Naruto : Sequence 0 Visionary

In the blink of an eye, three years had passed.

However, the Third Great Ninja War still remained an indelible pain in the hearts of many.

The death of the Fourth Hokage, Danzo's betrayal, and the public defection of Orochimaru at the Fifth Hokage inauguration, all contributed to a sharp decline in Konoha's reputation. 

Once a powerful and prosperous village with deep roots, Konoha fell to the point where no one dared to entrust them with missions.

After all, no noble from any major nation would risk hiring a ninja village where even the Hokage could betray them.

As if things weren't bad enough, the Land of Fire's Daimyo, enraged by Orochimaru's betrayal, ordered a cut in Konoha's funding. This left the village in dire straits.

Ninjas aren't superhumans; despite their extraordinary abilities, they're still human. They need food and money to survive.

With their primary source of funding severed and mission numbers sharply decreasing, Konoha's economy stagnated. The consequence of this economic downturn was a sharp rise in prices. Even Ichiraku Ramen saw its price triple from 60 ryo to 180 ryo.

The skyrocketing prices, coupled with the lack of mission work, made the village teeter on the brink of collapse.

In the past three years, Sarutobi Hiruzen had grown exhausted from supporting the village. His hair turned grey, and he aged as if he had lived decades beyond his years.

The once prosperous streets of Konoha now appeared barren and desolate.

The faces of the people who walked through the streets were blank and cold, as if everyone had been isolated in their own little worlds.

At the top floor of the Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen gazed out of the window, watching the bleak scene before him. It slowly merged with the memory of the once-thriving streets. The brief span of three years had drained all his energy, leaving behind only bitterness and regret.

But unfortunately, there was no such thing as a medicine for regret, and time could never be turned back.

At that moment, the door behind him opened, interrupting his thoughts. He slowly turned and saw a figure walk in—an Anbu wearing an animal mask. The young man had short black hair that stood up like a hedgehog, and his bright eyes were filled with the vigor of youth.

"Hokage-sama, you called for me?"

The young Anbu's eyes were bright as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, asking in a lively voice, "Lord Sarutobi, what's the task?"

Seemingly affected by the young Anbu's energy, Sarutobi's furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and he showed a kind smile. "Perfect timing. I have a mission for you."

"Uh, but Lord Hokage, I just got back not long ago."

The young Anbu scratched his head, a bit shy. "Sensei has been mentioning it for a while. How about letting Kakashi go instead? He's been free lately, hasn't he?"

"Heh, what? Not willing?" 

Sarutobi picked up the pipe on the desk, lit it, took a deep breath, and blew out the smoke. "This mission requires both you and Kakashi. I know you just finished a mission and need rest, but the task comes directly from Daimyo himself. You must take it."

"Wait, the Daimyo himself?" 

The young Anbu was immediately shocked.

It was well known that the last ninja personally chosen by the Daimyo was the legendary Yellow Flash!

This was both an honor and a recognition.

"That's right. The Daimyo knows of your reputation now."

Sarutobi knocked the pipe against the desk, then slowly walked over to the young Anbu, patting his shoulder with a smile. "On the surface, this mission seems simple—escort the Land of Fire Daimyo's princess to the Land of Water for a marriage alliance. But since it involves two major nations, we can't rule out the possibility of other ninjas trying to interfere. So it's classified as an A-rank mission."

"I understand, Lord Hokage."

The young Anbu nodded and took the mission scroll from Sarutobi.

"This mission must not fail."

Sarutobi's tone turned serious as he looked the young Anbu in the eyes. "This is the first task in three years that the Daimyo has entrusted to us personally. It's crucial for Konoha's reputation, so I'm counting on you, Shisui!"

At this moment, the young Anbu's true identity was revealed—he was Uchiha Shisui!

A rising genius who had rapidly gained fame in just three years since Sogetsu's death, earning the title of "Shunshin Shisui" (Shisui of the Body Flicker) across the ninja world.

The master of illusions and Body Flicker Technique, his movements were ghostly and swift. Paired together, they made him a lethal force. 

His style was sharp and ruthless, often leaving his enemies with no chance to react before their throats were slit. It was terrifying, and some even began to compare him to the legendary figures of the past, Uchiha Sogetsu and Minato Namikaze, suggesting he might surpass them.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shisui realized the importance of the situation and immediately became serious. "I promise I'll complete the mission beautifully and restore Konoha's honor!" 

"Alright, go ahead. I'll give you half a day off." 

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and waved his hand dismissively, pretending to be annoyed. 

"Otherwise, you'll go around complaining that I'm overworking you again."

"It's unfair, Lord Hokage!" Shisui laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I never said that, it's always that guy, Kakashi!" 

"Get lost, don't disturb my peace." Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled at him, scolding, "You dare blame Kakashi? If you don't leave soon, I'll have to teach you a lesson!" 

"Ah, I have other things to do. I'll be going, Lord Hokage!" 

Fearing punishment, Shisui quickly ran off.

As he watched Shisui leave, Sarutobi's smile faded, his expression becoming more distant. A trace of nostalgia and sorrow appeared in his eyes, and he couldn't help but sigh deeply.

It was just too similar. 

Every time Sarutobi saw Shisui, he couldn't help but think of that humble, gentle youth. 

Both were Uchiha, both skilled in illusions, both prodigies—he couldn't help but compare the two in his mind, imagining a different outcome. 

If Uchiha Sogetsu hadn't died and had instead risen as the Fourth Hokage, perhaps he would have led Konoha to a different kind of prosperous future. 

---

Uchiha Clan Grounds

After the war three years ago, the Uchiha clan suffered heavy losses, their reputation falling to rock bottom.

The person mostly responsible for this, Uchiha Fugaku, was stripped of his title as clan leader and fell into a downward spiral, drinking heavily and eventually losing his sanity.

Now, the leader of the Uchiha clan was Fugaku's wife, Uchiha Mikoto.

Inside the clan's ceremony hall, Shisui sat upright, his playful demeanor gone, now serious as he addressed her. 

"Sensei, I'm back."

The woman lay sideways on the bed, hidden behind a thin veil, her figure faint and hazy.

"Mm, it's good you're back."

After a long pause, a lazy response came. The woman lifted her fair arm, gently pulling back the veil, revealing her delicate face, her high nose, rosy lips, and her dark eyes that resembled a cold, tranquil lake, as if reflecting the thoughts of those who looked into them.

But what caught attention even more was her blood-red hair, long and as if soaked in fresh blood—bright, eerie, and mesmerizing.

"Mother..." 

At that moment, a small figure staggered into the room.

Hearing that voice, Shisui suddenly broke into a cold sweat, instinctively activating his Sharingan. The three tomo in his eyes spun rapidly, as if sensing a grave threat!

"Calm down, Shisui."

The beautiful woman on the bed gracefully rose. As she moved, her white skin and long, slender legs became visible.

In an instant, Shisui turned in shock, realizing that the stunning figure was now standing behind him.

He turned his head, only to see the woman holding a three-year-old child in her arms. With a calm gaze, she said, "Don't be so tense, Itachi is very well-behaved. He won't harm you."

If anyone else had heard this, they might have laughed, thinking that the legendary Shisui, known for his instant movement, was afraid of a mere three-year-old child. It would seem like a joke.

But Uchiha Shisui knew very well—this was no joke!

Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. His entire body felt like it was on edge, muscles tense, eyes locked onto the innocent-looking child in the woman's arms. He nervously said, "Sensei, you shouldn't have brought Itachi out. He's just too dangerous!"

"Are you trying to teach me what to do?" 

The woman's eyes grew cold, and her red lips parted slightly as she spoke, "Or do you think you've grown wings and can lecture me now?"

"No, no, I dare not!" 

Shisui was instantly horrified. His head slammed against the tatami mat, filled with fear as he trembled, "Sensei... no, Lady Mikoto, I never thought such a thing!"

At that moment, he finally remembered the woman's title: Blood Red Angel, Uchiha Mikoto!

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