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In a room, the Third Hokage and Danzo sat across from each other.
Danzo spoke first. "Hiruzen, what do you think of that Uchiha Kagaya?"
The Third, without his Hokage robes, looked like an ordinary old man. "What are you planning, Danzo? That child hasn't been involved in the Uchiha-Konoha conflict. Leave him alone."
Danzo replied dismissively, "He's not involved, true, but he's too talented, Hiruzen. What if—what if a genius like him resents the village because of the Uchiha situation? Once he grows up, that's not good news."
The Third's brow furrowed, clearly worried about the Uchiha-Konoha tensions, but he spoke firmly. "The Uchiha and village situation isn't settled yet. I believe their conflict can be resolved peacefully, and I believe that child won't hate Konoha for it."
Danzo sneered. "Hiruzen, belief isn't enough. You need real measures to control things."
"You're right, measures are needed, but they can't go too far. And I absolutely won't allow you to target a child."
The Third's stance was resolute—this was a matter between the Uchiha and Konoha, and a child shouldn't be dragged into it.
Danzo stared at him, his views often clashing with Hiruzen's. He thought Hiruzen too soft-hearted, which he believed weakened Konoha. To strengthen the village, it fell to him.
Standing, Danzo said nothing and turned to leave.
The Third rose, watching Danzo's back, and warned, "Danzo, I said no targeting that child."
Danzo glanced back. "Hmph, I understand."
On the surface, Danzo would agree with Hiruzen—after all, Hiruzen was the Hokage.
But…
At Root's headquarters, Danzo summoned a subordinate, his face expressionless. "Hiruzen forbids me from targeting Uchiha Kagaya, so recruiting him into Root is impossible now, especially since he rejected me. Go—find an opportunity to make Uchiha Kagaya die in an accident. Make sure it looks like an accident. I don't want anyone saying Root was involved. This unstable factor needs to be eliminated."
"Yes!" came the cold, resolute reply.
---
Evening.
Kagaya trained alone at the training ground.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A fireball shot into the sky, quickly dissipating.
Kagaya looked at his hands, elated. 'Finally!'
"One second, four seals."
After nearly a year, Kagaya's hand-seal speed had improved from three seals per second to four—a speed matching most chunin and jonin. Beyond this, only true geniuses could go further.
"Now, let's try this."
In an instant, the lone Kagaya became two.
This wasn't Shadow Clone Jutsu—it was Shisui's unique Body Flicker Technique.
After nearly a year of training, Kagaya could barely produce one "clone." He was far from his goal of creating seven or eight.
"Well, it's pretty good already," he admitted.
Indeed, creating even one "clone" meant he'd grasped the basics of Shisui's technique. From here, it was just a matter of refinement.
For others, producing even one such "clone" might be impossible in a lifetime.
Next was taijutsu. Kagaya's skills were decent—far above average but not outstanding compared to true geniuses. In chakra nature transformation, he'd mastered Fire and Lightning, though Earth still needed work.
---
Night fell, and Shisui, having finished a day's missions, headed to the training ground to teach Kagaya.
But a Root ninja appeared before him. "Uchiha Shisui, Lord Danzo requests your presence."
Shisui's eyes narrowed. 'Why was Danzo summoning him now?'
Officially, Shisui was on a secret mission outside the village, as arranged by the Third to cover his activities. That Danzo knew he was still in Konoha wasn't surprising, but summoning him now was odd.
Either something major was afoot, or Danzo had ulterior motives.
"Alright, let's go," Shisui agreed. As a Konoha elder, Danzo's summons couldn't be ignored.
Unbeknownst to Shisui, shortly after he left, two Root ninjas appeared.
"Shisui has been drawn away by Lord Danzo. You act. I'll keep watch and alert you if anyone approaches."
"Got it. Let's move."
Since Danzo wanted an "accidental" death, they couldn't be exposed. One would act, the other would stand guard.
---
At the training ground, night had fully settled, but Shisui still hadn't arrived.
Kagaya frowned. "Is Senior tied up again? Things are getting worse."
Shisui occasionally missed their training sessions due to the escalating Uchiha-Konoha tensions. His responsibilities often left him with little control over his time.
Kagaya didn't dwell on it, planning to train alone for a bit before heading home.
He drew a kunai and began practicing. Normally, his training plan had moved beyond kunai, but now he focused on it intensely.
With his head slightly lowered, no one saw his eyes shift to a one-tomoe Sharingan.
'Killing intent!'
Killing intent was a primal warning of danger.
He'd felt it facing Obito, and now, he felt it again.
Kagaya was no naive rookie. Having faced death, he knew what this meant. Though he didn't know who was targeting him, he had to prepare.
Training with a kunai was a cover to conserve chakra.
He swiftly threw a shuriken while subtly forming a hand seal.
Shadow Clone.
'Alright, let's see who's after me.'
---
In the darkness:
"He hasn't noticed anything off."
"Shisui sometimes misses training, so he's probably used to it. Find your chance. We don't have much time—you need to dispose of the body after."
"Got it. You keep watch."
"Of course."
Minutes later, a glint flashed in the dark, piercing Kagaya's chest before he could react.
'Got him!'