Chapter 16: You Have Mental Issues
As someone approached, Kabuto quickly jumped out from the dirt and stood next to Izumi, looking at the young ninja who didn't seem much older than him.
"Shisui... that name sounds so familiar. Where have I heard it before?" Kabuto murmured.
"It's because Shisui-senpai is a genius from our Uchiha clan," Itachi explained, clearly full of admiration. "He was recently promoted to jōnin. In fact, he became one two years earlier than our teacher."
During the time Yusuke had been away, another genius of the clan, Shisui, had advanced to jōnin. He had already demonstrated remarkable skill and earned considerable merit during the Third Ninja War. Normally, that should have been enough for a promotion. However, because he was an Uchiha, Danzo had blocked his promotion, citing his young age and "immature mindset."
Now that Danzo was away on a mission outside the village, the Third Hokage took the opportunity to approve Shisui's promotion. As a descendant of Uchiha Kagami—a long-time supporter of the Will of Fire—the Third trusted their branch of the Uchiha and appreciated Shisui's loyalty.
With a flicker of the Body Flicker Technique, Shisui appeared before the three children. Ruffling Itachi and Izumi's hair, he smiled and said, "No need for formalities. Just call me Shisui."
Then, turning to Itachi, he smiled with admiration. "Itachi, your kunai technique just now was impressive. But I know some even more advanced ways to use ninja tools."
"Really, Shisui—uh, I mean, Shisui," Itachi corrected himself after seeing Shisui's relaxed expression, "Can you teach me?"
"Of course," Shisui chuckled. "I brought it up because I think you have talent for it. If you want to learn, come find me tonight."
Shisui couldn't explain it, but something about Itachi made him feel incredibly close, almost as if they were family. He had seen Itachi around before but never had the chance to interact properly. Today, after his mission, he saw the kids training in the Uchiha training grounds and came over to check on them.
"Thank you," Itachi nodded politely.
"What about me, Shisui-niichan? Can I learn too?" Izumi asked with bright eyes.
"You, little miss, aren't cut out for such precise ninja tool techniques," came a teasing voice from the distance.
The next moment, the speaker appeared before them—it was Yusuke, returning from his mission in Amegakure.
Shisui raised a subtle brow in surprise at Yusuke's swift Body Flicker Technique, though his face betrayed nothing. Even so, Shisui was confident that his own mastery—capable of producing eight simultaneous clones—still gave him the edge.
"Big brother!" "Sensei!" Izumi, Kabuto, and Itachi all cried out joyfully.
Yusuke patted Izumi's head, but her smile quickly turned into a pout. "Hmph, who says I can't learn precise ninja tool techniques? I'm not talking to you anymore." Still, her sparkling eyes betrayed her happiness at seeing him again.
"Hello, Yusuke-senpai," Shisui greeted politely.
"Ah, Shisui. I heard you made jōnin—congrats!" Yusuke replied.
"I'll be relying on your guidance from now on, Yusuke-senpai," Shisui said humbly.
"No need for modesty. Not many can give advice to the famed 'Body Flicker Shisui'," Yusuke chuckled. Then turning to the kids: "You've all been working hard. Take the afternoon off—go have some fun."
"Really?! That's awesome!" Izumi cheered, then turned to Yusuke. "Come with us, big brother!"
Just as Yusuke was about to agree, Shisui interjected politely, "I'm very sorry to interrupt, but I have something I'd like to discuss with Yusuke-senpai in private. It'll just take a moment."
Yusuke looked at Shisui in slight surprise, then smiled at Izumi. "You all go on ahead. I'll join you next time."
Izumi looked a little disappointed but nodded obediently. She turned to Itachi with a grin. "Let's go get some dango! I know a great place."
Itachi, ever reserved, nodded—he was secretly thrilled, since dango was his favorite.
Kabuto, however, looked distressed. He was a savory snack person, and his younger friends always preferred sweets. Oh well. In his heart, he'd already accepted Itachi and Izumi as his younger siblings.
Izumi giggled at Kabuto's scrunched-up face. "Don't worry! I chose this spot on purpose—it's right next to that stand with your favorite salted grilled mackerel."
Watching the three youngsters walk off laughing and chatting, Yusuke smiled warmly. Then he glanced sideways at Shisui—only to find Shisui staring intently at Itachi's retreating figure.
"Terrifying. I'll never understand this little brother obsession," Yusuke thought to himself.
"Ahem." Yusuke cleared his throat, snapping Shisui out of his daze.
"Ah, sorry," Shisui said, flustered. "I spaced out watching Itachi."
Now it was Yusuke's turn to be stunned. He had always thought of Shisui as the reserved type—not someone who'd be so blunt.
"I don't know why," Shisui continued, "but I feel like I have a special connection to Itachi. Like he's my real little brother."
Yusuke nodded without a hint of emotion. "I understand. I get it. You've already formed a bond with Itachi. Do as you please—as long as you're happy."
Shisui smiled. "Exactly, a bond. As expected of you, Yusuke-senpai—you saw right through what I wanted to say." He continued, "Itachi's talent is extraordinary, far surpassing mine. Though I'm not an exceptional ninja myself, I do have some experience and techniques I'd like to pass on to him. Since you're his teacher, I hope you'll permit it."
"Too much modesty can come off as arrogance, you know," Yusuke replied with a chuckle. "In terms of talent, I wouldn't say Itachi necessarily surpasses you, Shisui. If you want to teach him, I have no objections." Despite his words, Yusuke felt a flicker of concern. After all, the ideology that Itachi later clung to—sacrificing oneself and one's clan for the village—owed a great deal to Shisui's influence.
"Thank you, senpai," Shisui said earnestly.
Waving it off, Yusuke asked, "But I assume that's not the only reason you came to see me?"
Shisui nodded. He caught a falling leaf and softly recited, "Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. The fire's shadow will shine on the village, and new leaves will sprout."
He looked directly at Yusuke, his eyes steady and full of conviction. "Yusuke-senpai, do you believe in the Will of Fire?"
Yusuke didn't answer right away. He sat in silence for a moment before saying with a sigh, "The Will of Fire… what a beautiful ideal."
But he left the rest of his thoughts unspoken: So many have burned quietly for that fire—yet did they truly light up the village? Did they really nurture the new leaves? How many shinobi have fallen in political power plays? How many among the current leaders truly uphold the Will of Fire?
"Shisui, just tell me why you're really here," Yusuke said, bringing the conversation back to the point.
Shisui nodded again. "The Third Hokage has asked me whether there's anyone from the Uchiha clan suited for the Anbu. I truly admire your strength, and I believe both the clan and the village need someone like you—someone who can serve as a bridge between them. I hope you'll consider it."
Yusuke shook his head. "You might be disappointed, but I have no intention of joining the Anbu."
"Please, Yusuke-senpai, think about it—" Shisui began to insist.
But Yusuke raised a hand to stop him. "You don't need to say any more. I've never had any desire to be in the Anbu."
Seeing how firm Yusuke was, Shisui could only leave, clearly disheartened.
Once Shisui was gone, Yusuke decided to visit his usual teahouse. Aside from training and developing jutsu, this was his only real hobby—sipping tea in peace.
"You hear the rumors? They say Lord Orochimaru is conducting human experiments," said a boy wearing a blue headband and a tuft of pointed beard on his chin. He wore the standard Leaf shinobi uniform and looked about Yusuke's age, though the beard gave him an oddly greasy appearance.
The boy was named Iwashi Tatami, a Chūnin. Seated with him were two fellow Chūnin: Genma Shiranui and Raido Namiashi.
Genma wore a similar headband and had a senbon in his mouth, giving him a laid-back, slightly wild look.
Raido had short brown hair and a scar running from his eye down his cheek.
They had all been in the same graduating class as Yusuke, Kakashi, and Asuma, and like them, they were now Chūnin. In the original story, Genma and Raido would go on to become special jōnin and serve as personal guards to the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
Yusuke and Genma had shared a mission during the Third Shinobi World War and maintained some camaraderie, but seeing him chatting with friends, Yusuke chose not to interrupt. He instead sat in a quiet corner, content to enjoy a rare moment of peace.
"Hey, keep your voice down! You trying to get yourself killed?" Raido whispered. "If Lord Orochimaru hears you, we might not see you tomorrow."
Genma nodded gravely. "I'll never forget the first time I met him. When he looked at me, it felt like I was covered in snakes."
"I was terrified," he added, a drop of sweat forming on his forehead at the memory.
From his corner, Yusuke frowned. So Orochimaru's human experimentation is already an open rumor among the Chūnin. That means his defection must not be far off.
What a shame… Another chance to exchange knowledge about jutsu gone, Yusuke thought with a quiet sigh.
He also noticed the spirited young girl who had worked as a waitress here before was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she's focusing on her ninja training now… he mused, feeling a tinge of disappointment. She had a lively energy. Just chatting with her last time had lifted my mood.
"Yusuke-kun, I knew I'd find you here!"
A voice pulled him from his thoughts. He turned to see Souichiro Uchiha approaching.
"What a coincidence," Yusuke said with a smile. "I always seem to run into you here."
"Not a coincidence this time," Souichiro grinned, taking the seat across from him. "I came here looking for you. Lord Fugaku heard the diplomatic envoy to Amegakure returned safely and asked me to fetch you. He wants to speak—says it's something important."
As Fugaku's close aide, Souichiro had learned that Yusuke wasn't indifferent to the clan, and that Fugaku had begun to reach an understanding with him. That news had made Souichiro happy—he was among the more moderate members of the Uchiha and was relieved to see one of their most talented members working with the clan instead of against it.
Yusuke's heart leapt. Could it be? Has Fugaku figured out why I still haven't awakened my Sharingan?
"If the clan leader wants to see me, there's no time to waste. Let's go," he said, rising to leave with Souichiro .
When they arrived at Fugaku's estate, the clan leader took Yusuke to a hidden chamber—clearly intending for a private discussion.
Studying Yusuke for a moment, Fugaku said, "I'm relieved to see you unharmed. I know you're strong, but I still worried Danzo might make a move."
"He did," Yusuke said plainly. "But he didn't get far. I handled it." He briefly recounted how Danzo had ordered an ambush.
Fugaku scowled. "That old bastard! He's gone too far. Even after all our concessions, he continues to hound the Uchiha."
"But let's not waste time on him. You called me here—does it have something to do with my Sharingan?" Yusuke asked, cutting to the chase.
Fugaku nodded. "Yes. I've been looking into clan records. With your level of strength, it's unnatural that your Sharingan hasn't awakened yet. Which leads me to one conclusion—"
"There's something wrong with your spirit."
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