"Shisui..."
"You again!"
Shisui let out a helpless sigh.
The tree wishes for stillness, but the wind never ceases. He only wanted to focus on training, to refine his kenjutsu and study his eyes—but trouble kept coming in waves. And always from the sa person.
Inabi chuckled.
His head wasn’t suited for deep thinking, and he knew it. So instead of struggling with it, he went straight to Shisui after returning to the clan.
As for Fugaku... best not.
Not to ntion Fugaku’s role within the clan—even considering his reputation with Kanda Kyoichi, it would be impossible. Seeking Fugaku’s help would only cost him what little trust he had with Kyoichi.
Anyone with half a brain could see it: Kanda Kyoichi had no fondness for Uchiha Fugaku.
Shisui sighed again.
"I’ve been studying kenjutsu lately, so my ti is tight. If there’s sothing important, say it. But... Inabi-nii, you should really learn to think for yourself. It’s clear that Sensei intends to cultivate you."
"As long as I’ve got you, that’s enough."
Inabi grinned. It wasn’t that he refused to think—rather, he had realized sothing.
He wasn’t fit to be a leader.
As muscle, sure. But tangled strategies and politics? Far better to devote himself to training. If not for Shisui being too young, he wouldn’t want to shoulder any of this.
Right now... both Kyoichi and the clan simply needed ti.
Ti for Shisui to grow stronger, to beco soone truly capable of taking the position of clan head—just as Tsunade and Kanda Kyoichi were now.
"Alright then. What’s the situation?"
"It’s like this..."
Inabi explained what had happened.
After listening, Shisui fell silent for a mont before replying:
"Sensei’s intent likely lies in this phrase—’one voice.’ He hopes we can unify the Uchiha, and root out the rotten branches."
As Kyoichi’s disciple, Shisui had developed a small habit: he would record so of Kyoichi’s teachings, then reread and reflect on them over ti.
So, while he wouldn’t dare claim he understood his teacher best—among the Uchiha, Shisui was confident no one grasped Kyoichi’s will more clearly than him.
And Inabi trusted him for that very reason.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have co to Shisui.
"So what do we do? Just... cough, cough, ah, the most important thing is probably those traitors, right? From what I saw, Kyoichi-sama seed to be hinting I should start with them."
"Within our clan, the conservative faction is just nostalgic for Madara’s era. And especially those who betrayed us before—they’ve suffered most. So dead, so crippled... their outlook must have changed."
Shisui’s voice was steady.
If even the betrayed no longer clung to Madara’s ideals, then once their minds were unified, persuading the rest of the conservatives wouldn’t be too difficult.
After thinking a mont, Shisui scratched his head.
"Uh, that’s all I can co up with. I probably can’t help much more. As for what Sensei truly intends... that’s beyond ."
In his heart, his teacher’s thoughts were as deep as the ocean—far beyond his ability to asure.
Besides...
When it ca to matters like this, sotis knowing too much wasn’t a blessing. Better to just stay still and let the village arrange things.
Good things didn’t need avoiding. Bad things couldn’t be dodged.
The only matter that really concerned Inahori himself was the question of cell transplantation. That was sothing he couldn’t take lightly.
He thought for a mont, rembering...
One of the traitor-elders—according to Sensei—had transplanted so kind of special cells.
Though that had also been due to age, and eyes with inherently strong pupil power.
If it were him...
"Cells. Do you think I should undergo a transplant?"
"That’s up to you. But it should help. Also, sensei is ruthless against enemies, but never ambiguous with his own. He’s never been one to harm his people."
Shisui didn’t know his teacher’s full plan, but this he was certain of.
— Kanda Kyoichi never hard his own.
And Inabi...
If he weren’t considered one of their own, sensei wouldn’t have placed him in the ANBU team.
Inabi fell thoughtful, then gave a slow nod.
The next day...
He went to Kyoichi.
He had made up his mind.
He would accept.
Though the idea of cell transplantation was frightening, there was truth in what Shisui said—he trusted that Kyoichi wouldn’t harm him.
If Kanda Kyoichi wanted to destroy an Uchiha, he had a hundred ways to do it. He didn’t need sothing so blatant and reckless, sothing that could ruin his own plans.
And in fact...
Kyoichi truly had no such intent.
The White Zetsu cells were absolutely beneficial, harmless. Only, they weren’t particularly useful for Kyoichi himself.
After all...
His body had already begun transforming toward a Sage’s physique. While he wasn’t a natural-born Sage Body like Hashirama Senju, his constitution far surpassed that of White Zetsu.
Which ant—
Unless he transplanted Hashirama’s cells, for him, it would only be a downgrade.
But for an Uchiha like Inahori, the transplant would be nothing but an upgrade.
With Orochimaru’s help, the procedure was carried out.
Inabi felt the difference imdiately—
He had grown stronger!
The enhancent was difficult to put into words, but undeniable. Even his eyes seed greatly empowered.
He hadn’t expected it.
"Besides the cells, we’re also cultivating ocular organs. They can’t replace the Sharingan, but for daily use, they’re functional enough."
Kyoichi explained.
Inabi instantly understood, staring in shock before blurting:
"Then you an... those traitors?"
"Sigh... ’traitors’? They’re just pitiful people, deceived. After this calamity, they should co to appreciate the value of the village. Of course, we’ll need your cooperation as well."
"Yes! I understand!"
Inabi was moved, excitent surging in his chest.
He had struggled with how to deal with those so-called traitors, but Kyoichi had no intent to kill them. Instead, he was working to restore their sight.
That... was too rare, too precious.
Shisui had been right.
Indeed, Kyoichi never mistreated his own.
Compared to their ancestor Madara, whose motives blurred good and evil and who had seed ready to annihilate the Uchiha, Konoha was far kinder. Here, they didn’t have to fear being reduced to test subjects.
Inabi made his decision.
"Kyoichi-sama, I’ll support your plan. I’ll persuade the clansn, and guide them back to the right path!"
"Oh, and... their missing family mbers might still be in Madara’s hands. His goal is to gather enough eyes for his use. If they know anything, they must share it."
"Yes, I understand."
Inabi turned to leave, but after a long hesitation, walked back.
He weighed his thoughts carefully before speaking.
"Kyoichi-sama... do you need Sharingan?"
"...What?"
Kyoichi froze, stunned by the sudden question.
"I have spare eyes!"
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