Chapter 367: Shisui Uchiha
Clang~
In a dense forest on the outskirts of Konohagakure, Kakashi and Shisui Uchiha finished another round of sparring.
Kakashi was surprised. Although he had long heard of the Uchiha clan's "Shisui of the Body Flicker," as a rare genius in the ninja world himself, he had never really paid Shisui much mind. He hadn't expected Shisui to be so skilled. Shisui, who was several years younger than him, not only already possessed the strength of an elite jonin, but he was also incredibly adept with his Sharingan, and his Body Flicker Technique even had some of the flair of his teacher, the "Yellow Flash."
Kakashi reflected that if he hadn't fought so many matches in Iwagakure and greatly increased his combat experience, he might not have been able to definitively hold an edge over Shisui. It was nearly a draw.
"Shisui, your Body Flicker has improved again. If it weren't for the help of Obito's Sharingan, I might not have been able to defend against your attacks," Kakashi said to Shisui opposite him.
Shisui was still a bit shy and felt embarrassed by Kakashi's praise. He said, "It is still you who is more skilled, Kakashi-senpai. Your use of the Sharingan is getting smoother and smoother."
Kakashi said, "I must also thank you for your guidance, Shisui. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for me to master the three-tomoe Sharingan. By the way, Shisui, what are your thoughts on the matter I spoke to you about last time?"
Hearing Kakashi mention that matter, Shisui's good mood immediately vanished.
"Kakashi-senpai, do you think there's really no room for compromise between our Uchiha clan and the village's high command?" Shisui was still subconsciously trying to evade this possibility.
Kakashi thought for a moment and said, "This is still just an analysis. If no one intervenes, it's very likely that the village leadership and the Uchiha clan will move towards complete opposition. But since we have discovered the problem, there is still hope."
Shisui took a deep breath, also encouraging himself internally. He said, "You're right, Kakashi-senpai. We still have hope. I won't give up. I've already investigated the matter you mentioned last time. The pro-war faction in our clan is led by these people: ..."
"However, there is one more thing. I heard from the Second Elder that our clan head doesn't seem to be part of the pro-war faction. Although he has never revealed his stance, the Second Elder suspects that he is very likely part of the pro-peace faction."
Kakashi's eyes lit up. Asking Shisui for intelligence was indeed the right move. Previously, Fugaku Uchiha had been his biggest hypothetical enemy. If Fugaku was not part of the pro-war faction, then the chances of his own plan succeeding were much greater.
While Kakashi was gathering intelligence on the Uchiha clan, the high command of Konoha was in a meeting.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was frowning at a report in his hand. After a long while, he said, "Kirigakure is convinced that their Fourth Mizukage was being controlled by an Uchiha's Sharingan?"
"How many times has this been recently? The Mist ninja have been frequently provoking us, causing our missions to fail multiple times. We can't let this continue. Otherwise, the village's reputation will be damaged."
Tsunade also frowned. "Master, could there really be Uchiha blood flowing outside the village?"
Hiruzen's brow furrowed, but he remained silent. He didn't know either.
Koharu Utatane said, "Hiruzen, if there really is Uchiha blood out there, then the Nine-Tails incident back then...?"
Seeing the situation turning against them, Danzō immediately interjected, "What Sharingan genjutsu? It's all the Tsuchikage's conspiracy. You can tell from how quickly that so-called Fifth Mizukage signed an alliance treaty with Iwa that he is definitely being controlled by the Tsuchikage."
"Unsurprisingly, the Tsuchikage was on the scene the day the incident in Kirigakure happened. The matter of the Sharingan must have been fabricated by him. This isn't the first or second time he has framed our Konoha."
Hearing this, Koharu also began to doubt her own judgment.
Seeing that his words were having an effect, Danzō quickly struck while the iron was hot. "The bloodline clans of the Mist were able to join forces to overthrow the Fourth Mizukage's rule. When the Uchiha clan sees this, won't they also get ideas they shouldn't have?"
Tsunade frowned and said with displeasure, "Danzō, stop flinging mud at our village's comrades."
Ever since her last visit to the Uchiha clan was followed by a lecture from Hiruzen and the others, Tsunade had been secretly trying to find ways to improve the relationship between the high command and the Uchiha. However, she was outnumbered in the high council meetings. When it came to the Uchiha, the alliance between Hiruzen and the others was so solid that it baffled her. This left her, who had yet to fully grasp the powers of the Hokage, unable to find a breakthrough.
"I wonder if Kakashi has made any progress in his contact with Shisui Uchiha. That foolish boy really thinks he can hide it from everyone," Tsunade mused inwardly.
Ever since Kakashi had become her Kage Guard captain, Tsunade had been keeping an eye on his every move. As the Hokage, Tsunade was no fool. Although she disliked the methods of Danzō and the others, she was still somewhat wary of Kakashi. But after a period of observation, she found that although Kakashi had indeed changed somewhat, this change had not altered his love for the village.
It seemed Kakashi had only become more concerned about the Uchiha clan.
After some subtle probing, Tsunade learned of Kakashi's thoughts. He wanted to save the Uchiha clan, to prevent a conflict between the village and the Uchiha. It was just that Tsunade was still unclear about Kakashi's specific ideas. But in her eyes, these were minor matters. No matter how radical Kakashi was, it was impossible for him to betray the village.
Conveniently, Tsunade also disliked how Hiruzen and the others indiscriminately suppressed the Uchiha clan. Since Kakashi's thoughts were the same as her own, she might as well let him scout the path for her. Thus, when Kakashi began his investigation into the Uchiha, Tsunade had been secretly covering for him, cleaning up the messes he left behind and endorsing his unauthorized actions.
However, as Kakashi's contact with Shisui deepened, Tsunade began to lose control of Kakashi's investigation progress. She had no way of knowing what Kakashi and Shisui discussed when they were alone.
"Should I transfer Shisui to the Anbu as well? But would that guy Danzō agree?" Tsunade calculated in her mind.
Tsunade had also thought of transferring Shisui directly to the Kage Guard, just as she had with Kakashi. But it was a foregone conclusion that Hiruzen and the others would never agree. To have an Uchiha who excelled at genjutsu as the Hokage's guard... who knew when the Hokage might be controlled by him? They did not want Konoha to go down the same old road as the Mist. So, the only hope was to transfer Shisui to the Anbu.
Just then, the topic of discussion among Hiruzen and the others turned to Shisui Uchiha.
"Danzō, how has Shisui's performance been recently?" Hiruzen asked.
Danzō's eyes narrowed. He suspected Hiruzen was trying to poach from him.
"Shisui Uchiha is still just a child. His main task in Root is to receive training," Danzō said, leaving himself some wiggle room without giving a definitive conclusion.
As his good friend, Hiruzen of course understood what Danzō was thinking. He snorted and said, "Danzō, don't forget to teach this child the Will of Fire."
Tsunade seized the opportunity. "Let Shisui come to the Anbu. Master, if you personally explain the Will of Fire to him, the effect will certainly be better than someone who only knows how to train killing tools."
Danzō was furious and wanted to retort, but he held back. It was not advisable to get too entangled in this matter. He was about to ignore Tsunade when he suddenly saw the interested expression on Hiruzen's face.
Danzō's heart immediately panicked. He hurriedly said, "Fifth, you can rest assured. The training Shisui receives most in Root is the brainwashing of the Will of Fire. I have hardly assigned him any missions."
Tsunade immediately picked up on his words. "How can that be? Danzō, you are too unprofessional. The inheritance of the Will of Fire must be built on bonds, just like the one between you and Master."
"If he never performs missions, how can he deepen those bonds? Master, I think it's better for you to train him personally. With your status as a former Hokage personally teaching him, I imagine Shisui Uchiha will be grateful."
"It would be even better if we could cultivate an outstanding ninja like Uncle Kagami back in the day. The village needs such juniors."
Hiruzen became more and more tempted by Tsunade's words. When he heard her finally mention Kagami Uchiha, he immediately slapped the table and said, "Good! Then these old bones of mine will cultivate a few more juniors for the village!"
Danzō was frantic. "Hiruzen, why trouble yourself with such a small matter? You should just rest and enjoy your retirement. If you have time, call Asuma back and teach him a thing or two."
Tsunade quickly interjected, "Perfect! Let Asuma and Shisui Uchiha interact more. It would be for the best if they could build a bond like the one you and Uncle Kagami had."
Hiruzen's eyes lit up. He immediately said sternly to Danzō, "Danzō, you don't need to say more. I have more experience in teaching disciples than you. Have Shisui report to the Anbu tomorrow."
"Also, you are not young either. It's time to let go and leave more opportunities for the younger generation. Tsunade is also familiar with the work of the Hokage now. Danzō, you should not interfere in matters outside of Root. You must trust the juniors we have chosen ourselves."
Damn it, how dare he call me old, Danzō thought, annoyed. He stiffened, not expecting Hiruzen to pull such a move. A careless mistake. I was too anxious and said what was on my mind.
I'll swallow this for now. I'll find Hiruzen for a private meeting later. We'll reminisce, talk about life, about our past and future together. When it came to placating Hiruzen, Danzō thought to himself: I am a professional.
Tsunade, on the other hand, forcefully suppressed the joy in her heart. Danzō had changed his tactics recently, no longer always staying underground. He had actually started to meddle in all matters of the village, big and small, which had been endlessly annoying her. Now, she could finally have some peace. Tsunade began to plan. Taking advantage of this opportunity, she would properly place some of her own people within the village.
Also, with Shisui Uchiha entering the Anbu, she could appropriately arrange some missions for him to have more contact with Kakashi. Perhaps this was the breakthrough to break the stalemate between the Uchiha clan and the village.
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