"Shisui?" Arashi's voice trembled, his newfound happiness tinged with a sudden fear.
Shisui turned to face his younger brother, his expression softening. "What is it, Arashi?"
"I don't want to go anymore," Arashi confessed, his eyes pleading. "I want to stay here... with you. Don't you want that too?"
A bittersweet smile touched Shisui's lips. "More than anything," he admitted. "But for now, we have to leave this place. The Anbu are likely nearby. They've probably sent ninja hounds, but Kakashi bought us some time."
Arashi's Rinnegan flared, and he peered through the cabin's window. "Shisui, they're already here," he said, his voice urgent. "I can see a barrier forming around us. They've found us!"
"Let's go! We have no time to waste!" Shisui grabbed Arashi's hand, and they bolted out of the cabin.
Using the Body Flicker Technique, they reached the edge of the barrier, where Arashi sensed a weak point.
"You can't escape." A chilling voice echoed from behind them.
"Stay behind me," Shisui instructed, his hand instinctively reaching for his tanto. Arashi nodded, taking a step back.
"Stay back," Shisui warned, his voice firm. "We'll come willingly."
"We can't take that risk," the Anbu captain countered. "He's too dangerous with those eyes. Danzo-sama has ordered us to kill him and retrieve the Rinnegan."
Five more Anbu members materialized from the shadows, encircling them.
'It only makes sense that the weakest point is the most guarded,' Arashi thought bitterly. 'Why didn't I think like this? I'm an idiot.'
"Stay back," Shisui repeated, his voice a cold command. "This is your last chance!"
Shisui's grip tightened on his tanto, his resolve unwavering.
"I'll help him with what little chakra I have left," Arashi thought, a steely resolve hardening his young features. "I said I'd probably have to kill, and I don't enjoy using this because of how much chakra it takes, but..."
He focused his Rinnegan, channeling the remaining energy into his outstretched hand.
"Wait, what is he doing?" one of the Anbu exclaimed, sensing a surge of power.
"Stop him!" the captain ordered.
Kunai whizzed through the air, aimed at Arashi and Shisui. But it was too late.
"Almighty Push!" Arashi's voice rang out, a command echoing with the authority of a god.
BOOM!!
A tremendous force erupted from Arashi's hand, blasting the Anbu members backward. The ground beneath them shattered, the barrier crumbled, and the clearing was engulfed in a chaotic whirlwind of dust and debris.
As the dust settled, Shisui and Arashi seized their chance. They bolted into the forest, their bodies flickering with the speed of the Body Flicker Technique.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Shuriken sliced through the air, narrowly missing their heads as they ran.
Arashi dodged and weaved, his senses heightened by adrenaline. But suddenly, his eyes widened as he saw a kunai embedded in a nearby tree ignite with a blinding flash.
"Shisui!"
Boom! The explosion ripped through the air, knocking Arashi off his feet and sending him tumbling to the ground, unconscious.
"Arashi!" Shisui cried out, skidding to a halt. He knelt beside the boy, checking for any signs of life.
'He's knocked out cold,' Shisui realized, his heart pounding with worry. 'I need to get him out of here.'
He hoisted Arashi onto his shoulders. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Several clones materialized, creating a diversion as Shisui sprinted deeper into the forest, the weight of his unconscious brother a heavy burden on his back.
"There they are! Let's get them!" One of the Anbu shouted, their voices echoing through the trees.
"Wait," the Anbu captain interrupted, his tone urgent. "We've received new orders from Danzo-sama. Stay back!"
The pursuing Anbu hesitated, confusion etched on their faces.
Shisui, taking advantage of the momentary pause, carried Arashi deeper into the forest, his footsteps silent and swift.
'You're going to be ok, I promise,' Shisui whispered to his unconscious brother, his determination burning brighter than ever.
He navigated the treacherous terrain with practiced ease, eventually reaching a secluded mountainside. A hidden cave entrance, concealed by thick foliage, offered a temporary sanctuary.
Shisui carefully laid Arashi down on the cool cave floor, propping his head on a flat stone. He retrieved a medical kit from his harness and began tending to Arashi's wounds, his movements gentle and efficient.
'We aren't far from an Uchiha hideout,' Shisui thought, his mind racing. 'I can take him there for a while. It's the safest place for him now.'
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Five hours later, Arashi's consciousness slowly returned. His vision was a blur of light and color as he blinked his eyes open. He groaned, attempting to sit up, but his body felt heavy and unresponsive.
"Wha... Big brother..." His voice was a raspy whisper.
He looked around, realizing he was being carried on Shisui's back. The world outside was a blur of trees and shadows, but he could make out the distinctive shapes of two towers flanking a mountain path.
'A forest? No, we're inside some kind of mountain... This isn't just a random place. It must be a hideout...'
"We're going to a secret Uchiha hideout," Shisui confirmed, his voice steady as he navigated the winding path. "It's safe for you there, at least for now. The Anbu stopped chasing us shortly after you passed out. They probably got called back, which is why I'm moving so quickly. Anyway, I'm just glad you're awake."
Shisui entered a hidden entrance in the mountainside, leading them into a dimly lit cavern.
"I caught some fish on our way here," Shisui continued, setting Arashi down gently. "It should be enough for a while. I hope we won't have to stay here for long."
Arashi looked away, his heart heavy with guilt. 'This is all my fault...'
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Back in Konohagakure, the Hokage and the Konoha elders were gathered in a tense meeting with Fugaku Uchiha and Jiraiya. Fugaku had been summoned by the Hokage, unaware of the reason but having promised to report any information regarding Shisui.
"Hokage-sama, you summoned me?" Fugaku inquired, his voice respectful but firm.
Given the gravity of the situation, Hiruzen wasted no time in addressing the matter at hand. "Shisui Uchiha is aiding Tsuki Uzumaki in escaping Konohagakure. Do you know anything about this?"
Fugaku shook his head, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "Not even Itachi knows anything about this. No one can guess why Shisui is aiding Tsuki, all we know is they were close. We would often see Tsuki with Shisui."
Danzo, observing from the sidelines, couldn't contain his frustration. 'Hiruzen, don't tell me you would expose such a secret. This will ruin everything. The situation is already precarious thanks to your incompetence.'
The Hokage took a long drag from his pipe, the smoke curling around his head as he contemplated his response.
"Hokage-sama," Fugaku began, his voice measured, "I understand Shisui has aided Tsuki in escaping Konoha and disobeying your orders. However, Shisui always has a good reason behind his actions. Everyone knows this, especially considering how quickly he climbed the ranks."
He paused, his gaze unwavering. "Who's to say he won't come back willingly? Shisui is from the Uchiha clan. He's a descendant of Kagami Uchiha, a respected member of the clan and your previous comrade."
Fugaku's tone grew more impassioned. "I understand you consider his actions treason, and they may result in Shisui being labeled a criminal. But please consider that he's also one of the strongest shinobi from the Uchiha clan and Konohagakure. I know many in the clan will not be pleased with this. The village has suffered enough from the Nine-Tails attack."
"Tch!" Danzo clicked his tongue in disapproval. "So, what would you have us do, Fugaku?" he challenged. "The Hokage cannot be seen as weak or indecisive. He must stand strong, even if it means cutting ties with the best of the best. If it means saving the village, he's expected to do anything and everything in his power."
Danzo's voice hardened. "Furthermore, not only has that child attempted to go rogue, but he's also attacked the Hokage. This is the second time he's defied you in public. There shouldn't be a third time."
He paused, a sly grin spreading across his face. "However," he continued, his tone shifting, "perhaps you are right. Shisui Uchiha is a well-respected shinobi, and for good reason. Perhaps Shisui will come back, or perhaps he's attempting to take the Rinnegan for himself."
Jiraiya frowned, his gaze turning towards the window. "Give me a break, Danzo," he scoffed. "Do you really consider what Tsuki did as defiance? He was a small child discovering his new ability, and this..." He turned back to the group, his voice laced with disapproval.
"Do you really believe you had nothing to do with his actions?" Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, focusing on Danzo. "I know Sarutobi-sensei wouldn't order something like this. So tell me, how long have you been planning this?"
Jiraiya's voice softened as he looked at the Hokage. "You all forget that Tsuki is just a child. Yes, he has the Rinnegan, and yes, he is talented and a prodigy. But he's still just a child."
"A child capable of destroying the entire village by himself," Homura interjected, his voice grave.
"And so is Naruto," Jiraiya countered. "He also has the power to destroy the village. He has the power to destroy the entire world, too. He-"
"Enough!" The Hokage yelled, silencing the room. "I dismiss everyone from this meeting. This is a decision I must make on my own."
"Hiruzen, you-" Danzo began, but was cut off by the Hokage's intense glare and the palpable wave of killing intent that emanated from him.
"I know you'll make the right decision," Jiraiya said, bowing respectfully to the Hokage. "I'll try my best to find them." He left the room, his expression a mix of determination and worry.
The elders followed, leaving Hiruzen alone with the heavy burden of his responsibility.
(Edited on: 21/09/24)