Chapter 46: Shisui and Itachi

Uchiha Itachi moved swiftly, slipping past the Uchiha clan's sentries in the dark. It took him about ten minutes to reach a cliff by the riverbank. He didn't want to attract any attention from the clan members, especially with the current oppressive and eerie atmosphere within the clan. This cliff was a secret spot for him and Shisui, a place where Itachi could speak freely and vent his true feelings.

As he arrived, he saw a figure sitting cross-legged at the cliff's edge, watching the river flow. A smile crept onto Itachi's face when he saw Shisui.

"Shisui!" Itachi called out, his face lighting up with joy as he leapt toward Shisui.

"You're here, Itachi," Shisui responded, smiling as he slowly stood up from the cliff's edge. Despite the dizzying height, Shisui seemed unfazed, as if the towering cliff didn't exist.

Itachi quickly joined Shisui, but soon a look of curiosity crossed his face. He scrutinized Shisui, sensing something different about him. The last time they met, Shisui had maintained a smile, but his eyes revealed a sense of powerlessness and repression. Today, Shisui's smile seemed genuine and devoid of the previous helplessness.

This change piqued Itachi's curiosity, and he couldn't help but ask, "Shisui, you seem very happy today. Did something happen?"

"Sort of. It's good news," Shisui nodded. He was impressed by Itachi's keen perception, though he didn't intend to hide anything. He was genuinely happy because of the positive changes within the clan. His conversation with Yuhara had revealed that they were on the brink of truly transforming the clan. Although Shisui wasn't particularly interested in the position of deputy clan leader, he knew it was a role that would enable him to help Yuhara significantly and witness the clan's transformation.

Shisui didn't feel the need to supervise Yuhara. Given Yuhara's rationality and strength, Shisui believed he wouldn't lead the Uchiha astray. He saw his role as aiding Yuhara and together witnessing the changes within the clan and its relationship with the village.

But looking at Itachi, Shisui suddenly felt a headache. He remembered Yuhara's advice to not reveal everything too clearly. Although Shisui didn't fully understand Yuhara's mistrust of Itachi, he had agreed to Yuhara's request.

"What news?" Itachi asked, sensing something was amiss. Shisui's expression had changed when he mentioned the good news, making Itachi more suspicious.

"Well..." Shisui hesitated, struggling to find the right words. His hesitation only increased Itachi's unease. After a long sigh, Shisui finally spoke.

"It's like this. There might be some changes within the clan. Both the main elders and Takechi have realized that their previous actions were not quite right. So now, the clan is starting to discard old ideas and unify our will..."

"Unify our will? What are they planning to do?" Itachi interrupted, his face growing tense. He was shocked and bewildered by the news. The two factions within the clan had always been at odds. How could they suddenly unify their will? As someone who desired peaceful coexistence between the clan and the village, Itachi couldn't imagine his side aligning with the hardliners.

Would their ideals still stand firm? Would they be influenced by the hardliners and shift towards extremism, plunging the entire clan into radicalism? These thoughts overwhelmed Itachi, and he couldn't fathom the implications. Most incomprehensible to him was Shisui, who seemed pleased with this development.

Shisui had always advocated for mutual trust and integration between the clan and the village. Itachi had internalized this belief, viewing everything from the Hokage's perspective. When seen from the village's standpoint, the Uchiha appeared as a destabilizing factor. He had always concluded that the clan's dissatisfaction stemmed from unrealistic ambitions. Itachi believed that only by the clan settling down could Sasuke have a better environment to grow in Konoha, ensuring the village's stability.

But now, Shisui's words chilled him. He couldn't understand or accept this sudden change.

"Itachi, don't rush to conclusions. Listen to me first," Shisui said, frowning at Itachi's reaction. He didn't fully grasp the depth of Itachi's opposition to such changes. He sighed before continuing.

"Actually, our efforts have been misguided. Yes, misguided! We've sought peace and integration with the village, believing that mutual efforts would lead to harmony. But we never considered whether the village would accept us. Through our constant compromises and efforts, we've received the answer: they won't. The Third Hokage is the disciple of the Second, who initiated the changes against the Uchiha. The Third inherited his master's will, as did his advisors. Some things are not easily altered.

"I've secretly accessed some records in the Anbu, and I can assure you that what I'm saying is true. Itachi, you've always been smart. Tell me, in such circumstances, how can we survive?"