Once the village-side targets were decided, controlling the clan's hardliners became essential.
If the militant faction were allowed to act unchecked, tensions between the Uchiha and Konoha would only intensify—regardless of any changes in village leadership.
Shisui looked at Arata and said quietly,
"Then I'll leave the clan's hardliners—the elders—to you, Arata."
Indeed, the most influential militant figure within the clan was Elder Uchiha Ryo.
As a senior elder, his authority and influence were second only to that of the clan head, Uchiha Fugaku.
Had Ryo not constantly provoked confrontation with the village, relations would never have deteriorated to their current state.
Seeing the hope in Shisui's eyes, Arata smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of Elder Ryo," he said calmly.
"Your task is far more dangerous."
"For now, the Third Hokage trusts you, and Danzo has no reason to suspect Kotoamatsukami."
"No one has ever witnessed such a technique before," Arata continued.
"To avoid complications, we must act quickly."
As Shisui vanished into the darkness, Arata understood the gravity of the mission his friend had undertaken.
Shisui was wagering everything—his life and his future—on this operation.
If it succeeded, the Uchiha clan would take its first step toward escaping a doomed fate.
If it failed…
The Third Hokage might not immediately turn against the Uchiha, but Shisui would be branded an S-rank rogue ninja.
Konoha—and perhaps even the entire Land of Fire—would have no place for him.
The village he loved would hunt him down without mercy.
Some tasks must be done. If neither you nor I shoulder them, someone else must bear the burden.
Arata had considered taking the risk himself, but three obstacles stood in the way.
First, he had only just awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan and was not yet accustomed to the sudden surge in chakra and ocular power.
Second, in Shisui's understanding, Arata had merely copied Kotoamatsukami—not enough to handle both the Third Hokage and Danzo simultaneously.
Third, despite their close bond, Arata was still an Uchiha. That alone would make both the Third Hokage and Danzo wary of him.
Thus, this mission could only be Shisui's.
Arata, meanwhile, had his own responsibility—to confront Elder Uchiha Ryo.
Only by restraining the clan's hardliners could the friction between the Uchiha and Konoha truly be eased.
At that moment, the system chimed once more.
> "Congratulations, Host. Kotoamatsukami has been fully integrated. Mangekyō side effects reduced. Usage duration increased.
Partial regeneration of the Mangekyō Sharingan is now possible. Detailed information is available for review."
A faint smile curved Arata's lips as he focused inward.
Shisui's original Kotoamatsukami was overwhelmingly powerful, requiring more than a decade before it could be used a second time.
But Arata's version—refined, broken down, and reconstructed by the system—could be reused after just half a year.
Unless he abused the Mangekyō or overused Susanoo, his eyes could last him a lifetime.
"Perfect," Arata murmured.
"Even without attaining the Eternal Mangekyō, I don't need to fear blindness."
"My Kotoamatsukami is ready," he said quietly.
"Time to pay a visit to our esteemed elder."
---
With tensions rising along the Land of Fire's borders, the Third Hokage had been overwhelmed with work. Staying late in the Hokage Tower had become routine.
Shisui knew exactly where to find him.
The simpler the plan, the less likely it was to fail.
He intended to go directly to the Third Hokage, confident that Kotoamatsukami was subtle enough to influence him without detection—so long as no Hyūga were watching continuously.
Even the Hokage would never permit Byakugan surveillance at all times. That would be absurd.
Normally, only one or two ANBU squads stood guard nearby.
Moving with his usual speed, the man known as Shisui of the Body Flicker arrived at the Hokage Tower.
He stopped, straightened his posture, and announced calmly, without urgency:
"Uchiha Shisui requests an audience. I have important information for the Third Hokage."
He waited in silence.
Inside the office, the Third Hokage sat behind his desk, pipe between his lips, scanning stacks of documents.
Upon hearing the ANBU's report, he set the papers aside.
"Shisui returned earlier this afternoon after completing his mission," he thought.
"And now he seeks an audience… likely not for routine matters."
"…Something within the Uchiha clan, perhaps."
"Send him in," the Third said aloud, removing his pipe and exhaling a slow cloud of smoke.
As Shisui entered, the Third Hokage felt a sudden sense of familiarity.
His thoughts drifted to his old friend—Uchiha Kagami.
Shisui, Kagami's descendant, had inherited not only his talent, but also his posture and quiet presence.
Kagami… the Third thought silently.
Do not blame me.
I never wished to stand against the Uchiha.
But too few among them truly inherit the Will of Fire.
If that will cannot be used… then perhaps… it must fade.
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