visit you in the Sarutobi clan."
He emphasized the words "Sarutobi clan" heavily.
Hiruzen's expression grew even darker upon hearing this.
Earlier, he had used Sasuke's safety as a threat to Itachi, but now Itachi had countered with the lives of the Sarutobi clan. If Hiruzen dared to harm Sasuke, Itachi would retaliate against the Sarutobi clan.
Hiruzen's face became slightly grim. "Itachi, you've changed a lot this year!"
****
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