Some names… carry fear without needing to act.
"That was our fault. I apologize on Toyobi's behalf."
Darui stepped forward, lowering his proud head.
With "Shisui of the Body Flicker" standing right here—
if a fight broke out, the three of them wouldn't stand a chance.
And Shisui wasn't just fast.
His genjutsu—
was terrifying.
One glance—
and you could already be trapped.
There was no resisting it.
Better to step back now.
A wise man didn't fight a losing battle.
…
"It's fine. Small conflicts between kids are normal," Shisui replied with a gentle smile, completely unconcerned.
…
After the three from Kumogakure left—
Shisui turned to Kai and sighed.
"Clan Head Fugaku said you're reckless. I didn't believe him before…"
"…Now I do."
They were members of the Hidden Cloud delegation.
And yet—
Kai hadn't given them even the slightest face.
He had almost started a fight.
This little cousin of his…
was something else.
…
"With Shisui on our side, even if the Fourth Raikage showed up, I'd dare pull his beard," Kai said with a grin, acting bold.
Shisui rolled his eyes.
"Don't drag me into that."
The Fourth Raikage's temper—
was infamous.
If anyone actually dared do that—
it would turn the world upside down.
…
"Are you Uchiha Shisui, the famed 'Shisui of the Body Flicker'? I heard you achieved great feats in the Third Great Ninja War! Grandpa Hiruzen even praised you as a true inheritor of the Will of Fire! It's an honor to meet you!"
Daiki jumped forward, practically glowing with excitement.
…
"Lord Hokage flatters me," Shisui replied with his usual calm smile, unaffected by the praise.
…
"I'll learn from you, Shisui! I'll protect Konoha one day!" Daiki clenched his fists.
…
"It's good to see such determination in the village's youth," Shisui said warmly.
Then he asked,
"So what were you all planning to do?"
…
"We were going to eat at Ichiraku Ramen," Kai answered cheerfully.
…
Shisui thought for a moment.
"How about this—we go together. I'll treat."
…
At those words—
Kai and Nami's eyes lit up instantly.
…
"Shisui, no! Let me pay!" Daiki quickly stepped in.
Shisui was his idol.
He couldn't let him suffer like this.
He had seen Kai and Nami eat.
It was terrifying.
…
"Don't worry," Shisui chuckled. "You're all still kids. You can't eat that much."
Four children—
eight or nine years old.
At most—
two bowls each.
For someone in ANBU with solid financial support—
this was nothing.
…
Half an hour later—
Shisui stepped out of Ichiraku Ramen, looking up at the bright sky.
Clouds drifted lazily.
A faint trace of melancholy appeared on his face.
…
Daiki—one bowl.
He and Itachi—two each.
Nami—seven.
Kai—
fifteen.
…
Fifteen.
At this age—
how could they possibly eat that much?
…
Kai seemed to notice his expression.
"Shisui, sorry… I ate a bit too much."
…
Shisui forced a stiff smile.
"It's fine. I have financial support. Growing kids should eat more."
…
"Oh," Kai nodded.
Then added,
"Shisui, can you treat me to Ichiraku again sometime?"
…
"…?"
Shisui froze.
He had thought Kai meant he would treat him next time.
Instead—
he wanted another free meal?
…
That's a bit much…
…
After parting ways with Daiki and Nami—
Shisui, Kai, and Itachi walked deeper into the village.
…
Kai glanced at Shisui.
Within the Uchiha—
he was a prodigy in genjutsu.
A man willing to sacrifice everything for the Will of Fire.
Even after losing an eye to Danzō—
he chose to end his own life—
to prevent war between Konoha and the Uchiha.
An idealist.
A true pacifist.
Unfortunately—
the world didn't move according to his wishes.
Still—
no one could deny his sincerity.
…
Shisui suddenly stopped and turned to Kai with a smile.
"Kai, I've heard your taijutsu and ninjutsu are impressive."
"How about a spar?"
…
From Fugaku.
From Yashiro.
Even from Itachi—
he had heard of Kai's talent.
And unlike others—
he felt no jealousy.
Only curiosity.
If Kai truly had potential—
he could guide him.
Toward protecting the village.
Toward protecting peace.
Even—
recommend him as a candidate for ANBU.
That was his real purpose.
…
"Shisui, you're an elite jōnin. Isn't that a bit unfair?" Itachi said with a wry smile.
…
"I won't use my full strength," Shisui replied.
"But—"
…
Before Itachi could finish—
Kai interrupted, smiling.
"Shisui, you're one of the clan's top geniuses. It's an honor to fight you. Just go easy on me."
…
He, too—
wanted to see—
the true strength of "Shisui of the Body Flicker."
…
"Who knows? You might surprise me," Shisui said.
…
The three arrived at the Uchiha training grounds.
…
"It's been a while since I've been here," Shisui murmured, breathing in the fresh air.
This place—
held memories.
Before ANBU—
he trained here often.
…
"Come back more often. It's peaceful here," Kai said casually.
…
Shisui chuckled.
"What's this? You're awfully refined for your age."
…
"Even shinobi need to relax," Kai shrugged.
…
"Alright. Enough talk. Let's begin."
…
Kai nodded and picked up practice weapons from a nearby rack.
Blunted—
but still dangerous if mishandled.
…
The two stood five meters apart.
…
Shisui's expression sharpened instantly.
His eyes—
cold and focused.
…
"Kai. I'm coming."
"Use your full strength."
…
"Got it."
…
Even facing Shisui—
Kai showed no fear.
…
"Good."
…
Shisui formed hand seals rapidly.
"Body Flicker Technique."
…
The moment the words fell—
he vanished.
Gone.
As if erased.
…
The Body Flicker—
in Shisui's hands—
had reached perfection.
…
He wasn't even going all out.
Yet—
his speed was still terrifying.
…
In less than half a second—
he appeared in front of Kai.
A hand chop—
aimed at his neck.
…
"So fast…" Itachi whispered from afar, eyes filled with admiration.
…
But—
Kai moved as well.
…
Body Flicker.
…
At the moment Shisui's strike landed—
it passed through nothing.
An afterimage.
…
Kai—
had already disappeared.
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