When Uchiha Shisui expressed his willingness to work for the sake of his clan and the village, Fugaku Uchiha looked somewhat helpless.
Fugaku Uchiha sighed, "Shisui, it's not that simple. Although you are in Konoha's Security Force, along with The Fourth's ANBU, there is also Chinya and Danzo's Root (Radical Operations Undercover Force), or Root Division for short. The position of our Uchiha Clan will become very difficult."
Uchiha Shisui immediately replied firmly, "Honored Chief, I definitely won't let them do whatever they want!"
Fugaku Uchiha shook his head, "You can't do it, Shisui. Even The Fourth cannot stop it. There is absolutely no way to stop Chinya, or rather, Danzo behind Chinya."
Shisui frowned tightly.
At this moment, Shisui fully trusted Minato Namikaze.
Therefore, he also believed that Minato Namikaze would certainly be able to handle it.
Fugaku Uchiha explained to Shisui, "Shisui, actually, nowadays even many matters are beyond The Fourth's control. Although The Third has retired, he still pulls strings from behind the scenes. Then there are Hokage Advisors, Advisor Danzo Shimura included, and high-level consultants Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.
Except that The Third has neither ill intentions nor kindness toward us, the two other advisors, Advisors Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, have at least some hostility towards us, fearing our power. As for Danzo, he deeply despises us.
Do you know why I'm so certain our days ahead will be tough, especially with Advisors Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane watching us closely?"
Shisui lowered his head and muttered, "Is it… because I'm too inexperienced?"
Fugaku Uchiha shook his head again, "No, it's not for this reason. The real reason making me so sure comes from the division of two specific authorities from Konoha's Security Force.
First, the power to establish village-wide policies—this kind of authority has major implications, as you know. Previously established rules might all become invalid, and we'll have to abide by the new policies created by Konoha's Defense Unit—Chinya and Danzo.
Secondly, arresting ninjas suspected of crimes—this authority brings even more trouble. From now on, we can only arrest civilians who aren't ninja. Only Konoha's Defense Unit possesses the right to detain ninjas.
Chinya will definitely use this rule to come after us hard.
I believe you will try your best to prevent them from doing harm, but what about acting within their authority? Can you intervene then?"
Shisui opened his mouth as if wanting to say something, yet remained silent.
Within legal authority, perhaps he truly couldn't interfere.
Continuing, Fugaku Uchiha said, "Still, your becoming deputy chief is ultimately positive. At least they wouldn't dare act recklessly; they can only target us through legal channels. As long as we keep our clansmen disciplined and out of trouble, we could avoid much hassle.
Shisui, you're extremely important. The Fourth trusts you greatly. You are the bridge between our Uchiha Clan and The Fourth.
Also, I've decided to place the future of our entire Uchiha Clan upon The Fourth. Therefore, observe The Fourth closely and report any situation to me immediately."
Shisui furrowed his brow—he didn't fully understand what Fugaku meant.
Fugaku Uchiha explained, "The situation of our Uchiha Clan is quite precarious. Originally, my father wanted to place all our hopes on The Third Great Ninja World War and build up military achievements. By doing that, Konoha's leadership wouldn't dare move against us, as we would be the biggest contributors to the war effort. But... we failed.
My father never expected Konoha's leadership would act so impatiently. They made their move in the middle-to-late stages of The Third Great Ninja World War, and the one who initiated it was Chinya.
Later, you know what happened—after I became clan leader, I restrained our clansmen.
And The Fourth was the first person, the truly sincere one, who showed kindness toward the Uchiha Clan. So I want to bet everything on The Fourth.
Therefore, I need you to monitor The Fourth's every move. After all, currently The Fourth lacks real authority. Our loyalty would greatly benefit him.
But no one knows what plans The Fourth might have for our Uchiha Clan once he fully grasps power.
So if this gamble goes wrong, I must cut my losses immediately. Do you understand, Shisui?"
Shisui Uchiha now understood.
Fugaku wanted him to monitor Minato Namikaze's every action.
But... currently, quite bluntly speaking, Shisui was already monitoring the Uchiha Clan and reporting obtained information to Minato Namikaze.
Now he was being asked to turn around and spy on Minato Namikaze himself? What exactly was this?
Seeing Shisui didn't answer immediately, thinking he was unwilling, Fugaku's eyes turned icy cold. He said sternly, "Shisui, remember—you are an Uchiha clansman. You must always keep your identity clear. Clan matters come above all else!"
Shisui looked at Fugaku with disbelief.
In his mind, he was first and foremost a Konoha shinobi, then an Uchiha clansman. Therefore, Konoha's interests came first.
Thus, he found it hard to accept Fugaku's assertion that clan matters must come first.
Fugaku stared piercingly into Shisui's eyes again and asked sharply, "Do you understand? Shisui!"
Shisui slightly lowered his head and softly replied, "I understand, Leader-sama."
As Shisui left, Fugaku gazed deeply at his retreating figure.
Suddenly, Fugaku felt... Shisui wasn't entirely trustworthy.
...
After leaving the room, Fugaku happened to see his son Itachi Uchiha walking towards him.
Seeing Fugaku, Itachi bowed respectfully and greeted, "Father."
Fugaku smiled slightly and nodded, asking, "Finished training today?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then rest early."
"Good night, Father."
Itachi turned and left, returning to his room.
Fugaku had extremely high expectations for this son of his.
Itachi was a rare genius indeed.
At just four years old, he showed remarkable ambition, trained diligently, and possessed exceptional wisdom, composure, and critical thinking.
Fugaku held enormous expectations for Itachi.
Now, Itachi Uchiha was still too young.
Fugaku Uchiha sighed, "Wish he were a little older."
If Itachi had been just a bit older, he would have recommended him to become the deputy leader of the Konoha Defense Unit.
Compared with Shisui Uchiha, naturally his own son was more trustworthy.
Moreover, watching Shisui's reaction just now had already caused Fugaku some unease toward him.
Sigh...
Fugaku sighed again and returned to his bedroom.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, a new chapter was about to unfold.
Obito Uchiha, Pain, and Konan had already entered the territory of the Land of Water.
During their last meeting, Obito had told Nagato that he would come to Kirigakure to find suitable candidates for the Akatsuki.
That's why the three of them made their way here.
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