From the earnest expression on Shisui's face, the Sandaime saw a burning desire for peace and a deep love for the village. This young man had undoubtedly inherited the Will of Fire.
"You understand what this mission entails," the Sandaime said, his tone carrying both weight and expectation.
"I intend to assign you to lead a team of elite personnel to act as the delegation's guard."
As he spoke, the Sandaime observed Shisui's determined expression and added firmly, "Don't let me and Konoha down."
Shisui straightened, his gaze unwavering. "Please rest assured, Sandaime-sama. I will ensure their safe return, even at the cost of my life!"
Taking the scroll from the Sandaime's hand, Shisui felt no hesitation or burden from this sudden assignment. Instead, his heart swelled with anticipation, eager for the chance to work toward lasting peace for Konoha.
Still, one question lingered in his mind. "May I ask who my teammates will be for this mission?"
The thought carried a bittersweet weight. He had lost many comrades in the past, and it was clear that this task could not be accomplished alone.
Shisui couldn't help but remain cautious about his potential teammates. If another Root operative were among them, he knew he would need to tread carefully.
'I can't let the tragedy from last time repeat itself,' he thought, steeling his resolve.
"Don't worry," the Sandaime reassured him, sensing his unease. "The teams assigned to this mission are all familiar faces—individuals you've worked with before."
With those words, the Sandaime handed Shisui a list.
"There are three teams in total, all of whom you've collaborated with in the past. You'll serve as their leader. I trust that under your command, the Kirigakure negotiators will be safely escorted back to the village."
"You can count on me to complete this mission!" Shisui responded resolutely.
As he scanned the list and recognized the names, a wave of relief washed over him. 'I was overthinking it,' he admitted to himself. 'The Sandaime would never risk compromising a mission of this importance, especially one tied to peace.'
"Then, I'll take my leave to begin preparations!" Shisui said, bowing respectfully before departing with a renewed sense of purpose.
With a look of determination and joy, Shisui bowed deeply to the Sandaime Hokage, silently vowing to give his all for the success of this mission.
'Konoha's peace must not be compromised by anyone.'
"Go forth! I'll be here in Konoha, awaiting your triumphant return," the Sandaime said with a warm yet firm tone.
"Understood!"
Shisui exited the office, his resolve evident in his steps. The Sandaime watched him leave, the glimmer of hope in Shisui's eyes lingering in his mind. Once the door closed, the weight of the situation settled heavily on the old Hokage's shoulders. He exhaled deeply, his demeanor shifting.
"He's gone," the Sandaime murmured softly.
As if summoned by the quiet words, a shadowy figure materialized silently in the room.
"What's the point of sighing after the boy has left?" Danzo's voice was curt, carrying his usual air of pragmatism.
The Sandaime turned to face him, his expression conflicted. "Danzo, your plan this time..."
Before he could finish, Danzo cut him off sharply, unwilling to entertain further discussion.
"Don't worry. This incident will have no ties to the village—it will all be pinned on Kirigakure," Danzo assured, his tone steady and calculated.
This was the Sandaime's sole condition: the matter must remain unconnected to Konoha under any circumstances. To ensure this, the plan had been meticulously crafted, costing both the Sandaime and Obito considerable mental effort.
"Kirigakure..." Danzo muttered under his breath, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Shisui will be eliminated under the guise of a peace negotiation?
Shisui had left a trail of defeated enemies during the conflicts with Kiri. Uchiha clan could argue against such a pretext.
"I see," the Sandaime murmured weakly. His words carried the weight of resignation, and his shoulders seemed to sag further as if the burden of this plan had aged him beyond his years.
—
After finishing his preparations, Shisui headed toward the mission gathering point. On his way, he came across Kakashi and Itachi, who were walking in the same direction.
"Shisui" Itachi greeted, his usual stoic expression softening slightly.
"Ah, Itachi, Kakashi-san," Shisui said with a smile, pausing to exchange a few words with the two. Though his face remained calm, a glimmer of determination shone in his eyes.
"And Kakashi-senpai, Itachi is alive today because of your care!" Shisui said sincerely, his tone carrying deep gratitude.
"Itachi! Kirigakure wants to negotiate peace with us!"
Although both men wore masks, their identities were unmistakable to Shisui.
"Ah, it's nothing," Kakashi replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I never need to worry about Itachi. He's an exceptionally capable team member."
While his response was modest, Kakashi's focus lay elsewhere. His curiosity piqued, he shifted his thoughts to the Kirigakures's sudden decision to negotiate with Konoha—a move that seemed entirely uncharacteristic for the infamous Blood Mist faction.
"This doesn't quite align with their usual style," he added, his tone skeptical.
"Shisui, is this true?"
Hearing the news, Itachi's usually impassive face softened slightly. Having grown up witnessing the harsh realities of war, he yearned deeply for peace. The possibility of negotiations stirred a faint but visible hope within him.
"Yes," Shisui confirmed with a firm nod. His expression mirrored Itachi's cautious optimism, but a flicker of resolve in his eyes hinted at the burden he bore.
"I've received a mission directly from the Hokage," Shisui said with a reassuring smile. "I can't share the details yet, but... I'm sure you'll hear about it soon enough!"
With that, he didn't linger, knowing he needed to regroup with his assigned teammates.
"Kakashi-taichou, are you unhappy about the peace talks between the village and the Mist Ninja?" Itachi asked, his sharp eyes catching the faint furrow in Kakashi's brow. Despite Itachi's own quiet excitement, he sensed his captain's reservations.
Kakashi hesitated, then replied, "Not unhappy, just... it feels strange that Kiri would suddenly propose negotiations."
Having seen firsthand the relentless ferocity of the Mist Ninjas, Kakashi couldn't shake his skepticism. Their shift to diplomacy seemed uncharacteristic, raising questions in his mind.
But after a moment, he sighed and added, "Maybe I'm overthinking things."
After all, the mission was sanctioned by the Third Hokage himself, and if anyone could ensure it was legitimate, it would be him. Perhaps his instincts, honed through countless battles, were simply on edge without cause.
Unlike Kakashi's apparent indifference, Itachi seemed to focus intently on these subtle details.
"What exactly do you mean, Captain?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Kakashi sighed, then elaborated. "From what I know, the Mist Ninja have always been an isolated force. Their location overseas, combined with the natural barrier of the sea, gives them a sense of invulnerability."
He paused before continuing, "Add to that their reputation for brutality and relentless aggression, and this sudden move toward negotiation feels... unusual, to say the least."
After briefly sharing his thoughts, Kakashi waved dismissively. "In any case, the mission's done, and you're off-duty now. Enjoy your free time."
Without waiting for Itachi's response, Kakashi turned and walked away.
Itachi, left deep in thought, watched him go. But Kakashi had no time to linger on this discussion. Today marked the anniversary of Rin and Obito's deaths, and his destination was the cemetery. Some things couldn't be delayed.
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