Anya's speculation wasn't wrong. The tensions between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha had deteriorated badly, nearly reaching a point where neither side could tolerate the other. Not a single Uchiha could be seen anywhere inside Konoha village, while the Uchiha compound, isolated at the village's edge, was off-limits to all other villagers.
Both sides were walking on eggshells, and it was only a matter of time before the string snapped—when it did, bloodshed would be the only way to settle things.
Itachi Uchiha, specially recruited by Hiruzen Sarutobi into Anbu, had become a double agent. Both sides were cautiously probing each other for their hidden cards.
In a dense forest clearing, Shisui and Itachi stood face to face. Almost simultaneously, they activated their Sharingan and launched into battle. The fight raged until both were exhausted. In the end, Shisui proved slightly superior.
Itachi collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. Shisui was in slightly better shape, but still catching his breath with visible fatigue.
"Well then, this one was my win. With this, I've beaten you more times than not," Shisui said smugly.
Itachi gave a slight smile and said, "Yeah, I lost."
Shisui spread his arms and said, "A real ninja is someone who upholds peace quietly from the shadows. Peace forced by weapons isn't real peace at all. Itachi, believe me, I will find a way."
As he spoke, Shisui approached, sealed their truce with a hand sign, and pulled Itachi to his feet.
Itachi's expression darkened. "Shisui, you probably already know things between the clan and the village are getting worse."
"You must be having a rough time caught in the middle," Shisui said knowingly. He knew exactly what Itachi was going through now. The village wanted him, as an Anbu member, to monitor the clan's movements, while the clan hoped he could uncover the leadership's thoughts in Konoha. As a double agent, the pressure was unimaginable for most.
Itachi asked uncertainly, "Then how can peace be achieved?"
Shisui smiled warmly. "To uphold peace silently in darkness—that's what I think true ninjas are. Forcing people into submission through weapons isn't real peace. Itachi, believe me, I will find a way."
"Then," Itachi pressed, "who do you believe is in the right? I want to hear your honest thoughts."
Shisui shook his head. "I'm not even sure whether my own convictions count as justice. Maybe the very idea of justice in the ninja world is unclear to begin with. Each side fights because they believe firmly in their own righteousness. But if the enemy believes the same, who then truly represents justice?"
"I see. That's the duality of things. Then—"
Just then, the young Sasuke came running over, excitedly asking, "What are you guys talking about? I want to know too!"
Itachi gently tapped Sasuke's forehead and smiled warmly. "I'll tell you when you're older."
"What?!" Sasuke pouted, clearly unhappy.
Seeing this, Shisui pulled Sasuke aside and whispered dramatically, "Actually, Itachi and I were just discussing who's stronger between the two of us. The results are in—obviously, it's me. But he just won't admit it."
Sasuke instantly looked displeased. "Even though you're super strong, Brother Itachi must be stronger! Right, Big Brother?"
Looking at Sasuke's eager expression, Itachi nodded and took the proud little Sasuke by the hand, heading back home.
Shisui watched their retreating figures, finally making up his mind.
Reappearing, Shisui arrived at the secret chamber of the Hokage's upper echelons. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo were all present—clearly, Konoha's higher-ups frequently gathered to discuss matters concerning the Uchiha Clan.
Seeing Shisui, Danzo coldly asked first, "So, are you here to deliver a declaration of war on behalf of your clan?"
With just this simple sentence, Shisui immediately knelt halfway, addressing Hiruzen, "Lord Third, I wish for no conflict whatsoever between the village and my clan."
Hiruzen sighed, "Don't I already know that?"
Danzo cut in, "Yet you must clearly understand how your clan is acting now. I can feel their hostile gazes from afar."
"Since the Nine-Tails' rampage, I've thoroughly investigated every member within our clan—there's no way someone from our family could have pulled off such a thing."
Shisui was extremely confident about this point—no one could hide so completely beneath his Mangekyo Sharingan gaze.
"But the key issue isn't about the Nine-Tails anymore," Hiruzen's expression turned grave. "Fugaku also desperately hopes to establish a friendly bridge between the clan and the village. For this, I specifically assigned Itachi into the Kage's direct Anbu unit. Yet judging from current developments, such efforts remain limited."
Upon hearing this, Shisui firmly stated with determined eyes, "[Kotoamatsukami]—I have awakened the Uchiha Clan's strongest dojutsu, the Mangekyo Sharingan. My ocular technique enables me to infiltrate an opponent's mind without detection, permanently and thoroughly modifying their willpower. Should our clan ever attempt a coup, I shall alter the clan head's will instantly, quelling this conflict."
Staring blankly at Shisui, Hiruzen remained deep in thought for a long time before eventually closing his eyes and silently nodding approval.
Happy that his idea had been accepted, Shisui turned to leave. But the naive young man completely missed the burning glare in Danzo's eyes.
Meanwhile, Anya withdrew the Wood Release seed hidden upon Shisui through its attached soul energy, already fully aware of Shisui's foolish actions.
What a joke—deciding his own plan, then still going to Hiruzen Sarutobi just to get permission. If it were only him, maybe it wouldn't matter. But there were other Konoha leaders present. Now that this Mangekyo Sharingan ability has been revealed and isn't under my control—who could possibly feel safe?
Especially those in power—who wouldn't live in terror of being quietly mind-controlled at will?
Then it's time I act. Anya's Wood Release Clone melted into the earth, vanishing within the grand estate.
In a dense forest, Shisui suffered a surprise attack by several Root members. Danzo also emerged from the shadows.
"You… why? Lord Hokage had already agreed to my plan," Shisui said, puzzled.
Danzo simply sneered, offering no further words before launching himself forward—the battle erupting in an instant.
The two fought nonstop from midday to sunset, both of their stamina reaching its limit. Finally, Danzo gave a signal, and five Root members lunged toward Shisui.
Panting heavily, Shisui raised his Ninja Blade to defend himself.
Holding back on the sidelines, Danzo finally seized the opportunity. He sprang forward, aiming straight for Shisui's Sharingan.
"Aaaaah..."
With a cry of pain, Shisui let a trail of blood stream from his eye. He knew that if this continued, he would eventually die here. He threw down a smoke bomb and used the Shifting Body Technique to vanish from the spot.
Danzo, having only obtained one eye, was far from satisfied. He turned to his Root subordinates and ordered, "Go after him! Bring him back, dead or alive."
"Yes." The Root members quickly obeyed and rushed off.
Danzo glared at the Sharingan resting in his palm, his eyes glowing with obsession.
"Stop staring. That's not something you can control. Hand it over to me."
A sharp, icy voice suddenly cut through behind Danzo.
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