Dawn broke the next morning.
Akio and Itachi had searched the surrounding area all night for Shisui, only to end up back where they'd started.
Akio let out a long sigh, then coughed lightly and glanced sideways at Itachi.
"Be honest with me. You're not hiding anything from your old ancestor, are you? We've swept everything within miles, no signs of battle anywhere. If you're telling the truth, then there's only one conclusion."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Shisui left on his own."
Itachi shook his head firmly.
"I swear I didn't lie, Great Ancestor. What should we do now?"
Akio rubbed his forehead.
"That kid really doesn't know how to behave. Pulling something like this—just walking off without a word."
Itachi hesitated, then asked quietly,
"The Uchiha senior you mentioned before… her?"
Akio sighed and shook his head.
"She was about my age. Died at twenty. That was over a century ago. Whatever remains of her are long gone and she didn't die naturally. She wasn't laid to rest in Uchiha lands. So, it can't be her."
Itachi studied him.
"You seem to know her well."
Akio glanced at him with a faint smile.
"She was beautiful. And never mind. You're thirteen now. Maybe it's time you started paying attention to girls too."
Then his expression sobered.
"But first, we deal with Shisui. Go back. Explain everything to them."
Itachi nodded. His body slowly stiffened into wood as the clone dispersed.
Akio remained where he was, momentarily lost in thought.
"Uchiha Chiri…" he murmured. "By seniority, even Madara would've had to call her 'Great-Aunt.' If things had gone differently back then…"
He snorted softly.
"Pointless thoughts. Best get back. This disappearing act is nothing but trouble."
Ten minutes later — Konoha's main gate.
Akio suddenly frowned and turned his head to the left.
"Obito. Come out. Where exactly do you think you're sneaking off to inside that space of yours?"
A ripple distorted the air several dozen meters away. Obito slowly emerged, wide-eyed.
"You caught me like that?!"
Akio laughed.
"I just shouted on instinct. I felt someone watching me but couldn't sense them directly. That only leaves you."
Obito scratched his head sheepishly.
"You're still sharp as ever, Master. I've got something to do, I'll get going!"
"Stop right there," Akio said dryly. "You compliment me and then try to fool me in the same breath?"
He waved him over.
"Shisui's fine. Come here. Let me explain."
Obito obeyed. Akio reached out to grab his shoulder; his hand passed straight through, nearly throwing him off balance.
"Tch. Clever brat," Akio muttered. "You've learned."
He continued calmly,
"You know how strong Shisui is. He's not far behind you. I searched every inch of the area where he vanished, no signs of combat. Even if he fought me, he'd make enough noise for Itachi to notice. So, this isn't an accident."
Obito grumbled under his breath.
"That's exactly what Itachi said. That idiot little brother went off on his own without even telling me…"
Akio blinked, then snapped,
"Go back."
All that worry, completely wasted.
The sun rose over Konoha.
After a night of chaos, the Senju compound finally quieted down.
Shinobi might have exceptional stamina, but there were children and civilians within the clan grounds. Even the Uchiha knew better than to push things further.
The gathering relocated to the Hokage Tower.
The conference room wasn't large. Only six people were present:
Nawaki, Itachi, Hiruzen, Kagami, Fugaku, and Uchiha Yunchu.
The two elder advisors were excused, too old and too worn down after a sleepless night.
When Akio entered with Obito, both Kagami and Hiruzen were massaging their temples, exhaustion plain on their faces.
Akio glanced at their graying hair and sighed inwardly.
Even the great-grandchildren are reaching old age now.
After exchanging greetings, Akio gestured subtly for Obito to get behind Kagami.
"You've heard Itachi's report. No signs of combat. Shisui left voluntarily. He's not in danger."
Hiruzen nodded with relief.
"That's good. He probably discovered something urgent and went to investigate alone. He'll return in time. Kagami, you can rest easy."
Kagami stood.
"Elder Akio. May I speak with you outside?"
Akio paused, then followed him out, leaving the others exchanging glances.
Outside the room, Kagami lowered his voice.
"You truly found nothing?"
"No combat traces. No chakra signatures within twenty kilometers."
Kagami sighed.
"Shisui isn't reckless."
Akio chuckled softly and explained the earlier plan concocted by the three boys.
Kagami stiffened.
"They considered that? No...no, this is different. An accidental injury is one thing. Disappearing entirely? He wouldn't do that."
"Don't worry," Akio said calmly. "Trust his strength. He might just be indulging himself. Give it ten days, maybe half a month."
Kagami nodded after a moment.
"I hope you're right. Sorry to trouble you."
Akio waved it off.
"I help where I can."
Kagami returned to the conference room and forced a weary smile.
"Thank you all. This appears to be Shisui acting on his own. Itachi bears no responsibility. I'll make sure the clan understands."
He coughed suddenly.
"Clan Head!" Fugaku exclaimed.
Akio stepped forward, placing a hand on Kagami's back and channeling medical chakra.
"You need to start taking care of yourself. It's time to pass the clan leadership on."
Kagami nodded weakly.
"These past months… my body hasn't been the same."
Hiruzen stood.
"I should rest as well. I'm not as young as I used to be, certainly not compared to you."
Akio smirked inwardly.
At least you had the sense to exclude me from that comparison.
"Wait," Nawaki suddenly said, struggling with himself. "Since everyone's here… let's settle Sasuke's matter too."
"Father?!" Itachi turned sharply.
Akio frowned slightly. Kagami also turned back.
"And how do you propose we resolve it?" Kagami asked.
Nawaki clenched his fist, glanced at Obito, then faced Hiruzen.
"Third Hokage… Konoha has delayed this long enough. It's time to choose the Fifth."
Hiruzen froze, emotions flickering across his face.
"…Yes. It's time."
Kagami smiled faintly.
"Then choose."
Akio paused, then looked at Obito's bewildered face and laughed softly.
"Choose."
---
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