Shisui's Determination
As Shisui observed the conversation between Naruto and Sasuke from a distance, a faint smile formed on his lips. Their exchange reminded him of his own past—of the days when he and Itachi would spar, pushing each other to become stronger.
When Shisui first met Itachi, the boy had been around Sasuke's age. Over countless training sessions, Itachi had grown into a formidable shinobi, one who would eventually join both the ANBU and the Uchiha clan's inner circle. Like himself, Itachi had dedicated his life to protecting both the village and their clan, walking a path fraught with conflict.
Shisui couldn't help but wonder—would Naruto and Sasuke one day follow in their footsteps? Would they, too, inherit the Will of Fire and stand as protectors of Konoha?
That belief, the Will of Fire, was what Shisui had devoted his entire existence to.
Yet, he remained in the shadows, choosing not to reveal himself to the boys. The village and the Uchiha were already teetering on the edge of conflict, and if he were seen interacting with the Jinchūriki, it could easily be misinterpreted by the Third Hokage or, worse, by Danzo. The last thing he needed was to give anyone more reason to doubt his loyalty.
But when had he truly embraced the Will of Fire?
Was it during his Academy days? After becoming a Genin? Or perhaps on the battlefield, during the Third Shinobi War?
Shisui couldn't remember.
He narrowed his eyes, shaking off the thought. There was no time for such distractions. Stopping Fugaku's coup was his top priority.
A Presence Noticed
As if sensing something, Sasuke suddenly paused mid-conversation and glanced around, his Sharingan flickering to life.
"I swear, someone was watching us just now," he muttered. "It felt… unsettling. Did you sense it, Naruto?"
Naruto grinned. "You're overthinking it. If someone was watching, I would've noticed."
Despite Naruto's casual response, he, too, had sensed something. Many people spied on them regularly—the ANBU, the Third Hokage from time to time—but this presence had felt different.
It wasn't the ANBU. It wasn't the old man.
Then who?
A flicker of unease ran through Naruto. Danzo Shimura? Uchiha Obito? Both had the power to be a real threat. Danzo, a master of Wind Release, wielded influence rivaling the Five Kage. Obito, with his Kamui-enhanced Sharingan, had orchestrated the Nine-Tails attack on Konoha.
They were both at the heart of much of the world's turmoil.
Just as Naruto was pondering this, Kurama's deep voice rumbled in his mind:
"Naruto, the person watching you came from the direction of the Hokage Building and moved toward the Uchiha district."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Thank you, Kurama."
Now he had a clearer suspect—Uchiha Shisui.
Memories surfaced. Shisui was a loyalist who truly believed in the Will of Fire, hoping for peace between the Uchiha and Konoha. But Danzo's treachery had cost him dearly—one of his Mangekyō Sharingan was stolen, and to prevent a full-scale war, he ultimately sacrificed himself, entrusting his other eye to Itachi.
The Kotoamatsukami—the ultimate genjutsu.
If Shisui had indeed been watching them, Naruto's unease made sense. The Mangekyō Sharingan could control tailed beasts, and Kotoamatsukami could rewrite a person's very will.
But why had Shisui come from the Hokage's office?
Had he revealed Kotoamatsukami to the Third Hokage? That was reckless. Such a technique would never be tolerated, not even by someone as benevolent as Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Naruto exhaled, glancing at the darkened treetops. His instincts told him that his days of peaceful sleep were over.
---
Shisui's Dilemma
A few weeks later, standing outside the Uchiha Police Force headquarters, Shisui cast a weary glance at Fugaku Uchiha's office.
During this time, he had closely observed his fellow clansmen. He had seen their growing resentment, their harsh treatment of the villagers, and their clashes with Konoha's civilian shinobi. Tensions were boiling over. Even if he managed to change Fugaku's mind, the cycle of conflict wouldn't end.
Unless the Uchiha themselves were willing to dismantle the police force—or at least reform its structure—the inevitable clash between clan and village would only be delayed, not prevented.
Tonight's secret clan meeting at the Naka Shrine would be the final turning point. It was there that Fugaku would officially declare the coup against the village's leadership.
This was Shisui's last chance to act.
How do I stop this without bloodshed?
The question weighed heavily on him. With a sigh, he turned toward the outskirts of the Uchiha district, heading to meet Itachi. They had planned to use Kotoamatsukami on Fugaku during the gathering—an act of quiet intervention that could save countless lives.
Just as he was about to leave, a presence flickered behind him.
In an instant, Shisui activated his Body Flicker Technique, reappearing behind the unknown figure, kunai in hand.
The individual wore an ANBU mask.
Shisui relaxed slightly. "ANBU? Does the Third Hokage have a message for me?"
The masked figure shook his head. "I am not with the Hokage's ANBU. I serve Danzo-sama. The Root division. Danzo-sama requests your presence."
Shisui's expression darkened. "Danzo?"
He knew the man well. Danzo was the leader of Root, Itachi's direct superior, and a former ally of his grandfather, Kagami Uchiha. Despite his loyalty to Konoha, Danzo's methods were ruthless.
The Root operative continued, "Danzo-sama understands your concerns. He wishes to discuss Uchiha's future with you. If you refuse, he will not force you."
Shisui hesitated. Danzo had always been controversial, but he was still one of Konoha's highest-ranking officials. Could he truly be trusted?
"…Fine."
He decided to go. If he could secure Danzo's support in preventing war, perhaps there was still hope.
---
The Root of Betrayal
Not long after, Shisui arrived at the outskirts of Root's underground base.
Standing at the entrance, facing away from him, was Danzo Shimura—his body concealed beneath layers of bandages, his presence cold and unreadable.
Something felt wrong.
Shisui's grip tightened around his kunai.
Tonight would decide everything.
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