Seiryu's uncharacteristic swearing left Shisui stunned. In his memories, Seiryu had always been mild and gentle with people. Even that night when the two of them had clashed, Seiryu hadn't lost his composure like this.
"So, you knew about all this from the beginning, didn't you?" Shisui asked.
"More or less," Seiryu had calmed down by now. "After all, in my years with the Police Force, I've read plenty of case files. It's easy to spot that there's something off about some of the missing persons cases in the village. I just hadn't found any evidence before."
"So, you've always suspected the village's higher-ups? Why…" Shisui wanted to ask why Seiryu hadn't told him, but seeing the look in Seiryu's eyes, he sensibly shut up. True, with how easily he'd been manipulated by these people before, why should Seiryu trust him?
Thinking of this, Shisui suddenly realized: If Seiryu hadn't stolen Kotoamatsukami from him, and he had succeeded in using the technique on then-clan-head Uchiha Fugaku, what terrible things would have happened? At that point, the clan's children might have experienced the same fate as those missing children in the evidence files. As the one pushing all this forward, he would have remained oblivious—until the entire Uchiha clan was consumed.
It was Seiryu who stopped all this and prevented him from becoming the sinner of the clan and even the village.
"Thank you," Shisui murmured.
"There's no need for that among clan members." Seiryu understood what Shisui meant, and just waved it off casually.
"Seiryu, you once told me that every clan member who awakens the Mangekyo faces an inner trial, and the eye techniques born from the Mangekyo are their answers. So, can you tell me what your trial was, and what answer you gave?"
"Me?" Seiryu's face showed a trace of emotion. "When I was nine, the village sent me to the battlefield. At first, my mindset was like most of our clan—thinking I could gain fame through the power of our bloodline in this war. But then I saw the battlefield's cruelty up close. My Sharingan reached three tomoe—a level many clan members can't achieve in a lifetime—in less than a year. But as you know, every upgrade of the Sharingan comes with the loss of someone important. My mentors, friends, and clan members disappeared one by one in the blood and fire of war.
Because of some special experiences, I started doubting the reality of this world. Back then, I seriously believed that this world wasn't real. In a sick world where you could die any second from a stray kunai or jutsu, I wondered if living so hard was even meaningful.
Until that time—my uncle Uchiha Kaito, who had cared for me since my parents' deaths, was surrounded by fifteen Mist Jonin squads. To cover my retreat, Uncle Kaito died in a massive combo jutsu. My parents died soon after I was born; Uncle Kaito was like a father to me. When he was swallowed by the Mist's jutsu, the pain gave me my answer.
To me, this world is absolutely real. And faced with its sickness, all I can do is lead those I care about—no matter how desperate the situation—seize that last sliver of hope, and change the world." Seiryu looked Shisui in the eye and said clearly, "That is the origin of my eye technique: Wamiyonomikoto and Yasakani no Magatama."
"I see." Shisui sighed deeply. "You're right; compared to you, my resolve is far too small. But… what do we do now?"
Shisui looked at the evidence on the table documenting the collusion between the three clans and Orochimaru.
Seiryu was silent for a moment, then sighed, "Fine."
Then he called out toward the door, "Aburame Kaze, squad captain!"
Aburame Shihi, who had been waiting outside, hurried in when he heard Seiryu call him.
Seeing Shisui, Kaze's eyes showed a hint of curiosity behind his sunglasses, but he said nothing, turning to Seiryu. "Deputy, your orders?"
"Go check on the status of those rioters' interrogations," Seiryu said.
"Yes." Kaze left with the order and soon returned.
"The interrogation is almost complete. Most rioters were incited by others. All the ninja who organized and hid among the rioters are from the Koharu, Mitokado, and Shimura clans."
"That's enough." Seiryu nodded, pushing the evidence toward Kaze and Shisui. "The Koharu and Mitokado clans—descended from the Hokage's advisors—didn't serve the village, but instead colluded with rogue ninja, harmed their comrades, and incited villagers to slander the village's heroes."
"Captain Aburame!" Seiryu looked at Kaze.
"Yes."
"Lead the Sixth Squad to arrest all related suspects in the Koharu, Mitokado, and Shimura clans. Uchiha Shisui—"
"Yes." Shisui bowed his head, eyes resolute.
"Assist him. If you encounter resistance, treat it as treason; lethal force is permitted."
"Understood." Both nodded.
"Hurry back. It's been a hard night for everyone." Seiryu smiled as they left.
…
The two took the Sixth Squad, who had been on standby, and marched toward the three clans' compounds. The squad members, having seen other squads return with results, had been somewhat disappointed, but now, with a mission, they were eager—tonight would not be peaceful at the clan compounds.
After arranging everything, Seiryu finished his tea in one gulp and prepared to head for the Hokage Tower.
At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku, who had been waiting outside, walked in. Glancing at the sword Kiburi on the rack, he asked, "Aren't you bringing your sword?"
"No need," Seiryu smiled. "We won't need it tonight."
"Oh, right, Elder Fugaku, remember to distribute the bonuses and ninjutsu before leaving for the night. Everyone's worked hard—getting their reward and jutsu before going home should help them sleep well." Seiryu reminded him before leaving.
"I got it," Fugaku replied with a smile.