Framing

"By the way, why hasn't Akira arrived yet?"

Shisui was curious, with a trace of anticipation. During this time, he had heard all about Akira's glorious exploits.

He had stormed into the Hyuga Clan, beaten down the Hyuga clan head, and snatched away the Hyuga Clan's genius.

Most ridiculously, he had even become Asuma Sarutobi's teacher?

That was the Third Hokage's son!

"At this hour... Akira might be teaching Neji, Asuma, and Naruto Uzumaki?"

Uchiha Itachi hesitated for a moment before explaining.

Shisui's expression turned reverent, filled with respect.

He was unstoppable.

In less than two months, Akira already had three disciples under him.

How many would he have if this continued?

An absurd thought rose in his heart. At this rate, would the entire new generation end up becoming Akira's disciples?

By then, why would the Uchiha Clan need to rebel against the village?

Uchiha Akira becoming Hokage would be a certainty!

"What are you two daydreaming about?"

A speechless voice rang out. Shisui and Itachi shuddered, then turned around in unison and saw Uchiha Akira standing on a tree branch not far away.

"Akira?!"

Shisui was stunned. "When did you get here?"

He and Itachi both possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Yet even so—

Neither of them had noticed Akira's arrival. It was as though he were a ghost. Just how strong was Akira now?!

"I've been here since the beginning, but you two just ignored me."

Akira spread his hands, looking helpless.

"Also, how did the matter I asked you to handle go, Shisui?"

Shisui's expression turned serious. "Following your instructions, Akira, I tried recruiting strong people during this time. I successfully recruited Kisame Hoshigaki and Juzo Biwa from Kirigakure."

"Those two have odd personalities, but they're decent people at heart."

He revealed a helpless yet satisfied smile.

It was obvious that he got along quite well with them.

"Not bad."

Uchiha Akira patted Shisui's shoulder and said with feeling, "Shisui, someone like you isn't suited to being a leader. But when it comes to making friends, no one is more suitable than you."

He was somewhat like Yahiko.

He might not have been a good leader, but everyone trusted him.

Shisui scratched his head with a helpless smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"By the way, there's something else, Akira."

Shisui's expression grew solemn. "According to reliable information, someone saw Orochimaru enter the border of the Land of Fire. His actions are very likely related to Konoha. That guy has always been obsessed with our Uchiha Clan's Sharingan!"

"I'll keep a close watch on Orochimaru. I'll notify you immediately if there's any news!"

Orochimaru? Uchiha Akira narrowed his eyes. Snake Lady... he knew her well.

He had even read several of Snake Lady's books.

He had to admit that Snake Lady's research skills stood alone in the Ninja World. While others were still studying machinery, he had already begun ascending through genetics.

Most importantly—

Orochimaru and Shimura Danzō shared secrets that could not see the light.

Orochimaru's arrival in the Land of Fire might also mean he had a new deal with Danzo.

Danzo had failed to obtain Shisui's Kotoamatsukami. To gain greater power, he would inevitably seek other methods.

"Fine. Also, since you're back today, Shisui, there's something I need you to do."

Akira agreed, then grinned.

"We still haven't avenged what Danzo did to us."

He had never forgotten about that.

Now was the first step.

"What?"

Shisui and Itachi exchanged glances, seeing the shock in each other's eyes. "Are we really... going to do it? Won't this cause conflict between the Uchiha Clan and the village?"

Worry filled Shisui's eyes.

He hoped for the Uchiha Clan's stability, but he also did not want Konoha to be harmed.

"Don't worry."

Uchiha Akira grinned. "I've already prepared a perfect method. No one will suspect the Uchiha Clan."

He explained the plan to the two of them.

Shisui and Itachi were instantly dumbfounded. They looked at Akira as if they had seen a ghost.

No.

Was this really a plan a human could come up with?

Shisui's expression was complicated. "Isn't this a little inappropriate?"

Excitement appeared on Itachi's face. "As expected of Brother Akira. You actually came up with such a sinister scheme!"

Shisui abruptly turned to stare at Itachi in shock.

What?

Itachi, when did you defect?! His obedient, well-behaved Itachi... seemed to have been led astray!

The three quickly arrived at Root.

"Enemies! Kill them!"

The Root ninjas instantly shifted into combat stances. They were elite fighters who had endured countless battles and rigorous training.

But their enemies were faster!

"Lightning Release: Ground Walk!"

Behind his mask, Uchiha Shisui wore a complicated expression. Lightning appeared in his palm, sounding like a thousand birds chirping at once!

He glanced to his side.

"Wind Release: Vacuum Ball!"

Even his mask could not conceal Uchiha Itachi's excitement. His movements were incredibly swift.

"Letting you bully the Uchiha!"

"Letting you try to kill Shisui!"

"Letting you plan to slaughter the Uchiha Clan!"

He showed absolutely no mercy.

Shisui was utterly baffled.

No.

Wind Release: Vacuum Ball was the Shimura Clan's secret art. Using the Shimura Clan's secret art to slaughter the Root under Shimura Danzō, the clan head—this was so blatantly framing him that it was no longer framing. It was simply disgusting.

Then he turned his head again.

He froze on the spot.

"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"

Uchiha Akira used it with effortless fluency. Every punch and palm strike blended hardness and softness. The Gentle Fist was like water, embracing all things, while the Steel Fist was like an enraged vajra, shattering all things.

The Sharingan could copy everything.

But its essence had to be learned.

For Akira to use it at such a level, he had clearly put in immense effort!

Shisui was dumbfounded. If his use of Lightning Release: Ground Walk was merely a crude attempt to shift blame, and Itachi's Vacuum Ball was meant to disgust Shimura Danzō, then Akira's Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms was outright framing.

"Hehe, I have a little grudge against Hyuga Hiashi."

Akira grinned, revealing a shy smile.

"It's not too much to give him a little trouble, right?"

Shisui shook his head, feeling nothing but pity for Hyuga Hiashi. He could practically see the ugly expression Hyuga Hiashi would have tomorrow.

Very quickly, every Root member left behind was slaughtered!

Not one survived!

Blood flowed through Root like a river. Every corpse belonged to a Root member.

"What a pity Danzo isn't here today."

Uchiha Akira's eyes were indifferent as he tossed out a Scroll. "Shisui, Itachi, don't stop spreading the dazzling news. Also, add this information this time."

The two took the Scroll and read it. Their expressions grew increasingly grim.

The information recorded on the Scroll was far too detailed.

The slight reluctance in Shisui's heart instantly vanished without a trace.

"Danzo is simply inhuman!"

"No matter what methods are used against someone like him, none of them would be excessive!"