“Shisui, is this truly what Itachi said?”
Hiruzen’s eyes were grim in the Hokage’s office as he stared at the kneeling Shisui.
“Yes.”
Shisui’s lips curled into a bitter smile.
He knew that if he reported Itachi’s stance truthfully, it would undoubtedly lead to suspicion and suppression from the Konoha high command against Itachi.
But he couldn’t stand by and watch his friend continue down a mistaken path.
Having received Shisui’s confirmation, Hiruzen’s fingers, gripping the pipe, trembled slightly.
Though his expression didn’t change much, anyone could see his deep dissatisfaction.
Even Itachi…
The Itachi he had always admired, who had inherited the Will of Fire, had also betrayed him.
Mirai, what kind of brainwashing method did you use to turn Itachi to your side?
Shock, anger, and resentment surged in Hiruzen’s eyes, casting a shadow over his face.
“Hiruzen, we can’t let this continue.”
Koharu Utatane, sitting to Hiruzen’s left, spoke with a trembling voice after a long silence.
“I’ve heard that he’s training the Uchiha clan members. What is he planning?”
Her eyes were filled not with disdain but with a trace of fear.
The fear of the unknown.
Since Mirai returned to the village, his actions have continuously destroyed her spirit.
A few days ago, the battle in the southern part of Konoha displayed Mirai’s terrifying strength.
The power he demonstrated had become a nightmare for Koharu Utatane.
The name Mirai was like the Sword of Damocles hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment.
Facing Koharu’s fear, Hiruzen wanted to speak but didn’t know what to say.
Even though he felt deep dissatisfaction, he couldn’t devise a good strategy to counter Mirai.
So he responded with silence.
All of this was observed by Danzo Shimura, sitting to Hiruzen’s right, whose left eye shone with a cold light.
Hiruzen, you are still as weak as ever.
Even with Mirai stepping over you, you still think of retreating!
The Nine-Tails has already fallen into the hands of the Uchiha. If they want, they could easily create another Nine-Tails incident!
If it comes to that, what will Konoha use to stop them?
Now, it’s time to make a decision.
Your weakness will only harm you. In critical times, it has to be me who takes action.
Without much hesitation, Danzo stood up, supported by his cane, and left.
Hiruzen watched his friend’s departing figure, suddenly feeling that it was different from usual.
It seemed that Danzo was planning something.
“Lord Hokage, I’ll take my leave now.”
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Shisui knew it was pointless to stay any longer and requested to leave.
“Mm.”
Hiruzen nodded heavily.
…
Leaving the Hokage’s office, Shisui looked back at the massive building, his heart still heavy with doubt.
The clan, the village—where should he go from here?
Why can’t the clan understand the Will of Fire? Why can’t everyone resolve issues peacefully?
Before, at least Itachi understood him.
But now, even Itachi was standing against him.
In the end, must bloodshed be the only way to resolve conflicts?
Lost in heavy thoughts, he began his return to the Uchiha compound, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, quickly passing through the bustling areas and reaching a forest.
Passing through this forest would bring him to the Uchiha compound.
As he reached this area, he noticed a figure standing on the path, his right arm and face covered in bandages.
Shisui immediately recognized the figure.
The leader of Root, Danzo Shimura.
“Lord Danzo, are you waiting for me here specifically?”
Shisui took a deep breath and asked.
Danzo had left the meeting first. Could he have gone early to wait for me here?
A sense of unease rose in his heart.
Shisui knew well that this man, known as the Root of Konoha, was far from as benevolent as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen.
Indeed, Danzo’s first words sent a chill through Shisui’s heart.
“Shisui, I have a mission for you.”
Danzo’s left eye glinted coldly as he scrutinized Shisui.
“What mission?”
“Bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki to me.”
What?!
Shisui’s pupils contracted sharply, his mouth opening slightly in shock and disbelief. He stared at Danzo with wide eyes.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto, the son of the Fourth Hokage?
If he remembered correctly, Naruto was currently residing in the Uchiha compound, in the home of the clan head, Fugaku.
Most importantly, Mirai was also staying there!
Taking Naruto away from that man’s side would be nearly impossible!
“Lord Danzo, may I ask why you want to take Naruto?”
Shisui’s heart grew heavier.
He couldn’t understand why Danzo wanted to do this.
Taking Naruto would undoubtedly provoke that man.
What would happen then would be unimaginable!
“Shisui, you don’t want the Uchiha to face destruction, do you?”
Danzo’s sole eye narrowed, scrutinizing Shisui as if trying to see through his soul.
“Why would Lord Danzo say such a thing?”
Danzo’s face remained expressionless. “The Uchiha is like a tightrope walker, always on the brink of falling into an abyss. The root of it all is that man.”
“He brought the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki into the Uchiha. As a member of the Anbu, you should know what this means.”
Shisui clenched his fists. How could he not understand what this meant?
As Konoha’s weapon of war, the Nine-Tails held immense significance!
This act placed a sword above the heads of Konoha’s leadership!
“Bring the Nine-Tails to me, and I promise to handle everything regarding the Uchiha without any repercussions.”
Danzo’s eyes narrowed slightly, awaiting Shisui’s response.
Shisui closed his eyes, seeming to hesitate, struggle, and grapple with the decision…
Finally, he opened his eyes and sighed.
“Lord Danzo, I’m afraid I can’t complete your mission.”
Danzo’s face hardened, his eyes flashing with anger.
“Shisui! Do you understand what you’re saying? You dare to refuse me?”
“Lord Danzo, I am indeed worried about that man’s arrival and puzzled by Itachi’s choice, but…”
Shisui looked directly at Danzo.
“One thing I am sure of is that taking Naruto will be like lighting a powder keg of uncertainty, with consequences that are unimaginable!”
“Lord Danzo, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
Swish!
Shisui disappeared.
We are leaving Danzo standing there, frustrated and alone.
Danzo’s face twisted with anger, his single eye filled with red veins.
He gritted his teeth.
“Shisui! Even you dare to refuse me!”
“Do you think that without you, I can’t accomplish my goals?”
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