Chapter 4: Where There Are Actions, There Are Consequences

"This attack was a failure on both your part and the rear guard; there's no denying that."

"However, being able to rescue them in time before the rear guard arrived is your advantage."

"As for your disadvantage, it lies here as well."

Shisui tilted his head, understanding that rescuing people was an advantage, but he couldn't grasp how it could also be a disadvantage.

Seeing his confusion, Sima Yi continued to explain.

"Wounded soldiers are always weak; this time, having suffered heavy losses from the attack, they are inevitably filled with resentment. Although you saved them, you also exposed yourself to them."

"As long as someone guides them a little, they will direct all this resentment toward you, and that is your disadvantage."

Shisui suddenly understood, recalling the scene where everyone turned on each other after Utatane Kaori's words.

"Now that you mention it, doesn't that mean Mitokado Shogo's side also has both advantages and disadvantages?"

Sima Yi smiled and nodded. "That's right; this child can be taught."

"But sensei, why are they doing this? The war is almost over. Don't they fear that if something goes wrong, the Mist Ninja will abandon their retreat, and the war will continue?"

Sima Yi looked up, concealing the indifference in his eyes, and said calmly, "So what? They're not the ones dying."

Shisui fell silent, trying several times to argue, but the scenes in his mind firmly reminded him that sensei was right.

Utatane Kaori, Medical Squad Captain; Mitokado Shogo, Rear Camp Squad Captain; they wouldn't go to the Front Line unless the situation was urgent.

"Where there is action, there must be intention.

"They must have received news in advance that the war is about to end, and you have made extraordinary contributions in this war. They need an excuse to undermine your achievements, or rather, the achievements of the Uchiha."

Uchiha Shisui had extraordinary influence both within the Uchiha clan and in the village, especially on the Eastern Front battlefield, where Konoha had almost relied solely on him to maintain its position.

"Just for the sake of credit, they would put their comrades in danger? What kind of people are they!"

Shisui gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with anger.

"You need to learn to appreciate your enemy's tactics instead of just being angry."

"..."

"Besides, you don't have time to be angry. If nothing unexpected happens, they will take action at dawn; you need to be prepared."

Shisui frowned and thought for a moment before uncertainly saying, "Are you saying, sensei, that they will blame the Mist Ninja attack on me at today's Jonin meeting?"

"Correct, right after the two hostages are handed over."

"Their actions are treasonous; they are betraying the village. I have the Mist Ninja in my hands, and I have witnesses. As long as I make this public tomorrow—"

Shisui's eyes brightened, but he stopped mid-sentence.

For some reason, just looking at Sima Yi's calm expression made him realize that the other person did not agree with him.

"Witnesses? What witnesses? Did they see the people from the Rear Camp with their own eyes?"

"No, they didn't."

Even Mitokado wouldn't be foolish enough to send someone to the enemy camp to deliver a message; most likely, they just used a carrier pigeon or even a stone.

"Then how do you think the Uchiha's reputation is in Konoha?"

"Very poor."

Though reluctant, Shisui had to answer quietly. Ever since the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha's reputation had been utterly tarnished.

"Do you think they will believe a witness from a Genjutsu family, a family with a notorious reputation?"

Shisui's face turned pale as he realized that if he did present a witness, he might even get bitten back.

"Sensei, if witnesses are useless, then what should I do?"

"Hahaha, not having witnesses doesn't stop you from saying they are colluding and betraying the village. Think carefully; some things aren't as complicated as you think. Sometimes you can use the simplest methods."

"The simplest methods?"

Shisui's expression shifted, slowly lowering his head as the Three Tomoe appeared, his heart wavering.

Thud~

A skewer of fish tapped him on the head. Shisui instinctively touched his head; it didn't hurt.

Sima Yi's mouth twitched. As soon as Shisui lowered his head, he knew what the other was planning to do and couldn't help but scold him lightly, "Brute!"

Shisui's face turned red, and he fell silent.

"Uchiha Kai, how is he?"

"Brother Kai? Although he has a somewhat impatient personality, he's actually quite kind privately. He has always taken care of me and is strong; he's a trustworthy person."

"A fellow clansman, impatient in nature, but trustworthy and powerful—hahaha, this is excellent. Come here and listen."

"Yes, Sensei."

"Tomorrow, you just need to do this."

Shisui leaned in to listen, his eyes gradually shining with excitement as he nodded repeatedly.

...

After dawn, a Ninja arrived to notify that Nara Suzaku was convening a meeting to discuss the withdrawal of troops.

Upon receiving the notice, Shisui and Uchiha Kai immediately set off for the military tent.

"Hmm?"

As soon as Uchiha Kai entered the tent, a flicker of confusion crossed Nara Suzaku's eyes.

According to past conventions, at such meetings, each family would generally only send one Jonin to express their stance. Even the civilian Jonin would choose only a few representatives to attend.

Not everyone would come; otherwise, even now in Konoha, a single tent wouldn't be able to accommodate all the Jonin from one frontline.

Nara Suzaku keenly sensed something was off but did not voice it.

After glancing around at the more than twenty people in the tent, he immediately spoke up, his voice raised, "Hokage-sama's latest directive: the war between Konoha and the Hidden Mist Village has ended! Everyone, we have successfully protected the village!"

"Finally over!"

"We won!"

Cheers erupted in the tent, a mix of excitement, subdued emotions, and even some choked sobs. Shisui wore a smile, unable to hide the joy in his heart.

However, a portion of the people remained calm; they had known about this news since yesterday.

"Alright, everyone, quiet down. Next, I will assign the tasks ahead. You all need to stay alert and not let the Mist Ninja take advantage of any openings."

Withdrawing troops is an art in itself. Nara Suzaku did not relax just because the war had ended; he carefully issued each command to ensure that nothing went wrong.

Once everything concluded, it was already noon.

"That is all for the recent tasks. I ask everyone to execute them cautiously, and I wish for your safe return to Konoha!"

"Yes!"

The crowd rose and responded in unison, some people looking excited as they stepped toward the exit.

"Wait!"

At that moment, a sharp voice rang out. Utatane Kaori, who had been sitting on Nara Suzaku's left, suddenly took action. Her expression was serious as she pointed at the two Uchiha.

"Uchiha Shisui, why did you—"

Bang!

Before he could finish, Uchiha Kai slammed his hand on the table, his expression even more ferocious as he loudly pointed at the always silent Mitokado Shogo. "Mitokado Shogo, are you not going to explain to everyone why you allowed the Mist Ninja to attack the Rear Camp yesterday?"

"Allowed?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone stopped and shifted their gaze from Shisui to Mitokado Shogo.

Utatane Kaori's expression changed dramatically, Nara Suzaku took a deep look at Shisui, while Mitokado Shogo's pupils contracted, instinctively glancing at Utatane Kaori.