Shisui, having started his first day of work at the Military Police Force, was completely thrown off by Tatsuya's words. He spent the entire day in a daze. He didn't know what to do.
In the evening, after work, Shisui walked through the clan compound with a depressed expression. Along the way, some Uchiha clansmen saw him, but none of them engaged him in much conversation. This would have been unthinkable in the past.
Among the younger generation of the Uchiha clan, Shisui's personality and talent were universally acknowledged. But recently, everyone had noticed that the smile had vanished from Shisui's face. The cheerful, kind boy seemed to have disappeared.
For Shisui, the Third's distrust was a crushing blow, leaving him feeling hopeless. However, Tatsuya's words today had subtly given Shisui a different perspective.
"Shisui-nii!"
As he was walking, Shisui heard someone call out to him.
Looking up, he saw Itachi walking his little brother. Little Sasuke was toddling along on his short legs, swaying unsteadily, in front of Itachi.
"It's Itachi. Sasuke, come here!"
Seeing the two brothers, Shisui's face instantly lit up with a smile. He crouched down and beckoned to Sasuke.
Hearing the call, little Sasuke was also very happy. He waddled over to Shisui on his short legs.
Scooping him up, Shisui held Sasuke and walked side-by-side with Itachi.
"Shisui-nii, you seem to be in better spirits!" Itachi observed, his gaze gently sweeping over Shisui.
Shisui gave a wry smile. "Not exactly 'better,' I guess. But after hearing a certain lecture, I surprisingly don't feel as bad..."
Little Sasuke, held in Shisui's arms, wasn't behaving. His little hands kept reaching up to pinch and poke at Shisui's eyebrows and nose.
Itachi smiled softly. "Was it Tatsuya-san?"
Shisui reached up to catch the mischievous little hand. "Besides that guy, no one else would willingly approach us."
Itachi tilted his head, looking at Shisui. "What did Tatsuya-san say?"
Shisui thought for a moment. "Some... strange theories?"
Itachi's eyes sparkled as he looked at Shisui, but he didn't say anything.
Seeing this, Shisui gave a wry smile. "Let's go! I'll tell you all about it when we get home."
So, the two quickly walked side-by-side back to Shisui's house.
After setting Sasuke down to play by himself, Shisui recounted his conversation with Tatsuya to Itachi.
After listening, Itachi fell into deep thought.
After a while, Itachi spoke, "Shisui-nii, did you get the feeling that Tatsuya-san was... guiding you?"
Shisui nodded, his voice heavy. "Yeah! I also feel like he wasn't just trying to comfort me. It seemed like there was something more to his words, but I can't figure out his true intentions! Does he want to get involved in this matter, too?"
Itachi lowered his eyelids, his voice subdued. "Perhaps Tatsuya-san just wants you to make up your mind."
Shisui looked puzzled. "Make up my mind about what?"
Itachi: "The decision to turn against our clansmen!"
Hearing this, Shisui's face turned grim, and he remained silent for a long time.
Perhaps Itachi was right, and Tatsuya's true goal was exactly that. But Shisui subconsciously chose to avoid that thought. Compared to Itachi, the older Shisui was clearly less mature in some respects.
"Nii-san, don't cry!"
Nearby, little Sasuke, who had been playing by himself, had crawled over at some point. He wobbled over to Shisui and patted him gently with his chubby little hands.
Seeing this, both Shisui and Itachi's faces softened into warm smiles. Their shared love for their little brother was a common trait.
At Tatsuya's house.
Tatsuya, having spent the entire day slacking off at the Military Police Force, had returned home. As soon as he opened the door, his body stiffened, but he continued inside.
"Lord Orochimaru, couldn't you use the normal channels when you visit? This puts a lot of pressure on me, you know!" Tatsuya said, a teasing tone in his voice, as he looked at the figure standing in the living room.
The lights in the room were switched on, revealing the figure to be Orochimaru, who had recently returned to the village. After everything that had happened, Tatsuya wasn't as intimidated by the cold and aloof Sannin as he used to be. Of course, this was also because Tatsuya was no longer the same person he once was. He was confident that he could escape from Orochimaru if he had to.
"Tatsuya-kun, I don't sense any pressure from you," Orochimaru said with a faint smile, glancing at Tatsuya.
"Lord Orochimaru, would you like to join me?" Tatsuya smiled slightly, holding up the takeout food he'd brought back, extending the invitation.
Ever since Tatsuya had suggested opening a pet shop, Kyoko had been a whirlwind of activity. Taking the start-up funds Tatsuya had given her, Kyoko had enthusiastically taken on the preparations for opening the shop. Every day, apart from her work at the ninja hospital, she spent most of her time on the preparations. It seemed the girl was genuinely determined to do a good job as the "boss lady"!
Without Kyoko to take care of him, Tatsuya, now left to his own devices, had to either eat out or buy takeout to get by. Fortunately, Tatsuya had money now, and Konoha's amenities were well-developed, so his quality of life hadn't suffered.
Orochimaru didn't answer, but he very naturally walked over to the dining table.
Seeing this, Tatsuya didn't say anything more and began to unpack the food he'd bought. Soon, the two were sitting opposite each other, eating.
They ate in silence for a while before Orochimaru looked up, staring directly at Tatsuya. "Why did you agree to join the Military Police Force? Do you want to get involved in this?"
Tatsuya shrugged. "It was the Hokage's order. I'm merely following the chain of command."
"Heh, following orders? Tatsuya-kun, I didn't take you for such an obedient ninja," Orochimaru said, a mocking sneer playing on his lips.
Facing Orochimaru's mockery, Tatsuya continued eating, his expression calm. "That's because you misunderstand me."
"Reckless! Foolish!" Orochimaru stared at Tatsuya for a moment, then uttered two words. This was Orochimaru's opinion of Tatsuya's decision to join the Military Police Force.
Tatsuya smiled slightly. "Lord Orochimaru, aren't you often doing the same thing?"
Orochimaru remained silent, not responding. The two fell into silence once more.
"I'm leaving," Orochimaru said, putting down his utensils after finishing his meal. He slowly stood up and turned to leave.
When he reached the window, Orochimaru stopped and said softly, "Root has been closely monitoring your movements recently. I don't know why they're targeting you, but I suspect they'll make their move soon."
"Thank you for the warning, Lord Orochimaru! Can I ask you a question?" Hearing Orochimaru's words, Tatsuya's expression turned serious. Being targeted by Root was not good news.
"Oh? Go ahead," Orochimaru said without turning around.
Tatsuya asked solemnly, "Why have you helped me so many times?"
"Perhaps I find it... interesting," Orochimaru replied casually, his form disappearing from the room.
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