Clever Eiji could figure out with his toes why Shisui had come looking for him.
What Shisui wanted was simple: peace and love.
But the clan members were growing increasingly radical, and their relationship with Konoha had become utterly hostile.
Who knew? Maybe one day they would imitate their predecessor Setsuna and take up a blade to assassinate the Hokage.
Shisui was frantic with worry, yet powerless to do anything.
That was why he had come to talk to Eiji, hoping that this rising star would consider the bigger picture.
He wanted Eiji to help him change the Uchiha's current situation.
"Eiji."
"Big Brother Shisui." Eiji showed him a kindly smile.
Shisui nodded slightly. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you. Is now a good time?"
Eiji grumbled inwardly. Actually, it's not convenient at all. You interrupted my late-night snack.
Does Shisui not know the proper etiquette for paying a visit? Couldn't he bring something next time?
Even so, Eiji invited Shisui into his home.
He tidied up the messy room and cleared out a spot where someone could barely sit.
"Big Brother Shisui, just say what you have to say."
Shisui did not bother with beating around the bush. He said bluntly, "You should be able to tell that the relationship between the clan and Konoha is becoming increasingly tense."
Eiji nodded lightly, humoring Shisui.
Seeing that Eiji had not spoken, Shisui continued, "But Eiji, you should also understand that if a rebellion truly breaks out, the Uchiha definitely won't be a match for the village."
"Even if we take a step back and assume we could win, both the village and the clan would suffer tremendous losses. By then, who knows how many comrades would have to be sacrificed?"
Eiji nodded slightly. "I understand. People living in peace naturally won't realize how precious peace is."
Upon hearing that, Shisui suddenly froze.
Judging by those words, Eiji seemed to understand perfectly well.
Then why had he been doing one dangerous thing after another lately?
Shisui drew a deep breath and slowly began to speak.
"Eiji, I want to know. Which side are you on?"
"What do you mean, which side?"
Shisui's brows furrowed even more deeply. "Will you do as I do and do your best to preserve peace between the clan and Konoha, or..."
Eiji let out a soft laugh. Oh, foolish Shisui.
Living in the Shinobi World, yet naively believing that peace exists.
So-called peace only comes about for two reasons.
You can't beat the other side, so you admit defeat.
The other side can't beat you, so they admit defeat.
Naturally, Eiji could not say that aloud.
He knew that Shisui was already beginning to lean toward the Hokage. If he suddenly switched sides now, would he not just be creating trouble for himself?
So he adjusted his expression and put on a sincere look.
"Big Brother Shisui, of course I hope we can live together in peace. My parents died in the war, and I don't want to see any more bloodshed."
Shisui suddenly felt his head start to itch.
Wait, isn't Eiji a rebel?
Then how am I supposed to explain his behavior?
Seeing Shisui's puzzled expression, Eiji nearly failed to hold back his laughter.
No wonder you made those foolish decisions. Your CPU really isn't up to the task.
"Big Brother Shisui, don't forget. My father was Senior Kagami's student. While he was alive, he repeatedly taught me to carry the Will of Fire in my heart."
Shisui became even more confused.
As Kagami's descendant, he had naturally inherited Kagami's blazing Will of Fire as well.
Yet he could not connect Eiji to a single aspect of the Will of Fire.
"Eiji, you..."
Shisui thought for a moment before asking cautiously, "It's just the two of us here, so I want to ask you something. Have you truly never considered using military force to stage a coup and embark on the path of rebellion?"
Eiji widened his eyes. "Big Brother Shisui, what are you talking about? The Uchiha have always been part of the village. What coup? Your way of thinking is very dangerous."
Shisui felt sweat begin to trickle down his body. "I didn't..."
Eiji abruptly stood up. "Big Brother Shisui, I have to criticize you for this. As a descendant of Lord Kagami, how could you have such dangerous thoughts?"
"I'm not..."
"Not what?" Eiji spoke passionately, afraid that if he stopped, he would lose control and laugh. "I even regarded you as a senior worth learning from, yet you actually..."
Shisui covered Eiji's mouth with one hand. "Don't say anything reckless."
"Mmph mmph mmph! Shisui, I'm going to report you to the clan leader!"
Shisui could not understand how things had taken such a bizarre turn.
If he remembered correctly, he had come today to persuade Eiji and work with him to preserve peace between the clan and Konoha.
So how had Eiji turned him into the one trying to use military force with just a few words?
Wait. Shisui suddenly remembered something else.
"Eiji, tell me the truth. Do you have some other motive for approaching Naruto?"
Eiji shook his head. "We're both orphans, so I know how difficult it is to survive."
"I only wanted him to feel a little warmth, so he wouldn't be left with an indelible scar."
Shisui continued pressing him. "What about what happened today?"
Eiji pointed at the Security Division insignia on his body. "I've said it a thousand times. I was merely carrying out the duties of the Security Division."
Seeing Eiji's righteous expression, Shisui did not know what else to say.
By now, he regarded Eiji as a clan member who loved the village.
On Eiji, he seemed to see the same blazing Will of Fire that burned within himself.
"Eiji." Shisui gently patted Eiji on the shoulder. "Let's leave it at that. I'll be going now."
Eiji nodded slightly and stood as well.
"It's about time. I should go work the night shift."
Eiji strapped Xiao Er onto his back and carefully straightened his clothes.
"Protecting the safety of every villager is the responsibility of our Security Division."
Hearing this, Shisui wore a gratified expression.
Having such a peace-loving genius ninja was truly a blessing for the Uchiha.
After Shisui left, Eiji could no longer suppress the corners of his mouth as they curled upward.
At that moment, he looked just like a crooked-mouthed Dragon King.
The naïve Uchiha Shisui possessed a pair of powerful Sharingan, yet he had still forced himself onto a dead-end path.
Eiji sighed softly, picked up Xiao Er, and began his patrol.
In the middle of the night, Konoha was silent everywhere.
Eiji pondered how he could complete the system's task as quickly as possible. Before he knew it, he had wandered near the Memorial Stone.
"Hm?" Eiji scratched his head. "How did I end up here?"
He was just about to turn around and leave when he unintentionally spotted a blurry figure.
Eiji took a few steps forward and got a clear look at the person.
Kakashi wiped the dust from the Memorial Stone while muttering under his breath.
"Obito, I met a strange guy. He's also a member of the Uchiha clan."
"I don't know what's in his head. He actually gave me a book in that situation."
At that, Kakashi's old face reddened.
Thinking about it carefully, the person who had given him the book was a weirdo. Perhaps the brain of the person who accepted it was not working properly either.
Not far away, Eiji was rather displeased.
What kind of thing is that to say? If you didn't want to read it, you could have given it back. Who complains after accepting a gift?
"Ahem. Senior Kakashi, it's not polite to speak ill of people behind their backs."
Before you continue