"It seems to be a success."
Staring at the faint, black chakra aura shrouding his body, Uchiha Kai allowed a rare smile to touch his lips.
The form was incomplete—merely an outline, lacking full definition—but it was enough. It proved Madara Uchiha's theory wasn't just legend. Susanoocould be activated with sufficient mastery of Yin Release and Mangekyō Sharingan synergy.
Even better, this method hadn't yet blinded him.
This alone made Kai feel a thrill of triumph. If Madara's approach truly worked, it might allow Kai to eventually manifest a complete Susanoo—without the devastating loss of vision that plagued other Mangekyō users.
He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. In the stillness of his mind, he began synchronizing his chakra with the resonance of his Sharingan. Unlike before, the process didn't bring pain or fear. In fact, the giant shadowy form that awaited him in his inner world no longer felt alien.
The chakra around him stirred, black and cold, centered in a spectral colossus with glowing crimson eyes. Once terrifying, this presence now felt connected—tethered to his will.
As his chakra flowed outward, it began merging with the unique Mangekyō pattern in his pupils. The black chakra thickened, growing denser, expanding.
And then it happened.
With a roar of chakra, the energy erupted. The faint silhouette condensed into the skeletal structure of a ribcage. From there, the bones grew—a massive, jet-black skull forming over Kai's upper body. The chakra now pulsed in rhythm with his eyes.
It was only the first stage of Susanoo. But even so, the power was immense—raw, destructive, intoxicating.
Kai marveled at it while also recognizing the risk. Mangekyō Sharingan was a double-edged sword. The more power he drew from it, the faster his pupil power would deteriorate—until blindness set in.
"I can't overdo it," he muttered. "This level of resonance is manageable… for now."
Though the skeletal armor protected most of his upper body, Kai noted gaps at his feet and sides. Still, for an initial manifestation, it was remarkable. Chakra control and Yin Release balance were the key. Madara had hinted at this in vague terms, but even his ancient wisdom had proven invaluable.
Kai suspected he could reach Stage Two, but he knew the cost: a massive surge in pupil power drain. The same cost that had forced Itachi and Shisui to the brink.
If he didn't care about his vision, he'd have pursued Susanoo long ago. Every Uchiha dreamed of invoking the "cloaked giant." But Kai was too strategic to rush it.
What he had now was a foundation—and he would build on it carefully.
A thought occurred: Could he maintain Susanoo in a lower Sharingan state?
"The chakra pattern—the vibration frequency—it's tied to the Mangekyō," he muttered. "But… if I memorize it... can I replicate it using the three-tomoe?"
He hesitated, then deactivated his Mangekyō. In an instant, his pupils reverted to their traditional tomoe shape. The resonance died down almost immediately. The powerful skeletal form of Susanoo began to fade.
But not entirely.
Kai clenched his fists and tried to stabilize the chakra flow, imitating the previous frequency using only his three-tomoe Sharingan and refined control. It was less stable… less potent… but possible.
What remained was a partial ribcage and a single skeletal arm—a crude form, but it offered protection without draining his eyesight.
"This… this is enough for now," Kai said, examining the simplified armor around his torso.
This "proto-Susanoo", while weaker, could defend against most attacks. More importantly, it conserved his Mangekyō and allowed him to use it only when absolutely necessary.
The chakra load was heavy, and his mental strain was noticeable—but not overwhelming.
Just then, footsteps echoed down the corridor.
"Lord Kai."
Three masked Uchiha operatives in black dropped to one knee the moment they entered.
Kai didn't turn around. "It's fine. Just a ninjutsu test."
He finally dismissed Susanoo entirely. The skeletal form crumbled into flickers of black energy.
"This place is wrecked again. I'll need it rebuilt. Also, check if the damage triggered any sensors. If so, we'll need to relocate."
"Yes, Lord Kai."
They didn't question him—not his techniques, his methods, or his intentions. Kai knew why. They were Fugaku's men, assigned to monitor and support him.
But obedience wasn't loyalty.
Kai didn't bother getting close to them. They were loyal to the clan head, not to him. If he wanted true allies, he'd have to find his own people.
He turned to leave, casting one last glance at the preservation pod containing Uchiha Yu. He had made sure to avoid damaging it.
Outside, under the clear moonlight, Uchiha Kai let the cool night air settle around him.
"Beautiful moon tonight."
A smirk tugged at his lips.
"I've made progress… but this is only the beginning."
Tomorrow, he had plans.
It was time to pay Imai Kenta a visit.