Even the wise Nara clan had no real solution to this problem.
It wasn't easy for Uchiha Jin to come up with one either.
In a world where even genius minds were trapped by the weight of clan rules and traditions, finding a way to break free was never simple.
And yet… if he truly acted on what he'd just proposed — would there be any difference between him and a missing-nin?
Regardless of success or failure, Jin knew it would cross a line he might never return from.
He frowned deeply, sinking into silence.
Seeing his expression, Hinata Aya took a deep breath, her voice calm but tinged with melancholy.
> "Forget it," she said softly.
"This matter is too dangerous. It's my personal problem — I can't drag everyone into it."
"I've already accepted my fate. There's no need for you all to worry so much."
"But… thank you. I'm happy — really happy — that you cared enough to try."
Her voice trembled slightly near the end, though she smiled faintly.
Yes.
She had chosen to give up.
If it were just her alone, she might have risked everything — life, honor, and fate — for one last chance at freedom.
But now… this plan would involve everyone.
If they failed, they would all become traitors to Konoha.
The price was far too high.
Their bond, after all, had only just begun.
It wasn't strong enough yet to demand that kind of sacrifice.
So she could only let go.
Still, as she glanced at Uchiha Jin, her gaze grew more and more complex.
This man was strange.
At first glance, he seemed so ordinary — too quiet, too plain, almost invisible.
But every word that came from his mouth was cold, sharp, and ruthless — plans born from darkness.
He wasn't just another Uchiha hothead or proud prodigy.
He was something else entirely.
And that mystery drew her attention despite herself.
She found herself wondering — what is this man really hiding?
---
Then, suddenly—
Bang!
Shisui slapped his thigh and rose to his feet, his eyes burning with conviction.
> "That's it. I've decided!"
"I don't care how dangerous it is — I'm helping Aya!"
"She's our teammate, our friend. How can I stand by and do nothing?"
"I, Uchiha Shisui, will never abandon my comrades!"
His voice was powerful and resolute, echoing through the cave.
Even the air seemed to tremble.
In that moment, the Sharingan spun to life in his eyes — two crimson tomoe gleaming in the firelight, reflecting the fierce determination of his heart.
Nara Kazama was speechless.
He had never expected Shisui to make such a reckless decision.
Helping Aya in this way wasn't bravery — it was insanity.
If they failed, Shisui's future, his name, everything he stood for as a Konoha shinobi, would be destroyed.
Even Uchiha Jin couldn't hide his complicated expression.
The Uchiha clan… they had their flaws — pride, stubbornness, obsession — but when it came to those they called comrades, they were sincere to the core.
And Shisui was the purest example of that.
Such a fool… Jin thought silently. But a good one.
He didn't say anything, but his mind was already calculating rapidly.
If they truly had to do this — if they really went through with Shisui's madness — what were their actual chances of success?
Because even if he didn't care much about Aya… he couldn't just ignore Shisui.
Not this time.
---
But before anyone could say another word—
Aya's eyes suddenly widened. Her Byakugan flared open, veins bulging around her temples.
> "Everyone, alert!" she hissed.
"Seven Kirigakure shinobi are approaching fast — strong chakra signatures!"
"At least… one elite jōnin among them!"
Her tone was urgent, her face deadly serious.
Instantly, everyone's expression changed.
This was bad — very bad.
There was no time for talk. All four of them rose to their feet in perfect coordination, weapons drawn, chakra surging.
The night wind grew colder.
And in the next heartbeat—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Seven shadows leapt from the darkness, surrounding them in a perfect formation.
Their presence was suffocating — seven different chakra auras, dense and violent.
Shisui's pupils contracted sharply.
> "The… Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist," he muttered.
His voice trembled, filled with tension.
Yes — he recognized them instantly.
The monstrous legends of Kirigakure's hidden blades.
Even one of them was a nightmare for most jonin. Together, they were a storm of death.
Shisui was strong — far stronger than most realized — but he wasn't yet the man who would one day be called "Shisui of the Body Flicker."
He hadn't awakened the Mangekyō. He wasn't ready for this.
If it were just one of them, maybe he could fight and win.
But seven?
There was no chance.
And worse — he wasn't alone. He had three teammates to protect.
Escape? Impossible.
Fight? Certain death.
Cold sweat ran down his forehead as he calculated every possible scenario.
But before he could act—
A calm voice broke through the tension.
Uchiha Jin stepped forward.
And then, slowly, he moved to stand in front of Shisui.
The firelight flickered behind him, outlining his silhouette — quiet, steady, almost eerily composed.
His eyes, which had seemed dull moments ago, now reflected a sharp, dangerous gleam.