Chapter 23: Chapter 23: The Plan to Expose Daisuke
The tension in the Uchiha clan was reaching a boiling point. Shina and Itachi knew that time was running out to stop Daisuke and his followers. The only way to counter his influence was to expose his true intentions to the entire clan. For that, they needed irrefutable proof of his manipulations.
---
Late one evening, Shina, Itachi, and Shisui gathered at a secluded spot near the edge of the forest. The moonlight barely broke through the canopy as Shina drew a rough diagram of the Uchiha compound on the ground, using a stick to mark important locations.
"We know Daisuke is holding secret meetings with his inner circle," Shina said, pointing to a small, isolated building near the outskirts of the compound. "If we can catch him revealing his plans, we'll have the leverage we need to turn the clan against him."
Shisui crouched beside the diagram, frowning. "Daisuke isn't stupid. He'll make sure these meetings are heavily guarded, and the people attending are his most loyal supporters. Getting close won't be easy."
"That's why we need you," Itachi said. "Your stealth and genjutsu will give us the advantage we need to get inside without being detected."
Shina pulled out a small sealing scroll and held it up with a grin. "And we're bringing this. It's a sound-capture seal. If we can get this close enough to Daisuke, it'll record everything he says."
Shisui raised an eyebrow. "That's a clever tool. Where'd you get it?"
Shina chuckled. "Let's just say I know a guy."
Itachi ignored the banter and focused on the plan. "Shisui, your job is to create a distraction to draw the guards away. Shina and I will slip in, plant the scroll, and retrieve it after the meeting ends."
Shisui nodded, his expression resolute. "Alright. Let's do this."
---
The next evening, they executed their plan. Shisui positioned himself near the meeting building, blending seamlessly into the shadows. Using his genjutsu, he created the illusion of an intruder darting through the trees. The patrolling guards immediately took the bait, leaving their posts to investigate.
Shina and Itachi moved quickly, slipping past the now-unguarded entrance. Inside, they found a small hidden space above the main room, where they could observe without being seen.
Daisuke and several of his followers were gathered below, their faces illuminated by flickering lanterns. The tension in the air was palpable as Daisuke addressed them.
"Our patience has yielded nothing," Daisuke began, his voice calm but commanding. "The village has turned its back on us, and the Hokage sees us as little more than a threat. The time to act is now."
One of the men hesitated. "But what if we fail? The consequences could destroy the clan."
Daisuke's gaze turned sharp, his tone cold. "Failure is not an option. Those who lack the strength to fight for our future have no place in it."
Itachi's jaw tightened at Daisuke's words. Shina, meanwhile, carefully placed the sealing scroll in a concealed crevice near the room, ensuring it would capture every word.
Another follower spoke up. "What about Shisui and Itachi? They're watching us closely. If they find out—"
"They won't," Daisuke interrupted. "By the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late. The clan will already be under my control, and anyone who opposes us will be dealt with."
Shina's hands curled into fists, but Itachi placed a calming hand on his shoulder, silently reminding him to stay focused.
The meeting continued for over an hour, with Daisuke laying out his plans for the coup and rallying his supporters with promises of power and revenge. When the meeting finally ended, the brothers waited for the room to clear before retrieving the scroll.
---
Outside, they regrouped with Shisui in the shadows of the trees.
"Did you get it?" Shisui asked.
Shina held up the scroll with a triumphant grin. "Every word."
Itachi's expression remained serious. "This is just the beginning. We need to present this to the right people at the right time. If we're not careful, Daisuke will spin this to his advantage."
"We'll handle it," Shina said. "This is the break we've been waiting for. Let's make it count."