Tortured Uchiha [CURRENTLY EDITING]

五

D A N Z O ' S   I N T E R E S T 

[Time Skip] 

        Despite my newfound fame within the clan, as I passed through the arch of the compound, the looks had returned. Fugaku went to much trouble to announce that I, Etsuko Uchiha, had not only beaten his son and joined the first branch, but was now ANBU. 

     The mission's success travelled quickly throughout the village as it elevated Konohagakure further to greatness. However, Kakashi made sure that all details concerning Shisui and Itachi's involvement were excluded. 

     For so many Uchiha (albeit three) to be taken into the village's special operations was unheard of. Traditionally, an Uchiha would be born, fight for their status, train and eventually join the police force. This development of new Uchiha ANBU intrigued my kin, but none approached me―somehow, I was still considered inferior. 

     The entrance to my building was blocked by two familiar faces. Shisui and Itachi stood on the stairwell to the share-house.  

     Even though I remained expressionless, I was still furious over their interference; it had caused me to drift away from them and we hadn't spoken for weeks. Kakashi requested that I keep to myself until the stories with the Hannya Black Ops were replaced with other meaningless talk. Like me, Hiruzen was enraged over the boys' defiance―as punishment, he ordered them to remain housebound until further notice. 

     Consequently, Fugaku had abandoned all mention of a coup d'état out of disappointment. Rather than in-sighting riots between the clan and the village, he chose to berate his eldest in private. 

       "Etsu–Chan," Shisui smiled, it was almost too sweet. "How was your first month as an ANBU?"

     I'd bypassed them with ease, but Shisui's question stopped me. My silence caused Shisui to scowl. He pushed off from the stairs to meet me at the sliding door. I kept my gaze fixated on the rice-paper as I kicked off my shoes and went upstairs without a word. 

       "You know ANBU can't discuss missions," Itachi grabbed the collar of Shisui's shirt to hold him back. "But I can tell you that there's been a lot of trouble regarding Etsuko's admission into the ANBU, she's all everyone's been talking about. I'm concerned as to why Lord Third wanted to promote Etsuko to ANBU and why he isn't keeping Danzo Shimura away from her." 

      Even though I was still in hearing distance, Itachi believed that I'd gone into the west wing of the complex where my quarters were. I turned off the lights to make the lie believable, but crept on my toes in the shadows of the hallway to hear their conversation. When they sat back by the stairs, I mimicked by taking a seat on the wooden floorboards inside. 

       "Do you think he's going to use Etsu–Chan for her Sharingan?" Shisui asked.

      "I have no idea," Itachi mumbled. "But since he wasn't successful getting to you, and he doesn't want to approach me due to my social standing in the clan. . .Etsuko is his best bet." 

       "What's going on with you lately, you don't even address Etsu–Chan like you used to," Shisui smacked Itachi's hand off of him, suddenly agitated. "I may have left the ANBU, but I'm not dumb. I can't allow Etsu–Chan to turn into a heartless monster like you. . .did you see the way she acted when on that mission with Kakashi Hatake? That man is a bad influence, just as bad as that pig Danzo." 

       "You better watch what you say Shisui," Itachi scorned. "You'll be surprised who can hear you."

     I pressed my hands over my mouth to quieten my breathing.