"I didn't expect the Uchiha of this generation to produce so many geniuses. Whether it's you or Yun, both truly remarkable," said Hiashi politely, with a hint of envy.
Shisui returned the politeness, then got to the point: "The Byakugan of the Hyuga clan has always been a cornerstone of Konoha's surveillance division. You've produced many talented individuals as well. Yun and I came today to hear Hyuga's stance."
'There it was.'
Hiashi paused briefly, then asked calmly, "What kind of stance?"
Shisui smiled. "The fact that you, the Hyuga clan head, are receiving us already says a lot."
At this point, Yun, toying with his teacup, spoke directly, "Let's not beat around the bush. Due to certain policies of the Second Hokage, the Uchiha have long been excluded from Konoha's inner circle of clans."
"Our Sharingan sets us apart, but that uniqueness also makes us targets. Clan Head Hiashi, I'm sure you saw the Uchiha's power that night. Shisui has always been by the Fourth Hokage's side."
"So… will the Hyuga clan, who have already taken a side that night, be willing to accept the Uchiha? More specifically, will Hyuga support the Uchiha's reintegration into Konoha?"
Such direct words clearly left Hiashi slightly off balance.
The Uchiha issue wasn't just about inter-clan politics.
Ever since the battle at the Valley of the End between Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage, and with the Third Hokage and his advisors inheriting the Second Hokage's suspicions, Uchiha had always been viewed with deep mistrust.
It had been like that for decades.
And with the cursed assignment to run the Konoha Police Force, it was only the proud Uchiha who would accept such a role.
"Since you've been so frank, I happen to have something for the Uchiha."
Hiashi signaled for his brother, Hizashi, to hand over a scroll, yesterday's intel.
Then Hiashi added, "Since Captain Fugaku's death, the Uchiha still haven't selected a new clan head."
"Of course, with eyes like yours, I acknowledge your power. But this meeting is just an elder from the Hyuga clan receiving juniors from the Uchiha. This isn't a conversation between two clan leaders."
"Two pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan are certainly fearsome, but in the village council, neither you two nor the moderate faction truly represent the Uchiha."
As he finished speaking, Shisui opened the scroll and passed it to Yun.
After a brief glance, Yun put it away, stood up, and smiled. "Just some insects trying to cross the line, but this intel from the Hyuga, I'll remember it."
"And I hope that next time Shisui and I visit, we'll receive a definitive answer from the Hyuga. Still, today's response wasn't bad either."
Before Hiashi could reply, Yun and Shisui stood and headed for the exit. Hizashi was motioned to escort them out.
As the three reached the edge of the Hyuga compound, Yun stopped, turned, and said:
"I once told Tokuma: The Caged Bird seal is protection for the weak, but it's a shackle for the strong."
He looked directly at Hizashi. "I saw hatred in your eyes. Don't deny it. I won't tell anyone."
Without waiting for a response, Yun and Shisui left.
Behind them, Hizashi stood frozen, his body trembling.
'Even an outsider from the Uchiha had noticed it… Then what about my brother?'
'Neji, I'm sorry…'
"Why did you say that to Hizashi?" Shisui asked, puzzled.
Yun chuckled. "Just planting a seed. Maybe one day it'll bear unexpected fruit."
Shisui smiled and shook his head. "So that's it for the visit? Felt kind of anticlimactic, just a few polite words, a few direct ones, and we're done?"
Yun stopped and looked at Shisui seriously. "If not for that piece of intel, what we said today wouldn't matter at all."
"Wouldn't matter?" Shisui was confused.
Yun continued, "The content didn't matter. What mattered was that we came, and that Hiashi personally received us. And when we left, it was his brother Hizashi who escorted us."
"Those two gestures alone are enough to send a signal to the other clans in Konoha. That intel? A lucky bonus."
At the mention of the intel, Shisui sighed. "So we still have to act, huh? If Uchiha Setsuna appears at tomorrow's clan assembly, it'll only make the hardliners more unstable."
Yun shook his head. "Konoha's high-security prison isn't something just anyone can break into. I was trying to figure out how to minimize Uchiha losses… but it seems they've already exposed themselves."
"The ones who planned this breakout must be elite members of the hardliners. We'll kill the chicken to scare the monkey, then support you as the Seventh Elder. As their leader, his endorsement will make you the clan head. But… your eyes?"
Shisui nodded. "I can now use the other ability."
Yun smiled. "Good. After tomorrow, you'll be the new Uchiha clan head."
"And now, dear Clan Head, it's time to ask the Fourth Hokage for a mission order."
...
Nightfall – Outside the High-Security Prison
Yun and Shisui watched in secret.
Soon, a loud roar erupted from inside the prison.
"Brother, they're not feeding me!"
"Brother, the seaweed rice balls… are gone."
"ROAR!!"
A deafening shout rang out as Uchiha Yashiro led four clansmen inside.
After a long while, they emerged carrying a frail, skeletal man, Uchiha Setsuna.
Behind them followed two massive figures, two fat men.
Yun smiled. He remembered these two, nicknamed Wind God and Thunder God. Their biggest fear? Lady Tsunade, whom they called Big Sis. Their second fear? Not getting enough food.
Letting these two loose to cause chaos was definitely a move to keep hands clean.
"Let's go."
With a Body Flicker, Yun and Shisui intercepted the group.
"Shisui?"
Uchiha Yashiro was surprised. "You knew about today's operation?"
In a flash, Yun appeared behind Yashiro and headed straight for the frail man, Setsuna.
'A relic from the Second Hokage's era… he certainly looked like an old man'
'So soon...? It's really happening this fast?'
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu