So... what will that Third Hokage do?

Will he choose to expose it, or keep it hidden?

Aburame Ryuma was looking forward to it.

◎

The news of Orochimaru's defection eventually spread throughout the village.

The Third Hokage personally issued orders, listing him as an S-rank criminal and notifying all nations of the Ninja Realm.

The various Great Ninja Villages all reacted differently, but were definitely laughing secretly in their hearts.

And Hidden Cloud Village's offensive against the Land of Fire became even stronger, bringing an even greater pressure to Konoha.

But all of this felt far too distant for Itachi, so for now, his goal was still to become stronger.

In a certain forest under the control of the Uchiha Clan Land, today was another day of training with Shisui.

"Itachi, how are things at the Ninja School? Are you used to life there?"

After finishing his warm-up, Shisui smiled and asked Itachi.

Itachi was already six years old. He had just started school in early April this year, so it had been about a month.

Itachi glanced at Shisui, who had finished the warm-up without even panting. He felt a bit unwilling in his heart, but he still said:

"It's just normal. But I feel that being with you, Shisui, helps me become stronger."

Itachi spoke his mind directly, showing his acknowledgement and respect for Shisui.

"Is that so? Isn't there anyone at school worth paying attention to as an opponent?"

Shisui was a little curious.

After all, there were quite a lot of new students enrolled this year. Not only members of various Ninja Clans, but also many new Uchiha and Hyuga. Shisui had noticed a few with great talent, who would definitely become the backbone of Konoha in the future.

"I haven't paid attention to them."

Itachi picked up a shuriken and threw it at a target ten meters away, using a standard stance.

The movement was precise, with impressive speed and power, far beyond the level of his peers.

"Why?"

"Because it's meaningless. Judging from their performance in practical classes, I don't think they are anything special, and they're not worth my attention."

Still can't see anyone else in his eyes? Shisui thought with a slight headache. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Right now, you really remind me of my past self."

Shisui sighed.

"Oh? So you think so too, Shisui?"

Itachi seemed to have found a topic he could relate to.

Shisui didn't answer.

He had indeed been like this in the past, but after becoming a true ninja, he discovered how small and powerless the strength of one person truly was.

This sense of smallness and powerlessness, of course, was not about his combat ability.

In terms of fighting strength, Shisui had always been satisfied with himself.

He felt small and powerless because, despite being so strong, he still couldn't make the village and his clan coexist in peace. No matter how strong he was, what was the point?

When facing those clansmen who did nothing but complain about the village, Shisui felt helpless.

When facing villagers who always badmouthed the Uchiha Clan behind their backs, and the public opinion targeting Uchiha from all sides, he also felt exhausted.

The problem wasn't just within the clan—the village had its issues, too.

But what should he do? Once again, confusion appeared in Shisui's eyes.

Putting away these complicated thoughts, Shisui focused more on Itachi's mental health, so he changed the subject and skillfully brought up a new topic:

"Itachi, after you graduate from Ninja School, everyone works in teams of three, with one instructor ninja. At that point, teamwork is key. You…"

Before Shisui finished, Itachi had already replied: "Don't worry, Shisui, I understand that. If they're weaker than me, I'll protect them. If they're as strong as me, I'll fight alongside them. And if they surpass me, I'll do my best to catch up so I don't drag them down."

Shisui stared at Itachi in a daze, speechless for a moment.

Although Itachi's answer was nearly perfect, Shisui still felt something was a little off.

Because this answer was almost too standard, too correct.

But since Itachi could answer this way, it seemed that he did understand the importance of teamwork.

Itachi would still value his so-called comrades.

This comforted Shisui.

Two hours later, just as Itachi was excited about his training, Shisui stopped and said to him, "Let's end today's training here."

"What's wrong?"

Itachi looked at Shisui in confusion.

Shisui smiled and said, "Because I have a mission to handle next. Sorry, I can't keep training with you."

As an Anbu directly under the Hokage—and not even counted as part of the standard Anbu system—he could be considered an extremely special Anbu member.

Now that one of the Sannin, Orochimaru, had defected, his work had gotten much busier. There was no way he could keep training with Itachi all the time.

"It's fine, Shisui. Your mission is important. Don't worry about me."

Itachi didn't mind.

Although he was curious about what missions Shisui had, and had never seen Shisui's teammates, he thought that since Shisui was such an outstanding ninja, his missions must be highly difficult and confidential.

So, not asking was the best choice.

"See you in a few days."

After speaking, Shisui disappeared from where he stood.

◎

In the Hokage Building's office, an Anbu was standing there, reporting something to Hiruzen.

"…Hokage-sama, that's everything that happened. Everyone involved has already been placed under surveillance."

"I understand. You may go. I'll think it over."

Hiruzen sighed, waved his hand, and had the Anbu leave.

"Understood. However, the department head suggested that Hokage-sama make a decision soon. After all, this matter is having a negative impact."