Shisui's expression was terrible.
It wasn't because Ren had lectured him—but because Ren had asked Kabuto to tell him a story.
This time, the story wasn't as layered or philosophical as before.
It was simpler.
Bloodier.
And far more terrifying.
The protagonist of that story was Yakushi Kabuto himself.
Worse still, Kabuto hadn't just heard about it—he had personally taken part in it.
By the time the story ended, Shisui felt a chill crawl up his spine.
They had almost become Shimura Danzo's executioners.
And Danzo himself was far more vicious, far more despicable, than Shisui had ever imagined.
Kabuto was Ren's childhood friend.
Yakushi Nono was their orphanage director.
Danzo had forced the two of them into a mutual assassination, then framed Orochimaru for it.
And Ren's role back then?
He had been sent along to witness everything.
When the truth finally settled in, all the illusions Shisui clung to collapsed completely.
Now he truly understood why Ren wanted Danzo dead so badly.
Because—
"Danzo… you really deserve to die."
Seeing Shisui on the verge of breaking, Ren shook his head.
"Enough. Don't let anger consume you."
"At least you still have a chance. Everything I said is still speculation."
"But we can't afford optimism. We have to plan for the worst."
"That's why I brought Kabuto here—to help draft an evacuation plan for the Uchiha."
"Some people will have to die. You know that."
"But the innocent should have a chance to live."
"You know the Uchiha district. Kabuto excels at planning and misdirection."
"I want the two of you to work together."
Kabuto nodded quietly. He already knew why he'd been brought here.
Shisui understood as well.
But understanding didn't make it easier.
His fists clenched so hard they shook.
"Why did it turn out like this?"
"How could Danzo dare?"
"And the Third Hokage—why did he allow it?"
"Why did our clan end up like this?"
"We wanted to integrate into Konoha… so why is this the result?"
Shisui was on the edge of hysteria.
And honestly?
Anyone in his position would be.
Ren sighed.
"I told you already. Your clan leadership failed."
"And there's something I didn't mention before—but now I will."
Kabuto, sensing drama, quietly sat down.
Getting dragged out for 'work' and ending up hearing secrets like this—what a day.
"Let me ask you something," Ren said calmly.
"Have you ever seriously thought about the Konoha Military Police Force?"
Shisui blinked, then nodded.
"Of course. The Police Force maintains internal order, enforces village law, arrests criminals, upholds stability."
"In wartime, it can also recruit ninja and support combat operations."
"It's a sacred post."
As an Uchiha, he knew it by heart.
"Correct," Ren said. "But don't you feel something's off?"
"Doesn't that authority feel… excessive?"
He glanced at Kabuto.
"You've infiltrated other villages. What do you think?"
Kabuto didn't hesitate.
"From that description, the Police Force sounds like a massive, all-encompassing institution."
"Other villages have similar organizations."
"But Konoha's version feels… wrong."
"Wrong?" Shisui frowned.
"You have the shell," Kabuto said bluntly.
"But not the manpower, structure, or scale to support those responsibilities."
"To be blunt—the Police Force is more symbolic than functional."
Shisui froze.
Ren smiled faintly.
"Exactly. An enormous institution staffed by too few people."
"Could it ever truly function?"
"Compare it to ANBU."
"Even as an elite force, ANBU has more personnel than the Police Force."
"That alone tells you everything."
"And think carefully—who gave the Police Force to the Uchiha?"
"And why."
"…The Second Hokage?" Shisui murmured.
Kabuto's eyes widened.
"I get it."
"The Second Hokage intended the Police Force to help the Uchiha integrate."
"A large institution naturally absorbs people from all backgrounds."
"Through cooperation, trust forms."
"But the Uchiha turned it into private property."
"They shut outsiders out."
"Lacking manpower, they were forced into unpopular tasks—arrests, imprisonment, punishment."
"All the dirty work."
He stopped speaking and looked at Shisui with a complicated expression.
So it wasn't that Konoha never gave them a chance.
They ruined it themselves.
Shisui's face went pale.
Ren had said their clan leadership was incompetent.
Turns out that was an understatement.
"And as for why the Third Hokage tolerated Danzo," Ren continued,
"The answer is simple."
"The world isn't as clean as you think."
"Konoha needs people to do dirty work."
"ANBU handles some of it."
"But the worst of it falls on others."
"Danzo is that person."
"Root exists for that purpose."
"They're also old comrades—bonds formed before Konoha even existed."
"And look at Orochimaru."
"The Third Hokage let his own student escape."
"Do you really think he could bring himself to kill his oldest friend?"
Ren paused.
"Still… the Third Hokage did want to rein you in."
"ANBU knew exactly what the Uchiha were doing."
"But he never acted."
"Even Danzo waited until the Third left the village."
"Danzo is our target."
"But your clan?"
"If you had seized your chance, would it have come to this?"
Ren exhaled slowly.
"I told you already."
"You can't accomplish anything when you're surrounded by parasites."
"So now—"
"It's time to exterminate them."
Shisui and Kabuto felt it.
A fire ignited in their eyes.
Kabuto's hatred for Danzo burned white-hot.
Shisui's rage was even worse.
Not just toward Danzo—
But toward his own clan leadership.
Then Kabuto suddenly sucked in a sharp breath.
"Exterminate… the sun?"
At the Gates of Konoha
Disguised, Konan arrived with several Rain ninja.
Waiting for them was a sizable Konoha escort.
At its head stood Inoichi Yamanaka, clan head of the Yamanaka.
"Welcome to Konoha," he said politely, though caution lingered in his eyes.
To younger generations, the Rain Village was unfamiliar.
To veterans of the Second Shinobi World War—
It was unforgettable.
And so was Hanzo the Salamander.
A man powerful enough to defeat the three Sannin alone.
A title like "Half-God" was never given lightly.
The Rain Village had been sealed off for years.
This sudden visit raised far too many questions.
But as long as Hanzo lived, no one dared underestimate them.
Konan smiled politely.
"Konoha's environment truly surpasses ours."
Inoichi responded smoothly.
"The Rain Village's water resources are envied by many."
Konan continued calmly.
"Our nations are neighbors."
"Past conflicts are over."
"Lord Hanzo hopes to strengthen trust, encourage trade, and promote stability."
"Konoha values peace. Surely you won't look down on a small nation like ours?"
Inoichi laughed and welcomed them inside.
Hokage Tower
Ren, Yugao, and Kakashi's team assembled.
"I apologize for recalling you from leave," the Third Hokage said.
Ren bowed respectfully.
"I am ANBU."
Though inwardly, he remembered Kabuto's idiotic question—
'Exterminate the sun? Is the sun Danzo or the Hokage?'
I should've strangled him.
Ren glanced briefly at the silent Itachi behind Kakashi.
The boy felt colder than before.
"The Rain Village has sent envoys," the Third Hokage said gravely.
"Protect them."
"And determine their true purpose."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi suddenly spoke.
"Since our teams are merging… I strongly recommend Ren as team leader."
Ren stared at him.
You coward.
Later — Senju Estate
Tsunade frowned as she drank.
"Rain Village again…"
Ren shrugged while eating.
"I'll investigate personally."
He declined Yugao's offer to accompany him.
Too many eyes would ruin everything.
That night, guided by Flying Thunder God markers placed by Yamato, Ren entered the Rain ninja's lodging.
The moment he sensed the chakra—
He knew.
"So it's her."
Konan opened the door.
Before she could react, Ren seized her—
And they vanished.
In a Quiet Valley
"This is safer," Ren explained.
"That inn is warded."
"Privacy is protected—but not absolutely."
Konan nodded.
"You're cautious."
Ren studied her.
"You're bold to come here."
"If exposed, you'd be finished."
"And if they read my memories?" Konan replied flatly.
"They'd learn about you."
She paused.
"I came with sincerity."
Ren shook his head.
"You still lack the qualifications for cooperation."
He raised his hand—
As if to strike.
Vines erupted, binding her.
The slap never landed.
Instead—
He gently brushed her cheek.
"Power is most terrifying before it strikes."
"Once it does, only pain remains."
He released her.
"No one likes living in fear."
"That instinct to resist?"
"That's humanity."
Konan's breath trembled.
Ren continued.
"Rule through fear, and rebellion never ends."
"Kill all humans—and there's peace."
She stared at him.
"That's insane."
"Exactly," Ren said calmly.
Silence followed.
Finally, Konan spoke.
"Then what is power for?"
Ren looked at her coldly.
"So you don't watch Yahiko die again."
Power wasn't domination.
It was protection.
She understood.
Then she revealed her true reason.
"Uchiha Obito intends to act."
"On Konoha."
Ren's eyes narrowed.
Then he smiled.
"Don't stop him."
"This will help Konoha."
"And help me."
Konan hesitated—then nodded.
"A trial cooperation."
They shook hands.
As Ren vanished, he glanced back.
"One last thing."
"Your sincerity?"
She flushed.
"You're disgusting."
Ren laughed.
"Misunderstanding. I'm just learning from Jiraiya."
And with that—
He was gone.
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