The way Shisui was looking at him was starting to make Yuhara uncomfortable. In his worldview, a man looking at another man like that was just… unacceptable.
But over time, Yuhara realized Shisui's look wasn't because of anything suspicious—it was out of sheer admiration.
Over the next few days, Shisui's attitude completely changed. He no longer acted like a peer or friend but more like a student—one eager to learn, humbly asking questions and even taking careful notes when he received answers.
Watching Shisui study so diligently, Yuhara couldn't help but sigh. If I had been this driven back in my old world, maybe I would've made it into Tsinghua or Peking University...
"Eh, no point dreaming now. Reality's waiting to slap you awake like a warm splash of piss. Better to stay grounded."
Despite the absurdity of that thought, Yuhara was genuinely pleased with Shisui's transformation. Even though things like Marxism didn't really fit in this chakra-fueled world, there was still plenty he could share with him.
In fact, Yuhara felt incredibly grateful for the education he received in his previous life—because this world clearly lacked anything resembling political education.
In Konoha, all anyone ever talked about was the so-called "Will of Fire." And if you asked Yuhara, that was nothing more than glorified brainwashing.
It didn't explain the nature of the world, didn't teach anyone how to understand or reshape it.
It certainly didn't teach the concept of contradictions—how to identify what you're really up against.
They just told you to be loyal to the village, loyal to the Hokage, and called it a day.
"Maybe to Hashirama, ninjas were 'family'… but now they've become nothing more than 'tools.'"
The idea of ninjas as tools had long circulated in the village—and was quite popular.
Kakashi himself had once been a tool-like shinobi. And in Danzo's ANBU, the definition of a ninja practically began and ended with the word "tool."
To be fair, it made sense. A mindless tool was a lot easier to control than someone who actually understood the world around them.
"You're sure this is the spot?"
After traveling east from the Land of Hot Water, Yuhara and Shisui arrived at the coastline. From there, a boat could take them directly to the Land of Waves.
But that wasn't their destination. They were headed to a small village on the coastal border of the Land of Hot Water.
Their target this time: Raiga—one of the former members of the Hidden Mist's Seven Ninja Swordsmen, who had now defected.
Yuhara would've preferred to go after Zabuza, but unfortunately, Zabuza hadn't defected yet.
The Executioner's Blade was still in the hands of Jūzō Biwa. Itachi hadn't gone on his "sword-returning" journey with him yet.
So for now, Yuhara set his sights on Raiga instead.
According to intel, Raiga had crossed over from the Land of Waves into the Land of Hot Water—and the area he entered was under Konoha's jurisdiction.
Small nations always suffered. During wartime, they were battlefields. In times of peace, they were carved into spheres of influence by larger nations.
So when Raiga stepped into Konoha's territory, it was no surprise that he was detected.
"Yeah. According to the ANBU's report, this is where he was last seen. Looks like he's trying to take over a village—just like that last guy," Shisui said after surveying the area.
"Again with the 'take over a village' plan? What are these guys even thinking?"
Even though Yuhara already knew from the original timeline that Raiga had this goal, he couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"A tiny village like this—does he really think he can turn it into a ninja village? That's beyond delusional."
"Who knows." Shisui shrugged, then asked curiously, "Should we go in tonight, or wait until tomorrow?"
The sun had already set, and a silver moon hung high in the clouds. It wouldn't be unusual for a mission to take place at this hour—some shinobi even preferred it.
But after a moment of thought, Yuhara shook his head. "We've been traveling nonstop. We need to rest. You're still on leave, aren't you? There's no rush."
"Yeah, that makes sense. Resting and recovering is probably the smarter choice," Shisui agreed without hesitation, despite being fully prepared to go into battle.
His sudden shift in attitude made Yuhara chuckle. But in the end, it was a good thing—it showed Shisui trusted him.
No—at this point, "trust" didn't even begin to describe how Shisui saw him.
Yuhara had no doubt: if he ever decided to move against Fugaku Uchiha, Shisui would be the first to stand at his side.
"So, Yuhara… what's your plan when you get back to the clan?"
Later that night, after they made a small campfire in the woods—using a rabbit Shisui had caught for dinner—Shisui asked again.
"I know you've got a plan already. But I'm really curious what you actually intend to do. You can tell me, right? So I can be prepared."
"You really don't rest for long, do you?" Yuhara laughed and shook his head.
But he was pleased by the question. Shisui had already revealed his stance—he was preparing to help overthrow Fugaku.
"It's actually pretty simple. A great man once said, 'Unite all forces that can be united.' I think that principle still applies here.
"So, who makes up the majority of the Uchiha clan? The answer's easy—it's the regular Uchiha. Especially those who haven't awakened the Sharingan.
"They're the weakest, the most overlooked, the ones with no voice or presence. But they are the real majority."
Then Yuhara looked Shisui in the eye and asked, "Tell me—where does power come from? In our clan, is it from the clan head? The elders? Or from the people?"
"Uh…" Shisui paused, frowning slightly. "I guess… the clan head and the elders?"
"I just told you recently—don't be fooled by appearances. Look past the surface. Don't let assumptions trap your thinking."
Yuhara sighed, then continued seriously.
"Always remember: in any power structure, the clan head and elders are just the ones exercising power. They are the upper class.
"But the people who give them that power—are the masses. The majority.
"You can think of it like this: real power comes from the obedience of the lower class."
He paused.
Shisui blinked, stunned at first. But then his eyes lit up with sudden understanding.
"I get it! If the lower class stops following them… and starts following us—then they lose their power, and we gain control of the narrative!"
"Yuhara… you're incredible. It's like you know everything!"