[Bond] Ch 10: The Will of Fire?

— — — — — — — 

"Hello, my name is Uchiha Shisui."

The one who suddenly appeared was a young boy with a warm smile, black hair, and an appearance suggesting he was around eleven or twelve years old. He stood just over 150 cm tall.

But Shimura Yami didn't dare to underestimate him in the slightest.

Uchiha Shisui—the most talented prodigy of the Uchiha clan at present. The wielder of Kotoamatsukami, the strongest genjutsu aside from Infinite Tsukuyomi.

He was also something of a mentor to Uchiha Itachi and, ultimately, a stepping stone in his growth.

At this moment, Yami couldn't help but wonder if Danzo was still a Danzo. Maybe his brain had been flooded with water-style jutsu by Sarutobi Hiruzen. How else could he have possibly chosen Uchiha Shisui as his teacher?

Shisui certainly had the ability, but Danzo? The number one anti-Uchiha figure after Senju Tobirama himself?

Noticing Yami's skeptical expression, Danzo assumed the boy simply doubted Shisui's strength. His tone turned stern as he lectured, "Yami, do not underestimate Uchiha Shisui just because he is only a few years older than you."

"He is a genius of the Uchiha clan, has completed eight S-rank missions and over twenty A-rank missions, and is particularly skilled in the Body Flicker Technique and kenjutsu. Even enemy ninjas fear him and have given him the title 'Shisui of the Body Flicker'. You must learn from him well."

Before Yami could say anything, it was Shisui himself who looked a bit embarrassed, scratching his head like an ordinary big brother.

"Lord Danzo, you flatter me. I still have much to learn."

Danzo gave him a sideways glance but didn't respond as he was analyzing the words. 'Learn more? Learn for what? Do you want to be Hokage or something, kid?'

Yami accepted his fate and nodded. "Shisui-senpai, I'll be in your care from now on."

"Yami, can I call you that?" Shisui asked, and after getting a nod, he gave a bright and sincere smile. "I'll teach you everything I know and help you become an excellent ninja."

"And you don't have to call me 'senpai.' I'm only a little older than you, so just call me by my name."

Shisui spoke with complete sincerity.

Last night, when Danzo summoned him and asked if he would be willing to become his grandson's mentor, Shisui had almost jumped at the opportunity.

Shisui didn't see things solely from the Uchiha clan's perspective. He thought in terms of the entire village, even from a Kage's viewpoint.

He was well aware of the tensions between the Uchiha and the village, especially in these delicate times.

But unlike the Itachi of the future, his goal was still to resolve the conflict not to kill.

Danzo's actions, in Shisui's eyes, were a signal—a sign that, at the very least, someone in the village was willing to place trust in him, a Uchiha.

Shimura Yami's identity was significant, and he also had a close Uchiha friend. If he could influence Yami, perhaps Yami could indirectly influence Danzo—subtly shifting the balance of power, even if only slightly.

And if that wasn't possible, at the very least, it would show Danzo where his loyalties truly lay.

[Ding!]

[You have formed a mentor-student bond with Uchiha Shisui. Reward acquired: 'Dynamic Vision.']

The moment Yami acknowledged Shisui as his teacher, the system's notification arrived right on cue, surprising him a bit.

Still, he claimed the reward.

For an instant, the world around him seemed to slow down. Even the movement of the wind became visible to his eyes, as if he could trace its path.

The feeling lasted only a moment before fading, going unnoticed by Shisui and Danzo.

"You two continue your lesson. I have other matters to attend to."

Danzo didn't stay long. After making the introductions, he quickly left the Shimura compound.

Of course, the guards who had been following him remained behind, keeping a close watch on Shisui's every move.

Danzo had his reasons for arranging things this way. Yes, Shisui met his criteria for Yami's teacher, but there was also a calculated agenda.

By temporarily using Shisui's pro-village stance, he could ease tensions with the Uchiha, giving them a false sense of security while biding his time and gathering strength.

At the same time, he had to ensure Yami's safety. That was why two elite Jōnin bodyguards were assigned to watch over him—to prevent Shisui from reverse-brainwashing the boy, or worse, making a direct move.

When it came to politics, nothing was simple. Even the smallest action was filled with layers of hidden intent.

"Yami, where would you like to start?" Shisui asked gently in the courtyard.

"Lord Danzo mentioned that you have Fire and Wind affinities. The Uchiha are best known for their Fire Release techniques, and there are kenjutsu styles that complement them."

"Shisui-senpai, I have something to do this morning. How about we begin training in the afternoon?"

"If you're interested, you can come with me," Yami added.

"Where to?" Shisui asked, intrigued.

— — —

Half an hour later

Shisui found himself staring at the entrance of a rather humble establishment.

"The Konoha Orphanage?"

"Come on in." Yami gestured, leading the way inside. Behind him, several ninjas followed, carrying large packages on their backs.

The orphanage was located on the outskirts of the village. It wasn't very large—just a three-story building with a courtyard about the size of half a soccer field.

A woman in her thirties, wearing glasses, was playing with a group of young children, smiling warmly.

When she saw Yami and his group approach, she was momentarily surprised but quickly walked over to greet them.

"Little ones… what brings you here?" She immediately noticed that the youngest child in the group seemed to be the one leading, so she addressed Yami directly.

"You must be Director Nonō, right?" Yami flashed a bright smile. "I'm Shimura Yami."

"A classmate of mine told me that life at the orphanage is difficult, and sometimes you don't even have enough food to eat. So, I brought some supplies."

"Yami!" A boy about Yami's age ran up, his face filled with gratitude after hearing his words. However, no additional system rewards were triggered.

"Shimura Yami..." Nonō's pupils contracted slightly, but she controlled her expression well, putting on an appropriate look of pleasant surprise.

"That's very kind of you, Yami. Thank you."

"It's nothing. If my family has one thing in abundance, it's money." Yami's casual remark made Nonō twitch slightly, her mind instinctively recalling an old saying—

'It's easy to be generous when it's not your land you're selling.'

Meanwhile, Shisui, who had been watching silently, gazed at the small boy beside him with a different expression.

'What a kind-hearted child… thinking about others at such a young age.'

'Is this… the Will of Fire?'

.

.

.