The Problem of Taking Action

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"Mm, of course. Back at the Clan Meeting, I already wanted to speak up in support of you, but I never found the right opportunity. I'll definitely support your view. Not just Elder Genran—even the clan head, I think, will agree with you. Let's work together to change the clan's situation, Shōji!"

Shisui's eyes shone brightly, and his entire body seemed to radiate a special aura. He raised his head to look straight at Shōji before him, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

This was his companion.

Someone who not only valued the clan's bonds, but also cared about the village's greater cause.

Shisui had always felt terribly alone before, even harboring deep worries. Yet at this moment, it was as though he had received tremendous comfort. The delight in his words was unmistakable. For an instant, Shisui nearly felt the urge to blurt out everything, but he forcibly held himself back in the end.

It was not that Shisui doubted Shōji.

Some things simply were not easy to say aloud.

Most importantly, they involved Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage.

Shisui felt that he still needed to consider things more carefully. Only after obtaining Lord Third's approval and consent could he proceed.

Thus, Shisui forcibly suppressed his emotions at that moment.

He did not speak those final words.

Shōji seemed to have been inspired by Shisui's words as well, excitement appearing on his face.

"Yeah! With your support, I'm much more confident. Let's restore the clan's honor together!"

"Yeah!"

Shōji and Shisui clasped each other's forearms, as though swearing an oath to one another.

Beneath the glow of the setting sun.

Their shadows stretched long, long across the ground.

Their conversation did not last long. Or, more accurately, Shisui did not have much time to remain there. As the clan's strongest figure on the surface, and the Third Hokage's sole informant within the Uchiha Clan, Shisui's movements drew a great deal of attention. Being there for a short while was no problem, but if he stayed even a little too long, it could easily arouse suspicion.

In the Original Work, after news of Shisui Uchiha's suspected suicide spread through the clan.

Uchiha Yashiro, Uchiha Tekka, and others—clansmen whom Fugaku had once trusted most—had actually gone straight to Uchiha Itachi, the clan head's son, to question him. That alone showed just how strong Shisui's presence was within the clan. Of course, Shisui was still slightly lacking compared to that point now. After all, he was only twelve. But because of his outstanding performance in the Third Shinobi World War, and because the clansmen did not know that Clan Head Fugaku had long since awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan.

Quite a number of clansmen already regarded Shisui as the strongest member of the clan.

Every action of this twelve-year-old boy.

Would inevitably tug at the heartstrings of many.

Therefore, after getting the answer he wanted from Shōji, Shisui hurriedly left. He needed to visit some of the clansmen, and also find time to report the relevant information to the Third Hokage. Especially the latter—Shisui could hardly wait to let the Third Hokage know that more members of the Uchiha Clan had inherited the Will of Fire passed down by the First Hokage!

Especially those words: 'The Uchiha will forever be Konoha's Uchiha!'

Those words could make the clan's stance clear.

To reverse the clan's predicament.

It would begin with this, with this very matter.

That was Uchiha Shisui's resolve from the depths of his heart.

Shōji alone remained where he was. As he watched Shisui's departing back, a faint trace of regret and guilt surfaced in his eyes.

Sincere words that were almost lies.

Not a single word in Shōji's explanation just now had deceived Shisui, yet he had still held things back. Those ideas, those plans, were indeed methods Shōji had devised to save the clan from its crisis. But they were only preliminary measures. If the danger of the clan's destruction could be eliminated without drawing blades, Shōji naturally did not wish to—and could not—incite internal conflict. It was not a matter of whether he could bear it or not. He was merely viewing the issue from the simple perspective of risk.

The Uchiha Clan was strong.

Even if Shōji himself had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, they would ultimately struggle to withstand Konoha's overall strength. The Anbu directly under the Third Hokage and the Root controlled by Danzo alone were enough to give the Uchiha Clan a severe beating. Furthermore, if the Uchiha Clan truly started a rebellion, they would essentially place themselves in opposition to the entire village.

Shōji did not believe the Uchiha Clan could contend against the entire ninja village.

Even if Shisui and Fugaku stood firmly with the clan, and even if Uchiha Itachi awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan without becoming a traitor, a head-on clash would at most leave Konoha badly weakened. The Uchiha Clan would still be destroyed.

Do not think the Mangekyō Sharingan was invincible.

Not everyone possessed Uchiha Madara's might and power.

There were obvious differences between one Mangekyō and another, and between one Uchiha and another!

Not to mention Madara after obtaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, or even the Rinnegan.

Even among ordinary Mangekyō Sharingan users of the same level, Fugaku, Shisui, and Shōji—who had all awakened theirs within the clan—did not possess even half the strength of their ancestor, Uchiha Madara.

To put it bluntly, Fugaku, Shisui, and Shōji could only be considered ordinary Kage-level fighters at present. Shōji might even fall somewhat short. The Mangekyō Sharingan was certainly a symbol of strength, but awakening it did not necessarily make one a Kage-level existence. A ninja's strength had to be judged by overall attributes: physical strength, speed, Chakra capacity, mental fortitude, and more.

That was why.

Shōji would never lightly treat a "coup" as the first plan.

The risk was too high, and the chances of survival terrifyingly low. Gaining the understanding and trust of the various Ninja Clans, then letting Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō, and the others see the Uchiha Clan's "sincerity" and "resolve"—that was the optimal solution under the current circumstances.

Of course, they also had to prepare for the worst.

Shōji had never been the sort of person to give up when someone had already placed a blade against his throat.

If things truly reached the worst possible outcome.

Shōji would certainly spare no cost and perish together with them!

After all, he was completely different from Fugaku, who stubbornly clung to the old ways, and Shisui, who only wanted to pursue peace. From the very first night after his arrival, Shōji had always carried two sets of plans in the depths of his heart.

His resolve would not waver!

Next.

It would depend on everyone's ability to take action!

After Shōji gave Shisui's departing direction one deep look.

He turned, leaped away, and headed back toward his home.