I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

Attribute Restraint and Anti-Restraint

Ninjutsu that manipulates the will of others—these are no mere gods!

After hearing Shisui's confession about his Mangekyō Sharingan's ultimate ability, Kotoamatsukami, the Third Hokage's heart surged with unease. His gaze toward Shisui shifted from admiration to deep apprehension.

Shisui possessed the ability to alter Uchiha Fugaku's will, as well as his own, raising a chilling possibility: while Shisui was an ally now, what if he turned against him? What if Shisui used Kotoamatsukami to manipulate his own will in the future? This power was too dangerous.

The Third Hokage's silent contemplation did not escape Shisui's notice. Misinterpreting the Hokage's reaction as disbelief in his ability, Shisui clarified:

"Lord Third, are you worried the clan might notice the illusion? Rest assured, if I stay close to Captain Fugaku and use my ability subtly, no one will detect the change."

The Hokage's eyes flickered with unease at Shisui's candor. He remained silent for a moment, unsure whether to praise Shisui's sincerity or voice his growing fear of Kotoamatsukami. After all, Shisui frequently visited the Hokage's office—what if he used that power on him?

After an awkward pause, the Third Hokage said, "Shisui, your Sharingan has advanced to the Mangekyō stage. These eyes appearing on you is a stroke of fortune for both Uchiha and Konoha."

Shisui nodded and replied confidently, "I think so too. These eyes will bring peace to the village."

Turning away, the Hokage avoided meeting Shisui's gaze and added, "I support your ideals. You are a descendant of Kagami Uchiha and have inherited the Will of Fire. Perhaps, under your leadership, the Uchiha clan and the village can truly coexist."

Buoyed by these words, Shisui straightened and saluted. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I will begin my mission immediately."

With hope for a peaceful future glinting in his eyes, Shisui departed. However, the Third Hokage's expression darkened as he turned to the shadows in his office and ordered, "Anbu, check me for any signs of genjutsu manipulation."

An Anbu operative stepped forward, shook his head, and replied, "Hokage-sama, there are no traces of foreign chakra affecting you."

Only then did the Hokage's tension ease slightly. But his thoughts churned. Based on Shisui's description, Kotoamatsukami wasn't invincible. It required proximity and time to influence a target's will. The number of times it could be used was also limited, or else Shisui could have taken control of the village already.

Still, Shisui's truthfulness was uncertain. Could he have lied? Could he use Kotoamatsukami in their next meeting? The myriad uncertainties gnawed at the Hokage's trust in Shisui.

Even if Shisui embodied the Will of Fire and was a descendant of Kagami, the Third Hokage resolved never to meet him alone again. He would not allow Shisui any opportunity to alter his will. Summoning his resolve, he ordered the Anbu, "Call the elders and Danzo. We need an emergency council meeting about Kotoamatsukami."

---

Meanwhile, Shisui left the Hokage Building, appearing more at ease. The Third Hokage had approved his plan to prevent the Uchiha coup d'état, promised to pardon the clan, and allowed them to retain leadership of the Konoha Military Police Force. All of this required only Fugaku's sacrifice—a price far smaller than the devastation a coup would bring.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of his clansmen violently enforcing the law. Uchiha officers dragged away a villager while angry onlookers fumed in silence. In the past, Shisui might have intervened. But now, he knew that no single act could quell the villagers' resentment. Only by altering Fugaku's will and reforming the clan's leadership could such problems be resolved.

As Shisui walked on, his thoughts drifted until he stumbled upon a secluded clearing. The sound of clashing jutsu and familiar chakra signatures piqued his curiosity. Silently, he perched on a tree branch and observed Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha sparring.

Sasuke, Itachi's younger brother, and Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, were barely academy students, yet their battle displayed strength rivaling that of seasoned genin.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

The fireball collided with the hurricane, the clash intensifying as the flames fed on the wind. Initially, Sasuke seemed to dominate, but his chakra waned, and Naruto's wind jutsu overwhelmed the fireball. The gust struck Sasuke, sending him sprawling.

Dust-covered and frustrated, Sasuke stood and muttered, "Fire-style is supposed to beat wind-style. How did I lose so badly?"

Naruto grinned, helping Sasuke to his feet. "Elemental advantage is important, but don't forget—fire needs air to burn. A strong enough wind can smother fire. And, well…" Naruto smirked and made a cheeky hand gesture. "I've got a bit more chakra than you."

Sasuke grumbled, acknowledging the truth. He realized that unless he awakened the Sharingan, he couldn't hope to match Naruto. But awakening the Sharingan remained a mystery. Whenever he asked his family, they deflected or told him cryptically, "You'll understand when it happens."

As Shisui watched the two spar, he couldn't help but feel hopeful. Despite their differences, perhaps a future of unity was still within reach.