Mikoto had never seen any Uchiha visit Kiyoshi.
"We need to find a way to deepen Kiyoshi's bond with the Uchiha. Otherwise, is Kiyoshi truly loyal to Konoha or to the Uchiha?"
Fugaku frowned slightly.
Such examples were not nonexistent.
Uchiha Kagami appeared to outsiders as a hero with the Will of Fire.
Within the Uchiha, however, these actions were no different from those of a lackey.
"Alright, I'll investigate thoroughly."
Mikoto nodded lightly, her straight long hair falling in a few strands over her chest.
She exchanged a few more polite words with Fugaku before taking her leave.
Before officially confirming a romantic relationship, basic etiquette still had to be maintained.
Otherwise, other clan members might gossip.
Traditional as always, Mikoto's views on this matter were also very conventional.
"Go back."
Fugaku nodded, watching Mikoto leave.
He felt increasingly satisfied with her.
A virtuous woman, like a Yamato Nadeshiko, where else could one find another?
......
The next day.
Uchiha Hazuki, keeping her promise, brought two genjutsu scrolls from home, handed them to Kiyoshi, and then left immediately.
As if she didn't want to stay even a moment longer.
Kiyoshi didn't mind; there would be plenty of time to interact in the future.
And there were many ways to establish connections.
He opened the genjutsu scrolls in his hand, looking at the inscriptions.
He had asked Uchiha Hazuki not to send just one scroll, and she had sent only two.
Kiyoshi felt that this was likely all she had to offer.
The basic ability of the Sharingan was "Hypnotic Eye," and even such basic genjutsu could handle many situations.
Most clan members focused their energy on training Fire Release techniques, honing their skills.
Another portion trained in Lightning Release, though not as many.
However, it was still more than other techniques like Wind or Water Release.
It was the second most practiced technique after Fire Release.
"Let's start with this genjutsu scroll."
Kiyoshi closed the door and turned toward the inner room.
The two scrolls Hazuki gave were the D-rank genjutsu "Illusion·Smoke Walker Technique" and the C-rank genjutsu "Illusion·Not Here Technique."
The "Illusion·Smoke Walker Technique" could release a puff of smoke, distort light, and produce a smoke bomb effect.
In other words, if one had sufficient chakra, this genjutsu could be used to confuse enemies and escape.
It was slightly weaker than a real smoke bomb and generally used to deceive ninjas weak in genjutsu.
The second, "Illusion·Not Here Technique,"
was a close-range support genjutsu, effective within zero to five meters.
It made opponents mistake one location for another.
In other words, it could create an illusory image within five meters, making it unrecognizable to others.
When Kiyoshi, Akane Yuhi, and Asuma Sarutobi attended the written exam, the two ninjas blocking the door used "Illusion·Not Here Technique."
Though not effective on those proficient in genjutsu, as a ninja's "illusion" value increases, the technique's power and range also grow.
Hmm…
Using this technique openly against others probably wouldn't be noticed.
Kiyoshi considered this.
Of course, this was just a thought. At this stage, his genjutsu was not strong, only having an advantage among ordinary ninjas without Kekkei Genkai.
For now, the priority was obtaining the green genjutsu trait.
......
"Hazuki? You went to Kiyoshi's place?"
Wearing her tight ninja combat outfit and with a distinct charm, Mikoto saw Uchiha Hazuki coming out from Kiyoshi's house.
She intended to give this month's living expenses to Kiyoshi and, along the way, investigate the clan's opinion of him.
She had just spotted her first target.
"Is… there something, Mikoto?"
Mikoto's sudden approach startled Uchiha Hazuki.
"I want to ask, what do you think of Kiyoshi? What is your relationship with him?"
Mikoto inquired.
Hearing these questions, Uchiha Hazuki furrowed her brows slightly.
She almost blurted out that Uchiha Kiyoshi was a brat, had taken her money to buy chainmail, and had tricked her with two genjutsu!
Are there such audacious kids in the village?
It's outrageous!
"Hmm, he's a very caring little brat… a small fellow."
Uchiha Hazuki forced a smile, fearing Mikoto wouldn't believe her, and mentioned some of Kiyoshi's merits.
"Yes, he's talented, polite, and looks good."
Suppressing her discomfort, she listed Kiyoshi's strengths carefully.
Not because she wanted to, but to avoid speaking carelessly.
She had learned her lesson.
"I see."
Mikoto nodded.
She hadn't expected Kiyoshi to integrate well into the clan.
She remembered that previously Uchiha Hazuki had been indifferent toward Kiyoshi. When he went to the jutsu repository to collect techniques, she had delayed him for a whole month.
"That's great. Our Uchiha clan is united. I believe you can build a better bond with Kiyoshi."
Mikoto smiled lightly.
A few strands of hair fell from her temples, which she tucked behind her ear, her face carrying a faint smile.
After gathering the information she wanted, Mikoto said goodbye to Uchiha Hazuki and continued toward Kiyoshi's house.
She knocked on the door and handed the living expenses to Kiyoshi.
Kiyoshi opened the door, seeing Uchiha Hazuki hurry away, as if fleeing.
He took the living expenses Mikoto offered and thanked her sincerely.
Honestly, such a graceful woman triggered a reaction in Kiyoshi's ocular power.
But he concealed this reaction well.
"Mikoto-san, if you plan to marry, how long until then?"
Kiyoshi wanted to confirm again.
He wanted to know the final timeline.
If he remembered correctly, Uchiha Itachi was born on June 9th, year 47.
Counting back, conception would have been November or December of year 46.
It would be best to act within this timeframe to delay Itachi's birth or secure the birth timing.
"Probably within a year or two."
Mikoto smiled.
"I see."
Seeing that the timeline roughly matched the original, Kiyoshi already had a plan.
He had much to do; operational space was large.
The trigger for the Third Ninja World War could actually be controlled.
That was the disappearance of the Third Kazekage.
He had actually been killed by Sasori.
Sunagakure fell into chaos, with no central authority, various factions in conflict, and the Land of Lightning noticing the opportunity, launching war.
Then the martial factions of other nations sensed a chance for war, responding accordingly, and the situation became chaotic instantly.
Some favored peace, for stability.
Some favored war, for profit.
This war would leave all major nations scarred and in shadow.
"Remember to economize. If it's really not enough, you can come to me; I'll support you a bit."
Mikoto spoke.
"Thank you, Mikoto-san."
Kiyoshi nodded, putting it directly into his ninja gear bag without counting.
Mikoto was not the kind of woman to chase money.
(End of Chapter)