Although Yu had been with Umbrella longer, he spent most of his time stationed at the base, training new talent.
He also spent points at an alarming rate. Otherwise, his total likely wouldn't have fallen behind Orochimaru's.
A large portion of his points had gone into ninjutsu.
In the past, his strength had been difficult to improve through conventional means, so mastering advanced ninjutsu became his primary method of enhancement.
Recently, however, he had become obsessed with Umbrella's latest technological creations.
Combat strength was secondary—what mattered most was how cool they were.
Now, with the successful integration of Hashirama cells, Yu had awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan. His strength surged once again, surpassing even Zabuza's, leaving him feeling more than a little pleased with himself.
"Putting everything else aside," Yu said casually, "why is your strength rating ten stars, Shisui? Orochimaru-sama is only eight stars."
The question immediately drew attention.
Everyone present was equally curious about how these strength ratings were calculated.
Hearing this, all eyes turned toward Shisui.
Shisui smiled and explained calmly, "The strength rating is an internal evaluation based on the combat power you've already demonstrated."
"It's only a reference," he continued. "I can't account for the trump cards you may be hiding. Still, it serves as both a benchmark and a form of recognition."
"Oh! I get it," Yu said suddenly.
"So it means your strength has been officially certified, right?"
"That's basically it," Shisui nodded.
"I understand my own strength. As for the rest of you, your ratings are deductions based on collected data."
"Shisui-kun," Orochimaru said, his interest clearly piqued, "I'm quite curious—how exactly is this star-level system defined?"
After all, the two-star gap between them was not insignificant.
"This system was finalized after discussions between Naruto and myself," Shisui replied.
"Below five stars, one is considered beneath Kage-level."
"Six stars marks entry into Kage-level."
"Seven stars represents a Kage with solid combat ability."
"Most Kage fall into the late Kage-level, around eight stars."
"Nine stars belong to top-tier Kage. The Raikage and Tsuchikage fall roughly into this category—though the Tsuchikage reaches that level primarily due to his Kekkei Tōta."
"Ōnoki's destructive power can fluctuate," Shisui added.
"Sometimes it's even higher. But overall, his strength remains within that tier."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Still, never underestimate anyone. In the shinobi world, you never know what kind of trump cards someone is hiding. The weak defeating the strong is far from impossible."
This was precisely why combat strength was inherently uncertain—countless strange and unpredictable ninjutsu existed. What Umbrella recorded was merely an overall evaluation.
"I see," Orochimaru said thoughtfully.
"A very clear structure. Even with all the uncertainties, it has tremendous reference value."
"But what I'm most curious about," he continued, "is why you are rated at ten stars, Shisui-kun."
That was the question everyone wanted answered.
Shisui laughed lightly.
"That assessment was made by Naruto."
"I learned a power from him called Intent. It's a spiritual force—something that exists between illusion and reality."
"I comprehended Sword Intent."
"After losing my Mangekyō Sharingan, I devoted myself to swordsmanship. With Naruto's guidance, I finally broke through the limits of my previous strength."
Orochimaru clapped his hands lightly.
"So that's how it is."
"The spiritual domain truly is mysterious. Infinite potential—but incredibly difficult to master."
"Yes," Shisui nodded.
"It's an extremely profound state. One must learn to perceive the very breath of the blade."
There was no attempt to hide anything.
But upon hearing this explanation, everyone present immediately understood—
This was not something they could replicate.
"I've heard of similar concepts in the Land of Iron," Tsunade said thoughtfully.
"But it seems no one has truly achieved such a realm."
"The samurai there practice sword meditation… could that be related to comprehending Sword Intent?"
"I'm not sure," Shisui replied.
"But the swordsmanship of the Land of Iron is indeed exceptional."
"Sakumo-sama once studied swordsmanship there."
Orochimaru shook his head.
After hearing how difficult the path of Intent was, everyone gradually lost interest. It was clearly not something that could be learned through effort alone—this road likely belonged to Shisui alone.
"Alright," Shisui said, clapping his hands lightly.
"Let's not dwell on this any longer."
"Next, we'll move on to the population census."
"The workload will be considerable, so mobilize all subordinate units."
"Meeting adjourned!"
The conference room slowly emptied.
Orochimaru immediately returned to his laboratory. His experiment had reached a critical stage, and Itachi's mission was handed over to Tsunade instead.
Although the mysteries of the Mangekyō Sharingan were endlessly fascinating, a single Mangekyō was no longer Orochimaru's ultimate objective.
Soon after, the grand Ninja World Population Census officially began.
All organizations under Umbrella went into action.
"Hello, fellow villager. We're conducting a population census."
"To distinguish individual identities and maintain social stability, we need to register some basic information."
"Privacy?"
"No, only fundamental data will be recorded. An identity document will then be issued."
"After that, you'll be able to enjoy the preferential benefits provided by Umbrella."
Households were visited one by one.
These unfamiliar procedures filled the residents of the shinobi world with a sense of novelty they had never experienced before.
Not long after, identity cards were placed directly into their hands.
"Heh, this identity card looks really refined. Quite impressive."
As the cards were distributed, many people felt an inexplicable sense of belonging arise within them.
"Old Man, look at this!"
"This is my identity card—see? All my information is written on it!"
"What's that thing of yours?"
"What? An identity document issued by Umbrella?"
"Why don't I have one?"
"No, I want one too!"
The old man's boastful display immediately drew the dissatisfaction of another.
"Hahaha! Old Man Dong, they just haven't reached your village yet."
"They're registering households one by one. It should be your turn tomorrow."
"And that 'red ideology' everyone talks about?"
"From today onward, we're proud citizens of Umbrella!"
Scenes like this quickly spread throughout the shinobi world.
Those with identity cards were granted a 10% discount at Umbrella-affiliated stores, causing envy to spread rapidly—especially among the smaller nations.
Some people even secretly relocated their families, eager to enter Umbrella's sphere.
This movement soon caught the attention of Akatsuki, the Raikage, Ōnoki, and other major powers.
Yet there was nothing they could do.
They could only watch as the process continued.
After all, these were merely civilians. Their actions drew attention for a time, but dealing with Umbrella itself was the real priority.
At that moment, an inexplicable unease stirred within Obito's heart.
From the depths of shadow, his voice slowly echoed.
"Inform Black Zetsu to retrieve Uchiha Madara's body."
"Notify Nagato. Join forces with the Raikage and the Tsuchikage."
"Launch the war."
"The Eye of the Moon Plan must be accelerated."
"It's time for the decisive battle."
(End of Chapter)
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