Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"Then let's try it! Use your Wood Release, use your ridiculous 'protection' concept, to stop me from going to the truth!"

Let's see in the end whether your hypocritical peace triumphs, or my painful ritual, will please the evil god!

Tianzang clenched his fists, looking at the crazy yet lonely boy in front of him with a complicated expression.

He realized that Hidan had embarked on an extremely dangerous path of no return.

And I seem to have unintentionally become a special "witness" on this path, or even... a "catalyst" in some sense?

"I won't let you kill innocent people indiscriminately, Hidan!"

In the end, Tianzang only said this in a deep voice.

We'll see!

Hidan shrugged nonchalantly, stood up, and dusted off his rear.

"Happy New Year……"

"Tianzang, I wish you would meet your 'Great Captain' whom you always talk about!"

"And... I hope that on this day every year, you will still be alive to stand before me and spout these ridiculous platitudes."

After saying that, he leaped off the watchtower and disappeared into the dim alleyways of the town in a few bounds.

Only Tianzang remained, his heart heavy and troubled in the cold night wind...

……

Konoha Village, home of the Uchiha clan

Unlike the desolation of the port town and the tranquility of the Hidden Mist Villa, the Uchiha clan territory still retains some of the traditional customs of the large clans during the New Year.

A brand-new shimenawa (sacred rope) hangs in front of the door, and the aroma of rice cakes and stew wafts from inside. Occasionally, fireworks burst in the night sky.

However, beneath this seemingly peaceful and festive surface lies a repressive undercurrent and a silent struggle.

Shisui sat alone by the window in his room, without turning on the light, only using the light from the scattered fireworks outside to gaze at the iconic round fan-shaped family crest in the center of the clan's territory.

The room was cold, but his heart was even colder.

His family did not restrict his freedom of movement, at least not within the family, but the omnipresent gaze, filled with expectation and even a hint of control, made him feel suffocated.

Clan Chief Fugaku and Elder Setsuna have already had several "deep talks" with him.

The discussion revolved around the use of "Kotoamatsukami" and the necessity of his "leaving the Shadow Guard and contributing to the future of his family".

They painted a beautiful picture for him:

"By utilizing Kotoamatsukami at the opportune moment, we can influence the Third Hokage or a key high-ranking official to secure the rightful status and power for the Uchiha clan."

This would wash away the stigma of the "Nine-Tails' rampage" and allow the Uchiha clan to once again stand at the pinnacle of power in Konoha.

In Elder Setsuna's impassioned narration, this seemed like an easy and logical thing to do, the only correct path for the revival of the Uchiha clan.

But Shisui only felt absurdity and heaviness.

He acquired these eyes to protect those important to him in crucial moments, to prevent disaster, and to find a path that would allow his family and village to coexist.

Instead of becoming a tool for his family's political ambitions to manipulate and deceive the Hokage and the village he also respected and wanted to protect.

Zhi Shui misses his comrades in the Shadow Guard, and even more so, his captain, Qing Wu.

If the team leader were here, what would he do?

Given the captain's unconventional thinking and formidable strength, how will he handle this dilemma?

Should they firmly reject the family, or find a roundabout way?

Zhi Shui doesn't know!

He felt an unprecedented sense of loneliness and confusion.

On one side was the family that raised him, the high hopes placed upon him, and the heavy burden of the "for the sake of the Uchiha" principle;

On the other hand, there is loyalty to the village, a promise to one's companions, and an insurmountable moral bottom line in one's heart.

The application to leave the Shadow Guard has been submitted through family channels, but there has been no official response yet, since the Hokage has not yet returned.

But he knew that once he officially left the Shadow Guard, he would be completely tied to the family's "war chariot" and would have little room for independent choice.

Elder Shana has already made it clear...

After the Third Hokage returns from the western front and presides over the formal signing ceremony with Kumogakure, he will look for an opportunity to let him "get close" to the Hokage and try to use Kotoamatsukami.

The specific action plan is still under consideration, but the core idea will not change—to make the Hokage "genuinely" acknowledge the Uchiha clan and to push the Uchiha clan into the core of power.

"Shisui, you are the hope of the Uchiha clan, the key that Amaterasu bestowed upon the Uchiha clan."

"Don't let these eyes down, don't let the family down."

Elder Setsuna's words echoed in Shisui's mind like a spell.

……

Chapter 251 Shisui's Decision

"But... is the power obtained in that way really the future the family wants? Is it really... the right thing to do?"

Shisui closed his eyes in pain.

Outside the window, a huge firework exploded in the sky.

The dazzling light instantly illuminated his room, as well as his face, revealing the struggle and a gradually clearer sense of resolve.

Perhaps... we can't wait for the family to make arrangements, we can't wait until the last minute to make a choice.

I... have to take the initiative and do something!

A bold, almost insane idea slowly took shape in Zhishui's mind.

What if... what if I took the initiative to go to the Hokage before my family arranged for me to "approach" him?

Instead of using Kotoamatsukami, it's... confessing?

He confessed that he possessed the power of Kotoamatsukami, revealed some of his family's intentions, and also confessed his confusion and reluctance.

...This is undoubtedly a huge risk.

Once exposed, the family will regard him as a traitor, and his situation will be extremely dangerous.

How will the Hokage and the village leadership treat him, an Uchiha with such a dangerous eye technique and a sensitive family background?

Is it trust, vigilance, or... eliminating the hidden danger directly?

However, this may be the only way that can both stay true to one's conscience and potentially find a different path for the family.

Is it better to lay everything out in the sunlight than to harbor suspicions and go to extremes in the shadows?

The Hokage is an elder who has experienced countless storms; perhaps... the Hokage can understand and has a better solution?

Moreover, the captain once said, "Don't try to shoulder everything yourself."

perhaps……

Although the captain's whereabouts are currently unknown, the village should feel the same trust and support.

At this moment, Shisui felt that... if he were the captain, he might also agree with this approach of "facing the problem head-on and seeking communication," rather than sinking into conspiracy and scheming.

His thinking became clearer, and he seemed more energetic.

However, he knew that... this timing and this method required extreme caution.

Before the clan finds out, you must find a suitable opportunity to meet the Hokage alone, and... you must be confident that you can explain things clearly and protect yourself.

"After the New Year... wait for the Hokage to return..."

Shisui muttered to himself, his clenched fist slowly loosening, his eyes still filled with worry.

But that confusion and pain have been replaced by a do-or-die determination.

He could not stand by and watch his family go further down the wrong path, nor could he betray his own beliefs.

No matter how treacherous the road ahead, he would try to find that perhaps existing, difficult but correct "third way".

clang--

The New Year's bells echoed over Konoha Village.

……

Two days later.

The Land of Water, the Hidden Mist Village.

The New Year's bells still seemed to echo in his ears as Qingwu bid farewell to Terumi Mei in the misty morning.

He had promised to stay for the Lunar New Year, but now that the New Year is over, it's time for him to leave.

"The succession ceremony is in three days. It's not too late to leave after you attend the ceremony."

Mei Terumi dismissed her subordinates, her blue eyes filled with a sincere plea for them to stay.

The succession of the Mizukage is the most important event in Kirigakure. Numerous trivial matters have left her looking tired, but her demeanor is different from before, and she has the air of a superior.

Qingwu stood in the courtyard and shook his head, saying, "Times have changed. My staying here might not be a good thing for you or for Wuyin."

Mei Terumi was slightly taken aback.

Qingwu continued, "Now that you've just taken the throne, you need to establish your absolute authority, rather than letting outsiders think you're relying on outsiders. My departure will allow you to handle internal affairs more freely."

Mei Terumi remained silent.

She knew that Qingwu was right. As she was about to become the Fifth Mizukage, every move she made was related to the reputation and stability of Kirigakure.

The prolonged presence of Senju Seigo, a renowned "calamity" in the ninja world, is indeed likely to attract unnecessary speculation and pressure.

His decision to leave before the coronation ceremony was both to avoid suspicion and for her sake.

"But……"

She understood, but she still couldn't bear to part with him. When Qingwu was around, even if she did nothing, she would feel... at ease.

"I've been away from the front lines for too long, and I need to go back and take a look."

Qingwu said, "Once things are settled here and you are ready to visit Konoha, I will come and accompany you."