With a swift and skillful maneuver, Ruichi deflected the question back.
"Of course, this isn't a simple either-or question. You can choose both, or neither, or even find other options."
"Other options?"
"The Third Hokage, Danzo, Fugaku, Uchiha ninjas, Uchiha civilians… Do you really know what all the parties involved are thinking about this?"
Itachi remained silent, a wavering look in his eyes.
"You still have time. Talk to other people—maybe you'll come up with different ideas. This is never a one-man show for you. No matter what outcome you want, you'll need someone to cooperate with."
The illusory world seemed to sink halfway into water as colors and sounds collapsed back into reality. Ruichi glanced at the teacup—it was completely cold.
Itachi said nothing more. He quietly ate a bowl of hot soup noodles, and the confusion in his eyes seemed to fade a little.
"Thanks."
He left a banknote, stood up, and disappeared into the night.
You should find a few more people you can talk to—and then stay away from me. That would be a real blessing.
Ruichi looked at the money on the table and shook his head.
After exiting the genjutsu, Ruichi clearly felt something stirring inside his body.
Perhaps because the Sharingan's genjutsu was Yin Release–based, his body retained faint sensations after being exposed to such a large amount of Yin Release chakra.
I remember Itachi likes leaving lingering genjutsu effects on people… I'll have Hinata check me over next time. I also need to prepare proper countermeasures against genjutsu.
Just as Ruichi was lost in thought, the curtain was lifted again.
"Sorry, we're closed for the night—?"
The newcomer was a middle-aged man in plain clothes, with an utterly forgettable face.
"Please have mercy, boss. Every restaurant on this street is already closed."
He wore an apologetic smile but headed straight for the counter and sat down, clearly intending to eat no matter what.
Ruichi's eyes narrowed briefly, then he returned to his usual lazy shop-assistant demeanor.
Although the man tried to conceal his aura and pass himself off as an overworked salaryman, there was a faint scent of blood clinging to him—the smell of someone who lived in the shadows.
The shadows… or Root?
Ruichi was certain this man had come because of Itachi.
Though he wanted nothing more than to kick him out, that would only invite trouble. It was better to satisfy his curiosity.
"No ramen left. Just simple hot soup noodles. Eat quickly and leave."
Ruichi sighed and began cooking.
"Thank you very much."
While waiting, the man's gaze casually swept the shop.
"The kid who just left looked familiar. Pale, too. Did he break up with his girlfriend?"
A blatant probe.
"Don't even get me started," Ruichi said, slamming a bowl down with visible annoyance. "That regular of ours—the Uchiha clan's eldest son—is under ridiculous pressure. Came here whining about a friend who died."
"Shouldn't he be talking to his family about that? I'm not his mom. Why dump that on me?"
"They probably think you're easy to talk to," the man replied, lifting his chopsticks. "You two close?"
"Not really. Just shopkeeper and customer. We were classmates once, but he graduated early and went on missions."
After that, Ruichi leaned in conspiratorially and lowered his voice.
"Hey, don't you think he's kind of stupid? Risking his life every day at that age—what's the point?"
"Oh? What did he say?"
"Responsibility. Bonds. That kind of nonsense," Ruichi scoffed. "I don't get it. Cooking noodles and counting money every day—that's life."
The image of an utterly unambitious civilian was painted perfectly.
The man stared at Ruichi for a few seconds.
Judging by his eyes, he's harmless. Just another useless nobody.
He chuckled softly and lowered his head to eat. "A peaceful life lasts longer."
After finishing his noodles, the man paid and left without another word.
Ruichi washed the dishes with Water Release and sighed quietly.
"We got through this one… but we need an escape route."
The fact that even conversations like this were being monitored meant Konoha's situation had become dangerously murky.
With Shisui dead, the night of the Uchiha clan's extermination wasn't far off.
He had warned Itachi more than once, but given how things turned out with Shisui, it was hard to say whether it had changed anything.
When that day came, Konoha would be reshuffled completely.
And Ruichi, already dragged into the mess, needed to prepare for the worst.
An ordinary person with no background who just wanted to lie low—caught between these monsters—could be crushed into dust at any moment.
Looks like I'll need to visit the northern part of the Land of Fire.
He didn't know whether they would accept him, but since they shared blood ties, there was still a chance.
If Konoha truly became unlivable, that place might be a safe haven.
Of course, there were still things he needed to do first.
---
"The above is the process of contacting the target."
"I understand. You may leave."
Smoke filled the Hokage's office.
"Cooking noodles and counting money every day… Hmph. A worthless nobody with no ambition."
Danzo Shimura snorted coldly. "Itachi associating with someone like Ruichi, who only knows how to loaf around, will weaken his resolve."
Turning to his old friend, Danzo said, "I suggest eliminating this variable immediately. At the very least, forbid Itachi from ever entering that shop again."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Danzo, you're pulling the string too tight. Itachi is still a child. If you take away even his last place to breathe, that blade may shatter in our own hands before striking the enemy."
"A weak excuse! Even if Ruichi looks like a nobody, he influences Itachi with just a few words. That's a hidden danger!"
"For the village's sake, all uncontrollable risks must be removed!"
"He's just a genin working at a ramen shop," Hiruzen replied calmly. "If anything, having a listener helps stabilize Itachi's mental state."
Tapping ash from his pipe, the Third Hokage continued, his tone firm:
"As long as Itachi remains on missions and in this village, he needs a place where he can feel alive. This matter is closed."
Danzo's chest rose and fell several times before he finally stood.
"Hiruzen… you'll regret this."
Without looking up, the Third Hokage replied:
"Danzo. I am the Hokage."
Bang!
Danzo slammed the door and left.
Silence returned.
The Third Hokage picked up the border report and the returned Chunin Exam registration form.
"Talented, but unmotivated…" he murmured. "Let's observe him a little longer."