RADG: Chapter 96/98

Chapter 96: The Complicated Relationship

In the private room of the izakaya, four people sat across from each other. The atmosphere was a little tense.

Yami and Tsunade stared at each other, while Shizune and Izumi exchanged glances.

Uh… the tapir in Izumi's arms and the pig in Shizune's arms were also staring at each other.

At this moment, Izumi was feeling quite uneasy.

She hadn't expected to run into a big spender at the casino—the legendary Sannin, Tsunade.

In Konoha, Tsunade was idolized by every kunoichi. Even Izumi, born into the Uchiha, was no exception.

Tsunade rubbed her still-aching wrist. "Who are you, Shimura Danzō?"

Just now, she'd tried to scare the kid with a head flick, but it hadn't gone as planned. Instead of flicking his forehead, she'd been struck by a surge of lightning.

This kid was clearly a shinobi, and not a weak one either.

Seeing Tsunade attack Yami, Izumi had assumed they were enemies and immediately activated her Sharingan, ready to fight.

When she saw the Sharingan, Tsunade instantly understood.

So they were brats from Konoha.

Naturally, she backed down.

With one hand propping up her chin, and the tea table still crackling with residual lightning, Tsunade studied Yami suspiciously.

First, the kid felt a bit too dangerous. In that brief clash earlier, even without using her full strength, she had sensed Yami's terrifying power.

Second… it was his appearance.

He didn't look like someone from the Shimura clan.

Due to her long-standing grudge with Danzō, Tsunade instinctively disliked the Shimura name.

"He's my grandfather. Got a problem with that?"

"Danzō is your grandfather?"

Tsunade raised her voice in disbelief. "That old fossil has a cute grandson like you?"

Yami curled his lips. "That's because you've never seen what my grandpa looked like when he was young. Sure, he's not on my level, but he was handsome enough to make your heart skip a beat."

Izumi subconsciously nodded. She had seen photos of Danzō in his youth, and it had taken her a long time to believe they were real. She now understood the saying, time spares no one.

"Alright, alright, your grandpa was a looker in his youth."

Tsunade obviously didn't believe it, waving her hand dismissively. "Since we're from the same village, I'll let your earlier rudeness slide. Just treat me to a drink and we'll call it even."

Even though she had countless run-ins with Danzō, Tsunade wasn't so petty as to take it out on a kid. She'd just lost her last bet and didn't have money for food or booze. She was shamelessly trying to freeload.

On the side, Shizune suddenly muttered Yami's name, then her eyes widened as something clicked.

"Shimura Yami… are you the Konoha Shinigami?"

"Huh?"

Tsunade opened her mouth wide. "Shizune, what nonsense are you spouting before we even start drinking?"

"Lady Tsunade, no, I'm serious. He really is the Konoha Shinigami."

Shizune quickly explained, "It's not a nickname I gave him. The Kumo shinobi started calling him that during the Konoha-Kumo war a few years ago. I even mentioned it to you before."

"For real?"

Tsunade had long cut herself off from the shinobi world, abandoning everything ninja-related. She had no clue what had been going on. She just muttered,

"What a grim nickname to earn at such a young age."

"Must've had terrible grades in the Academy."

Yami said indifferently, "I'm someone else's Shinigami, not my own. Don't you even get that?"

Tsunade flopped down on the table, completely unladylike. "Alright, Lord Shinigami, can someone get the drinks and food already?"

"I'm starving after gambling all night."

Yami hadn't eaten much earlier either, so he didn't argue and just ordered four sukiyaki pots and a few bottles of shochu.

After a few sips of alcohol, Tsunade perked up, her gaze toward Yami becoming much friendlier.

"You sure know how to enjoy life, going on a hot spring trip with your girlfriend at your age."

"But young people should show some restraint. Having kids too early isn't good. I'm a doctor. I wouldn't lie to you."

"Lady Tsunade, that's way too early of an assumption!"

Shizune looked flustered, and Izumi's face turned beet red. Their impression of Tsunade changed drastically.

She didn't feel like the legendary Sannin at all—more like that unreliable Jiraiya.

Tsunade clearly didn't have much alcohol tolerance. After just two bottles of shochu, her cheeks were red, her eyes dazed, and she was slouching in her seat.

Seeing she couldn't rein Tsunade in, Shizune gave up and just focused on eating.

They had lost all their money and would probably have to sleep outdoors soon, so they had to eat their fill now.

"Hey kid, even though I left the village around the time your parents got married, I heard your mom was from the Senju main line? That means I'm still your elder."

Yami paused mid-bite on his beef roll and set down his chopsticks. "My mom is Senju Saki. Do you know her?"

"What did you say?"

The bottle in Tsunade's hand slipped. Her drunken haze cleared instantly.

"Senju Saki?"

"That's right."

Tsunade looked at the boy in front of her, her expression growing complicated.

[Host has established a family bond with Tsunade. Reward: 'Superhuman Power']

Yami frowned. "You knew her?"

"…Yeah." Tsunade sighed. "If your mother was her… then you should be calling me sister."

Yami looked at her like she was a ghost.

"Don't think I'm easy to fool just because I'm still a kid. You may look young, but you're over 40. Even if my mom were alive, she'd only be in her 30s."

"She's… dead?" Tsunade murmured.

Yami's voice was calm. "She died giving birth to me. Her old injuries flared up."

Shizune and Izumi realized the shift in atmosphere and went quiet, not wanting to interrupt.

Izumi quietly reached out and held Yami's hand, trying to offer comfort.

"I wasn't lying, kid."

Tsunade picked up the fallen bottle and drained it before continuing, "Saki was the daughter of the second elder. That old man was the same generation as my grandfather. He had her late in life, so she was technically one generation above me."

"When I was still in the village, every time I got back from a mission, I'd take her to Yakiniku Q. Then we'd go gamble."

Tsunade laughed. "I didn't expect… she's gone too."

She shook her head and suddenly leaned across the table, hugging Yami's little head into her chest.

"So, that makes you my little brother."

"Yami, your sister's broke. How about supporting me?"

"I'll definitely pay you back once I win big."

"Damn it, I don't even have facial cleanser…"

After a struggle, Yami finally escaped her grip, his face red with embarrassment. "Jiraiya told me you were the biggest money sink in the shinobi world. Any money that gets into your hands ends up in a casino. Just give up already."

"That jerk!"

Tsunade erupted in killing intent. Next time she saw that old perv, she'd definitely pay him back with her fists.

Yami took out a sealed scroll from his bag, unsealed it, and a stack of papers appeared. "Actually, you owe me money."

"You kidding? I don't even have cash for the casino. How could I owe you?"

"Take a look for yourself."

Yami handed over a scroll. Tsunade was dumbfounded after reading it.

"IOUs?"

"Why do you have these?"

"I collected them during a mission. I've got fifteen in total. You owe me 18 million ryō. When do you plan to repay it?"

Swish! Tsunade instinctively replied with the same line she'd used on countless debt collectors. "Please give me more time, dear creditor. I swear I'll win it all back."

It was an automatic reaction developed after years of dodging debts.

She only realized what she'd said after the fact and blushed.

In her frustration, she even wanted to snatch the IOUs and destroy them.

Fortunately, Yami was quick and resealed them in a flash.

After dinner, Tsunade fully clung to Yami.

She claimed that since he won all her money, he had to be responsible. She had nowhere to stay.

Yami didn't want to deal with this shameless woman, but kindhearted Izumi spoke up.

With only the two of them in a large hot spring hotel, the place did feel a bit too empty.

In the end, Yami reluctantly agreed.

For the next few days, Yami stayed at the hot spring hotel during the day and enjoyed Tsunade's massage services as her creditor.

At night, he accompanied the big spender to the casino.

Tsunade borrowed another 5 million ryō from somewhere, lost it all in a few days, and unintentionally helped Yami recover several million.

To avoid her pestering him for more loans, Yami decided to take Izumi back to Konoha.

He left the last two days of the hot spring stay to Tsunade and Shizune.

Watching them leave, Shizune held Tonton in her arms, reluctant. "Tsunade, don't you want to go back to Konoha?"

These past few days, she had seen Tsunade smile more than ever. It was clear she liked Yami.

They really looked like bickering siblings.

If Yami could persuade her to return, her life would be much better.

Tsunade stared at the two fading figures and shook her head.

"This is fine."

"The Senju name only brings misfortune. Saki's blood is safer away from me."

Shizune sighed and stopped trying.

She knew Tsunade still hadn't let go of the past.

[Host and Tsunade's kinship bond reaches second stage. Reward: Senju Physique (Good)]

Far away, Yami suddenly received a system notification and froze slightly.

"What's wrong?"

Izumi asked, surprised by his sudden stop.

"Nothing. Just feel like Tapir's gotten fatter lately."

"Yami-sama, I haven't!"

---

"I heard from Kurenai that you were looking for me a few days ago. Is something going on with the Uchiha?"

The next day after returning to Konoha, Yami went to find Itachi, who had just finished a mission.

"No."

Itachi didn't reveal the increasingly radical state of the clan.

Although he was a double agent, the situation hadn't reached a breaking point yet. If he said too much, things could spiral.

Besides, Yami had never been particularly friendly to the Uchiha.

"Just a personal request."

"Oh?" Yami raised his eyebrows. "Didn't expect you to come to me for personal matters."

"Shisui-nii wants to see you."

Itachi said softly, "With his status, it's not convenient for him to approach you at Anbu. If he visited you directly, it would draw too much attention. So I conveyed his request."

"Shisui-senpai?"

Yami thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Fine."

Itachi gave him the time and location, then left.

Yami didn't know when it started, but he had been subconsciously avoiding Uchiha Shisui.

Distinguished Heavenly Gods (Kotoamatsukami).

That was one of the most powerful genjutsu in the original series, able to alter a person's will without them realizing.

Yet it had only been shown twice, and never directly cast by the user. Its true power remained mysterious. That made Yami uneasy.

Still, if Shisui believed he could prevent the rebellion using it, Yami had to be prepared.

But declining the meeting would make him look weak. So he agreed.

Before going, Yami made arrangements.

Hizashi would examine his condition with the Byakugan tomorrow to confirm whether he had been caught in a genjutsu.

At night, Yami arrived at the cliff above the waterfall.

Originally, Pakura had wanted to accompany him, but he had persuaded her to stay home.

By the time Yami arrived, Shisui was already waiting.

"Yami-kun."

The 18-year-old Shisui smiled warmly. "Sorry for calling you out like this. I really didn't have another choice. Lately, I've been under constant surveillance."

Both Anbu and Root, and even some in the Uchiha clan, were wary of him.

No one trusted him, yet everyone wanted to use him.

Life as Uchiha Shisui was truly exhausting.

"You're too polite, senpai."

Yami lightly jumped onto a large tree branch. "You were once my teacher, after all. You taught me swordsmanship and ninjutsu. A nighttime chat is no big deal."

"To be honest, I was nervous before coming."

Shisui took a leaf in hand. "After all, you've been avoiding me these past few years. This time, I asked Itachi to reach out just to try my luck."

Yami was genuinely surprised.

It was the first time he had seen Shisui speak so directly. The situation must be really desperate.

"Not really. It's just… there aren't many in the village who pose a threat to me. And you're the most dangerous one."

Yami didn't hold back and got straight to the point. "So, senpai, why did you want to meet me today?"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 97: The Road to Mangekyō

"Yami-kun, is it really impossible for the village and Uchiha to coexist?"

Uchiha Shisui posed a question that seemed simple but was deeply complex.

When he spoke, the eyes of Konoha's strongest Uchiha were filled with doubt, as if he was asking Yami, yet also questioning himself.

From confidence at the start, to the hesitation now.

Uchiha Shisui had personally witnessed the relationship between Konoha and the Uchiha clan slowly deteriorate to the brink of armed rebellion, with no chance of reconciliation.

It felt as though everything had been predetermined, leaving him with a deep sense of helplessness.

The reason Shisui sought out Yami while in this state of confusion was to hear what a high-level member of Konoha would think, hoping to find a sliver of hope.

As for why he didn't approach the Third Hokage, although he deeply respected Hiruzen, he understood that the Hokage had become fully consumed by politics.

Shisui and Yami had a teacher-student relationship, and from the incident with Uchiha Izumi, he could tell that Yami had genuine feelings toward Uchiha, not political hostility.

That was the perspective he needed most.

"Coexistence?"

Yami looked up at the moon in the sky. "Shisui-senpai, don't you think that question itself already reveals the root of the problem?"

"Other clans in the village never place themselves on equal footing with Konoha. They're just parts of the village, so the idea of 'coexistence' doesn't apply."

"But the Uchiha always put themselves above the rest, still trapped in the mindset of the Sengoku period, treating Konoha like a rival clan."

"Do you think, with that kind of attitude, the village wouldn't grow hostile?"

Shisui stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.

Yami's words were like a blade that slashed through all the fog in his heart, revealing the harsh truth.

The problem started at the root.

Uchiha never placed themselves in the correct position.

They were never truly equal to Konoha.

Maybe that was the case when Uchiha Madara was still around.

But now, even with powerful dōjutsu, the Uchiha were no longer invincible. They were drowning in past glory, unable to face reality.

"Shisui-senpai, everything you're doing now is in vain."

Yami leapt down from the tree and approached Shisui. "The village won't tolerate an increasingly unstable force, and Uchiha refuses to accept that they need to bow their heads."

"If you can't change both sides, you'll have to choose one. People caught in the middle always get torn apart."

With those words, Yami turned and disappeared into the forest.

Shisui stood there for who knew how long before he finally came back to his senses.

"Change the mind?"

A red glint flashed in Shisui's eyes. His three-tomoe Sharingan began to spin wildly, eventually forming a pinwheel-shaped Mangekyō.

"Yami... you're right."

"If one side changes its mind, the conflict will naturally disappear. Only then can both Uchiha and the village survive."

On the other side, Yami returned to the village and found a secluded spot to dispel the Shadow Clone.

Back at the Shimura residence.

Yami, who had been dozing on the couch, slowly opened his eyes.

A figure flickered in the dark night. Pakura silently appeared by his side, looking at him with concern.

"It's fine. He didn't make a move."

Yami smiled, and Pakura let out a soft breath of relief.

A wise man doesn't stand under a collapsing wall. Knowing that the Sharingan couldn't detect Shadow Clones, Yami had injected 80% of his chakra into one and sent it to meet Shisui.

That way, even if he had fallen under a genjutsu, the instant the clone was dispelled, the altered chakra flow would snap the illusion.

That was the highest level of respect he could show to Kotoamatsukami.

"Can the Uchiha still hold back?"

Pakura had been with Yami for many years and had participated in several Root missions. She understood Konoha's current state well.

"Almost there. Shisui tried to defy fate... but it's a shame he was born in the wrong era."

Yami shook his head in regret. From any angle, Shisui was simply born at the wrong time. Had he arrived a few years earlier or later, things could have turned out differently.

"It's the same in every village. Struggles are inevitable."

Pakura spoke with sarcasm.

Suna had a Kazekage like Rasa who feared talent. Konoha had Hiruzen and the three elders. Kiri was soaked in blood. Iwa drove away two Jinchūriki because of Ōnoki's stubbornness.

People said Kumo was united, but that was only surface-level or a result of internal purging.

Right now, the militant faction of Kumo had crushed the conservatives. The power gap was too great, which was why there was peace.

"Don't overthink it."

Yami relaxed and sank into the soft couch. "No matter how chaotic things get, it won't affect us for now. Just stay by Izumi's side these days to protect her."

"Got it."

Pakura nodded gently.

Among those close to Yami, Kurenai and Yugao were stationed in Anbu long-term. Karin was still a child. Only Uchiha Izumi had a special status and needed special protection.

Returning to his room, Yami began studying the reward he had received from Tsunade.

He wasn't surprised that Tsunade's Senju Physique only reached the "Good" level. After all, the passive talents of Senju Hashirama were techniques Tsunade had spent a lifetime mastering.

The gap was evident at a glance.

Still, the Strength of a Hundred Seal technique was valuable.

Yami had studied chakra-enhanced strength himself and achieved results, but it still couldn't compare to Tsunade's decades of experience.

He roughly estimated that with the same amount of chakra, his burst power would increase by about 50%, and could potentially double with mastery.

Given his ever-growing chakra reserves, battling someone using the Eight Inner Gates would not be out of reach.

With sufficient physical power, genjutsu became far less of a concern.

But as for his own mental defense...

Three-tomoe Sharingan flickered in his eyes. Yami still didn't know when he would awaken Mangekyō. Since unlocking the third tomoe, his pupil power had grown steadily, but hadn't undergone a qualitative leap.

Only Mangekyō could truly counter Mangekyō. That statement wasn't wrong.

Once he had Mangekyō, his fear of Shisui would fade.

"The greatest chance... will be the Night of the Massacre."

The next day.

On the rooftop of the Hokage building.

Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned on the railing, looking off into the distance. Behind him, Uchiha Shisui knelt on one knee.

"I'm deeply saddened by the growing distrust between the Uchiha and the village."

"Hokage-sama, I want to rebuild that trust. Please allow it."

"Shisui, I feel the same."

Hiruzen didn't turn around, but his voice drifted back. "I've always seen Uchiha as part of the village. But some things... can't be prevented. Do you understand?"

"I understand your difficulties, Hokage-sama," Shisui bowed his head. "But I can change the situation. I'll make Uchiha show sincerity and change Clan Leader Fugaku's will."

"Oh? What's your plan?"

"I will use my Mangekyō Sharingan. I'll cast Kotoamatsukami on him and rewrite his will."

A glimmer flashed in Hiruzen's eyes but soon faded into cloudiness.

"Mangekyō... Kotoamatsukami..."

"Shisui, you've obtained an extraordinary ability."

"Your praise is too much, Hokage-sama."

"Go."

Hiruzen suddenly turned and walked into the building. "Do it. I'll take full responsibility, even if you fail."

"Hokage-sama..."

Shisui bowed deeply, his heart filled with emotion.

Half an hour later, Danzō, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura gathered in the office.

"We should temporarily pause all actions against the Uchiha."

Hiruzen held his pipe, speaking calmly.

"You're soft again?"

Danzō's eyes narrowed in dissatisfaction. "You're giving up at the most critical moment?"

"No. Uchiha Shisui has found another way."

Facing the elders' stares, Hiruzen explained, "He awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and possesses the eye technique Kotoamatsukami, which can rewrite another person's will. He plans to use it on Fugaku."

"What?"

All three were stunned. Danzō even slammed his cane into the floor.

"That's all you need to know. Shisui will act during the next clan meeting, in a few days. Wait patiently."

With that, Hiruzen ignored their reactions, glanced at Danzō, and left.

Danzō remained seated for a while, then silently returned to the Root base. He summoned Yami and got straight to the point.

"I'm going to act against Uchiha Shisui. He..."

"Has awakened Mangekyō?"

Yami asked first.

Danzō paused in surprise, then nodded. "I didn't expect you to know. His technique alters people's thoughts. Be careful and avoid him..."

"Heh, that old man Hiruzen thinks I don't know his schemes? Sharing this intel is just bait. He wants me to strike, then use it as an excuse to punish both of us."

"But I won't play into his hands."

"This has nothing to do with you. Pretend you never heard this. I'll handle it myself."

Yami muttered internally. Danzō and Hiruzen really are full of love and hate. They see through each other, but still play along.

"I understand. Just be careful."

Danzō replied confidently, "Don't worry. Even if it's Mangekyō's illusion, it won't fool me."

Yami understood the trump card. One minute of invincibility, if used properly, could be unexpectedly effective.

But then Danzō shifted the topic, catching Yami off guard.

"Yami, do you want the Sharingan?"

"You mean Shisui's eyes?"

"Yes."

"No thanks."

Yami hadn't expected Danzō to offer him the Mangekyō Sharingan. But he refused without hesitation.

"I admit Uchiha blood is powerful, but no matter how strong, it's not my own."

"Alright."

Danzō felt a little regret but didn't push.

He thought Yami's current strength was already exceptional. Though he hadn't seen Yami fight in years, at twelve, a shinobi had just reached maturity. His future progress was assured.

However, Danzō, who had seen the pinnacle of the shinobi world, knew Yami was still far from reaching that god-like level.

That was why he wanted to give Shisui's eyes to Yami—to help him break through.

But Yami was right.

The Sharingan wasn't easy to transplant.

Unlike Danzō, whose body had been heavily modified to handle it, Yami's body would likely suffer rejection, like Kakashi.

It would be better to research first and pass it on later, perhaps even as a family heirloom.

After Yami left, Danzō began making preparations.

Soon, the day of Shisui's plan arrived.

The meeting was scheduled for the evening. That afternoon, Danzō summoned Shisui.

Not to Root, but to a teahouse at the village's edge.

Though unsure of Danzō's purpose, Shisui only hesitated briefly before arriving.

"Lord Danzō."

Shisui bowed respectfully.

Danzō stood close, the two facing each other at a short distance.

"Uchiha Shisui."

"The Hokage told me about your plan. I have a question."

"Please ask."

"If you cast your eye technique on Fugaku and convince the Uchiha, but the village's stance doesn't change, what will you do?"

"Even if the clan submits, the villagers' prejudice won't vanish easily."

"At that point..."

Danzō's exposed eye widened, radiating pressure. "Would you use Kotoamatsukami on the upper ranks and villagers too, to change their thoughts?"

"Must this world move according to your will? Answer me, Uchiha Shisui!"

Shisui's mind was shaken. Danzō seized the opportunity and struck.

"Your Sharingan belongs to me!"

Buzz—

A three-tomoe Sharingan appeared in Shisui's eyes. He swiftly cast a genjutsu. Danzō's arm froze mid-air, body stiff.

"It's a simple illusion. You'll awaken soon. Please rest, Lord Danzō."

Shisui supported him gently and turned to leave.

But the moment he turned, he was paralyzed.

Danzō's figure vanished and reappeared behind him, slamming a fist into Shisui's abdomen. He followed with a precise combo, seriously injuring Shisui and snatching the right eye's Sharingan.

Shisui clutched his bleeding socket, watching as Danzō unwrapped his bandages and seamlessly implanted the eye.

He finally understood why his genjutsu had failed.

"Izanagi..."

(To be continued.)

Chapter 98: With Your Own Eyes

"How could I make a move unless I was absolutely sure?" Danzō rewrapped the bandages over his right eye as dozens of Root shinobi suddenly emerged from the shadows around him. "Give me your other eye as well. I will use it to fulfill your wish... and protect Konoha."

A blazing fireball was his answer.

Danzō remained still. Four Root operatives had already stepped forward, forming hand seals.

"Water Release: Water Wave!"

The area was instantly engulfed in thick fog. The fireball was completely extinguished, but the sound of rushing water remained.

Uchiha Shisui was secretly alarmed. He had used all his strength in that Fire Release, yet it had been blocked by just a small team and they hadn't even gone all out.

Since when did Root shinobi become this strong?

But there was no time to dwell on it. As the fog covered the field, Shisui used Body Flicker to escape into the distance.

In truth, it wasn't that Root shinobi had grown stronger, but rather their equipment had improved.

Knowing he would be targeting Shisui, Danzō had prepared thoroughly. These dozen-plus Root shinobi were fully equipped with chakra armor, greatly enhancing their jutsu power.

By the time the fog cleared, Shisui was already gone.

"Chase him."

Danzō frowned slightly. At his command, over a dozen Root members gave chase.

He gently touched his newly implanted eye but made no further moves. The power of the Mangekyō Sharingan was immense. He needed time to adjust.

In the dense forest, a deadly pursuit unfolded.

At full strength, Shisui could have easily shaken off the Root pursuers—or even killed them all.

But now was not his peak.

He had lost an eye, taken multiple direct hits from Danzō, and was down to a third of his usual strength.

The most shameless part was that Root had used poison.

After expending the last of his strength to escape the toxic mist, Shisui still inhaled some of it. He collapsed against a tree, gasping for air.

"Aim for his legs, avoid the face!"

Root operatives launched kunai with explosive tags attached.

Boom!

Chakra surged wildly from Shisui's body. A green, half-armored avatar formed around him, shielding him from the explosions.

Susanoo.

The Uchiha clan's strongest genius once again demonstrated his overwhelming talent. Even heavily wounded and down an eye, he managed to activate Mangekyō's ultimate power.

The armored warrior raised its arm and fired hundreds of chakra arrows.

Each arrow was as powerful as a high-level ninjutsu. The barrage shattered the Root's frontline. If not for their chakra armor, there would have been casualties.

Cough! Cough!

Shisui coughed up blood and swung Susanoo's chakra blade, clearing out the remaining enemies. Then he and the green warrior vanished.

Under the moonlight, having escaped the pursuit, Shisui contacted Itachi with a secret signal and returned to the cliff where he used to train.

"Shisui!"

When Itachi arrived and saw his friend with only one eye, his Sharingan flared in shock.

"I failed."

Shisui smiled bitterly. "Danzō didn't believe me. He took my right eye and wants to resolve the conflict his own way…"

"Damn it…"

Itachi clenched his fists in rage, wanting nothing more than to charge into Root and kill Danzō.

"It's not his fault." Shisui shook his head and slowly walked to the cliff's edge.

"I was too naive. I made a hasty decision without truly thinking things through."

He recalled his conversation with Yami. "Yeah, how can changing just one side be enough? Who would allow someone like me, with eyes that can rewrite a person's will, to exist?"

"Yami-kun, I really regret not understanding your words earlier…"

"Shisui, let's not talk about that. You need medical attention."

Itachi urged him to retreat and get treated. "No need."

Shisui gently shook his head. "My survival would only make things worse."

"The clan would see me as a military asset. If a war breaks out, Konoha will weaken, and other nations will invade."

"I can't let a war start because of me."

"Shisui…"

A terrible thought crossed Itachi's mind.

"Itachi, I'll leave this eye to you."

Shisui calmly removed his left eye as if pulling out a plug, handing it over. "I hope it'll help you protect Konoha… and the pride of the Uchiha."

Itachi didn't take it. Under Shisui's insistence, he summoned a flock of crows and stored the eye in one of them.

"Don't save me. Only my death can calm the clan's ambition and buy you time to grow stronger."

"Goodbye, Itachi. I've left a suicide note at home for the elders. They'll believe I took my own life."

After finishing his final words and wishes, Shisui smiled and fell backward, plummeting into the endless abyss.

"Shisui!"

Itachi reached out, but what he touched was only an illusion.

He had once again fallen into Shisui's genjutsu without realizing it.

"Forgive me… this is the last time."

Watching his best friend vanish into darkness, Itachi—for the first time—hated how clearly the Sharingan could see.

He could make out Shisui's relieved smile as he fell.

Watching his friend die, Itachi's emotions exploded. A strange chakra suddenly surged in his brain.

His eyes burned with pain as blood-tears flowed down his cheeks. The three tomoe rotated and fused into windmill-shaped Mangekyō.

At just eleven years old, he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and stepped into Kage-level strength.

But in his heart, there was only sorrow… and hatred for these eyes, for the filth behind the way they were awakened.

Below the cliff, the river didn't stop for Shisui's fall. The waters kept flowing, carrying him into the distance.

Shisui didn't die instantly after falling. But he had no strength left to escape. He simply allowed himself to sink deeper.

Until… someone pulled him out.

The water rose and formed a spherical prison, dragging him to the shore.

Cough! Cough!

Shisui choked, coughing out water. When he heard footsteps approaching, he asked weakly,

"Root?"

"You're late… I destroyed the other eye. Kill me. I'm useless now."

"Tch."

Just a faint snort was enough for Shisui to recognize who it was.

"Yami…?"

Yami hadn't shown up when Danzō attacked. He hadn't appeared during Root's pursuit.

But now, just before Shisui's death… he arrived.

Shisui never expected this.

He felt Yami crouch beside him.

"Technically, I'm barely part of Root. But the rest of what you said was wrong."

A soft green glow emerged from Yami's hand as he began to treat Shisui's wounds. "First of all, you became known as Shunshin no Shisui not because of your Mangekyō."

"Second… you didn't destroy the other eye. Let me guess, did you give it to Itachi?"

Shisui's heart trembled. His mind went blank.

"No need to lie. The body never lies."

Yami continued healing him. "Shisui-senpai, I'm actually curious. Do you regret telling the higher-ups about the eye technique?"

After a few seconds of silence, Shisui shook his head.

"I don't regret it. But I was too rash. I didn't realize that people's hearts can't be connected. If I were the Hokage or Danzō, I wouldn't trust an Uchiha either."

"Even if they showed complete loyalty."

"You're right. To truly bring peace, I'd have to resolve suspicion on both sides. But I just don't have that power."

[Host and Uchiha Shisui's Regretful Bond has reached the third stage. Reward: Uchiha Bloodline (Ultimate)]

"Yami-kun, please… do me one last favor. Kill me… or throw me back into the river."

Yami stopped his Healing Jutsu. "Answer one more question and I'll consider it."

"Ask."

"Do both of your Mangekyō eyes possess ?"

"Think carefully before answering. This doesn't just concern your life. It affects how I treat Uchiha Itachi. If the threat is too great… I will act without hesitation."

"Even if he awakened the Mangekyō because of your 'death,' I'm fully prepared."

"Don't threaten me with Itachi, Yami."

Shisui sighed. "Giving him that eye was just insurance. It's fine that you know."

"Both of my Mangekyō eyes can use Kotoamatsukami but the left and right are different."

"The right eye, which Danzō took, has lower chakra consumption. It's stealthier, but weaker, and easier to detect."

"The left eye, which I gave to Itachi, I call Kotoamatsukami: Light, or True Kotoamatsukami."

"It's essentially a one-time technique. After using it, it can't be activated for ten years. But its effect is overwhelming. Even if the illusion is discovered, there's no way to undo it."

"I originally planned to use it on Fugaku and the elders, to make them abandon their plans against the village."

"…I see."

While Shisui explained, Yami kept a hand on his chest, monitoring his heartbeat to detect lies.

If Shisui had been in peak condition, he could've masked it. But after the treatment just now, Yami could read him like a book.

Shisui was telling the truth.

Though still dangerous, it was manageable. The power of the crow could never compare to Shisui himself. With proper caution, Itachi wouldn't get a chance to use it.

"Yami-kun… I told you everything. Now please, let me die."

"I said I'd consider it… but I never promised."

"After thinking it over, I've decided. You can't die yet."

Yami stood up and took out the very same human-sealing scroll once used on Pakura.

Now, he used it to seal Shisui.

Fate truly worked in strange ways.

"Shisui, someone like you who loves both the village and the clan shouldn't end like this. Rest for now."

"Maybe someday, you'll get to witness how it all ends."

Ignoring Shisui's pleas, Yami sealed him inside the scroll.

He genuinely wanted to know how Shisui would react when he saw the boy he trusted most—Itachi—slaughtering their own clan.

Carrying the scroll, Yami carefully erased all traces of Shisui's survival and left the scene.

Having obtained Shisui's Ultimate bloodline, Yami could clearly feel his ocular power increase.

A few more encounters like this, and perhaps he could awaken the Mangekyō naturally, without any trauma.

After all, even Indra awakened his Mangekyō from the death of a dog.

Uchiha Clan District.

Itachi returned home in a daze. It wasn't until late at night that Fugaku came back from Naka Shrine and summoned him.

The clan meeting hadn't been held—Shisui had vanished.

"Itachi, do you know where he is?"

"I don't." Itachi replied calmly. "I just returned from an Anbu mission."

"What kind of mission?" Fugaku asked.

"Assassination. A rogue intel officer." Itachi had already prepared his excuse.

Fugaku studied him carefully. "In that case… go rest. Maybe Shisui got tied up with something. What do you think, Itachi?"

"If I see Shisui-nii, I'll ask him."

Itachi bowed. "I'm very tired, Father. I'll rest now."

"Go."

Watching his son walk away, Fugaku rubbed his brow.

He hoped… it wasn't what he feared.

A few days later, Shisui still hadn't returned. Some clansmen broke into his house searching for clues and eventually found his suicide note.

Claiming he couldn't bear the pain of being caught between the clan and the village.

Shisui.

Suicide.

(To be continued.)