"I understand," Shigure said calmly, his eyes narrowing with determination.
"I'm going to the Uchiha clan now."
Without hesitation, he left the Hokage's office, the heavy wooden doors shutting behind him with a dull thud.
The Uchiha clan was no ordinary family in Konoha. Their influence stretched far beyond the Hyūga, for it was the Uchiha who, alongside the Senju, had co-founded the very foundation of the village. The Hyūga, Nara, Akimichi, and other great clans had joined later, strengthening the alliance. But to this day, the Uchiha stood apart, proud and powerful, their legacy etched into every corner of the village they had helped build.
Their district occupied a vast and secure sector of Konoha, a self-contained world where nearly every household bore the crimson-and-white fan crest carved above their gates. Walking through these orderly streets was like stepping into another country altogether. Everywhere Shigure looked, he saw Uchiha—elders, children, shinobi inspecting rooftops, watchful eyes glinting with suspicion.
The looming presence of the Naka Shrine was not far, its shadow watching over the district. Even more conspicuous was the barracks-like structure nearby.
"The Konoha Military Police Force..." Shigure murmured, his gaze lingering on the proud edifice that stood as a symbol of Uchiha dominance within the village's law enforcement. Chakra signatures bristled within—sharp, disciplined, dangerous. A garrison of élites.
Still, the Military Police were not his destination. His path led instead to the mansion of the clan head.
No wonder the Hokage feels uneasy, Shigure mused as he walked. The Uchiha live as though separate from Konoha. With their power, they could resist the entire village if they wished. No ruler would sleep soundly with such a rival family under their roof... It's only a matter of time before rebellion brews.
Yet Shigure knew that mutiny was still far in the future. The massacre was years away. Even Itachi, who would one day carry out the clan's destruction, was still unborn—nestled in the belly of his mother, Mikoto.
But speculation didn't change the fact that Uchiha eyes were already tracking his every move. Their stares burned into the back of his head, cold and sharp. He slowed, annoyed at being shadowed so openly.
"Hmph. Uchiha, let's see if you can even keep up."
With a sharp burst of speed, Shigure vanished in an afterimage. Startled gasps echoed behind him.
"What?! He was right there—!"
"He's gone... just like that!"
"Unbelievable... He shook us off."
Despite their frustration, the patrols did not pursue further. They had only been ordered to observe, after all. Muttering amongst themselves, the lookouts dispersed, leaving Shigure free to approach the clan leader's residence undisturbed.
Before long, he stood before the grand estate that towered above the rest of the district. Its gates gleamed with lacquered wood and iron, sprawling far larger than even the Hyūga compound. Compared to it, the Sarutobi clan's quarters were modest at best.
Shigure rolled his shoulders and sighed. So this is the Uchiha stronghold. He wasted no more thought and slipped inside with a Flash Body Technique.
The courtyard beyond seemed strangely empty. Suspiciously empty. Shigure tensed—and the stillness shattered. A blade whistled at him from the shadows.
"Swoosh!"
But Shigure had already sensed his attacker. His hand flew to the hilt of the Dragon Fang Blade, steel singing free. With a deft twist, he redirected the strike harmlessly, white sparks scattering into the dusk. His blade vibrated, reverberating with stored force, and his counter shook his assailant backward.
His opponent spun away and landed lightly, panting but grinning.
"Impressive, Shigure. That sword of yours is formidable. And your kenjutsu... sharper than ever."
The spiky-haired young man's Sharingan gleamed, recognition flaring instantly.
"Shisui?" Shigure sheathed his blade, smiling faintly. "Don't you serve in Anbu? What are you doing here?"
Shisui Uchiha chuckled, dusting himself off. "I may be Anbu, but above all I am Uchiha. When my clan head summons me, I obey—mission or no mission."
Shigure arched an eyebrow. "What, did the clan leader ask you to kill me?" His tone was half a jest, though the edge in his voice was real.
Shisui shook his head. "Nothing like that. He only ordered me to wait for you. The little... 'test' was my own idea."
"I see. Well, since you've had your fun, take me to him." Shigure gestured politely for his old acquaintance to lead on.
Together, they entered the inner hall.
The space radiated power. At the center, seated upon a broad dais, was a stern, imposing man. A long scar marred one of his eyes, but the other gleamed hawk-sharp. His presence radiated authority, the cool calculation of a man who had spent years navigating both war and politics. Behind him, a massive banner bore the Uchiha crest in bold crimson. To his left stood Uchiha Fugaku, his steely gaze familiar; to his right loomed another man unknown to Shigure, stockier, emanating sheer martial strength. Lines of Uchiha shinobi flanked the walls—men, women, even younger members—each gaze unwavering.
Shisui guided Shigure to an open space and then stepped to stand among the clan ranks, silent once more.
The clan head spoke first, his voice calm yet commanding.
"Welcome. I am Uchiha Masamune, patriarch of the Uchiha. On my left is Fugaku, my deputy and heir. To my right, Yoshitsugu, captain of the Konoha Military Police."
Fugaku gave a curt nod, his eyes cold. Yoshitsugu crossed his arms, glowering openly.
Shigure inclined his head in acknowledgment, though with a casualness that made the air tighten. "A pleasure. Fugaku and I have already met."
"Watch your tone!" Yoshitsugu barked instantly, anger flashing in his eyes. "You stand before the Uchiha patriarch! Show some respect!"
Even Fugaku looked ready to step forward, but Shigure only smirked. "If this is how you welcome allies, then perhaps I should leave."
"Wait." The patriarch raised a hand, still as stone yet silencing the room. His words carried weight enough to still Fugaku and Yoshitsugu at once. "I apologize, Shigure, for my subordinates' rudeness."
"Chief, you can't apologize to him—!" Yoshitsugu blurted, but Masamune's calm glare turned his words to ash. "Enough," he said quietly, and the officer fell silent, chastened.
Shigure nodded appreciatively. "A wise attitude, Patriarch. Then let's not waste time. You know why I've come. I can awaken the hidden potential within others. I can elevate your clan's strength beyond its current limits. That's why you want my cooperation, isn't it?"
Masamune folded his arms. "Indeed. Then state your price."
"Three conditions," Shigure said lightly. "First—I need funds. I'm practically broke these days. So, one hundred million ryō will do."
The hall erupted.
"One hundred million!?"
"Is he insane?"
"That's the reward for one hundred S-rank missions!"
Even stoic Fugaku looked incredulous. Yoshitsugu outright scoffed in disbelief. Shisui, normally unflappable, blinked in shock from his post at the side.
Masamune shook his head, sighing faintly. "That figure is... excessive. I cannot approve such a demand."
Shigure only smiled, eyes glinting as though the real game was only beginning.
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