Otogakure.
Inside the Laboratory.
Orochimaru stared at the two "invalids" before him, then turned to Shisui in confusion. "Shisui, does Shinji know you're doing this?"
"He does."
Shisui nodded without hesitation.
Then he added silently:
At the very least, Kakashi can't return to the village crippled. Shinji personally picked him to be Konoha's next Hokage!
As for Uchiha Itachi...
Shisui wasn't sure about him.
He had appeared before Nobihi and snatched Itachi away on a whim. After all, he was one of only two people who knew about Shinji and Uchiha Itachi's plan.
Surely Shinji wouldn't just stand by and watch Uchiha Itachi die. Nor would he let Itachi return to the village in this state.
If he did,
things would get awkward.
Not just between the village and the Uchiha Clan. It would be awkward for Shinji too, not to mention Izumi, Nobihi... and Uncle Fugaku's family.
If they wanted to avoid that,
Shisui could think of only one way: kill Itachi.
But...
Shisui didn't want to see that happen.
Orochimaru studied Shisui's expression and seemed to understand. He shook his head. "I see. I'll treat them."
Shisui smiled and pressed his palms together. "Sorry for the trouble, Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru put his hands on his hips and chuckled. "Heh heh. You're as polite as ever, Shisui!"
"Ha! Haha!"
Shisui scratched his head with an awkward laugh. "By the way, is Karin's surgery finished? I'd like to take her back to the village. Her mother misses her."
"No, Shisui. I can't agree to that."
Seeing Shisui freeze, Orochimaru smiled. "Shinji was just here. He said Karin, Kimimaro, and the others should stay here..."
"He also said an unavoidable battle might break out at the Reed Hideout someday. It could be dangerous..."
"Huh?"
Shisui blinked. "A battle?"
When a thoroughly