Ryosuke could see that Shisui was starting to waver. That was good. That meant progress.
"For everything the Konoha high command has done, we Uchiha have still been... merciful," Ryosuke said calmly, though steel threaded his words. "If they choose to step down peacefully, then I won't pursue further action."
He leaned in slightly, voice lowering with purpose.
"But there's something else you need to know, Shisui. In the recent conflict with Kumogakure, someone from the village leadership leaked information. Someone betrayed us. Not just the Uchiha—even the Hyuga clan has reason to believe it. That person... won't walk away unscathed."
Ryosuke straightened, voice calm again.
"Aside from that traitor, we have no quarrel with the rest of the shinobi. We believe in merit. Power should rise naturally to the top."
He stared directly at Shisui. "You agree with that, don't you?"
Shisui's face shifted visibly. He was stunned—by both Ryosuke's willingness to negotiate and the disturbing accusation.
"A traitor in the leadership?" Shisui said, disbelief in his voice. "That can't be true…"
"There's nothing impossible about it," Ryosuke said, shrugging slightly. "Maybe they didn't like how I handled things in the Cloud. Maybe they see our clan as a threat. But let's face it—the Uchiha defeated Kumogakure's elite forces. We're the reason Konoha stands tall today."
He took a step closer. "And yet... as heroes, we're being treated like criminals. So tell me, Shisui—what would you do in my position?"
Shisui had no response. Deep down, he couldn't deny the possibility. After all, the Uchiha and Hyuga were the only clans sent out for the mission. If he weren't so loyal to the Hokage… even he would have been angry.
The idea of a mole—an insider—tipped the balance in his heart even further toward the clan.
He sighed softly.
"…Still, Ryosuke, I think you should aim for peace with the leadership. If this turns into a violent clash, there will be blood. A lot of it. Once that starts, it's impossible to stop."
His tone was earnest. Deep down, Shisui still hoped for unity. That was just the kind of person he was.
Ryosuke didn't seem annoyed by the sentiment. In fact, he nodded slightly. It was typical of Shisui to think this way. Naïve, maybe—but not treacherous. As long as he wasn't siding with the elders, Ryosuke was fine with it.
"Shisui," Ryosuke said suddenly, voice lowering again. "You haven't told the higher-ups about your Mangekyō Sharingan, have you? Or what your eyes are capable of?"
Shisui's pupils widened slightly. He didn't answer.
Ryosuke continued anyway. "I know how it works. Every Uchiha who awakens the Mangekyō has a unique ability. Yours… might just be one of the most dangerous in the clan's history."
He leaned in, voice sharp now.
"If you let them know, they'll come for you. You know how paranoid they are. If they think you might side with us… they won't hesitate."
Shisui finally spoke, eyes lowering. "The Third Hokage would never order something like that."
He didn't mention Danzo—not out loud. But Ryosuke could see the doubt in his expression.
"Exactly," Ryosuke said. "Hiruzen might not—but he's getting older. The real problem is the shadows behind him. The ones who act without permission. You know who I mean."
Ryosuke paused, then added more grimly, "I'm telling you this because I don't want to see you die. You're one of the few in the clan who still has his head on straight."
Shisui was silent.
Ryosuke's tone sharpened.
"Because if you ever stood against the clan—if you were our enemy—I would do everything in my power to kill you."
That startled Shisui more than anything.
It wasn't said out of hatred. Ryosuke sounded almost... regretful. Like he didn't want to—but would, if it came to that.
"That's not a threat," Ryosuke added. "It's a warning."
Shisui exhaled slowly. Maybe Ryosuke was being harsh—but he wasn't wrong. There were monsters in Konoha's darkness. Danzo… Root… those weren't rumors. Those were real.
"…Alright," Shisui said at last. "I'll be more careful. You have my word."
He looked Ryosuke in the eye.
"But I ask the same from you. If there's any way to avoid conflict, to resolve things without bloodshed… please take it. For the village. For everyone."
Ryosuke nodded. "Of course. I'm not some bloodthirsty maniac."
And oddly enough, Shisui believed him. Ryosuke hadn't gone on a killing spree in the Cloud. In fact, he'd gone out of his way to avoid unnecessary slaughter. That had to count for something.
With that, Shisui turned and left, disappearing into the woods.
He hadn't even brought up the Two-Tails Jinchūriki. No point. Ryosuke wasn't giving her up, and honestly—Shisui was starting to wonder if that even mattered anymore.
From the way Ryosuke talked… he wasn't after rebellion for rebellion's sake. He genuinely believed the Uchiha could lead Konoha better.
Later that night, Shisui returned home alone. He found Itachi waiting, silent and still.
"Well?" Itachi asked. "Is Ryosuke willing to hand over the Two-Tails?"
Shisui shook his head.
Itachi's jaw clenched, anger flickering across his normally calm face. "So he's hoarding power. Just as I feared."
Shisui didn't reply at first. Instead, he said something unexpected.
"…Itachi. Maybe… maybe Ryosuke's way could actually work. Maybe peace doesn't have to come through submission."
Itachi stared, stunned. "What are you saying?"
Shisui explained everything—his entire conversation with Ryosuke. The warnings. The philosophy. The belief that the Uchiha could lead Konoha to a better future, even if it meant taking control by force.
Itachi's expression darkened.
"Shisui… you're not seriously considering what he said, are you? Everything he said sounds nice—but at its core, it's rebellion. Treason. Overthrowing the Hokage isn't peace—it's bloodshed!"
"He wants to start by removing Hiruzen. That alone disqualifies everything else he says."
"He's dressing it up in noble words, but it's all for the clan. It's self-interest—nothing more."
Shisui didn't answer. He wasn't convinced either way. But for the first time, he could see a different path. A dangerous one—but maybe not entirely wrong.
Itachi grew more agitated. "Shisui, you can't fall for that. Even if the Uchiha become Hokage by force, the village will fall into chaos. War will follow. Innocents will die. How can that ever bring peace?"
Shisui said nothing. Because even if Itachi was right… maybe Ryosuke was, too.
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