âAnyway, did something happen during this time? Did someone talk to you?â
Ryoâs question stunned Shisui. As soon as he tried to think of something to cover up on Fugaku, Ryo added: âI believe your ability was waiting for a firm belief in your heart. Something must have happened, and Iâm guessing that youâve had a decision or a choice, after a good discussion with someone!â
Shisui smiled and said: âThereâs nothing that gets past you Sensei. Yes, a week ago, Fukage Dono and I talked about the clan.â
âSo thatâs the case. Iâm guessing he asked you if you would choose the clan or the village, in case a conflict occurred.â
âWell, Iâve been raised with the thought that the village is the most import, always. However, you Sensei have always told me that my values should bring me and the ones I love happiness, and that things arenât always so black and white. Iâve hesitated when asked, but then the fact that Iâm an Uchiha rose above all thoughts in my mind. Sensei, in a sense, you are an Uchiha too, so, you understand me?â
Hearing that, Ryo was surprised by Shisuiâs words. This was the first time he saw him express his thoughts so straightforwardly.
This felt very gratifying to Ryo, as he felt his disciple had finally grown up.
Since his apprentice spoke out his heart, Ryo wasnât going to hide his own thoughts.
âYes. My father is also an Uchiha. Donât get me wrong, the clan is far from perfect, and they have tons of flaws, but Iâm not about to simply let them fall to their enemies any time soon.â
Getting this answer from Ryo, Shisui felt more relaxed than he had felt in years. He felt⦠less alone, in his desire to save his clan.
His Sensei was literally one of the greatest forces in the world, and his âjoining of the causeâ made Shisui visibly excited.
âHowever, itâs too early to act, Shisui. The future of the clan is not something that you and I alone could change. Youâve worked in the Anbu, and you know very well how the higher officials in the village, along with most civilians, feel about the Uchiha. They are the number one great family of Konoha, and are in charge of security. Just this is enough to make them too many enemies.â
Ryoâs words were like ice-cold water, thrown at his discipleâs excitement.
âSensei, what should we do now?â
âAll we could do now is wait. When things get intense with the Uchiha, the village is bound to make a move. The Uchiha need the wisdom and the heart to break any attempts against them.â
Shisui seemed to understand, and he nodded. Ryo smiled on the other hand, then laughed and left.
After returning to Konoha, Ryo began to recall how the events turned out of the Uchiha, and how the massacre against them took place in the Manga.
Unfortunately Shisui did not get the trust of Danzo and his lobby. In fact, when realizing that Shisui had a Mangekyo, Danzo did a sneak attack on him and stole his right eye!
Shisui was then powerless against Danzoâs plots, and he entrusted his remaining eye to his Kohai, Itachi, before taking his own life to awaken his Mangekyo! Back then, Itachi was 11 years old. (T/N: This age thing is controversial. Some argue Itachi was 12-13back then, but itâs all speculation that could be more or less correct. To my knowledge, 11 seems right.)
At this thought, Ryo couldnât just sit still. Itachi was actually now that age!
He teleported into the Hokageâs office, asking Sakumo about Danzoâs recent movements.
The latter thought and answered: âDanzo had been allowed to go around in the village recently, just to have some walks. Occasionally, the two councilors would visit him. To be honest, thereâs nothing about his movements thatâs suspicious. Is there something wrong Ryo? Why are you asking about this so suddenly?â
âNothing, I just remembered something. I will tell you later.â After Ryo finished his words, his disappeared.
He immediately went to the Anbu, who were now being led by Kakashi.
During these past few years, Kakashiâs progress had been great. With Ryoâs help, his body was integrated perfectly with Sharingan. Now, it caused his body no strain when closed.
Therefore, Kakashi was actually able to follow his fatherâs footsteps. He mastered the Hatake style to a great degree, and was now, despite his age, stronger than he used to be in the first Naruto.
When activating his Sharingan, he could even face a Kage tier Ninja, at least until he would run out of stamina.
Kakashi, who was handling his official duties, heard Ryoâs voice, and immediately put down what was in his hands to see him.
âRyo, what brings you to me? What do you need?â He had known Ryo for too many years, and he knew all too well that he made no innocent visits.
âWell, I wanted to see Itachi. Can you call him out?â
âItachi Uchiha? I canât remember anything that links him to you! Why did you come so suddenly to see him?â
âItâs none of your business; just call him out!â
Kakashi was about to retort, but seeing that Ryo was rather anxious, he actually asked his subordinates to look for Itachi.
A few moments later, the kid arrived: âCaptain, what do you need me for?â
âItâs not me; heâs the one looking for you!â Kakashi pointed at Ryo.
âHey Itachi! Long time no see! Can you come out with me?â As he said that, Ryo took the lead and went out.
Itachi looked up at Kakashi, just to find him nodding. Therefore, he followed Ryo.
Having a much different life than what he had in the Anime, Itachiâs behavior was different. After walking for a while with Ryo, he couldnât help but ask: âRyo sama, what did you call me for?â
âNothing, I just wanted to talk to you about your clan. I guess, you know their situation right now; donât you?â
Itachi nodded, a hint of sadness showing on his face.
âWell, if the worst was to happen, and the Uchiha were to go against the clan, which side would you choose?â
Itachi remained silent. He was shocked by this question, coming from a Kage tier of the village who was never that close to him. But more than anything, he had no idea how to answer.
Ryo did not pressure him to answer at all however, for his purpose behind all of this was to give him as much time as possible to deal with this question and hopefully make the right choice.
Meanwhile, at Koharuâs place, Danzo and Homura were also discussing the matter of the Uchiha.
âDanzo, the conflicts between the villagers and the Uchiha have recently returned to being fiercer. Should we make our move now?â
âWeâre in no hurry. The Uchiha are the biggest clan in the village. As we are right now, we canât beat them. We need to wait, wait for them to not be able to take this anymore!â
Homuraâs face changed, and he argued: âIf we let them get pushed that far, they would rebel, launch a coup dâétat even! Many in Konoha might fall!â
âOh they will rebel, or at least try. However, you donât need to worry; Konoha is strong enough to deal with them. When the time comes, we wonât even have to do anything, and the only ones to fall will be the Uchiha themselves.â