Uchiha Sasuke’s favorability!

"Is it because what I said earlier fits with Itachi's perspective?" Shiroishi thought to himself, surprised by the discovery. He had initially assumed it would be difficult to win Itachi over, especially given his unwavering adherence to the Will of Fire and loyalty to the village. Yet, by aligning with Itachi's thoughts, even partially, Shiroishi noticed a shift.

Reflecting on it, Shiroishi was curious about how far this newfound strategy could go. Despite disagreeing with Itachi's rigid mindset, Shiroishi acknowledged his strength and talents. He knew that gaining Itachi's trust and favor could lead to valuable rewards—potentially from Itachi's own efforts or from the reinforced ninja cats under his command.

Shiroishi spoke thoughtfully, "You're right. Uchiha's situation now is different from the past. The clan used to stand alone as an independent force, but now it's one of many that make up Konoha. If they can't let go of the old way of thinking, it will lead to further problems."

Uchiha Itachi nodded in agreement. "I've discussed this with Shisui before, about changing the mindset of our family members. But Shisui didn't agree with my approach."

Shiroishi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. The favorability number above Itachi's head climbed once again, this time from 70 to 72. He gestured for Itachi to continue.

"What do you propose, Itachi?"

"Strike," Itachi said coldly. "Persuasion, reasoning—they won't work. Uchiha members are too proud and self-centered. They refuse to listen. The only way to make them realize their mistakes is through failure. A painful defeat."

Itachi's expression darkened as he added, "An opportunity where multiple elite Uchiha shinobi are killed would be enough of a shock to wake them up. Otherwise, they'll never change."

Shiroishi remained calm, though inwardly, he was evaluating Itachi's extreme proposal. Self-centered? Who here could be more self-centered than you, Itachi? Shiroishi thought but kept his composure. You see the flaws in others, but what about your own?

"What kind of opportunity would create such a defeat?" Shiroishi pressed, though he had already formed an opinion.

"Only the loss of many of our elite would shake the clan. But Shisui opposes this, saying he doesn't want innocent people to die to resolve the conflict."

Shiroishi nodded slowly. He disagreed with Itachi's approach, but he tread carefully. If he openly rejected Itachi's idea, it could undo the progress he'd made in gaining his trust. However, agreeing too much could push Itachi to take reckless action that would result in unnecessary deaths.

"Shisui has a point," Shiroishi said finally. "There may be another way to resolve this without innocent lives being lost. Have you discussed this with your father? What does Fugaku-senpai think?"

Itachi's expression stiffened. A brief silence followed.

"No," Itachi admitted. His tone had shifted, becoming somewhat colder, and Shiroishi noticed the favorability number drop from 72 to 71.

Shiroishi blinked. Just because I didn't fully agree with him?

"My father believes I don't understand enough about the situation. In his eyes, I'm still just a child who hasn't grown up."

Shiroishi raised an eyebrow. There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Itachi's words—an unexpected revelation. It seemed Itachi's loyalty to the village might have created some distance between him and his father, Uchiha Fugaku.

This was an opportunity Shiroishi hadn't anticipated.

Shiroishi can use this as a basis to complete the process of testing Uchiha Itachi entrusted to Uchiha Shisui. Propelling Shisui closer to becoming the leader of the Uchiha clan.

Once Shisui attained that position, the entire dynamic within the Uchiha would change dramatically.

Moreover, Shiroishi knew he could influence Shisui in subtle ways, pushing the clan in the direction he envisioned.

Just then, Uchiha Sasuke approached, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Brother, Senior Shiroishi," Sasuke greeted.

The conversation between Shiroishi and Shisui paused as they turned their attention to the younger Uchiha. Shiroishi cast a glance at the number above Sasuke's head. It had shifted, increasing by four points from 36 to 40. His favorability was rising, much like Itachi's had.

"Shiroishi-senpai," Sasuke spoke up, "how long until the tea is ready?"

"It'll take a bit longer. Itachi, is something bothering you?" Shiroishi asked, noticing Itachi's slightly distracted demeanor.

Itachi hesitated before responding. "Yes, there is something I need to handle. I'll take Sasuke with me for now, but could I return after I'm finished?"

Shiroishi glanced at Sasuke, sensing there might be more to the situation. "Is it something that involves Sasuke as well?"

For a moment, Itachi seemed conflicted, but he quickly shook his head. "No, it's not."

"If you're comfortable with it, Itachi, Sasuke can stay here," Shiroishi suggested. "When the tea is ready, I'll bring him home. That way, you can focus on your task without any distractions."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly, hopeful. Itachi, after a moment of contemplation and perhaps swayed by the favorability level of 71, eventually agreed.

"Thank you, Shiroishi-senpai. I appreciate it."

"It's no trouble. Besides, it gets a little too quiet in the shop when I'm the only one here. With Sasuke around, it'll be livelier."

With that, Itachi gave a final nod, leaving Sasuke in Shiroishi's care. They walked him to the door, watching as Itachi's figure disappeared down the road.

Once he was out of sight, Shiroishi turned back to Sasuke, motioning toward the backyard where a few ninja cats were lounging lazily under the afternoon sun.

"Senior Shiroishi, can I pet one of them?" Sasuke's gaze was fixed on a particularly chubby tabby cat, his face lit with excitement.

"Of course," Shiroishi said, nodding. "The ninja cats in this shop are quite friendly. As long as you approach them with good intentions, they'll be happy to befriend you."

Sasuke wasted no time, his hand gently resting on the tabby's soft fur.

"Meow!" the cat stretched lazily, clearly enjoying the attention.

"So cute!" Sasuke exclaimed, eyes gleaming with joy.

Shiroishi glanced at the number above Sasuke's head again. It had gone up by another point.

"Senior Shiroishi," Sasuke started as he continued to stroke the tabby, "how do I choose a ninja companion when I grow up? Are ninja cats as powerful as my brother's crow?"

"Each has their strengths," Shiroishi replied. "But finding a ninja companion isn't something you can rush. The ninja has to accept you first, and that can be a challenge. Most Uchiha members don't have a ninja companion for that very reason—either they haven't found the right one, or they're not interested."

He paused, watching Sasuke consider his words. "Choosing a ninja cat is a lot like choosing a partner. It's about trust and cooperation. You have to rely on one another to work at your best."

Sasuke, still pondering, glanced back at the shop. "Is it like how you and Taka work together?"

Shiroishi smiled softly. "Yes, something like that." He hesitated briefly, before adding, "I had a younger brother once, too."

Sasuke's curiosity was piqued. "You had a younger brother, Shiroishi-senpai? Where is he now?"

"He passed away. He was gravely ill, and we couldn't save him," Shiroishi said, his voice calm, though there was a trace of old sorrow in his eyes.

"I'm really sorry," Sasuke said quietly, his gaze lowering.

"It's alright," Shiroishi reassured him. "It was a long time ago. That's why I admire Itachi for having you. I can see how much he cares for you, and you're lucky to have a brother like him."

There was no doubt about that. Itachi's devotion to Sasuke was evident, not only from his words but from the choices he would make—choices that would forever change the Uchiha clan.

"He talks about you often, Sasuke. You must like him a lot, too," Shiroishi added, his tone gentle.

"Yeah, I do," Sasuke nodded earnestly. "My brother is amazing, and I want to be just like him when I grow up. But... he's always so busy since he became a ninja. We don't get much time to play anymore."

"Itachi has a lot of responsibilities," Shiroishi said, understanding. "Especially someone as talented as him."

"I know," Sasuke sighed, though he didn't sound bitter. "I don't blame him."

Shiroishi patted Sasuke's shoulder. "Sasuke, is there anything you want to do right now? What do you usually play when you're with Itachi?"

Sasuke's eyes lit up. "We practice kunai throwing."

"Kunai throwing, huh?" Shiroishi pointed to a target set up in the corner of the backyard. "I've got some old kunai lying around. How about we set them up and you can practice? I'll have Shinji Hirako help out."

"Really?" Sasuke's face brightened with excitement.

"Sure. Hirako, come here," Shiroishi called out.

"Yes, sir," Shinji Hirako responded, though the prospect of entertaining a child made him sigh inwardly. Still, he obeyed without question.

With everything set up, Shiroishi returned to the shop, his thoughts now focused on the task at hand. Gaining Sasuke's favorability was important—not only to build a connection with the boy but also to strengthen his bond with Itachi.

He had to be careful, though. Sasuke idolized his older brother, and Itachi was fiercely protective of him. If Shiroishi spent too much time with Sasuke, Itachi might become jealous or suspicious.

"when!"

The sound of kunai hitting the target rang out from the backyard as Shiroishi considered his next move.

Once Sasuke's favorability hit 90, he'd have more options. Uchiha Izumi, Uchiha Yashiro, Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Mikoto—they were all potential allies, though limited in their own ways.

But the real breakthrough would come after Sasuke. Strengthening his ninja cat and raising his overall power would open up new possibilities.

The enticing aroma of food drifted in from the kitchen, pulling Shiroishi from his thoughts. He made his way over, finding Alice perched on a stool, focused intently on her cooking.

"Alice, how's it coming along?" Shiroishi asked.

The small, yet powerful genin-level ninja cat looked up briefly, smiling. "Almost done, sir. Another half hour."

"Great. When you're finished, just leave it in the lounge," Shiroishi instructed before heading back outside.

Sasuke was drenched in sweat, his focus unwavering as he continued to throw kunai. Each time he hit the target, a triumphant grin spread across his face.

"Again, Hirako-senpai!" Sasuke shouted, his energy seemingly endless.

Shinji Hirako noticed Shiroishi's return and stopped, signaling the end of their practice.

"Senior Shiroishi," Sasuke called out, still smiling despite his exhaustion.

"Did you have fun?" Shiroishi asked.

"Yeah, thanks! It was great!" Sasuke beamed, clearly satisfied.

"I'm glad to hear that," Shiroishi replied. "But it's getting late, and your brother might be worried. Let's head back."

Though Sasuke glanced longingly at the target and the kunai, he nodded. "Alright."

As they reached the door, Sasuke looked up at Shiroishi with hopeful eyes. "Senior Shiroishi, can I come back again?"

"Of course," Shiroishi said with a smile. "Anytime."