An Unsmooth Conversation

Shisui’s actions immediately filled Uchiha Tekka with anger.

Since when had the Sharingan become a weapon for use against one’s own clansmen?

"Shisui, what are you trying to do? Are you going to attack me just because I wouldn’t let you disturb the clan head?!"

Uchiha Tekka narrowed his eyes slightly as he spoke. At that moment, he suddenly recalled when he had asked Yasunori-kun some questions in the Rain Country some time ago. Back then, Yasunori-kun had taught him a way to think through problems.

Look past the surface and observe the essence. A person’s actions could reveal their goals and thoughts.

This applied to the Konoha Higher-ups, and it applied to Shisui now as well.

"Shisui, you’re so eager to see the clan head. I’m afraid it isn’t because you have something to report. If it were important, you could have explained it clearly or passed it on through me. You’re usually not an impatient person, yet now you’re desperately trying to get inside."

Uchiha Tekka slowly recounted Shisui’s behavior just now. Then, the Three-Tomoe Sharingan in his eyes began to spin faster as he stated with certainty, "You want to go in because you know what the clan head is doing inside. Do you want to sabotage it? Or catch him in the act?"

"…"

Uchiha Tekka’s words sent a slight tremor through Shisui Uchiha’s heart. It was as though Tekka-senior had seen straight through both his excuse and his true purpose.

There were also many clansmen serving as guards nearby. Just from their exposed Sharingan and the Chakra he could sense, Shisui Uchiha knew they were no weaklings. Perhaps he could use his Sharingan to subdue Tekka-senior, but against so many clansmen, the Three-Tomoe Sharingan simply could not manage it.

Unless he revealed the Mangekyō Sharingan.

But would he use the eyes he had never exposed, merely to attack his own clansmen and catch the clan head red-handed?

Shisui Uchiha wavered somewhat. One particular line in Uchiha Tekka’s words had shaken him: the Sharingan was not meant to be used against one’s own kind.

Then, Shisui Uchiha deactivated his Sharingan and gave Uchiha Tekka a slight bow. "I acted impulsively, Tekka-senior. But please tell the clan head that what he is doing is leading the Uchiha Clan into an abyss."

With that, Shisui Uchiha turned and left.

The clansmen guarding the area in secret signaled Uchiha Tekka with a question, but he shook his head and refused.

Shisui was among the strongest in the clan. Trying to take him down here would definitely cause quite a commotion, and it might even implicate Yasunori-kun inside the house.

He would report this matter to the clan head later. Shisui’s situation still required the clan head’s decision. But where had Shisui learned about Yasunori-kun? Could it have been Itachi?

Thinking of who Shisui spent the most time with, along with how several discussions had been interrupted because of Itachi, Uchiha Tekka became certain of his guess. It was most likely related to Uchiha Itachi.

However, one was the clan head’s son, while the other was a renowned genius within the clan. No matter which one it was, Uchiha Tekka could do nothing about them, even as a squad captain of the Military Police Force.

Time gradually passed, while the two men inside continued their discussion.

However, Yasunori’s hopes of persuading Uchiha Fugaku had grown increasingly faint. He had offered the utmost sincerity: status equal to that of the Military Police Force, fair evaluations and any federal position suitable for the Uchiha, compensation for losses during the relocation and full assistance with the aftermath, and finally, an unlimited future.

Yet Uchiha Fugaku had shown no response at all.

If Fugaku were merely a gambler wavering between two sides, that would still be a good thing for Yasunori. But Uchiha Fugaku did not seem to see it that way. He had little interest in relocating the entire clan out of Konoha.

Though Uchiha Fugaku had not made it obvious, Yasunori, who was skilled at reading people, had already guessed part of it.

Uchiha Fugaku was not someone inclined toward expansion and progress. He was a conservative.

The boldest thing he would ever do was lead the clan, supported by his clansmen, in using force to reclaim the power that belonged to them. In the end, when his son betrayed him, Uchiha Fugaku simply bared his neck for execution without putting up the slightest resistance.

"Fugaku, do you have any other questions?"

Though Yasunori’s tone had not changed, Uzumaki Ayaka, who understood him very well, could already sense that he was angry.

His sincerity had not been met with sincerity, but with calculation.

The moment Uchiha Fugaku showed that he had no sincerity toward him, Yasunori had already prepared to give up on persuading him.

"That is enough, Yasunori-san. Thank you very much for visiting today."

"I’ve also gained a great deal, Fugaku. I believe that before long, an opportunity may arise for the Uchiha Clan and the Yasunori Trading Company to cooperate."

Yasunori said with a smile. Uchiha Fugaku’s death would be the opportunity for their cooperation.

Still, it was a bit of a pity about this man. After all, he had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Uchiha Fugaku rose slightly, clearly intending to see them off. He said to Yasunori, "Next, I’ll have Tekka entertain you, Yasunori-san. If it gets too late, you may also stay the night with the Uchiha Clan."

"Stay the night… would that be alright? Would it cause trouble for your clan?"

Upon hearing that, Yasunori immediately seized the opening and asked. The unexpected turn also left Uchiha Fugaku somewhat surprised.

He had only been polite. Had this Yasunori-san not understood what he meant?

But since the words had already been spoken, Fugaku could not take them back. He was not the sort of person to go back on his word after saying something.

He could only call Tekka in and have him arrange accommodations for Yasunori and Uzumaki Ayaka.

Uchiha Tekka did not know the content of their conversation and assumed that the clan head and Yasunori-kun had spoken very amicably. Besides, in a Uchiha Clan this large, arranging a place for two outsiders to rest was the simplest thing in the world.

"Clan head, just now…"

Uchiha Tekka moved close to Fugaku and told him about Shisui’s actions. As for Itachi, Tekka only alluded to him vaguely. But Shisui needed to be dealt with, or he might cause trouble.

"Shisui… I understand. I’ll handle this matter." Uchiha Fugaku sighed. Matters within the clan truly never settled down for even a day, and Fugaku also understood the implication behind Uchiha Tekka’s words.

Afterward, Uchiha Tekka led Yasunori and Uzumaki Ayaka to a quiet house away from notice, arranging it as a place for the two of them to rest.

"Yasunori-kun, is this place acceptable? If you need anything, I can prepare it for you now."

In front of Yasunori, Uchiha Tekka seemed to put away the pride in his heart, hosting Yasunori as though he were an old friend.

"It’s good enough." Hyuga Mirai looked around and said to Uchiha Tekka, "This place will do. It’s gotten rather late today, so we’ll have to stay the night. Sorry for troubling you, Tekka-kun."

Was it really that late today?

Uchiha Tekka instinctively glanced outside. Although the sky was somewhat dark, if they left now, they should still be able to get back quickly, right?

Perhaps the two sides had not finished their discussion. Uchiha Tekka did not think much of it. His residence was nearby, and the surrounding area was populated by clansmen without Konoha Ninja identities, so it was convenient enough to look after them.

Once everything had been settled, Uchiha Tekka got up and took his leave. Only Hyuga Mirai and Uzumaki Ayaka remained in the room.

Uzumaki Ayaka immediately formed hand seals and used Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. She then said to Hyuga Mirai, "Lord Mirai, there are several ninjas nearby. The closest one is on a rooftop ten meters away. He should be there."

"I’ve already seen the guards and those watching the area, Ayaka."

Hyuga Mirai pointed at his eyes, reminding Uzumaki Ayaka that for surveillance at short to medium range, the Byakugan was practically the strongest method available.

Mind’s Eye of the Kagura could only sense Chakra, whereas Hyuga Mirai’s Byakugan could tell what the other party was doing and even what words were coming from their mouth.

After confirming that there was no activity nearby, Hyuga Mirai put away the Nanoparticles on his body and prepared to relax for a while. At the same time, he said to Uzumaki Ayaka, "We’ll pay a visit late at night. Now isn’t the right time."

Uzumaki Ayaka blinked at that. It wasn’t the right time now, but late at night would be?

However, that question was swept away the next moment by the joy of living with Lord Mirai. Like a Katsuyu, she slowly wriggled closer to Hyuga Mirai and lay down to rest as well. Yet even while resting, she was not quite well-behaved, trying to inch closer by slowly squirming toward him.

"Lord Mirai, did things not go very smoothly just now?"

Hyuga Mirai asked in slight surprise, "Even you could tell, Ayaka?"

What did he mean, even she could tell?! Uzumaki Ayaka puffed out her cheeks, somewhat dissatisfied with that remark. Then she said softly, "I just felt that Lord Mirai wasn’t in a very good mood."

"The Uchiha Clan’s people are all a little abnormal. Even knowing the characteristics of their clan, it’s still hard not to get angry." Hyuga Mirai sighed.

Anyone with even a little foresight knew the Saudi Federation’s potential and prospects, yet Hyuga Mirai had happened to run into Uchiha Fugaku. That made things rather troublesome.

He could only win over the other Uchiha. Fortunately, things had progressed well with Uchiha Tekka. This man held considerable power within the Uchiha Clan; once Uchiha Fugaku died, he could represent a large portion of the Uchiha clansmen.

"It’s their fault for rejecting you, Lord Mirai!"

As always, Uzumaki Ayaka stood on Hyuga Mirai’s side, displaying her disdain for the Uchiha. She then asked again, "Lord Mirai, after night falls, are we going directly to see Kushina?"

"Yes. I wonder how much she’s changed over the years. If she’s still the same as before, then there’ll be no way to talk."

Hyuga Mirai rested his head on his arm and said, "But it’ll be enough if we simply show our true faces and take a look."

During the day, Uchiha Fugaku’s wife had gone to see the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. At night, Konoha’s most notorious Rogue ninja and greatest enemy swaggered out from the Uchiha clan grounds and headed straight for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Only an idiot would believe those two things were unrelated.

Clearly, someone had come to scout the place during the day, and someone was making a move at night. It was even connected to the Uchiha Clan. Perhaps someone wanted to recreate the Nine-Tails’ Rampage from years ago.

Once this shit was pinned on Uchiha Fugaku, it would be difficult for him to clear himself.

I broke my promise by a thousand words. I’ll make them up in the morning!