Uchiha Fugaku understood perfectly how dangerous Qianyu's situation was.
He had killed Sarutobi Hiruzen's own son.
No one could endure that calmly.
If it were his own son—Uchiha Itachi—
if something like that happened…
Fugaku felt his heart tighten.
He would probably go mad as well.
But—
Lately, Itachi had been spending an unsettling amount of time with Uchiha Shisui and Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Could it be that—
Fugaku shook his head sharply, casting away the thought.
Itachi was difficult to read, even as his father.
But he was still a good child.
Pushing aside his unease, Fugaku led a small squad toward the ANBU prison at full speed.
He had to warn the ANBU.
No reckless moves.
No secret executions.
"Clan Head," Uchiha Inabi asked anxiously while moving alongside him,
"Do you think Sarutobi Hiruzen will really order Qianyu's execution?"
Fugaku did not answer.
But everyone understood what his silence meant.
Their hearts rose into their throats.
Faster.
They had to get there before it was too late.
Suddenly—
Fugaku stopped.
The police force halted instantly.
"Clan Head?"
"What is it?"
They were already close to the prison.
And yet—
Another squad stood blocking their path.
Masked figures.
ANBU.
The one in front radiated a chakra Fugaku knew all too well.
His pupils shrank.
"You… you are—"
The man slowly removed his mask.
"Clan Head."
The Uchiha froze.
Behind the mask—
Uchiha Shisui.
Fugaku stared, stunned.
"Shisui… you joined the ANBU?!"
Shisui sighed softly.
"Not just joined."
"I now command them."
Fugaku's eyes widened.
"What did you say?!"
"This is the Hokage's decision."
Rage surged through Fugaku.
He understood Hiruzen's intention instantly.
What he couldn't understand—
Was why Shisui accepted.
For decades, Uchiha were denied entry into ANBU.
Now, with war looming—
Shisui was not only allowed in,
but placed in command.
This was no invitation.
This was defection.
Shisui was the Uchiha's strongest warrior.
The clan's final hope.
Even the radicals believed rebellion was impossible without him.
And now—
He stood on the enemy's side.
"Shisui," Fugaku roared,
"have you betrayed the Uchiha?!"
Shisui shook his head, expression resolute.
"No. I am saving them."
"You wanted the Uchiha in ANBU.
Now I am not only inside—I lead it."
"Is that not a blessing?"
"Especially after Qianyu killed the Hokage's son."
"This proves the Hokage's goodwill."
Fugaku trembled with fury.
"Do you hear yourself?!
Have you lost your mind?!"
"I've never been clearer," Shisui replied coldly.
"I am first a shinobi of Konoha.
Second, an ANBU commander."
"Only last… an Uchiha."
"Your vision is trapped within the clan."
"Mine stands above it."
"For the greater good."
"For the Will of Fire."
Fugaku felt no anger now.
Only sorrow.
An Uchiha standing with those who sought the clan's destruction—
And doing so willingly.
Behind him, the police force erupted in curses.
Shisui's face remained unmoved.
What frightened Fugaku most—
Was that Shisui's cold conviction
resembled Qianyu's.
But their paths—
Could not have been more different.
Fugaku exhaled deeply.
Shisui was lost.
The clan's hope rested on only one man now.
"Step aside," Fugaku said quietly.
"I'm visiting Qianyu."
Shisui didn't move.
"I can't."
"You dare block us?!"
"If necessary… yes."
Chakra surged.
On both sides.
One move—
And Konoha would burn.
Shisui glanced at the setting sun.
"Even if I let you pass… it's already too late."
"What do you mean?!"
"Night has fallen."
Fugaku's blood ran cold.
Inside the ANBU prison—
Darkness swallowed the world.
From the shadows, beasts stirred.
"Brothers!
That bastard is a Leaf jōnin—an Uchiha enforcer!"
"Now's our chance!"
"Kill him!"
The mob surged forward.
And at that moment—
Uchiha Qianyu opened his eyes.
The Mangekyō Sharingan ignited.
The hunt had begun.
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