Yongye stood tall, gazing into the distance, his voice ringing with the resolve to press on against impossible odds.
"Konoha's rotten customs must change! Starting with me, starting with the Uchiha. I'd rather bear the blame and sacrifice myself to their hatred than fail to do what's right for Konoha!"
"They don't understand now. Once they see the results, they will."
Warmth surged through Shisui's chest. He was so moved he could barely contain himself.
He straightened, brought his heels together, and faced Yongye solemnly. His voice was much steadier than before. "Lord Yongye, I swear to follow you to the death!"
Yongye nodded. His gaze returned from the distance to Shisui's face. Now he showed his hand and laid the trap.
"Uchiha Itachi was involved in Orochimaru's escape. If he comes to you, play along. Help Konoha root out these threats for good."
Shisui did not hesitate. After a single beat of silence, he slowly nodded.
Before this, he would have struggled. Itachi was his closest friend. They had walked so many roads together, carried out ANBU missions together, and sparred late into the night at the Training Ground beneath the moon.
But now he remembered what Yongye had said: Konoha's rotten customs had to change, starting with the Uchiha. They had to learn to cherish what they had and think of the long term!
He would learn from the great Lord Yongye. He would dare to sacrifice and shoulder the guilt himself!
Even if his methods were dishonorable, even if he had to turn on a former friend with his own hands, he was willing to do it if it helped Lord Yongye achieve that long-term goal.
Shisui said nothing more. He bowed deeply to Yongye, then turned and dragged his still-bleeding body out of the Ruins.
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