Uchiha's Taijutsu Supreme

Fuma chuckled, genuinely warmed by Fugaku's sincere enthusiasm.

Spending months in the "Box of Ultimate Bliss" in a timeless environment, endlessly playing "hawk and chicken" with Satori, had left even someone of Fuma's temperament feeling a touch lonely.

*Whoosh!*

Fuma gradually descended to the ground, his large black wings retracting into his body, transforming into tattoo-like markings on his back.

Fugaku looked hesitant, his Sharingan flashing crimson as he fixed his gaze on Fuma.

"What's with that intense stare, kid?"

Even Fuma felt a bit uncomfortable with such an intense gaze.

Fugaku scratched his head awkwardly after a moment and replied, "Brother Fuma, your transformation is just too cool. I was just wondering about the chakra technique you use to achieve it. If I could learn it, I think Mikoto would be thrilled!"

Fuma laughed. Even with Madara's ocular power, it would be hard to decipher the depth of Fuma's strength, let alone Fugaku.

But Fugaku's words sparked Fuma's interest. These Uchiha clan members who had pledged loyalty to him would be crucial assets in his future plans to unify the shinobi world.

Fugaku and Obito, who had already proven themselves in another timeline, were both talents worth nurturing.

"If that's so, tell me, Fugaku—what do your eyes see now?"

Fugaku frowned, the three tomoe in his eyes whirling as he focused his vision on Fuma.

"All I can sense is an incredibly intense and frightening energy within you, Brother Fuma—something vicious and dark."

"Even with the Sharingan…"

Fugaku trailed off, suddenly withdrawing his ocular power and steadying his breathing, visibly shaken and covered in a cold sweat.

"What I just saw… had to be an illusion, right?"

In his vision, Fugaku had been pulled into a nightmarish realm. The ground ran with boiling black blood, while soul-wrenching wails filled the air.

In the sky above, a demonic figure looked down at him with palpable malice, drawing closer with each step.

Fuma flicked Fugaku's forehead lightly, pulling him back to his senses.

Although still shaken, Fugaku felt reassured by Fuma's familiar smile, a steadying presence in his mind. He reasoned, "The great Uchiha Madara was probably like this, too. No one in the clan dared to meet his gaze."

"But Brother Fuma, who still spends time with us, having tea and baths, is far more approachable… Strong people tend to have some kind of aura about them, anyway."

Comforting himself with this thought, Fugaku shook off his fear and poked Fuma's solid back, hoping to uncover the secrets of his strength.

Fuma casually brushed Fugaku's hand away; unless in combat, he wasn't a fan of being touched by other men. As for women—well, if Tsunade wasn't around and a kunoichi willing to take a risk approached him, he wouldn't mind.

"Don't dwell on it. I had an encounter with the Box of Ultimate Bliss at Kusagakure recently, which left me with certain… power enhancements."

Fugaku looked down at his own scroll of ninjutsu, feeling a pang of frustration as he muttered to himself, "You're always like this, Brother Fuma, getting stronger in leaps and bounds. No matter how much I train and study, I can't keep up with you."

Fuma shook his head in amusement but chose not to offer false comfort.

Fugaku, born into the Uchiha clan as the son of an elder, had received the finest shinobi education and carried the bloodline of the Sage of Six Paths. His potential was high.

Most Uchiha, after all, were lucky to reach the rank of elite jonin.

"But the unique strength of the Uchiha lies in the miraculous powers that their eyes represent. Even I have to respect the strange abilities of the Mangekyo Sharingan."

For example, Obito's Kamui, a skill that even the mighty Kaguya acknowledged, had unparalleled strategic value.

With a gleam in his eye, Fuma activated his own Sharingan, engaging Fugaku in an ocular power contest. For a moment, he truly seemed like an Uchiha.

*Hum...!*

Once again, Fugaku was drawn into an illusion.

Fuma, observing Fugaku's ocular power, nodded with satisfaction.

"Impressive, a strong and well-developed Sharingan. Just as expected from someone with the potential to awaken the Mangekyo."

"If that's so, perhaps I can help Fugaku achieve the next level sooner."

When Fugaku snapped out of the illusion, he finally couldn't hold back.

In their brief clash, he had felt as if he was confronting an ancestor. The pressure rooted in his very bloodline left him no room for resistance.

"What in the world is happening here?!"

"First, the Box of Ultimate Bliss, then activating the three-tomoe Sharingan with power far stronger than mine."

"It all makes sense now… Brother Fuma, you must be the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths!"

[No, I just borrowed some chakra from his son]

Fuma placed a hand on Fugaku's shoulder, encouraging him, "Don't belittle yourself. Your potential ranks high even within the Uchiha clan."

"With dedicated practice, you can become one of my greatest allies."

Fugaku looked surprised, then shyly responded, "...In a few days, Mikoto and I will be getting married, and we'd love for you to attend the wedding."

"Plus… she's already expecting our child. I plan to name him Itachi, and I hope he'll grow up to be a vigilant protector of the Uchiha clan."

Fuma acknowledged Fugaku's request with a nod.

"So, Uchiha Itachi…"

A complicated expression flickered across Fuma's face. He vividly remembered this controversial figure from the original timeline.

"Still, whatever abilities he develops, he can't match the version of me in this world."

"Besides, I'll teach him the true meaning of the Will of Fire."

*Swish!*

An Anbu operative appeared in front of Fuma, bowing respectfully as he said, "Clan Leader Fuma, Lady Mito Uzumaki has summoned you."

Fugaku, eager to share more, stepped forward but hesitated upon noticing the Anbu nearby, frustration flashing in his eyes.

"Over the past months, the Hokage's faction has been up to some dirty tricks… and I haven't even briefed Brother Fuma about it."

"Blame me for getting caught up in my wedding plans…"

Fuma shot Fugaku a look, signaling him to stay silent.

"I understand. Lead the way."

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