Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"How'd you enter the village?"

The girl (about his age, no identifying markers in terms of gear, a sensible braid, warm brown eyes-) hesitates, and then looks out the window with a sheepish expression on her face. “Fast.”

It is at this precise moment that Shisui feels his heart fall out of his chest and into the hands of the nameless maybe-Nara standing before him. Fast?  Her words, and the wry tone that colours them, are striking. And it’s not just because she’s swept into his life wielding power and skill like it is carved into her bones, or exposed Danzo in front of so many of Konoha’s elite, but because she’s done all of that and she’s still managed to retain a sense of humour.

She’s probably not ROOT. She’s completely upended his whole life. She’s definitely the catalyst for what will no doubt be months of bureaucracy and council meetings and tense conversations. She’s wonderful.

Shisui’s known her for less than a day, but if anything happens to her, he will probably cry and cause an international incident.

“…You know, you’re not the only one who wants to track down Danzo,” he says in as casual a manner as he can muster. “I think every able-bodied member of my clan is angling for a spot on the squad.”

“They’re within their rights to do so, it’s just a case of who gets there first,” she hums. “He’ll be easier to take out since he shouldn’t have access to multiple Sharingan anyway.”

The wording makes him pause. “Multiple Sharingan?” Shisui asks.

“I had good reason to believe he already had one in his possession prior to my arrival,” she admits, eying him cautiously. “It’s why I didn’t bother being subtle.” She grimaces at whatever she sees on his face. “Danzo strikes me as the kind of person who wouldn’t stop at one.”

The measured way she says it stops him from outwardly flinching, but it still makes his spine shiver, because after all the truths that have been dragged into the light today, nothing beats seeing the Sharingan hidden under those bandages. It is one thing to attempt bloodline theft, and quite another to have done so successfully and without repercussion for so many years. The Hokage is no doubt currently fielding some very awkward questions from various Clan heads.

He hasn’t spoken with Mikoto-sama, but he doesn’t need her to confirm that the eye embedded in Danzo’s skull is Uchiha Kagami’s – he can connect the dots easily enough on his own. The kunoichi before him has given his Clan more than due cause to demand answers from the Hokage, to refute rumours, to bind themselves more closely with fellow Clans in the village who are equally furious – there is a debt there that cannot be repaid.

“If you’d like any assistance, count this as me volunteering,” Shisui says, shifting into a more comfortable position in his hospital bed. “The surgery went well, and I’ll recover quickly enough, so if you’re amenable maybe we could team up sometime? You should know that you’re not the only one here who’s got to go fast!”

His words elicit a laugh from his audience, her brown eyes lighting up with something that almost looks like surprised delight, and Shisui basks in it. He knows he is being extremely unsubtle in the way that he is angling for future contact, but she does not seem too offended or upset, and the grin that lingers in the corners of her mouth is very promising.

“We’ll see,” she says.

Shisui tries not to grin too widely even as his mind races. (They’re on the clock, after all – at some point or another someone will come back in to check on Shisui – a medic, or maybe even Uzume-sensei if she’s finished speaking with the Clan. If maybe-Nara is a missing nin of some kind, he’s never heard of her – she could have been playing dead until she tipped her hand today, and there’s a chance she may disappear out of his life as quickly as she’s entered it.)

“Does my speedy saviour have a name she goes by?” he asks, not expecting a clear reply but hopeful and desperately trying not to show it.

The way that she looks at him tells him that he is not completely successful in suppressing this, or maybe she is just that good at reading him already. He’s not functioning at his best, admittedly. Shisui feels like an overexposed nerve.

“Maybe next time,” she says instead. “There isn’t…really a name I can claim.” Her eyes darken briefly, and it is not the reaction Shisui wants to see, because now she looks – not sad, but tired. Like grief which has not yet settled, because the mind is aware, but the heart is unwilling.

“If you don’t have a name to share, I suppose I could always give you one?” he offers. She looks like she’d be a good friend. Like she could use a good friend, right about now. “I need to be able to call you something, and I don't think Mysterious Shadow Girl's going to cut it."

She looks surprised by this, but her confusion makes way for implacable composure. “You’re quick to befriend the suspicious ninja with no name,” she says, not quite warningly, but close to it. You shouldn’t be getting attached, her eyes are saying.

Too late, Shisui thinks. He has pretty good instincts, and every one of them is telling him that this person is important and someone Shisui should be getting to know better.

He gets that she isn’t – can’t afford to be – forthcoming, especially if she wants to protect whatever clan ties she no longer allows herself to outwardly claim. All Shisui can do is take note of what she emphatically doesn’t talk about, the things she skirts around in whatever little conversation they have.

(A name she can’t claim, not just her Clan name but her personal name as well – is it an inherited one, easily traced back to whatever branch family from the Nara she comes from? Is her original identity now lost to her, because she’d faked her death or even watched as someone wiped her name from the records, left her adrift without a way for her to piece an identity for herself?)

Whatever it is, it’s complicated, and not something she really wants to talk about. Shisui gets that. Family is complicated. Shisui settles for a bright smile, and then lowers his uninjured eye bashfully even as he allows the tiniest trickle of chakra into it so that he can activate the Sharingan to capture a snapshot of this moment – a beautiful memory to offset the terrible ones from earlier, and something for him to immortalise for later consideration once his companion has left the village in pursuit of her quarry.

He doesn’t make eye contact with her as he does so – doesn’t want to come across as too forward or confrontational given everything today – and so he doesn’t see her reaction. What he does see though-

–It’s stars all the way down. Swirling silvers and golds in her hair and eyes, the ethereal glow of a moon, ever-waxing and waning. The pressures of weighty silences and encroaching shadows, of gracefully shifting tides and the flashbang of comets that leave sparks in their wake, she who wanders between life and death–

–before his eye fades to black and he collapses back into his pillow.

He can still see stars. The urge to swoon is becoming more difficult to ignore.

“For someone who remains in the shadows,” Shisui says, “you’re rather bright, you know?”

“Am I now,” she says, posture dangerously relaxed, tone faintly disapproving (probably due to the rather ill-advised Sharingan usage - she's likely overheard the medics telling him to avoid using it while his reattached eye, the one she's helped save, recovers. She's worried about him! That's sweet of her.)

"You're very distinct." He hums thoughtfully, and then clears his throat once he’s shaken himself out of his reverie. He still has spots dancing in front of him. “You, uh, might want to do something about it,” he adds lamely.

“I’ll see what I can do,” she says, after murmuring something that sounded like Sharingan hack piercing the veil. “You’ll have other things to worry about, yourself.”

“Like the disgraced elder running around with my ancestor’s eye?” Shisui sighs.

“I’m thinking more about the people he’s left behind,” she says, looking as tired as he feels. “You – you’ll probably need to get in touch with Jiraiya-sama about counteracting the seal, because there’s only so much they’ll be able to divulge even if they want to – and you’ll also need to work out some kind of rehabilitation scheme sooner or later. Most of the privatised force he’s built skews on the younger side for obvious reasons,” she elaborates after he’s raised an eyebrow. “He’s put them through a lot – I don’t know how much you know about graduation in ROOT – and they’ll need support, no matter how long or short their…service. I think some might even prefer retiring out of active duty and trying their hand at something more civilian – if the option’s made available to them.”

Shisui closes his mouth, unsure of when it exactly it’s fallen open. This goes beyond what he expected her to say. (Implies a greater understanding of Danzo’s methods, all but confirms plans for counterattacks and manoeuvres to mitigate the damage and protect the rank and file that have found themselves in Danzo’s clutches.)

He has a lot of questions after his timely rescue, but there is now one that remains unspoken and sits in the back of his throat like a hot ember.

How long have you been watching Danzo? The village? Me, even? What were you initially planning to do, before you found out what was happening in that bunker, and couldn’t stop yourself from doing something about it?

Her timing had been impeccable, and the way she's patiently hidden – in his shadow, ever since Danzo fled and the village remained on high alert – means that she’s no slouch when it comes to the subtleties of infiltration. She knows something about ROOT’s inner workings, about sealing and the young recruits, she’s sympathetic, and she’s destroyed whatever cover she has to save him.

There is something much bigger than himself happening here.

Mysterious Nara shifts, her head tilted as if she’s heard something from very far away. “I think that’s my cue to leave,” she says, vaguely apologetic.

(A sensor? That would explain a lot, wouldn't it, did she see what was happening in that bunker-?)

“I really couldn’t stop you even if I wanted to,” Shisui says. “So instead, I'll tell you that if you ever need help you can get in touch with the Crows and ask for Kansoku. And I'll wish you safe travels, Shikabane-hime.”

There is no discernable reaction to the title, but Shisui's sure it's one that she can claim for herself. The Sharingan doesn't lie about this kind of thing.

“Thanks, I'll remember it." A warm smile. "Look after yourself, Shunshin no Shisui.”

And with a subtle shift of shadows, she’s gone.

Shisui leans back into his pillows with a sigh.

He wants to do many things, but first and foremost he wants to get some sleep and put all these traumatic experiences behind him, if only for a moment. Then he needs to sit down and have a good talk with Uzume, debrief properly with Inoichi-sama and the Jounin Commander and Mikoto-sama. And then, he’ll have to talk with Itachi sometime, because trajectories have shifted, and they have options available to them that Shisui had never thought were on the table.

…The squad being sent after Danzo should have a Sharingan wielder to balance things out, right? Maybe even two. Shisui’s should probably begin prepping possible arguments. Uzume might not very happy about it, but if he can get her onside…he needs to introduce her to Shikabane-hime, after all. They could bond over Danzo’s death, couldn’t they?

As the newly arrived medic-nin (Nara, how appropriate, how very telling) check his vitals, Shisui allows himself to be carried away by his thoughts, and eventually, sleep. For the first time in a long while, it comes easily.

Shikako doesn’t linger in Shisui’s room for very long, despite her explanation of waiting for security levels to die down – there’s just too many variables from the moment she jumped head-first into invading her own village, and she’s avoiding all Nara at the moment, especially her father. Instead, she carefully extricates herself, still in shadow-form, and doesn’t manifest herself until she’s well outside the village walls and has successfully dodged two security teams.

She maybe, very carefully, tries to sense the remaining ROOT members in the village on her way out – Danzo only took a few with him when he was forced to flee, the ones directly assisting him in his confrontation with Shisui who managed to avoid being captured or stunned. The rest are left to the Village’s tender mercies, either because Danzo is cutting his losses or maybe even because he expects them to hold firm against interrogation until he’s found some way to come back and salvage the situation. He hasn’t been declared a missing-nin officially yet, Shikako doesn’t think, although it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours, and who’s to say what the Clans will decide once they’ve raked Sarutobi over the coals?

The cluster that makes up the bulk of Danzo’s forces are not as large as they probably are in the future, but it’s still concerning to see. The ones present don’t appear to be resistant to the new circumstances within the Village – possibly Sarutobi was brought in for a quick address to confirm or sway loyalty – and there are enough Yamanaka present to enforce things more-or-less peaceably. Upper-level ROOT operatives are likely being vetted elsewhere under Inoichi's purview, if Shikako's sensing can be trusted. Processing for the younger, unblooded members is being directed by Morino Ibiki and, strangely enough, Aburame Shibi. She gives them a wide berth – the latter is buzzing rather erratically even as he tags every young child with a kikaichu.

She doesn’t spot anyone that looks like they could be a young Sai. She has no idea if his brother has managed to survive what’s just happened either. Hopefully, her meddling hasn’t damned the people that she’d been hoping to save.

It explains why, even after Shikako successfully gets the hell out of dodge, she keeps an eye out for anything pertaining to Danzo’s presence as she makes her way towards the Dead Wastes.

She doesn’t come across him – more’s the pity – but she does come across a young Gaara wandering the sand dunes. He looks very small and very depressed. It is almost physically painful to see, and in line with the kind of luck she's been having recently, so after a small skirmish she tries to channel her inner Naruto, and initiates a conversation about meaningful bonds and teamwork and the importance of communication. (She’s had a couple of stilted conversations with Kankuro to know that he and Temari really appreciated being able to interact with their own brother once that was actually an option.) Maybe she also throws in a hint or two about people ‘like him’ existing in the world as well - because Gaara can only benefit from knowing he's not alone (and it's hardly his fault that Shukaku is constantly baying for blood and scaring others.) Gaara seems receptive enough to the idea of developing a partnership with a Tailed Beast and talking more with his siblings, so she hopes things turns out well.

And because Gaara will need all the help and support he can get, Shikako gently ruffles his hair and tells him that she’ll give him a reminder that all things take time to flourish. (She doesn't want him to become discouraged on his journey to make friends and become Kazekage, and she knows just what will serve as a good reminder.)

As Gelel awakens before her - and Gaara watches from a suitable enough distance, eyes wide with wonder as the burgeoning greenery unfurls before him like a rare flower in the desert - she hopes that this is enough. That what she's changed is enough for a kinder future.

Suna’s gotten the Garden a little earlier, hopefully mitigating some of their economic issues. Gaara has some answers, and some encouragement to reach out to his siblings first. Danzo’s on the run, to be addressed by a more active Konoha. Kakashi-sensei and Naruto have one less thing to worry about. The massacre has hopefully been averted, with Sasuke possibly none the wiser of what he was so close to losing. Shisui will live.

She’s done what she can - the rest is up to them.

Gaara of the Desert returns to Suna having apparently found religion (and also been the recipient of some kind of divine miracle, if rumours are to be believed.) It’s either that or some encroaching Senju came across Gaara and rather than being accidentally, horrifically murdered, was instead generous enough to grow a literal garden as some kind of unforeseen show of political support slash collaboration. Rasa is not sure which option is worse.

Yashamaru returns from a mission to find his brother-in-law in the middle of an emergency council session about the arable land sitting where the Dead Wastes used to be, both of his nephews paging through Suna’s collection of myths and legends looking for anything in the records resembling a ‘Shikabane-hime’, and his niece assembling what appears to be a shrine in her closet. It is the start of many new headaches for Yashamaru.

Chapter Text

Flip, parry, dodge. Everything is a blur as Uzume forces Shisui to navigate through the uneven terrain of the Pit and avoid her strikes. She watches keenly as he feints to the left and avoids her kick with a substitution – moves forward with a timely swipe, and one, two, three punches in quick succession; she flings out a small fireball as he pulls back, then swings forward, watch that footwork now, you foolish boy –

Shisui falls to the ground and automatically pulls into a roll before neatly springing back to his feet. Uzume grunts appreciatively and deactivates her Sharingan. “Not bad,” she says, tossing him a canteen of water. “How’s the eye?”

“Good.” Shisui looks at her and winks, eyes gratifyingly red before they fade to their usual black. “The medics were able to respond quickly, so no complications so far! The clan’s already cleared me too, but they don’t want me straining them anytime soon. Better be safe than sorry, I guess.”

Uzume nods in agreement, before jumping out of the Pit and taking a seat, feet dangling over the edge. After a brief pause, Shisui does the same. There’s only a little perspiration on his brow, the kind you get from a good workout that stops short of pushing you too hard. It's what Uzume's been aiming for - as much as she would like to put Shisui through his paces, it’s just not feasible, not right now. No one in the clan can afford to exhaust themselves, especially the ones working around the clock at the Station alongside T&I, trawling through missing person files.

The village is no longer officially in a state of high emergency, but ‘operational’ is still an accurate assessment of the current state of affairs. Any ninja not currently on duty is on standby until further notice, and the last thing Uzume heard was of the Hokage working alongside Akimichi Torifu to pull in various department heads in what is shaping up to be a never-ending stream of conferences.

“You’ve had a hellish time, but you’ve also got two fully-functioning eyes and the Clan at your back, so focus on recuperating first,” she says eventually. “You’re the only one left from the Clan who needs to give an official statement about what’s happened, but say the word and I’ll get them to push the interview back.”

Shisui shakes his head. “I’d prefer getting it over and done with. Analysis is collecting all the jounin and chunin reports from that day, right?”

“They are,” Uzume says. “You sure you’re up for it?”

Her student frowns. “I think so. Honestly, it hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but I’ve been distracted.” Shisui rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. “Everything just happened so fast. And that’s saying something, coming from me.”

Uzume swallows, then grits her teeth. “I don’t have to tell you just how lucky you are, Shisui,” she says, “but I’m going to, for as many times as it’ll stick. You were damn lucky that someone intervened when they did.”

Seeing Shisui with that bloodied eye socket had been the stuff of nightmares. Uzume's sleep last night was fitful at best, because every time she'd closed her eyes she’d seen Shisui clutching at his face, blood pouring from beneath his fingers. She hadn’t even been one of the first to arrive at the scene – no, she’d been tailing after the pursuit squads, and had surfaced only to find Amano hovering protectively over Shisui while chaos reigned in that bunker.

“It wasn’t luck,” Shisui pouts. “I had a friend looking out for me.”

“Friend, huh? Is that what you’re calling her?”

“Well, it fits, doesn’t it? I’ve heard the stories by now.” Shisui grins. "Zooming through the village, causing a commotion at the Tower, drawing a crowd of fifty or so high-ranking ninja from various pursuit teams and ANBU squads, as well as the Hokage? All to catch Danzo literally red-handed? What else would you call a person who does all that for you?”

“...I’d call them both suspicious and someone to be thankful for in hindsight,” Uzume says, hiding a wince. She hopes Shisui hasn't been getting into the Clan records recently -  according to some of the documented stories from the Warring States Period, such a person willing to do that much could be called several things, ranging from 'trusted ally and blood brother' to 'soulmate’.

There is no way Uzume is telling Shisui that though. She feels like she’s barely handling things as they are - the last thing she needs is Shisui believing he must return a favour for someone whose identity and motivations are still annoyingly undetermined. "It’s really too bad she couldn’t have gotten to you before he’d carved your eye out of your face," she mutters, making a show of grumbling even as she pats him assuredly on his shoulder.

“Oh!” Shisui looks thoughtful as he considers her words. “Well,” he says again, “at least now no one can try to claim he didn’t commit bloodline theft. Too many people saw.”

“I suppose.” And that’s the crux of the matter. As much as Uzume wishes the past few days never occurred in the first place, she’s forced to admit at least privately that it’s possibly one of the best things that could have happened to the Uchiha. The current unease is forcing everyone to take a step back and take a good, hard look at the state of the village, and even at this stage in the ongoing investigation, it’s clear that a lot has been found wanting.

It’s gotten to the point that Mikoto has been invited for tea at the Hyuuga Compound - twice - and Headquarters have opened their doors to several outsiders in order to share the workload that is a longer haul of investigations. Fugaku, far more in his element as Head of the Military Police than at the forefront of the Clan, has sworn in a small number of non-Uchiha ‘consultants’ to work alongside his most trusted detectives. His son Itachi has been taken off the active roster and kept close, shadowing his father's footsteps at Headquarters. There is even talk about Shisui being given further opportunities outside of ANBU now that he can be spared.

The changes in the Compound are just on the surface of what’s happening in-village. Many field operatives have had to be informed, called back, diverted. Danzo himself is currently fleeing from the village with a handful of agents and – perhaps despite the wishes of the hopefully-soon-to-be-former Hokage – a not-inconsiderable number of pissed-off Aburame, with Inuzuka trackers in tow. If Uzume had known they felt so strongly about the traitorous elder, she might have reached out to Shibi sooner. Or pushed Shisui to make some friends.

(More friends. Because apparently, Shisui has befriended a Mysterious Shadow Girl – possibly Nara missing-nin, definitely a Person of Interest – and it’s because of her intervention that Uzume’s student is in possession of both his eyeballs and an infatuation that can be seen from the moon. Uzume probably owes this girl her student’s life, which is galling in its own way because the rumours haven’t confirmed much besides the fact that they’ve got a Nara - of special jounin rank at minimum - working off the books.)

It's very possible that the Uchiha are going to be dealing a lot more directly with the Nara in the days to come. Mikoto has indicated as much when she'd gone to have a word with the Nara Clan Head while Shisui was undergoing surgery. Uzume needs to wheedle whatever info the Uchiha matriarch learned from that encounter so she knows what the next step is going to be. 

(The item Mikoto had given her earlier burns in her pocket. She'll need to give it to Shisui before he leaves the Compound for that interview.)

"Uh, Uzume-sensei?"

Her attention draws back to Shisui, who’s now shifting in his spot next to her. Uzume side-eyes him. “Well?” she asks, tapping her knee with one finger. “What? Out with it, Shisui.”

Her student clears his throat, and then Uzume feels the subtle workings of a genjutsu layering around the both of them. Once it settles, Shisui carefully grips at her sleeve in a way that he has carefully avoided doing since joining ANBU. “I have some concerns," he says, eyes apprehensive. "About what happened in that bunker, and afterward. They aren’t something I can just tell anyone. No one else saw.”

The fine hairs on the back of Uzume’s neck prickle. “Shisui,” she hisses. “What did you see?” What did your Mangekyo notice? What did everyone else miss?

“The girl. If she was a part of ROOT, it wasn’t for long,” Shisui admits. “She’s too personable for it, and the seals around her…they don’t fit ROOT’s usual methods. And then there’s her name.”

“You told the Hokage that she claimed the name Shikabane-hime. That your Sharingan confirmed it.”

“Yes. I just neglected to mention the other name my Sharingan observed?”

“Another name?”

Shisui looks at her, mouth pursed thoughtfully. “I don’t know how to fully describe it, but they were…intertwined? Shikabane-hime, and Gelel.”

Gelel.

Uzume has to suppress a full-body shudder upon hearing it spoken aloud. It’s as if someone has stepped over her grave. “Alright, you’ve definitely stumbled on something outside your pay grade.” She frowns to herself. “Gelel doesn’t ring a bell from any of the clan records, but there were a lot of shrines back in the day that are no longer around or went unrecorded. Also, ‘Corpse Princess’? Like that’s not ominous at all.”

“I had a feeling you’d say something like that,” Shisui says wryly. “But given our profession, I don’t think it’s anything too alarming?”

“Nevertheless, this Shikabane-hime must have lived through some very unusual experiences, to get saddled with a name like that.” She looks at him. “I’ll see what I can scrounge up about Gelel, but don’t get your hopes up.”

“Even if it’s a dead-end, anything that you find could provide insight into what Shikabane-hime’s been tangled up in,” Shisui reasons.

“Besides the treason that she’s very much still tangled up in,” Uzume says pointedly.

“I don't think they've made any official statements about that,” Shisui says, eyes wide and artless.

“Sure,” Uzume snorts. “Anything else I ought to know?”

“…She’s lonely,” Shisui says after a pause. “And kind too. She must be, to choose to blow her cover so openly on my behalf. I’ve been thinking about it since the hospital - when Shikabane-hime flung Danzo’s treason in everyone’s faces, she did so in a way that nobody could dismiss out of hand.” He huffs. “And since she did it all on her own, I'm not sure if she has any backup.”

“She does,” Uzume says gruffly even as she clasps Shisui’s shoulder. “Mikoto-sama has already made contact with Nara Shikaku, and all I know is that what he isn’t saying is  just as intriguing as what he is.”

Shisui perks up. “Does he know something?”

“He’s the Jounin Commander, and the Hokage hasn’t appointed anyone else to take over the investigation from him even with the knowledge of a Nara operative circling around the upper ranks. He definitely knows something. Word has it he’s been in a foul mood since.”

“...But it’s the Hokage,” Shisui frets. “If he wants to shut down the investigation, or shift it into a different direction, he could appoint someone else, couldn't he?"

“Oh, he can try, but it wouldn't look good. He’s already calling in department heads and clan leaders, and it's likely he'll continue to do so even once the council of elders have been fully investigated.” Uzume smirks at Shisui. “If I had to guess, it’s that the Sandaime can’t afford to sideline someone like Nara Shikaku right now, for multiple reasons.”

No, Uzume thinks with some satisfaction, it’s entirely possible that the Sandaime is in fact desperate not to rock the boat any more than it’s already been. Shimura Danzo's standing in the village (and in Sarutobi Hiruzen's confidences) was hardly low, and each successive discovery of duplicity will have the Clans of the village banding closer together, out of sheer affront if nothing else.

“What does this mean for us?” Shisui asks.

Uzume shrugs. “It means that if the Uchiha reach out to the Nara in gratitude, no one can really raise a fuss. After all, Shikabane-hime did save your life. It’s only natural we’d want to show our appreciation.”

Shisui brightens. “So, the Nara haven't disavowed her actions, if what you're saying is true. And where they go, the Akimichi and the Yamanaka may very well follow.”

“Exactly.” A connection to the tri-alliance of InoShikaCho could be just what the Uchiha needs to turn things around. While Uzume really shouldn’t be placing her hopes outside the Clan, the past few days have been strange ones, and she's almost hopeful. Shibi has even mentioned something about ‘catching up’ with her and Amano soon, and she’s looking forward to hearing what he’s been up to - as well as what he’s been hiding behind his not-quite-so-immaculate poker face since things went down.

"Hmmm." Shisui looks thoughtful. “Jounin Commander Nara Shikaku, Torture and Interrogation’s Analysis Expert Yamanaka Inoichi, and Noble Clan Leader Akimichi Chouza…huh. This might make dismantling the genjutsu easier?”

Uzume freezes. “The genjutsu?” she parrots.

Shisui smiles sheepishly in response. “I probably should have mentioned it first,” he said, “but it seemed more important to talk about Shikabane-hime before getting into the intel she’s passed onto me. Specifically, the implications of Shimura Danzo being ‘the kind of person who wouldn’t stop at one’.”

She’s about to demand he explain, but it hits Uzume at that moment - Shisui’s genjutsu. It’s been active all this time, but now, so are his eyes.

“Shisui,” she says, mind racing furiously as his Sharingan starts to spin, “you little shit, what genjutsu-”

…Would be confident to assess her ability as, at minimum, jounin level…

Shikaku closes the latest file, pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs.

The past forty-eight hours have been an absolute clusterfuck of a situation. Every department and squad is on call in some capacity, and every ninja rostered has been given duties to fulfill or forces to coordinate. Konoha has been a hive of activity, and despite the threat level being scaled back enough to allow for an illusion of normalcy for the general forces and wider civilian population, every high-ranking ninja is settling in for the long haul.

T&I has naturally been at the helm of things, liaising with everyone from the Police to the Tracking Squad and Border Patrols. As Jounin Commander, Shikaku has been coordinating all the testimonies of those in his forces who responded to the initial alert, as well as the movements of those both in and outside of the village. Admittedly, Shikaku is a little too close to the situation, given the nature of the intel he’s been collecting, but after some of the children from ROOT had been positively identified by Inoichi’s team and the Military Police, Shikaku has a feeling that there will be few clans left untouched by Danzo’s efforts.

He’s gone over enough testimonies to know that the Nara have not avoided being directly affected by the traitor’s meddling. There is a general air of dissatisfaction amongst several of his jounin interviewed who’ve also come to the same realisation.

How far does this all go?

The official story being spread through the village is simple - an emergency drill, enacted by the Hokage to assess the village response to unanticipated or immediate threats. That the drill managed to unearth a traitor in the process was perhaps unfortunate when seen in a certain light, but ultimately beneficial, and the operation could therefore be seen as a success for the responding units.

Shikaku has had to say as much to his jounin with a straight face. Their carefully controlled responses were telling - many of them had been present during and after the event in question, after all. The sheer number of responders are what's making it difficult for the Sandaime to fully control the narrative within the village. At this point in time, the flags surrounding the nameless operative and her connection to Shimura Danzo seem to be comparable to an S-Rank secret.

So naturally, it had been only a matter of time before word got out. Just enough for everyone important enough, highly positioned enough, to know to that an ANBU operative (they must be ANBU, due to the secrecy around their identity) had been the one to blow the whistle on Elder Shimura’s betrayal. And due to the nature of just how many people had responded to the initial threat and seen her shift around and through obstacles, never mind stalling an entire group via shadow possession, it is an open secret among the upper ranks that the whistleblower must have been a Nara.

Shikaku has been fending off intrusive jounin and staring down curious subordinates ever since. It’s been very troublesome. 

Perhaps someone else in his position might have made his own demands towards the Hokage, as a Clan Head rather than Jounin Commander, but even when Shikaku acts quickly and decisively he always plays the long game. Sarutobi is afraid that Konoha will fracture under the weight of what Danzo had done, was trying to do, and he cannot curtail the rising pressure from the clans forever. Despite Shikaku’s misgivings (and he has made some of his feelings very clear) he’s also shown a willingness to stabilise whatever unrest surfaces from the investigations. 

(Besides, going along with Sarutobi Hiruzen’s story is just convenient - it’s going to make integrating his missing clanmate that much easier when the official word is presenting her as one of their elite operatives, with all the quirks that the corps are traditionally known for, rather than a traitor herself.)

It will be worth it, in the long run. Nothing is being confirmed until the next meeting with the clans could be held to officially address what the initial debrief and investigations unearthed. The kunoichi clearly has ties to ROOT and the Village in some capacity, and therefore it would settle many to receive confirmation that she is likely one of theirs, rather than a foreign operative. Steps will have to be taken to control the rampant rumour mill before it spreads beyond the village's borders.

Sandaime's track record with keeping abreast of national secrets is...erratic, if current events are any indication. And so, despite Shikaku himself knowing little about an unknown Nara, he and his clan haven’t come under suspicion, because Sarutobi Hiruzen can’t afford to alienate them or point fingers, not when the trappings of ROOT are unearthed wherever people dig deep enough. Shikaku continues to fulfil his duties as Jounin Commander, because again, Sarutobi can’t afford to undermine his authority and appoint someone else to lead the investigation when doing so might reflect just how badly how he’s handled things up to this point.

Sarutobi Hiruzen must choose his allies carefully now that one of his own close comrades has proven so treacherous. His former teammates, along with many other Elders, are under investigation for their level of awareness surrounding Danzo’s decisions. Of Sarutobi’s comrades, only Akimichi Torifu appears above reproach, given his general avoidance of village politics, and the man has stirred from his usual position in the Akimichi clan only once his old teammate had made an appeal to him on behalf of the general unrest and their old ties. 

Chouza is keeping his ear to the ground while Shikaku and Inoichi are at the helm of their respective departments, but until identities and names are sorted, there are a lot of ninja (and children) that need feeding, and Chouza and his wife are kept busy. And then there's the number of Aburame that have taking to doing perimeter sweeps...

Shikaku’s brooding is interrupted by three successive knocks, and then Nara Ensui poking his head through the door. “Shikaku-sama,” he says, “your wife is here.”

He stares at him. “And?”

“...Right." Ensui coughs. "I’ll just send her through, shall I?”

“Yes,” Shikaku says calmly. “You go do that.”

“Of course, Shikaku-sama,” Ensui says. He doesn’t scurry away, but there is a notable haste to his steps while Shikaku tidies up his folders.

By the time Yoshino comes in, bento boxes in tow, the table has been cleared of anything sensitive.

“I got the runner you sent earlier – if you have all those meetings lined up then you might as well eat something now,” she says briskly as she puts one box to the side and unpacks the rest. “Do you think you’ll be home for dinner anytime soon?”

“The meeting tomorrow might run late, so it’s unclear,” he says, accepting the pair of chopsticks she hands him. There are traces of dirt residue under one of her fingernails, he notes. "“I will need to have someone relieve me to get a second opinion on the reports. How are things at home?”

“Busy.” Yoshino picks up a dumpling. “Shikamaru has been complaining about the Academy.”

Shikaku bets he has. They temporarily cancelled classes following the breach of the Village, and only just reinstated them to give the impression of routine and normalcy. It doesn’t take a genius, however, to notice the frequent roll calls, or the additional security patrols around the central buildings, the missing teacher or two from scheduled lessons.

“I’ve also been looking through the records.” Yoshino waits for Shikaku to confirm the secrecy seals have remained activated and continues once he nods. “There are no official matches, although I can confirm your suspicion that there are some gaps that could account for children left unrecognised, never mind those listed as deceased.”

“Has Enchu said anything?” he asks. Nara Enchu has been serving as a personal adviser within the Nara Clan from even before Shikaku was leader – if something took place during his father’s tenure, there is a good chance either he or Sembei would know about it.

“No, although he’s almost as upset as you are. If the Sandaime still sees fit to give Shimura Danzo a decent burial after everything, Enchu will absolutely go and spit on his grave.”

“He’d have my full support,” Shikaku grumbles. “The fallout is shaping up to be a complete mess.”

Yoshino is sympathetic. “Do they have a name for her, at least?”

Shikaku frowns. “The reports have been using the code name ‘Yurei’ – and given our mysterious Nara has not only avoided all attacks but also managed to go to ground afterwards, she’s certainly living up to the namesake.” He pauses. “When the Sandaime asked, he said Shisui mentioned the name ‘Shikabane-hime.’”

Corpse Princess. It’s a worrying title, and even more so for the way it mirrors the naming traditions of the Clan’s leadership. Shikaku is unsure why exactly his missing clan member is claiming such a name, but it feels like a warning. Like Shikaku has missed something vitally important or unwittingly simple.

(Three different Nara Jounin have come forward circumspectly to tell Shikaku that their errant clanmate has a passing resemblance to his wife. Uchiha Mikoto has also insinuated as much in their last conversation – and he trusts that the Sharingan would notice that sort of thing.)

He tells as much to Yoshino, who purses her lips, considering. “On its own, a similarity in features is odd but not unusual – but together with everything else, it’s worrying, isn’t it?” She packs away the empty bento boxes, before pushing the last unopened one in front of her husband. She then reaches out her hand and clasps one of his.

Shikaku stares down at the bento vacantly, and then back up at her. “Is this about what you did before you came here?” he asks. “What you–” found is what he wants to say, but his throat has closed up and he stops and clears his throat.

She squeezes his hand reassuringly. “After all the rumours in the village, I couldn’t rest easy until I checked for myself. I found no signs of a disturbance, but someone left these with her. I don’t know exactly when they took the opportunity, but it could have been any time after the burial. Perhaps Inoichi will be able to tell if it’s recent or from a while ago.”

Shikaku’s hand doesn’t shake as he removes the lid of the bento box and peers at the only item housed within it - a single white chrysanthemum flower, dried and withered.

Shikaku knows that chrysanthemums are the most common flowers at funerals. They symbolise the grief of those left behind. However, they also symbolise truth – and truth is, neither Shikaku nor Yoshino placed this flower with Shikako-chan when they had to bury her.

“Do you think Shikabane-hime left this?” Yoshino asks him.

Shikaku grits his teeth and replaces the lid, hides away the flower from sight. “It’s possible,” he says. “Shikabane-hime has likely left the village at this point, but she may have gone through the clan grounds and missed our patrols – the deer wouldn’t have obstructed her like they would an interloper. She could very well have made a detour before she left.”

Shikabane-hime would have been young, during the attack all those years ago, Shikaku thinks idly. Around Academy age, although there aren’t any records of her attending – not even for the foundational classes that so many of the young ROOT operatives had gone to before Inoichi found they’d been summarily removed. Had she been in the village, when the Kyuubi attacked? Had all of the children been? And if they had, were they forced to sit, and watch, and wait, as the Kyuubi rampaged, as the death toll rose?

(Shikaku tries to recall if any of Danzo’s masked operatives had taken part in the evacuation or fighting, but the memories elude him, washed away by the grief and exhaustion of the aftermath of that day. Surely, they must have – maybe not in ROOT uniform, if Danzo was aiming to jealously guard identities like ANBU did, but someone would have noted unfamiliar faces in the following investigation, surely –)

 “I think,” Shikaku says, getting to his feet, “that I need to go for a walk.”

“Ah. Well,” Yoshino says, as she recognises the look on her husband’s face, “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“Me too,” Shikaku says. He then raises Yoshino’s hand to his face and brushes his lips against the inside of her wrist – a promise and a reassurance, all at once. “I'm sorry.”

“You just need to bring her home,” Yoshino says fiercely. “It’s the least of what she deserves, if what I’ve been hearing is any indication. If we can’t find a name, we can just give her one, can’t we?”

Shikaku smirks. “That’s true.”

(Yoshino might be comforted by the determined furrow in Shikaku's brow, but Ensui is anything but when his Clan Head strides out of the office and says he’s ‘going out’. The last time Nara Shikaku looked like this, heads had rolled – literally, in the case of that one Iwa-nin squadron.)

“Inoichi-sama, Uchiha Shisui is here to see you.”

Inoichi has already gotten Shikaku settled in the side-room, which is just as well. “He’s earlier than I thought he’d be,” he says, looking briefly at the clock. “Is Shisui alone?”

“His teacher Uchiha Uzume is accompanying him,” his secretary says. “She's happy to wait until you’re finished - says she’s just here to make sure her foolish student isn’t accosted by more bloodline-hungry senior citizens while strolling through the streets of Konoha. Her words, not mine.”

Inoichi snorts. Recent ambush aside, Shisui’s a young shinobi with a very respectable mission record. To have a relative hovering around him like so…he wonders how Shisui feels, being treated like a freshly graduated genin rather than the accomplished shinobi he is. 

(Embarrassed, possibly. Loved, undoubtedly.) 

And then Inoichi thinks about the message it sends, for someone like Shunshin no Shisui to be escorted from his Clan Compound and through the village to an appointment, for Uchiha Uzume to be so bold as to throw in everyone’s faces that she has good reason not to trust her own student’s safety in his own home. Is it fear that drives her? Spite?

(Both. It’s definitely both. He can’t fault her reasoning either, not when Fu is still unaccounted for. Inoichi is getting more cynical in his old age.)

“I’m not too surprised,” he says noncommittally. “Send them both in, will you? I would like to have a word with Uzume as well, so she’s welcome to escort him here.”

As his secretary retreats, Inoichi stretches his arms and rolls his shoulders back carefully. He’s spent too much time holed up with T&I and at the helm of Analysis, but needs must, and the Nara aren’t the only clan with a stake in unravelling exactly what Danzo has been up to.

Fu is not among the agents in the village, and wasn’t one of those that could be identified as having fought alongside Danzo and fled. As far as Inoichi can tell, Fu was one of a small number of shinobi who weren't completely consumed by ROOT to the point that they were assigned an identity and a number in lieu of a name or clan. It sickens Inoichi to realise that Fu was likely a part of the more public ‘face’ of ROOT, and whatever advantages or opportunities he was given would hardly be worth the cost of whatever it took to stay in Danzo’s graces – especially now, when any involvement with Danzo is viewed with suspicion and concern.

No matter - the priority now is the wellbeing of the errant ROOT operatives. Any rehabilitation will have to come after he has found Fu.

Yamanaka Suisen has been given an empty office at Police Headquarters to work out of, as her team liaisons with Intelligence and the Uchiha to trawl through missing person reports in the hopes of identifying more of the ROOT members currently stuck in limbo. Last he’d heard, they’d determined that three of the young children in the program were academy dropouts, five were orphans who’d disappeared from the system, and another two were identified as being from minor clans - and surprisingly active for children who were supposed to be dead and buried in their family plots.

Inoichi still can’t wrap his head around it, and has heard as much from his colleagues during his regular checks. This should be peacetime, and yet…

(Sometimes, Inoichi feels like he’s just floating through the motions, or stuck in a lucid dream where everything is slightly off-kilter. Maybe, if he just slows down, the village will stop being so alien, and things would start making sense-)

The knock at the door shakes Inoichi out of his reverie. “Come in,” he says.

The door opens, and Uchiha Shisui hovers politely at the entrance, Uzume at his shoulder. “Yamanaka-sama,” he demurs.

You would hardly guess he’d been the victim of such a personal attack less than three days prior. That it, until you registered the eye patch he was wearing. It's an uncomfortable visual parallel to Shimura Danzo, and a stark reminder for just how close Shisui had gotten to becoming another young victim of Danzo's private army.

“Thank you for being up for this,” Inoichi says, as Shisui and Uzume sit across from him, the latter with her arms folded. “We have enough on our...illustrious Elder with all of the accounts collected over the past two days, but as the focal point of the inciting event, both the Jounin Commander and I thought it best to speak to you directly once you weren’t having to contend with the injuries you accrued from said event.” Inoichi allows the bite in his words to shine through - Shisui and Uzume would appreciate the candour, and it’s not quite a formal interview he’s trying to run here. “How are you feeling?”

“Not too bad, all things considered,” Shisui says, shoulders loose and arms relaxed. “I have plenty of distractions to occupy my mind, take my mind off of bad memories, even if I’m supposed to be off active duty for the next few days.”

(He’ll need to pass evaluations if he wants to take to the field once more, but that’s not saying much – not when the likes of Hatake Kakashi are still as active as ever. Inoichi will have to see if he can push through paid medical leave at the very least.)

“I’m afraid some of those bad memories may resurface now that we are piecing together all the data we have,” Inoichi says sympathetically.

Shisui nods. “That’s actually what I wanted to speak to you about,” he says. “Before we talk any further. You need to be aware that my Sharingan was active the entire time I was in that bunker, so while all the details are there it’s not going to be pleasant.”

Inoichi guessed as much, but nods in understanding, allowing a wince to make its way on his face for Shisui to see. Having an eye removed in such a traumatic fashion, and then having the process immortalised in your subconscious, is hardly something you want to be saddled with. 

“Furthermore,” Shisui says, “I’ve had a chance to recuperate from my hospital visit, and there are things I need to tell you that will affect the investigation. Do you think you could do the Mind-Door Transmission? It’s…hard to put into words. You’re not going to like it,” he warns.

Inoichi has not liked anything that has surfaced in investigations thus far, but he understands the sentiment. “I’ll take greater precautions,” he assures Shisui.

Having Yamashiro Aoba and Nara Shikaku on standby is helpful, but Shisui is right – Inoichi doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like it at all. Poor Aoba is soon ushered out of the room, relegated to updating records while Inoichi pukes up his guts for a good minute, Uzume pounding on his back in a bracing show of sympathy. It’s a very uncool look, but Inoichi makes up for it by summarily giving Aoba permission to go out and spread rumours about his boss responding poorly to eye-gouging, in order to cover up the actual village conspiracy Uchiha Shisui has unearthed due to insidious genjutsu.

“What did you do?” Inoichi asks once he’s regained his equilibrium, mind racing. He swears. “That was a genjutsu you broke, wasn’t it? How long has it been in place for?” How long have I been compromised?

“A few years, I think,” Shisui says, looking grim but satisfied. “I wasn’t a hundred percent sure it was going to be there, but I had a hunch and it’s proven to be correct.” He looks at Inoichi and Shikaku, Sharingan spinning lazily in both uncovered eyes before they fade to black. “It’s one of the first questions I asked myself when I saw underneath Shimura Danzo’s bandages. Where did he get that Sharingan? How long has he had it? More importantly, what has he been using it for?’”

Inoichi’s blood runs cold. 

“I’m guessing that the reason why Danzo went undetected for years is that he had a little help nudging things to fall in line with what he wanted,” Shisui says. “Uzume-sensei was on standby in case there was any backlash to breaking the jutsu, but I’m glad you brought in Nara-sama today – it made things easier to disrupt the genjutsu on both of you.” Shisui turns to Shikaku apprehensively. “How are you feeling, Nara-sama?”

Inoichi can understand Shisui’s hesitance. Shikaku’s shadow seems darker, and on occasion appears to shudder at odd intervals. Shikaku is also eerily quiet.

“…I’m just recalibrating,” his friend says eventually. “And now I’ve seen what you wanted to show us, and gotten a sense of what Shimura Danzo was doing, I think I also need to hear from you exactly what happened that day, Shisui.”

Aside from general reputation, Shisui doesn’t know Nara Shikaku all that well. He has a sneaking suspicion that’s going to change, though, especially given that he’s probably the strongest lead they’ve got to track down Shikabane-hime.

Inoichi and Uzume-sensei are down the hall, going over what’s changed in terms of the new intel they’ve unearthed from dismantling the vestiges of the Konoamatsukami. It’s just him and the Jounin Commander, now.

“Uchiha Shisui.” The Jounin Commander shuffles through the reports in front of him. “I understand you have already given your verbal report to the Lord Third. This is an official interview to follow up with that, as we are now in the process of verifying intel based on multiple eyewitness accounts from the emergency drill.”

Right, the emergency drill. That’s the story being bandied about outside, and it seems both the Hokage and Jounin Commander are sticking to it. 

(Not that it necessarily means the upper echelons are accepting it as anything more than lip service. Danzo’s flight from the village and the ensuing fallout was hardly subtle. Shisui knows that there were several ANBU and jounin in that bunker who are more than discerning enough to recognise a counter-narrative when they see one, so he expects the official story to generate just as much gossip as the ongoing investigation itself.)

As a figure of interest from the whole debacle, he has orders about what he can and cannot divulge - confidentiality from up high, private oaths to uphold to the Clan, expectations as a loyal shinobi of Konoha’s military elite, and a more-than-personal stake in what happens to the person who’s saved his life. 

“I understand that, despite the strain placed upon you during your encounter with former Council member Shimura Danzo, you remained conscious for most of the events. Yamanaka Inoichi has verified this. Aburame Muta has also reported that he managed to counteract the paralytic administered by one of the ROOT members,” the Jounin Commander continues. “He has identified it as a clan technique unique to the kochu kikaichu breed, and I have confirmation that there is more than one Aburame in ROOT, which would explain why Shimura Danzo was able to corner you the way he did.”

“He definitely prepared for the encounter,” Shisui says grimly. “The hospital found no trace of the poison in my system, but apparently it remains undetectable to non-Aburame and I would have died within the next few hours if it was left untreated.” Shisui scratches the back of his neck. “I was very fortunate that Aburame Muta was able to identify and neutralise it upon arrival.” 

Unspoken is the understanding that without the commotion bringing in so many responders, Shisui’s chances of surviving for much longer would have been very slim indeed.

Shisui thinks about that, how close his brush with death was, how Konoha has both failed him and pulled through in different ways. He considers just how much has gone unspoken, continues to go unspoken, and the problems that come from not being able to confront things directly. His Clan has had to suffer in silence for what feels like years, too anxious and too proud to reveal any weaknesses to a place that was supposed to be home but had felt hostile in so many small ways.

He might need to remain silent on certain topics, but there is something Shisui needs to make clear, and there will be no better chance after this. Who better than the Jounin Commander and Nara Clan Head?

It’s worth the risk.

“I might have been able to escape and preserve my remaining eye,” Shisui says slowly, “but without Shikabane-hime’s intervention I wouldn’t have made it far or lasted very long. I certainly wouldn’t be here talking with you about it.”

Nara-sama stares at him. He looks down and writes down a few short sentences on a piece of paper before him, and then deliberately pushes the pile of reports to one side and closes the folder. “You believe her actions were purposeful.”

“Yes.” Shisui thinks back to the hospital room. “Shikabane-hime's actions have more-or-less confirmed that Danzo was her target, and I have reported that previously, so she must have been surveying the scene when he attacked. I’m comfortable in assuming her to be a sensor of some calibre.”

“It would go some way to explaining her successful exfiltration of the village,” Nara-sama muses. He looks at Shisui curiously. “Is Shikabane-hime really what she called herself?”

Shisui purses his lips. He did report to the Sandaime about that, but not so much about the superstitions surrounding the Sharingan or any reference to prior Clan records (which paint a rather more nuanced picture.) The only thing the Hokage knows is that his eyes recognised the title as one she could truthfully claim. “Have you been told many of the particulars of my initial report?” is what Shisui asks instead.

“The pertinent information,” the man says drily. “Such as the clanmate that appears to have been misplaced, and to follow up on the title you’ve unearthed.”

“Ah.” Shisui leans back in his chair. “I should preface this with more contextual detail then. It’s not really an element of the Sharingan that is much discussed. Too wild to bandy about.”

“Is it a clan secret?” Nara-sama asks cautiously.

Shisui wavers. “Not really? More...a warning, a superstition. We have a few records,” Shisui continues, voice firmer, “of certain holders of the Sharingan encountering unusual circumstances pre-Konoha. There are stories of the Sharingan seeing a lot more than it ought to, including events of - divine providence, shall we say?”

Shisui watches as the Jounin Commander mulls over this. “I take it this isn’t a common occurrence, then,” the man says eventually. “If you have to look back to records pre-Village to find accounts delving into this.”

“No.” Shisui is gratified to see that the Nara Head seems to be taking this seriously - as well he should. “Certain bloodlines can react in different ways, spiritually speaking, to certain stimuli. I believe that the Hyuuga have something similar in terms of their own dojutsu. There is a story passed down in both our clans about a practitioner that bled from the eyes and became blind after endeavouring to see something he wasn’t meant to. The idea is that he was punished for his transgression, although it was never clarified whether it was by a patron deity or a wandering god. Nevertheless, the tale exists as a reminder not to overtax your eyes or reach beyond your limits without careful consideration of the consequences.”

“I can see the reasoning,” Nara-sama says, voice considering. “There is, perhaps, something of a parallel to be found amongst my Clan, in terms of our own gifts. To overreach or rush ahead has consequences.” He turns to Shisui. “What does this mean for Shikabane-hime?”

“It means that the name she’s using is a title, and not one earned or shed lightly. No matter her name, she has had this particular title conferred upon her, whether by choice or circumstance, and that holds a lot of weight in my eyes. I’ve never seen anyone like her,” Shisui admits.

“None of the other Uchiha mentioned seeing this,” Nara-sama says, considering. “I have, however, spoken to many of the jounin that were in pursuit of this Shikabane-hime or within that bunker, among them a number of your clansmen. They all confirm that there appeared to be seals around her, prior to her disappearance from the scene.”

“They flickered,” Shisui says, thinking back. “It was like - they looked like they were malfunctioning, maybe? Or it’s possibly a purposeful feature.”

“I haven’t heard of anything to support the latter,” the Jounin Commander says carefully. “But it’s no secret to those in the know that Danzo has dabbled in seals, at least when it came to his special task force.”

You’ll probably need to get in touch with Jiraiya-sama about counteracting the seal…

“Have you contacted Jiraiya-sama?” Shisui asks, unable to help himself.

Nara Shikaku raises an eyebrow. “It would seem like a logical move, wouldn’t it?” he answers, which – is fair. Despite being so close to things, Shisui doesn’t have the clearance to be read in on all that much, he supposes. Nevertheless, it’s not so much a rebuff as a quiet acknowledgment of the trajectory of the investigation, which Shisui appreciates.

“So,” the other man continues, “I now have an overview of Shikabane-hime’s possible skill set and capabilities, along with further avenues to investigate. What would be useful in this situation, in order to predict her next move beyond pursuing Shimura Danzo, is a character assessment.” He looks at Shisui sardonically. “And it seems that, despite all the pursuers that day, I must turn to you if I wish to have answers.”

“I do have some thoughts,” Shisui says, hands clasped in front of him. “I mentioned some to Inoichi-sama while he was setting up the Mind-Door Transmission.”

“I know,” Nara-sama says. “But they were your thoughts. Rather than just second-hand accounts and your own observations, I wish to know exactly what Shikabane-hime’s said to you, so that I can extrapolate directly from there.”

Shisui…pauses. “And what makes you think I had the opportunity to speak directly with Shikabane-hime?” he asks, brow furrowed carefully.

“I think,” Nara Shikaku says, not unkindly, “that Shikabane-hime has taken great pains to keep you alive. It is possible she would want to confirm your wellbeing before she left. I also think,” the Jounin Commander leans forward, eyes dark with intent, “that there was a suitable window of time for her to have done so, post-surgery, after the anaesthetics wore off, if she were so inclined.”

Shisui mouth isn’t gaping, but it might as well be. The air is tense, not with killing intent, but with the distinct feeling of being observed by something so much larger and more dangerous than you. It’s in Nara Shikaku’s poise, the way he is languid even as his gaze is fixed and unyielding.

(Shikabane-hime’s stealth is good, and she demonstrated no issues leaving the Village, never mind how she entered it. Shisui is sure that no one else guessed at her presence within his shadow, or else their conversation would have been summarily interrupted by ANBU. It is suspicious, however, that for a good while Shisui had that empty hospital room to himself. At the time he’d been too preoccupied with keeping his cool in front of Shikabane-hime and working out the best way to initiate conversation, but looking back, it’s possible that the Nara medic overseeing his chart had been paying close attention to his room for more than just his safety. If Shikabane-hime hadn't been a sensor, or so skilled at masking her presence...)

Nara Shikaku might be bluffing. Nevertheless, Shisui doesn’t want to lie to Shikabane-hime’s Clan Head. Not if he can help.

“You mentioned wanting a character reference for Shikabane-hime, Nara-sama,” Shisui says. “Is there anything about her character that has been called into question?”

Shikaku gives Shisui a look but does lean back. “I have had a few words with the Lord Third regarding the Nara operative,” he says. “The official story is that one of my jounin took part in an emergency drill at the behest of the Hokage and in absolute secrecy. After the revelation of Shimura Danzo’s treachery, they made the executive decision to pursue him and his forces to safeguard Village interests.”

Shisui sighs inwardly, with no small amount of relief. It's what he hoped after hearing the rumours Uzume's collected, but this is confirmation. They’re claiming her. Legitimising her actions in the village, at least, which bodes well for Shikabane-hime if she comes back.

“Unofficially,” Shikaku continues, “there is talk amongst certain subjects that the Nara operative is a rogue element on a self-sanctioned mission, which would certainly be a black mark on her record.”

A record that both he and Nara-sama are very much aware Shikabane-hime doesn’t have. However, people are acting like she does have one, surely she does, as any ninja of Konoha should, regardless of whether they operate off the books more often than not. Which means Shikabane-hime’s been given enough leeway to allow her to return to Konoha, even if it is with Danzo’s head skewered on a spear. It won’t be smooth sailing, given the furore she’s created, but she clearly has enough allies, and enough clout and goodwill if the clans are anything to go by, for it to work.

And with the way Nara Shikaku holds himself, he seems like the sort of man – the sort of Clan Head – to make it work.

Shisui wants to applaud. He settles for sitting back in his chair. “In that case,” he says,“I can see why you’d want to make your own assessment. If Shikabane-hime needs character references, I’d be happy to oblige. She has some thoughts about the reintegration of ROOT, which she feels strongly about.”

“I’m sure she does,” Shikaku says drily, as he opens a new folder. "Now tell me, what exactly has she said?"

When Shisui comes out of his interview with the Jounin Commander, he looks like he’s been put through the wringer – and happily so. Nara Shikaku, on the other hand, looks as placid as a still lake, even with Uzume giving him the evil eye.

“I’m fine,” Shisui says as he smiles placatingly at her. “We were just putting together a character assessment.”

Meaning that Shisui’s just been given the opportunity to extoll all his thoughts and feelings about the Mysterious Nara Girl in an official capacity, to who is likely supposed to be her Clan Head, and she’d feel sorry for Nara Shikaku if he didn’t look mildly amused by it all.

“It was highly informative,” the man says to her unspoken query. Uzume stares at him, stares once more at the wistful gleam in Shisui’s eyes, and resists the urge to sink her head into her hands.

“I do have one final question though,” Nara asks, tone shifting into something more serious. “In your professional and personal opinion, do you think Danzo has mastered that Sharingan eye he stole?”

“I’ve thought about it,” Uzume says. “I think it highly unlikely.”

“He probably worked out how to use it through trial and error,” Shisui admits. “He must have had some prior knowledge to work with, since the Komoamatsukami isn't exactly a common ability. Even then, Uzume-sensei has a point - it would have taken time to learn how to wield, and there would be some kind of toll as he isn't predisposed to wielding it like an Uchiha.”

Uzume acknowledged this with a grunt. After all, Danzo was an experienced shinobi, but he was no Hatake Kakashi.

(Hatake Kakashi who was a genius, a generational talent, and still had to manage the constant chakra drain that Obito’s eye demanded lest it killed him.)

“Even with his efforts with the genjutsu, there are signs that Kagami’s eye was, if not weakening, then losing its potency. I would estimate that he used it sparingly, while having several expert medics to call upon as needed.”

“I guessed as much,” Nara sighs. “We’ll need to begin countering the genjutsu effective immediately – it’s subtle, and the misdirection it insinuates into the mind won’t do us any favours if it’s affecting the leadership of the village and decision-making policies.” Shikaku looks at Uzume’s student. “Even so, we’ve managed so far, so don’t strain yourself anytime soon, Shisui - we'll need you taking a look at this alongside Uchiha Mikoto. I'll write you up a mission report to pass along to her, and we'll backdate what's happened so that we can proceed with vetting others – I’m thinking an S-Rank classification under security updates, given the sensitivity of the mission."

"Mission?" Uzume says. She's not quite as successful at tampering down her tone of disbelief as she would like.

Shikaku blinks, casual as anything, and makes no comment. "Inoichi will probably be the one signing off on this officially,” he says, “but I’ll be in touch.”

Uzume is floored. Nara Shikaku, Jounin Commander, has just been informed about Danzo’s likely use of the Sharingan to influence key figures Konoha, has just been broken free from the effects of the Konoamatsukami...and instead of pushing for the Uchiha to be under greater surveillance as a result of their bloodline limit, here he is talking about sanctioning what Shisui and she have done (will do) through official channels. And not just that, but ensuring they get paid for their trouble. 

...He can't just be doing it out of the goodness of his heart. Uzume doesn't trust nebulous feelings like that. Anger and spite, on the other hand, are motives she's more comfortable with acknowledging, and a mutual interest in fucking up Shimura Danzo is something she can get behind.

"About what I asked earlier," Shisui starts to say.

"I'll think about what you've said and get back to you and your teacher when things are more-or-less confirmed," Nara says, cutting him off. "No promises until then, Shisui."

Shisui deflates. "Of course, Nara-sama."

Uzume hums. "If you're discussing what I think you are, I'd thank you to keep me in the loop," she says archly.

Shikaku nods and dismisses them tidily as he wanders off back into the Intel stacks. Uzume sighs and places a hand on Shisui's shoulder to steer him outside of the building, passing by a cheerful Yamashiro Aoba who waves them off.

After the adrenaline surrounding the revelations of the day - and the beginnings of their own counter-conspiracy - the walk back to the Compound is almost quiet. Uzume will acknowledge that its partly because she's saving her own interrogation for Shisui once they get home. The rest of her mind is caught up in what exactly's transpired, and what it means for the village and for the Clan moving forward. 

Nara Shikaku has been - unusually accommodating of her and Shisui, but there had been flashes of steel behind the dark fathomless look in his eyes, especially once the genjutsu had lifted and he'd remained silent and thoughtful. Nevertheless, Uzume thinks she's got a bit of a measure of him, especially when the question he'd asked about Danzo's abilities with his stolen Sharingan had confirmed one of the things she'd been wondering about since her brief conversation with Mikoto early that morning.

After all, there are some things that are passed down in clans – knowledge, skills, techniques – that simply cannot be taught by outsiders. There are aspects of the Sharingan – and probably the Nara Shadow Arts – that operate in the same way.

Whoever Shikabane-hime is, her proficiency with shadows is clear to see. And that is likely something that could only be taught by another with the necessary skill.

Uzume thinks she now understands why Nara Shikaku is so furious. He isn’t just missing a clan member.

Chances are, he’s missing at least two.

“In light of new intelligence, I will need to amend our projected timeline, but I still expect things to move forward more or less as we need them to,” Shikaku says after downing his tea. “Are you still in?”

“That was never in question,” Aburame Shibi says serenely, his kikaichu emitting a steady drone around them. “I look forward to cooperating with you, Shikaku."

Chapter Text

Itachi has just been released from the latest round of interviews when his father pulls him aside and into his office.

"You’re being reassigned," Fugaku says, bringing out a scroll and thrusting it into Itachi’s hands. "After what happened with Shisui, the Sandaime’s been made to understand that you’re a prime target as far as Danzo's concerned."

"I see." Itachi breaks the seal and scans the scroll’s contents. "I have been officially put on the investigation?"

Fugaku’s facial expression is less grin, more grimace. "The Military Police have their hands full, so you’re finally getting a rotation at Headquarters now that you’re not running missions for ANBU. You’ll be shadowing Yamanaka Suisen’s team – they’ve been working with different departments to collate data and have it ready for presenting in one of the upcoming Council meetings. Their findings will likely influence and shape new village policies."

An important position then, and more than a little high profile. "I will assist to the best of my abilities."

"That is to be expected, but not why I asked you to join the team," Fugaku says, eyes flickering red as he scans the room (and Itachi) with his Sharingan. "Having a fresh pair of eyes and keeping you out of trouble at the heart of our territory is simply the reason, the excuse."

Of course. Nothing in the wake of Danzo’s defection from the village is simple – and there are layers and layers that Itachi must navigate. He keeps his hands loose and steady before him. "What is it you need from me?"

Fugaku sighs. "I suspect there’s a mole," he admits. "Right at the heart of the Police Force. For all we know, they’ve been there for months, years even." The Clan Head crosses his arms. "If Danzo’s made one of our own turn traitor, either outright or with the help of that eye he’s stolen, then it would explain why we were blindsided by the number of children turned over to the Foundation outside of Shimura’s usual channels."

"We have a profile, I assume," Itachi says.

"If they’re properly ROOT, then they’re a fanatic – and a fanatic is an exploding tag just waiting to ignite at the right moment for the cause. Regardless, they’re either well placed, or well connected. If they have been meddling, they would need to have access to the right cases, and enough clout to direct the efforts of their respective team."

"Suspects?"

"I’ve narrowed it down to four." Fugaku fans out a pile of photos on his desk, before pushing forward the first image of an unsmiling man in his early twenties with dull black hair. "Uchiha Tekka, our civilian liaison." Another photo, this time of a woman in her fifties, her dark hair pulled in a messy bun. "Uchiha Mariko, the central branch manager." A third photo of a man in his mid-thirties, faint bags under his eyes. "Uchiha Kagen, logistics coordinator." Finally, a newer photo from the police headshots, of a blonde woman with pale blue eyes and faint laugh lines surrounding them. "And our outlier, Yamanaka Suisen."

“I’m surprised she has been included in the list," Itachi says.

"She’s the least likely of the group," Fugaku acknowledges, "but I cannot dismiss her out of hand – and it’s not because I am naively hoping for a non-clansmen culprit." He taps at her file with a finger. "Her husband’s died recently, and the timing is suspect – Akimichi Noboru was a highly regarded accountant to his clan who we've worked with before. Whether he came across something he shouldn’t have is up in the air – nevertheless, she wouldn’t even be the first Yamanaka to answer to Shimura Danzo, so she's still under consideration for now."

"I see. I will consider all four suspects with due diligence."

"Naturally." Fugaku hesitates, and then clasps Itachi’s shoulder. "We’re pressed for time, but I trust you can narrow down to the most likely culprit. If it is one of the four, then all I need from you is a codename."

Tekka. Mariko. Kagen. Suisen.

Carp. Crane. Turtle. Butterfly.

"I can only entrust this to you. Assume you’re being watched."

Itachi nods shallowly. It’s not the first time he’s heard that line today.

"Again."

Chouza watches as Inoichi obligingly rewinds the genjutsu, allowing Shikaku to drink in the sight of his erstwhile clan member. Their teammate’s hands are clasped, fingertips and thumbs pressed together into a circle, although Shikaku occasionally breaks formation to quietly write notes on one of the scrolls spread out on the table before him.

While Shikaku commits theories to paper, Inoichi's preoccupation takes the form of the recital of phrases under his breath as he plays and rewinds the genjutsu for Shikaku's benefit. Chouza easily picks up the particular mantra Inoichi has chosen to recite. It is a phrase that repeats itself over and over, simple and recriminating all at once.

"I look but I do not see. I see but I do not think. I think but I do not understand…"

It tells Chouza everything he needs to know - that Yamanaka Fu’s situation and the furor within the Intelligence Division has brought his friend low. It also doesn’t take a genius to realise that Shikaku has also been grappling with a lot of private concerns now that Danzo’s treachery has been unearthed. Even Chouza is not exempt, which is why he has defaulted to his preferred method of contemplation - a repetitive, hands-on process. While Inoichi and Shikaku have gone over visual accounts of Shikabane-hime for the past hour, Chouza has made ten boxes worth of sushi, and started on an eleventh.

(After all, no matter what happens in the village, people still need to eat - and no child liberated from ROOT will go hungry if Chouza has anything to say about it.)

Once the scene runs its course and the illusory Shikabane-hime sidles out of sight, Inoichi turns to Shikaku. "Well?" he asks.

"I feel like I learn something new every time I review this," Shikaku gripes as he adds another note to a scroll on hand.

"You can thank Shisui for the amount of detail I can provide," Inoichi says. "Even when his Sharingan isn’t activated Shisui remembers more than most."

"Why aren’t we employing more Uchiha in Intelligence?"

"I’ve been asking myself the same question. Suisen has an in with the Uchiha Police now, so I’m considering some kind of initiative to capitalise on that."

"A joint-exchange program," Shikaku suggests. "Send some of your analysts, get a couple of detectives from the Uchiha, have group sessions where they all compare notes and put what they've learned into practice."

"I might just do that, but I’ll need to add joint missions to the itinerary - we're understaffed as it is." Inoichi waves a hand and the genjutsu layers over their surroundings once more. It is soundless this time, and Shikabane-hime rises up from Shisui’s shadow with one fluid motion, as if she were stepping outside for a casual stroll, rather than pulling off feats that no one in the Nara are currently capable of doing.

"She’s comfortable with shadow manipulation," Shikaku says, scratching his chin. "Whoever trained her knew what they were doing, but she’s a prodigy to be able to pull off what she’s done - this takes ‘becoming one with the shadows’ to another level."

"She looks like she's around Shisui’s age, maybe a little younger," Chouza speaks up from as he calmly and methodically constructs an inarizushi by hand.

"Mn." Shikaku tilts his head as he watches the scene play out before him. Once it finishes with Shikabane-hime leaving the room, he blinks and hums. "It’s difficult to see past the resemblance once I’m on the lookout for it."

Chouza gives the illusory figure another glance as Shikaku turns back to his scrolls. While it is true that the girl’s features could blend in with any number of clans and families found within Fire Country, Chouza can see what his friend means - there’s a reason why Yoshino is looking through her own family tree alongside the Nara records.

"And she’s wearing earrings," Shikaku murmurs, almost to himself. "They aren’t a pair I recognise - I don’t think they’re passed down - but she does have them."

"Danzo doesn't seem like the kind of man who would allow a laxness in dress code for his soldiers," Inoichi offers.

"He doesn’t," Chouza says. "I’ve gotten the impression from the children that any deviation from the uniform was a privilege, and none of them had gotten the opportunity to do anything to earn that."

Inoichi huffs disapprovingly. "Well, if Shikabane-hime was active in ROOT, the earrings could indicate she’s earned the right to personalise her wardrobe. If she’s not an active member, or got out of the program earlier, then there are other possibilities."

Chouza looks down at the scroll on Shikaku’s left, angling his head to read the neat, even scrawls.

EARRINGS:

1. PRIVILEGES - SEE COMMENTS FROM INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH AGENT KINOE
2. REWARD/GIFT - NARA CLAN TRADITION, FAMILIARITY OR AWARENESS - WHO IS THE MENTOR OR TEACHER?
3. ASSERTION - DELIBERATE SNUB OF ROOT CONFORMITY, ATTEMPTS TO BREAK FREE FROM CONDITIONING?

"I think the second and third options are more likely than the first," Chouza says. "If not for the simple fact that Danzo has been generously applying secrecy seals to his soldiers. I doubt Shikabane-hime would be able to exercise the agency she has unless she managed to avoid that, and almost all the children we have are already marked."

Shikaku looks up. "How are they doing?"

"Being kept busy while the investigation is underway?" Inoichi asks.

"We have just put a chore roster in place," Chouza says agreeably as he places another finished roll into the box with the delicate hand of a master. "They aren’t speaking much, but I’ve already identified that feeding the deer will be one of the more popular rotations. I’m thinking about roping Tsume into taking groups around for kennel duty."

"Even with constant supervision, that would leave the ROOT children visibly moving around the village," Inoichi notes.

"They are not criminals," Chouza says. "Even if they need to be monitored for security reasons."

"People will talk."

"Good, let them." Chouza ignores the knowing looks his teammates give him. With his two teammates drawing attention due to their positions Chouza is actually considered the most even-tempered of their trio, although the term ‘gentle’ is occasionally bandied about, for he comes from a Noble Clan with the bearing and the history to match. The thing that people occasionally forget, of course, is that the Akimichi are gentle until they are not, and even with their fearsome strength on the battlefield, they can kill with kindness far more effectively than cruelty.

(I’m really very sorry, Mio, but I am required to tell you that the village is not in a position to allow Haruki-kun to rejoin his family at this time. No, of course, I understand - my Chouji is around his age. I speak for all of us when I say that we will safeguard these children with our lives - we can do no less. This is my promise, as a parent and shinobi. No, please, keep the handkerchief - I appreciate your concern for his welfare-)

Chouza has been proven right in that holding supervised and monitored visits for some of the families with children seized by ROOT has had a positive impact. It has also led to an upswing in angry complaints from parents and clans towards the Sandaime, but that is what happens when a lack of oversight must be rectified with greater transparency. And really, Chouza’s too busy making sure the kids are fed and content with their lot to concern himself with the politicking of the upper ranks. That’s not his problem.

(It’s like Shikaku always says - why be troublesome when you can efficiently delegate that to someone else? Why bother yelling and raising a fuss, when Chouza has the option of promoting the wellbeing of the children under his care and getting other people to do the yelling for him?)

Shikaku’s fingers tap rhythmically on the table. "I think I need to stop, Inoichi," he sighs. "I’ll go mad if I continue to review this. Is there anything else you want us to see?"

"Just one more thing," Inoichi says. "We’ve already reviewed memories from other shinobi who were within the bunker, a number of Uchiha among them, and we’ve now seen Shisui’s shared recollection from the hospital." He pauses. "I’ve been showing you the memory he shared while Shisui was coming off of surgery and didn’t have his Sharingan activated. He was instructed to avoid doing so during his recovery, and he did so - at least, besides a very brief period of time prior to his release."

Shikaku is already pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes, I remember him saying as much," he grumbles. "I can't say I'm surprised either."

"Risky," Chouza adds his two ryo, "but it’s probably a good sign, no?"

"Shisui’s untampered eye was operating as normal so there shouldn’t have been any issues using just the one, but yes, the medic-nin are saying that the lack of complications means that Shisui’s recovery is going very smoothly," Inoichi says dryly. "Fortuitous, no?"

Shikaku’s fingers stop tapping. "What are you trying to say, Inoichi?"

"I’m saying that there might be more to this than even we initially thought," Inoichi says, before he clicks his fingers and the illusory Shikabane-hime appears before them. For a second, she looks as she did in the memories the three have been analysing.

Until she doesn’t.

Chouza doesn’t know how to describe it fully. Might never have the words for it.

It is like - it is like staring out into a dark night, into a darkness that is pitch black even once your eyes have grown accustomed to the emptiness. Simultaneously, it is like staring at the sun for too long, the brightness forcing you to look away, to gaze out of the corner of your eye to see the shape of it rather than the thing itself. The form of Shikabane-hime stands motionless before them, but now her body is cloaked in shadows, a yawning darkness surrounding her abdomen even as flecks of light burst forth from her chest, swirling in continuous motion. Her face, her throat, both of her hands, are featureless due to the strength of the glaring brightness emanating from her, but Chouza is still left with the impression of a striking gaze, a trembling gravity.

Their attention is transfixed, up until the moment Inoichi waves his hand and disperses the genjutsu like smoke on the wind. As soon as he does so, Shikaku takes a deep, shuddering breath, and Chouza rubs at his eyes, because really, what was that?

‘Otherworldly’ is the word that comes to mind. Chouza’s not terribly superstitious, but he now has the pressing urge to light a stick of incense.

"...When Shisui told me Shikabane-hime’s presence brightened the room, I thought he meant metaphorically," Shikaku says once he’s gotten himself under control.

"As opposed to literally? Why not both?" Inoichi says sardonically. "I got the impression after speaking with Shisui that only an Uchiha would be able to completely grasp what it is we’re seeing - I think it’s to do with brain chemistry. As a Yamanaka, this is the closest I got to recreating his memory."

"Flickering seals is one thing. None of the other Uchiha mentioned seeing," Shikaku gesticulates, "that."

"Apparently the Sharingan has to be suitably advanced to see something like this," Inoichi says. "Uzume didn’t get a look at Shikabane-hime before, but she’d probably be capable of seeing this. Mikoto too."

"Has anyone ever seen something like that before?" Chouza asks as he cleans his hands with a wet cloth. "Because I haven’t, and if it wasn’t obvious before it’s obvious now that none of this is normal."

"Nothing’s been normal since Danzo outed himself as a bloodline thief," Inoichi sighs.

Shikaku doesn’t take the opening to go off on a small, controlled rant about the difficult elder, and both look in Shikaku’s direction to find him busily fussing around with his many scrolls.

"'Divine providence', he says," Shikaku grumbles to himself. "Like things weren’t troublesome already. Is this some sort of - cosmic tribulation? Is this a test?" His shadow roils on the floor as a mass of tendrils while Shikaku shifts through his scrolls, crossing out and adding in lines.

SHIKABANE-HIME = KANJI FOR ‘CORPSE PRINCESS’

• FAKE RECORDS?
• EXPERIMENTATION?
• BODY COUNT?
• DIVINE INTERVENTION???

RE: FOLLOW UP CONNECTION BETWEEN ROOT AND OROCHIMARU.

Very few people are privy to seeing Shikaku this agitated. “I think you may have broken him,” Chouza whispers to Inoichi.

The Yamanaka Head snorts. "Let the man think. At this point, even his wilder theories don’t seem completely unfeasible."

"That," Shikaku pipes up without raising his head, "is because things look bad enough that I automatically start assuming the worst." He runs a hand over his face. "And I have too many theories to be confident of any being correct."

"You know the Sandaime will want to hear your thoughts on this," Chouza says.

"Oh, he’ll hear them," Shikaku says darkly.

"What will you tell him?" How will you broach Danzo’s genjutsu? What theory will you be pushing forward?

"I don’t have any definitive conclusions, but I do have a hypothesis that should suit our purposes nicely," Shikaku says. "I’ll be bringing it up in the next council meeting – in the meantime, the Sandaime has other, more pressing things to worry about." Shikaku stretches his neck carefully. "Both he and I saw the importance of sending a reconnaissance team alongside the other tracking units that set out after Danzo and the operative codenamed Yurei. We both agreed that Hatake Kakashi should take point."

Chouza sees the elegance in the move even before Shikaku says it - Hatake Kakashi, loyal and above reproach, of course Sarutobi Hiruzen would be comfortable sending him on such a sensitive mission. "Who's passing along the information?"

"Tsume's coordinating the sensors and trackers - she told us it'll be a joint Inuzuka-Hyuga team to cover all bases, but given Hatake's own talents her own clanmate will double back while the Hyuga assists Hatake's team."

Ah. So, it looks like Operation Counter-Conspiracy is a go after all. Yes, that would distract the Sandaime rather nicely, wouldn’t it?

"Hatake could be a wildcard if your concerns about Danzo’s connections to October 10th are proven,” Chouza hums. “With all the rumours from that period, those references to the Sharingan have taken on a new, sinister turn now, haven’t they?"

"True." Inoichi smiles tightly. "Danzo has been strutting around this village with a stolen Sharingan for years. He wasn’t risking his reputation and his standing on a cosmetic choice. He must have been using it, if he’s gone so far as to try to upgrade to a younger, fresher model."

Shikaku wrinkles his nose. "You didn’t have to put it like that, Inoichi."

"I’m calling it like I see it."

"Even if that pans out, this is still Sarutobi Hiruzen’s former teammate we are talking about. Things are going to get ugly," Chouza warns.

"I know," Shikaku says, closing a scroll with a snap. "Indeed, I’m banking on it."

In unison, the three of them begin puttering around the room and tidying it up. Inoichi wipes at his face and then stretches the tension out of his back. "Are you sure you can pull this off without making too much of a racket, Shikaku? Someone might have the bright idea of trying to make you Hokage, you know."

Shikaku actually scowls as he slips back on his sandals. "You’re actually the second person to tell me that today," he grumbles. "Do not think I will hold myself back for the insult you have just given me if you bring it up where other people can hear you."

"Tsume’s been hassling you, eh?" Chouza says while wiping down the table. "See, I told you it was a good idea to reach out to her."

"The things I do for this village," Shikaku sighs as he secures his scrolls. "Are we all prepared for the meeting tomorrow?"

“Everything should be in place,” Inoichi says while picking up a near-finished bottle of sake they had placed to one side and shaking it thoughtfully. "Suisen hasn’t quite gotten what she’s needed from her collaboration with the Military Police, so the results of their investigation might be delayed." Before he's even raised the bottle to his lips, Chouza's marching over and wrestling it from his hands. "Aw, Chouza, c'mon - "

"Don't hog it, there's enough to go around," Chouza insists, pushing Inoichi's cup into his hand before passing along another to a bemused Shikaku and doing the honours for the three of them. "There’s so much for us all to stew over, it's why we're all being driven to drink when we're not stuck in another one of those meetings."

"The Aburame Clan Head's already got a title for this whole fiasco," Shikaku says. "'The Airing of Grievances'. Shibi told me about it yesterday."

"Oooh." Inoichi's smile is a little mean. "Yes, there's plenty of that going around right now." He hoists his cup aloft. "To airing our grievances, and tearing down every terrible thing Shimura Danzo has contributed to the village."

Chouza raises his own and thinks about pale, blank little faces. "To demolishing the old to make way for the new."

"To upholding the Will of Fire," Shikaku finishes.

They clink their cups together.

Kakashi signals his team to hang back as he drops down from the trees and onto the ground below. They’re getting close to the borders between Fire Country and Wind, and the trace amounts of scent he is following fluctuates oddly.

The smell of ozone, and the spark from a freshly ignited explosion tag…a hint of newly grown shoots unfurling from the earth…metal, and the cool perfume of fog from early mornings, when the sun is yet to rise…

No wonder the Inuzuka tracker who passed along the mission details had looked so grouchy. "I can see why the operative is being called a ghost," Kakashi says, crouching down and placing a palm on a nearby tree, humming. "Yurei is no slouch at going to ground, it seems."

There is surprisingly little about the operative codenamed Yurei. The description he’d received was bare bones - fifteen years of age or thereabouts, female, dark hair, dark eyes. Proficiency in Nara clan jutsu, to the point that she has the ability to phase through objects.

Together with Yurei’s skill at evading Konoha’s forces…well, it’s clear to Kakashi that he is piecing together a picture of someone with ANBU training. Possibly assassination or sabotage, with this sort of skillset. "What do you think, Pakkun?" he asks.

Pakkun twitches an ear from where he’s sniffing at the floor. "Uhei left a message about picking up a trail coming from the Land of Hot Springs."

"Has he now?" Pakkun has a point, as he always does - Kakashi has orders to trace Yurei’s movements prior to and following her breach of Konoha’s walls.

(Also, Suna’s memories are long, and the reputation of the White Fang will hardly do him any favours. Kakashi will need to make adjustments to the team allocations to take this into account.)

"Amano," Kakashi says, getting to his feet, "you were present in Konoha when Yurei made their move. Can you visually confirm her ability of phasing through attacks?"

"Yes," Hyuga Amano says. "And prior to that, she was breaching the village walls at high speeds, setting off a smoke grenade in the Hokage’s office, and leading our forces on a merry chase underground, which interrupted an ambush with Shimura and his ROOT agents."

Well. Put that way, Kakashi almost regrets being absent for the whole ordeal. Yurei’s mad dash through the village must have been a sight to see, never mind the scandal that came afterward. He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "That’s a lot of effort for a drill."

"The Hokage wanted the threat to appeared legitimate," Amano says drily. "For realism."

"Realism. Of course," Kakashi says.

"I’m still stuck on ‘turning into shadow’ thing - I didn’t know Nara could do that," Genma pipes up from one side, senbon twitching in his mouth. "Is she one of ours?"

"She must be, even if she’s deviating from her clan’s usual MO with the amount of effort she’s putting into this," Raidou says.

Kakashi picks up on what the two are saying easily enough. He knows for a fact that this current four-man cell - himself, Raidou and Genma, even Amano - all have ties to ANBU. Furthermore, with Chouza as his jounin sensei, Genma would know more than most what the Nara are capable of - and Yurei possessing an unexpected, possibly unforeseen mastery of the shadow arts on par with, or even surpassing, Nara Shikaku is concerning when she’s chosen to go after Danzo the way she has.

"I think she’s putting in just the right amount of effort," Kakashi says, "given how she’s successfully delegated several duties to other people while going after her actual quarry. And speaking of delegation…" Kakashi turns back to his team. "We’re splitting up. Genma, Raidou – I want you both to see how far the operative Yurei can be tracked. Pakkun will take point – it’s unclear why either Yurei or Danzo would head towards Wind Country, but there may be something we’re missing. Don’t initiate contact with Suna and turn back if her trail leads in that direction - the last thing we need is to tip our hand or draw attention from another Village, even with the alliance." He turns to Amano. "We’ll rendezvous with Uhei and see what Yurei was doing in the Land of Hot Springs, if that’s indeed where she was prior to her stint in Konoha."

The three of them nod, and soon Kakashi and Amano are running through the trees, with Kakashi’s ninken Akino up ahead to lead them to Uhei’s position. It would take some time before they would reach their destination, even with their faster pace. Kakashi allows some time to lapse and a suitable distance to pass by before he clears his throat. "If you want to say your piece," he says, "now would be a good time."

Amano doesn’t take the bait immediately. "Five minutes."

They wordlessly scope out a suitable vantage point, Kakashi perching on a thick tree branch, Amano joining him a second later. "That bad?" Kakashi asks.

Amano observes their surroundings, Byakugan blazing, before turning back to Kakashi. "The last I heard before I left the village, Elder Shimura Danzo was listed as MIA and wanted for questioning, on account of attempted bloodline theft." The Hyuga pauses. "There is a high possibility that he will be confirmed as a missing-nin by the time we return."

"The mission scroll implied as much," Kakashi replies, voice neutral. "I figured the Sandaime left some of the more sensitive details out of it?"

"They didn’t want to risk any more information leaking out before any official confirmation." Amano grimaces. "I’m only here because the Mission Desk didn’t specify who to send beyond jounin rank with sensory and tracking, and Tsume pulled some strings."

Curiouser and curiouser. "So the political fallout’s going to be tricky."

Amano snorts. "Yes, I imagine so," he says, voice heavy with sarcasm. "Mainly due to the fact that Danzo’s attempted bloodline theft was pre-empted by a successful one decades prior."

That’s news for Kakashi – but then again, he’d been coming off a previous mission when he was waylaid with this one. He's out of the loop for what actually went down back home, but there's something about Amano's attitude that has Kakashi's hackles rising.

It's the timing of it all. Why the fuss now? The Sandaime already knew about the Mokuton - and had removed it and Tenzo from Danzo's purview. If that hadn't been enough to get Danzo more than a slap on the wrist...

Kakashi's mind - stutters, as he recalls which precise abilities beyond Mokuton that Danzo would be most interested, most covetous of, above all others. He wishes he hadn't let Akino run ahead. "Amano," he asks, "which one?” 

Amano grits his teeth, but is otherwise silent.

"Which one."

"It’s not common knowledge yet," Amano grounds out, "but Uzume’s told me that her Clan’s saying he stole Kagami’s eye."

 Kakashi’s mind is white-hot and buzzing. He clenches and unclenches his hands. "You're telling me he has a Sharingan."

"Not only that, but he got greedy. Yurei intercepted him and his ROOT forces mid-extraction. When I left the village, Shisui was still recovering from surgery."

No. No, no, Danzo didn't. How dare he -

"He wasn’t able to take Shisui’s eyes, the operative we're calling Yurei made sure of that," Amano's words float into his ears, voice pitched to be low and reassuring, counter to the growl that is emanating from Kakashi's chest, "but he still has the one from before. It’s clear he’s had it for a long time, so they’re not entirely sure what he’s been doing with it."

Kakashi feels sick. It’s a nightmare seen through a distorted lens - the death of a well-respected shinobi and diplomat, at the hands of his own teammate during the muddy waters of a war. If the Uchiha were furious about Obito’s eye, then they must be apoplectic now.

"If things have gotten to this point, we shouldn't delay any longer," Kakashi pronounces, and Amano nods wordlessly. As they take off through the trees once more, Kakashi huffs. "As nice as it is to get the context surrounding this mission," he says, "why have you come along, specifically?"

"...It’s not officially confirmed," Amano says leadingly, "but Nara Shikaku and Aburame Shibi are putting together a team."

"I see," Kakashi says, as they pick up the pace to catch up with Akino's tracks. "Should I start preparing a pitch?"

Amano looks off into the distance. "If you want a spot on the squad then no one’s going to gainsay you," he says. "So don't worry about Uzume."

And that’s an interesting tidbit right there. Of all the Uchiha, Uzume’s been up there on the list of people Kakashi avoids. It’s that, more than anything, which tells Kakashi just how shaken up things are back home.

Kakashi breathes in, catches another subtle whiff of his quarry. "I'll keep that in mind," he says. "In the meantime, the objective is crafting a timeline for the rogue operative with the aim to intercept and ostensibly provide support. The Sandaime's wary of the idea of a loose kunai."

"The Jounin Commander's listed her under his jurisdiction, but there's also the concern that she's splintered away from Danzo's black ops, and ANBU is undergoing some internal reviews so it's not like they've got anything to share right now." Amano shrugs elegantly even as he weaves through the canopy of trees. "Given how she's gone off-record, Yurei's current whereabouts are of interest, but Nara Shikaku says her hostilities are all aimed at Shimura so he's optimistic something can be arranged if he's able to make contact with her. "

"Hmmm. I wouldn't mind making contact myself," Kakashi says, mind already wandering back to his most troublesome kohai back in the village. "Perhaps Yurei and I could compare notes."

By the time Shisui began his recuperation following his post-eye surgery, special jounin Yamanaka Suisen had turned up at the Military Police Headquarters with a small team of analysts and a stride that gave the impression she was prepared to get into a fistfight with the Shinigami if that’s what it took to sort out the identities of the scores of children liberated from Shimura Danzo’s forces.

It’s a striking image, given that Suisen also arrives wearing a knitted shawl over her vest, and visibly, heavily pregnant.

Out of consideration, Fugaku had given her the use of the corner office of his second-in-command to work from, and offered up Itachi to help smooth the way for her operations. Itachi hadn't truly minded his demotion from jounin and ANBU operative to proverbial gopher boy - and comes to relish it once he finds that watching Suisen commandeering her team and liaising with his father’s detectives means watching a master at work.

Yamanaka Suisen smooths any ruffled feathers by refusing the corner office and settling into one of the smaller empty ones nearby, promotes Itachi to her personal assistant, and walks him through the processes of her team’s efforts (thereby informing the rest of Itachi’s clan members what exactly she is doing and why by proxy.) Citing her condition as well as staff morale, Suisen has even ensured there are short breaks at staggered times for all personnel, and a small army of Akimichi runners are forever coming down to the station with piles of pastries, and packed lunches, and hearty soups that can easily be drunk on the go by whoever’s on duty. 

By the end of the first day half of the Military Police are terrified of Yamanaka Suisen, and the other half are trying to scope out whether she is willing to be poached from her administration position at the hospital. Everyone is very respectful. 

(Policemen are notorious gossips at heart, and as soon as word gets out that a number of Yamanaka Suisen’s team are inherited from her late husband’s auditors, and that she has purposefully come out of maternity leave for this - well, any good Uchiha policeman can read between the lines for why a recent widow and mother-to-be might have a personal stake in revealing Danzo’s efforts to cover up his crimes.)

Itachi doesn’t have many connections to those outside of the clan, so the next few days working alongside Yamanaka Suisen are illuminating. It is also why, when he comes into her office in the early hours of the morning with documents on Uchiha Kagen's career history and finds her holding said clansman by the throat, he takes stock of the situation and quietly closes the door behind him. He then secures the man with ninja wire, sends a clone to his father, and prepares the medic-nin-mandated tea that Suisen needs to be taking while she finishes rifling through the man's memories.

As soon as Yamanaka Suisen breaks her jutsu, Itachi eases her back into a chair and presses the cup of tea into her hands. Kagen slumps to the floor, but that’s fine - he can lie there for now, where he won’t do harm to anyone once a knockout tag has been affixed to him.

"Thank you, Itachi-kun." Suisen takes a sip of her tea. Her face is paler than it should be. 

"It was risky, coming in alone when only a handful of auxiliary staff are on this floor," Itachi notes clinically. "Another policeman could have walked in and misunderstood."

Suisen smiles. "Anyone else would have knocked first, and only my assistant who happens to be the Clan Heir would have been comfortable enough to walk in the way that you did."

"I could have misunderstood."

"After you saw how he behaved when I asked him all those very pertinent questions about those case files? And you made such a show of sympathising with him about outsiders not understanding the necessities that allowed our village to function? I had faith it would all work out.” Suisen peers at him over the rim of her teacup. “You’re an older brother, aren’t you. Do you like children, Itachi?"

It’s a strange non sequitur. “Children are the future of the village,” he says.

"Yes." Suisen stares at him, her pale blue eyes piercing. "Yes, I agree."

Itachi waits a few moments, but she does not elaborate. "I also had to incapacitate Uchiha Yashiro on my way over," he continues. "He was acting suspiciously further down the hall."

"Oh? Now that is a surprise. I thought him much too cautious for a direct confrontation."

"Much has happened that he finds...unsatisfactory." Suisen’s colour is returning to her. He offers her a cloth to wipe her brow, which she accepts. "My father should be arriving soon. Should we call for a medic?"

"No, that will not be necessary." Suisen waves his concerns away just as the man in question bursts into the room, with Uchiha Yakumi, his second, not far behind.

Fugaku takes stock of Uchiha Kagen lying crumpled on the floor, Suisen curled up in her chair with her half-drunk cup of tea, and turns to Itachi hovering next to her. He raises a piece of paper as well as his eyebrow. "Son," he says, "I was expecting something more decisive than ‘Turtle?’ from you."

Itachi blinks. "It is the most fitting response I can give."

Before Fugaku can so much as rebuke him, Suisen has placed her cup on the table. "Fugaku-sama, a question," she says. "When Itachi-kun was first making introductions, he described Uchiha Kagen as the backbone of the logistical department. Has he ever worked in the field before?"

Fugaku frowns as he slips the piece of paper back into his uniform. "Kagen has worked in the KMP for many years before becoming the Logistics Coordinator. He’s a solid worker, all things considered - never had the opportunity nor skill to awaken the Sharingan, but not everyone does."

"Any close relatives?"

"None," Yakumi is the one to reply this time.

"I see. Medical history?"

"Why the questions?" Fugaku gripes.

"I’m asking," Suisen says calmly, "because this man whose mind I just walked isn't Uchiha Kagen." As Fugaku and Yakumi’s eyes widen, Suisen gestures to Itachi, who reaches out and shifts away the tall collar his clan favours from not-Kagen's neck. Rubbing away at the skin under the man's ear reveals a thin line curving around his cheek underneath layers of makeup. Three sets of Sharingan stare at the faint surgical scars that stubbornly refuse to budge from where they sit.

"That time with the exploding tag, do you think?" Yakumi says suddenly. "Kagen had to get treated for the injuries, but they weren’t too deep. And genjutsu would have been laughable against the Uchiha, so it would have to be a physical change."

"No partner, no children, a job at the heart of the Police Force, and no Sharingan that could be used to prove his identity. Danzo saw an opening and he took it." Itachi’s father sinks into the chair opposite Suisen. "I thought - Tekka or Kagen were the most likely. Tekka has to follow up on everything from domestic disputes to civilian issues and outside complaints. Meanwhile, Kagen works in conjunction with every department of the KMP as well as the Village. And now you tell me it’s neither."

"A non-clansmen culprit after all," Itachi murmurs.

Yakumi coughs. "There is the case of Uchiha Yashiro, of course," he says calmly. 

"He and Tekka are close. You’ll have to follow up with both of them in my stead, see how they factor in beyond what we already know." Fugaku shakes his head, exhaustion briefly crossing his face. "An infiltrator in the KMP. Danzo has compromised us and undoubtedly been fuelling unrest, right under our very noses. I had to send my wife ahead to the meeting in my stead - when I arrive with this, the other Clan Heads and remaining councillors are going to rake us over the coals."

"Danzo has been audacious, to be sure," Suisen says, "but you’re far from the only one to have made an unpleasant discovery in recent days. It would be poor form to start pointing fingers at you."

"I don’t think you realise just how bad things are, Yamanaka-san,” Fugaku declares, Sharingan inactive but eyes blazing. "Budget cuts are one thing, but the snide remarks of the incompetence of the Military Police being given further ammunition is another! At this rate, the Village will disband the Force just to wipe their hands of us!"

Itachi cannot imagine Konoha without the Konoha Military Police. It’s a village institution and an intrinsic part of the clan’s identity, and it feels wrong, to have his father voice such things. The outburst makes him look away, and he accidentally makes eye contact with Yakumi, who is also pretending to be a part of the wallpaper.

"With all due respect, Uchiha-sama," Suisen says coolly, "no one will be disbanding the Force. For one, you just hired us to consult, it would look bad to write us all off after one measly spy."

"She's right, Fugaku-sama," Yakumi interrupts with a cough. "After all, it’s not just us, is it? This issue is systemic - there’s bound to be leaks elsewhere. ANBU alone have found themselves riddled with ROOT agents across a number of branches and sectors."

"You’ve diversified the roster these past few days,” Itachi finds himself speaking up. “We even have a civilian lawyer payroll. Some of the Fuma clan have contacted Mariko about a trial period with the Force. It would be unwise and add to the unrest to disband us when the Village needs to look strong."

Confronted with all three and their combined logic, Fugaku harrumphs. "I was getting ahead of myself," he says. "I suppose no one will be making the Uchiha into a scapegoat since Shisui-kun’s Yurei has already pre-prepared one for our convenience."

"Is Danzo really a scapegoat when it’s been made abundantly clear to everyone that he’s the source of so many of our problems?" Suisen smirks.

"And I suppose that’s why you reached out to us and took yourself off maternity leave." Fugaku shakes his head. "I am not ungrateful, but I am surprised that your Clan Heads agreed. Those Akimichi runners never complain, but I know it must be an annoyance to be constantly flitting back and forth."

"Yes, it is a bit of a trek getting here, isn’t it?” Yamanaka Suisen says as she slowly gets to her feet, graciously accepting Yakumi’s arm as he reaches out to assist her. "It must be inconvenient, not having a central location for your responding patrols like you used to prior to the Kyuubi attack."

"Yes." Fugaku looks at Suisen shrewdly. "I suppose I shall have to put forward a report about the need for a new office nearer to the central district. It would make passing along our findings a lot easier, to have some of the Force stationed there so you wouldn’t have to travel so far."

"Please do. I’m in a delicate state, after all," Suisen says innocently. "What with my pregnancy, the tragic death of my husband, and all this current unpleasantness with the ROOT spy. It really is a shame he isn’t here, you know - my Noboru was an excellent forensic accountant." Her pale eyes are wide and unblinking as she gazes meaningfully at the three men standing around her. “He could sniff out financial discrepancies like they were A-grade truffles."

It is only then, in that little room, that Itachi truly realises just how tenuous Shimura Danzo’s place in Konoha really was, for him to have made so many enemies and alienated so many allies that not even the Hokage could intervene on his behalf without the village going into a revolt. 

For every person murdered, every child taken, every directive compromised, there were traces left behind - a grieving widow, concerned neighbours, marginalised citizens. Shisui had used a metaphor for it - there was so much being unearthed because people like his father and Yamanaka Suisen were armed with shovels and were more than willing to use them. 

This notion is only reinforced when the four of them walk down to the main foyer with both the false Kagen and Yashiro in tow, only to find the majority of the KMP - both on-duty and off - loitering around looking busy. Evidently, word had gotten around that something exciting had happened.

Fugaku raises a hand and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Perhaps I should disband the Force," he grumbles. “The lack of professionalism on display is astounding."

"Fugaku-sama," Mariko says where she is putting people to work regardless of whether they are rostered or not, "I’ve already taken the initiative to have some of our holding cells and interview rooms refitted for current circumstances. Tekka and Inabi have also expressed their willingness to assist our T&I liaison with their inquiries regarding Yashiro."

"Thank you, Mariko." Fugaku’s glare stops any possible commotion from erupting. "For clarity’s sake, I will be taking this man who has so brazenly assumed Uchiha Kagen’s identity straight to the Hokage and Clan Heads, and if I so much as hear a peep about any of this outside of the Clan, I will be dealing with it personally." He turns to Suisen and inclines his head. "My apologies for this morning and the toll it may have taken on you - for such a thing to happen here is our negligence."

"There is no need for an apology," Suisen says calmly, inclining her head in turn. "After all, Uchiha Itachi has done a great service to me, notwithstanding his efforts and care these past few days.” Yamanaka Suisen raises her head and places a hand over her heart and above the swell of her stomach. "He has kept an open mind, and my clans will not forget this."

There is something solemn about the way she says this, about the intonation and the words. Every Uchiha in the room still conscious straightens in response and looks impressed.

Itachi doesn’t understand what is happening. Notwithstanding the efforts of his father and the police, Suisen was the one who dealt with the mole. All Itachi has been doing is organising files, awkwardly talking to his clansmen, and making tea. Is this politics at work? Has his presence helped to smooth the way enough, helped to boost the clan’s reputation while Yamanaka Suisen got to work towards some form of closure for Danzo’s murder of her husband?

Perhaps this is Yamanaka Suisen’s way of ensuring no blame is attributed to the Clan. She was in the heart of the Military Police Headquarters when Kagen made his move, and even as Itachi played the role she had set him up with from yesterday's comments, he felt he has done little to be congratulated for.

...And yet - if she had died, or something had happened to her in the ensuing fallout with Uchiha Yashiro, perhaps something might have come of that. Nothing necessarily apocalyptic, but nothing good either. All it had taken was a few words from Yamanaka Suisen, and a little bending of the truth, and Itachi’s clan could hold their heads up high as they got down to business with renewed purpose. Mariko even clasps Itachi's shoulder approvingly - a deliberate motion, as she makes it a habit to avoid close contact with anyone at the station.

(Itachi thinks this feeling that clutches at his chest is something like wonder. He’s been out in the field for so long, in ANBU or otherwise. He’s forgotten that not everything ends with death. That being a shinobi is more than just accruing a body count and missing out on important things closer to home.)

Since it’s been scheduled for such an early time, Mikoto’s one of the first to arrive at the Council meeting, which is why she has a front seat to the look on Sarutobi’s face – to the look on everyone’s faces – when Nara Shikaku breaks several unspoken traditions by arriving late together with Aburame Shibi and Inuzuka Tsume.

It is a move that Mikoto would have never seen coming – the InoShikaCho alliance is that entrenched – but Mikoto cannot point fingers at the less-than-subtle positioning, because she has blatantly been using her Sharingan from the very moment they walked into the room.

She has the perfect excuse to do so. After all, there are three things any Konoha nin fears: an angry Aburame, a focused Inuzuka, and a motivated Nara. For the Hokage and a room full of Clan Heads and remaining Council members, being confronted with all three simultaneously is tantamount to psychological warfare. 

Everyone is on edge. Hyuga Hiashi and Yamanaka Inoichi wordlessly shift seats to make space for the three clan heads to sit at the table together. It’s a brilliant powerplay.

(Mikoto’s eyes spots the brief flash of dismay on Sarutobi Hiruzen’s face – the tightening around the eyes, the deepening of the crease around his mouth – all pointing to the Hokage’s underlying anxiousness. It is not a question of why – the man has plenty of reasons to be worried. The new coalition of clans is about to be one of them.)

"Sorry we’re late,” Shikaku apologises to the room at large while he slaps a heap of folders onto the table. “I am afraid there was an unforeseen complication, and we were held up."

Said 'unforeseen complication' is probably the small child that is tucked under Tsume’s arm. The boy is clearly underweight, has a very prominent black eye, and seems perfectly content to ignore the people currently eyeballing him as he drinks a smoothie clutched in his tiny hands.

"Tsume," Hiruzen asks with a pained expression on his face, "I am sure you have an explanation for this?"

"Yeah, ANBU lounge’s slim pickings this morning meant it was either the protein smoothie or a ration bar. The smoothie won out." Tsume collapses into her chair, the boy hunkering down in her lap while Tsume’s partner Kuromaru puts a head on her knee. "Everyone, meet my new son! His name is Inuzuka Nao, he’s five years old, and he’s non-verbal, so I don't think there'll be any issues in terms of him disrupting today’s meeting."

"...Surely someone should see to his face?" the Fuma Head asks, to his credit.

"Already tried, Nao’s refused treatment – as far as he’s concerned, that black eye is a badge of honour, and he’ll bite anyone that tries to see to it." Tsume ruffles the boy’s hair affectionately. “Shibi found him in solitary confinement when the ROOT kids were being rounded up, and we've only just confirmed his clan status – something about trying to bite off Danzo’s fingers?"

"I see," Sarutobi says weakly.

"For a child to be present for such a serious meeting like today’s – this is highly irregular," a minor clan head tries to protest.

"We're dealing with irregular circumstances," Tsume points out. "For example, none of you have pointed out the more glaring issue beyond Nao-kun’s injury."

Nobody speaks until Hiashi coughs. "He is old enough for a ninken partner, is he not?"

"Why yes, he is, so good of you to notice Hiashi!" Tsume says, voice cheerful, her teeth on full display. "Which brings to mind the question – where is his partner?" She allows the silence and the horror to settle in for a few agonising moments. "Anyway, until I can organise something a bit more long-term, Nao goes everywhere I go. Sorry in advance, but this is non-negotiable."

Nao-kun concludes Tsume’s words by finishing off his smoothie with a loud slurp and then curling up into a ball, his face hidden in her vest. Everyone decides on the better part of valour and dutifully ignores his presence in order to soldier on with the agenda.

"As of three days ago," Sarutobi begins, "I have officially disbanded ROOT, with the understanding that all operatives from the program are to be subject to reassessment before either being reintegrated into our main forces or given other opportunities within the village." Sarutobi takes a file from Akimichi Torifu next to him. "There is some difficulty with identifying those within the program, but through the joint efforts of T&I, the Police and my administration, headway has been made with many of the younger recruits. Jiraiya has also been contacted so that we can address the security seals that will need to be verified and dismantled once he is able to return to the village." He looks to Mikoto, and she nods once. "Uchiha Fugaku has been delayed, but should also be arriving with the updated report from Yamanaka Suisen’s team regarding any new findings that detail Shimura Danzo’s dealings."

"And what of Shimura Danzo?" the head of the Kurama asks.

Sarutobi Hiruzen takes a long drag of his pipe. "Shimura Danzo has been officially declared a missing-nin as of early this morning," he says. "If none of the Tracking Squads has any success in finding his whereabouts, we will be assembling a team to hunt him down and any operatives assisting him."

There are some agreeable mumblings in the room, until an unfamiliar voice speaks up. "Even with the changes being made to update our security infrastructure, Shimura Danzo knows much of the village’s inner workings and secrets," the new Shimura Clan Head says as she meets the gazes of everyone in the room. "For that alone, he is a security risk. For the crimes he has committed both within my clan and beyond it, the Shimura wishes to support the motion for Danzo’s missing-nin status and the hunter squad, with the stipulation that he not be given the opportunity to return home with his life."

Mikoto watches with bated breath as Sarutobi Hiruzen stares down the woman. "Shimura Danzo has behaved abominably, I think we can all agree," he says eventually. "Surely you would wish for your clan member to answer for his crimes and know exactly why we plan to vilify him."

"Shimura Danzo is already dead to us," she continues dispassionately. "He has committed acts against the Village and his own people that make him unworthy of receiving the respects a man of his position would usually be owed. Whatever good he has done, whatever reputation and legacy he has built, has been tarnished by his own two hands." She shakes her head. "Whatever the outcome, Danzo’s actions are the Shimura’s shame and reflect poorly on the village. As such, it is my hope that our future generations learn of him as he is - for both the promising start of his career, his accomplishments, and his many transgressions."

"Well said. The Aburame wish to sustain the words of the Shimura Clan Head," Shibi says. It is the first time he has spoken up in these meetings of his own volition. As the rest of the Clan Heads speak up in support, one after the other, Hiruzen has little choice but to capitulate and uphold the decision.

(The Uchiha has suffered much under Danzo’s stern eye, but Mikoto cannot help but feel a sliver of pity for the clan who must now contend with their new reality. Danzo didn’t have Uchiha Madara’s madness as an excuse for his behaviour, but perhaps Danzo’s own position as the Shimura’s own boogeyman is karma, after a fashion.)

"And what of the operative known as Yurei?" someone else asks. 

"Jounin Hatake Kakashi has been diverted with a small team to follow up on their movements. As for Yurei’s identity…" Sarutobi turns to Shikaku. “Shikaku has already made inquiries about this erstwhile clan member, and has answered them to my satisfaction."

The expectant atmosphere, and Shikaku's growing frown, almost makes Mikoto want to laugh. Barring Danzo's fate, it was this one ninja that had captured the interest of those sitting around the table today.

(Powerful ninja didn't just show up without warning. It made people nervous.)

"So, she's a Nara, then," a councillor says leadingly.

Shikaku’s response is to pull out a thick bundle of papers from one of his folders and place them on the table before him. "This is the only document that I can share with this council that isn't heavily redacted, so make of it what you will," he grumbles, and everyone in the room barring the Sandaime subtly cranes their heads.

It's nothing they haven't seen before - it is, in fact, a formal clan document for the appointing of a clan heir. It even has the signature of one Nara Ikoma and his personal seal, although there is no clan seal to ratify the arrangement for internal records.

The name of the heir has been left blank.

"If my brother wished to reinstate me as the next clan head of the Nara," Shikaku says, "he wouldn't hardly have left this document blank, never mind forgotten to lodge it."

"...We did have a war going on," someone in the room suggests.

Shikaku gives the speaker a gimlet eye. "All the more reason to get the paperwork out of the way. Things get troublesome when there are in-Clan squabbles, especially when it brings up questions about inheritance and name rights."

Mikoto folds her hands in front of her. Her Sharingan has already been deactivated - she's seen enough, and it's her cue. "This document being what it is...Shikabane-hime is a main-line Nara then, from your direct lineage."

Shikaku folds his arms and leans back in his chair. "It is no secret that my father never approved of my marriage," he says, voice soft and sardonic all at once. "Looking back, I suppose his anger towards my wife’s family could have been more than just a Clan Head upset about a broken betrothal."

It does not take long for the room to connect the dots, to realise that an indiscretion has taken place, and been deliberately kept quiet.

"What is Shimura Danzo's involvement, then?" Aburame Shibi asks.

"That is the ultimate question for everyone here, especially given the existence of these files." Shikaku begins opening the other folders he'd brought with him and spreading them across the table, one by one. "These are from our own Village records, as it is taking a very long time for our teams to access the ROOT archives. The people selected here are a part of a wider framework within ROOT, but Danzo's more direct approach with them is very telling." He taps one of the photos in front of him. "First, we have Aburame Yoji, with his kochu kikaichu, who was present within the bunker at ground zero." Another file. "Aburame Torune, the clan leader’s nephew and adopted son, with another rare kikaichu breed of his own, currently unaccounted for." A third file. "Uchiha Shisui, who has revolutionised his use of Shunshin alongside his dojutsu usage, who is lucky to be with us today." Fourth. "His cousin Itachi, respected genius and clan heir, currently assisting police investigations." Fifth. "Yamanaka Fu, with his clan jutsu and budding talent as a sensor, also missing." Sixth. There are more folders, but Shikaku stops at the sixth, because it’s one that everyone in the room recognises. "Hatake Kakashi, who needs no introduction."

All of these files, set out so plainly, are a pattern. Danzo had made room for many promising orphans and young children from humbler backgrounds within his program, true, but these were clan children, and therefore more likely to have been personally selected and recruited. Danzo's preferences were apparent - those with special abilities, rare techniques, important ties to key figures, perhaps some early show of promise to sweeten the pot. Any clan head in the room would be hard-pressed not to find someone they knew from ROOT due to its operation as a legitimate program before it was first abolished, but this was meddling across almost every clan that was housed within Konoha.

"There is no Nara listed here, but if you had to hazard a guess," Shikaku says to the room at large, "which mainline Nara do you think would have caught Shimura Danzo's eye, given the profile we have before us, who is no longer around to make any revelations?"

It's obvious to the room as soon as Shikaku breaches the subject. If it wasn't Shikaku, who was the talented clan heir growing up, that was invited into ROOT, then who else would it be but his younger brother, Nara Ikoma, who was not lacking in talent even as he inhabited the shadow of an older brother who courted scandal in the name of love and left him as an unexpected heir?

Ikoma would have possessed all the rights and privileges to cause a fuss if he'd come across someone like Shikabane-hime in the program and wanted to raise questions - and his death during a clandestine mission in tandem with those murky days of the war are troubling in this light.

Hiruzen folds his wrinkled hands in front of him. “So, Nara Ikoma was a ROOT operative prior to his passing. While in the program, he becomes clan heir, but more importantly, he comes across Yurei - who claims the name Shikabane-hime. He now has a clan member who he cannot place, and surmises something of her identity, and something goes wrong before he can officially instate her in the clan records as his heir."

"And then my brother is dead," Shikaku says heavily, "leaving few that remain with answers beyond the empty spaces left behind in our Clan records." He closes the folders and stacks them to the side. "Whether Ikoma successfully kept Shikabane-hime from the program, or he ultimately failed and she was forced to find a way out of it herself, is unclear to me. However, for a fifteen-year-old capable of manipulating shadows to such an extent, who I can’t account for when cross-referencing clan records of all living members, in pursuit of a man that has now been proven to have removed clan children on multiple accounts and through a variety of means…well, it paints a very grim picture, doesn’t it?” Shikaku’s smile is not a pleasant one. "Shikabane-hime’s current pursuit of Danzo is personal, and she’s very motivated. If we don’t get to him first, she will."

As much as Mikoto would like to confront Danzo directly, she wouldn't begrudge Shikabane-hime if the girl beats them to the punch. 

"And it's come to this?" the Kurama Clan Head asks. "We have this Shikabane-hime, a veritable ghost in the wind and a monster of Danzo's own making, out there with her vendetta as we are left scrabbling in her wake?"

"Poetic," Tsume laughs. "Perhaps Danzo should have been more careful with who he was bringing into ROOT, if all it took was one girl to topple the entire thing."

(By all accounts, Danzo's forces skewed towards male combatants, which suggests that he underestimated Shikabane-hime for shallow, petty reasons, and she'd capitalised on that like a true kunoichi. Good for her.)

"As the acting head of the Foundation," Aburame Shibi raises his voice carefully, "Shimura Danzo had a great deal of leeway in terms of recruitment. To the point that it is clear to all that he has, hm, overstepped."

"Your nephew, Torune. I was told he volunteered for the program?" Sarutobi asks.

"Ah." A kikaichu crawls over Shibi’s cheek – his only visible response, given how cold and blank he outwardly presents himself as. "Danzo initially expressed interest in my son Shino, but Torune insisted he be the one recruited instead." Shibi’s lips curl into an approximation of a sneer. "I was told that to be personally selected by Shimura Danzo was considered a great honour."

Yes, Mikoto thought, thinking of her son, of Shisui, forced to work in close capacity with such a man. What an honour. What an insult.

"Torune was slated for a training mission last week with a partner and has yet to return," Shibi continues to the room at large. "What his situation is currently? I am unaware. He could be a hostage, or dead, or reporting to Danzo like a loyal operative. Meanwhile, I can confirm that Aburame Yoji, also known as the ROOT agent ‘Sugaru’, remains at Danzo’s side. By cross-checking references with the responding medic and my own clansmen, I was the one to report the involvement of his kochu kikaichu in the ambush of Uchiha Shisui, and it has been suggested he was tailing Uchiha Itachi for some time prior as well." Shibi adjusts his glasses. "Elder Shimura’s actions were clearly premeditated, and his machinations have made a mockery of the Will of Fire we are supposed to be instilling in the next generation."

Tsume audibly swears under her breath. Years of etiquette lessons has Mikoto refraining from doing the same. For Aburame Shibi, this little spiel is tantamount to spitting in the Hokage’s face. An angry Aburame, indeed.

"I believe Torune’s partner may be Yamanaka Fu," Inoichi adds, as everyone in the room turns to him. "I am unable to account for him for roughly the same time frame. There may also be other ROOT teams who were not within the village, so it is imperative that the squad that is sent after Danzo should be prepared for multiple hostiles, with a wide range of capabilities."

"There is also some concern from many of us that Danzo must have access to medical staff given his running a black ops program," Mikoto takes a moment to point out very reasonably. "Even if he’s only providing the bare minimum of medical care, there is also the matter of the stolen Sharingan, which would have had to be surgically implanted and then maintained if he was to ever make use of it."

"I have been informed that there were two people currently being detained who were loitering around Shisui’s room while he was in recovery. Do you think the hospital is compromised?" Sarutobi asks her, hand gripping his pipe.

"We assumed there would be some sort of breach," Shikaku says, nodding to Mikoto. "Nara Igaku was the one to make the call - one was a medic attached to the Trauma Unit who specialises in treatments regarding the nervous system. The other one is of greater concern, given it was one of the ANBU guards on rotation at the hospital - his roster partner realised something was amiss and helped to apprehend him. We believe him to be a member of ROOT."

The standard Konoha ID that is brandished for everyone to see is not particularly noteworthy, but Mikoto recognises him. And why wouldn’t she? 

Black hair. Black eyes. Pale skin. The little clan symbol on its shiny surface.

The ROOT operative has all the markings of an Uchiha.

The table immediately erupts.

When there is a flare of chakra at the door, the Hokage takes the opportunity for what it is to call the room to order, and they've only just settled when a messenger materialises by the Hokage's side, closely followed by two figures making their way into the room - the hospital’s Head of Surgery Nara Igaku, and Mikoto’s own husband.

Fugaku takes one look at the room, at the information strewn on the table and Mikoto herself, and without another word, flings the prone form of Uchiha Kagen onto the table without so much as a by your leave. 

"Fugaku!" Hiruzen rises to his feet as people begin chattering loudly again around him. "What is the meaning of this? Uchiha Kagen is to be kept under T&I supervision for his actions against the Village!"

“And indeed, he is! I’ve just been informed by Nara Igaku about this five minutes ago.” Fugaku brandishes a finger at the trussed-up figure he has brought before them. "This man was apprehended by my son Itachi and Yamanaka Suisen at Police Headquarters no more than an hour ago for numerous offences that include but are not limited to multiple accounts of murder, conspiracy, treason, and impersonating a police officer! He attacked Yamanaka Suisen in her own office!"

People are on their feet now, already comparing the ID with the figure on the table.

"Another Uchiha Kagen? Not just another relative?"

"Which is the real Uchiha Kagen, then? The one here or the one in the cell?"

"Neither," Fugaku spits out as he fields the throng very admirably. Mikoto's husband is the image of a beleagered Police Chief who is absolutely done with everyone and everything. "Uchiha Kagen is dead - has been for months! The twins Gozu and Mezo have been impersonating him at the behest of Shimura Danzo, who wanted a spy in the Force so badly that he had a member of my clan murdered so that his chosen operatives could assume his identity! Do you know what this means?!"

"It means," Nara Igaku says from where she has been quietly simmering next to Fugaku, "that Konoha’s leading specialist in cosmetic and reconstruction surgery is a ROOT plant!" She tears at the collar around Uchiha Kagen’s neck to bare the faint surgical scars for all to see, and turns towards Hiruzen with a ferocity that has half the room leaning back. "This would never have happened under Tsunade’s watch! And as for that other wayward student of yours, we needed Jiraiya here yesterday."

“You can be assured that he is making his way back as speedily as he can," Hiruzen says faintly in the face of the irate medic. "In fact, perhaps we have a report on that front?"

The messenger does not fidget from where he's been put on the spot. "Apologies, Hokage-sama," he says, "but this is regarding the mission to track down Yurei. I assume you have received Hatake's previous report?"

"Yes, yes," Hiruzen waves a hand. "This meeting partly hinges on the intel we are expecting to receive - what do you have for us?"

It is, perhaps, a show of good faith from their Hokage, to have this message brought forward for all the council to hear, Mikoto thinks cynically. Almost like it was planned.

"Ah." The messenger takes another look at the expectant faces around the room. "I have two messages, actually. The first is about the successful updating to the codes for all active ninja, while the second is a missive from Suna."

"What does Suna want?" the Sandaime asks sharply. Mikoto's attention flickers to Shikaku, whose shadow briefly coils on the floor to signal to her and his allies about the unexpectedness of the direction this is going.

"They wish to know who we will be sending in the official delegation. They need to confirm numbers and prepare to host us, so they'd like to know as soon as possible." The man offers the second scroll to the Sandaime, who opens it and skims it briefly before passing it along to Torifu.

Torifu only reads a few lines before his eyebrows begin to rise up. "My Lord Hokage, esteemed council," he says, "I think we have a little problem."

"There are no little problems, just big ones pretending to be otherwise," the Sandaime grumbles. "Suna has just confirmed that Shikabane-hime has spent time within their borders, and they're asking us for clarification." He raises his pipe to his mouth in consternation.

"I'm more concerned about what they're implying with their veiled references to our interest in botany," Torifu says, before looking to the messenger in question. "The last we heard, Hatake Kakashi was retracing Shikabane-hime's footsteps even as his team has been following her trail towards the border with Suna. Did you speak with them directly?"

The man nods. "Jounin Namiashi Raidou and Shiranui Genma are currently being hosted by the Kazekage’s brother-in-law, and have asked me to send word to be relieved of their duty upon the arrival of the appropriate delegation, per the Kazekage's request." He pauses. "They say Suna are implying we are responsible for the arable land that appeared in their territory last week. Given the Kazakage's own son was involved, they want to know why we didn't announce our intentions beforehand, as would be proper due to our alliance agreements. They are also," he pauses, "unsure why Shikabane-hime didn't linger after her impressive showing of Mokuton." 

Hiruzen, who has just taken a puff of his pipe to calm his nerves, chokes and collapses onto the floor even as Shikaku jerks up from his slouch and the room descends into anarchy. Igaku immediately rushes to the Hokage's side and begins administering first aid, berating him and the two ANBU guards that move to assist her all the while, and a good two-thirds of the room converge on the poor messenger, all shouting questions.

Mikoto did not foresee this development - and neither did Shikaku, given his reaction.

"Just when it looked like everything was falling into place," Tsume says as she covers young Nao's ears from the upswing in noise. "You got any records of a Senju marrying into your family, Shikaku?"

"...Not to my knowledge," Shikaku admits, voice strangled. 

Mikoto's already thinking her way through the genealogy scrolls at the Main House that reference Senju marriages. "Your wife's family...civilian farmers, going back a few generations in the area? Non-clan records are spottier, so it's plausible there was something going on, civilian-branch wise. It would explain Shikabane-hime's skill set of becoming a living shadow..."

Shikaku appears to be disassociating. 

"Congratulations, it's a girl," Shibi says drily. 

Shisui’s planning board looks like someone has regurgitated paper all over it. It is the culmination of hours of work, starting from the moment he signed out of hospital and into Tokimi-baa’s care. He’s collected anything he thinks will be important in the coming days. There’s brief descriptions of several ROOT operatives and their skill sets, a list of friendlier faces to reach out to, future weapon acquisitions, and of course, notes on Shikabane-hime. It is the last one which easily takes up more than half of the board in question.

Barring his interviews with T&I and the Jounin Commander, Shisui’s only immediate orders are to recuperate, which means a lot of naps and healthy meals and time to think as he is sequestered at home. With the way things are going, he’ll be needed soon for missions, but as the initial target (victim), the village must make sure they are seen to be doing their due diligence.

(Meanwhile, the eyepatch ploy Mikoto-sama foisted on him hasn’t just worked, it’s revealed that there is enough wide-spread sympathy for people to be unafraid of openly sharing their sentiments, the Uchiha’s prior reputation notwithstanding. Shisui is now the proud owner of three symbolically appropriate pot plants and several ‘sorry to hear a Village Elder attacked you’ get well soon cards. Mitarashi Anko has even sent him a box of dango and a letter that, after decoding, officially granted him membership to the ‘Personally Fucked Over by Manipulative Old Traitors’ Club, with an open offer to ‘that Yurei girl that saved your ass’.)

It is this response that is fuelling Shisui’s drive to secure and build on the foundations of goodwill being sent his way and use his period of recuperation to great effect. So far, he has the bare bones of a plan – and Shisui’s Rudimentary Four Step Plan to Finding Shikabane-hime is as follows:

Step 1: Get onto the Danzo Hunting Squad that Nara Shikaku is spearheading. Leverage the fact that Shikabane-hime clearly has a vested interest in your survival to gain compliance if you must! If it’s not obvious, make it clear that with you and Danzo within the vicinity, there’s a good chance that the Squad’s chances of finding Shikabane-hime rise dramatically.

Step 2: Mobilise the crows so that there are operatives on standby in case Shikabane-hime decides to make contact. Pass along word to Sora-ku and the cats? Either way, prepare bribes.

Step 3: Canvas Konoha for support and reach out to allies to help with finding Shikabane-hime, both within and outside the Hunting Squad. She does not deserve to come back to a hostile environment – work alongside the Nara to make sure there is a place for her.

Step 4: Make contact and kill Shimura Danzo together??? Then see how Shikabane-hime responds to an invitation from the village. She should be able to see the new precautions being put in place to safeguard and support members of ROOT, given her concern for their welfare, and Konoha isn’t stupid to turn away a highly skilled ninja from being on their payroll. (Additionally – take the opportunity to ensure that opinions of Shikabane-hime and the Uchiha are mostly positive and remain that way.)

Some of these things are easily actionable, but others will be trickier, especially if there’s a lot of politics. Perhaps there will be a lot more networking in Shisui’s future. He rubs his eye gently. It feels fine, if a little itchy, but there’s no way Shisui’s going to tell that to Uzume-sensei – she doesn’t want him taxing his eyes by spending too much time reading and squinting at things.

At that very thought, Shisui’s ears pick up the sound of faint footfalls coming up the stairs. By the time the door to his room is flung open, Shisui is already sprawled out on his bed, planning board out of sight and a towel over his eyes. He makes a show of lifting the corner of it to stare at the interloper. “What’s going on?” he asks.

Sasuke squints at him. "Have you been trying to read again?" he asks suspiciously. "Because Uzume-san says if she catches you doing that, she’s gonna twist your ears."

Shisui pulls the towel from his eyes and looks at his cousin imploringly. "Sasuke-chan, it’s like you don’t trust me!" he cries. "It was only a couple of letters that one time, why must I be punished so?"

It is a gentle punishment, but a punishment, nonetheless. Uzume-sensei had caught him up late with the letters, cards and notes last night, and the next thing Shisui knew, he was waking up to find his baby cousin hovering over him like a pint-sized bodyguard.

Shisui’s spent most of the day gently fending off Sasuke’s attempts to look after him, but Uzume-sensei’s gleeful backing has emboldened Sasuke, who has gone so far as to have anything heavier than a brush or cup of tea confiscated from Shisui’s reach.

Sasuke’s behaviour has also left Shisui with a sneaking suspicion that Itachi might have said something too. Perhaps given him a 'mission' to look after Shisui while he is on enforced medical leave (because it’s totally what Shisui would have done, if their roles were reversed, in the hopes that it would distract a curious younger brother, make him feel needed and position him somewhere safe while the rest of his family sat on Council meetings or were down at the Station.)

Itachi’s possible meddling notwithstanding, Uzume-sensei is a ninja, and thus not afraid of using whatever she has at her disposal to police her student’s behaviour. It certainly helps that Sasuke is very much his mother’s son, at least until he frowns and becomes a smaller, cuter version of his father. Shisui doesn’t know whether he wants to baulk or coo at his baby cousin grudgingly looking down his nose at him and making him feel like an inept criminal.

Sasuke rolls his eyes and moves forward to tug at Shisui’s shirt. "It’s time for dinner," he says as he tries to manoeuvre Shisui from the bed. "Tokimi-san says you have to come down and eat and build your strength."

"I can walk you know," Shisui chuckles as he gets to his feet and puts on his sandals.

Sasuke bites his lip. "I know, but you need to take it easy. Nii-san said so."

Oh no. Baby cousin looks sad. Time for a distraction. Shisui begins to sway on his feet. "Now that you mention it, I do feel a little dizzy…" Shisui makes a show of collapsing bonelessly onto Sasuke, who squawks in dismay.

"Shisui, you’re heavy!"

"Oh no, someone must be using a jutsu to manipulate the gravity field."

"Shisui, get off!"

"I feel it increasing on me!"

"Stop that!"

"Boys?" Tokimi-baa’s voice floats upstairs. "I could use some help setting the table!"

"I’ll do it!" Sasuke manages to pull himself out from underneath Shisui’s bulk and scowls at him before he scuttles downstairs, leaving Shisui giggling on the floor.

The old Gravity Release trick. Works every time. 

Dinner is just a step to the left from the usual routine, with Sasuke sitting in for Amano, who left on a mission while Shisui was still hospitalised. The beginning of the meal is quiet, save for the sound of chopsticks and clinking utensils. Tokimi-baa heaps carrots onto both his and Sasuke’s plates.

"Anything interesting happen at the Academy recently?" Shisui breaks the silence first – between Uzume-sensei and Amano, he isn’t used to quiet dinners.

Sasuke blinks. "I didn’t go to the Academy today?"

"Oh, I know," Shisui says, waving his chopsticks. "You’ve been here with me. I was just curious about what I might have missed." He raises an eyebrow as Sasuke flushes and looks to the side. His cousin may not be squirming in his seat, but he does look like he desperately wants to. "Hmm, I take it something interesting did happen?"

Uzume-sensei snorts. "Sasuke," she says after taking a casual sip of water, “didn’t go to the Academy today. Because he’s been suspended."

Shisui almost chokes on a piece of eggplant. "I’m sorry, what?" he sputters. 

Sasuke is scowling. "It wasn’t just me! Mizuki-sensei suspended a bunch of us after yesterday," he grumbles. "If it was Iruka-sensei, he would have made us all submit reports about what happened before handing out suspensions, but he was away."

"Suspensions, as in plural? What happened?” Shisui asks, mystified.

"One of the boys said during class that someone from Shikamaru’s clan tried to kill the Hokage," Sasuke says after he finishes a mouthful of rice. "He got mad when Shikamaru told him he didn’t know anything because he’s just an Academy student."

The official story the Sandaime has been running with is a (fake) attempt on his life for stress testing security protocols, so technically the classmate isn’t wrong. But also, he’s totally wrong, because Shikabane-hime certainly didn’t try to kill the Sandaime very hard, and no prospective ninja should be making incendiary remarks where they can be overheard in front of so many key witnesses.

"And how did the situation escalate?" Uzume-sensei says promptly, no doubt aware of what went down and setting up Sasuke’s storytelling with no small amount of mirth.

"Shikamaru said that if he talked badly about his clan again, he would punch him in the face. And then he did, so Shikamaru delivered on his promise just before we went out to the yard for taijutsu practice."

Well, RIP to that Academy student. Here’s hoping the Jounin Commander’s son isn’t the type to hold grudges. “That still doesn’t tell me why you got suspended,” he asks.

"Oh." Sasuke flushes. "Nii-san said a Nara ninja helped you, right? So clearly, he was spreading rumours about Shikabane-hime, and because she’s gone to track down that evil Elder, she can’t defend herself! Father always says that the court of public opinion can affect cases, so of course he needed to be called out!"

"Please tell me you didn’t start a brawl,” Shisui says, food forgotten in the face of the inherent drama of schoolyard politics.

"It wasn’t a brawl," Sasuke refutes. "All I did was step in when another boy tried to grab Shikamaru from behind. And then Chouji sat on him to stop him from getting involved while Kiba tackled somebody else to stop him from getting any ideas."

"Oh. Well, good work, Sasuke!"

"Thank you," Sasuke says, his proud mien only slightly marred by the blissfully large bite of tomato he takes. Meanwhile, Uzume-sensei looks like she’s trying not to die in the background from the image of the Chief of Police’s younger son flouting authority so decisively.

"So, all seven of you were suspended?" Tokimi-baa asks, just to be sure.

"Eight. Those three other boys, me, Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba, and Naruto." Sasuke pulls a face. "Naruto got in trouble as well, which was weird, because he didn’t really do anything this time? Anyway, after Mizuki-sensei said all eight of us were getting suspended, Naruto got on top of his desk and said if Mizuki wanted an excuse to suspend him then he’d better believe Naruto would give him one." Sasuke pauses. "Then Naruto dropped...seven smoke bombs, and the five of us left through the window and went to hang out at Shikamaru’s place before I was escorted back to the compound by Tokimi-san."

This is perhaps the most talkative Sasuke’s ever been about school. "How – how nice," Shisui wheezes, while Uzume-sensei and Tokimi-baa do a good job of keeping their faces straight.

"You said all five of you went there after school," Tokimi-baa says. “Wasn’t the young Aburame boy also there with you?”

"Shino?" Sasuke blinks. "He wasn’t at school yesterday, but he came by with his father to the Nara Compound while we were there."

Shisui wavers. On the one hand, Sasuke is clearly making friends, and that can only be a good thing. On the other hand, Sasuke may be embarking on a new chapter of his life which involves delinquency and truanting, not that he could be entirely blamed for removing himself from such a situation with the other boys involved.

(Shikabane-hime and the revelations that had arrived with her have affected more than just the ninja population. From what Shisui's seen and heard, all children in the village have taken to roaming the streets in packs when not being escorted by family or guardians. Older citizens couldn’t even complain once a rumour started to spread that Danzo occasionally snatched children from off the streets when he felt like it.)

"You should take care to act respectfully when in class," Tokimi-baa is saying to Sasuke gently when Shisui’s attention returns, "but it is good to hear that you and your comrades are looking out for one another."

"Mizuki-sensei didn't even ask why Shikamaru got so mad," Sasuke grumbles. "Iruka-sensei would have heard us out, at least."

"I'm sure Iruka-sensei will be back soon, and you won't have to worry about Mizuki-sensei making things difficult," Uzume-sensei says as she sends Shisui a meaningful look from across the dinner table. 

Despite Umino Iruka's absence from the Academy, Uzume-sensei seems to be suggesting that it's Mizuki that's under suspicion for passing along information on prospective ROOT candidates from the students to Danzo. Evidently his quick 'clearance' and return to the classroom is part of a larger plot or to give the man enough rope to hang himself with. The thought of Sasuke and other children being within reach of him still rankles though, despite the heightened security that has likely been put in place.

"...Might as well avoid the Academy for a few days until things die down," Shisui says eventually.

It is only once Sasuke has been put to bed that they speak openly about the latest developments of the day.

"I still cannot believe they haven't put a bounty on her head," Tokimi-baa shakes her head. "She did attack the Hokage, didn't she? Technically?"

"Hm, she hit his office with a smoke grenade – the Uzumaki boy’s done worse. You remember that time with the glitter bomb?"

"They’re still finding it in the Tower," Shisui agrees.

"It's those seals of hers that worry me," Uzume-sensei says. "With the way they were flickering, I was worried they were malfunctioning. Or worse," she frowns, "they could be some kind of purposeful anti-Sharingan measure. I only got a glimpse that one time, and even then, I thought I'd go blind if I stared too hard."

"Well, after the transplanted Sharingan was confirmed, does it really surprise you that this Shikabane-hime might have made preparations of her own to level the playing field?" Tokimi-baa points out.

"I bet she’d be a great sparring partner," Shisui sighs dreamily, trembling at the very thought, only to yelp as Uzume-sensei punches him in the shoulder. "Hey!"

"I haven't thrown caution to the wind just because you have," she snarks at him as her mother hands over a cup of tea to Shisui. "Those long council meetings should be warning enough."

"I hear Fugaku-sama had a breakthrough in one of his cases and so he sent Mikoto-oba in his stead,” Shisui murmurs, before he hears the deliberate sound of the front door opening and perks up. "Mikoto-oba!"

The three of then move to stand up, but Uchiha Mikoto, who has taken off her overcoat to reveal the kimono she wears while on official business, waves them aside. "Apologies for my lateness," she says as she toes off her sandals, "it was a busy day. I take it Sasuke is asleep?"

"He's a good boy," Tokimi-baa says approvingly. "You look like you could use a cup of tea, Mikoto-sama."

"I think I would like something a little stronger, if you have it," Mikoto-oba sinks into the seat next to Shisui with a sigh. "Things have gotten rather complicated now that Suna's gotten involved, of all things."

"Suna? What's been happening in Suna?" Uzume-sensei asks, suspicious.

Mikoto-oba shakes her head. "I cannot go into details," she says, "but Suna is claiming Shisui's Shikabane-hime used Mokuton."

Tokimi-baa narrowly misses dribbling tea all over the table, and quickly sets the teapot down. "My goodness, really?"

"When did this happen?!" Uzume-sensei barks, face pale. 

"Before the Sandaime almost choked to death on his pipe," Mikoto-oba says dryly, "but after Shikaku claimed Shikabane-hime as his sister." Uncharacteristically, she downs the tea placed before her in one go.

"The Nara Clan Head's sister," Uzume-sensei repeats to herself, while Shisui's mind buzzes. So he was right after all - a mainline Nara, or someone close enough, significant  enough, for Nara Shikaku to claim her as such! The Mokuton has come out of left field, so Shisui will have to think on that a little more, but what's really important is that Shikabane-hime was sighted and they have a lead.

(The Mokuton was rare, even among the Senju, and while the Nara shadow jutsu wasn't technically a bloodline limit, there was something of an affinity that had been briefly touched upon whenever young Uchiha were given the talk about what jutsu to avoid copying with their Sharingan. For Shikabane-hime to not only have seals, but two different and definitive Clan techniques under her belt...she was exactly the kind of person Danzo would invite into his program.) 

"...Now we're just trying to organise who to send to Suna as a part of the, cultural exchange, so to speak." 

Shisui straightens up immediately.

"Absolutely not," Uzume-sensei says, already giving him the evil eye.

"I’m technically cleared for duty tomorrow!" he protests.

"Light duty, and only because the village wants all hands-on deck in case Danzo tries to stir up more trouble. It's unlikely you'll be sent outside of the village anytime soon."

"You can't be sure about that." Shisui looks imploringly to Mikoto-oba, who is holding her chin thoughtfully. 

"The village hardly needs to make you take missions so soon," Mikoto-oba says slowly, "but being attached to a highly public diplomatic escort like the delegation to Suna would be the sort of mission I would consider as acceptable for you. As Jounin Commander, I am quite sure that Shikaku has hand-picked some people to protect the researchers and agricultural experts that will be collaborating with Suna, so there is some greater assurance there even with you being on foreign soil. Mind you," she says sharply even as Shisui does a mental fist pump, "there is no way the Clan is comfortable with you being away for months - escorting the delegation there and then returning with the other short-term personnel would be a stipulation of ours."

"I can make that work," Shisui says agreeably. "And I'd like to see for myself what exactly Shikabane-hime has supposedly gotten up to over there."

"You have forgotten that Danzo is still at large alongside Shikabane-hime," Uzume-sensei taps her fingers on the table pointedly.

He sees where his teacher is coming from, but it's not like he hasn't faced danger at home. "I'd probably be at risk wherever I am," Shisui shrugs. "I'd prefer to control how I return to active service, and Mikoto-oba is right about a mission like this being perfect. Anyway," he reasons, "Shikabane-hime’s already gone to a lot of effort to keep me around. If Danzo tries anything a second time, there’s a good chance that she’d get involved, out of courtesy if nothing else. We’re friends!"

"Friends?" Uzume-sensei snorts. "You barely talked to the girl."

"I think you'll find it was quite a meaningful conversation," Shisui makes sure he pouts in his teacher's direction, "even if it was in hospital."

"Yes, the hospital." Uzume-sensei slaps a hand to her forehead. “Where you were being supervised after the treacherous elder attacked you. Where you had a protective detail patrolling at various intervals. That hospital?"

"Yes?”

"The one where she just swings in to chat with you, past the guards and the ANBU squads and the trackers, without so much as a by-your-leave? Either she's that much of a credible threat or Konoha has truly declined," she complains.

Shisui doesn't stop smiling even as he bickers with Uzume-sensei and Tokimi-baa and Mikoto-oba start listing what he might hypothetically need for a trip to Suna. He has a good feeling about this!

"I have a bad feeling about this," Kakashi says as he and Amano watch a bespectacled tourist in a dirty white robe talking animatedly to the local authorities.

"You don't understand!" he is saying enthusiastically even as he waves his hands and narrowly misses hitting the mayor in the nose, "life is neither about suffering nor pleasure, but making the most of unexpected encounters! This brush with death was necessary to reveal to me an unspoken truth! For too long, I have spent my time hunched over ledgers and hating every minute of it...but now, I dare to disturb the universe and find a higher calling! I'M ON A MISSION FROM GOD!"

"The people in charge seem to have things well in hand," Amano says, looking both disturbed and fascinated as the mayor says something soothing and conciliatory to the tourist. "We should leave them to it."

"A fine idea," Kakashi says, lifting his headband to reveal his Sharingan, which begins to spin. "I'd love to see where this reported miracle took place...and from what you've told me, Shikabane-hime has a tendency to unearth some very interesting things from underground caverns."