Konoha's Tatsuya

A short while later, Shisui emerged from the Hokage Building, his expression slightly animated.

"Shisui."

Just as Shisui had walked a short distance from the Hokage Building, he heard someone calling him from behind.

"Tatsuya."

Turning towards the source of the voice, he saw Tatsuya, who had just exited the Sealing Corps office building on the other side of the street.

"Shisui, were you just in the Hokage Building?" Tatsuya asked, a slightly surprised expression on his face, as they walked side-by-side. Having been in the Sealing Corps for so long, he rarely saw members of the Uchiha clan coming to the Hokage Building.

"Lord Hokage summoned me," Shisui said.

"Lord Hokage?" Tatsuya's brow furrowed slightly. He instinctively felt that something was amiss about the Third summoning Shisui.

"Did the Third invite you to join the ANBU?" After a brief pause, Tatsuya guessed the likely reason.

"How did you know?" Shisui was extremely surprised. The Third had only just discussed this matter with him. Tatsuya couldn't have possibly received the news from any other source beforehand, so how did he know?

"I guessed," Tatsuya said with a shrug. He didn't want to comment on the Third's thinking and actions. This was the typical politician's mindset of those in power. The starting point might be good, but it placed the intermediary, Shisui, in a disadvantageous position. This decision also laid the groundwork for the tragic futures of Shisui and Itachi.

Tatsuya absolutely refused to be a pawn like that. However, from the village's perspective, this choice was perhaps the one with the least cost now, but the long-term accumulation of conflict would eventually erupt in the most violent way.

"You guessed?" Shisui was taken aback, clearly not expecting Tatsuya to answer like that.

"Shisui, given the current relationship between the village and the Uchiha clan, have you thought about how difficult your situation will be if you join the Hokage's ANBU?" Tatsuya asked, his expression turning serious.

Hearing these words, Shisui's expression gradually sobered. He pursed his lips and didn't answer immediately. From Tatsuya's question, it was clear that he had a deep understanding of the relationship between the village and the Uchiha clan. Regardless of where he got his information, this insight alone was enough to command respect. And from Tatsuya's tone and eyes, Shisui also sensed genuine concern and worry.

"Tatsuya, I understand what you mean, but I've thought about all of this. I can handle it," Shisui said, his expression warming slightly, his voice firm.

"Is this something you have to do?" Tatsuya asked, frowning.

"There's no one in the Uchiha clan more suitable than me! The village and the clan need an intermediary," Shisui replied, nodding.

Seeing this, Tatsuya stopped walking. He turned, placed a hand on Shisui's shoulder, and said with unprecedented seriousness: "Shisui, since you've already made up your mind, I won't say any more. But there's one thing I want to tell you: don't carry everything on your own shoulders. Always taking everything upon yourself isn't necessarily good for others. Your choices might not be what they want!"

With that, Tatsuya, ignoring the stunned Shisui, walked away. Behind him, Shisui stood silently, watching Tatsuya's departing figure. He paused for a few seconds before resuming his walk.

Returning to the Uchiha clan compound, Shisui didn't go to his own home. Instead, he headed towards the home of Clan Head Fugaku Uchiha.

"Brother Shisui?"

Itachi opened the door after the knock. Seeing Shisui standing outside, Itachi's expression was clearly surprised. Although they interacted a lot in private, Shisui rarely came directly to Itachi's house like this.

"It's Itachi. Is the Clan Head at home?" Shisui's gaze lingered for a moment on Sasuke, who was slowly crawling at Itachi's feet. He smiled and gently touched Sasuke's little cheek before speaking.

"Father is inside," Itachi replied, stepping aside to let Shisui into the house.

"Shisui, you're here," Fugaku greeted Shisui from inside the house.

Uchiha Shisui was undoubtedly the number one talent of the younger generation in the clan. Even Fugaku Uchiha, the clan head, couldn't underestimate his talent and potential. Moreover, Shisui and Itachi had always been close, and Fugaku had always considered Shisui a staunch supporter of his faction.

"Clan Head," Shisui approached Fugaku, bowed respectfully, and then knelt down, closing the door behind him.

"Shisui, what brings you here at this time?" Fugaku asked, looking at Shisui.

"Clan Head, Lord Hokage just summoned me," Shisui said softly.

"Oh? What did the Third want with you?" Fugaku asked, his arms crossed over his chest, his brow slightly furrowed.

Shisui said, "Lord Hokage wants to invite me to join the ANBU."

Fugaku: "Join the ANBU? The Hokage's direct ANBU, or Root?"

Shisui: "The Hokage's direct ANBU."

"Did you agree?" Fugaku asked, his eyes fixed on Shisui for a moment.

After a few seconds of silence, Shisui said, "Yes."

Looking at the young Shisui in front of him, Fugaku said, word by word, "Shisui, do you understand the Third's purpose in having you join the Hokage's direct ANBU?"

Shisui nodded. "After the Nine-Tails' attack, the village's strength has greatly diminished. We can't withstand another blow. Lord Hokage likely wants me to act as a bridge, to ease the tension between the clan and the village."

Fugaku's brow relaxed slightly. He said slowly, "Shisui, it's good that you understand this! I'm sure you've heard the rumors about the Nine-Tails' attack. The relationship between the village leadership and the clan is already very difficult to repair. Now, due to the pressing situation, the Third is trying to stabilize the Uchiha clan. He's just using you as a tool to ease the tension between the clan and the village. He won't truly trust you, because you are also an Uchiha!"

"Clan Head, rest assured!" Shisui replied respectfully. He then stood up, bowed to Fugaku, and turned to leave.

As Shisui was about to step out of the room, Fugaku said, "Shisui, remember one thing. No matter what the final relationship between the clan and the village is, you must always remember that you are a proud Uchiha!"

"Yes! I understand!" Shisui's figure paused. He stood still for a few seconds before softly answering and then leaving.

Watching Shisui's departing back, Fugaku's expression was slightly complex.

"Brother Shisui." Outside in the main room, Itachi, who had already picked up little Sasuke, quickly went to greet Shisui.

Shisui didn't speak. He smiled, gently stroked Itachi and Sasuke's heads, and then walked away. Behind him, Itachi's eyes showed a thoughtful expression. He felt that the smile on Shisui's face was somewhat different from usual.

The next day, Uchiha Shisui officially reported to the Hokage's ANBU Black Ops.