Chapter 26: Good and Evil Are Discerned Through a Heart and Deeds as Clear as a Mirror

"Senior, these are the research materials on the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, sent by the Hokage. Along with them, three Three Tomoe Sharingan have also been delivered."

In the secluded underground lab, an Anbu Ninja from the Leaf Village spoke to another Anbu within the facility.

"Old man sent them, huh..." The resident Anbu took the documents and the three Sharingan eyes preserved in nutrient-filled test tubes.

Gazing at the three eyes pulsing with an eerie aura, Hiruzen Shintetsu’s eyes flickered with a strange glint. He frowned and asked, "Where did the old man get these Sharingan from?"

The Leaf Anbu paused. The man before him was the Hokage’s eldest son, a senior within the Anbu, and one of the Sandaime’s closest aides. Sharing classified information with him shouldn’t be a problem.

He lowered his voice. "From Root’s Shimura Danzō."

"Danzō…" Hiruzen Shintetsu’s expression cleared. "That explains it. I knew the old man was stubborn—curious about many things, yet always claiming a Hokage shouldn’t do such things. He wouldn’t stoop to stealing Uchiha Sharingan himself."

"Only one person in the village could’ve pulled off something like this—Leaf Village’s shadow, the leader of Root, Shimura Danzō."

Hiruzen Shintetsu shook his head, speaking bluntly. "Still… he’s half of the old man’s black glove. All the dirty work the Hokage refuses to do himself—Danzō handles it in silence."

The Leaf Anbu remained silent.

"Tell him—on our end, we’ll do our best to fully comprehend these Sharingan research materials."

"Yes, Senior."

…

The Leaf Anbu stepped out of the hidden base, glancing back at the unremarkable stretch of forest behind him. He raised a hand and brushed the air—ripples shimmered into existence.

"Impeccable illusion. No wonder he’s the Hokage’s son."

Shaking off the distraction, he prepared to head back toward the Leaf Village—when a sudden, sharp meow cut through the silence.

"Meow~"

The Anbu narrowed his eyes, instantly snapping his gaze toward the source.

—So fat… was his first thought.

The next instant, a sharp whoosh split the air from the side. Instinct took over—his body dropped low, barely avoiding three shuriken that sliced past his face. One grazed the string of his mask, snapping it loose and revealing a young face beneath.

"Enemy?!"

As he drew his kunai, his vision was instantly seized by two crimson, swirling Three Tomoe Sharingan.

"Uchiha…" His pupils contracted. Instinctively, he tried to look away—anywhere but into those eyes.

Pfft!

A searing pain erupted in his chest. Dazed, he looked down—his kunai had never even cleared its sheath. The sound he’d heard was the other’s blade being drawn.

Now, a kunai pierced his heart.

It was an illusion.

【Ping! You have successfully eliminated a "Red Mark" villain. Your chakra has been slightly enhanced. Congratulations—you’ve obtained a reward: 10x "Leaf-Style Swordsmanship" Technique Manual!】

"Fourth one," said Uchiha Iizumi, pulling the blade free. His voice was quiet, almost sorrowful. "Newcomer. You’ve missed four chances. Your shuriken throwing technique needs a complete overhaul."

"I-I’m sorry, Senior…" Izumi stepped forward from behind, her face pale with guilt and terror.

This was the fourth Anbu she’d seen killed tonight. The first three had been sentries outside the base.

Staring at the Anbu’s chest gushing blood, at the face—still youthful, barely older than herself—she felt a wave of doubt wash over her.

"Senior… are they really all villains?"

"Yes."

Uchiha Iizumi wiped blood from his blade, his gaze fixed ahead into the forest. To his Three Tomoe Sharingan, even the most elaborate illusions were mere child’s play.

For the first time, Izumi found the courage to ask, "Senior… how do you know who is truly evil?"

"Through a heart and conduct as clear as a mirror."

Izumi froze.

Uchiha Iizumi walked forward, his form partially merging into a tree trunk. His voice echoed in her ears.

"I possess a unique ability. My eyes can see the 'evil' in all living beings. The root of this power lies not in my eyes—but in my heart. My inner self, pure and unclouded. My moral compass, my worldview—these are the foundation of my judgment."

Izumi’s eyes widened. Could this be the power of the Sharingan?

"Newcomer," Uchiha Iizumi asked, his body now fully swallowed by the forest illusion, "what do you think of a ninja who, to protect their family, takes up arms, fights on the battlefield, and kills many? In my eyes—would they be a villain?"

Izumi hurried after him, her lips pressed tight. "I don’t think so, Senior."

"Correct," Iizumi replied calmly. "My judgment is based on the standard I held before I awakened this ability. A person must shape their power—never let their power define them. Otherwise, [Justice] becomes evil wearing a lamb’s fleece."

As the words left his mouth, the world around him shifted—radically.

Before him stood a secret base, far larger than he’d expected. The air was thick with the scent of chemicals and, faintly, blood.

"Who are you?!" A voice cried out in shock from ahead.

A Leaf ninja stood frozen, eyes wide with horror—especially when he locked eyes with Uchiha Iizumi’s crimson Sharingan. His breath caught.

【Inuzuka Makoto — Anbu Secret Research Facility Scientist. Participated in seventeen human experiments over the years. Former assistant to Orochimaru. Directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of eleven war orphans. Evil Level: Red Mark!】

"I remember you," Uchiha Iizumi said, his voice like a whisper from the underworld. He advanced slowly. "Years ago, during Third Hokage’s raid on Orochimaru’s lab, I was there. Conveniently, I saw you then."

"So the Third Hokage didn’t keep his promise. He didn’t execute you and your kind as he vowed. Instead, he hid you here—using you like discarded tools."

"...You? The Molten Release ninja?!"

Inuzuka Makoto’s mind exploded. His eyes widened in terror.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end