"The meeting ends here. Uchiha Shisui may not be the only traitor within the clan. Next, the three elders will investigate their own members to uncover any other potential traitors," Uchiha Fugaku declared.
"In addition, the content of this meeting must remain confidential. It can only be disclosed to individuals who are absolutely trustworthy."
After a lengthy secret discussion, Fugaku concluded, and the three elders nodded respectfully.
"Rest assured, Chief. We will keep today's discussion confidential and carefully investigate the clan members," they responded in unison.
The four of them exited the Nanga Shrine and parted ways. What was clear after today's meeting was that this marked a major turning point for the Uchiha clan. From this moment on, Uchiha Fugaku would take full control of the family.
"Uchiha Shisui's identity as a spy has been exposed, but the identity of Uchiha Itachi's accomplice remains..." Fugaku thought to himself. After much deliberation, he chose not to reveal Itachi's involvement, knowing the elders would likely push to eliminate him.
It wasn't out of fatherly affection, as Fugaku felt no deep bond with Itachi. His hesitation was tactical: eliminating Itachi now would prevent him from gaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan in the future.
"The next step is to target those who oppose the Uchiha, forcing the Third Hokage to send Uchiha Shisui to deal with Uchiha Obito," he continued thinking. Fugaku feared Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, a powerful Genjutsu that could alter reality itself. He wanted to avoid facing Shisui directly unless absolutely necessary.
The best solution, in Fugaku's mind, was to use Obito to neutralize Shisui. Obito's Kamui, an ability to phase in and out of a separate dimension, was a direct counter to Shisui's abilities. If the Third Hokage could be maneuvered into sending Shisui after Obito, Fugaku planned to follow them quietly and take Shisui's eyes after he was defeated.
"The first target will be Aburame Shibi, head of the Aburame clan," Fugaku decided, his eyes flashing with cold determination. The Aburame clan had always been close to the Shimura family, and Shibi had openly opposed Fugaku in the past, especially during recent village council meetings. For Shibi, a mere leader of a small clan, to interfere in the power struggle between the Uchiha and Shimura families was a death sentence.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage was seated, smoking his pipe. A figure wearing an animal mask and a katana on his back appeared, kneeling before him—it was Uchiha Shisui.
"Hokage-sama," Shisui greeted.
"You fought a Wood Release ninja last night. Has your Mangekyō Sharingan been exposed?" the Third Hokage asked, setting down his pipe.
"The enemy was strong. I had no choice but to use my Mangekyō Sharingan," Shisui admitted.
"You've faced this opponent twice now. Are you confident you can defeat him?" the Third Hokage inquired.
"No, I'm not certain. What's more, during our battle, he called himself Uchiha Madara."
"Uchiha Madara?" The Third Hokage's shock was unmistakable. Madara Uchiha, alongside the First Hokage, had once shaken the world of the shinobi. The thought that someone could be claiming his identity was alarming.
"Impossible. Madara was defeated by the First Hokage long ago. This person cannot be him," the Hokage shook his head in disbelief.
"I agree. I don't think he is truly Madara, but during our fight, he displayed the Uchiha clan's Mangekyō Sharingan," Shisui explained.
The Third Hokage's surprise grew. It was concerning enough that this person possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, but combined with the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, it made him a terrifying threat.
"Do you know what his goal was in sneaking into Konoha?" the Hokage asked.
"He was trying to recruit me into an organization he leads, but I refused," Shisui said.
The Hokage's face turned serious. "With your current strength, you stand little chance against someone who possesses both the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai."
"I'm aware," Shisui admitted.
"You need to increase your strength quickly, or you will be killed when you face him again," the Third Hokage warned.
"But I've reached a bottleneck in my power," Shisui frowned.
"Madara was able to rival the First Hokage using the Mangekyō Sharingan. There's far more potential to unlock in those eyes. The Uchiha clan should have scrolls detailing techniques developed for the Mangekyō. You should ask Uchiha Fugaku for access to those scrolls," the Hokage suggested.
"Given the current tension in the clan, it might be difficult to borrow those scrolls. Even Itachi can't help me, as Fugaku would likely suspect it's me seeking them," Shisui replied.
"Then you'll need to obtain them by other means, even if it requires extraordinary measures," the Hokage said firmly.
"Extraordinary measures?" Shisui echoed, frowning.
"Don't feel guilty. You're doing this for Konoha. You must become stronger to protect the village," the Third Hokage said, attempting to reassure him.
(End of Chapter).
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