Attention from the Darkness

Chapter 41: Attention from the Darkness

Kagami walked through the streets of Konoha, passed through the Uchiha clan compound, and finally returned to his own home. The difference this time was that no one was waiting for him anxiously at the door.

No one rushed over to see him, and once inside, no one spoke words of concern with a cold expression. The house still looked like a home, but it could no longer be called one. This current residence was merely a "dwelling place" and could not be referred to as a "home."

Unbeknownst to Kagami, after he entered his home, a person wearing a mask with red markings appeared in a dark corner. Their eyes flickered as they looked at Kagami's house before disappearing again.

"Three Tomoe Sharingan at seven years old, how interesting."

In a certain dark space, there were three sofas, occupied by three people: two men and one woman.

One of the men was Obito, wearing the mask with red markings. The other two were dressed in black and red cloud robes. The male's face was covered in black rods, making him look quite strange. The woman had purple hair and a beauty mark next to her lips.

Obito spoke first.

"I've found someone in Konoha. His experiences are quite interesting, and I think he should really hate Konoha."

The Heavenly Dao's tone was devoid of any emotion.

"Since he's someone you've taken an interest in, his strength must be considerable. Do you need me to send someone to invite him to join the organization?"

Obito shook his head.

"No, with his current strength, plus that Three Tomoe Sharingan, he can only barely contend with a Jonin. He's not quite there yet, we'll wait."

Konan asked curiously.

"If we're going to wait, why come all the way here to tell us?"

Obito chuckled lightly.

"We won't have to wait long. Soon. I see it very clearly. It won't be long before his strength reaches Kage-level, and he's only seven years old. He's a super genius and would be a great help to the Akatsuki. However, I personally killed his teammate before, so he probably won't agree if I invite him. Therefore, I want you to prepare and choose someone to extend the invitation."

The Heavenly Dao's voice carried emotion for the first time, sounding surprised.

"Kage-level at seven years old? Are you kidding me?"

"I have no reason to joke with you about something like this. However, as I said, we still need to wait a bit. Right now, he's only at Jonin level."

"I understand. If the time comes, you let me know. A genius like that is worth my personal invitation."

"Alright."

As the words fell, Obito rose first and disappeared into the darkness. Heavenly Dao and Konan also rose and left, vanishing into the darkness.

Fugaku's residence.

"What? Don't you know what day it is tomorrow?"

Fugaku Uchiha looked at Itachi Uchiha sternly and continued.

"You still haven't clarified your position."

Itachi remained unmoved, terrifyingly calm.

"I have a mission to carry out tomorrow."

"What mission?"

"I cannot say. It's a classified mission."

At this moment, the relationship between Itachi, the clan, and the village's higher-ups suddenly felt distant. Itachi, at this moment, didn't seem like a person, but more like a machine.

"Itachi, you are also a bridge connecting the clan and the village's high command. You understand this, don't you?"

Fugaku scrutinized Itachi.

"Ah."

Itachi's reply was still flat, devoid of any emotion.

"Keep this firmly in mind. Also, you must attend tomorrow's gathering!"

Itachi closed his eyes. This time, he did not answer.

Kagami's residence.

Kagami looked at Shisui in surprise.

"Brother Shisui, you're telling me not to attend tonight's gathering?"

The Uchiha clan often held gatherings. However, Kagami used to not attend; his father would go. But now that Kagami's parents were gone, he might be required to attend.

Shisui nodded.

"At tonight's gathering, I plan to use my Kotoamatsukami to alter the will of the clan elders and completely prevent the possibility of a coup."

Kagami's expression changed drastically. Alter the clan elders' thoughts with Kotoamatsukami? If he remembered correctly, wasn't this plot...

"Brother Shisui!! Didn't I tell you, absolutely do not tell Danzō about your Kotoamatsukami ability? Why didn't you listen to me?"

Shisui shook his head.

"I did not tell Danzō. I've only told the Third Hokage about this. The situation between the Uchiha and the village is becoming increasingly dangerous. I must use unconventional means."

But at this moment, Kagami shook his head more than Shisui.

"No! No!! Brother Shisui, you cannot go through with this plan!"

Shisui looked at Kagami strangely.

"Why?"

"No means no! Absolutely not! Once you expose your Kotoamatsukami, Danzō will definitely come after you."

Shisui fell silent. He looked at Kagami, a hint of pity appearing in his eyes. In Shisui's opinion, Danzō had just killed Kagami's parents, so it was only natural for Kagami to harbor the deepest malice towards Danzō.

But...

"Trust me, Kagami. I will completely resolve the conflict between the Uchiha and the village, and then, we can enjoy true peace."

Kagami hugged Shisui tightly, tears streaming uncontrollably down his face.

"No, absolutely not! Danzō will definitely come after you, Shisui-bro! If, if..."

Shisui could tell that Kagami was terrified, afraid of losing everyone he cared about, one by one.

Yet, it was precisely this fear that strengthened Shisui's resolve. His Mangekyo Sharingan quietly activated. As the foremost genjutsu user of the Uchiha, he easily put Kagami to sleep.

"Don't worry, Kagami. This time, I won't break my promise again. I must bring peace. From now on, we can all live as Konoha ninjas, without having to run around due to the village's internal strife. I will never let those eyes of yours evolve further. Just sleep, and when you wake up, everything will be better."

Shisui picked up Kagami and gently placed him on the bed. Then, he used the Body Flicker Technique to leave.

In a room.

The Third Hokage and Danzō sat on the tatami, continuously discussing matters.

"Tonight, the Uchiha are having another gathering."

Danzō spoke. Recently, the Uchiha Clan's gatherings had been increasing, and they couldn't afford to ignore it.

"I'm aware of the gathering, but the Uchiha claim it's a clan ritual, so I can't interfere."

The Third Hokage said helplessly.

But Danzō immediately retorted sternly.

"What ritual? They are trying to incite the clan members' hostility towards the village and use that animosity to strengthen their unity. This is preparation for a coup."

"I will nip this in the bud, Shisui."

As the Third Hokage finished speaking, the door opened, and standing outside was Shisui.

"Uchiha Shisui."

Danzō seemed to understand something and said with some surprise.

The Third Hokage continued.

"Shisui will attend the gathering, and if Fugaku Uchiha truly plans a coup..."

"I will use Kotoamatsukami."

Shisui immediately chimed in.

"Your dōjutsu?"

Danzō closed his eyes, pondering something.

"I've heard it can manipulate a target without them realizing it, making them act as if it were their own will," the Third Hokage explained.

"I will make Fugaku consider a way to coexist with the village," Shisui stated his intentions.

Danzō retorted coldly.

"Just changing Fugaku's mind might not be enough to quell the entire Uchiha's dissatisfaction."

The Third Hokage denied this.

"No, if the Uchiha are willing to change, then we will change as well. We will gradually improve the Uchiha's treatment from now on."

The Third Hokage's meaning was that even if the Uchiha were still dissatisfied, as long as they didn't attempt a coup, things could be discussed, and they would change accordingly, slowly improving the Uchiha's treatment.

"This is my wish."

Shisui replied similarly.

To achieve peace for the village, this was indeed Shisui's wish. He didn't want to see tragedies like Kagami's happen again.

"I will assign an Anbu member to support you from the rear. I'm counting on you, Shisui."

"Yes!"

Naka Shrine. This was where the Uchiha Clan worshipped their clan deity.

Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha stood at the entrance of Naka Shrine, seemingly waiting for someone.

"Itachi isn't here yet..."

Mikoto Uchiha said with a hint of disappointment, yet also a sense of inevitability.

Fugaku Uchiha's face was grim, and he remained silent.

Meanwhile, in a forest, behind a large rock, Itachi looked puzzled. He had arranged to meet Shisui here to discuss matters before attending the gathering, but Shisui was late.

[So slow.]

Itachi thought, puzzled.

A somewhat dilapidated shrine stood there, with two enormous statues flanking its sides.

In front of the shrine, two people were standing.

Shisui looked at the person before him in confusion.

"Is there something you need, Danzō? The assembly is about to begin."

Shisui could hardly believe it. Was Danzō really going to make a move against him at such a critical juncture?

Danzō's face was both impassive and grim. The sun was already setting, and the light, casting shadows across Danzō's face, did not illuminate his profile.

"If you were to use your ocular jutsu on Fugaku, persuade the Uchiha, and the village still didn't change, what would you do?"

Shisui replied straightforwardly.

"The Hokage promised me it would change."

Danzō remained noncommittal.

"Even with the Third Hokage's persuasion, the villagers' suspicion towards you won't disappear easily."

"I understand, but it just needs more time…"

"And someone as suspicious as myself won't change their mind easily. What would you do then?"

"But, Danzō…"

"Would you use your Kotoamatsukami on me then?"

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