After learning the hidden truths about the Mangekyo Sharingan from her leader, Karin's jaw dropped, her face filled with disbelief.
What shocked her even more was that the effects of dojutsu bloodline limits could vary so drastically depending on the user.
"So only the original owner can unleash the full power of a dojutsu bloodline limit…"
She murmured softly.
It was only now that she realized how unique her constitution truly was!
It was this special constitution that allowed her to restore this fully damaged Mangekyo Sharingan, indirectly claiming the authority of its original owner.
Jikibi said calmly, "That's why only you can fuse the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan!"
Karin nodded: "Boss, as long as it helps you, I'll do my best!"
"No need to doubt—you've always been helping me!"
Jikibi acknowledged Karin's efforts but stopped short, choosing not to mention the Rinnegan.
After all, only by crossing the hurdle of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan could one even dream of the Rinnegan. There was no need to burden Karin with such pressure before the Eternal Mangekyo was achieved.
Encouraged by Jikibi's words, Karin's face lit up with joy.
She had always felt inferior compared to others, especially with Uchiha Shinji's recent meteoric rise at the shinobi academy, which made her feel inadequate. She feared her leader might abandon her.
Jikibi continued, "Fusing the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan will be a lengthy process. Even with your constitution and chakra reserves, the entire fusion could take a week, maybe longer."
Karin quickly asked, "During the fusion, can I still attend the academy?"
"I'm afraid not."
Jikibi shook his head.
If he used 'Susanoo Tomoshibi' to facilitate the fusion, Jikibi could complete it in a single night. But with conventional methods, it would require significant time and demand that the host remain bedridden for the duration. Once Karin began the fusion, attending the academy would be impossible.
Karin voiced her concern: "I can request leave from the academy, but I'm worried the village might get suspicious…"
Jikibi shook his head: "You can't just take leave."
Karin asked, "Then what should we do?"
"I've already planned for this," Jikibi paused, then said, "When the fusion begins, I'll have Zetsu work with you to stage an incident—pretending you injured your eyes during a spar. You'll go to Hidden Leaf Hospital for treatment, then use the hospital's certification to request leave from the academy."
Karin thought it over and nodded: "Yes, that should work."
The corners of Jikibi's mouth curved beneath his mask: "Don't worry. Right now, few at the shinobi academy are paying attention to you. The next one or two months are the perfect window for you to fuse the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan!"
As Jikibi said, the shinobi academy was currently abuzz with talk of Uchiha Shinji.
At a training field.
Naruto and Sakura crowded around Sasuke, listening as he recounted Uchiha Shinji's clash with Orochimaru.
At the exciting parts, Naruto shouted with enthusiasm: "Man, I'm so jealous of Uchiha Shinji! If only I could fight those big shots too!"
Sakura, exasperated, bonked Naruto on the head: "You idiot, if it was you, you'd be dead already!"
Sasuke, his face serious, nodded: "Right now, at the academy, no one but Uchiha Shinji could stand up to someone like Orochimaru. Not even me or Jikibi could."
Naruto asked curiously, "Is that Orochimaru guy really that strong?"
Sasuke explained, "Orochimaru is on par with Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya, but he defected from the village for certain reasons. I asked Kakashi—even he's no match for Orochimaru!"
Sakura's face clouded with worry: "Uchiha Shinji's already that strong? What are we going to do for the academy exams?"
Hearing Sakura's concerns, Sasuke's expression grew even darker.
First Jikibi, then Neji, Kimimaro, Naruto, and now Uchiha Shinji—he didn't know why his path to dominating the academy was so fraught with obstacles.
Especially Uchiha Shinji—he couldn't find any way to defeat her.
Naruto muttered, "Yeah, I heard the academy's holding another squad-versus-squad test soon. I thought we had a shot at first place, but now we're in trouble!"
Sasuke's brows furrowed tightly.
A few days later, the academy indeed announced a new round of squad-versus-squad tests.
This thrust the academy's prodigies back into the spotlight.
Uchiha Shinji, with her meteoric rise, became the focal point of discussion across the entire academy.
Her ambush outside the village, though perilous, had been witnessed by Sasuke, who saw her battle Orochimaru. From Kakashi, he also learned that before facing Orochimaru, Uchiha Shinji had clashed with Akatsuki's Scorpion.
Thus, the tale of Uchiha Shinji facing both an Akatsuki member and Orochimaru spread like wildfire in the days that followed.
What shocked people most was that, against such formidable foes, Uchiha Shinji not only held her own but fought with flair.
After all, whether it was an Akatsuki member or the rogue Orochimaru, these were S-rank wanted criminals, foes even Jonin dared not provoke lightly.
Yet a mere eight-year-old academy student had stood her ground against such powerhouses, revealing the terrifying potential of Uchiha Shinji! Her 'catfish effect' once again stirred the academy, sparking another frenzy of intense training among the students.
One morning.
Jikibi, as usual, arrived at the academy to oversee Shion's training.
Perhaps spurred by Uchiha Shinji's influence, Shion had been far more diligent lately, her taijutsu improving at a visible pace.
At that moment, a wave of gasps erupted across the training field.
"Look, everyone!"
"U-Uchiha Shinji's back at school?"
"Does a monster like her even need to attend? My dad says her strength is already close to Jonin level!"
"Oh no, she's not here for the squad test, is she?"
All eyes turned toward the academy gate, fixating on the figure slowly approaching.
Undoubtedly, Uchiha Shinji, absent for so long, had finally returned to the academy.
Shion bounded over excitedly: "Uchiha Shinji, you're finally back! I haven't seen you in forever—I missed you!"
Uchiha Shinji smiled: "Here I am, aren't I?"
Then, spotting Jikibi behind Shion, she proactively said, "I'm not here to challenge you!"
Shion asked, "Uchiha Shinji, what are you doing back at the academy? Are you staying? You're not ditching me as a teammate, are you?"
Uchiha Shinji reassured her, "Don't worry, you'll always be my teammate. I'm back to join this squad-versus-squad test!"
Jikibi gave a faint smile, thinking to himself: The window for fusing the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan has arrived…