Days later, under Byakuya's instructions, Shisui arrived alone at the Hokage building.
As a member of the Anbu, Shisui's identity ensured that he faced no resistance on his way. He easily reached the entrance to the Hokage's office.
Knocking on the door and receiving the Third Hokage's permission, Shisui slowly stepped inside.
Inside the office, the Third Hokage was leisurely playing with his crystal ball, occasionally smiling with satisfaction. Ever since he curtailed Danzo's influence by utilizing Kakashi and Tenzo, no ninja in the village posed a threat to his position as Hokage. Finally, he could relax.
Seeing that it was Shisui, the Third Hokage put away the crystal ball, frowning slightly. "Shisui, why are you here? Is there intelligence about the Uchiha clan that you need to report?"
Shisui nodded lightly before speaking. "Lord Hokage, the dissatisfaction within my clan toward you and the village has been growing. Some radical clan members have even begun discussing a coup and have set a timeframe for it. I find the frenzy of these extremists frightening, and I fear that they might…"
Here, Shisui sighed deeply, as if weighed down by an immense burden.
Hearing that the Uchiha were planning a coup, the Third Hokage's expression shifted. He had always known that the Uchiha harbored ambitions to claim the Hokage title.
But in the past, they relied on elections and peaceful means. Now they were resorting to rebellion.
Had it really come to this? He had just dealt a blow to Danzo, and now the Uchiha were preparing to overthrow him? It wasn't that he was clinging to power.
'It was just that none of you are worthy to be Hokage. Were the Uchiha's strength and achievements truly greater than Jiraiya's or Tsunade's? If the Uchiha led the village, wouldn't the entire Hidden Leaf become as chaotic as the Police Force? '
At that point, all his and Tobirama-sensei's efforts over the years would be for naught.
Collecting his scattered thoughts, the Third Hokage turned to Shisui. "Shisui, you've awakened the legendary Mangekyo Sharingan. Even you cannot suppress these radicals?"
Shisui put on a helpless expression and sighed again. "Lord Hokage, I believe it's precisely because I possess the Mangekyo Sharingan that they feel emboldened to plan a coup."
The Third Hokage paused, feeling a sense of relief that Shisui was on his side.
Shisui's demeanor was identical to that of Kagami Uchiha in his youth. If Kagami hadn't died unexpectedly and had become an advisor like Koharu and Homura, the relationship between the village and the Uchiha might have been far less strained.
Feeling nostalgic, the Third Hokage spoke sincerely.
"Thank you for bringing this information to me. I will arrange to meet with Clan Leader Fugaku soon to ease tensions. In the meantime, I ask that you continue calming your clansmen, persuading them to abandon this coup. If it truly becomes unavoidable, I just hope that day comes as late as possible."
Shisui brows fell, as if wrestling with a decision. Then he said firmly: "Lord Hokage, I actually have a way to prevent my clansmen from starting a coup."
The Third Hokage's face twitched slightly. "What method?"
Taking a deep breath, Shisui explained, "Lord Hokage, my Mangekyo Sharingan possesses a technique called Kotoamatsukami. It allows me to subtly and irresistibly alter someone's will without their knowledge. If Clan Leader Fugaku refuses to see reason, I can use this ability during a clan meeting to stop the coup."
Though Shisui's voice was soft, it was like thunder in the Third Hokage's ears.
Shisui possessed Kotoamatsukami, an ability that could rewrite a ninja's will without a trace!
This was terrifying.
Loosening the fist he had unconsciously clenched under his sleeve, the Third Hokage looked at Shisui with newfound caution. If Shisui could control others so effortlessly, he could also control him.
The sheer implications of such power were chilling.
After a tense pause, the Third Hokage walked up to Shisui, placed a hand on his shoulder, before saying, "I appreciate your honesty about Kotoamatsukami but no matter what, Clan Leader Fugaku is still one of our own. Your Mangekyo Sharingan should never be used on a comrade. I hope you'll only use Kotoamatsukami as a last resort."
Shisui nodded respectfully. "I will heed your wisdom, Lord Hokage. Unless it's absolutely necessary, I won't use this ability. However, I truly wish to prevent a conflict between my clan and the village. It's enough that you care so much…"
The Third Hokage smiled faintly and removed his hand from Shisui's shoulder. "I understand the situation now. You can return and wait for good news."
Shisui bowed slightly, then exited the Hokage's office.
The moment Shisui's chakra signature faded, the Third Hokage wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, his face pale.
"Kotoamatsukami… a genjutsu capable of altering someone's will undetected."
Such a technique was far too dangerous.
Even if he trusted Shisui not to act against him, trust and capability were two different matters. The fact that Shisui could control him was terrifying in itself.
Fortunately, Shisui had been raised under the Will of Fire, unwavering in his loyalty to the Hokage.
But if Shisui had chosen to side with the radicals, a Uchiha-led coup would have plunged the village into chaos—on par with the disaster of the Nine-Tails attack.
With that in mind, the Third Hokage quietly made up his mind: he would never meet Shisui alone again. If Shisui turned on him, he would have no chance to resist.
Reorganizing his thoughts, the Hokage began to deliberate the next step.
Should he preemptively expose the Uchiha's coup plans and send a force to wipe them out? Or should he compromise, offering the Uchiha a position on the Council of Elders?
If he annihilated the Uchiha, could the village afford the losses? Would other clans grow fearful and distance themselves from the Hokage?
But if he gave the Uchiha a seat on the council, would other clans demand similar concessions? And who could guarantee the Uchiha wouldn't press for even greater power, like the Hokage seat?
After much deliberation, the Third Hokage still couldn't decide.
With a weary sigh, he snapped his fingers, summoning an Anbu ninja.
"Notify Danzo and the other advisors. I need to meet with them immediately."