Sarutobi Ryo studied the young man before him. He was a little younger than Kakashi, with a face that showed no emotion at all.
Uchiha Shisui, Ryo thought, according to the stories.
Shisui's talent had always been hidden by the friend at his side.
Their friendship reminded Sarutobi Ryo of Kakashi and Obito.
And just like anyone, Uchiha Shisui also had a dark side. No one is purely good or purely evil.
In the original story, Nohara Rin's death pushed Obito into darkness.
As for Shisui... His struggle was that he felt less important than his friend - his comrade, classmate, and fellow Genin.
Because of this, during a mission after the war, Uchiha Shisui abandoned his friend. This caused him great sadness and pain, which unlocked his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Unlocking the Mangekyo as a Genin … it was unavoidable, Ryo thought.
But Sarutobi Ryo had no plans to let things play out just so he could get his hands on a Mangekyo Sharingan. He wouldn't let the darkness inside Uchiha Shisui grow.
Now that he knew about it, he had to do something.
Sarutobi Ryo decided to promote Uchiha Shisui, making him the first Uchiha to officially join the Anbu.
He would use this to give Shisui more recognition and help him make a name for himself.
Sarutobi Ryo believed that most people become sad and depressed because they feel like they haven't achieved anything.
If Uchiha Shisui received some appreciation, the small amount of darkness in his heart would vanish.
As he listened to the congratulations from his family and friends, Uchiha Shisui seemed to wake up from a dream.
The sadness in his eyes began to fade away.
He took a deep breath, and a confident smile appeared on his face.
In a strong, clear voice, he accepted Sarutobi Ryo's offer.
Surrounded by the crowd, he finally got what he had longed for in his heart.
Just by becoming the first Uchiha ninja to formally join the Anbu, he would become famous. He would leave a lasting, positive mark on the history of the Uchiha clan and even on Konoha.
In the future, whenever people spoke about the first Uchiha ninja in the Anbu, they would definitely talk about Uchiha Shisui.
The young Uchiha, now with a place in history, shook off the sadness in his heart. The bit of darkness inside him disappeared instantly.
Uchiha Shisui understood clearly.
He had surpassed his friend, so there was no reason to feel jealous anymore.
He was surrounded by everyone, enjoying the happy atmosphere.
----
Another group of people watched this scene, their faces growing dark.
They had never expected Sarutobi Ryo to go this far.
Utatane Koharu was about to speak when...
Sarutobi Ryo spoke first, in a casual tone. "Back then, the Previous Hokage appointed Uchiha Kagami, Uchiha Shisui's ancestor, as a Hokage Guard. I'm just following the Previous Hokage's example, doing what is right."
"!"
Sarutobi Ryo's words stopped Utatane Koharu from speaking.
Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but remember the past, his eyes showing approval. He clearly missed his old friend, Uchiha Kagami.
And he was pleased that his friend's descendant, Uchiha Shisui, was becoming a promising ninja.
The world of ninjas is a world of families and bloodlines.
Uchiha Kagami's grandson, Uchiha Shisui, was a true and pure descendant with the Will of Fire.
If Senju Tobirama could appoint Uchiha Kagami as a Hokage Guard, then Sarutobi Ryo could certainly appoint Uchiha Kagami's grandson, Uchiha Shisui, as an Anbu ninja.
This was only the beginning.
When he became the Fifth Hokage and chose his Hokage Guards, Uchiha Shisui would be one of them.
Sarutobi Ryo had already made his plans.
Some talented people couldn't be left to be harmed by others.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged worried glances.
They had never thought that the Previous Hokage's actions would now become an obstacle.
Could they say that the Previous Hokage arranged for Uchiha Kagami to control the Uchiha clan from within, forcing him to choose between the Uchiha and the Village, ultimately leading to the Uchiha clan's destruction?
Sadly, the Previous Hokage had died before his plan could be completed.
Uchiha Kagami had also died young, at the age of 26.
And all those plans were ruined.
"If the Uchiha clan can truly become part of the Village, be accepted by us, and become like us... then what is there to worry about?"
Sarutobi Ryo looked at Danzo and the other two.
Danzo was the only one who showed no emotion.
He appeared calm, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.
But Sarutobi Ryo knew that as long as Sarutobi Hiruzen was alive, Danzo wouldn't be able to cause much trouble.
That was just how their relationship was.
Some people are simply always opposed by someone else.
Like Hashirama and Madara, Naruto and Sasuke... Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo were also always opposed.
If Danzo wanted to make trouble, he would have to wait until Sarutobi Hiruzen died.
But with Sarutobi Ryo's plans, Danzo probably wouldn't live to see that day.
"Uchiha Shisui, report to Anbu Squad Six tomorrow."
With those words, Sarutobi Ryo left.
Namikaze Minato, watching history change again, frowned slightly.
Uchiha Shisui was supposed to unlock the Mangekyo, which would awaken Kotoamatsukami.
But that might never happen now.
Even if it did, it would be delayed or happen in a different way.
History was changing.
But Kushina had already become Lord Mito's adopted granddaughter.
He shouldn't have to worry about marrying Kushina anymore.
Namikaze Minato thought about the birth of Naruto.
There wasn't much time left.
Probably less than a month.
He hoped everything would go well.
----
A small bridge over a stream.
"Lord Mito, that's what's happening..."
On the edge of Konoha, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Danzo met to complain.
As Sarutobi Ryo became more and more powerful, it seemed like no one could control him.
A few days ago, he had only listed Uchiha Mikoto, who was pregnant, as a member of the Anbu in name only.
Today, he officially allowed Uchiha Shisui to join.
Who knew what he would do next!
Hearing that an Uchiha had joined the Anbu, Lord Mito also felt it was outrageous.
Was Konoha really going to fall apart?
Hashirama and Tobirama had both been against the Uchiha joining the Anbu.
Instead, they had only let them run the Military Police Force.
Now, with Uchiha Itachi becoming Sarutobi Ryo's adopted son, Uchiha Mikoto listed as a member of the Anbu in name only, and Uchiha Shisui joining, things were getting out of control.
Even the Senju clan members were speechless.
What could be done?
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 297 (Vol 2 Ch 239) (+108 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 292 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
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-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
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]