Compared to clan-born ninjas, commoner ninjas must claw their way up, often entirely dependent on the whims of more powerful families.
This injustice, this struggle against invisible walls, was precisely why Arata had sought to break free from Konoha's suffocating hierarchy.
The political landscape was rife with corruption: the Uchiha dwindling in influence, the remnants of the Senju's power gone, and the old guard of Konoha controlling every major decision.
Even if Arata's clan survived to the Fifth Hokage's era, the advisory council would ensure they never thrived.
Still, missions had to be completed. No amount of excuses could let him abandon the task at hand.
Justice, after all, was rarely found in the ninja world; actions always carried consequences.
Arata felt a twinge of regret. Kojima Murafu's fervor and skill could have been useful if tamed, a potential ally.
But people like him, even when treated well, would inevitably betray you.
And with "Betsutenjin" out of reach, Kojima was simply too dangerous.
Stepping forward, Arata prepared to negotiate, to coax Kojima into surrendering peacefully.
But before he could speak, Kojima's expression shifted.
The fury faded, replaced by a cunning, triumphant grin.
Arata's heart skipped a beat. The next instant, Kojima vanished with a bang.
From all directions, steel wires shot out like a cage, tightening around Arata, each lined with explosive tags.
The moment the wires wrapped around him, sparks flashed along the metal strands, detonating the explosives.
A shockwave rattled the forest near the edge of the trees.
Arata massaged his temples, unfazed. Kojima Murafu had skill.....setting a silent trap with near-perfect timing.
The detonation had even caught Arata's shadow clone off-guard, destroying it before it could free itself.
Without hesitation, Arata summoned another shadow clone to intercept.
His chakra reserves, amplified by awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan and his prodigious mental power (a boon of fate, or rather, another life), were immense; such minor losses were inconsequential.
Kojima, hidden within the trees, scowled. He hadn't expected an Uchiha to send a clone to approach, and seeing another identical figure stepping forward only deepened his frustration. He sneered:
"So, the mighty Uchiha… a coward, only sending shadows to probe? Are the rumors about you being unbeatable false?"
Arata remained composed, his gaze locked on the small figure perched on a horizontal branch. Calmly, he asked:
"The technique you just used....Lightning-Release Transformation, correct?
This isn't something a commoner ninja like you should even access.
So tell me, did you kill your student purely out of anger, or is there more to it?"
The forest fell silent, tension crackling in the air as two ninja forces faced off, one testing the trap, the other assessing the true danger beneath the bravado.
Uchiha Arata studied Kojima Murafu's contorted expression carefully, his voice calm yet firm.
"Chakra attribute transformations and nature changes like these have always been village secrets.
Without being an elite Jonin, without significant achievements, you would never have access to this information.
By your rank and previous missions alone, it's impossible."
Arata's gaze hardened. "So, your student's death wasn't purely about anger.
That was just a pretense. The truth lies in your Lightning chakra nature transformation."
From the abnormal speed of the explosive tags moments ago, Arata had already sensed something unusual.
Ordinary tags don't detonate that quickly unless enhanced by special techniques.
That faint flash along the wires revealed that Kojima had refined his Lightning chakra nature, accelerating the explosions.....enough to suggest he was dabbling in advanced transformations.
Arata's mind raced. Chakra attribute mastery was the foundation for developing Kekkei Genkai.
Kojima's ability was promising, though still far from mastery.
But if Arata could copy one or two practical Kekkei Genkai using his ocular prowess, he could integrate them and not fail Mikoto, who had entrusted him with her legacy.
High above, perched on the tree, Kojima's face twisted further in fury.
He had not expected Arata's observation to be so sharp.
A mere glimpse of his Lightning-imbued chakra had revealed what he had tried to keep hidden.....his secret weapon.
Read more 60+ Advance chapter And Support me
patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang