"Of course, no problem! Just let me know when the time comes."
Ren Takashi smiled and nodded.
He was eager to move forward and allow the Uchiha clansmen to begin practicing the new techniques he created, accelerating their rise in strength.
"Good."
Uchiha Nobuhiko nodded in satisfaction, turning to Fugaku with a rare smile. "Fugaku, you did well today. Keep up the attentive attitude."
"Got it!" Fugaku beamed, scratching the back of his head. His father's praise had become rare ever since Ren Takashi's stunning rise. It felt good to be recognized again.
Just then, Uchiha Xinmei, who had been silently watching Ren Takashi's Sharingan, spoke up.
"Ren Takashi-chan, is it just me, or does your Sharingan look… different? The magatama seem black and gold, and the pupil power is so pure—there's no trace of evil or chaos."
Ren Takashi nodded. "Yes, Mom. That's the effect of using the Eye-Opening Method properly. It stabilizes the spiritual power and refines the bloodline. The magatama coloration is likely a byproduct of purer bloodline resonance."
Nobuhiko and Fugaku leaned closer, inspecting the eyes again. Indeed, they were different.
"That confirms it," Nobuhiko said thoughtfully. "We'll have to make full meditation and cultivation methods available for the Mangekyō stage soon too. Until then, we'll need to emphasize patience and proper foundation."
After breakfast, Ren Takashi stopped them from getting up.
"Wait! I've created a new blood tempering method based on the insights I gained from opening the Sharingan. Let me pass it to you."
He touched their foreheads, transmitting the technique directly through their contract runes. Instantly, they were immersed in the data.
Moments later, they emerged from the trance, eyes shining.
"This will be revolutionary for our clan," Nobuhiko said with awe. "If all our members train with this, our bloodline potential will skyrocket!"
Ren Takashi nodded. "That's the goal. Tonight, gather all clansmen who've signed the contract. I'll pass the technique to them, and we'll arrange for another batch to sign up as well."
"Understood. I'll arrange it for 5 p.m.," Nobuhiko confirmed.
Suddenly, a puff of smoke burst in the dining room. A ninja cat appeared, panting slightly.
"Raijiro?" Nobuhiko's brow furrowed. "Something happened in the Land of Whirlpools?"
"Yes, sir!" Raijiro replied, dropping a scroll. "Lord Xuanqing sent this—urgent intelligence. Please read it immediately!"
Nobuhiko opened the scroll, scanning quickly. His expression turned grave.
"Ren Takashi, your prediction was spot-on. Three major villages—Kumo, Kiri, and Iwa—have launched a joint invasion on the Land of Whirlpools. They've already breached the borders."
Ren Takashi's eyes sharpened. "We must inform Lady Mito at once. We cannot let the Uzumaki clan be destroyed."
"Agreed. I'll head to Mito-sama and ask her to act. Ren Takashi, rally the elite guard. We'll regroup at the gate."
"And inform the Third Generation too," Ren Takashi added. "Even if he already knows and pretends otherwise, he won't dare object in front of Mito-sama."
"You think the daimyo are behind this?" Nobuhiko asked.
Ren Takashi nodded. "I'm certain of it. The daimyos likely want to eliminate any nation where the ninja hold sovereign power. A ninja-led state is a threat to their model of control. The Whirlpool Country became a target the moment it unified its military and political power."
"So... if we interfere?"
"We're not saving the country," Ren Takashi clarified. "We'll rescue what survivors we can. The nation will still fall, and the daimyos' purpose will be fulfilled. They won't hold a grudge if the end result stays the same."
Nobuhiko sighed in understanding. "Then let's act swiftly. If we're going to rescue the Uzumaki, we must do it now—before it's too late."
"Exactly," Ren Takashi agreed. "Prepare everyone. We leave as soon as possible."
Time was running out. The storm was coming.