After the meeting concluded, Fugaku, Tekka, and Yashiro—along with a visibly dispirited Inabi—took the internal elevator down to the third floor, where the military command conference room was located.
The room was stark and functional. A massive sand table and detailed maps occupied the center.
The four men took their seats.
Fugaku looked at Inabi, who still appeared somewhat downcast.
"Inabi, the Oniwaban has gathered elites from various Konoha clans. In terms of individual strength and versatility, they are no weaker than the Wind-Forest or Volcano Corps."
He knew exactly what was troubling him.
In a battle that would determine the fate of the eastern front—even Kirigakure itself—
The Oniwaban had been the only unit that never stepped onto the stage.
Though their duty was internal oversight and stability, Inabi—an Uchiha—could hardly accept remaining in the rear while his kin fought and bled on the frontlines.
"Your role is just as critical."
"Right now is the perfect time for you to assert control."
Fugaku leaned forward slightly.
"With the 'Falling Maple Valley' as a warning and this overwhelming victory, the entire territory is under pressure."
"What you must do is seize this moment—clean up internal instability and forge them into a force truly loyal to the Shogunate."
The Oniwaban, composed of powerful clans like the Hyūga and the Ino-Shika-Chō, would eventually take part in external campaigns.
They would not remain mere "internal police."
Fugaku paused.
"And if, after reshaping the Oniwaban, you still wish to fight on the battlefield…"
"…I will personally request your transfer to the Red Guard."
"We can fight side by side."
His tone softened.
"Under the Shogun… everyone will find their place."
Inabi forced a stiff smile.
"After the previous warning, the Oniwaban has settled down."
"And after this victory… they've all gone silent."
"I'll take this chance to reorganize them."
He hesitated.
"…But about returning to the army…"
"Lady Mikoto spoke to me."
"She wants me to lead the newly formed 'Shogunate Security Bureau'… responsible for law enforcement and internal order."
Before he could finish—
Tekka burst out laughing.
"So you're going back to being the 'security chief'?"
"In Konoha, that was practically the clan's private territory!"
Inabi's face darkened.
Tekka grinned.
"Congratulations—back to your old job!"
"Cough."
Yashiro shot him a glance.
"That position isn't inferior."
"Every role has its future under the Shogun."
Though—
Even he sounded a bit unconvinced.
"Of course, of course," Tekka waved it off.
Then—
His gaze shifted to Fugaku.
"You said it yourself earlier, didn't you?"
Fugaku felt danger.
"…Naturally."
"Good."
Yashiro smiled.
"Since recruitment is open—"
"We'd appreciate some flexibility… from the Red Guard."
Ah.
So that was the real goal.
Borrowing talent.
"…Heh."
Fugaku replied evenly.
"All voluntary."
"Of course."
Tekka and Yashiro exchanged knowing smiles.
Only Inabi stood there—
Completely out of the loop—
Watching with quiet resentment.
He didn't even need to think.
No one would willingly join the Security Bureau.
Unless they were—
'An idiot?'
His eyes lit up.
'What about the kids?'
Meanwhile—
Yashiro suddenly changed the topic.
"Shisui's Mangekyō…"
"Records say—besides Susanoo, two abilities emerge."
"Did he report them?"
The atmosphere tightened.
Mangekyō Sharingan—
Sacred.
Dangerous.
Once—
It had nearly torn the clan apart.
Now—
Shisui had awakened it.
Fugaku met their gazes.
"Shisui is no child."
"He has his own will."
"And under the Shogun…"
"…we all walk the same path."
…
Elsewhere—
The elders discussed the same topic.
"Shisui has a pure heart," the old clan head said.
"He wavered before—but now, the clan is everything to him."
"This awakening proves it."
Honoka nodded.
"Still… awakening Mangekyō at such a young age…"
"Is dangerous."
Setsuna leaned back.
"Let the young walk their own path."
…
Meanwhile—
Eighth floor. Shogun's office.
"Come, Shisui."
Anlan beckoned.
The young man stepped forward, sitting properly.
Calm.
Respectful.
No arrogance.
To him—
The Mangekyō was nothing special.
The true greatness—
Was Anlan.
"Awakening the Mangekyō… is no small burden."
Anlan's voice softened.
"You've endured much."
"How do you feel?"
Shisui froze.
No one had asked that before.
Only admiration.
Fear.
A warmth rose in his chest.
"I'm fine… Shog—"
"Just call me brother."
Shisui nodded.
"…Brother."
"Tell me about the Tailed Beasts."
"Both are under control."
"Good."
Then—
"Are you interested in them?"
Shisui thought.
"They're powerful… but dangerous."
"I'd rather ensure they don't cause harm."
Anlan shook his head.
"That's a normal way of thinking."
"But we are Uchiha."
Then—
He explained.
"Madara once used Susanoo to armor the Nine-Tails."
"'Majestic Attire: Susanoo.'"
Shisui's pupils shrank.
Susanoo…
Covering a Tailed Beast?
A realization ignited.
"If you combine them…"
"…you gain infinite chakra and ultimate defense."
"You should explore this."
"Those who cooperate—earn freedom."
"Those who don't—become sealed weapons."
Shisui straightened.
"I understand!"
"I'll master it!"
Anlan smiled.
"Don't carry everything alone."
Then—
"About the Mangekyō…"
"Overuse leads to blindness—"
"For the clan, I don't care!"
Shisui blurted.
Anlan flicked his forehead.
"Idiot."
"Power itself isn't evil."
"The user decides."
Shisui fell silent.
Then nodded.
Firm.
Resolved.
"…Brother."
"My Mangekyō ability…"
"…is called Kotoamatsukami."
"It can rewrite a person's will—without them noticing."
Even he feared it.
"I can destroy these eyes if needed."
"Don't talk nonsense."
Another flick.
"It's a gift."
"Use it well."
Shisui's confusion cleared.
Anlan asked calmly—
"What are its limits?"
"…High chakra cost."
"Very few uses."
"…It might be weak."
Anlan laughed.
"You just said it was dangerous."
"Now it's weak?"
"Enough. Come with me."
They walked—
Then—
Anlan suddenly stopped.
Turned.
"Shisui…"
"…want a wife?"
"…Huh?!"
The boy froze.
Then—
His entire face turned red.
Ears included.
Anlan burst out laughing.
"Come on."
"Big brother will find you one."