Chapter 8 — Wolves in the Compound
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The sun was dipping toward late afternoon when class let out, and Shisui was already bouncing on his heels.
"Akira! We're going back to the compound, right? Let's bring Kakashi!"
Kakashi, halfway through walking off, froze. "…Why?"
"Because," Shisui grinned, "you clearly need friends. And Akira here's the perfect one to fix your permanent scowl."
"I don't scowl," Kakashi replied flatly — but Shisui was already shoving him toward the Uchiha district.
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The compound was quiet except for the sound of kids playing in the central yard. A few older clan members glanced over curiously at the silver-haired outsider, but no one said anything.
Akira dropped down onto the wooden engawa of his house, pulling a small cloth bag from behind the sliding door.
"What's that?" Kakashi asked, eyeing it suspiciously.
"A game," Akira said with a faint smile. "It's called Werewolf Kill. Shinobi edition."
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Shisui's eyes lit up. "Ohhh, this one! Where you figure out who's secretly the assassin before they 'kill' everyone?"
"Exactly." Akira opened the bag, revealing carved wooden tokens — foxes, hawks, and two small wolf heads. "Except here, the wolves are rogue ninja infiltrating the village."
Kakashi crossed his arms. "…Games are a waste of time."
Akira leaned in slightly, golden Byakugan glinting faintly. "So you're afraid you'll lose?"
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed. "…Deal the tokens."
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Round One
The group — Akira, Kakashi, Shisui, and three younger Uchiha kids — sat in a loose circle. Tokens were drawn in secret.
Akira scanned the circle, hiding a smirk. "The night falls. Everyone close your eyes."
One of you is a wolf, he thought, letting the tension linger before narrating. "Wolves, open your eyes… choose your victim."
Someone giggled. Someone else shifted. Akira mentally noted it.
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Day broke, and the "villager" discussion began.
"I think it's Shisui," Kakashi said instantly.
"What?!" Shisui protested. "You always suspect me first!"
"That's because you always are suspicious."
"Wrong," Akira cut in smoothly, "I think it's Hana."
The young girl blinked. "Huh?!"
"Your breathing changed when I called for wolves to act. Guilt."
By the end of the round, Hana was voted out — and revealed as one of the wolves.
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Round after round, the game went on, laughter mixing with mock accusations. Kakashi was sharper than Akira expected, narrowing down suspects quickly. But in the final round, Akira managed to trick both him and Shisui into voting out the wrong person — securing a wolf victory.
As they reset the tokens, Kakashi stared at him. "…You cheated."
"No," Akira said, smiling faintly. "I simply played the role better."
Shisui flopped onto the tatami. "I swear, Akira's going to be the death of us one day."
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Outside, just past the wall of the compound, a faint chakra signature lingered — the same Root operative from before.
Akira didn't turn his head. You're patient, he thought. But I'm more patient.