Shisui's actions immediately ignited Uchiha Tekka's fury.
Since when had the Sharingan become a weapon used against fellow clansmen?
"Shisui, what do you think you're doing? Are you really going to attack me just because I won't let you disturb the clan leader?"
Tekka narrowed his eyes slightly. At that moment, he recalled something he had learned from Keikou-kun back in the Land of Rain—a method of analyzing situations by looking past appearances to understand the essence of things.
By observing a person's actions, one could infer their intentions and motives.
This method applied to Konoha's higher-ups, and now, it applied to Shisui as well.
"Shisui, you seem desperate to meet the clan leader. But I don't think it's because you have something urgent to report. If it were truly important, you could explain it to me or have me relay the message. You're not usually someone who acts impulsively, yet now you're in such a hurry to get inside."
Tekka slowly recounted Shisui's behavior, his Sharingan spinning faster as he spoke with certainty.
"You want to go in because you already know what the clan leader is doing inside. Are you trying to interfere? Or perhaps… catch him in the act?"
"…"
Tekka's words sent a tremor through Shisui's heart. It was as if his true thoughts had been laid bare.
The area was guarded by several clansmen, and just by sensing their visible Sharingan and chakra signatures, Shisui knew they were not weak. He might be able to subdue Tekka using his Sharingan, but with so many guards present, it would be impossible with just the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
Unless he revealed his Mangekyō Sharingan.
But using an ability he had never exposed—just to act against his own clansmen and catch the clan leader in the act?
Shisui hesitated. One particular line from Tekka's argument made him waver: the Sharingan should not be used against one's own kin.
A moment later, Shisui deactivated his Sharingan and bowed slightly in apology.
"I was too impulsive, Tekka-senpai. However, please pass a message to the clan leader—what he's doing will only drag the Uchiha clan into the abyss."
With that, Shisui turned and left.
The guards signaled to Tekka, asking if they should take action, but he shook his head.
Shisui was one of the strongest among the Uchiha. If they tried to detain him here, it would cause a major disturbance—and might even involve Keikou-kun inside the house.
I'll report this to the clan leader later, Tekka thought. Shisui's actions needed to be dealt with. But how had he learned about Keikou-kun? Was it Itachi?
Thinking back to the meetings where Itachi's presence had led to abrupt interruptions, Tekka felt increasingly certain of his guess. It must have something to do with Itachi.
But those two—one the clan leader's son, the other a renowned genius of the Uchiha—were beyond his control, even as a police force captain.
Time passed, but inside the house, the conversation continued.
Hyuga Mirai, however, was growing less and less interested in persuading Uchiha Fugaku. He had offered his utmost sincerity—an equal status for the Uchiha in the police force, fair examinations for governmental positions in the federation, compensation for relocation losses, full logistical support, and, ultimately, an infinite future.
Yet Fugaku remained unmoved.
If Fugaku were simply hedging his bets, it would have been easier for Mirai to work with him. But it was clear that Fugaku had little desire to move the Uchiha out of Konoha.
Though Fugaku's expression didn't betray his thoughts, Mirai, skilled at reading people, had already discerned the truth.
Fugaku was not a forward-thinking leader; he was a conservative.
The boldest action he would ever take was leading the Uchiha to reclaim their power by force. And when faced with his son's betrayal, Fugaku would resign himself to death without resistance.
"Clan Leader Fugaku, do you have any more questions?"
Mirai's tone remained unchanged, but Ayaka Uzumaki, who knew him well, could sense that he was irritated.
Sincerity had been met with calculation.
Seeing that Fugaku had no genuine intention of cooperating, Mirai had already decided to abandon persuasion.
"This is enough, Keikou-san. I appreciate your visit today."
"I, too, have learned a great deal, Clan Leader Fugaku. Perhaps in the near future, there will be an opportunity for the Uchiha to collaborate with the Keikou Trade Association."
Mirai smiled. Uchiha Fugaku's death would be that opportunity.
It was a pity—Fugaku had, after all, awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Fugaku stood slightly, signaling the end of their meeting. "Tekka will see you out. If it's too late, you may stay the night within the Uchiha compound."
"Stay the night…? Would that be alright? I wouldn't want to impose."
Mirai seized the opportunity instantly, which surprised Fugaku.
Was this guest not catching his subtle hint? He had merely been offering courtesy, yet Mirai had taken it literally.
Still, since the words had already been spoken, Fugaku wasn't the type to take them back. He called Tekka in to arrange accommodations for Mirai and Ayaka.
Tekka, unaware of the conversation that had transpired, assumed the meeting had gone smoothly. Arranging a place for two guests to stay was a simple matter in the vast Uchiha compound.
"Clan Leader, earlier—"
Tekka leaned in to report on Shisui's actions. He also subtly mentioned Itachi, though he focused on emphasizing the need to keep Shisui in check before he caused trouble.
"Shisui… I understand. I'll handle it," Fugaku sighed. The clan never had a moment of peace. He also caught the implications in Tekka's words.
Tekka then led Mirai and Ayaka to a quiet, secluded house.
"Keikou-san, will this be alright? If you need anything, I can prepare it for you now."
To Mirai, Tekka no longer held the typical Uchiha arrogance; instead, he treated him like an old friend.
"This will do." Mirai glanced around before responding. "We'll stay here for the night, then. Thank you, Tekka."
Late at night, huh…
Tekka instinctively looked outside. The sky was darkening, but travel was still feasible.
Perhaps the discussion wasn't finished yet. Tekka didn't dwell on it. His own residence was nearby, surrounded only by Uchiha clansmen without Konoha shinobi, making it easier to oversee things.
After settling them in, Tekka took his leave, leaving only Mirai and Ayaka in the house.
Ayaka quickly formed hand seals and activated her Kagura Mind's Eye.
"Mirai-sama, there are some shinobi nearby. The closest one is ten meters away on the rooftop—probably monitoring—"
"Guards and observers. I've already seen them, Ayaka."
Mirai pointed to his eyes, reminding her that when it came to short-to-mid-range surveillance, the Byakugan was unmatched.
Kagura Mind's Eye could only sense chakra, but Mirai's Byakugan could see what they were doing and even hear their conversations.
Confirming there were no immediate threats, Mirai deactivated his nanite defenses and relaxed.
"We'll wait until midnight before making our move. It's not the right time yet."
Ayaka blinked. Not the right time now… but midnight would be?
Before she could question it, the excitement of staying with Mirai pushed her doubts aside. Like a slow-moving slug, she edged closer to him and lay down to rest. Even then, she couldn't resist subtly inching closer.
"Mirai-sama, it seems like things didn't go too well earlier?"
Mirai raised an eyebrow. "Even you noticed, Ayaka?"
What do you mean, even I noticed?! Ayaka puffed up her cheeks in protest before muttering, "I just felt that your mood wasn't great."
"The Uchiha are… peculiar people. Even knowing their nature, it's hard not to be frustrated."
Mirai sighed.
Anyone with foresight could see the potential of the Federation. But of all the Uchiha, he had to encounter Uchiha Fugaku.
He'd have to win over others in the clan. Fortunately, Tekka seemed promising—he held a significant position within the clan. Once Fugaku was dead, Tekka could represent a large faction of the Uchiha.
"They were wrong to refuse you, Mirai-sama!"
Ayaka, as always, was firmly on Mirai's side. Then she asked,
"Mirai-sama, once it's late, are we going straight to see Kushina?"
"Yes. I wonder how she has changed over the years. If she's still the same, there won't be much to talk about."
Mirai rested his head on his arm.
"Still, all we need to do is reveal ourselves. That should be enough."
(End of Chapter)