Formulating the Plan and Uchiha Shisui

"My hemophobia has recovered; I can handle Chiyo's poisons and puppets."

Tsunade spoke first. She and Chiyo were old rivals; in the past, even though she couldn't take the front lines, it was she who neutralized Chiyo's poisons back at the camp.

"I can deal with both the One-Tail Jinchuriki and the Kazekage, but taking on both at once is too risky. It would be better to find an opportunity to pick them off one by one."

Uchiha Iori held back some of his true strength. He had already displayed significant power, and he needed to keep his performance in check so he could deliver a killing blow when the opportunity arose.

"The Ketsuryūgan ninja can be left to Naoya and me. This is, after all, the responsibility of the Uchiha Clan. I will show them why the Sharingan is the premier ocular jutsu."

Shisui Uchiha also stood up to speak. He was in his prime, and the moniker of Body Flicker Shisui had already spread throughout the Ninja World.

"The reconnaissance mission can be left to us in the Hyuga Clan. Our Byakugan can see everything within a one-kilometer radius."

Hyuga Hideki was not to be outdone. Although his combat prowess was relatively average, the Byakugan was top-tier for strategic capabilities.

"Then the plan is settled. Everyone, prepare for battle. Once the Fourth Kazekage and the One-Tail Jinchuriki separate, we will launch a surprise attack on the Sunagakure Ninja and cut off one of their fingers."

Orochimaru finalized the counter-offensive plan, waiting only for the report from the Hyuga Clan's jonin.

The group filed out one by one. "Shisui, let's have a chat." Uchiha Iori called out to Shisui, and they left together.

"Long time no see. How have you been these past few months?" Uchiha Iori patted Shisui on the shoulder and asked casually.

They were surrounded by rock walls, the firelight casting flickering shadows across their faces.

"I'm doing well, and everyone has been taking good care of me. But Brother Iori, you've changed so much. Your eyes give me a dangerous feeling," Shisui replied with a shy smile.

He could also sense a dangerous aura coming from Iori. As a Mangekyo user himself, he trusted his own judgment.

"Have you awakened them too, Shisui?" Iori asked pointedly. The original story didn't record the exact time Shisui awakened his eyes, but judging by the plot, it had to be around this time.

"Yes, I have also obtained these eyes." Shisui did not hide it; he activated his Mangekyo to show Iori. As family, he had always placed his trust in Iori.

Looking into Shisui's eyes, Iori couldn't help but pat his head. "It must have been hard. The price for awakening these eyes couldn't have been light."

Thinking of the reasons the others had awakened theirs, Iori couldn't help but feel a sense of shared sorrow.

"Isn't it the same for you, Brother Iori? You must have also lost something important for these cursed eyes to awaken, right?"

Shisui's expression was downcast. It had been quite a while since he awakened his eyes, but he still hadn't emerged from the shadows of that day.

"Don't think like that, Shisui. We are far luckier than others. After experiencing loss, we gained the power to ensure we never lose anything again."

"You must view it as the protection of our ancestors, not a curse of fate upon the Uchiha Clan."

Iori comforted Shisui. These were his true feelings; compared to ordinary people who gained nothing after their losses, the Uchiha Clan was much luckier.

Without power, tragedies would only repeat themselves. Only by possessing power could one take control of their own destiny.

If Iori hadn't obtained his Golden Finger, he would still be one of the masses, drifting with the tide of fate and waiting for his destined death to arrive.

But now, he was the master of his own fate, and the world would sooner or later be within his grasp.

"It is this world that is cruel, and what we must do is change this cruel world so that others no longer have to experience the tragedies we have endured."

Iori looked at Shisui and spoke earnestly. He wanted to change Shisui's fate and bring him into his fold. He wouldn't claim he could guarantee him a happy life, but he would at least ensure his life had value.

Dying due to one's own naivety and the internal strife of the village was simply too foolish.

"I believe in you, Brother Iori. I have always believed that you are the one who can bridge the rift between the clan and the village. Please guide me; I am willing to use my power for you."

Shisui grabbed Iori's hand. Years of relying on each other had led Shisui to trust Iori unconditionally. Unlike Itachi Uchiha, Shisui's scales balanced the village and the clan equally.

In the future, when he was left with no other choice, he would entrust everything to Itachi Uchiha, hoping he could create peace between the village and the clan—only for Itachi Uchiha to disappoint him.

But now, Shisui was entrusting his life to Iori and dedicating his power to him.

"So, Brother Iori, what do you need me to do?"

After calming down, Shisui let go of Uchiha Iori's hand and asked about their future strategy.

"Win over the moderates who are willing to lean toward us, as well as the intelligent radicals. Once this war ends, I should have enough prestige."

"I will challenge Fugaku Uchiha and seize the position of clan head to consolidate the power within the clan."

Iori explained his plan to Shisui, at which point a look of hesitation appeared on Shisui's face.

Iori felt a bit strange and asked, "What's wrong? Is there a problem with the plan?"

"Uh... Brother Iori, could you spare the clan head's life? His son, Itachi, is a good friend of mine."

Shisui requested with some hesitation. Although he and Itachi Uchiha had only just met, some people were born to be friends.

"No problem. As long as he accepts the status quo after his defeat, I won't kill him. Unless necessary, I don't want to kill my own kin."

Iori didn't hesitate and agreed immediately. Fugaku Uchiha was linked to both Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha, both of whom were important figures in his plan.

Itachi Uchiha's talent and ability were outstanding. As for the problem with his brain—if the Will of Fire could brainwash him, why couldn't I?

Plus, with Shisui's assistance, it was basically certain he could be tamed like a dog.

Sasuke Uchiha was an even bigger heavyweight, one of the destined saviors and the reincarnation of Indra's chakra. Half of Iori's hope for awakening the Rinnegan rested on him.

"Thank you, Brother Iori."

Shisui didn't know Iori's specific thoughts; from his perspective, Iori had given up on killing his greatest rival simply because of his request.

Shisui's eyes were filled with deep emotion, and he made a firm resolution to give his life for the future Iori had promised.

"Tsunade and I have already reached an agreement; I will become the advisor to the Fourth Hokage, and the future Fifth Hokage."

"I will lead the Uchiha to integrate into Konoha and bring peace to everyone in the village."

Iori spoke to Shisui with a passionate tone, detailing his plans and goals.

"I have no other requests of you, Shisui. Go and become stronger—strong enough to stand by my side."

"I will not let you down, Brother Iori."

Uchiha Shisui's eyes were full of determination. Having seen the future Iori promised, he was no longer lost, and his entire being was brimming with motivation.