Shisui Uchiha stood alone on the banks of the Nakano River, watching the current pull fallen leaves into the dark.
Behind him, the village slept. The Uchiha compound was quiet, but only on the outside.
Inside? Pressure.
Fugaku was calling for stronger clan unity.
Danzo still lurked behind political curtains.
And now… even the Hokage had started speaking in terms of "sacrifices for balance."
Shisui's fists clenched at his sides.
> "They all want peace… but none of them are willing to understand."
---
The Secret Meeting
"Shisui."
He turned to find Lord Third waiting under the bridge, pipe in hand. The air smelled of ash and worn-out compromise.
> "You requested this meeting," Sarutobi said. "Speak your mind."
Shisui bowed slightly. "The Uchiha are reaching a breaking point. Even after exposing Root, even after exile… the hatred hasn't gone away. It's shifting. Quietly. Strategically."
Sarutobi's expression was grave.
> "And you believe the clan will move against the village?"
Shisui hesitated — not because he didn't know the answer, but because saying it aloud made it too real.
> "If things continue like this… yes."
Sarutobi looked toward the moon. "Danzo believes you're the only one who can stop them. That you should… take more permanent steps."
Shisui flinched.
> "I will not use Kotoamatsukami on my own people like tools."
> "Then find another way. Quickly."
The Hokage left, leaving Shisui alone with the wind and his choices.
---
A Brother's Warning
Later that night, Shisui returned to the Uchiha training ground, where Shina was already waiting.
> "You met with the Hokage," Shina said quietly.
> "Yeah."
> "He wants you to use your Mangekyō."
Shisui nodded, eyes downcast.
> "And… I considered it."
Shina's hand shot out and grabbed his shoulder.
> "Don't."
> "Why not?" Shisui whispered. "If I can steer Fugaku's mind… just once… no one would ever know. No coup. No war. No bloodshed."
> "At what cost?" Shina asked. "Your soul? Your trust? The bond we've worked so hard to restore?"
Shisui was silent.
> "You're not Danzo. Don't act like him."
Shisui looked up, and there was something broken in his smile.
> "Then help me find a better way."
---
The Message
The next morning, Shisui left a sealed scroll with Shina. It bore the Uchiha crest and the title:
> "The Third Path: Unity Without Control"
> "If anything happens to me," Shisui said, "make sure Itachi gets this. And Father. And the Hokage."
> "Stop," Shina warned. "Don't talk like that."
But Shisui only smiled, sad and strong.
> "I'll see you soon, brother."
Then he disappeared into the mist.
And Shina — for the first time in a long time — felt fear gnawing at his chest.
---
End Scene: Danzo Strikes First
That evening, as Shisui stood above the Valley of the End, trying to decide between loyalty and love, between peace and freedom…
…a presence emerged behind him.
Danzo.
> "You had your chance."
Shisui turned, eyes already bleeding into Mangekyō form.
> "Then you've made your choice too."
Steel clashed in the darkness.
Only one would walk away.
---