Chapter : 66

Inside the Hokage's office in the Hokage Building, Shimura Daisuke, Aburame Shiwei, and several other clan heads allied with the Shimura family gathered, their expressions tense.

"What is it that you want?" the Third Hokage asked, taking a long drag from his pipe. His mood was already sour; the mission to eliminate Uchiha Madara had failed completely, and eleven elite jonin had been lost in the process. The only survivor was Uchiha Shisui, but even he had returned with a grievous injury: one of his Mangekyō Sharingan eyes was permanently blinded.

Shisui had been one of the strongest ninjas under the Third Hokage's command, his strength heavily reliant on the Mangekyō. The loss of one eye meant his abilities would undoubtedly suffer. In desperation, the Third Hokage had already sent for Tsunade, hoping she might return to heal Shisui's wound. But he knew the years of political games and betrayals had left a deep rift between him and his former student, and it was uncertain if she would even come back.

"Hokage-sama, of the twelve elite jonin, only Uchiha Shisui returned alive. We find this… troubling," Shimura Daisuke began, glancing expectantly at the Hokage. "We request an investigation into Uchiha Shisui's conduct during the mission."

He fully expected the Hokage to support an investigation into Shisui, if not to learn the truth, then at least to seize an opportunity to suppress the Uchiha clan further. But instead, the Third Hokage's expression darkened, and his tone turned icy.

"You disappoint me," he said, his voice laced with disapproval. "It is unacceptable to cast suspicion on a comrade without any evidence."

Shimura Daisuke was stunned. He couldn't understand why the Hokage, notorious for his mistrust of the Uchiha, would hesitate to investigate Shisui. Daisuke scrambled to recover his stance.

"But, Lord Hokage… while we have no solid proof, the fact remains: eleven were lost, and only Uchiha Shisui survived. Surely, that raises questions?" he pressed, his voice now tinged with uncertainty.

The Third Hokage's glare sharpened. "Are you seriously suggesting that we start suspecting survivors rather than honoring their return?" he retorted. "It is disgraceful to question the integrity of a fellow Konoha ninja merely because he came back alive."

He was resolved to shield Shisui from any investigation that might expose his role as a loyal informant. Allowing such an investigation would be far too risky; if anything was uncovered, covering it up would demand too many resources. It was far easier to stop any inquiry before it started.

"Hokage-sama, we're not alone in our concerns," Aburame Shiwei added cautiously, stepping forward. "We simply wish to understand how one shinobi survived while so many others perished. This question will arise among the villagers as well."

"Then do not spread this baseless suspicion among the villagers," the Hokage replied sharply, eyes flashing with authority. "It is not your place to stir rumors. The entire village is under threat, and all of you are focused on casting doubt upon your own?"

Daisuke and the others were taken aback by the Hokage's uncharacteristic display of severity. Beneath his usual calm demeanor, they knew, was a leader who would not hesitate to silence dissent, should the need arise.

The Hokage's gaze bore into them. "I expect that I won't hear any more of this, and I don't want such rumors circulating in the village. That's an order."

Shaken, Daisuke and the others quickly exchanged glances, realizing they had no choice but to yield.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. Understood," they said in unison.

The Third Hokage's face softened back into his usual composed expression, but they sensed his unspoken warning. He dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

They quickly exited the office, feeling a strange mix of confusion and frustration. The Hokage's hostility toward the Uchiha clan was well-known. They had counted on that animosity, confident he would seize any chance to scrutinize the clan's actions. But today, he had gone entirely against his usual behavior by fiercely protecting Shisui. The irony left them puzzled and uneasy.

As soon as Daisuke and his allies left the Hokage's office, Uchiha Fugaku learned of their failed attempt to cast suspicion on Shisui. As head of the Konoha Police Force, Fugaku had a direct line to the village's affairs and was well-informed of any unusual movements.

"I imagine they're feeling quite defeated," Fugaku thought, smirking.

He knew Daisuke's plan to call for an investigation into Shisui would fail, likely leaving him and his companions frustrated. The Third Hokage would never risk exposing Shisui's loyalty, nor would he allow any investigation that might backfire on one of his trusted operatives within the Uchiha.

"Make sure to keep an eye on these people," Fugaku instructed Uchiha Yakumi, a loyal clansman. "If they leave the village, I want to know immediately."

"Yes, sir," Yakumi replied, a glint of understanding in his eyes. He knew exactly why Fugaku wanted their movements monitored.

---

Meanwhile, in a hidden base of White Zetsu…

A swirling vortex appeared, and Uchiha Obito materialized, his cloak damaged and dark, crusted blood staining his chest. The dark half of Zetsu observed him with a hint of surprise.

"I'm shocked. They actually managed to injure you," Zetsu said, his voice both mocking and curious.

Obito grunted, brushing dust off his cloak. "I was careless. Uchiha Shisui used Izanagi and got a hit in. It won't happen again."

He spoke calmly, but a fierce glint in his eye betrayed his anger. Obito was not accustomed to suffering injuries. His last true defeat had been years ago, during the Nine-Tails attack on Konoha, when the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had wounded him using the Flying Thunder God Technique. But unlike that night, he would ensure Shisui paid for his defiance.

"You'll get another chance, but it may have to wait," Zetsu interjected. "We've received word from the Hidden Mist Village. Since you haven't been there to reinforce the genjutsu on the Fourth Mizukage, he's beginning to break free from the illusion."

Obito frowned. "The Mizukage's breaking free?"

"Yes, he's showing signs. If you don't go soon, it won't be long before he fully escapes your control. Two or three days at most," Black Zetsu added.

Obito clenched his fists, considering his options. Controlling the Mizukage was crucial; it allowed him to manipulate the Hidden Mist Village from the shadows. Losing this hold would mean a significant setback in his long-term plans for revenge.

"Very well," he said at last, his voice laced with cold determination. "I'll deal with Shisui later. Let him live a little longer."

Control over the Mizukage was essential, especially if he were to eventually use the Hidden Mist Village as part of his larger plan to spread fear and suffering. Compared to that, even personal vengeance would have to wait.

(End of Chapter)

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