Shisui's Mission

This was no peaceful day.

The Fifth Hokage's formal inauguration, along with the attendance of Konoha's upper ranks and the Land of Fire's major merchants, was no secret.

This was never something that needed to be hidden.

To act in the name of righteousness naturally required publicity. Konoha's ninja needed to understand the purpose of their coming actions in order to be mobilized more effectively.

Joint Security Company.

This topic swiftly spread throughout Konoha.

There was no doubt that it caused an enormous uproar. After all, any experienced ninja who heard what this proposal entailed understood how greatly it violated the internal logic by which ninja villages operated.

Could this really work? Many ninja worriedly thought.

But whether it would work or not, Konoha's ninja found it difficult to oppose it. The proposal was so thoroughly in line with the Will of Fire, perfectly matching the political correctness Konoha's First Hokage had established.

Some younger ninja, still inspired by the Will of Fire, were fired up and supported this righteous action by Konoha!

Some seasoned older ninja gave it careful thought and felt that supporting it would not be a bad thing either.

After all, Konoha could squeeze money out of those major merchants this way.

Everyone had families to support, and what they liked best was easy work that paid well.

And in Konoha's ninja's eyes, the Joint Security Company's work was nothing difficult. It was not a Shinobi World War, nor were they facing off against troublesome major ninja villages. They were merely clearing out the scum causing trouble across the country. For the proud ninja of Konohagakure, the foremost ninja village, did that even count as a job?

Thinking it over carefully, they could just treat it as a large-scale mercenary commission.

Even if it ultimately proved unworkable, the job would already have been done. Would those major merchants dare refuse payment? At worst, things would return to how they had always been, back to that familiar shinobi world order.

Having thought it through, many older ninja, though still somewhat uneasy, did not object.

In fact, they were quite eager to make a profit from such work.

After living through the Shinobi World War and then the Nine-Tails' Rampage, everyone was short on cash. Such easy, well-paying work would be just what they needed to fill the gaps at home.

They just did not know how the mission fees would be. Hopefully, the village would not withhold too much under the excuse of rebuilding the ninja village.

Then, before long, missions were issued.

"Shisui?"

Seeing Shisui fully equipped and ready to depart, Itachi asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"I have a mission."

"A mission?"

"Mm. I'm the clan's genius. The clan hopes I'll perform well in this mission."

"What kind of mission?" Kabuto asked.

Anko and Yamato beside him were curious as well.

"It's an intelligence-gathering mission. As everyone knows, genjutsu ninja are best at gathering intelligence."

Everyone present nodded.

Genjutsu ninja truly were the best at intelligence gathering. After all, genjutsu could often be used to hypnotize people simply and directly to obtain information.

"And we Uchiha are the strongest genjutsu clan."

Even an Uchiha least skilled in genjutsu would become adept at it once they awakened the Sharingan.

"This time, the village has issued a great many intelligence-gathering missions. Naturally, we Uchiha must fully support the actions Lord Fifth is promoting, so many clan members have accepted missions. As the clan's most highly regarded genius right now, I must take action as well."

Kabuto nodded.

Only by having the Uchiha Clan's most highly regarded genius, Uchiha Shisui, actively participate could they truly demonstrate the Uchiha Clan's support for Lord Fifth.

It was a necessary political statement, so Shisui had to act quickly.

"So what kind of intelligence is it?" Anko asked curiously.

After considering it, Shisui felt there was nothing to hide.

Besides, those before him were either Lord Fifth's disciples or important Wood Release Ninja.

Shisui casually glanced at Yamato.

Then he said, "A lot of it is commercial intelligence from various regions: what factories there are, what local specialties they have, food production in each area, road conditions, what bandits operate on the roads, what long-entrenched gangs are there, what lawless villains are active, what Rogue Ninja there are, and which ninja villages exist..."

"Is it to coordinate with the Joint Security Company's operations?" Kabuto asked.

They had already heard the discussions in the village about these matters.

Shisui nodded.

A smile even appeared on his face.

Itachi knew why he was smiling. Shisui was someone who deeply longed for peace, and what the village was about to do was lay the foundation for peace in the Land of Fire's future.

Being able to take part in something like this suited Shisui perfectly!

Thus, Shisui was even looking forward to his upcoming mission and felt a sense of duty, determined to carry out the task in his hands properly.

In truth, Itachi's heart was not calm either.

Because he, too, longed for peace.

"Shisui." Itachi raised his fist.

Shisui was startled for a moment, then smiled and raised his own fist.

The two bumped fists.

"Do your best."

Itachi encouraged him.

Smiling, Shisui nodded and said, "You too. You must become an outstanding Hokage disciple. I look forward to you becoming the finest among Lord Fifth's disciples!"

As he spoke, Shisui's eyes shone with admiration when he mentioned "Lord Fifth."

He was filled with goodwill toward Fifth Hokage Orochimaru, who, upon taking office, intended to push policies that would bring peace.

He was willing to serve Lord Fifth with all his heart.

Soon, Shisui froze, then gave Anko and Kabuto an embarrassed smile.

Anko, who had glared at him in displeasure, only withdrew her unhappy gaze when she saw his apologetic smile.

Shisui scratched his head and gave an awkward laugh. He had forgotten that when he encouraged Itachi to become the Hokage's finest disciple, the other Hokage disciples were present too.

Kabuto, however, remained composed.

Kabuto silently watched the equally calm Itachi and saw that when Shisui spoke of becoming the Fifth's finest disciple, Itachi had shown almost no reaction, as though he tacitly accepted it.

Once again, he recognized Itachi's arrogance.

It was an arrogance that came from his very bones, yet one he did not even notice himself.

He probably still thought he was humble.

Kabuto thought mockingly.

Shisui did not stay long. After tossing out the customary remark that he would treat them when he returned, he hurried off, visibly invigorated.

Itachi silently watched Shisui leave.

His fist clenched, then relaxed.

Then he looked at Yamato.

"Yamato, I know you're strong. Can you spar with me?"

As Itachi made this request, he practically ignored Kabuto and Anko on the other side.

Arrogant bastard.

Kabuto muttered to himself again.

Thump!

Without hesitation, Anko punched Itachi. Itachi clutched his head without getting angry.

"Am I not strong?!" Anko asked angrily, clenching her fists.

Itachi thought for a moment and chose not to tell the truth.