Later in the evening, while Shisui was heading towards Fugaku, he was interrupted by Danzo, who appeared in front of him.
"I hear there is a meeting at Nakano Shrine tomorrow?"
"Given that you live in the village's darkness, it's no surprise you would know that. But even with that in mind, I have to admit part of me is dumbfounded that even this clan secret is known."
"It is a reality of this village."
"So you're saying you were just letting us go for the time being?"
"You are indeed wise, Shisui Uchiha," Danzo said, the name of the ninja standing before him.
"I have a question for such a wise ninja."
"I don't have a lot of time, so keep it short."
"Yes, it would be unpleasant if you missed your chance to attack Fugaku, after all."
Shisui frowned.
"Even that…"
"Don't get the wrong idea. I did not hear it from Sakumo's mouth. And it goes without saying Itachi and your Ryuu-sensei did not leak it. One of my men looked into it."
A line of sweat rolled down the forehead of the wise youth.
"I can't say that controlling Fugaku with your visual jutsu and bringing the plan for a coup d'état to a halt is a good idea." Danzo put a hand to his chin as he stared at the young ninja.
"The majority of the clan is already leaning toward the coup. Flipping the ringleader Fugaku at this stage, you're just spitting into the ocean."
"I won't know unless I tr-"
"I have made it through two great wars, and I am telling you, your plan will most certainly fail." Danzo's severity closed Shisui's mouth.
"Even if you control Fugaku with visual jutsu, proposing a halt to the action at the meeting today, and pulling off this idea, nothing will change.
The radical faction will only think Fugaku's change of heart is because he has become cowardly in his old age.
They will quickly pick a new leader and move to put the plan into action.
Listen to me, Shisui." He put his will into his left eye and shot a look at the wide-eyed younger man.
"The head can always be replaced."
"Don't talk like it's done already!"
Shisui's simple rage looked to Danzo like nothing more than a tantrum.
"That Mangekyo sharingan. I could use it more effectively."
"Wha-" Shisui tried to jump back, and get some distance between them. But. At that moment, he realized he couldn't move his legs.
"Insects are such interesting creatures," Danzo said, taking a step forward.
"When a human being is bitten by a mosquito, the pain is nothing. Not even the sensation of being bitten once the itching is gone."
He took another step closer to Shisui.
"But the poison of a scorpion, or a spider, can bring even an enormous beast to death."
"Wh-what did you do?" Without responding, Danzo took another step.
"If there were an insect which bit like a mosquito, but had the poison of a scorpion in its bite, it would be irresistible."
Abruptly, the world behind Shisui shimmered, and a man appeared. He was wearing a white tiger mask.
Trembling, Shisui turned his face slowly and looked at the man over his shoulder. Ignoring this, Danzo directed his words toward Tiger Mask.
"What are you calling yourself now?"
"I go by Sugaru."
"Oh, that's right." A few more decisive steps and Danzo was within arm's reach of Shisui.
"This man is from the Aburame clan. Given how wise you are, now that I've told you that, you need no further explanation, hm?"
"Ugh!" Shisui gritted his teeth, trying to move somehow.
His strong figure was so pitiable, Danzo's lips naturally twisted into the form of a smile.
"Relax. It is not poison that will kill you right away. You will live just long enough for both of your eyes to be plucked out."
Danzo was already close enough that all he had to do was lift his hand, and he would touch Shisui's face.
"They're fresher plucked out while you're still alive, and they adapt faster, too."
"Danzo… What are you …"
"I'm doing this," Danzo said, as he reached out his left hand. His index and middle fingers reached up, along with his thumb, and touched Shisui's right eye. He pushed back the upper eyelid with his index and middle fingers, and the lower one with his thumb, gradually revealing the slick, shining eyeball.
Without a moment's hesitation, he stabbed his fingers into the eye socket. He felt the warmth of the orb on the palm of his hand.
'I finally have the Mangekyo Sharingan. It's only a shame I won't get Kagami's too.'
Delight danced in Danzo's heart.
"And one more," he murmured.
And then, he had no sooner wondered if Shisui's remaining eye was shining faintly than it suddenly disappeared from before him.
"Body Flicker," Sugaru muttered.
"Hurry! After him!" Danzo roared, and Sugaru leaped into action.
The auras of his subordinates on standby around them also disappeared.
"We cannot allow him to live."
In the end, it was Itachi who would realize Danzo's long-held ambition.
Shisui was nothing more than an obstacle. If he hadn't had the Mangekyo Sharingan, an item beyond his station, Danzo wouldn't have bothered to get directly involved.
"Kill him. Make sure you kill him." Danzo's voice could not reach the subordinates disappearing into the darkness.
But he couldn't help but give the order.
Fun fact of the day: To those who've seen it, Ryuu and Nobu's mindscape is described to be eternal darkness and a giant aura of great power and evil.