A few days later, in the Konoha Police Force Office…
"Captain, we still haven't located Uchiha Shisui."
Uchiha Yashiro reported to Uchiha Fugaku.
"Still nothing? " Fugaku raised an eyebrow.
Ever since Shisui's identity as a mole was exposed, he hadn't returned to the Uchiha compound. Even within the village, his whereabouts had become completely unknown.
Clearly, Shisui had gone into hiding, likely fearing retaliation from the Uchiha clan now that his betrayal had been revealed.
Fugaku thought for a moment before responding.
"I'll find another way to investigate Shisui's whereabouts. But you keep searching as well."
"I will."
Yashiro nodded and took his leave from the police office.
After handling a stack of documents, Fugaku left the department and returned home.
"Clan Head."
"Clan Head."
"Clan Head."
…
Along the way, Uchiha clansmen respectfully greeted him.
Now that the three elders had been subdued, Fugaku had full control over the entire Uchiha clan. The only thing he lacked was their fear—something Uchiha deeply respected in the strong.
For now, the clansmen respected him due to his title as clan head, but not because of overwhelming strength.
Although some of the clan members who had traveled to the Land of Rice Fields knew that Fugaku had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, most of the clan had yet to witness it.
But that wasn't a problem.
In time, he would display his power publicly. And once that happened, fear and reverence would follow.
When he arrived home—
"You're back! "
Mikoto greeted him with a gentle smile. She wore a beige dress that hugged her figure elegantly, and her long black hair flowed behind her, leaving a light scent of shampoo in the air.
Boom, boom, boom!
Sounds of sparring echoed from the rear of the house.
"Sasuke's training with someone? " Fugaku asked.
"It's Itachi," Mikoto replied with a smile. "He hasn't had many missions lately, so he's been spending time helping Sasuke train."
The close bond between the brothers clearly made her happy.
"Itachi, huh…"
Fugaku's brow furrowed slightly—an expression quickly concealed so Mikoto wouldn't notice.
He didn't want Sasuke growing too close to Itachi. If things went according to plan, he would one day have to eliminate that traitor. And if Sasuke developed too deep a bond, it might cause resentment.
But they were brothers, after all—he couldn't stop them from interacting completely.
In the backyard, as expected, Itachi was training Sasuke.
They weren't using any weapons—just hand-to-hand combat.
"Sasuke, Itachi, take a break."
Fugaku's voice halted the sparring session.
"Father!"
Sasuke, dripping with sweat, ran over.
Fugaku accepted a towel from a servant and wiped Sasuke's forehead.
Itachi also followed and stood nearby.
"Itachi, no missions lately? "
"There've been fewer ANBU assignments recently," Itachi replied, somewhat evasively.
In truth, his presence at home was due to the Third Hokage's orders: to closely monitor the Uchiha clan.
"I see…"
Fugaku gave a neutral response.
If Itachi weren't a known mole, he might have believed the excuse. But knowing the truth, it was clear the Hokage had instructed him to keep watch amid the clan's growing unrest.
—
"The Third Elder reported that Shisui hasn't returned in some time. You're both in ANBU—do you know anything? "
Itachi's heart clenched. He forced himself to remain calm.
"Shisui… received a long-term assignment outside the village."
He tried his best to maintain a normal expression, though anxiety gnawed at him.
Why is Father asking about Shisui?
Has he discovered my identity as a mole too?
"Ah, that explains it." Fugaku nodded as though he believed the answer.
Soon after, Mikoto called them for lunch.
After the meal, Itachi left the house while Fugaku remained behind.
"Assigned to a long-term mission? "
Fugaku chuckled with a sneer.
There was no way he believed Itachi's explanation. Maybe it could fool clueless clansmen—but not him.
"Looks like the Third Hokage has no intention of allowing Shisui to return to the Uchiha."
Fugaku guessed that, with Shisui's cover blown, the Hokage was keeping him hidden indefinitely.
"That's troublesome. Without knowing his location, it's hard to take action."
To eliminate Shisui, he'd first need to find him.
But then—
"Actually… maybe I don't need to find him."
A dark smile crept across Fugaku's face.
Maybe he didn't need to track Shisui down at all.
All he needed was to force Shisui to come out on his own.
"Looks like I'll need to do a few things… that'll really piss off the Third Hokage."
The best way to lure Shisui out was to provoke the Hokage.
He knew Shisui planned to use Kotoamatsukami to control him if tensions escalated.
Then why not escalate things even faster?
Make Shisui believe the conflict between the Uchiha and the Hokage was now beyond repair.
Once that happened, Shisui would come out of hiding.
Fugaku would be ready, ambushing him with a squad of Uchiha to take him out for good.
Just then, he saw Mikoto preparing to take Sasuke to a nearby park.
A thought sparked in his mind—he had the perfect idea to enrage the Third Hokage.
He smiled and said to them,
"I've got some free time. I'll come with you."