Chapter 44: The Death of Shisui

Initially, both Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi assumed that Uchiha Akira's aggressive actions were simply due to his young age. They thought he was acting on impulse, driven by emotions rather than rational thought. But they were caught off guard when Akira began to speak, revealing the depth of his reasoning.

Akira wasn't just impulsive—he had carefully thought things through. His assertion that those in power don't like having subordinates who are too strong struck a chord. It led to questions: Was that why the Three Sannin left Konoha? Why did the White Fang and the Fourth Hokage die? Why was the Uzumaki clan wiped out? And why had the Senju clan disappeared?

Could it be that all these events were orchestrated by the higher-ups in Konoha? Shisui and Itachi had never considered things from such a perspective before. Now, as Akira laid it out, they couldn't deny that his words held a certain logic. Could it really be possible?

"Shisui-sensei, first it was the Senju clan, and now it's our Uchiha clan. Do you really think this is all just a coincidence?" Akira pressed, seeing the shocked expressions on their faces.

In his past life simulations, Akira had tried to persuade Shisui with similar arguments, but Shisui had refused to listen. Perhaps at that time, Akira's influence was too weak, and his words held little weight. But now, with the chance to change the tragic outcome of the Uchiha clan's massacre, Akira was determined to try again.

"Akira, I always thought you were just a child with extraordinary talent for training. But now I see that your thinking is also incredibly mature," Shisui said after a long silence, his tone filled with admiration.

"It's true, his talent surpasses mine," Itachi added, nodding in agreement. Such a mature way of thinking, combined with his exceptional talent for training—Itachi realized that, at six years old, he was nowhere near Akira's level.

"So, what now, Shisui-sensei?" Akira asked, not interested in their praise. He wasn't speaking out to receive compliments; his goal was to change their minds.

To Akira, Shisui and Itachi were too consumed by abstract concepts like peace and philosophical ideals. The "Will of Fire" had brainwashed them so thoroughly that they couldn't see the reality before them. If his words could make them wake up, then perhaps the tragedy of the Uchiha clan could be avoided.

"Maybe what you're saying has some truth to it," Shisui finally admitted, nodding toward Akira.

Hearing this, Akira's heart lifted with hope. Perhaps now, after reaching the level of strength close to that of a Jonin and saving Shisui from Danzo's ambush, his words were finally being taken seriously.

"But…" Before Akira could fully relax, Shisui continued, "What you've said is just your perspective, your guess. Maybe it's right, or maybe it's wrong."

"So, I still choose to believe in my own convictions," Shisui concluded. "I still hope for peace and stability in the village, and I want to believe that the leaders of the village share that same hope."

"Hopeless!" Akira thought to himself, his heart sinking as he heard Shisui's response.

Shisui acknowledged that Akira's words might be correct, but he still chose to believe in his ideals, to trust the village's leaders. It was as if the "Will of Fire" had blinded him completely.

Akira turned to Itachi, but there was no need to ask. Itachi's thoughts mirrored Shisui's exactly. If Shisui believed something, so would Itachi. It was like Shisui and Itachi believed in the inherent goodness of people, while Akira believed in the inherent darkness within.

Akira tried to argue with Shisui, but Shisui's convictions remained unshaken. No matter what Akira said, Shisui was firm in his beliefs. Eventually, the three of them returned to the Uchiha compound, each going their separate ways, leaving Akira frustrated and disappointed.

That night, Akira lay in bed, too angry to sleep. He couldn't help but curse Shisui's blind loyalty and the effectiveness of the Third Hokage's brainwashing.

It wasn't until late into the night that he finally drifted into an uneasy sleep. When morning came, Akira woke up to a new day, still carrying twelve thousand ryō, ready for another simulation.

But before he could begin, Keiko burst into the room, bringing devastating news.

"Master Akira, Shisui-sensei has committed suicide!"