Chapter 30: Naive Uchiha Shisui
Konoha Village, by a secluded lakeside. The afterglow of the setting sun cast its light on the lake, making the water sparkle. The surrounding area was lush with vegetation, and the chirping of cicadas filled the air, bringing a sense of summer tranquility.
Uchiha Shisui, renowned in Konoha as Shunshin no Shisui and hailed as a genius of the Uchiha Clan, a talent rarely seen in a hundred years, stood quietly by the lake.
Uchiha Akira's figure appeared silently not far behind him.
"Shisui-senpai, I apologize for the wait," Uchiha Akira's voice broke the tranquility of the place.
Shisui slowly turned around, a gentle smile on his face. "Akira, you're here. I've heard a lot about your recent achievements. Being promoted to Jōnin, mastering Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and even developing an S-rank Ninjutsu—it's truly remarkable."
Uchiha Akira remained noncommittal, humbly responding, "Just some empty titles, nothing worth mentioning." He scrutinized Shisui before him.
"Akira, I asked you to meet today because I want to talk about the future of our clan," Shisui said directly, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a hint of gravity.
"The future of the clan?" Uchiha Akira raised an eyebrow. "What insights do you have, Shisui-senpai?"
Shisui took a deep breath. "Akira, your talent and strength are beyond doubt; you are the hope for the clan's future. But I worry that some of your actions might lead the clan into a dangerous situation."
Shisui paused, then continued, "I have always believed that the Uchiha Clan is a part of Konoha. We should strive to contribute to the Village, coexist peacefully with the Village, and dispel the misunderstandings and fears the higher-ups have of us, rather than pursuing constant confrontation. I know the Hawk Faction elders think highly of you. They hope you can lead the Uchiha to fight for our rights in a more aggressive way. But Akira, have you considered what kind of outcome the Uchiha will face once we completely sever ties with the Village?"
Witnessing the deepening rift between the clan and the Village after the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox Incident, Shisui also felt the subtle suspicion and caution from the higher-ups. Shisui longed for peace, for the Uchiha to truly integrate into the large family of Konoha.
"Shisui-senpai, I understand your philosophy. But have you considered what foundation this so-called peaceful coexistence is built upon? Is it built on the other party's benevolence? Or is it built on us Uchiha being obsequious and fawning?"
Uchiha Akira retorted without hesitation, his tone mocking. "Where does the Village's higher-ups' fear of us Uchiha come from? And why has it never been dispelled? We were driven to the outskirts of the Village, the Guard Team's authority was undermined, our clan members were monitored… Are these also for peaceful coexistence? Shisui-senpai, with all due respect, your so-called peace is nothing but a mirage, merely self-deception! Without absolute strength as a backing, peace will always be just a plaything in the hands of the strong! Only when we are strong enough, so strong that no one dares to harbor any ill intentions towards us, will that be true peace!"
Uchiha Shisui opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to refute something, but what Uchiha Akira said left him unable to argue. Because those were bloody facts!
Just as the atmosphere fell into a stalemate, Shisui's eyes suddenly narrowed without warning! Uchiha Akira felt the scenery before him slightly blur, and the next moment, he found himself in a completely different setting! The sun was bright, birds sang, and flowers bloomed. Konoha Village was prosperous, and the villagers' faces were filled with happy smiles. The Uchiha Clan members were intimate with the other villagers, children played and laughed together, and the members of the Guard Team patrolled every corner of the Village with their heads held high, receiving the respect and love of everyone…
It was an incredibly harmonious and beautiful scene. A flourishing vision of Uchiha and Konoha perfectly coexisting!
However, this illusion lasted for less than 2 seconds! In Uchiha Akira's eyes, 3 pitch-black tomoe suddenly appeared, spinning rapidly!
"Break!"
A low shout! The illusion before him, like a shattered mirror, instantly broke into pieces and vanished without a trace. The lakeside was still the lakeside, and the setting sun was still the setting sun.
What a brilliant Genjutsu! And it should be… Mangekyō Sharingan level ocular power! As expected of Uchiha Shisui!
Shisui saw Uchiha Akira break his Genjutsu so easily, and a hint of unconcealed surprise flashed in his eyes. Although he hadn't used his full power in that Genjutsu, it was by no means something an ordinary Jōnin could easily detect and break! Uchiha Akira had actually broken free instantly! Moreover, in Uchiha Akira's eyes, a Three-Tomoe Sharingan!
"It seems, Akira, your strength is even greater than rumored," Shisui said with a wry smile, retracting the emitted ocular power. He wanted Uchiha Akira to see the future he hoped for in his heart.
"Shisui-senpai, you flatter me," Uchiha Akira's tone remained calm. "Your ocular Ninjutsu is truly astonishing as well." Uchiha Akira did not expose the Mangekyō. The time was not yet right.
Shisui looked deeply at Akira. "Akira, I know our chosen paths may be different. But I still hope that we can both strive for the future of the clan. Perhaps, one day, we can reach the same destination by different routes."
Uchiha Akira nodded. "I agree. Regardless of the path, the clan's interests always come first."
Although Shisui's ideology leaned towards the "Dove Faction" and was even somewhat naive, his loyalty to the clan and his protective heart were undeniable. Moreover, Shisui's strength should not be underestimated. Uchiha Akira did not intend to completely push Shisui to the opposing side until he had absolute certainty. An Uchiha Shisui with a Mangekyō Sharingan, if he could become an ally, even temporarily, his value would be immeasurable.
"Well then, I won't disturb Shisui-senpai from enjoying the scenery," Uchiha Akira said, and with a whoosh, he vanished.
By the lakeside, only Shisui remained. He gazed in the direction Uchiha Akira had left, silent for a long time.
"Uchiha Akira…" he murmured softly, "Will you be the hope of the Uchiha, or… a disaster?"
However, he, Uchiha Shisui, as the pillar of the Uchiha Dove Faction, as a key figure who might integrate the clan's power in the future, had to make his own choice.