The Hokage's Office – A Fractured Decision
The four Konoha elders and Uchiha Shisui had reached their verdict.
First: Kill Yoru.
Then: Use Kotoamatsukami to rewrite the Uchiha clan's will.
This was Hiruzen and his advisors' plan—but Danzō had other designs.
Shisui understood. This was the endgame.
He met Hiruzen's gaze solemnly.
"Hokage-sama… I go now."
"This will be my final proof of loyalty."
His eyes flicked toward Danzō—a silent warning.
If slaughtering my own kin and brainwashing my clan isn't enough…
…then nothing will be.
Hiruzen sighed. "Shisui… to me, you are loyalty."
"Like your ancestor, Uchiha Kagami—whom even the Nidaime trusted implicitly."
"You are my Kagami."
The name stirred Shisui's blood.
"I swear on my life—I will repay your faith!"
With that, he vanished from the office.
Danzō snorted. "You truly trust him?"
Koharu frowned. "Let him try. Using Uchiha against Uchiha is efficient."
Danzō's voice dripped ice. "After all these years… you remain fools."
He stood to leave.
Hiruzen's voice cracked like a whip. "Where are you going?!"
"My affairs are my own."
"You mean to steal Shisui's Mangekyō, don't you?!"
Danzō paused. "What if I am?"
"You overstep, Danzō!" Hiruzen's eyes burned. "You disregard the Hokage's authority!"
"You disregard reality!" Danzō spat. "Trusting an Uchiha—!"
"Shisui's loyalty surpasses yours!"
Danzō recoiled—then laughed bitterly. "Ah… so it's finally said."
"You never trusted me."
"Trust is earned."
"Then watch as I earn it." Danzō stormed out.
Hiruzen turned to his advisors. "Shadow Danzō. Do not let him interfere."
As they departed, doubt gnawed at Hiruzen.
Was Shisui truly reliable?
Or should I seize Kotoamatsukami for myself?
One thing was certain—it could never fall to Danzō.
"ANBU!"
Three figures materialized, kneeling.
"Accompany me."
"At once, Hokage-sama!"
Shisui's Resolve – A Clash of Ideals
Amidst the village's political storm, Shisui's goal was pure:
Prove his loyalty.
Yoru's death would secure peace with Kumo.
Yoru's death would "save" the Uchiha.
To Shisui, even Fugaku was no true threat—only Yoru, the man who shattered his convictions and bent Konoha's fate around himself.
Without his elimination… the coup cannot be stopped.
Yet…
Despite his confidence in victory, Yoru's fanatical eyes haunted him.
This wasn't about strength—Shisui knew his power.
It was about will.
If I fall… who will bridge the clan and village?
An answer flashed in his mind:
Uchiha Itachi.
His protégé. His friend. His only equal in understanding.
Before facing Yoru, he would entrust his dream to Itachi.
He headed for Naka River—where Itachi trained relentlessly.
Unaware…
The hunter was being hunted.
The Prodigy's Omen – Itachi's Burden
Shisui found Itachi before reaching the river.
At just eleven, the boy's eyes held depths no one could fathom—not even Shisui.
But one truth was absolute:
Itachi loved Konoha.
As Hiruzen once said, "Itachi had a Hokage's mind at seven."
His vision surpassed even Shisui's.
If I fail… he will achieve the peace I couldn't.
"Itachi? You're not training today?"
"…A rare sight."
Shisui managed a smile.
Itachi spoke slowly, voice heavy.
"Shisui… something feels wrong today."
Shisui blinked—then chuckled.
Of course he sensed it.
"Is the clan in turmoil?"
Itachi's gaze sharpened.
Shisui told him everything.
"Yoru… did that?!"
Itachi's composure cracked.
"Yes. He stands against peace now."
"So I will end him."
Itachi's fists clenched. "You're certain?"
"Worried for me?" Shisui grinned. "Have faith."
"But if I do fall… you must inherit my will, Itachi."
A pause. Then—
"…Me?"
Shisui gripped his shoulder. "Only you can unite the clan and village."
"Bring true peace, Uchiha Itachi."
Silence stretched—until Itachi bowed.
"I understand, Shisui."
"I will protect them… at any cost."
Shisui exhaled, relieved. "Then I fight without regrets."
Itachi's eyes flicked past him. "You're being followed."
"ANBU or ROOT." Shisui shrugged. "I sensed them earlier."
"Let them watch. This battle decides our futures."
Itachi's voice hardened. "Then I will witness it."
Shisui nodded. "Come."
"Consider this… my final lesson to you."
"How to kill… for peace."