Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Seisuke and asked, "You finished training so soon?" He remembered that when Jiraiya went to Mount Myōboku, he often disappeared for ages. Was Ryūchi Cave's training really that fast?
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I need to go to Kirigakure."
"Be careful. The situation there is getting more complicated."
During Seisuke's training, the Third Mizukage had led Kirigakure ninjas to assault Orochimaru's defensive line despite his illness. Orochimaru, leading a motley crew, couldn't withstand the elite Kirigakure force and was forced to retreat to the Wave Country camp, separated from the Land of Water by the sea. Though the retreat was a setback, the Third Mizukage's body had collapsed, leaving him bedridden and terminally ill.
"For this mission to Kirigakure, take someone with you. Come in."
Just then, a black-haired teenager about Anko's age pushed open the door. He had large, spirited eyes, fair skin, and wore a Konoha forehead protector, a high-collared short-sleeved shirt, and a short sword on his back.
"Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen nodded and introduced, "This is Uchiha Shisui. Like me, his ancestors were disciples of the Second Hokage. He wants to join the war, so I hope you'll take him with you."
Uchiha Shisui?
Seisuke was stunned. This was the future "Teleportation Shisui," wielder of the strongest genjutsu, Kotoamatsukami—a technique that could manipulate others imperceptibly, permanently and completely altering their will. Its power was immense, but it required a decade-long cooldown between uses unless one had chakra on par with Hashirama Senju. In other words, if Shisui had a tailed beast and a more ruthless personality, even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki might end up counting days in a basement...
"Hello, Seisuke-senpai," Shisui said politely. "I hope to follow you to the Kirigakure battlefield during this war."
This polite tone made Seisuke glance at Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, is he really from the Uchiha clan? So polite?" Uchiha members weren't supposed to be this courteous.
"..." Hiruzen.
"..." Shisui.
"Um, Seisuke-senpai, you might have a misunderstanding about the Uchiha," Shisui said helplessly. "They're just... not good at expressing themselves." After all, most Uchiha were tsundere; he and Obito were rare exceptions.
Hiruzen coughed. "Seisuke, Shisui is a polite child. And don't say things like that in the village—it could harm unity."
"Don't worry. They can't beat me now anyway." Since mastering senjutsu, Seisuke had grown confidently cocky.
Hiruzen stiffened. That was true. The Uchiha excelled in fire release, but the jutsu seemed trivial compared to Seisuke. As for Sharingan... What good was it? Few Uchiha could match him in one-on-one combat. Had this boy's strength really grown to such an extent?
Shisui felt awkward but also unconvinced. As an Uchiha, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at Seisuke's words.
Hiruzen said, "I know your strength has grown, but never let pride cloud you—it's a ninja's greatest vice!" Most prideful ninjas didn't last long. Those overconfident in their abilities and hungry for glory usually died at the enemy's hands, with few exceptions.
"I understand. Is Shisui the only one?"
"Kakashi is joining too. The battlefield in the Land of Earth has stabilized, and with Minato there, it's secure. He needs to shuttle between the Earth and Lightning Country battlefields, which is hard with Kakashi. So Kakashi will go to Kirigakure with you."
"I see. What about Rin?"
"Anbu are protecting her."
Knowing Madara Uchiha was still alive, Hiruzen had taken precautions, feeling as if a mountain weighed on his heart.
"Understood. We'll leave now." Seisuke patted Shisui's shoulder. "Let's go, Shisui. Time to hit the battlefield."
"Yes, thank you for your guidance, senpai."
At Konoha's main gate, Kakashi waited with a backpack. Seeing Seisuke arrive with Shisui, he asked, "Who is he..."
"Uchiha Shisui, from the Uchiha clan. He's joining us in Kirigakure," Seisuke introduced. "Shisui, this is Hatake Kakashi."
"I've heard of you, Kakashi-senpai. Your deeds are heroic."
"Not really." Kakashi's mood soured, reminded of sad memories.
Fearing he'd caused trouble, Shisui panicked. Seisuke pulled him aside and whispered, "It's okay. His comrade, an Uchiha named Obito Uchiha, gave him his right eye before dying." Though relieved Obito wasn't dead, Kakashi felt tormented knowing he was with Madara Uchiha. What if Obito became a villain because of Madara?
"I see. I shouldn't have said that."
"Don't worry. He'll get used to it." Seisuke waved it off. If the future followed the same path, Kakashi would have plenty more to blame himself for.
Are they really friends? Shisui thought their relationship seemed as flimsy as plastic.
Soon, Asuma and Kurenai arrived. After introductions, Asuma wondered, "There aren't many Uchiha on the Kirigakure battlefield. The environment isn't friendly to your clan. Why go there, Shisui?"
Seisuke replied, "Because Kirigakure is the safest battlefield." Compared to the Land of Earth and Land of Lightning, battles in the Land of Water were less intense. Though the environment challenged Uchiha, it was still a good place for Shisui to gain experience.
Shisui said, "I requested to join the battlefield. Since Hokage-sama was worried, he asked senpai to take me to the Land of Water. I hope to rely on all of you during the journey."
"No problem," Asuma waved.
"Leave it to us—we'll take good care of you," Kurenai smiled warmly, like an older sister.
Seisuke eyed Asuma and Shisui thoughtfully. They don't look alike... The only similarity was their black hair. Why does Asuma's daughter resemble Shisui so much years after Shisui's death? (Note: Shisui's age is ambiguous. Here, he's supposed to be six years older than Itachi.)