Arata clenched his fists. Even though he knew of Shisui's secret failsafe...knew that death wouldn't truly claim him for long...the sight still tore at his heart.
He couldn't stop the ache of grief rising within him.
Then Shisui tilted his head slightly, his gaze drifting to the side...tow
ard a young boy who had been standing silently nearby.
"Itachi," Shisui said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Take care of yourself. Don't get lost in your thoughts.
When you're troubled, talk to Arata. He's clever...he'll guide you.
And remember… you still have a younger brother to look after.
Only by protecting yourself can you protect him."
The boy standing there was none other than Uchiha Itachi, who had recently returned from a mission.
When he heard that his beloved Shisui was in danger, he insisted on joining Arata's rescue.
Arata had been too worried to notice him sneaking along.
Now, as Itachi stared at the dying figure of his dearest friend and mentor, his heart twisted painfully.
His expression remained calm on the surface, but his clenched fists and trembling pupils betrayed the turmoil raging inside him.
Just as Uchiha Shisui was about to speak again, Uchiha Arata suddenly lifted his head, his sharp gaze locking onto the direction from which Shisui had come.
A faint rustle of wind echoed through the trees.
Moments later, more than a dozen black-clad ninja appeared from the shadows, swiftly surrounding them in a semicircle.
Their formation was tight and precise, like hunters closing in on wounded prey.
Behind them, an elderly man with a bandaged arm walked slowly, his every step deliberate and steady.
The instant Arata saw the man's outfit, he understood who they were.....Shimura Danzō and his Root operatives.
Arata stepped forward without hesitation, positioning himself between Shisui and the enemy.
His eyes narrowed, cold and unyielding, as he silently guarded Shisui and Itachi behind him.
Danzō emerged from behind his subordinates, his gaze falling upon Shisui's collapsed form.
Although he said nothing, the faint curve of satisfaction tugging at his lips betrayed his thoughts.
He hadn't expected to actually track down Uchiha Shisui.
Even though there were a few troublesome Uchiha brats present, as long as he could retrieve Shisui's body, even the Uchiha clan head would have no grounds to question him.
Arata's voice broke the tense silence.
"Who are you people? Why is Shisui in this condition? Don't tell me it has nothing to do with you."
But Danzō didn't even bother to look at him. To him, these young Uchiha were insignificant....flies buzzing in the way. He waved his hand lazily.
"Take Uchiha Shisui back."
At once, Arata drew a kunai and stepped forward, his Sharingan flaring to life.
Three tomoe spun rapidly within his eyes, gleaming with murderous intent. His voice was cold as steel.
"I'd like to see who dares take a single step closer!"
Behind him, the Uchiha who had followed to rescue Shisui all drew their weapons in unison.
The air grew thick with killing intent, as if a single spark could ignite a full-scale battle.
For a moment, the two sides stood locked in a deadly standoff.
Danzō's expression darkened. The sight of Arata's fully awakened Sharingan made his heart sink slightly....this boy was not one to underestimate.
Unwilling to let the situation spiral out of control, he spoke with an air of forced authority.
"Uchiha Shisui is suspected of treason and colluding with foreign powers.
We're here to apprehend him for interrogation."
Arata caught the key word immediately. His tone turned ice-cold.
"So you admit it...Shisui became like this because of you?"
Danzō's face twitched, but he didn't deny it. "We were ordered to arrest him. His injuries are the result of his own resistance.
Now stand aside. Or are you implying that you, too, are involved in this act of treason?"
Arata's gaze sharpened.
"Shisui is a direct subordinate of the Third Hokage.
Even if he were to be arrested, that's a matter for the Hokage and the ANBU, not you.
And as a member of the Uchiha, if our clansman is to be interrogated, our clan leader has every right to be present."
He glanced up and down at Danzō with visible contempt.
"You are neither the Hokage nor ANBU. Who gave you the authority to arrest one of our clan?"
Read more 60+ Advance chapter And Support me
patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang