If he uses it, he might first transform the Chakra Cannon stolen from the Hidden Cloud Village. With complete blueprints, all that's left is to memorize it.
"I need to find someone reliable to replace this eye... Should I ask Mikota?"
Uchiha Yoichi contemplated for a moment, realizing that even if Mikota were to use this Pupil Technique, a safe transplantation method of Hashirama Cells must first be researched to ensure Mikota receives a Chakra supplement.
Otherwise, the transformation of a Chakra Cannon might consume her Pupil Power before even halfway.
Uchiha Yoichi shook his head, deciding not to dwell on this matter, as transplantation might be impossible in the short term. Handling other affairs would take precedence.
Once back at the Security Team, Uchiha Yoichi informed the team about Uchiha Fugaku's defection.
Everyone was astounded by the news, thinking that Yoichi was joking with them. Why would the former Clan Leader defect?
But after repeatedly confirming the news, the clan members believed that Uchiha Fugaku had indeed defected. Still, they couldn't comprehend why losing the position of Clan Leader meant betraying the Uchiha and the village.
The rumor spread within the clan, and few believed it at first. Yet, as confirmations continued, some clansmen became agitated and began cursing Uchiha Fugaku.
Because he chose defection over losing the Clan Leader's position.
They could only think of this reason, leading some to curse Uchiha Fugaku as a power-hungry coward. Fortunately, Yang Clan Leader ousted him from the position; otherwise, what benefit could he bring as Clan Leader?
At Uchiha Yashiro's home, after tidying everything, he headed with Uchiha Itachi to another friend's place.
Just earlier, when Uchiha Shisui took Itachi to buy yokan, Uchiha Yashiro had informed that friend.
"Itachi, from today, you'll stay at Mr. Shinji's house for a while. He lives near Shisui. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Mr. Shinji."
Uchiha Yashiro told Itachi, "I'm heading to the battlefield. Once I return, I'll come for you. Until then, study well with Mr. Shinji and Mr. Shisui...."
"Okay."
Uchiha Itachi agreed, then lowered his head in thought. But after walking for a while, he couldn't suppress his doubts and asked, "Where is father? I haven't seen mother in days either...."
"Your father? Isn't he a traitor!"
A passing clansman, hearing Uchiha Itachi's question, glanced at him, realizing it was the son of the former Clan Leader, and couldn't help but respond,
"Your father has defected. He's the Uchiha's disgrace...."
"Enough!"
Uchiha Yashiro reprimanded, even if he were to die in battle tomorrow, today he was the Security Team's Squad Leader.
"Do not burden children with the sins of adults. Itachi is only two years old!"
After Uchiha Yashiro's words, the man felt it inappropriate to vent his anger on a two-year-old Itachi, yet apologizing to such a young child was difficult for him, so he bowed his head and left.
"Itachi, you might encounter such situations often. If you can endure it, do so as much as possible."
Uchiha Yashiro advised, and soon they reached Uchiha Shinji's home.
After explaining the situation to Uchiha Shinji, without disclosing the truth of Uchiha Fugaku's defection, he informed Shinji about Fugaku and Mikota's divorce due to emotional discord, without specifying the cause since not even Uchiha Yashiro knew.
He shared this in hopes that Uchiha Shinji would not casually return Itachi to Mikota, with a firm stance that even a day with her was not an option, strictly adhering to Uchiha Fugaku's requests.
After advising Shinji on guiding Itachi's training, Uchiha Yashiro finally left.
He felt he'd done everything within his ability.
Otherwise, Fugaku might not survive, and neither might Itachi.
But with Fugaku currently alive, and Itachi under assured care, Uchiha Yashiro felt he'd lived up to Fugaku's trust, even if the Mangekyo Sharingan wasn't passed on to Itachi.
——————————————————
"Uchiha Fugaku defected?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen dropped his pipe upon receiving this news but quickly deduced the cause.
During the Clan Leader competition, he'd sensed the lethal rivalry between Fugaku and Yoichi, further compounded by previous discord between them.
"Ah, Fugaku, you could have joined the Anbu; why choose to defect?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed internally, knowing he could have protected Fugaku within the Anbu, distancing from the Security Team's reach.
Unfortunately, Fugaku chose defection, rendering Hiruzen's desire for him to join the Anbu impossible.
"Alas..."
Quickly, Sarutobi Hiruzen signed Fugaku's S-Class Traitorous Ninja wanted notice, having it printed and dispatched among the Anbu.
However, he advised the Anbu to prioritize capturing Fugaku alive if encountered.
Conversely, when the news reached Danzo, he didn't share this mentality.
Envious of the Mangekyo's power for so long, even though Fugaku's Susanoo was somewhat lacking, the initial two Pupil Techniques deeply intrigued Danzo.
Upon learning of Fugaku's defection, Danzo immediately summoned skilled tracking ninjas, prioritizing the search for Uchiha Fugaku.
"If the Mangekyo were in my eyes, its power would surpass Fugaku's, better safeguarding Konoha....."
Danzo suddenly thought, if the Mangekyo was this powerful, then why not utilize the equally renowned Wood Release?
"I recall Tobirama studied the Wood Release's power. What if I found someone to research again...."
Danzo thought of Orochimaru, who lately barely accepted missions, seemingly using Shadow Clones for student-related tasks, continually secluded in his secret base for research.
If anyone in Konoha could discover the Wood Release's power, Danzo could only think of Orochimaru; akin to Tobirama, he enjoyed delving into unknowns, standing apart from Sarutobi Hiruzen's Ninjutsu-focused approach.
Subsequently, Danzo summoned two Root members, commanding them: "Locate Orochimaru and tell him I need to discuss something."
"Understood, Lord Danzo."
The two Root members vanished instantly, seeking out Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, don't let me down...."
Suddenly overflowing with hope for the future, if Danzo could capture Fugaku while Orochimaru explored Hashirama Cells' power, mastering both Mangekyo and Wood Release could cement his path to become Hokage.
The tale of Uchiha Fugaku becoming an S-Class Traitorous Ninja in Konoha Village had limited reach, pausing at Konoha's upper echelon and informed clan members, yet White Zetsu, hidden in the village, was aware.
This unique being, created by Uchiha Madara using Hashirama Cells, could mimic anyone and was difficult to detect.
Only those mastering the Nine-tails Chakra Mode, with discerning compassionate and malicious intentions capability, could identify White Zetsu.
"Unexpectedly, yesterday I learned the Uchiha produced two Mangekyo users, and today one has defected. If informed of this to Lord Madara, he'd certainly reward me with a seat, granting me the experience of relieving myself...."
White Zetsu mused, then hobbled back home with a cane. His clone remained immobile, tasked with impersonating Obito's grandmother, but he could convey the news to other clones, ensuring the information reached Madara himself.