"We need to find a way to restore the damaged image!"
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage's brow was deeply furrowed.
Because of the incident where Anbu ninja framed Uchiha Fugaku, his reputation in the village had taken a hit.
Though this loss of image hadn't yet threatened his rule over Konoha, it had planted a dangerous seed of doubt.
He needed to come up with a plan to restore and redeem his tarnished reputation.
But after pondering for quite some time, no solution came to mind.
His frustration grew, tightening his frown even further.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
A rapid knocking sounded at the door.
"What is it?" The Third Hokage's voice showed his irritation.
"Hokage-sama! It's Shisui — Shisui has returned!" An excited Anbu ninja outside announced.
"What? Say that again?" The Third Hokage jumped up, fearful he'd misheard, urgently asking the Anbu to repeat.
"Hokage-sama, Shisui has come back. He requests to see you immediately, and also—" The Anbu hurriedly added.
"I knew Shisui wouldn't die so easily," the Third Hokage said, his excitement rising.
Although intelligence had suggested Shisui Uchiha was likely lost, the fact that his body was never found kept hope alive.
That hope had kept the Third Hokage from announcing Shisui's death all this time.
And now, that hope was realized: Shisui was truly alive.
"Hurry, bring Shisui to the office!" he commanded.
"Yes, sir!" The Anbu ninja responded immediately.
He himself had believed Shisui dead — which made his excitement at Shisui's appearance all the greater.
Soon, a clone—an imitation Shisui—appeared in the Hokage's office.
"Shisui, you're safe! That's a relief!" The Third Hokage beamed, fully convinced this was the real Shisui and not a disguise.
He stepped forward, reaching to pat Shisui's shoulder.
But Shisui stepped back, avoiding the gesture.
"Hokage-sama, it's been a while," Shisui's voice was calm, without any hint of excitement.
As an impersonation, this was a poor act — the real Shisui idolized the Third Hokage fervently.
But considering the purpose of this visit, this subdued demeanor was appropriate.
"Where have you been these past days, Shisui?" The Third Hokage awkwardly withdrew his hand and asked.
"After the mission failed, I was captured by the clan leader and imprisoned," the impersonator explained with a rehearsed reason.
"I see…" The Third Hokage understood why Shisui had disappeared and stopped contacting him for so long.
"How dare Uchiha Fugaku detain you without permission? I will confront him about this!" His voice carried concern and anger, aimed at winning Shisui's loyalty and reinforcing his own status in Shisui's eyes.
But unfortunately, these efforts were in vain — the Shisui before him was no longer the man he once knew.
"Hokage-sama, I'm here today to request to leave the Anbu," Shisui said plainly.
"Leave the Anbu? Why? Why would you want to leave?" The Third Hokage was stunned, staring in disbelief.
Is this really the same Shisui who had been utterly loyal to him, molded by his influence?
"Because I no longer want to live in darkness," Shisui replied.
"Shisui, did Fugaku say something to you? Don't listen to him — he's a complete liar and the greatest threat to Konoha's stability," the Third Hokage quickly attempted to brainwash him again.
"You swore to protect Konoha and its peace. Have you forgotten your vow?" he pleaded.
His strongest subordinate had returned — only to resign from the Anbu.
This shattered his earlier joy, filling him with panic.
"Hokage-sama, spare me the lecture," Shisui interrupted with a mocking smile.
"I am no longer the person you knew. I won't be fooled by you anymore."
"Shisui, you must have been misled by Fugaku. Think carefully," the Third Hokage urged anxiously.
"No need. I'm very clear-headed now. My purpose today is to request to leave the Anbu," Shisui shook his head firmly.
"I won't agree. I absolutely won't let you leave," the Third Hokage shouted.
"You don't have to agree. Whether you do or not, I am leaving the Anbu," a third voice rang out.
At that moment, Uchiha Fugaku entered the office.
"Uchiha Fugaku… What is he doing here?" The Third Hokage was shocked, then angry, glaring at the door.
"Hokage-sama, he came with Shisui," an Anbu outside hurriedly explained.
Before he finished, the Third Hokage had already insisted on seeing Shisui, so Fugaku had accompanied him and was now inside the office — though previously he had stayed outside.
"Shisui, why? Why would you betray me?" The Third Hokage glared at Shisui in anger.
By now, it was clear that Shisui had sided with Fugaku.
That was why he had come to resign from the Anbu.
"Because he has seen through your hypocrisy," Fugaku sneered.
"Uchiha Fugaku…" The Third Hokage's aged face trembled violently with rage, his eyebrows rising sharply.
"Hokage-sama, don't get too worked up — you're not young anymore," Fugaku smiled coldly.
"You… you—" The Third Hokage pointed a trembling finger at Fugaku.
"Enough talk. I've said what I came to say. Shisui and I will be leaving now," Fugaku said and turned to leave.
Shisui glanced once at the Third Hokage before following Fugaku out of the office.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
As they reached the corridor, the sound of objects being thrown inside the office erupted.
It was easy to imagine the Third Hokage was venting his fury on the office furnishings.
Fugaku smirked coldly.
This is the taste of betrayal, Hokage. Now you know how it feels.