"Uchiha?!"
Kazuma's expression darkened instantly. He stepped forward, anger flashing across his face.
"So this is Konoha's intention? Sneaking into the palace at night—are you here to assassinate the Daimyō?!"
Kazuma had always been fiercely loyal to the Daimyō's faction. He had never trusted Konoha's shinobi to begin with. Now, seeing Shisui's methods, his temper flared.
Chikū, however, was thinking more deeply. He said nothing—only watched in silence.
Shisui remained calm beneath their scrutiny.
"I did not come as a Konoha shinobi."
"I came as a member of the Uchiha clan."
"What I represent… is the Uchiha clan alone."
Kazuma narrowed his eyes.
The implication was obvious.
The Daimyō said nothing. He simply studied Shisui with measured curiosity.
Chikū could no longer remain silent.
"Shisui-dono… what exactly are you suggesting?"
"Does the Uchiha clan intend to defect from Konoha?"
His tone sharpened at the end.
Chikū was a monk from the Fire Temple—a third force within the Land of Fire, separate from both Konoha and the Daimyō's court. Though outwardly neutral, the temple quietly maintained balance within the country.
He understood the fragile relationship between Konoha and the court better than most.
Years ago, when the Daimyō's position had been threatened, Chikū had stepped forward as a guardian to preserve that balance.
Now—
Shisui's presence signaled danger.
Shisui shook his head.
"You misunderstand."
"The Uchiha clan is one of Konoha's founding families."
"How could we betray it?"
Chikū did not ease up.
"Then why bypass the Hokage?"
"Why approach the Daimyō in secret?"
"What is the Uchiha clan's objective?"
The accusation hung in the air.
Shisui's expression did not change.
"We have come to seek… a way out."
He paused.
"Perhaps even a way to survive."
The humility in his tone caused both Kazuma and Chikū to stiffen.
The Daimyō chuckled softly.
"Uchiha Shisui. I have heard of you."
"You are Uchiha Kagami's descendant, are you not?"
Shisui's eyes flickered in surprise.
The Daimyō continued casually,
"When the Second Hokage still lived, your grandfather served as one of his personal guards."
"I met him several times."
"And recently… your name has spread on the Mist front."
"You have not disgraced Kagami's legacy."
Shisui bowed slightly.
"You are too kind. I merely survived."
The Daimyō waved it off.
"You are capable. I acknowledge that."
"And your sincerity… I do not dismiss."
"But tell me—can you truly represent the entire Uchiha clan?"
"With your seniority, how much authority do you actually possess?"
He had once known Kagami.
Shisui reminded him of that man—measured, restrained, almost un-Uchiha in temperament.
If Shisui had come solely for himself, the Daimyō might have accepted him on the spot.
But to claim he represented the entire clan?
That required proof.
Shisui answered steadily.
"In the Uchiha clan, strength determines voice."
"Please rest assured."
"I can represent the clan."
The Daimyō's gaze sharpened.
"You came alone?"
"No."
"You lead them?"
Shisui shook his head again.
"I am merely conveying Jin-niisan's will."
"Jin…"
The Daimyō's eyes gleamed faintly.
"The one called the Crimson Sun? Said to rival the Yellow Flash?"
"Yes."
"Jin-niisan said that once this war ends… he will become the next head of the Uchiha clan."
The Daimyō folded his hands thoughtfully.
"He intends to become the Fourth Hokage?"
He was well aware of the Uchiha's precarious position within Konoha.
They had long been isolated by the Hokage's faction.
Without allies inside the village, their political options were limited.
If they sought influence, the Daimyō was indeed their most viable external connection.
But becoming Hokage?
That was not so simple.
To his surprise—
Shisui shook his head.
"Jin-niisan has no intention of becoming Hokage."
That caught the Daimyō's full attention.
"Oh?"
"Then what does he want?"
Shisui did not hesitate.
"An opportunity."
"An opportunity for the Uchiha to no longer live at the mercy of others."
"I wish to join the Daimyō's Twelve Guardian Ninja."
The room fell silent.
The Daimyō's expression shifted subtly.
"Has the Uchiha clan fallen to such desperation?"
Shisui exhaled slowly.
"In this war, sixty-eight Uchiha have died."
"Twenty-nine have disappeared without explanation."
"They are no longer subtle."
"With the Senju clan as precedent…"
"We cannot ignore the signs."
He raised his gaze.
"But the Uchiha are Konoha's Uchiha."
"And Konoha does not belong to the Hokage alone."
"We will never betray Konoha."
"That is why… I have come here."
The Daimyō smiled faintly.
"How rare."
"It seems the Uchiha have finally produced someone who understands politics."
In his eyes, the Uchiha had always possessed talent and intelligence—but no restraint. They had been maneuvered repeatedly by Hiruzen and his circle.
Now—
One of them had learned to think beyond pride.
Shisui lowered himself to one knee.
"I humbly request your acceptance."
The Daimyō considered for a moment.
Then he laughed lightly.
"Very well."
"These dreary days could use something interesting."
"Helping you… may prove entertaining."
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