When Uchiha Itachi heard Uchiha Arata's question, he paused briefly, organized his thoughts, and respectfully replied,
"Reporting to Arata-sama, I truly admire the location you selected. Whether in secrecy or resources, this island is more than sufficient for the development of the Uchiha clan. It is perfectly suited for both seclusion and future growth."
Hearing this, Arata smiled and patted Itachi on the shoulder.
"There's no need to be so stiff. We're all on the same side. Call me the same way Shisui does. From now on, just call me big brother."
Itachi was someone who naturally respected rules and seniority.
Although Arata was only a few years older, Arata was the acting vice-clan head and Sasuke's master.....making him a full generation above Itachi.
And with his growing admiration and respect for Arata, addressing him as "Arata-sama" had become instinctive.
But Itachi was not stubborn. After hesitating for only a second, he nodded and corrected himself.
"Alright… Arata-nii."
Seeing Itachi change his form of address, Arata felt genuinely pleased.
It meant Itachi acknowledged him fully, which increased the chances of Arata later copying Itachi's ocular power...something extremely beneficial to his future plans.
At that moment, Arata opened his mouth slightly as if to speak, but instead looked around, hesitated, then told Shisui and Itachi,
"Don't resist. I'm taking you both somewhere more private. Easier to talk."
Placing a hand on each of their shoulders, Arata activated his ocular power.
Using the space-mark he had left on Whirlpool Island, he transported the two of them to a cliff on the far side of the island.
Releasing them, Arata walked forward a few steps until he stood at the edge of the cliff. Looking out toward the vast open sea, he felt his own mood expand with the horizon.
Here, the view was wide, and there was no fear of anyone overhearing their conversation.
Arata turned around and spoke,
"Now that the Uchiha clan's relocation from Konoha has gone smoothly, it won't be long before everyone fully settles on this island."
He paused, then continued,
"So whether it's you, Shisui-nii, or you, Itachi.....both of you have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Your strength has already reached the Kage-level, and even among Kage-level shinobi, you stand at the very top.
Staying on Whirlpool Island handling trivial matters will not only hinder your growth, but also negatively affect your future development."
Shisui and Itachi silently nodded in agreement.
They had already cleared all threats on the island.
Remaining here any longer would indeed be a waste of their abilities. Shinobi, after all, understood their responsibilities and their own value clearly.
Seeing their agreement, Arata continued,
"So, as vice-clan head of the Uchiha, I want to assign a mission to both of you.
I hope you can accept it....and execute it flawlessly."
He paused. Noticing their expressions grow serious, he began,
"Shisui. Itachi.
Through confidential channels, I have learned of an incident: the former leader of Amegakure.....the Salamander Hanzō....has been killed.
And the one who killed him is the leader of an organization called 'Akatsuki'… a man named Pain."
"This organization is far from simple. Their goal may be to collect the Tailed Beasts… and dominate the entire shinobi world."
"And the leader, Pain, is no ordinary enemy. His strength is most likely above Kage-level.
The other members are all notorious rogue shinobi from across the world.
Therefore, I am assigning you two to investigate this group and gather intelligence. But your safety takes priority...never take unnecessary risks."
"Furthermore, some of them have already set their sights not only on Konoha's Nine-Tails jinchūriki… but also on our Uchiha clan."
Arata turned to Itachi.
"Itachi… didn't you discover an intruder in our clan compound once?"
The moment he asked, a particular mysterious figure flashed through Itachi's memory. He nodded.
"I did. A very mysterious individual… extremely strong."
Arata nodded slowly.
"That person is a member of Akatsuki. They have already targeted us.
Even though we've relocated to Whirlpool Island, and they won't find us easily, no secret lasts forever.
If we hide here forever, they will eventually discover us."
"So whether it's for Konoha… or for the safety of the Uchiha clan… we must uncover the truth behind this organization. Only then can we take the initiative."
Finishing his explanation, Arata looked the two of them directly in the eyes.
"This mission is dangerous. Do you have the confidence to complete it?"
Shisui and Itachi exchanged a glance, then nodded.
"No problem. For the Uchiha clan, we will complete this mission."
Part of their acceptance came from their connection to Konoha.
They had grown up in the village and were raised under the Will of Fire.
Even if the Uchiha had separated from Konoha, it was natural for them to feel concern for the village.
Arata understood this clearly. And because he was now the true power behind Konoha, he did not view Shisui and Itachi's concern as betrayal.
In fact, the information about the Nine-Tails jinchūriki was something he deliberately added.....to increase their motivation and sense of urgency.
Seeing the two accept without hesitation, Arata's previously stern expression finally softened.
"The leader of Akatsuki, Pain, is extremely powerful.
And most of the members possess Kage-level abilities, with strange and dangerous techniques.
When you enter Amegakure to gather information, be extremely cautious.
Do not act rashly, and do not let them detect you."
Shisui and Itachi felt the gravity in Arata's tone.
Their expressions grew heavier, and they nodded solemnly in acknowledgement.
Arata hesitated briefly, then—as if making a decision.....said,
"I'll give you one more safeguard.
This way… no matter what happens, both of you will be able to return safely."
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