Late May.
Shisui received the order and quietly came to a conference room in the Hokage Building.
When he arrived here, Shisui discovered that not only the Third Hokage, but also advisors Koharu Mito and Mito Kaden, as well as the root leader Shimura Danzo were also here.
Although he was surprised, he didn't question anything.
These people are all comrades-in-arms of the Third Hokage, as well as comrades-in-arms of his ancestor Uchiha Kage, and are trustworthy elders.
He is also a secret member of the ANBU directly under the Hokage. At this time, it is not a particularly important secret.
"Shisui, I called you here today because of the internal affairs of the Uchiha clan. According to Itachi's report, the radical faction of the Uchiha clan has set up a beheading action team to take action against us, and is preparing to attack the village with a large number of detonating charms. Various important facilities caused commotion in the village and made it easier for them to move. Is that what happened? "
Mito Menyan asked first.
"Not only that, they also plan to take the Jinchuuriki hostage and release the Nine-Tails."
Danzo also mentioned something at this time, and the atmosphere was extremely depressing.
Zhisui did not hide anything, nodded and said: "Yes, they do intend to do this. The official action time will be the 20th of next month."
Since Itachi reported this kind of thing, concealing it became a joke.
Moreover, even if some information is shared, Shisui doesn't think it is a problem.
He already had a way to deal with it, allowing the Uchiha clan to overcome this difficulty.
Hiruzen and Danzo were both a little silent, while Koharu and Mito Kadeni whispered a few words when they moved to bed. Shisui vaguely heard sharp words such as 'stop in time' and 'suppress with force'.
"That is to say, there is only less than a month left, right? Time is tight. I think we can take immediate action against the Uchiha clan. With Itachi as our internal agent, suppressing the Uchiha clan is not a problem."
Danzo expressed his opinion and his attitude was very tough.
"Sure enough, we shouldn't have too much trust in the Uchiha clan, and they actually fell to the point of wanting a coup. As Danzo said, Kirigakure's successful case gave them unlimited imagination. I agree with Danzo's approach. "
Mito Kadoyan sighed, things have indeed developed to this point. At this point, it is no longer within their control, and correct countermeasures must be taken.
After turning to bed, Xiaochun also nodded in agreement.
At this point, we should start from the overall perspective of the village. If the Uchiha clan wants to have a coup, for the safety of the village, we should take action before the Uchiha clan's coup, lest Konoha be hit hard and other ninja villages take advantage of it. Opportunity.
Seeing that the three senior officials wanted to use force to suppress the Uchiha clan, Shisui knew that at this time, he had to stand up.
"Three elders, can you listen to me?"
He had already convinced the Third Hokage to let him handle the affairs of the Uchiha clan.
Now as long as the three elders are persuaded, the Uchiha clan can get back on track without having to conflict with the village, and the fuse of the Fourth Ninja World War will be cut off.
"What do you think, Shisui? You are a descendant of Kagami, and everything you do will be done from the perspective of the village. If you have a better way, we can also be considerate."
Koharu turned to bed and looked at Shisui's resolute and slightly young face, which brought her back to the years when she and Uchiha Kage experienced bloody battles decades ago.
The past is gone. After being an old friend, he has become such a big man, and he has still made a name for himself as Shunshen Shisui in the ninja world. My old friend should be smiling when he knows it.
"Thank you very much. My method is to use genjutsu to control the clan leader Uchiha Fugaku, so that he can personally cancel the coup strategy at the clan meeting, and at the same time suppress the radicals."
"It's impossible. Uchiha Fugaku's strength is a powerful ninja that can be compared with the Sannin. Taijutsu, illusions, and ninjutsu are all at your fingertips. Even if we meet him, we can't look directly at his Sharingan. Eye."
Mito Kabuto was the first to reject Shisui's proposal.
Because this method is too unreliable.
The Sharingan not only has the name of the Eye of Replication, but also has a series of famous names such as the Eye of Illusion.
No matter how good Shisui is, it is impossible to use Sharingan to make Uchiha Fugaku fall under the illusion.
Regarding the application of Sharingan, Uchiha Fugaku has already reached the pinnacle.
"I know. That's why I should do this. Only in this way can we avoid bloody conflicts. This is what I rely on."
After Shisui finished speaking, a giant magatama appeared in his eyes, shining with scarlet light, making people shudder.
The temperature in the room suddenly dropped to freezing point.
The eyes of Danzo and the three people who didn't know the truth suddenly widened.
Although it is different from the information in Konoha records, the Sharingan that is different from the basic magatama shape... there is basically only one possibility——
Mangekyō Sharingan!
At this time, Hiruzen saw Shisui displaying the Mangekyō Sharingan, which shocked his three old friends, and said with a smile: "That's the thing, I have handed over the affairs of the Uchiha clan to Shisui Go deal with it. In this way, the Uchiha clan will slowly integrate with the village under the guidance of Shisui."
Hiruzen expressed his opinion.
"What?"
Danzo and the other three were slightly puzzled as they didn't understand what Hiruzen meant.
Shisui explained: "My Mangekyō Sharingan's exclusive pupil technique is called 'Betsutenjin'. It can invade the target's brain and modify the target's will without knowing it."
As soon as these words came out, Danzo avoided looking at Shisui and his body couldn't help but tremble.
Other gods, this technique...must...
Thinking of this, fear and apprehension disappeared, leaving only enthusiasm in my heart.
"I will use this technique to control Uchiha Fugaku's will, make him my puppet, and officially declare the coup operation disbanded. The radicals will not be able to bypass the clan leader to implement the coup, and their plan will go bankrupt."
Shisui spoke nonchalantly, which also represented his confidence.
Seeing that all three of Danzo were silent and no one took the initiative to speak, Hiruzen knew it was time to make up his mind.
"Shisui, we agree with your method. Act according to your will."
Hiruzen agreed, and the three elders acquiesced, which was equivalent to passing all the senior officials, and Shisui was also happy about it.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I plan to take action at tomorrow's meeting to avoid a long night of dreams. Then, I will take my leave first."
Zhisui took a deep breath, turned and left the conference room.
◎
Standing under the eaves, Fugaku crossed his arms and looked thoughtful.
Behind him, Itachi was about to walk over.
Fugaku immediately spoke: "Itachi."
Itachi stopped and asked, "What's the matter, father?"
"Don't forget to attend the meeting tomorrow."
Tomorrow's rally is very important. All routes for launching a coup will be determined, including the Uchiha ninjas participating in the coup. All must be strictly planned.
As the powerful fighting force of the Uchiha clan, Itachi has the obligation to participate.
"Tomorrow I have..."
"You must participate."
Fugaku turned around and looked at Itachi sharply, his attitude stronger than ever.
Itachi raised his head and looked directly into Fugaku's eyes, and said without changing his tone: "The ANBU has an important mission tomorrow. I'm sorry that I can't go. I will go over and apologize later."
Yes, tomorrow is the day for Shisui to take action.
If he appeared there, he would inevitably be jealous of the clan members. He changed his father's mind and was targeted.
That might ruin Shisui's plan.
Seeing that he was only one step away from success, Itachi sincerely hoped that Shisui's plan would succeed.
That way, he wouldn't have to choose between his clan and his village.
If possible, he would also like to think from the perspective of a clan, but the more he thinks about it, the more he understands how narrow-minded and ignorant it is to think from the perspective of a clan.
Especially the stupid adults, how extreme and arrogant they are.
Ignoring Fugaku's increasingly gloomy expression, Itachi continued: "Sorry, father, I have a date next and I will be back before dinner."
After saying that, he walked directly to the entrance without giving Fugaku a chance.
"Itachi——"
Fugaku chased after him somewhat angrily.
I don't know since when, there have been differences of opinion between myself and my son.
It was obvious that the exchange was very pleasant that day, and Itachi was not in the mood to resist, so why was he unwilling to make peace with his tribe?
If these clan members were lost, he didn't know how Itachi would be promoted to Hokage in the future.
The Uchiha clan was his first strong supporter to win over.
How do you stand out as a Hokage candidate after losing the support of your clan?
Those civilians... Although the Hokage is elected through popular elections, the reality is not as beautiful as the ideal.
The election of the Third Hokage has already embarked on a path of no return.
Because the third-generation Hokage was not selected through popular election, but was directly appointed by the second-generation Hokage, bypassing the popular vote, making the democratically elected system a complete joke.
If Itachi continues to have such a cold war with his tribe, then he will need to consider the replacement of the next heir.
Such Itachi cannot become the leader of the Uchiha clan.
Not even the Uchiha clan could be convinced, let alone the higher-ranking Hokage.
This is the greatest ignorance.
Why would my son, who has always been an excellent ninja, be so stupid about something like this?
Chased to the entrance.
Fugaku was about to stop Itachi and scold him at home.
As long as you listen, there is always a chance of recovery.
Yashiro and the others were already very dissatisfied with Itachi's attitude, and had vague thoughts of isolating him, and even sent people to monitor Itachi's whereabouts.
As the clan leader and a father, it was necessary for him to correct Itachi's mistakes.
However, when he reached the entrance, Fugaku was stunned.
Itachi had already walked out of the door, and beside him, there was a girl about the same age as Itachi.
She looked soft and frail, with a very clean smile on her face, and walked away with Itachi affectionately.
"..."
That girl, Fugaku remembered, was called Izumi Uchiha.
It seems that she and Itachi were in the same grade back then, and she was considered a genius girl in the Uchiha clan.
However, what shocked Fugaku was that Itachi actually had female friends. Judging from their attitudes, Itachi didn't seem to reject it.
All this time, he thought that the only person close to Itachi was Shisui.
Unexpectedly, there is a female friend secretly.
When did you get together?
Fugaku smiled bitterly, suddenly feeling that as a father, he had really neglected his duty.
All along, I have been strict with Itachi on how to be an excellent ninja, but I have always cared little about him emotionally, and I don't understand what Itachi desires in his heart.
Do you need friends? Do you feel lonely when you are alone?
As a father, I never knew about this and never asked about it.
Thinking of this, Fugaku's heart was suddenly filled with guilt.
Are you too strict with your son's education?
Perhaps he should not have brought his young son into the battlefield that was like Shura Hell to experience the cruelty of war as an enlightenment education.
Since then, Itachi has become harder, but also more indifferent.
As a father, he is a complete failure when it comes to educating his son.
◎
The time came the next day.
On the platform of a high-rise building, Shisui followed a ninja here.
Here, he saw Danzo, who was standing opposite him with a calm expression, not far away from him.
"Elder Danzo, may I ask why you came to me at this time?"
Shisui asked.
It was clear that the strategy had been formulated yesterday, but at this time, Danzo invited him to come alone for a talk, which made Shisui very confused.
Danzo looked at Shisui and said, "You don't have enough darkness."
dark?
Shisui looked confused.
Compared with the darkness and depression in Itachi's heart, Shisui was completely unable to penetrate Danzo's eyes.
This is Danzo's truest opinion.
"Tonight is the time for the Uchiha gathering. Do you still want to stick to your own way?"
Danzo asked.
"Yes. As things stand, this is the best way."
Shisui replied.
"But I can tell you responsibly that your plan will definitely fail."
"I believe in my abilities."
"Your confidence is nothing to mention. I have experienced three ninja wars and have already seen through the reality of the ninja world. Even if you control Uchiha Fugaku, the radicals may elect another one because of Uchiha Fugaku's cowardice. If the patriarch comes to power, a coup will still happen.”
Danzo said calmly.
"But if you don't give it a try, how will you know the final result?"
"You are still a child and do not understand the true face of this ninja world. Because leaders can be replaced at any time."
Danzo's eyes flashed with ambition.
"Such words..."
Shisui frowned. Danzo's words were a bit treasonous. Did he want to usurp the position of Hokage?
"So, those eyes of yours, with me, can make Konoha stronger..."
"What?"
Zhisui was shocked, suddenly feeling something bad, and subconsciously wanted to retreat.
It's too late.
His right eye felt stinging, and Danzo already held a living eyeball that was always shining with a slimy light in his hand.
Danzo looked at the eyes in his hand with greedy eyes, then smiled and said to Shisui: "So, you are just a child."
Itachi is a puppet who can fulfill his long-cherished wish, while Shisui will only hinder his actions.
Hiruzen, exposing Shisui's ability to me was your biggest mistake. In this way, your strategy of balancing the Uchiha and the village was completely unbalanced. Danzo sneered inwardly.
"Damn...damn..."
Realizing that his right eye had been taken away by Danzo, Shisui endured the severe pain and used the teleportation technique to retreat. An angry light burst out from his left eye and glared at Danzo.
The Mangekyō Sharingan has been opened.
Danzo didn't pay attention, but closed his eyes, making Shisui frown again. He didn't know whether it was because of the pain of losing his right eye, or because Danzo's actions gave him a headache.
Mangekyō Sharingan is a more advanced form of Sharingan Eye Technique.
Sharingan requires eye contact to perform genjutsu before the genjutsu can be completed.
However, the Mangekyo Sharingan is not needed. As long as you can actually see the opponent's eyes, you can directly cast the illusion.
Danzo clearly knows the many secrets of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
This is obviously an important secret that only ninjas who have activated the Mangekyō Sharingan can know.
Why does Danzo know everything?
Danzo didn't give Shisui much time to think. With a wave of his hand, a large number of root ninjas emerged from the surroundings, about twenty of them, which made Shisui's expression change greatly.
Without words or hesitation, they swarmed forward and adopted the most ferocious attack, intending to let Shisui die and seize the Mangekyō Sharingan on his left side.
Shisui did not hesitate and used the teleportation technique to leave the place. He no longer thought about taking back his right eye from Danzo, but chose to escape directly.
Facing so many elite ninjas, he, who had already lost one eye, had no choice but to die.
Danzo did not pursue him personally, but opened his eyes again, looked at the direction of Shisui's escape, and murmured to himself:
"Mirror, if I do this, you know it, and you will understand me. This is all for the future of the village... This ability of other gods should not be mastered by others. This ability is too dangerous..."
◎
The sky was getting dark and the rally had already begun. Itachi had no plans to go to Nanga Shrine to attend the rally, but he also deceived his father that he had no ANBU mission today and ignored the meeting with the Roots.
Because today everything will end.
In the morning, he came to the woods where he used to practice with a relaxed mood. There was no one here, and it was a world that belonged to him and Shisui.
He didn't leave until evening.
Wait here for Shisui to arrive and tell him the news that the plan has been successful.
Itachi, who thought this way, felt relaxed. With those eyes, Shisui would definitely succeed.
Just as he was thinking, there was a slight movement behind him. Itachi turned around and looked at the person with some confusion.
"Shisui, why are you..."
Shisui looked very embarrassed at the moment, with many injuries on his body. His right eye was bleeding and had dried on his face.
Shisui trembled, showing a wry smile.
"I'm sorry, Itachi, my action failed."
"What, could it be father..."
"No, I didn't go to the rally. Instead, I was attacked by Danzo's people. The Mangekyo Sharingan on my right was also taken away by him."
"!?"
Danzo!
Thinking of that sullen old man, Itachi's anger suddenly rose in his heart.
That man, why did he do this?
Wouldn't he be willing to sacrifice everything to protect Konoha?
What Shisui did was for the peace of Konoha, so it should coincide with his plan?
Why attack Shisui secretly?
"I may not be able to stop the coup... I already understand that Danzo does not believe in our Uchiha clan at all. He will decide the future of the Uchiha clan in his own way. And that future will definitely bring Uchiha to the The family is in danger.”
Shisui calmed down.
"Then Shisui, you..."
"The Mangekyo Sharingan can exert its full power only if both eyes are in hand. The people at the root are chasing me, and Danzo will always stare at my left eye. Therefore, I plan to give this eye to you for safekeeping. The only person I can trust now is you."
Shisui's hand left his left side, took off his left eye button, and placed it in front of Itachi.
Itachi looked at Shisui's empty expression as he lost his eyes. It can be imagined that he became confused about the fate of his clan after being attacked by Danzo.
Itachi endured the heartache for his friend and took the Mangekyō Sharingan from Shisui Eyes.
"I understand, I will keep it safe for you."
After receiving Itachi's affirmation, Shisui breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, then the smile disappeared and he said in another tone:
"There's one more thing you need to know."
"What?"
"That's me...killed my friends in the past."
"?"
Itachi held Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan, and his head couldn't think.
What does it mean to kill a friend...?
Shisui continued: "That was what happened before I met you. I have another close friend in the village. I have been getting along with him since the ninja school, and our relationship is getting better and better. But I am also jealous of him. Talent, because he can do anything one step faster than me, no matter how good the task is, other talents are far better than mine."
Itachi listened quietly to Shisui's narration without interrupting.
"After graduation, he and I were in the same team. During a dangerous mission, our team was ambushed by the enemy. He also died in that mission. The reason was that I refused to save him... Because I was jealous of his talent, during that mission, he who should have survived was sacrificed because of my indifference."
Itachi didn't expect that there was such a terrifying darkness lurking in Shisui's heart.
Jealousy?
So, is this what it means to kill a friend?
"And when I returned to the village, the village's senior officials, who had no idea about it, thought I had escaped from such a predicament and called me a hero. My best friend's parents also expressed their understanding and did not blame me... In fact, he did not deserve to die. As long as I stretched out my hand, he could live, but I didn't do that... After that, I have been living in the shadow of the death of my best friend. The affirmation of me by the village's senior officials, and the fact that my best friend's parents didn't know about it and didn't blame me. , which made me even more ashamed. It was also at that time that my Mangekyō Sharingan opened."
Shisui smiled self-deprecatingly and looked at Itachi with the empty part that had lost his eyes.
"I must be bored. Because of this boring jealousy, my friend died in pain in front of me. I can't forgive myself for being like that. Even if I awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, I don't want to use such power. These eyes are because According to him, I am not qualified to use this power. However, for the sake of my family, I must use these eyes. But now..."
It's too late for anything.
He is being hunted by his roots, and Danzo will do whatever it takes to get his eye, even taking action against the Uchiha clan in advance.
By that time, Uchiha will fight bloody battles with the village's top brass, and Konoha and the Country of Fire will never have peace, as enemy countries take advantage of the situation.
The peace that countless ancestors had bought with their blood would be completely ruined by his actions.
"this is not your fault……"
"There's no need to comfort me, Itachi. I'm very aware of my own weakness, so I'm very grateful that you accepted me when I met you later."
"Yeah?"
Itachi thought back to the days when he met Shisui and didn't know what to say.
If Shisui could only ignore the past because of jealousy...
So, when getting along with yourself, is there also the so-called jealousy?
Itachi shook his head. For some reason, he couldn't bear to imagine it.
Zhisui has transformed. He is no longer the weak and jealous Zhisui of other people's talents.
From the death of his best friend, Shisui learned how to manage himself instead of relying on jealousy to grow.
"This matter involves the secret of opening the Mangekyou Sharingan. To tell you this secret, I hope you will complete the last thing for me..."
"What?"
"Kill me and get the Mangekyou Sharingan..."
Itachi's body shook violently and he looked at Shisui in disbelief.
"Please, Itachi, please protect the last reputation of the Uchiha clan..."
When he said this, Shisui had tears streaming down his face.
Itachi didn't know why Shisui was crying.
But he saw endless despair on Shisui's face.
Why despair?
Even if Danzo is causing trouble, it has not yet completely failed. There is still room for recovery. As long as the Hokage is persuaded and peace talks are held with Uchiha, there is still a chance for everything.
"I watched my best friend die because of jealousy. I kept wandering between the village and the clan. Now I have reached the end of my life..."
He can neither forgive himself for killing his best friend, nor forgive himself for not protecting his family well, nor can he forgive himself for obeying the village's instructions. He can't even bear the outbreak of war and seeing countless innocent civilians displaced and their families separated...
I have done a lot of stupid things over the years.
Maybe from the beginning, he should not have contacted the Third Hokage, nor should he have joined the Anbu.
We should oppose Itachi joining ANBU and avoid contact with senior officials.
"Therefore, Itachi, after obtaining the Mangekyo Sharingan, you must live and not die..."
Even if it's just one person.
As long as he is alive, Uchiha still has hope for revival.
With such despair, Shisui thought a lot at the last moment of his life, and finally understood many things that he didn't understand before.
Shisui remembered something that many people often said.
The moment a person dies is not the moment his body stops moving, but the moment his faith collapses.
If possible, Shisui hopes Itachi never understands the truth.
Hold on to ignorance and stand firm on your own path.
