Ryosuke finished speaking and turned to leave.
He left behind several members of the Hyuga Clan, all staring at him in shock.
"Brother Ryosuke."
Hinata still held the rabbit plush she had won at the amusement park.
Hyuga Hiashi wore a satisfied smile.
"That child is truly remarkable."
"Hinata, I'm sorry. Your father forgot that today was your birthday. What present would you like?"
The two Hyuga Clan members stared at the scene in disbelief.
They had never seen their clan head smile like that or act so warmly.
They had never heard him say the words "I'm sorry" to anyone, either.
Could what that child had said really matter that much to their clan head?
"Hinata doesn't want anything. I just want Father to spend more time with me."
Hinata shook her head obediently.
Hyuga Hiashi patted Hinata's head, his expression troubled.
It wasn't a difficult request, but at this particular time, it seemed almost too much to ask.
Hyuga Hiashi had evidently received a warning from the Third Hokage as well.
War was drawing near. As the head of Konoha's strongest clan, how could he possibly have time to stay home with his child?
Halfway along the road, Ryosuke dispelled his Shadow Clone.
In an instant, a wave of exhaustion and countless pieces of information flooded into him.
"That old fox, the Third Hokage, actually sent three kids to fight Cloud Ninja Anbu? Isn't he trying to sow discord between the Uchiha and the village?"
Even if the Third Hokage claimed it was to "reduce casualties," did that mean he could use the Uchiha as sacrifices?
After all, the Third Hokage clearly cared far more about Konoha's safety than the Uchiha's.
And the sudden changes to the course of events left Ryosuke deeply uneasy.
He knew that war was the fastest way for him to grow stronger.
But it also meant taking enormous risks.
Especially since their opponents this time were Cloud Ninja Anbu.
The Cloud Ninja Anbu wouldn't be much weaker than Konoha's.
And both Itachi and Kakashi had come from the Anbu.
Thinking of this gave Ryosuke a headache.
The moon had risen above the willow branches by the time he finally returned to Sasuke's house.
As soon as he entered, he saw Fugaku, who was rarely home, sitting on the sofa with his arms crossed.
Uchiha Mikoto was still busy in the kitchen.
Sasuke knelt at Fugaku's feet with his head lowered.
Ryosuke's mouth twitched. What had Sasuke done now?
This was the trouble that came with having a genius older brother, wasn't it?
His parents expected him to meet the same standards as a genius.
"Ryosuke, since you're back, there's something you've probably already heard: the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning are going to war."
Fugaku turned his head and stared coldly at Ryosuke.
Ryosuke nodded.
It seemed Fugaku already knew that Team One had gone to see the Hokage.
"This war is an opportunity for the Uchiha Clan. It can produce a large number of powerful shinobi within our clan, and the village's control over us will weaken."
Fugaku continued.
Ryosuke nodded again. He had a vague idea of what Fugaku was about to say.
"You're assigned to the Anbu now, right? I have just one demand: keep an eye on the Third Hokage at all times. If you come across any information concerning our clan, tell me immediately. Understood?"
"Yes," Ryosuke replied.
"All right. Let's eat."
Uchiha Mikoto came out of the kitchen and smiled at the three of them.
Ryosuke's meal passed in a daze.
When he returned to Sasuke's room, Sasuke looked very downcast.
"Brother Ryosuke, are we going to war?"
Ryosuke said nothing, which was as good as confirming it.
"Father said that only those who've been through the trials of war can become real men. I want to join this war too."
Sasuke suddenly clenched his fists as he spoke to Ryosuke.
Sasuke had no idea what war was really like. All he wanted was to earn his parents' approval.
Ryosuke felt sorry for him, but he didn't know how to change the way Sasuke felt.
"When you're older, you'll become a man. War isn't a good thing, so make sure you stay safe."
Ryosuke patted Sasuke's head.
"What about you, Brother Ryosuke? Will you go to war?"
Sasuke looked up at him.
Ryosuke sighed and pointed to the Forehead Protector on his arm.
"I'm already a shinobi. Shinobi are born to fight in wars, but I'll be fine. Don't worry."
It took a long time for Ryosuke to comfort Sasuke enough to put his mind at ease.
After night fell, Ryosuke lay alone on the floor, still unable to sleep.
Then a strange birdcall came from outside the window.
Ryosuke got up and looked out. A man wearing a bird-faced mask was crouched on the windowsill, making a hand signal.
Itachi? Or Obito?
No, it had to be someone from Root.
Ryosuke carefully stood up without disturbing Sasuke.
Then he opened the window.
"Danzo-sama wants me to tell you to attend a meeting. He has a new mission for you. Here's the address."
The bird-masked man finished speaking and vanished on the spot.
Ryosuke looked at the slip of paper in his hand and couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Now he truly understood the torment Itachi had suffered before the night of the clan's massacre.
Itachi had been caught between the Anbu and the Uchiha Clan, pressured relentlessly by both sides.
But now Ryosuke was facing pressure from three sides.
He collected himself, then left a Shadow Clone in the room in his place.
He went to meet Danzo alone.
The meeting place was in a forest between Konoha and the Uchiha Clan's district.
Two Root shinobi stood beside Danzo.
Ryosuke stepped out of the shadows.
"You're here," Danzo said without turning around.
"Danzo-sama, what do you need?"
"I heard about the mission the Hokage gave Team One. Remember, your mission is to protect yourself. If the others get into trouble, don't help them."
Danzo spoke coldly.
"And if they're killed, bring me their Sharingan."
Ryosuke furrowed his brow.
He had expected Danzo to assign him some shady missions. That was what Root did, after all.
But he hadn't expected Danzo to be so blunt—to send a Uchiha child to take the eyes of his own clansmen.
Was this a test? The man's sinister motives and greed for the Sharingan were plain to see.
"Is there a problem?"
Danzo finally turned around and looked at Ryosuke.
"No. But I can't guarantee I'll survive, given that our opponents are Cloud Ninja Anbu."
Ryosuke had no intention of risking his life for Danzo just like that, even if this was a test.
"Don't worry. I've also sent people to protect you in secret. The Sharingan must never fall into outsiders' hands."
Danzo's face twisted into a menacing grin.
Before you continue