Shisui's Gift

Compared to the thoughts of great figures from his previous life and the brainwashing of political parties in other countries, Konoha's Will of Fire was as simple as child's play. But Hane could understand it. The Naruto World was a world barren of ideas.

So when a collectivist ideology that emphasized sacrifice and dedication appeared, proposed by the strongest man of that era and revered as truth, it became a ray of light in this world.

But understanding did not mean Hane would accept it. Especially when that ideology was built upon the destruction of his family, accepting it was even more impossible!

He loved his current gentle mother. Though Fugaku was rigid, no one could deny that he was a good father. His younger brother was so well-behaved now, and there was also Young Sasuke, who demanded hugs every day. As someone who had been an orphan in his previous life, everything he had now was what he had once yearned for beyond measure.

From the moment he had been born into this world, through his initial discomfort, then his fear that it was all merely a dream, and finally his gradual acceptance of everything he had now, Hane had sworn that he would protect all this beauty. He would never let it disappear from his side again.

That was also why Hane disliked seeing Shisui. His younger brother admired that boy far too much. Seeing Itachi earnestly trying to understand at the side made Hane's anger flare.

It was not as though Hane had never considered changing Shisui's way of thinking. But the guy was as stubborn as a bull, determined to walk one path until the very end, refusing to turn back until he hit a wall. Hane truly wished he could awaken Kotoamatsukami from the Mangekyō Sharingan right now and cast a look that this glowing-headed guy could understand.

Unfortunately, his Golden Finger could not do that! Hane felt a wave of melancholy. Ever since binding with the Golden Finger, he and the ninjas of this world had walked completely different paths. He had even tried stirring up his emotions in private, but the results could only be called touching.

Other than staring into empty air until his eyes became dry, it was utterly useless.

Perhaps as his cultivation advanced and spiritual energy further transformed his body, it could awaken the bloodline within him. But Hane had a feeling that the stubborn cultivation system had definitely not given him Sharingan eyes.

He and his younger brother were six years old now. By his calculations, there were still more than six years until Danzo gouged out Shisui's eyes and Obito bewitched his younger brother into choosing to massacre the clan. Those six years would be his period of growth. With his current strength, he could barely trade blows evenly with a Jonin.

But dealing with a Kage Level expert was still somewhat difficult. Hane had enough confidence, however, that within four years, he would definitely join the ranks of Kage Level experts. So long as his cultivation advanced one more step into Refining Qi into Spirit, granting him enough spiritual power to use, and one of his Five Elements Ninjutsu reached the perfected level—

Then, in the current Konoha, absolutely no one would be his match, unless the First Hokage and Madara climbed out of their graves.

"Hmph! Your words sound pretty, but can the higher-ups even see your efforts? It is nothing more than your own wishful thinking!" Seeing Shisui still preparing to guide his younger brother.

Hane pulled Itachi behind him and cut off Shisui, who was about to retort. "By the way, you did bring gifts today, right?" Hane asked teasingly.

Shisui had still wanted to preach some Grand Dao principles, but his expression froze slightly. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Of course I did. I was just so focused on teaching you about the Will of Fire that I forgot!"

After saying that, Shisui took out two sealing scrolls from behind his back. With a hand sign for release, two puffs rang out, and two katanas appeared before them. Their designs were sleek, their scabbards deep crimson, and they were perfectly sized for Hane and Itachi's current height.

Hane unceremoniously picked up one of the swords and drew its blade. A cold gleam reflected across his face. He weighed it in his hand and tested its feel. It felt pretty good. Then he glanced at Shisui, who still looked a little foolish.

"Considerate of you."

Although his family did not lack weapons made from Chakra Metal, considering Shisui's living conditions, those two swords had probably cost him more than half a year's savings.

That thoughtfulness carried enough weight. His Artifact Refinement had already risen to the ordinary level. If he went back and asked his father for some Chakra Metal, forging a low-grade magical artifact sword should not be a problem.

"My mother has probably finished cooking. Want to come to my house and eat?" Hane offered, softening.

"No, no! I should not trouble Aunt Mikoto. I still have to report my mission to the Third Hokage later," Shisui quickly refused. Being alone with Hane and Itachi was fine, but meeting the clan head always made him feel somewhat stifled.

"Yes, yes, busy man. Then I will not hold you up. Mother is probably getting anxious waiting for us, so we will head home first." With that, Hane grabbed Itachi, who still wanted to say something to Shisui, and hurried home.

"Hane! Still so stubborn..." Shisui frowned slightly as he watched the two small figures recede into the distance. "Who taught him this distrust of the village? Could it have been the clan head...?"

Unable to figure it out, Shisui walked home alone.

"Brother, why do you always argue with Brother Shisui?" Itachi asked somewhat unhappily.

"Itachi, listen to your brother's advice. Do not listen to so much of Shisui's Grand Dao nonsense. It will do you no good." Hane looked seriously at his younger brother.

"Is it wrong to seek peace for the village and the clan?" A stubborn look appeared on Itachi's small face.

"There is nothing wrong with peace, but the method is wrong! Itachi, Konoha's higher-ups are not as kind as you think." Hane spoke solemnly.

"Does that mean Brother is always right?"

Hane suddenly felt a pang in his chest. This was the first time Itachi had questioned him. Hane wanted to get angry, but when he saw the confusion in Itachi's eyes, the fire in his heart instantly faded.

"Itachi, time will prove everything. Give your brother some time. The Uchiha Clan should not be like this!"

"Mm! Brother, I will wait for you to give me the answer." Itachi nodded earnestly.

Seeing that, Hane did not want to say anything more. If one day Itachi strayed down the wrong path, then as his older brother, he would use the Iron Fist of Love to pull him back onto the right path.

When they reached the door, they saw their mother standing there waiting for them, as though she had been gazing through autumn waters.

"Mother, we're back!" Hane gave Mikoto, whose eyes were full of tenderness, a sweet smile.

"Did you make any friends at school today?" Mikoto asked softly.

"Hehe, I met a cute little sister today!" Hane teased.

Mikoto covered her mouth and chuckled. "Oh? I did not expect our Hane to have little girls liking him at such a young age!"

"Mother, you are talking nonsense. I only see her as a little sister. It is just that the purple clothes she wore today had quite a nice charm."

Seeing his mother laugh so happily, Hane could not help teasing her too. "Mother, do you believe that one day I will go next door to the Hyuga Clan and find you a daughter-in-law, so you can suffer all the white eyes you want?"

"Haha, Hane, you are the naughtiest! What about Itachi? Did you make any friends at school today?" Mikoto turned her gaze to Itachi, whom Hane was holding by the hand.

"I... I made friends too, just like Brother."

"Mm, looks like Itachi is very impressive too!" Mikoto patted Itachi's little head. She knew the temperament of this second son of hers. At home, he was usually quiet and carried far too many worries.

"It seems Hane has taken very good care of his younger brother."

Mikoto gave Hane a gentle look, then went into the kitchen to bring out bowls and chopsticks, preparing to serve the two brothers their food.

"Where is Father? Why is he not back yet?" Seeing that his mother had only taken out three sets of bowls and chopsticks, Hane asked in confusion.

"The Hokage called him away to discuss something." Mikoto handed the filled bowls to Hane and Itachi, answering casually.

"Did he say what it was about, Mother?" Hane pressed.

A trace of worry showed between Mikoto's brows. "It seems to be related to the clan's relocation."

Hane's eyes narrowed. Is the Uchiha Clan's major event about to happen? Countless thoughts flashed through Hane's mind, but then he quietly began to enjoy the dinner his mother had made.

There were some things he did not want to tell his mother and make her worry about. When he had time, he should talk to his father instead.

"The Uchiha Clan cemetery by the Naka River..."

Hane thought coldly.