Anyo's guess had been correct. Relations between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha had deteriorated further, almost to the point where neither side could stand the sight of the other. Not a single Uchiha clansman could be seen anywhere in Konoha, while the Uchiha Clan Compound, isolated on the village's outskirts, also barred all Konoha villagers from approaching.
Both sides were stretched taut. Whenever that tension snapped, only bloodshed could resolve what followed.
Uchiha Itachi, whom Hiruzen Sarutobi had specially recruited into the Anbu, had become a spy for both sides, each probing the other's hidden cards.
In a dense forest, Shisui and Itachi stood facing each other. They activated their Sharingan almost simultaneously and clashed, fighting until both were exhausted. In the end, Shisui still had the edge.
Itachi slumped to the ground. Shisui was a little better off, but he too was panting heavily, thoroughly worn out.
"Well? I won this time. That puts me ahead of you in wins." Shisui looked smug.
Itachi smiled and replied, "Yes, I lost."
Shisui spread his hands. "If you hadn't had something else on your mind, the outcome could have gone either way."
As he spoke, Shisui stepped forward and formed the Seal of Reconciliation with Itachi, then pulled him to his feet.
Itachi's expression darkened. "Shisui, you must know that the conflict between the clan and the village is getting worse."
"It must be hard being caught in the middle." Shisui understood Itachi's current predicament very well. The village wanted him, as an Anbu member, to monitor the clan members' movements, while the clan hoped to learn what Konoha High Command was thinking through him. What it felt like to be a double agent was something ordinary people could hardly understand.
Looking lost, Itachi asked, "What can we do to bring