Chapter 89: Bearing a Legacy of Resentment
Liumu recalled that in his youth, Uchiha Kagami was in no way inferior to Hiruzen or even Danzō. With the absolute power of his Sharingan's genjutsu, he and the Second Hokage had once shattered a major assault from Kumogakure.
After Tobirama's death, Sarutobi became Hokage. During a mission, Uchiha Kagami was ambushed by Danzō, who stole his left eye—the one concealing his Sharingan's secret—using it to help establish the foundation of what would become Root.
Fugaku whispered, "But in truth, aside from our Uchiha clan, few outsiders know that Kagami had a son."
Hearing this, everything clicked into place for Liumu.
"So, I hope, if possible, you can help me watch over this child in secret."
Liumu was stunned. His guess had been right.
"His name is Shisui. He's almost three. Though still very young, we can already see in him the same genius his father, Kagami, possessed." When speaking of Shisui, an indescribable tenderness softened Fugaku's stern features.
"Why me? I'm still a kid myself!" Liumu couldn't fathom it. His relationship with the Uchiha clan was far from close enough for the clan head to entrust him with such a matter. If anything, he'd caused them some trouble in the past.
As for the reason, Fugaku seemed somewhat helpless but still explained. "Because your name is Liumu. You are also a genius. And… there is also the matter of your connection to Jiraiya."
Jiraiya disliked internal strife, often operated outside the Hokage's direct command, and cared little for missions. Yet, like Kagami, he possessed a profound willingness to sacrifice for Konoha. Liumu carried Jiraiya's aura; he was Jiraiya's disciple.
"Of course, there are other reasons as well." Meeting Liumu's gaze, Fugaku held nothing back.
Shisui's father, Uchiha Kagami—his death was inextricably linked to Sarutobi and Danzō. Now, Sarutobi was Hokage, and Danzō had built his own power base, Root. Neither was an enemy to be taken lightly.
Shisui was born bearing a monumental grudge. The desire for vengeance, to avenge his father, simmered in the hearts of the entire Uchiha clan.
But Fugaku understood clearly. With Shisui alone, even with the entire Uchiha clan, it would be difficult to shake those two men. Shisui had inherited Kagami's talent. Rather than letting him be influenced by the clan's bitterness after becoming a ninja, it was better for him to stay close to someone with a more peace-loving nature.
"In many ways, you are like Kagami."
After hearing this, Liumu fell into a long silence. Looking at Fugaku before him, he finally understood the man behind the veil of mystery.
"But why not take care of him yourself? If it were you, Shisui could not only grow up well, but other Uchiha wouldn't whisper in his ear."
"Hah!" Fugaku gave a bitter laugh, his eyes drifting to the Uchiha fan emblem beside him. "Do you know why the current Uchiha have become such a thorn in the side of Konoha's leadership?"
Before Liumu could ponder, Fugaku gave the answer directly.
"Because of this."
As he spoke, a pair of scarlet three-tomoe Sharingan instantly appeared in his eyes, the tomoe spinning with an unnerving intensity.
"The Uchiha have never truly integrated into Konoha's structure. Ever since that man left, there hasn't been a Hokage who hasn't been wary of us. Awakening these eyes is a process our clan inevitably undergoes, especially in these turbulent times. Once the bloodline awakens, an Uchiha can fully unleash the unique talent of these eyes. As the leader of such a people… do you think my word is absolute?"
Fugaku's Sharingan fixed firmly on Liumu, his expression utterly serious.
Of course, Liumu was no stranger to the name Shisui. His concern now was simply taking care of the child. A three-year-old, who had never experienced the complexities of human affairs, had no such experience at all.
In Liumu's eyes, Fugaku had always been enigmatic. But today, glimpsing Fugaku's true heart, Liumu felt a sense of relief. For in his heart, Fugaku yearned for peace, even as he wrestled with the tension Sarutobi and Danzō directed toward the Uchiha. Like Uchiha Kagami, he was a man of profound love.
"Will you promise me?" Fugaku looked at Liumu earnestly.
After a moment of hesitation, his expression shifting through rapid thoughts, Liumu finally chose to agree.
Shisui was Itachi's friend and mentor. If his fate could be altered, perhaps Itachi and the future of the Uchiha wouldn't end in annihilation.
After the Third Great War, Fugaku would awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan—a pupil power capable of controlling the Nine-Tails. That power would force him, pressured by the clan, toward rebellion. Recalling this from his memories, Liumu asked calmly, "What can I do?"
"I'll give you Shisui's address. If possible, spend time with him. That's all." As Liumu nodded, Fugaku seemed to have already prepared everything, as if he'd known Liumu would agree.
Watching Liumu's departing back, Fugaku's smile gradually faded. His Sharingan receded, and the tense aura around him eased.
"Kotoamatsukami"—Shisui's signature technique—was a legendary scene Liumu still remembered from his first viewing. Even now, recalling it sent a shiver down his spine.
That Night
Liumu told Haku about Shisui, wanting her opinion. After all, if he was to look after Shisui, it concerned their household.
Fortunately, Haku had a natural fondness for children. Hearing Shisui was less than three, she agreed almost without thinking.
Relieved, Liumu even joked, "Consider this practice for the future, learning how to take care of kids."
"Practice for what?" Haku asked, frowning in confusion.
The sky was overcast, a light drizzle falling over Konoha.
In an alley within the Uchiha district, a young boy with dark eyes placed the cat food in his hand under a stone pillar by a streetlamp.
Soon, a few meows sounded. Three yellow tabby kittens peeked out from a corner and happily scampered to the boy's feet.
The boy gently stroked their fur for a moment, a smile appearing on his youthful face.
"Eat slowly. I'm going home now. I'll come back tomorrow."
He stood up and took a few steps. Hearing the sound of rain pattering on an umbrella, he turned back, placed the umbrella over the kittens, covered his head with his hands, and trotted away.
"Is that him?"
On a distant treetop, two figures, one tall and one short, hid in the shadows. Watching the boy disappear into a house, a light appearing in the window, they jumped down from the tree.
The kittens' ears twitched slightly. Seeing the two didn't seem to approach, they resumed eating.
"He's very clever. He understands everything he's taught. Most importantly… he loves this village as deeply as his father did."
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