Will of Fire
"Will of Fire recognized by the Uchiha?"
Kyōichi's shadow clone paused momentarily, then contemplated for a few seconds before replying, "That depends on your target."
"One is ten years old, the other no older than fifteen!"
Shisui had completely forgotten.
In truth, Kyōichi himself was only sixteen at this time —
In his heart, his sensei represented omnipotence.
"Then it's simple. No need for complexity. Just make them understand that the Uchiha and Konoha share a common destiny."
Kyōichi answered without hesitation, "For example, the Uchiha are Konoha's founding elders. Disputes within the village over Uchiha-controlled industries are one thing, but wouldn't we all oppose outsiders destroying our shared legacy?"
"Makes sense. Anything else?"
Shisui nodded repeatedly, finding this reasoning solid.
According to clan records, the Uchiha ancestor Madara and Senju Hashirama were once close friends, with Madara even having a chance to become Hokage. Even the clan's elders would agree with this narrative.
Using this to persuade children would be effortless.
As expected of sensei!
"Create a common enemy, unify the frontlines, give everyone an outlet for their frustrations, and find balance through shared struggle."
"Yes! I already followed your teachings regarding unifying against an enemy."
Shisui then briefly explained his encounter with Tekka and their subsequent "discussion."
Kyōichi nodded upon hearing this.
The Shadow Hokage...
In a sense, pinning blame on him was always a safe bet.
Allying with one faction while suppressing another — Shisui had executed this well.
After consideration, Kyōichi advised, "Remind them that with so many opponents, they must act discreetly. Tell them not to inform their families, and let the "Will of Fire" be something they "realize" themselves."
"Exactly! That'll make the lesson more impactful!"
Shisui clapped enthusiastically.
People might doubt others' words, but never their own epiphanies.
"Children are the Uchiha's future, but waiting for them to grow carries risks. For now, focus on rallying the clan's youth. Work from the bottom up — avoid targeting adults for now."
"Understood. Thank you, sensei! I must return now — my main body awaits news."
Shisui dispersed his clone.
Kyōichi fell into deep thought.
He recalled that the current generation of Uchiha youths — including Tekka, whom Shisui had persuaded — would develop three-tomoe prowess in the future. Not exceptional, but competent enough.
With time, guiding these youths could genuinely shift the clan's direction.
However.
There was still Madara lurking in the shadows.
Even if Kyōichi prevented Obito's tragedy, who could stop Madara from creating another "Obito"? The Uchiha had no shortage of single-minded individuals.
Children remained the easiest targets for manipulation.
Yet there was no perfect solution. A determined Madara couldn't be completely stopped, but if the Uchiha collectively aligned with Konoha from the grassroots, even the half-dead Madara would struggle to interfere.
"Enough. Let my main body handle this. Back to research."
He picked up a notebook and resumed studying.
——
Elsewhere.
Failing to locate Kurenai, Shisui found Rin Nohara instead and requested her healing assistance.
After treatment, the two returned to the Uchiha compound's outskirts.
"Did you find a solution"
"Some ideas, but still unclear. Shall we discuss?"
"Of course."
Shisui selectively shared Kyōichi's teachings.
"The Will of Fire's core is protecting the village and its future. This doesn't contradict Uchiha interests."
"Explain?"
"Our ancestors co-founded Konoha. As guardians, the village is our heritage. Civilians and minor clans are our partners. Shouldn't we protect partners?"
"That... sounds reasonable. But they reject us!"
Tekka blinked, startled.
This made...
Uncomfortable sense!
"Hence we must resolve misunderstandings. Show them the true Uchiha nature."
"Logical."
Even Tekka's limited reasoning could follow this logic.
"Violence can't make one Hokage... as the clan leader says."
Seeing Tekka's instant agreement, Shisui grew more confident.
"Exactly. If strength alone sufficed, our ancestor would've succeeded. We're weaker than him — violence won't work."
Tekka nodded vigorously.
Hokage...
Yes!
Wasn't this the Uchiha's ultimate goal?
The elders' reliance on force was naive. If power alone could seize the Hokage seat, why hadn't Madara claimed it after Hashirama's death?
Clearly, Madara recognized its futility, hence choosing extremism.
Old paths must be abandoned.
The clan leader was wise!
He'd seen the light.
Then Tekka flushed with shame.
Shisui, barely five, grasped this truth, while he'd mistakenly accused the boy of neglecting the clan.
He knelt abruptly.
"Shisui, I wronged you! Forgive me"
"We're comrades — no apologies needed. Rise. Regarding your brother, subtly introduce these ideas in daily life."
"Understood."
"I'll send you relevant books later. Ask your brother questions periodically — he'll understand naturally."
Considering Tekka's bluntness, Shisui decided thorough preparation was wiser.
——
Meanwhile, Kyōichi's main body received:
[Completed 'Ideological Guidance']
[Evaluation: Excellent]
[Reward: Genjutsu: Crow Ephemera]
Confusion struck him.
With his clone undispelled, he lacked context.
Yet the reward delighted him.
Crow Ephemera.
This genjutsu — activated via finger movements, crows, or Sharingan — though weak, offered exceptional utility. He'd long desired such a technique.
Now he could integrate it with kenjutsu, even in low-light conditions.
The sole flaw:
In total darkness or thick mist, the illusion would fail.
Truly,
No one understood the Uchiha better than Tobirama Senju.
Unbeknownst to Kyōichi, Shisui's persuasion had thoroughly convinced Tekka.
Now both were strategizing how to enlighten Inabi.
True practice-theory unification.
Kyōichi still had time before leading troops to defend against Kiri forces — possibly even Kumo ninjas from the northeast.
The pressure was immense.
Though not solely his — Hiruzen Sarutobi also bore responsibility, as appointing Kyōichi to command the eastern front seemed risky to many.