Uchiha looked down at Itachi Uchiha, who was gazing up at him with an expectant little face, and smiled faintly. "I have an idea, but it'll be difficult to carry out."
"Shisui, bring Itachi up so he can listen. It must be uncomfortable listening with his head tilted up."
Shisui smiled breezily. "No need. Itachi's a genius—he's already learned how to climb trees."
"Itachi, come up."
At that, Itachi Uchiha planted one foot against the trunk, then the other, and climbed straight up step by step.
Tree-walking was easier than water-walking, but even most Genin could not master it. No wonder Shisui called Itachi a genius. He was not even five years old yet.
Once he reached the treetop, Shisui reached out, pulled Itachi over, and seated him behind himself.
Perhaps because of his strict upbringing, this four- or five-year-old child sat kneeling even while up in a tree.
Uchiha Gen shook his head. "Looks like the clan head is very strict with you. Relax. Sit however you like."
"This is out of respect for Brother Gen and the question just now," Itachi Uchiha said with a serious little face.
Damn, this brat really knew how to talk.
"Fine, as long as you're happy. Back to the point."
"My method isn't anything new. I'm merely following in the footsteps of those who came before."
"Which ancestor?" Shisui asked, looking puzzled.
"Madara Uchiha!"
Shisui's expression changed at once. That name was practically taboo within the Uchiha Clan, and it was even considered taboo in Konoha.
Itachi Uchiha looked confused. Who was Madara Uchiha?
"Did Madara Uchiha ever propose ideals about ending war and creating peace?"
"He did."
"But I haven't seen anything about that in the clan archives. Is there a section I haven't read yet?"
"No. There are very few