NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Whispered Doubts
Aiha's newfound influence with Fugaku gave her leverage, but it also came with heightened scrutiny. If her plans were to succeed, she needed to ensure that every action she took was deliberate and that every person she manipulated felt like they were making their own choices. Her next target was clear: Itachi.
While Shisui's kindness made him easier to sway, Itachi's stoic nature and sharp mind required a more subtle approach. He was wary of deceit, and any misstep could ruin everything Aiha had built so far.
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Itachi sat in the family dojo, meticulously cleaning his katana. His calm demeanor seemed unshakable, but Aiha knew he was burdened by the weight of his responsibilities. She approached silently, stopping a few steps away to observe him.
"You always seem so focused, Itachi," she said, breaking the silence.
He glanced up, his dark eyes meeting hers briefly before returning to his task. "Focus is necessary to succeed."
Aiha knelt a few feet away, her tone light but curious. "And yet, even with all your focus, you seem... troubled. Is it the clan again?"
Itachi paused, his hands stilling for a moment. "The clan's issues are always on my mind. It's nothing new."
"Maybe not new, but it doesn't mean it's easy," she replied, her voice soft. "I can see how much you care, how hard you're trying to protect everyone. It must be exhausting."
Itachi's gaze flickered toward her, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Why are you so interested in the clan's affairs?"
Aiha smiled faintly, lowering her gaze. "Because I care about this family. I may not have been born into it, but I want to help. And... I see how much it weighs on you and Shisui. I just want to lighten that burden, even if it's only a little."
Itachi studied her for a moment before returning to his katana. "It's not something you can help with. The problems we face run deeper than you realize."
"Maybe," Aiha admitted, her tone thoughtful. "But sometimes, even the strongest people need someone to listen. Someone who can understand their struggles without judgment."
There was a long silence before Itachi finally spoke. "And you think you're that person?"
"I'd like to be," she said, meeting his gaze. "If you'll let me."
Itachi didn't respond, but Aiha could see the faintest flicker of doubt in his eyes. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
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Later that day, Aiha found Shisui near the edge of the forest, practicing his jutsu. His movements were fluid and precise, but his usual energy seemed muted.
"Shisui," she called, walking toward him.
He turned, his expression brightening slightly. "Aiha. What brings you here?"
"I wanted to check on you," she said, tilting her head. "You've seemed... distracted lately."
Shisui sighed, wiping sweat from his brow. "It's nothing. Just thinking about Itachi."
"What about him?" she asked, feigning concern.
Shisui hesitated before answering. "He's been distant lately. I know he's under a lot of pressure, but it feels like he's pulling away from me."
Aiha stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Maybe he's just overwhelmed. You know how much he cares about the clan and the village. He's probably trying to protect you in his own way."
Shisui smiled faintly, his gaze softening. "You always know how to make things seem simpler."
"That's because I believe in you," Aiha said, her voice gentle but firm. "You're the one who keeps everyone together, Shisui. Without you, Itachi would be completely lost."
Shisui looked down, his expression thoughtful. "I just wish I could do more for him."
"You're already doing so much," Aiha said, squeezing his arm lightly. "But maybe... Itachi needs a little reminder of what's truly important. And who's always been there for him."
Shisui nodded slowly, determination flickering in his eyes. "You're right. I'll talk to him again."
As Shisui turned back to his training, Aiha smiled to herself. She had planted seeds of doubt in Itachi's mind and reinforced Shisui's loyalty to her. The cracks between them were growing, and it was only a matter of time before they became impossible to ignore.
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That evening, Aiha sat alone in her quarters, reviewing her progress. She had carefully positioned herself as a confidante to both Shisui and Itachi, earning their trust while subtly manipulating their emotions. But she knew she couldn't stop there.
Her next move would require even more precision, as the stakes were growing higher with each passing day. The Uchiha clan's unity was beginning to fracture, and Aiha intended to be the one who decided which pieces would fall—and which ones would remain under her control.
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