"Lord Third?"

"Ah, yes. Come in, Shisui."

The ebony haired man entered as Hiruzen shuffled and stacked paperwork, shutting the door behind him with a click. "Good morning, sir. I hope I didn't interrupt anything."

The wrinkled face of the aging man simply smiled. The early sunset of Konoha began to settle in. "Of course not!" He stamped down with a stamp on another paperwork, splattering ink on the surface of the sheet. "I'm sorry for asking you to come on such short notice."

"It's fine, but why did you call me here, sir? Is it another mission?" He was prepared for it, after all. His tanto was strapped to its scabbard on his back, polished, and Shisui made sure he had a fresh amount of shurikens, kunais, and other necessities including ninja wire in his pack. Ninjas were required to be well prepared no matter how difficult or simple a mission may seemingly present itself as.

"Well, yes." Hiruzen took a whiff of his pipe. "Are you aware of the name, Kento Yurei?"

Shisui blinked, then nodded. "As much as every other shinobi, sir. Fought alongside him in the Third War."

Kento Yurei was from the Yurei Clan, a clan who had been one of the clans to join Konoha during the early stages of Konoha's development, back during the First Shinobi War. The clan now fell to only Kento Yurei as the surviving member, following his elder brother's passing, and the sole representative of the clan, as most of its members fell in the Third Shinobi War, a war that Shisui himself participated in, leaving his brother, and then now, himself.

"Sir?" The grave look that Hiruzen donned did not seem to indicate anything positive or remotely even close to good news, and Shisui put the pieces of the puzzle together. "Kento Yurei has gone rogue from the village, hasn't he?"

Hiruzen simply nodded, taking another whiff from the pipe before exhaling out some smoke, coughing slightly as he overtook a small portion into his lungs.

"It's not your fault, Lord Third. Not one of us could have expected his departure." Shisui did not blame Hiruzen. If anything, Kento was a frighteningly and remarkably cunning man. Shisui had been assigned on missions with the man numerous times off and on during wartime and while the man seemed amicable and friendly to him and his other teammates, Shisui could not help that there was something off about him.

Hiruzen gave a smile at Shisui's trust in him, but dropped it with a disappointed sigh at his own failures. "Regardless, I should have expected his betrayal. I discounted and discredited rumors because I believed it was unfair negative treatment and put my faith in his loyalty to Konoha. Perhaps I should have paid much more attention to him or asked someone to just keep a closer watch. A closer watch…" Hiruzen looked down, and Shisui looked away, knowing the Hokage was thinking of his student, Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, who betrayed his trust. "You had your own suspicions, did you Shisui?"

Shisui nodded. "If I may ask, sir, are you assigning me to capture or execute him?" ANBU were typically assigned to tasks of executing and hunting down rogue shinobi, and Shisui, still in active service and duty, was well equipped for the task. Kento Yurei going rogue would no sooner than later pop him up in one of the latest editions of the Bingo Book.

Hiruzen confirmed his guess. "I am. However, that's not it."

"What else, sir?"

"Kento Yubei has also taken the Scroll of Spirits.

Confusion fluttered across his face. "Scroll of Spirits?" He repeated.

"That's right." Hiruzen glanced across to meet his gaze. "Apologies. You aren't aware, are you?" When Shisui shook his head, Hiruzen glanced around, as if feeling the presence of any unwanted beings. When none presented itself, Hiruzen exhaled and met the Uchiha's eyes once more. "I'm about to tell you a secret of the Yurei Clan, a secret that long since passed down in tradition that made them survive in the First and Second War. But Shisui, you understand, don't you?" The silent warning in Hiruzen's eye let Shisui know that this was the Professor, the shinobi and Kage who rivaled, perhaps even surpassed the Tsuchikage, Onoki of Both Scales, the shinobi who knew a large variety of S rank Ninjutsu and could utilize them all in just a single weave of a hand sign, and could wipe him away in a blink of an eye.

Shisui understood though. Secrets, especially ones forbidden to public knowledge and high ranking, were never meant to be told and passed through hushed voices. "I understand, sir. Tell me everything."

Shisui left the office in a daze, though with the years of Jonin and ANBU experience, he kept himself composed as he waved to Lord Third's secretary goodbye.

If the Scroll of Spirits went to enemy territory, Shisui could not help but imagine the catastrophes that would arise. Konoha would be crushed if that forbidden knowledge came out to the other villages, who would utilize it to destroy his home.

"The Scroll of Spirits was passed down by Hashirama and was given to him by Hiruto Yurei, the firstborn son of the Yurei Clan and who led it during the First War after his father's death. The scroll was in my possession for safekeeping until Kento somehow managed to bypass my ANBU and steal the scroll."

"Though it's loose speculation for now, I believe that he stole his Clan's scroll because he believed that the Yurei Clan withered and faltered during the times of the Second and Third War. That because they were not given access to the techniques within the scroll, they were wiped out. He did not understand that Hiruto had given it to Hashirama, who passed it down to Tobirama and then myself, was because of the destructive nature of such techniques that he requested for my predecessor to take it for safekeeping, aware of what would happen if it fell out of Konoha's hands. He was aware that the risk far outweighed whatever reward obtained."

"Shisui, you must track down Kento, and though I would prefer for you to take him alive, if not, then kill him, and destroy the scroll if only to protect and safeguard our home." Hiruzen gave him a wary cautious glance as he turned for preparations to leave. "As a last note and reminder, Shisui. I've assigned Kento to your squad and team multiple times during the Third War, and he is aware of all your abilities. Be cautious when you approach him. He is just as familiar with you as you are with him."

Shisui wouldn't. He would not fall to arrogance as many other shinobi did. Arrogance was just another key factor and a downfall that led to the death of an individual. While Shisui gained the title of the fastest Shinobi due to his Body Flicker Technique, Shisui did not let that title fill his head with grandiose confidence. He knew, always knew, that there would be someone faster, stronger, and tougher than him, and Shisui was content with that. It meant that he still had much more to learn.

Shisui let a smile form on his face as he entered the Uchiha Compound, nodding respectfully to the assigned guards positioned on the watchtowers.

Following the Nine Tails attack on the Leaf, the clan was directly moved to outside of the village, where the clan repurposed buildings and the surrounding structure to suit the Uchiha Clan. The symbol was etched, painted, and embroidered proudly on each jacket, surface, and possessions. He watched children play and parents chatting for a brief moment.

Shisui did not know a normal childhood, as during which his mother died shortly after his birth, and he could only recall her face by photos by his father. Being thrusted into the Academy per wartime demands to enforce clans such as the Uchiha, Aburame, Izunuka, Sarutobi, Hyuga, and various others; those with the most potential and handpicked to graduate by test scores, Shisui grew in a life where he didn't have time to relax or simply chat. If one talked, it was impertinent to battles with enemy forces. If they relaxed, it was only simply for a temporary reprieve while others kept watch in case of an ambush. Everything a shinobi did during the times of the Third Shinobi War, it had to be related to battle, and no other purpose.

Shisui grew up in a childhood surrounded by whether or not he knew he was going to die. Many did.

Watching those children play now gave him a sense of longing that he knew that he would never receive in his lifetime again. Where he could simply play tag, kick the can, or other means of entertainment. He would never receive that normal childhood. That time has passed.

But as he watched them, he decided if his childhood was never going to have any sense of normalcy and that future generations would, he would gladly give that piece up. He would gladly give it up if it meant those children later down the line could have that childhood he never did.

Shisui waved to others once more as a thought crossed his mind. He had to make sure to return back home to retrieve a number of items and make sure his pack was fully equipped for his journey ahead. Then, he would depart, but not before saying his goodbyes to Itachi and Sasuke.

His new task set, Shisui headed straight for home, opening the door and shutting it behind him, before he went straight to his room.

With his father's passing, Shisui now owned the estate to his father's home.

Opening his pack, he made sure to fill every compartment with a tool. Scrolls, filled with a variety of weapons for Fuinjutsu were placed into a larger compartment, sharing the large bundle of ninja wire. Shisui was not famed as a Fuinjutsu specialist as the Uzumaki clan or even Minato Namikaze was feared to be, but he was able to design a storage seal in a scroll that allowed him to summon tools to his grasp, and nothing more. Shurikens and kunais were placed in a smaller compartment that looped around a small wire of ring. If Sasuke saw him now, he would say that Shisui was "all geared up" for his mission.

Double checking to make sure he had every tool in his checklist, he began to zip up the pack, when he noticed from the corner of his eye an object. Reaching over to pick it up, he smiled at the sight of it.

It was a photo of him, Itachi, and Sasuke smiling as they proudly stood. Both he and Itachi were hunched over, while Sasuke grinned broadly for the taken photo, posing with his two forefingers flashing up.

Though his father passed, Shisui couldn't help but feel his eyes water a bit. Death was inevitable, and he was sure that one day he would meet his end.

But the two people Shisui had befriended were his brothers. He was certain of that. They were his family.

He may have lost his family in his mother and more recently, his father, but with Itachi and Sasuke, he gained a new family. One he would never replace.

Placing the photo in his pack, he shut off the lights to his home and departed for the home of his best friend.

Mikoto Uchiha hummed a soft tune as she placed the fresh laundry of clothing down in a bin, before starting on another.

Her husband Fugaku, was finally out from his work, at least until after Sasuke had begged and pestered and demanded him to finally hone and train his shurikenjutsu, as Itachi was far too busy with assignments with the ANBU or within the ranks of ANBU, Shisui himself. Though it seemed this time, Itachi was able to squeeze time into his schedule to accompany both his father and brother out.

She couldn't help but giggle. Her firstborn had such a great friend. Though she rarely had the pleasure to be acquainted with him, the times she did, Shisui was nothing but kind, humble, polite, and helpful. She felt empathy for him when his father died, leaving him now as the sole heir to his parents legacy.

However, that came with its own problems, as being the direct descendant of Kagami Uchiha left him a great deal of attention by the other Uchiha. Many she heard stated due to his connection with the man who was under the command and right hand of Tobirama should aim for the seat of the Hokage, and with his prodigious status in the Academy and recognition in the clan itself, many had pushed Shisui even more so, and though Shisui simply stated he only wanted to become a shinobi to protect their home and nothing more, that thought had made him uncomfortable, as he was pestered with attention by others within their clan.

A knock to the door indicated her to the noise, and Mikoto was curious. Who could it be? Fugaku? Itachi? Sasuke?

Turning the door open, she was greeted with a surprise visit from the best friend of her firstborn son. "Shisui!"

Shisui grinned, saluting her. "Yo! Evening, Mikoto! Mind if I come in?"

"Of course not!" Shisui welcomed himself with her permission and he smiled at her. "Need any help?" He pointed to the pile of clothing in the basket.

"I'm fine!"

"Come on, I insist!" Shisui picked up the basket. "Where do these go?"

Mikoto at first, protested, but relented. "Just at the corner over there. Thank you!"

Shisui flashed a thumbs up as he set the basket down. "Not a problem, Mikoto! Where's Itachi?"

"He's out to help with Fugaku to help train Sasuke. Are you going to stay? It's been a while and Sasuke would really be happy. I've just finished supper."

The young man gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry. Unfortunately, I can't. New mission assigned by Lord Third. Perhaps maybe next time?"

Mikoto nodded, "Can you please stay for a while longer? Sasuke would really be glad if you did."

Shisui pondered. Why not? He already ate an early supper, but he supposed he could stay a moment longer before saying his goodbyes.

He nodded, accepting the offer and Mikoto smiled. "Thank you so much! Especially since Sasuke knows how both you and Itachi are so busy."

"Need help with anything else?"

She shook her head at his offer. "It's fine. You can wash up and wait for the boys to arrive back."

Shisui entered the washroom of the family home and was in the middle of cleaning up when he heard a high pitched voice, one that indicated he was still in the early stages of youth. "Didja see that, Itachi? I'm getting much better at shurikenjutsu!"

A deeper, older voice acknowledged him. "You are, Sasuke. Keep up the good work." The polite tone, kind and humble, fed the ego of the owner of the younger voice.

Another voice, the deepest and most mature of them all, spoke up. "You are improving, Sasuke. However, your Phoenix Flower Jutsu could use some work. I'll see if I'm free, and we'll pick up on it tomorrow." The voice was slightly critical of his youngest son's technique, though it wasn't to the point of degrading his confidence.

"He is improving, father. The angle which the Jutsu was fired from is much more spread out so against someone, they would have less available places to dodge or avoid the Jutsu." The elder voice spoke up in defense of his younger kin.

The youngest voice piped up again, and Shisui could imagine the youthful face turning up to his and his elder brother's father, determined to obtain his father's approval. "Yeah, you and Itachi saw my Phoenix Flower Jutsu. I'm doing much better!"

The eldest voice chuckled. "All right. But we'll see what tomorrow brings us." The voice lowered just slightly as he issued a challenge to his youngest son. "I do want to see how your Dragon Flame Jutsu is going along as well, Sasuke. It's been a while and I hope to see good results as always."

"I promise, dad. Prepare to be amazed!"

The doors to the home slid open amidst the chatter between the patriarch and his sons, and Mikoto greeted her family. "Welcome back!"

"Hello mother!" Came from the youngest and eldest voice of both sons, while the father greeted his wife. "Mikoto."

"Fugaku."

Shisui watched the family through the crack of the door in the washroom, where Sasuke boldly proclaimed and regaled his training with his father and brother, hugging her legs. Itachi stood off to the side smiling, a somewhat embarrassed look on his face as his younger brother continued to explain the results of their training. Fugaku himself had arms around his wife as he watched his youngest son gesture wildly.

And all the while with a visitor in their home, he watched the happy family

As Sasuke finished regaling their training, his nose picked up on the scent of cooked food and he immediately bolted for the dining room. "Fooood!" The boy proclaimed, eager to fill his empty stomach after hours of training during the evening.

Mikoto scolded the boy by halting him. "Hold up, mister! Wash your hands first!"

Both Fugaku and Itachi laughed at the expression on Sasuke's face, until Mikoto turned to her other son and husband. "Both of you too."

"Yes, ma'am."

All three headed for the washroom before Mikoto suddenly remembered. "Oh, wait! Itachi! Sasuke! Someone wanted to see both of you!"

"Who?" The brothers traded glances.

Shisui at the moment, decided to make his presence known. "I'm hurt. You two don't remember me? I'm disappointed, especially with you, Itachi."

Both boys turned to see, but they already recognized the owner of the voice. "Shisui!" Sasuke ran up to him, tackling his legs in a hug.

Shisui laughed, "Okay. Easy there, kiddo." He patted the boy on the head as a sign of affection.

Yet the boy was now seemingly reenergized with the sudden appearance of one of the Uchiha he looked up to besides his brother. "You're here! You're here! It's been a while!"

Itachi was next to greet him. "Shisui." A smile formed on his face.

Shisui smiled back at the man he considered his best friend and a brother. "Itachi." The man didn't give him a hug, and Shisui knew that it was the man hiding his more affectionate traits behind a mask. "Oh, bring it here!"

He nearly laughed at the look on Itachi's face. Man, Itachi was so easy to make fun of! "I'm fine." He weakly protested.

"Come on!" Shisui grinned at the uncomfortable look. "Group hug!" He glanced down at Sasuke, winking at him.

Sasuke understood the gesture and he turned back up to his brother. "Group hug! Group hug!"

He could no longer hide or hold in his laughter anymore, as Itachi shot a somewhat humiliated glare at him, but relinquished himself. Mikoto and even Fugaku allowed themselves to enjoy the sight.

His sights fell onto the last individual in the room, and the father of his best friend and chief of the clan. "Fugaku." He inclined his head in a bow of respect.

"Shisui." The man gave a nod to Kagami's last living descendant.

Sasuke released himself from the hug, and the expression on his face was more exuberant, excited that one of the people he looked up to in the clan was currently here at his home. The youngest son of Fugaku and Mikoto looked up. Now that one of the people he idolized was here, he now began to bounce up and down. With Shisui now here, he eagerly hoped that Shisui was here to train with all three of them.

"Shisui! Now that you're here, can you train with us?! Please?! What kind of mission are you doing now?! Can you teach me some kenjutsu?!"

Mikoto halted her son just when Shisui was about to answer. "Sasuke, go clean up first! Shisui can answer why he's here and what he's doing later."

Sasuke pouted and Shisui chuckled, running a hand through the hair of his best friend's brother. "I'll tell you everything. Go and listen to your mom and I'll let you know everything!"

"Okay!" Sasuke proceeded to the washroom and began to wash up.

It was a happy moment, one Shisui felt that even if they were not his family by blood, they were family all the same.

This was family, and Shisui hoped that it would never be taken away.

Early night and evening dawned in the Uchiha household as they enjoyed supper after a long and exhausting day. Food filled to the brim in bowls and plates were being passed around, and chattering filled the home as Sasuke leaned forward across the table to ask Shisui questions pertaining to missions and various other assignments, more focused on knowing everything about the man in front of him rather than filling his stomach.

"This is really good, Mikoto!" Shisui took a bite of pork, giving his thumbs up as a sign of approval. "Your cooking is great as I remember it!"

The man knew he already ate and was simply preparing to say his goodbyes to his best friend's family but Mikoto had insisted that he at least stay, and the smell of home cooked meals had the effect of making his stomach growl in hunger once more.

"Thank you, Shisui!" She nodded, smiling at the praise as she passed the pitcher of water over to her husband.

"Hey, Shisui! Please tell us you're gonna stay longer! Can you help me with Kenjutsu tomorrow?! You're the best one out of father and Itachi! They have time so can you?!"

Before he could answer, Fugaku spoke up. "Shisui. It's been some time since you were seen in the ANBU and our home, according to Itachi. Did something happen?"

Shisui confirmed his friend's father's allusion with a nod. "Yep. I just got another mission today, after the last one. Lord Third assigned it to me."

As soon as the words exited his mouth, Shisui immediately regretted his choice of words. The tension in the room filled as even as Fugaku remained polite and neutral, Shisui could see his eyes narrow in distaste for the Hokage.

Mikoto and Itachi too noticed it, and they simply ate their meals in silence, unsure of what to do, their eyes flashing across both their husband and father respectively and the latter's closest companion. Sasuke just glanced curiously across the room, baffled at what was happening.

His mind frantic with an explanation, Shisui opened his mouth to apologize; he knew Fugaku wasn't furious at him, or was at the mention of Hiruzen. The chief of the Uchiha clan was still bitter about the removal of their clan to the outskirts of the village. Shisui did not mind such an action made by the Hokage and other elders of the Leaf, but Fugaku was, and Shisui could understand his reasoning.

"What is the mission exactly?"

The tension vanished as Fugaku turned to glance at Itachi, and Shisui felt the pressure on him lessen. His eyes flickered to him and he silently thanked his best friend with an inclined nod. "It's a S Rank mission to capture a rogue shinobi."

"A rogue shinobi, from our home?"

Shisui nodded. "Have you heard of Kento Yurei?"

"Kento Yurei of the Yurei Clan? The Demonic Ghost?"

A nod was given to his best friend once more, though in his mind the title wasn't warranted. "The very same."

"He went rogue?" Itachi raised a curious brow. "There were rumors circulating around that he was planning to betray Konoha and depart from the village the week before. Why did Lord Third not take action until now?"

Shisui winced, and knew his answer would undoubtedly make Fugaku think of Hiruzen. "He… he decided that the rumors weren't validated, as there was no evidence of him planning to depart from the Leaf, and he could not exactly arrest him of betrayal when he had no evidence in hand or make an accusation towards him. Nothing but baseless rumors made by civilians and shinobi alike. So far, he has shown loyalty, until he finally decided to make his move yesterday and steal his clan's scroll."

Shisui turned his head towards Fugaku, and the man was silent in thought, pondering as he sipped soup, before he wiped his mouth with a napkin and spoke. "He stole his Clan's scroll, you say?"

"Yes, sir. My order by Lord Third is to track him down and take him alive back home, but if that's not possible, then I'm given the free order to execute him and destroy the scroll."

Fugaku only simply nodded, "I've heard he was on your squad during the Third Shinobi War. He was skilled in Kenjutsu and his clan's unique Ninjutsu. Be careful facing him."

The response caught Shisui slightly off guard, but he gave a nod in gratitude. "Thank you, sir."

The somewhat darker mood was thankfully cut off by Sasuke's childish innocence only after a small period of silence. "Does that mean you won't be able to join us?" Sasuke pouted unhappily once more, somewhat disappointed that the man he considered second to his brother was unable to join them in training.

He grinned, shooting a glance at Itachi. Itachi's eyes only widened a fraction but he couldn't stop it as Shisui reached across, pointing his two forefingers and poking into Sasuke's forehead.

"Sorry, Sasuke. Maybe next time."

Shisui exploded into laughter as Sasuke reached up to touch his head, whining and giving a glare to the man, while the rest of the family burst out into laughter. Itachi let a smile on his face grow, and even he couldn't hold back his chuckles. The somewhat darkened mood lightened, and all was well within the Uchiha once more.

That was until Itachi spoke up. "It's rare for all of us to settle down like this."

"Yeah." Mikoto nodded, but a recognition of an idea popped in her head. "Oh wait, Itachi! It's been a while since you invited Izumi! Perhaps next time you should invite her. It's been at least a month since you last saw her."

"Izumi? Why?" Itachi looked down. Shisui saw his best friend's face turn slightly pink at the mention of her. "I'm pretty sure she's busy nowadays, and so am I."

Mikoto's eyes sparkled. "Invite her then and make time! That way, all of us can be together!"

Itachi tried to hide his face in a neutral mask, but he was failing, as his cheeks pinkened further.

Sasuke repeated, "Izumi?" He glanced back and forth between his mother and brother, trying to make sense.

Shisui grinned widely. "Ah, you don't know yet, Sasuke! Did Itachi ever tell you?" He shot a glance at Itachi as his eyes widened and he shot a pleading look at him that begged him not to reveal his secret. "What a horrible brother to leave secrets out like that. Families don't hide anything from each other."

"Tell me what?" He asked innocently, and Shisui's grin grew more broadly as Itachi shot a glare at his best friend that promised him death. "What would big brother tell me?"

"Let your good ol' Shisui tell you then." He cleared his throat. "Itachi is dating-"

"Shisui…" Itachi's low warning was ignored as Shisui continued to use Itachi's secret.

"Itachi is dating Izumi!" He announced it to the family.

Silence followed as Mikoto barely hid her giggles. Fugaku's face was one of bafflement, then pride as he picked up his glass of water and looked to his son, and Sasuke's expression was one of confusion, as much as a child could understand love.

"Well, congratulations. Itachi." He patted his eldest son on the shoulder. "I wasn't aware that you had feelings for her."

Mikoto punched her husband in the arm. "I told you, Fugaku! But you're too busy to listen."

Fugaku gave a sheepish look. "Eh, sorry." Turning to his son, he stated. "Make sure to treat her right. I didn't fall in love with your mom until both of us were in our early twenties. Right early when both of us were Chunin." He chuckled. "She's a fine one, for sure. I don't think I need to teach you about the birds and the bees yet, do I?"

"Birds and bees?"

Mikoto scowled, "Not in front of Sasuke!"

"No father." Shisui's grin turned to one of fear as he saw Itachi glare murderously at him as he answered the question of birds and bees.

Ah. He was dead. But it was so worth it.

"What about birds and bees, mom? Dad?"

"We'll tell you some other time, Sasuke."

The skies darkened a considerable amount after supper. After assisting Mikoto with washing and cleaning the plates, Shisui found himself now face to face with Itachi as he went to retrieve his tanto he set at the entrance, requested by Sasuke to teach him some Kenjutsu katas.

He did not greet him. Instead, his stone face was set, hiding the anger that was soon to explode.

"You have five seconds, Shisui."

Shisui grinned as he slowly began to back away. "Hey now, Itachi. I did you a huge favor by telling your parents about you and Izumi. I'm really sorry, but look at it this way, it was bound to come out soon."

Itachi did not grant a response to his excuse. Instead, he began to count down. "Five…"

"Hey, come on, Itachi. Let's not do anything rash…"

"Four…"

"Itachi, please!"

"Three…"

Shisui's smile dropped and it turned to one of fear. "I'm your best friend! I'm irreplaceable!"

"Two…"

Realizing that Itachi was not going to stop, he utilized his chakra to allow for his Body Flicker technique, just as he distinctly heard Itachi count down to one before his feet left the floor.

That night, the Uchiha Compound was filled with the terrified screams and shrieks of Shisui Uchiha as he escaped from his best friend, Itachi Uchiha, who was out for his blood.

Sasuke's, in his home's backyard and training ground encompassing a scope of a mile, eyes bulged and glistened at the sight of the short blade, admiration of the personal weapon and tool in his eyes.

"Wow! It's so light and easy to wield!" Sasuke gave a few experimental swings, with Shisui's careful eye watching him as he went through practice katas assigned to him by the man. "Do you think I might be able to get a tanto one day?!"

Shisui shrugged, "Do you want a tanto, Sasuke?" He grinned, pointing at himself and puffing himself up in pride. "Be like your awesome cousin, Shisui! Be a better shinobi than Itachi! Take notes from your awesome badass cousin!"

Though the young man initially planned to stay only for supper and depart immediately after, he decided that he might as well stay the entire night, and sent a crow to deliver a message to Hiruzen to let him know he would depart the next morning after staying in the Compound.

"Whaat?!" Sasuke glared at the man seemingly insulting his brother, stopping his practice of katas. "Itachi's much better than you!"

"I'm older than him!"

"Age has nothing to do with being a shinobi!"

"I awakened my Sharingan!"

"So did my brother!"

"I'm in the ANBU!"

"So is he!"

Shisui gave a hurt look, with a smug victorious one that Sasuke donned. "I'm hurt, Sasuke. Truly. You don't believe in your cousin?! The one that made time for you when Itachi was busy?"

"Itachi's much better than you in every single way!" Sasuke smirked. "Everything you did, he also did as well!"

Shisui gave a dramatic sigh, wiping away a nonexistent tear. "When your best friend's little brother doesn't believe in you as much as his brother. Where did I go wrong?"

"Everything." A flash of movement was heard, and he turned to notice Itachi, sweat glistening off his body in the pale moonlight as he glared at him.

"Hey now, Itachi. It's not my fault my Body Flicker was fast enough to lose you. You had your Sharingan."

Itachi scowled in response as he rested his hands on his knees to catch his breath. "Damn you and your Body Flicker." That was the only response he deemed was acceptable to his current situation.

Shisui grinned, "You're still too far behind to catch me."

Itachi shot a glare once more, but then it softened to a light hearted expression. The night cool breeze danced on their skin, giving them goosebumps, as Sasuke continued to practice the katas given to him by Shisui while both he and Itachi watched, giving him tips as he swung the blade.

Soon, Mikoto announced for them to go to bed early. Sasuke, still somewhat dejected that Shisui was going to leave tomorrow, was at least satisfied with the progress made on his training with his brother and father, along with the early Kenjutsu training given to him, passed him back the tanto, thanking him before it was just him and Itachi.

"Shisui, can we talk?"

"We are now."

Itachi's expression narrowed into exasperation at the joke, and Shisui giggled, but the humor in his tone vanished and he donned a curious expression. "What's up?"

"You're going to apprehend Kento?"

"That is the plan. Is there something wrong, Itachi?"

"Are you aware of his abilities?"

"His abilities?" Shisui pondered, attempting to recall the times Kento had been assigned to his squad.

"Lord Third assigned only yourself to this mission."

Shisui looked up at the Konoha skies. "Well, he said it was because I'm familiar with his abilities the most out of all the shinobi during that time of the war. Lord Third also stated at some point he attempted to join the ranks of ANBU but failed the examinations, and instead did his research on us, knowing how we operate. He stated that only a single one of us could track him down, as he would be prepared to fight if a squad came at him. Since I was the one who was familiar with him the most during the war, he chose me."

"The Nine Tails Attack on the Leaf left the might of Konoha shattered, especially since about fourty percent of ANBU also fell against the Tailed Beast. It forced Lord Third and the other elders for ANBU to take high ranking missions more often to make up for the lost economy and reparations for the village." Shisui recalled the beast shattering and destroying homes.

Glancing at his friend once more, he realized it, and addressed the situation. "Are you concerned, Itachi?"

Itachi glanced at him. "He stole his clan's scroll. It just doesn't sit right with me, especially if that scroll had been entrusted to the Hokages themselves, and he somehow managed to get past the ANBU guarding the scroll."

And that's when Shisui realized it. Itachi's concerns were not just of him, but also the secrets that had been entrusted to the Hokages, and what kind of damage that could be done to the village, if not elsewhere.

Kento Yurei was a rogue shinobi, and rogue shinobi's loyalties often only lied to themselves and nothing else. That meant his scroll also fell outside of the security of Konoha and to the entire world.

With the Nine Tails attack on the Leaf, a stolen scroll also spelled the danger of revealing the secrets of Konoha. With Konoha's might severely weakened and still recovering from the losses, it would spell the end for them if the opposing villages attacked them.

Shisui decided to address Itachi's concerns. "Hey now. Don't look down. Itachi. I'll be fine. This is what we were trained to do after all. He may be aware of me, but the same applies to him." He chuckled, comforting his closest friend. "Don't worry. It'll be fine. I'll kick Kento's ass and return back home."

Itachi met his friend's eyes once more, and he felt a level of relief at his friend's comforting smile. "I'm sorry. It's… I'm just concerned. Since everything recently. Since our clan was moved to the outskirts. Since you've been gone for some time with missions. Since the Nine Tails attack. Father is still unhappy with Lord Third's decision with not just our removal from Konoha's walls but also the Military Police Force and the village is still recovering and with this mission now…"

"It's alright." He pulled his friend in for a hug. "We all get stressed out during these times now. I don't blame you for feeling this one bit. I feel the same right now, but if we keep our head on our shoulders and work our best, I believe it'll work out and we'll pull through. So don't worry. It'll be fine."

Itachi smiled, "You're right." The hug lasted a moment longer before they released it.

"Let's head to bed. We don't want your mom calling us again." Itachi agreed.

Thank you, Shisui.

The crack of dawn came in the early morning, and Shisui woke early to pack up and assist cooking breakfast with Mikoto.

"Oh! Shisui! You're up early!"

He smiled, "Yup. Can I help?"

"Of course! Just help me whisk the eggs please!"

Shisui did, and both began the process of cooking breakfast. "You know. You should come to our home more often. It's rare to get help, since Sasuke is usually the only one since my husband and Itachi are so busy."

Shisui flashed a smile. "That's why I'm here! As well as your amazing dishes, Mikoto!"

Mikoto laughed, and the two early risers of the Uchiha household continued to cook. "You should come to our home more often then! I'll definitely whip something up!"

Shisui promised her. "I'll come over right after I'm finished with this mission. It should be no problem-o!"

Shisui popped toast into the toaster, spreading butter and jam on them as the other family members began to arrive, starting with Itachi. "Good morning, mother. Shisui."

"Good morning, Itachi! Go and grab a plate!"

Grabbing a plate of toast with eggs, Sasuke came after, greeting his mother and Shisui a good morning as he eagerly dove into the breakfast, despite Mikoto's scolding for him to wait. Shisui laughed at the ravenous brother of his friend once more and Itachi joined in.

Fugaku came in last, greeting his family and Shisui good morning as he grabbed a cup of coffee, and the family ate.

The talk, compared to the evening of the day before, was simply short. Fugaku stated he was busy in the mornings but after his meeting, he could train Sasuke. Itachi stated he was also free, and the boy was happy, no longer caring that Shisui was busy, as Shisui smiled and told him that once he returned, that maybe all four of them could go out and train, an "Uchiha outing" as he called it.

Breakfast was finished, and Fugaku immediately left, unable to say goodbye to Shisui, though at the very least, the rest of his family stayed to say their goodbyes.

"Come back, Shisui! I want to show you how much I've improved once you get back!" Sasuke pointed a finger at him, daring him to keep his promise. "You better keep your promise!"

Shisui ruffled the boy's hair, despite his protests and nodded. "I promise. Show me how far you improved and I'll give you more tips once I return."

Satisfied, it was then Mikoto's turn.

Shisui expected anything. He expected a pat on his shoulder. But what he did not expect was a hug, and then… a kiss on the cheek.

He should have expected it.

"Take care, Shisui."

Shisui felt his face grow hot. "Y-yeah. You got it." He barely managed to get the words out.

Releasing the hug, Shisui looked at the now smirking Itachi. Guess this was karma for revealing Izumi to his parents. He glowered at his best friend, which did nothing to stop the smug look.

But then it was Itachi's turn, and he simply held out a clenched hand, fist, to him. An indication of their friendship by bumping fists with him"Shisui. Good luck."

He nodded, tapping his own fist against the proffered one. "Take care, Itachi."

Itachi simply chuckled. "Good luck."

With one last smile and wave to Itachi, Sasuke, and Mikoto, Shisui turned around and departed from the Uchiha Compound and out of Konoha's territory.

As soon as he was out the Compound, his face fell, replaced by a cold, analytical expression.

Time to get to work.

In a flash of movement, he vanished in a Body Flicker.

I give Shisui interactions with Mikoto and Fugaku since the series wasted them by not giving any interactions to Itachi's fucking best friend and also someone who acted as a older brother to both their sons.

Naruto as a series is just a treasure trove of wasted potential and storylines.