Shisui would not suspect Lord Shuten-doji of deceiving him. After all, this lord's deeds were becoming widely known throughout the entire shinobi world.
In Sunagakure, he had slain Rasa, who had been only one step away from becoming the Fourth Kazekage. No one would doubt Shuten-doji's strength.
In other words.
Present-day Konoha openly possessed seven Kage Level powerhouses: Sarutobi Hiruzen, Namikaze Minato, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Shimura Danzō, and Shuten-doji. If the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was included, that made a full eight.
And let's not forget that the heads of Konoha's prominent clans were at least elite jonin. With their clans' secret techniques, it was entirely possible for them to possess Kage Level strength for a short time.
After hearing about the Tailed Beasts, Uchiha Shisui could not help but lose himself in thought. He was certain that Uchiha Fugaku, the Uchiha Clan's patriarch, was close to Kage Level even if he had not reached it. If Fugaku used the Uchiha's secret techniques, he might have a chance to contend against a Kage Level powerhouse.
No wonder the other ninja villages had declared war on Konoha one after another. If Konoha were allowed to recover further, the number of Kage Level powerhouses alone would become terrifying.
"Lord Shuten-doji—no, Teacher Byakuya. I understand what you mean."
Uchiha Shisui watched Byakuya remove the mask from his face and spoke sincerely.
Byakuya smiled. "Come to think of it, I have no ties whatsoever to the Uchiha Clan. Even if one day only two Uchiha remained alive, it would have nothing to do with me. From the Root Division's perspective, I would even be pleased to see the Uchiha destroyed.
"But, Shisui, you should understand just how terrifying the power contained within your eyes is. In the future, I will need the Uchiha's strength to lend