"Hehe, when did you learn to flatter?"
Sandaime teased Shisui, but judging from his expression, the words clearly pleased him.
"I'm only speaking the truth."
Shisui's face was calm and solemn, his voice filled with loyalty.
The Third Hokage studied the young Uchiha in front of him with growing fondness. With a gentler tone, he asked:
"Recently, you've carried too many missions. Your body must be near its limit. Take a few days to rest—return to your clan, mend ties. I've heard whispers that some among your kin hold grievances against you. It's important you keep harmony with them."
Though spoken as concern, his words were a subtle test.
Shisui was no fool. He bowed quickly, answering: "Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama."
Then he admitted his worry. Because he stood too close to the village's leadership, radicals within the clan had grown restless. At tonight's clan assembly, they might move against him openly. If those elements gained influence, the rift between Uchiha and the village would only deepen.
"Well…"
The Third sighed, the weight of decades pressing on his shoulders. He turned to face the village through his window and confessed bitterly:
"This is my failure.
In my reign, I could never reconcile the grievances between Uchiha and the village. I left that burden to the Fourth, only for him to die young. In the aftermath, I was forced back into this seat.
Konoha has yet to recover from the Nine-Tails' attack. We are weak. The great villages—especially Kumogakure—are watching, waiting.
If conflict breaks out with Uchiha now, it would be fatal. Internal strife will invite external disaster. And if Konoha should fall… how could I ever face my predecessors in the Pure Land?"
The sorrow in his words made him seem suddenly older.
Shisui's chest tightened. He blurted without hesitation:
"Hokage-sama, I will stop my clan. I will never allow what you fear to come to pass."
"Those are the words I've been waiting for."
Hiruzen's eyes burned with intensity. He leaned forward and declared:
"Shisui, your grandfather, Uchiha Kagami, was my dearest friend. To me, you are as a grandson.
Kagami was a great shinobi who embodied the Will of Fire with his very life. I have always believed you would inherit his will—protecting Konoha's future.
I entrust everything to you."
The weight of Konoha now rested on the young Uchiha's shoulders.
Shisui trembled, then dropped to one knee. His voice was resolute: "Uchiha Shisui swears upon his life to fulfill this duty!"
"Good."
The Third smiled warmly, relief softening his features.
—First, concern. Then sorrow. Finally, a reminder of lineage and duty. In a few simple turns, Hiruzen had wrapped the prodigy tightly within his Will of Fire. His rhetoric had long since reached mastery.
After Shisui departed, the Third Hokage sank back into his chair.
To restrain Uchiha, he had not only Shisui, but also Itachi—a twofold safeguard.
Even so, unease gnawed at him. After all, Shisui and Itachi were still Uchiha.
Never trust an Uchiha completely.
That was the warning of his teacher, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
And Hiruzen could not ignore it.
Minutes later, Kakashi entered the office.
"After much thought, I realized no one in Anbu suits this better than you. Only you, with your Sharingan, can perceive Uchiha's intent and infiltrate their clan. Kakashi, I entrust this mission to you."
The Hokage's words were firm, almost pleading.
Kakashi dropped to one knee. "Yes."
Though the task was heavy and unwelcome, he could not refuse his Hokage.
Sandaime softened his tone: "Protect yourself first. If things turn dangerous, withdraw immediately. Do not be reckless."
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
But Kakashi knew—this mission concerned the safety of the entire village. He would not return without results.
As he left, planning his infiltration, fate placed another figure in his path.
Danzo.
"Kakashi," the elder began without preamble, "your work in Anbu has impressed me. I would even see you join Root."
Kakashi's face tightened. "Please don't joke, Lord Danzo."
"This is no joke. Root is where you belong. You have the qualities of shadow."
Danzo's gaze bored into him, seeing the cracks of doubt Kakashi kept buried. The death of his father, Sakumo, weighed heavy—a tragedy influenced by the Third's judgment. Danzo reminded him of Rin and Obito, casualties of Hiruzen's policies. Of the Fourth's death, with Anbu barred from the Nine-Tails' night.
Kakashi rejected the conspiracy quietly—but seeds of doubt were planted.
"Lord Danzo, if that is all, I'll take my leave."
Kakashi moved to pass.
But Danzo blocked him with his cane, lowering his voice:
"The Hokage sent you to infiltrate Uchiha, didn't he? Dangerous for one man alone. Take this."
He handed Kakashi a signal scroll.
"My Root will surround the Uchiha district tonight. If you sense rebellion, or if you're endangered, use this. We'll respond instantly."
Kakashi's brow furrowed. "Does Hokage-sama know of this?"
Danzo shook his head. "The Third is too soft. He won't act decisively. If he hesitates, I will act for him."
Kakashi was silent. He knew Danzo was Konoha's shadow, the counterweight to the Hokage's light. Even when Danzo committed deeds unthinkable, Hiruzen turned a blind eye. Perhaps this was no different.
After hesitation, Kakashi accepted the scroll.
Danzo watched him go, eyes gleaming.
His hunger for the Sharingan and his hatred of Uchiha burned. But even if tonight's action failed, it mattered little. If things collapsed, blame would fall on Hiruzen—perhaps even forcing the Third to abdicate.
Whatever the outcome, Danzo stood to gain.
As night fell, shadows stretched over Konoha.
Inside his gym, Uchiha Duan finished dinner slowly. His nephew, Itachi, soon arrived, sent by Fugaku to escort him to the clan assembly.
"Close up early and rest," Duan instructed Samui. "We'll return soon."
Together, uncle and nephew walked the village streets in silence.
At the clan's entrance, Itachi glanced at the tall surrounding buildings. Anbu had multiplied in recent days. Surely, eyes watched from every rooftop.
Yet within the district, life carried on quietly. Children played, families talked, unaware of the danger looming above them.
Itachi looked at his uncle's unreadable face, and prayed silently: Please… don't lose control tonight.
By moonlight, the two descended into the secret chambers of Naka Shrine.
The clan's assembly had begun, voices already rising in the underground hall.