"Brother Shisui, we're back."
Shisui had still been in the camp arranging the next phase of their defensive plan when he heard Itachi Uchiha's voice from nearby.
Looking up, he saw that Itachi Uchiha and The Five had all returned safely. Each of them held several Kumogakure forehead protectors in their hands.
It seemed the six of them had completed this mission thoroughly.
"Tell me about what you experienced during this operation."
The Five tactfully remained silent, leaving Itachi Uchiha to recount every detail of the mission to Shisui.
"Not bad. All six of you have improved. The effort I invested in you wasn't wasted." The Six standing before Shisui were already far stronger than they had been at the same point in his previous life.
As soon as Shisui finished speaking, Itachi Uchiha was the first to state his position.
"Brother Shisui, my little bit of strength is nothing. Only by staying at your side can I continue to improve myself."
Shisui looked at the utterly sincere Itachi Uchiha in surprise. This kid had learned how to flatter people too.
Still, this was something Shisui was happy to see. An Itachi Uchiha of flesh and blood was the successor he wanted—not a cold, emotionless machine built only to carry out orders.
"Serving Lord Shisui is the meaning of my existence." Kimimaro's words were even more embarrassing, but Shisui knew he meant every word.
"Us too. It is our honor to follow Lord Shisui." The other four quickly voiced their agreement as well.
At this moment, Shisui believed they were all speaking from the heart. Struggling through this ruthless Shinobi World alongside The Six was, in its own way, a warm and comforting pleasure.
"By my calculations, a day has passed since you dealt with that Kumogakure unit. In at