Once the village targets were set, controlling the clan's hardliners was essential.
If the militaristic faction acted unchecked, tensions between the Uchiha and Konoha would only deepen, regardless of the village leadership.
Shisui looked at Arata. "Then the clan's hardliners, the elders… I'll leave them to you, Arata."
Indeed, the primary militant figure in the clan was Elder Uchiha Ryo.
As a senior elder, his authority and influence were second only to the clan head, Uchiha Fugaku.
If Ryo had not continuously provoked discord with the village, relations wouldn't be so strained.
Seeing the hope in Shisui's eyes, Arata smiled.
"Don't worry. I'll handle Elder Ryo. Your side is far more dangerous.
For now, the Third trusts you, and Danzo won't suspect your Kotoamatsukami.
No one has ever seen such a technique before.
To avoid complications, we must act quickly."
Watching Shisui vanish into the darkness, Uchiha Arata understood the gravity of the mission his friend had undertaken.
Shisui was betting everything...his life and his future—on this operation.
If successful, the Uchiha clan would take a step toward escaping their dire fate.
If failed… the Third Hokage might not immediately confront the Uchiha, but Shisui would be marked as an S-rank rogue ninja.
Konoha, and perhaps even the Land of Fire, would have no place for him. The village he loved would hunt him down to the death.
Some tasks must be done. If neither you nor I do it, someone else must bear the burden.
Arata had considered taking the risk himself. But there were three problems: first, he had just awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan and wasn't accustomed to the spike in chakra and ocular power.
Second, in Shisui's eyes, Arata had only copied Kotoamatsukami, incapable of handling both the Third Hokage and Danzo simultaneously.
Third, despite their close relationship, Arata's very nature as a Uchiha meant that both the Third Hokage and Danzo would be wary of him.
So, this mission had to be Shisui's.
Arata, meanwhile, had his own task: to meet Elder Uchiha Ryo. Only by tempering the clan's hardliners could the friction between the Uchiha and Konoha be reduced.
Just then, the system chimed again:
"Congratulations, Host. Kotoamatsukami has been fully integrated. Mangekyo side effects reduced. Usage time increased.
Partial regeneration of the Mangekyo Sharingan is now possible. Details can be viewed by the Host."
Arata's lips curved in a small smile as he focused on his eyes.
Shisui's original Kotoamatsukami was immensely powerful, so its recovery took over a decade before a second use.
But Arata's copy, refined and digested by the system, could be reused after just half a year.
Unless he overused the Mangekyo or Susanoo, his Mangekyo Sharingan could last him a lifetime.
"Perfect," Arata murmured. "Even without achieving the Eternal Mangekyo, I don't have to worry about losing my eyes.
Now, my Kotoamatsukami is ready. Time to pay a visit to our esteemed elder."
…
With the Land of Fire's borders tense lately, the Third Hokage had been swamped with work. Staying late at the office was nothing unusual.
Shisui knew exactly where to find him. The simpler the plan, the less likely it was to go wrong.
He would go straight to the Hokage, confident that Kotoamatsukami was subtle enough to affect the Third Hokage unnoticed.....as long as no Hyuga were observing him constantly.
Even the Third wouldn't allow Hyuga eyes on him at all times.....that would be absurd. Usually, only one or two ANBU squads stood ready.
Shisui moved swiftly, as always. Known as "Flash Shisui," he arrived at the Hokage Tower, paused, and announced clearly, with no hint of urgency:
"Uchiha Shisui requests an audience. Important information for the Third Hokage."
He remained still, waiting silently.
Inside, the Third Hokage was at his desk, pipe in mouth, scanning documents. Hearing the ANBU report, he set aside the papers.
"Shisui returned this afternoon after completing his mission.
Now, seeking an audience… not for mission matters, perhaps… some unexpected development within the Uchiha clan?"
"Send him in," the Third said, removing his pipe and exhaling a cloud of smoke.
As Shisui entered, the Third was momentarily struck by familiarity. He thought of his old friend Uchiha Kagami. Shisui, a descendant of Kagami, not only inherited his genius but bore a similar stance and aura.
"Ah, Kagami… don't blame me. I never wanted to go against the Uchiha. But few in the clan inherit the Will of Fire.
If I cannot use it, then… it must fade." The Third mused silently.
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