Half a month later, the Uchiha elite teams returned from their covert assignments.
Every one of them looked unsettled.
For shinobi born into a major clan, being tasked with tracking down chakra-capable children felt degrading in a way none of them voiced aloud. Worse still, it was classified work. No reports, no credit, no explanation. The only saving grace was that the quota was limited and the mission ended quickly.
Some of them noticed a pattern.
The children were never brought back to camp. They were gathered at isolated locations, then handed over to Shisui directly. And everyone knew what that implied.
"Shisui, the count is sufficient," Yoru said quietly once the final report came in. "Have the clan members stand down and rest."
Shisui nodded. The moment he turned away, the tension finally left his shoulders.
Yoru exhaled slowly.
I dragged the entire clan into this, he thought. But if Orochimaru defects later, I won't be the only one standing on thin ice.
One Uchiha could be erased.A dozen elite operatives could not be quietly disappeared without consequence.
It was crude insurance, but effective.
"Yoru-niisan," Shisui said before leaving, voice low. "I'm heading back to camp."
Yoru understood what he didn't say.Shisui knew exactly what happened to the children.
"Go," Yoru replied simply.
Before they parted, Itachi lingered, glancing between them with an unreadable expression.
"I'll take Itachi back to the Clan Head," Shisui said. "You should rest."
"Do that," Yoru said with a casual wave.
As Itachi turned away, Yoru caught the look in his eyes.
Good, Yoru thought. The seed took root.
He hadn't demonized Konoha outright. He hadn't preached rebellion. He had simply reframed the world, placed hope somewhere else.
Belief redirected was belief controlled.
"Uchiha Yoru."
The voice hit him like a thrown kunai.
He turned.
Mitarashi Anko stood there, eyes blazing.
Shisui froze for half a heartbeat, then pretended not to exist. He grabbed Itachi and vanished in the opposite direction with suspicious speed.
"Shisui-niisan?" Itachi asked quietly.
"Nothing you need to worry about," Shisui said, not slowing down.
Yoru watched them go. Then he smiled.
"Anko," he said warmly. "What's got you so fired up?"
Her glare sharpened.
"There's something you forgot," she snapped. "Two hundred thousand. We agreed on two hundred thousand."
Yoru blinked, then laughed softly. "That's what this is about? I thought something serious happened."
"Don't play dumb," Anko growled.
Damn it, Yoru thought. That money is already gone.
Outwardly, he remained calm.
"Come on," he said. "Let's talk somewhere quieter."
He led her into a wooded clearing behind the camp.
"Oh, right," Yoru added casually. "Sensei asked me to check on your training progress."
Anko froze.
"…Sensei?" she repeated.
Her earlier anger evaporated instantly.
"I haven't slacked off," she said defensively. "I've mastered Shadow Snake Hands, and I'm already consistent with Twin Shadow Snake."
She spoke with pride. Rightfully so.
Yoru smiled.
Then his sleeve twitched.
Nine dark serpents burst forth in a blur.
"Multiple Shadow Snake Technique."
Anko reacted on instinct, leaping back and forming seals midair.
Five snakes surged from her arms to meet his.
The difference was immediate.
Yoru's snakes crushed hers effortlessly, coiling tight, while the remaining ones wrapped around Anko before she could break free.
"Tch!" she snapped. "Cheap shot! Try again properly!"
She struggled, furious and humiliated.
Yoru didn't respond right away.
Because he'd noticed something else.
Anko followed his gaze.
Realized.
Her face went scarlet.
"Where are you looking, idiot!"
"Reflex," Yoru said quickly. "Purely professional."
She didn't believe him for a second.
He released the technique, stepping back with an easy smile.
Anko crossed her arms, scowling. Then hesitated.
"…Is it really like that?" she asked quietly. "Once the Sharingan awakens, everything comes easier?"
"Not everything," Yoru replied. "But it lets you see mistakes faster. And correct them."
She bit her lip, frustration clear—but so was determination.
Yoru chuckled softly.
She's growing, he thought. Fast.