"Those Uchiha fellows still haven't given up on their ambitions..."
Simu stood before the Anbu surveillance monitors, watching the merchant caravans constantly entering and leaving the Uchiha Clan compound, and let out a sigh of commentary.
"Yi, watch yourself."
Standing next to Simu, Tenzo quietly tugged at his sleeve. He did so because currently on surveillance duty with them was the pride of the Uchiha Clan, Itachi Uchiha.
Even if this Uchiha genius served in the Anbu, wasn't it a bit excessive to speak about his clan like that right to his face?
Kakashi, hearing the remark, also offered a warning: "Speaking like that in front of a colleague is very impolite behavior, Yi."
However, the person in question, Itachi Uchiha, remained silent. His expression didn't even change in the slightest.
Itachi was long accustomed to such remarks; they couldn't stir his heart at all.
Compared to Simu's contempt for the Uchiha, Itachi was more concerned with the deeper implications of his actions.
Itachi knew the identities of Simu and Tenzo.
They were the secret weapons Root intended to use against the Uchiha Clan.
Both had mastered the powerful Wood Style of the First Hokage. The guy codenamed Yi, who had been incredibly arrogant lately, was very likely the murderer of Shisui.
According to the intelligence Shisui had provided, this guy's Wood Style was remarkably strong, and he had mastered several of the First Hokage's powerful Wood Style jutsus.
So, why would such a powerful ninja be transferred from Root to Anbu?
Had they truly defected to the Third Hokage, or were they Danzo's eyes and ears planted in the Anbu? Or perhaps it was some sort of arrangement by the Leaf's high-level advisors?
Furthermore, being assigned to monitor the Uchiha alongside him—was it a lack of trust?
What was the purpose of the frequent provocations against him and the Uchiha lately? Did they want to trigger further conflict between the village and the clan?
A flood of questions poured from Itachi's heart.
It wasn't that he was being overly sensitive; the current situation between the Uchiha and the village was simply too delicate. One wrong step could lead to an abyss.
Not only could the Uchiha Clan face total annihilation, but a heavily damaged Hidden Leaf would also risk facing a Fourth Shinobi World War.
Therefore, he had to be cautious—more than cautious.
Protecting the village was his ideal, and it was also the dying wish of his dear friend, Shisui.
Simu merely clicked his tongue at Kakashi's criticism and continued, "Since we know the Uchiha Clan has been pooling resources for a coup, why hasn't the old man, the Third Hokage, made a preemptive strike?"
"If it were Lord Danzo, the Uchiha Clan would have vanished into ashes long ago!"
Kakashi patted his forehead. Why on earth did the Hokage assign this guy to his squad?
However, to stop the fellow from prying further, Kakashi could only answer, "While the Uchiha are at odds with the village, they are still a part of it. Until they actually launch a coup, the village absolutely cannot take the initiative to strike them."
As he said this, Kakashi also observed Itachi's expression.
The mission the Third Hokage gave him wasn't just to guide Simu and Tenzo; he also bore the responsibility of monitoring Itachi to determine his loyalty.
Unfortunately, the latter's face remained as calm as usual, as if the Uchiha Clan wasn't the topic they were discussing.
Kakashi's reasoning met with Simu's rebuttal once more.
"Hmph, since we know the Uchiha want to rebel, we should strike first. Everyone who stands against Lord Danzo should go to hell!"
Kakashi replied helplessly, "Striking first certainly secures the initiative, but the high-level advisors must also consider the feelings of other clans. If we strike now before the Uchiha have rebelled, would we do the same to other clans tomorrow?"
If Simu "understood" such complex reasoning, it clearly wouldn't fit Yi's persona. Thus, he immediately acted out: "This is such a pain!"
"I only know that I will kill anyone who dares to block Lord Danzo's path!"
Kakashi rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
However, Simu's performance didn't end there. He immediately turned his gaze toward Itachi Uchiha.
"I heard you're the genius of the Uchiha. How about a fight? Let's see if your Uchiha are stronger, or if my Wood Style is superior!"
"The last Uchiha was already by me—"
Hearing Simu about to mention his best friend, Itachi Uchiha finally couldn't hold back. He rebuked in a cold voice: "Enough! Shut your mouth!"
Faced with this rebuke, Simu's face showed no anger; instead, a hint of anticipation emerged.
"What's this? Are you finally willing to fight me to see who's the better man?"
Simu had been provocatively targeting Itachi during this period for two reasons: he wanted to incite conflict between the village and the Uchiha, and he wanted to test Itachi's strength to see what kind of ocular powers his Mangekyo possessed.
At the same time, he wanted to force the Mangekyo to be exposed, giving the Uchiha Clan's 'odds of success' a little boost.
Fortunately, Itachi didn't lose his head as Simu had hoped. Instead, he quickly regained his composure.
Seeing this, Simu appeared in front of Itachi almost instantly, his kunai thrusting out like a flash of lightning.
Kakashi wanted to stop it, but without uncovering his headband beforehand, he couldn't keep up with Simu's speed. He could only watch helplessly as Simu thrust the kunai toward Itachi's eyes.
If Itachi dies here, the situation between the Uchiha and the village will become irreversible!
This terrifying thought exploded in Kakashi's mind like thunder, but he could only watch it happen.
However, to Kakashi's shocked surprise, Simu stopped.
The kunai in his hand was only a centimeter away from Itachi's pupil.
Even when faced with such a sudden and potentially fatal attack, Itachi's eyes remained as undisturbed as well water.
"If you are trying to use me to provoke a war between the village and the Uchiha, I advise you to drop that idea sooner rather than late," Itachi said calmly.
This calm reaction made Simu feel a bit bored.
"How dull. I didn't expect the so-called genius of the Uchiha Clan to be such a coward."
Before Simu could continue his provocation, Kakashi had already revealed his Sharingan and said solemnly, "Yi, your behavior just now was extremely dangerous!"
"I must warn you: if an Anbu member kills a comrade, they will be treated as a rogue ninja."
How are rogue ninjas handled?
Naturally, they are killed on sight!
"I don't think Danzo would want a ninja he trained to be disposed of as a rogue ninja, right?"
Kakashi's final sentence finally reached Simu. He let out a cold hmph: "If it weren't for Lord Danzo, this kid would be dead already."
With that, Simu vanished from the spot using the Body Flicker Jutsu.
"I'm truly sorry, Itachi."
Tenzo very skillfully apologized on Simu's behalf.
Itachi simply shook his head slightly: "It's fine."