The Cruelest Awakening

Itachi fell silent for a moment.

"Father plans to transfer me out of the ANBU."

"To the Police Force?"

"Yes."

Itachi lowered his head, placing both hands on his knees.

"I want to remain in the ANBU."

"Only by standing between the village and the clan can I understand both sides."

"But Father believes I should return to the clan first."

Shisui did not answer immediately.

Itachi raised his head.

"You used to support my joining the ANBU."

"You said that only by understanding the village could we eliminate the divide between the Uchiha and Konoha."

"What about now?"

Shisui leaned against the headboard, a trace of self-mockery appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"Now, I support Fugaku's arrangement."

Itachi was visibly stunned.

"Why?"

Shisui raised a hand and touched the bandages over his eyes.

"Before Lie Yang took my eyes, he asked me a question."

"A person with the Mangekyō Sharingan carries the expectations of his clan, yet hands that power to Konoha, which oppresses the Uchiha."

"Was someone like that pursuing peace, or begging an enemy for forgiveness?"

Itachi's fingers tightened slightly.

"Konoha isn't the enemy."

"Not to you."

Shisui's voice was very soft.

"But what about the clan members who were moved away from the heart of the village, watched, and suspected?"

"I used to believe that if the Uchiha took one step back first, Konoha would accept us."

"As long as I was gentle enough, conflict would not erupt between the two sides."

"But I possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, yet I never considered using that power to fight for the status my clan deserved."

Itachi could not understand.

"Protecting the village means protecting the Uchiha as well."

"That used to be my favorite argument."

Shisui smiled.

There was little ease in that smile.

"Calling every