RADG: Chapter 172: Sasuke and Shisui Return to Their Roots

The reason the two ended up in this state was simple.

Sasuke and Naruto’s strength had been progressing alternately. When they first graduated, Sasuke was stronger than Naruto. But once Naruto mastered Shadow Clones and learned to use them properly, their strength became evenly matched.

Of course, this was not factoring in the Nine Tails' influence.

When they each mastered their respective trump cards, Rasengan and Chidori, Sasuke was no longer Naruto's match.

Sasuke could only use Chidori three or four times in a battle at full strength, while Naruto could throw out Rasengan after Rasengan like basic attacks. With his massive stamina, he could wear Sasuke down.

So in recent spars, Naruto had been suppressing Sasuke, pushing him to the edge emotionally.

Today, Naruto, who had always been just a step behind, completely broke Sasuke’s mental defenses.

In his frustration and rage, Sasuke awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan.

With the activation of the Three Tomoe Sharingan, his chakra surged dramatically. Without relying on the Nine Tails’ power, Naruto was no longer a match for him.

But perhaps to vent his pent-up frustration, Sasuke went all out. His attacks were especially heavy today, pushing Naruto to the point of releasing his Tailed Beast Cloak again.

Shisui stayed fair throughout. He waited until Naruto knocked Sasuke out, then suppressed the Nine Tails’ chakra before sending both of them to the hospital.

As Sasuke recounted everything, Shisui silently appeared in the ward.

“I see.”

After Sasuke finished explaining, Yami confirmed it again with a flat tone.

“Yeah.”

Shisui nodded, expressionless. “Nothing was exaggerated or altered.”

Smack! Yami slapped Sasuke on the head, nearly making him pass out again. He didn't care.

Leaning back in his chair, Yami sneered. “Alright, so you’ve grown up enough to start fights with Naruto.”

“Sasuke, I’ve never opposed your revenge against Uchiha Itachi. I’ve given you favorable conditions, haven’t I? But what exactly did Naruto do to provoke your hostility?”

“You’re just like Uchiha Itachi in this regard. Messed up in the head, dragging innocent people into your issues.”

Shisui lowered his head in embarrassment behind Yami, while Sasuke’s face flushed red, though not from his Sharingan.

“I’m not like him! There’s nothing similar between me and Uchiha Itachi!”

“Then tell me. Why are you jealous of Naruto?”

With things reaching this point, Sasuke didn’t want to hold it in any longer. He finally spoke the truth he’d been suppressing.

“I just can’t accept it.”

“Every time I feel like I’ve surpassed Naruto, he always catches up and even overtakes me.”

“My bloodline is clearly stronger than his. But he gets stronger and stronger just by relying on the monster inside him.”

“If I can’t even fully defeat Naruto, how am I supposed to kill Uchiha Itachi?”

“Idiot.”

Yami gave a cold verdict.

“Whether or not you can defeat Naruto has nothing to do with killing Uchiha Itachi. Jealousy only proves your incompetence.”

“If you really think the Nine Tails is what gives Naruto the edge, I can seal the Five Tails into your body instead.”

Hearing that, Sasuke was actually tempted for a second, but in the end, he shook his head. “Yami-sensei, Uchiha power is definitely stronger than the Nine Tails.”

Smack!

Another slap landed on his head.

“You know that, yet you're still jealous of Naruto? If you’re not strong enough, train harder. If I find out you’re sulking again, I’ll send you straight to Uchiha Itachi. Once he kills you, I’ll go kill him myself.”

Shisui inhaled sharply.

That was harsh.

Sasuke wouldn’t get his revenge, and Itachi would end up killing his own little brother. The two brothers would never rest in peace.

Sure enough, after hearing this, Sasuke’s face turned pale and he quickly promised to behave from now on.

Yami waved him off. “Alright. I’ll judge you by your actions, not your words.”

“Shisui, keep an eye on him. I’m leaving.”

Sasuke became anxious. “Sensei, you promised me! You said if I could defeat Yuichi, you’d tell me more about the survivors!”

Yami thought about it.

Sasuke’s strength was already close to Yuichi’s, and now with the Three Tomoe Sharingan, he’d surely win with some more training.

Remembering a letter from a few days ago, an idea formed in Yami’s mind.

“Tomorrow morning, meet me at the old training ground. I’ll take you back to your roots. Shisui, you’re coming too. If you want to know more, you’ll have to pass my final test.”

Although Yami had only told Sasuke that Yuichi was a fellow Uchiha, Shisui had been assisting Naruto with Tailed Beast control lately, so it was impossible to keep his identity a secret anymore.

“Might as well bring both of them.”

After saying that, Yami left, leaving Shisui and Sasuke both confused.

Back to our roots?

The next morning, unsure what “morning” meant to Yami, Shisui and Sasuke arrived at Team 7’s usual training ground at 8 a.m.

It wasn’t until 10 a.m. that Yami finally showed up—with Hikari in full ANBU gear.

Shisui immediately recognized her. She had formed the Four Red Yang Formation with him during the last mission.

Sasuke also stared at her, thinking of what Yami said yesterday about “returning to your roots.” Could she also be one of them? An elder of the Uchiha clan?

“Hikari, take off your mask.”

At Yami’s command, Hikari slowly removed her mask. Sasuke’s eyes widened in shock, and even Shisui, though masked, reacted visibly.

That hairstyle… that face…

If she’s not Uchiha, he’d eat his own headband.

Uchiha… Hikari?

Sasuke was completely confused. Why did this woman look so much like him?

Yami smiled and casually wrapped an arm around Hikari’s waist, then introduced her, “She is your ancestor—Uchiha Hikari. Sasuke, you should call her Sensei’s wife.”

“Yami-sensei…”

Sasuke swallowed hard, then frowned. “This… she seems to be about the same age as you?”

“My fault.”

Yami lowered his head, feigning guilt. “I forgot. You were only six when the massacre happened, and most of the clan’s scrolls were destroyed. You’re no different from a dropout.”

Sasuke’s eye twitched wildly. He didn’t dare refute the sarcasm.

“Shisui, in Uchiha clan records, Hikari also goes by another name—Uchiha Nanashi.”

As a top student, Shisui had read most of the clan records. It took him a moment, but he recalled the name from deep memory.

Uchiha Nanashi, a legendary weapon, eye-transplantation techniques…

Shisui’s voice changed. “Yami-sama, are you joking? That was hundreds of years ago!”

“I rescued Hikari from her seal a few years ago. Why would I lie?”

Right on cue, Hikari revealed her Mangekyō Sharingan. The immense pupil power, even when restrained, pressured Sasuke intensely.

Thud—

Shisui dropped to one knee. Seeing that Sasuke was still frozen in place, he tugged him down as well and said respectfully,

"Shisui of the Uchiha, it's an honor."

Sasuke quickly shook off his shock and followed suit.

"Uchiha Sasuke, it's an honor to meet you, Ancestor Hikari."

"Don't call me old."

Hikari scrunched her nose. “Sasuke, from now on, call me Sensei’s wife. I like that title.”

“And you, Shisui, call me Hikari-sama. Get up.”

“Yes!”

Neither of them dared protest. They stood up again.

Yami continued, “Sasuke, Hikari’s Mangekyō abilities include Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu, or rather, an advanced form—Flame Control.”

“But Flame Control damages her eyes. I won’t let her use it to spar with you.”

“In the future, she’ll cast Tsukuyomi on you once every three days. If you can perfectly counter Tsukuyomi, then you’ll have a chance at defeating Uchiha Itachi.”

Sasuke agreed excitedly.

He had been defeated twice by Tsukuyomi already and had no way to resist it. Gaining an ancestor’s guidance was well worth it.

“Yami-sensei, was this the test you mentioned?” Sasuke asked.

“No.”

Yami shook his head. “You’ll find out in a few days. Hikari, go ahead.”

Tsukuyomi activated, and Sasuke, who had only just recovered, collapsed instantly.

From then on, Sasuke and Naruto practically treated Konoha Hospital as their second home.

One was repeatedly exposed to Tsukuyomi, the other had to endure rampaging Nine Tails chakra. Since they’d be alone at home anyway, they decided to just live in the hospital together. At least they had company.

While Naruto and Sasuke bunked together, Yami spent most of his time in the Shikkotsu Forest, learning its unique Sage Arts.

The Sage Arts of the three sacred places were indeed different. Each species interpreted natural energy in its own way.

The Ryūchi Cave focused on controlling the world, giving inorganic beings lifelike qualities. The Shikkotsu Forest, on the other hand, emphasized nourishment—enhancing cellular activity, boosting strength, speed, and regenerative ability.

As for Mount Myōboku, based on Yami’s understanding and information from Katsuyu, it specialized in pure combat-style Sage Arts, maximizing the power of ninjutsu.

Yami preferred chatting with Katsuyu. Among the three sages, Katsuyu had the gentlest personality and didn’t interfere with ninja development like the old snakes or toads.

Most importantly… she had a nice voice.

Half a month passed.

Naruto and Sasuke finally got a break. They happened to see a poster at the bulletin board and, with nothing else to do, decided to watch a movie.

It was Naruto’s first time at a theater, and he was thrilled. Even after the movie ended, he was still lost in the story.

“Seven-colored chakra, so amazing!”

“And I heard from the audience that the heroine, Koyuki Kazahana, is actually a princess!”

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “Idiot, that’s all special effects. There’s no such thing as seven-colored chakra.”

“Baka! Of course I know it’s special effects!”

While they bickered, an ANBU appeared and blocked their path.

“Uzumaki Naruto. Uchiha Sasuke. Hokage-sama has summoned you to the office immediately.”

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up.

It was so urgent—was there a mission waiting?

Five minutes later, they arrived at the Hokage’s office.

“Eh? Neji? Why are you here too?”

Seeing Hyūga Neji standing silently with his hands down, Naruto was a bit surprised.

But then his attention was immediately stolen. His jaw dropped when he saw the elegant girl chatting with Izumi.

“Y-you… you’re the Seven-Colored Chakra Princess!”

Koyuki Kazahana was taken aback by the strange title. Then she glanced at Yami with a strange expression.

“Yami-sama, you sure have a unique eye for disciples.”

(To be continued.)