Facing Shisui's unwavering gaze, Uchiha Yuan let out a faint scoff.
"Shisui… What mistake have I committed?"
His sharp eyes shifted toward Danzō.
"Since when did resisting persecution become a crime?"
He paused, lips curling in mockery.
"Perhaps to a certain old dog, anything short of obedience is a capital offense."
Yuan understood perfectly what he was doing.
He had to make it clear—
Everything happening here was a personal clash between him and Danzō.
It had nothing to do with the Uchiha clan.
Nothing to do with the village.
That was the bottom line the acting Hokage—watching from the shadows—could tolerate.
Shisui faltered for a moment, unable to answer.
On the other side, Kakashi watched silently, grip tightening and loosening around his kunai.
Perhaps because of Obito.
Perhaps because of Yuan's respect for Sakumo.
After several encounters, Kakashi held no ill will toward him.
Right now, though he was stunned by Yuan's audacity, he couldn't help but feel a trace of admiration.
A cold snort cut through the air.
Danzō's gaze turned icy.
"Empty sophistry."
"As shinobi, we obey the village unconditionally. And my actions represent the will of the village."
"Persecution?"
He laughed dryly.
"Everything I do is for Konoha's security."
"Uchiha Yuan—if you have no collusion with the traitor Orochimaru, why resist my inspection?"
Yuan smiled coldly.
"I know nothing about Orochimaru's defection."
"But if all those close to him must be investigated—"
"Then perhaps the Third Hokage, as Orochimaru's teacher, should also be investigated."
He tilted his head slightly.
"I've heard that among the Sannin, Orochimaru was the Third's most favored disciple."
"Perhaps the Third knows more about the reason behind his defection than anyone."
Mockery dripped from every word.
For a fleeting instant, Danzō felt a strange unease—
As if Yuan truly knew something.
But reason told him that was impossible.
"You still hesitate, Shisui?!" Danzō barked.
Shisui's expression tightened.
"Yuan. If you have grievances, bring them before the Third."
"I believe he will understand."
"But if you refuse to surrender—"
"Then I will act."
Yuan clenched his fists.
A sharp crackling sound echoed as his knuckles popped like bursting beans.
He lifted his chin, posture wild and arrogant.
"They call you the clan's greatest prodigy."
"Let me see what that title is worth."
The words had barely left his mouth—
Shisui's figure blurred—
And vanished.
Yuan's pupils contracted slightly.
So fast.
As expected of Shunshin no Shisui.
The air behind him trembled—
The real battle was about to begin.
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