After explaining everything to Mitsuki, Ruri began to think seriously about how they could actually take down the Byakugan Killer.
"If the target possesses a Byakugan, sneak attacks will be nearly impossible" she said, brows furrowed cutely as she propped her chin on one hand.
"Considering his tactical importance in the Mist Village, we should be prepared to face several jōnin-level opponents at once."
Ruri paused for a few seconds, thinking, then looked up at Mitsuki.
"Wait—you said earlier that you're a senior advisor on this front, right?"
"Yeah. Ah—" Mitsuki swallowed his last mouthful of ramen and, still feeling a little hungry, casually reached over and stole a few gyoza from Shukaku's plate.
"Then you should have plenty of subordinates" Ruri suggested. "Let them handle the target's guards while we move in on Ao himself."
"Uh…" Mitsuki froze, looking a little embarrassed. The truth was, ever since he'd been appointed as senior advisor, he had dumped all the actual command duties onto Fugaku and Hiashi.
"What's wrong?" Ruri asked, noticing his awkward reaction.
Mitsuki waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing. You need manpower, right? Leave that to me!"
He'd just pay Fugaku a visit tomorrow — no doubt the Uchiha clan head would lend him someone capable.
Heiji, sitting quietly beside them, found himself speechless. Every word of gratitude he wanted to say felt hollow. He never imagined that someone like him — a branch member born into servitude— could ever be blessed with friends like these.
To meet Mitsuki, to call him a friend… in a life destined to be confined by a cage, that was the greatest fortune he could've hoped for.
The next morning, Mitsuki went to the command headquarters to meet with Fugaku and explained his request.
Unlike the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, who had been uncharacteristically quiet lately — no doubt scheming something — the Byakugan Killer, Ao, had been very active on the battlefield.
Fugaku closed his eyes for a moment, thinking, then replied,
"I understand. As it happens, I have just the person for this mission."
Hearing that, Mitsuki felt a wave of relief. Killing Ao wouldn't be difficult for him, but retrieving the Byakugan intact was another matter entirely. That would require someone with exceptionally precise control — ideally a genjutsu specialist.
Ruri would've been perfect for the role, but lately she'd complained that her eyes had been straining, and her genjutsu accuracy had dropped. For someone as proud as her, to admit that meant it was serious.
Thinking of that, Mitsuki reminded Fugaku, "The person you're sending — are they skilled in genjutsu? If we can't restrain Ao with illusions, the Byakugan might end up destroyed."
Fugaku smiled confidently.
"Don't worry. If his genjutsu isn't good enough for this mission, then there's probably no one left in Konoha who fits your criteria."
That confidence told Mitsuki everything — he already had a good guess who Fugaku was referring to.
Fugaku clapped his hands and called over a nearby Uchiha ninja, giving him a few quiet instructions. The man nodded and left immediately.
Moments later, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in" Fugaku called.
"Sorry to intrude" a calm voice answered as the door opened.
Just as Mitsuki expected — the young man who stepped in had short black hair, wore a fitted black combat uniform, and carried the calm, sharp presence typical of a true Uchiha. His features were firm and handsome — unmistakably the clan's golden boy.
"This is Shisui Uchiha" Fugaku introduced with a hint of pride. "Currently the strongest shinobi of our clan."
Then, turning to Shisui, he continued, "And this is Shimizu Mitsuki, the newly appointed senior advisor for the Mist front."
And so, Mitsuki and Shisui officially met for the first time.
Shisui gave a respectful nod. "Is there a mission you need me to complete, sir?" He'd been summoned rather suddenly, and didn't yet know why.
"I'll explain" Mitsuki said, stepping forward.
After listening to the full mission briefing, Shisui nodded solemnly.
"Understood. Clan Head, Advisor—I'll do my best to complete the mission."
Mitsuki stood up from his chair and, with his usual relaxed air, patted Shisui's shoulder.
"No need to be so formal. Just call me Mitsuki."
Shisui waved his hands quickly.
"I couldn't possibly! You're the advisor personally appointed by Lord Hokage, I—"
"It's fine, it's fine. Come on, let's go meet the rest of the team" Mitsuki said, grabbing Shisui by the wrist and dragging him out before he could protest.
Fugaku watched them go, a small smile tugging at his lips. Everything was proceeding exactly as he'd planned.
There was no reason for a top-tier asset like Shisui to sit idle in camp. And as clan head, Fugaku already knew through his private channels about Heiji's situation.
He had postponed all of Shisui's other assignments just for this—to build a connection and goodwill with Mitsuki. Now, it seemed he'd succeeded; not only had he earned Mitsuki's favor, but the two young men appeared to be getting along quite well.
Fugaku walked to the window, gazing out at the bright morning sky. What a beautiful day.
He chuckled softly to himself. "Maybe it's a sign my luck's been good lately. Perhaps it's time to talk to Mikoto… about giving Itachi a little brother."