The note was spread out on the wooden table in the old warehouse.
The handwriting was hurried.
It looked as though the writer really was waiting for Shisui to save their life.
But Uchiha Gen knew with a single glance that this was no plea for help.
It was an order.
An order for Shisui to leave the witnesses behind.
An order for Shisui to shoulder the responsibility, the village, his clan, and the Hokage's Anbu all by himself.
Shisui stood beside the table without speaking.
His gaze remained fixed on the words "come alone."
In the past, he might already have left.
Not because he was foolish.
But because he knew all too well what would happen to his clan if the Uchiha truly attacked the Anbu.
He would want to stop it first.
Save the people first.
Keep the situation from escalating first.
But now, Uchiha Gen, Fugaku, Itachi, Che, and Cheng were all here.
He was no longer the only person on that path.
Fugaku said gravely, "The people on the list are already under watch by the clan's jonin. None have left the Clan District."
Che spoke up as well. "We have records from the Konoha Military Police Force's west gate, north gate, and the Old Training Ground exit. None of those people passed through."
Cheng added, "We've confirmed tonight's patrol routes for the Hokage's Anbu. The nearest team is at South Bridge, at least two streets away from the location on the note."
Itachi handed over his writing board.
"I've recorded when the messenger appeared, where they came from, and their escape route. I didn't pursue them. I only left a tracking insect."
Uchiha Gen glanced at him.
Itachi had not tried to play the hero.
That mattered more than chasing the messenger down.
Gen