Moonlight flowed like water, stretching the shadows of two youths in Uchiha robes across the ground.
Uchiha Ran watched them in silence. After all, being caught eavesdropping was never a pleasant thing.
Uchiha Itachi showed no reaction to Ran's gaze. His social skills were poor to begin with, and his way of handling matters was often extreme, frequently causing trouble.
Uchiha Shisui, however, was different.
As the former bridge between the Uchiha Clan and the Village, he knew how to speak in any situation. Sensitive to atmosphere, he immediately forced a smile.
"Ran, this is a misunderstanding—really, just a misunderstanding. We were simply passing by. We didn't intend to listen in on your conversation with Captain Kakashi."
As he spoke, Shisui kept signaling Itachi with his eyes while also glancing pleadingly at Kakashi.
Itachi was momentarily confused, but still nodded stiffly, indicating Shisui was right.
Kakashi turned his head away.
He had just pledged loyalty to Ran—what was he supposed to do with these signals? Agree? Deny?
"So now you want to drag me into disloyalty?" Kakashi thought.
He decided to pretend he heard nothing at all, lifting his head to admire the moon.
That moon really was… a moon.
Shisui felt awkward. After a moment's thought, he knelt on one knee.
"Hokage-sama, please forgive us. We were patrolling the clan grounds and were about to change routes when we saw Senior Kakashi enter your residence."
"We were only concerned for your safety. Please don't blame Itachi—this was entirely my decision."
Ran nodded calmly.
"I never intended to blame you. But as members of the same clan, I don't want us hiding things from one another."
"After the investiture ceremony three days from now, Shisui, Itachi, and Kakashi—I'll be entrusting all of you with important tasks. Since we'll be working closely together, there's no need for secrecy."
He let out a soft chuckle.
Shisui's eyes reddened slightly.
If not for Ran, what would have happened back at the Naka River was unthinkable. And during the defense of the North Gate, facing the Eight-Tails and the Raikage's brutal fighting style—without Ran's timely intervention, he would have been suppressed sooner or later.
His Sharingan might have been ruined.
Itachi remained silent, but his gaze toward Ran softened. Though he still regarded himself as the older brother, being treated this way left him inexplicably at ease.
Kakashi sighed inwardly.
This was a true leader.
Standing there without speaking, Ran exuded pressure. When he spoke, it was like a spring breeze—calm, reassuring, and irresistible.
This was far beyond the Third Hokage's methods.
Authority first, grace second. Without authority, grace only made one look weak.
This balance—power and benevolence—was what truly bound people.
The four spoke for a long time, ranging from astronomy and geography to history and medicine. Ran answered effortlessly, always composed, always precise, giving the impression of vast knowledge and unfathomable depth.
Shisui and Kakashi grew increasingly admiring.
Itachi said little, but the turmoil in his eyes betrayed his thoughts.
---
Iwagakure
Ōnoki and his entourage traveled through the night, pushing themselves without rest.
Only after stepping into the Village did Ōnoki finally breathe out.
The journey that normally took four days had been completed in a day and a half.
"Quick—tell me," Ōnoki gasped, his face ashen. "Did Konoha pursue us?"
"Tsuchikage-sama, no," Akatsuchi replied carefully. "Konoha didn't send anyone after us."
Ōnoki exhaled—and collapsed on the spot.
"Tsuchikage-sama!"
"Grandfather!"
Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi rushed forward as Iwagakure's higher-ups arrived in alarm. A medical ninja was summoned immediately.
After a thorough examination, the medic finally relaxed.
"It's nothing serious. Shock disrupted his blood flow, and once the tension snapped, he fainted. Proper rest will be enough."
Only then did everyone ease up.
Akatsuchi carried Ōnoki back to his residence and laid him gently on the bed.
Kurotsuchi poured Akatsuchi a cup of hot water.
"You're Grandfather's guard," she said softly. "We're family. There's no need for thanks."
She sat beside the bed, watching her sleeping grandfather, her thoughts drifting.
"Brother Deidara… where are you right now? Do you know Grandfather fainted? Are you eating properly?"
---
Akatsuki Base
Deidara was shaping clay spiders when his chakra suddenly destabilized.
Boom!
The clay exploded violently.
Nagato opened his eyes. "Did Deidara blow something up again?"
Konan sighed. "I'll go check."
"Wait." Nagato formed a seal, and Pain Tendo appeared. "Have him go with you."
Konan hesitated, worry clear in her eyes. "Nagato… don't overuse your chakra."
Nagato smiled faintly. "Go. Deidara may be unreliable, but his strength is indispensable."
Reluctantly, Konan left.
Once the room was sealed, Nagato coughed violently.
Blood splattered onto the floor.
Pain Gakido cleaned it away in silence.
Nagato steadied his breathing, staring in the direction Konan had gone.
"Just wait a little longer," he murmured.
"When the world learns true Pain, they won't dare start wars so easily."
"Only then… will true peace exist."
------
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