"Now, children," says Mikoto, "There's some things I'd like to know. Kouji?"

“She guessed something bigger was up when she threatened me with mind reading! But I didn’t tell her anything specifc at all I promise. Sorry Itachi... She also knew about the genjutsu on your dad which is what she started grilling me about in the first place... I told her if she wants to know anything she should ask you. It’s up to you wether you let her in, I dont know her so I don’t know how big a risk that is...” He visibly squirms at saying things like not being able to trust a person when they were right there. And guilt at having given so much away that it led to this situation.

"Well, my son? Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"I did what I must."

"That's the thing with you, isn't it. What you must."

She steps closer to him. "You're my son. I know you. I do not wish you or your dreams harm - but you do not want me as an enemy."

Something in her eyes seems to set him on edge.

"It was needed to prevent the deaths of everyone," he says, tightly.

"So they would've killed us to stop us, then. Every last one. Did they tell you to wield the blade? Even onto your brother?"

There's a heavy feeling in the air. Still, her voice is pleasant, gentle.

"That's not your concern."

"My clan is my concern. My children are my concern."

"You can't undo the illusion, and if you try to oppose the Leaf you will all be killed."

She's smiling, for some reason.

"You think I don't know that? To rush ahead was my husband's idea. Unlike him, I know how to live in a cage. I will help you with managing the fallout of this - and there will be fallout. You and Shisui are not as clever as you think you are."

Tightly: "Very well."

Well, Kouji is just happy she isn't asking about his conspiracy. If she focuses on Shisui's plan that's fine with him. He is just trying very hard to be unnoticeable while they talk.

"Though I am so very curious as to why you involved young Kouji."

"I was telling the truth when I told you I wasn't involved with that plan." He whines.

"And yet you seem to know an awful lot about what's going on."

"I know lots of things! That doesn't mean I had anything to do with planning this plot. I told you the information I knew was bigger than any of this small-time plot and had nothing to do with the Uchiha Genjutsu plan." He pouts. "Why does nobody actually listen to me. You won't overlook me because I'm a child but then you don't take me seriously when I tell you things."

He did act to make sure it didn't fail and that the Uchiha massacre didn't occur by warning Shisui about the attempt on his life, but he did not plan any of it or carry it out. So all technically true.

"So you involved yourself?"

"I had nothing to do with the execution of the plan either! I just...happened to know about it." This is so incredibly awkward, he just wants the earth to swallow him up right now. "Shisui and Itachi are helping me with other things that aren't related." Okay, maybe that last one was actually a lie. It was sort of related since he did want Sasuke to keep having a clan for future plans.

"And you happened to know... How?"

"I told you! Stuff I know cannot get out! Mindreading is super bad! If you want in ask Itachi or Shisui because they would know you better enough to trust you. I can't say anything until I know I can trust you or are wayyyy stronger and better prepared to deal with possible fallout. Like at least chuunin level."
Kouji looks at Itachi for help.

" - What sort of fallout are you anticipating?"

"Enough strength to wipe out the village to the last civilian child coming after me? At least." He is looking pleadingly at Itachi for help. It was his mom! Tell her if she needed to know, or tell her to back off!

"Being chuunin is unlikely to help you, there," Itachi points out. "We can have the conversation more privately, but... It really isn't safe for only you to know your secrets."

Kouji glares at Itachi. "Is she allowed to know or not?! I have to trust your judgement here. And someone genjutsu us for infosec please, even this dancing around stuff is giving things away." This was the biggest mess ever. No more dealing with friends parents ever again!