Chapter 223: Choice

"You followed up here because you want to ask me why I did this, right?" Yu seemed to have already guessed what Shisui wanted to ask.

"No..."

"In a way, I should thank you," unexpectedly, Shisui began to express his gratitude.

"Thank me?" Yu was astonished. He had thought Shisui would angrily question him about his actions against the Uchiha Clan.

"Thank you for showing them mercy and for waking them up," Shisui said sincerely, sensing Yu's astonishment. His tone was complex yet resigned. "After this incident, I believe the Uchiha Clan will recognize their own strength and abandon the idea of staging a coup."

"Let's hope so..." Seeing Shisui's sincere expression and grateful tone, Yu sighed deeply. "But this time, I'm not just doing it for you. I'm also acting on Sarutobi-sensei's will and orders."

"Hokage-sama's intentions..." Shisui murmured, "It seems that if the Uchiha Clan really stages a coup this time, they will inevitably meet a tragic end."

Hearing Yu's words, Shisui chuckled wryly, casting his gaze towards the distant Konoha. His expression seemed somewhat melancholic. "You know... if it came down to choosing between the village and the clan, which one should I choose?"

Choosing between Konoha and the clan? Hearing Shisui's question, Yu's mind stirred slightly. Just from the tone and nature of the question, he could clearly sense Shisui's inner powerlessness and resignation.

"The village and the clan?" Yu withdrew his gaze, looking up at the vast expanse of the sky. "It depends on what you hold dear in your heart, whether it's your clan or your comrades..."

"The clan and comrades..." After listening to Yu's words, Shisui murmured softly, "Both the clan and my comrades are the most important things in my life. It's truly difficult to choose..."

"Isn't there a way to have the best of both worlds?" Shisui sighed, his face betraying a sense of helplessness. Suddenly, he turned his head towards Yu. "Yu, what would you choose if it were you?"

"Me?" Seeing Shisui's gaze fixed on him, Yu smiled faintly. His eyes, gazing into the distance, seemed slightly dreamy. "I don't have as many complexities and ties as you do. My principles are simple: I remember those who treat me well, and I don't easily forget those who treat me poorly."

"I just need to care about those who matter to me. As for others... they're not my concern."

Speaking softly, Yu turned his head to look at Shisui, sensing the conflict in his heart. Sandwiched between the village and the clan with Itachi, he naturally didn't want to harm either side. It's no wonder he thought about using Kotoamatsukami to resolve the conflict between the two sides in the anime.

Unfortunately...

Later, it was all destroyed by that cunning old fox, Danzo...

Thinking of this, Yu couldn't help but feel even more disgust towards Danzo, that sinister and ruthless character who always operated in the shadows.

"Just caring about those who matter to you? I envy you..."

Watching Yu's actions, Shisui sighed. "If I could choose, I'd rather be like you, not bound to the clan. At least I wouldn't have to be stuck in the middle like now..."

Hearing this, Yu was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Uchiha Shisui to have such thoughts.

Well, the grass is always greener on the other side. Those outside the walls want to come in, while those inside want to leave. Perhaps in Shisui's eyes, people like himself at least have fewer burdens and ties.

"It's getting late... I should report the mission to Sarutobi-sensei."

Lost in thought for a moment, Yu brushed off the dust from his clothes and said to Shisui, "You seemed to talk more today than usual..."

"Are you heading back?"

Shisui also snapped out of his thoughts, stood up, and smiled at Yu. A strange gleam flickered in his crimson Sharingan. "See you next time. I'm really lucky to have you as a friend."

Friend... Watching Shisui's sincere gaze, Yu smiled, turned around, waved, and said, "Until next time! And, be careful of Danzo..."

"Danzo-sama?" Hearing Yu suddenly mention the name, Shisui was puzzled. He didn't understand why Yu would say that all of a sudden. He was about to ask something when he realized that Yu's figure had already disappeared into the distance.

At least, by my meddling...

Shisui wouldn't have to resort to sacrificing himself by plunging into the river to delay the Uchiha Clan's rebellion, as in the storyline, right?

Along the way, Yu silently pondered. With the matters of Konoha and the Uchiha Clan settled for now, it was time for him to head to Iwagakure to find and bring back Nono...

...

"Well done!"

"You handled this mission exceptionally well, Yu!"

In the Hokage's office, Third was lavishing praise on Yu without reservation. "With this, at the very least, the Uchiha Clan won't have the audacity to attempt a coup anymore, and we don't have to resort to extreme measures."

To avoid using force when it could be avoided altogether was Third's consistent style and decision-making since taking over Konoha.

"But, kid, you caused quite a stir..."

However, as he spoke, a hint of helplessness appeared on Third's face again. "To think you went alone and provoked the entire Uchiha Clan. Those proud individuals probably won't get a wink of sleep tonight."

"What else could I do then?"

Hearing Third's words, Yu rolled his eyes in annoyance. "You know the temperament of those Uchiha folks. If we don't take necessary measures of force, do you think they would just sit down and listen to me politely?"

It's not that Yu wants to complain, but in anime, many characters are indeed set up this way. They only listen seriously when your fist is bigger than theirs.

"Anyway..."

"Sarutobi, the Uchiha Clan matter has finally been satisfactorily resolved," spoke two Konoha Elders, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who were nearby.

Though they had irreconcilable conflicts and grievances with Yu, they couldn't deny his formidable strength and outstanding ability to execute missions.

"Hmph... What naive thinking..."

A low, untimely cold snort came from Danzo, who still wore a grim expression. "So, do you all think you've dealt with the Uchiha Clan threat now?"

"In my opinion, we should have completely eradicated the entire Uchiha Clan this time, to prevent future troubles!"

Originally, he intended to completely eliminate the Uchiha Clan to gain more power related to the Sharingan. However, he hadn't anticipated Yu ruining the plan once again.

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