shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 16: Uchiha Setsuna

Uchiha Tsukiko decided to assist Might Steel as a way to repay his kindness in teaching him the Eight Gates.

In the original story, Might Duy opened the Eighth Gate and decimated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, while Might Guy almost ended the war with a single Night Guy.

Might Duy had immense potential, possibly on par with his son, but due to the lack of proper training and resources, he remained a lifelong genin.

The specialized medicinal baths required for taijutsu training and healing hidden injuries were expensive, and with Might Steel unable to work due to his injuries, the Might family's financial situation was dire.

To Tsukiko, spending a few million ryō to secure the loyalty of a future Kage-level, possibly super-Kage-level, powerhouse was a deal too good to pass up.

One evening, after training, Tsukiko approached Might Steel with a direct proposal.

"Might Steel-senpai, I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Steel, caught off guard, smiled and nodded. "Tsukiko, you're always welcome to speak your mind."

Tsukiko took a deep breath and carefully chose his words.

"Senpai, I know you and Duy are training diligently, and I understand that taijutsu training requires tremendous physical endurance. I may not fully grasp the details of Eight Gates training, but I know that resources like medicinal baths are crucial for healing injuries and enhancing physique."

Might Steel fell silent, sensing where this conversation was going.

Tsukiko pressed on.

"I'd like to provide financial support to help you obtain better training resources."

Steel's expression grew serious, his usual warm demeanor fading into contemplation.

He shook his head and spoke firmly but gently.

"Tsukiko, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't accept your money."

Tsukiko had anticipated this response.

He understood Steel's pride, but he also knew that denying the support would only hinder their growth.

"Senpai, I know this might seem like charity, but it isn't." Tsukiko spoke with genuine sincerity. "I'm not offering this as an act of pity. You and Duy have already helped me immensely with my taijutsu. Supporting you is an investment in a shared goal—I want to see you both reach the peak of taijutsu."

Steel's face softened, but he still hesitated.

"Tsukiko, your generosity is overwhelming, but..."

Tsukiko stepped forward, his tone firmer.

"Senpai, if you refuse, I will feel disappointed. Taijutsu training requires long-term investment, and proper resources will make a significant difference in your progress. If you truly wish to honor our shared path, then accept my help so we can all reach greater heights together."

Steel was silent for a long time.

Everything Tsukiko said was true. The injuries he suffered from excessive Eight Gates usage made it impossible for him to support their training financially.

After a heavy pause, Steel sighed.

"Alright, Tsukiko. Since you insist, I will accept your help. But I won't let this debt go unpaid. The Might family always repays kindness."

Tsukiko smiled.

"Senpai, I never expected anything in return. Training with you has already been a great honor."

With Tsukiko's sponsorship, the Might family's training conditions improved significantly.

They resumed their regular medicinal baths to heal injuries, acquired better training equipment, and had more access to necessary resources.

Might Duy's physical conditioning advanced rapidly, and Tsukiko's taijutsu training also progressed to new heights.

Tsukiko saw this as more than just an act of kindness—it was an investment in the future.

Unexpected Visitor

Late at night, after a full day of training, Tsukiko was preparing to rest when an unexpected visitor arrived.

A tall, elderly man dressed in Uchiha elder robes stepped into his home. His face bore the marks of age, yet his sharp gaze radiated an undeniable sense of power.

Tsukiko immediately recognized him—Uchiha Setsuna.

Uchiha Setsuna was once one of the most formidable warriors of the Uchiha clan, a direct inheritor of Uchiha Madara's ideology, and the leader of the Uchiha's hawkish faction.

During the reign of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, Setsuna had openly opposed the suppression of the Uchiha clan.

It was even rumored that he had plotted an assassination attempt on Tobirama, only to be imprisoned when the plan failed.

Now, despite his age, Setsuna remained a highly influential figure within the Uchiha clan.

Tsukiko was surprised by his sudden visit but quickly composed himself, inviting him inside.

Setsuna took his seat, his sharp eyes scanning the room before fixing on Tsukiko.

"Tsukiko, we need to talk."

His voice was low and commanding, leaving no room for refusal.

Tsukiko nodded, signaling for him to continue.

Setsuna wasted no time.

"You are a rare existence—an Uchiha with Senju blood."

"Your talent is undeniable, and many within the clan have taken notice of your rapid growth."

"You are not meant to be just another shinobi. You should aim for something far greater—becoming Hokage."

Tsukiko's eyes widened slightly.

He had anticipated that the Uchiha would approach him sooner or later, but he hadn't expected such a direct proposal.

Becoming Hokage?

Before he could speak, Setsuna continued.

"Ever since Senju Tobirama became Hokage, our clan has been pushed to the sidelines."

"Tobirama saw us as a threat. He isolated us, stripping us of our influence and forcing us into the Police Force—making us the village's enforcers rather than its leaders."

His voice carried deep resentment.

"Even after Tobirama's death, his student Sarutobi Hiruzen continued to suppress us under the guise of peace."

"The Uchiha clan, once the greatest among the Five Great Nations, has been reduced to mere watchdogs."

"If this continues, we will be erased from history."

Tsukiko listened in silence, absorbing Setsuna's words.

As a member of the Uchiha, he had always been aware of the tension between his clan and the village leadership.

Though Setsuna's views were extreme, they were not entirely unfounded.

After all, in the original timeline, the Uchiha clan was annihilated.

Both Uchiha Madara and Setsuna had foreseen the danger, and in hindsight, they had not been wrong.