UCHIHA KING OF THE SOULS

Ideological Education Class

"Okay, if you want to apologize, just apologize."

"But I don't accept it. How should you respond?"

Uchiha Shisui: "…"

Seeing Shisui's confused look, Uchiha Gen smirked and said, "Relax, I'm just messing with you. Of course, I accept it."

"Now, let me tell you about Minato-senpai, Kakashi, and Rin. Their actions may not have been perfect, but you can use them as a reference."

"I understand, thank you."

Uchiha Shisui nodded firmly. As a shinobi, he had to be able to analyze intelligence and determine its authenticity.

Uchiha Gen then shared his thoughts on the three, speaking mostly in admiration.

After all, you can't badmouth former comrades.

Shisui, after listening, formed a general impression of them and sighed in relief.

The young clan leader placed great importance on this matter, and if everything went well, it could benefit the Uchiha. If he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Uchiha Kagami, and became the Hokage's disciple, it would be a significant step forward.

He couldn't afford to mess it up.

"By the way, Shisui, how's the situation on the Kirigakure battlefield?"

Shisui returned to his senses and shook his head. "Heavy losses on the front lines. Before I left, the battle was still in a deadlock."

"I don't understand why Lord Hokage only deployed a small force instead of sending reinforcements…"

It's probably to curb the influence of Konoha's major clans. However, they can't take it too far. Reinforcements should be sent soon.

Even though Konoha's military strength is weakened, if truly necessary, a larger force can still be mobilized.

But in reality, there's no need for a full-scale deployment—just sending high-level shinobi and a squad of elite Anbu could turn the tide of the war.

With this in mind, Uchiha Gen said, "The higher-ups must have their reasons. We should trust the Hokage's judgment."

"Gen, you're right."

"We don't have a broad enough perspective. It's easy to misjudge things."

"The Hokage and the elders stand at the top, possessing more information to guide their decisions. Their considerations are naturally more comprehensive."

Uchiha Gen: "???"

I was just making a passing comment, and you turned it into praise for the leadership?

If this continues, Danzo and the others will brainwash this guy with their twisted version of the Will of Fire.

No, I need to intervene before he gets led astray.

"Shisui, do you really believe that the higher-ups always make the best decisions?" Gen asked, feigning skepticism.

"That's not what I meant. Even the best leaders make mistakes. I just believe their judgment is generally better than ours."

Phew… He hasn't completely lost himself. There's still hope.

"What if the higher-ups decide that sacrificing the Uchiha Clan is necessary for the so-called greater good? What then?"

Shisui hesitated, deep in thought. Then he answered, "If the sacrifice brings true benefit to Konoha, then it might be justified… What do you think?"

Uchiha Gen smiled. "I think…"

"…That sacrificing a few for the greater good isn't necessarily wrong. But if the sacrifice doesn't bring significant benefits, then it's unacceptable."

Shisui chuckled. They shared the same view.

"The key point is—it should be for Konoha, not just for those in power."

Shisui's expression stiffened, his eyes widening in shock.

"Shisui, there's something you must understand. The Hokage and the elders are not Konoha itself."

"The interests of Konoha's leadership do not always align with the interests of the village."

"Do you get what I'm saying?"

Shisui hesitated, nodding at first, then shaking his head.

"For example, imagine a clan full of talented shinobi. It thrives, but the younger generation is ambitious, and their strength threatens the elders' authority."

"If the clan continues to flourish, it benefits everyone. But it also means the older generation will be replaced."

"At that point, the interests of the clan's leadership directly conflict with the interests of the clan itself."

"A leader with little attachment to power will step aside for the new generation. But if they're unwilling?"

Shisui's expression darkened. "They would suppress or even eliminate the younger generation to maintain control, even at the cost of the clan's future."

"Exactly. This happens in clans, in villages, and even in entire nations."

"Now do you see what I was getting at?"

Shisui clenched his fists. "I understand."

"Then what would you choose?"

"Let me tell you my stance first."

"I am willing to make sacrifices for Konoha. But if the leadership demands sacrifices just to maintain their own power, then I won't yield."

"Because at that point, they have betrayed the village. And betrayers deserve no loyalty."

Shisui silently processed Gen's words. Then, after a long pause, he said, "Gen, you're right. I would give my life for Konoha—but not for those who exploit it."

Gen smiled. "Shisui, you know the Will of Fire, right?"

"Of course. It's the first thing they teach us at the Academy, and it's reinforced every year."

"The exact words are: Wherever the leaves dance, fire burns. The fire casts light upon the village, allowing new leaves to sprout."

"The meaning is clear: The younger generation is the future. The older generation must trust and protect them. Their sacrifices ensure Konoha's survival, inspiring the next generation to take their place."

Shisui recited it fluently, not missing a beat.

"Do you believe it's correct?" Gen asked seriously.

"I do."

Normally, Shisui would have answered immediately. But this time, he hesitated before responding.

"I believe it too."

Shisui let out a relieved breath. At least his beliefs weren't being challenged—yet.

"The Will of Fire teaches that individuals should sacrifice for the collective, correct?"

Shisui nodded.

"But do you understand the actual relationship between individuals and the collective?"

Shisui thought carefully before answering. "A symbiotic relationship?"

"Exactly. You're sharp, Shisui."

Shisui smiled sheepishly.

"Generally, personal interests align with the collective's interests."

"For example, a stronger Konoha benefits everyone in it. Do you follow?"

"I do, but why only generally?"

"Because sometimes, preserving personal power can come at the expense of the collective's well-being—like the example I gave earlier."

Shisui nodded.

"When personal interests conflict with the collective, then yes, long-term benefits should take priority."

"But…"

Gen's tone hardened. "There are limits. Personal sacrifices should not be endless."

"A society that demands limitless sacrifice has already lost its way."

"Shisui, do you know why Konoha was founded?"

Shisui shook his head. He had never looked into it.

"I researched our clan's records and asked the older generations. Konoha was founded to stop children from being sent to the battlefield and to create peace."

"If, one day, under the pretense of duty, children are forced into war for the benefit of a select few…"

"Wouldn't that be a complete betrayal of the village's founding ideals?"

"Yes." Shisui's eyes burned with conviction.

"…Gen, do you have issues with Konoha's higher-ups? I can't shake the feeling that you're hinting at something."

Shisui scratched his head, puzzled.

"I have no issue with Lord Hokage." Gen spoke sincerely.

"My problem lies with the one they call the Darkness of the Shinobi World."

"You know about Root, don't you?"

Shisui's expression shifted. "…Now I see. Root is dangerous."

"Alright, that's enough for today."

"I'll visit again when I can. You're… surprisingly knowledgeable."

"You're always welcome."

As Shisui departed, Gen watched him thoughtfully.

After a lesson like this, Shisui won't be so easily swayed by Danzo…

But if he still falls for it, then I'll just have to intervene personally.

The next few days were quiet—until Orochimaru requested a meeting.