Chapter 26: Shisui Realizes The Truth

After drinking the porridge, both of them felt much warmer. Shisui, with a satisfied expression, set down his bowl and asked, "Sensei, weren't you worried about being noticed by the Konoha Elders and planning to come to my place after a while?"

Mentioning this made Sima Yi let out a rare, helpless laugh.

"Haha, human plans can't compare to the heavens' plans. Yesterday, I pretended to be drunk and had Kai take me back, but I found that my old wooden house had collapsed from not being lived in for so long. I had to stay at Kai's house for the night.

However, living at their house will inevitably bring some constraints when it comes to doing things. After thinking it over, I decided to come here. It gives me a reason that isn't too abrupt."

"Is that so? Sensei, please wait here for a moment. I'll go tidy up a room for you. Since I'm the only one in this courtyard, you can choose any room you like."

Sima Yi had heard about Shisui's family and didn't inquire further, simply saying, "That's not urgent. Let's talk about yesterday's events first."

When mentioning what happened yesterday, Shisui's mood became somewhat downcast. He had to admit that Sima Yi was right all along; he had indeed overlooked too much.

"Yesterday..."

Shisui began to recount the entire process, starting from the conversation between Danzo and the Third Hokage, reciting it word for word.

"It seems that this Hokage indeed has grown suspicious of you. However, you handled it fairly well. After multiple tests, he still chose to trust you."

Sima Yi generously praised him. Although Shisui's thinking was still not quite mature, it was commendable, giving him a sense of accomplishment.

"Sigh, I would rather not have any of this than to see that Lord Third truly acted like this."

In the past, Shisui would have been extremely grateful to the Hokage for helping him up, but yesterday, when he was assisted, he only felt an overwhelming sense of awkwardness.

"There's no need to worry about it. As Hokage, it's only natural for him to suppress the powerful. What you should be more cautious of compared to the Hokage is that Danzo."

"Danzo!"

Shisui frowned. Danzo's open disdain for Uchiha was indeed troubling him.

"Today, the ones who intercepted us outside of Konoha were not the ANBU directly under the Hokage but rather the roots cultivated in secret by Danzo. This organization has always hidden in the shadows and is loyal only to Danzo. They pride themselves on being hidden in the darkness, and to protect Konoha, they act ruthlessly and will stop at nothing!"

"Protect Konoha?"

Even with Sima Yi's level-headedness, he couldn't help but chuckle at those words.

"Raising private soldiers and training assassins, and you say it's for the protection of the country?

Sima Yi certainly doesn't believe it.

"Why are you laughing, Sensei?"

Shisui was puzzled and carefully recalled the previous conversation, not noticing anything wrong.

"It's nothing, nothing. I just remembered some old matters, but this Danzo might be a great help in the future."

"Danzo? A help? He can assist us?"

Shisui wanted to doubt it, but upon reflection, Sima Yi had almost never made a wrong judgment, causing his expression to darken considerably.

"In this world, where there's hustle and bustle, it's all for profit. Between families and factions, there's no absolute hatred. It all depends on whether what we propose can pique his interest."

Shisui did not refute this; he lowered his head in thought, carefully savoring every word Sima Yi had said.

"However, that's something to consider later. For now, such an unstable person must be approached with caution."

Even though the Hokage would act according to the rules on the surface, based on Sima Yi's impression of Danzo, it was clear that he was not someone who would adhere to the rules.

This was very unfavorable for them.

Shisui raised his head, his eyes burning with determination, and said seriously, "Don't worry, Sensei, I won't let anyone harm you!"

"I?"

Sima Yi had an odd expression as he looked at Shisui, slowly shaking his head. "Don't worry about me. Even if he makes a move, he'll only target you."

"Eh?"

"It's said that you are the strongest among the Uchiha right now. If he takes you out, the Uchiha will lose their support and naturally won't dare to rebel again. That's not a bad idea."

Shisui frowened... He still needed to live on to stop Itachi's crazed actions; he couldn't die so easily.

"I'll be careful and definitely won't let Danzo succeed!"

Sima Yi smiled. A large part of Danzo's actions came from the Hokage's will, but this was something Shisui didn't need to know for now.

"If you don't have anything else to do these days, help me find some books, preferably related to Uchiha history. Of course, if you can find history about the Land of Fire and other nations, that would be even better."

"The history of the Uchiha is easy to find. I'll go look for Clan Head later; he should have some. But the histories of other nations might take a bit more time."

Such matters were secretive. He needed to make a trip to the capital and start with the Daimyo's family; only those nobles might have preserved such collections.

"No rush. With the year-end approaching, there shouldn't be any major movements during this time. I can take this opportunity to walk around Konoha and learn a bit more."

"By the way, sensei, wait for me!"

Shisui suddenly remembered something and quickly got up to rummage through a cabinet.

Then he brought out two stacks of paper money and presented them to Sima Yi. "Sensei, since you've just arrived in Konoha, you might need some things. Here are two hundred thousand ryo. If that's not enough, just let me know. I rarely use this stuff, so I've saved quite a bit."

"This is money?"

Sima Yi picked up a note and examined it closely. It was his first time seeing the currency of this world. Unlike what he had imagined, which would be made of gold or copper, the money here was just a piece of paper.

The paper bills even had the Konoha symbol printed on them.

Sima Yi did not refuse. "I happen to be free today; let's go out together later."

Mentioning this, Shisui's expression turned awkward. He clasped his hands together and said, "I'm sorry, sensei, but I've already promised Itachi that I would train with him today, so I might not be able to go with you."

"Itachi?"

Sima Yi waved his hand, not concerned about Shisui's absence affecting his outing. He was more curious about Uchiha Itachi.

"Is he the child from yesterday who was holding a baby? I remember you said he is the eldest son of the Clan Head?"

"That's right. Itachi is also a genius and the pride of the Clan Head's family. He possesses a character that is rare in others and has even been praised by the Third as someone who has the 'mind of the Hokage.'"

In the past, Shisui would have introduced him with pride, but now his expression was particularly grim.

"'Rage character,' 'the mind of the Hokage'—hahaha, that child looked like he was only six or seven years old."

Sima Yi couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "This Third, despite his high position, is so petty."

To deal with a small child, he even had to resort to underhanded tactics; it was truly beneath him.

Shisui lowered his head and sighed. "That's true, but it seems he succeeded in the end."

With that, he recounted the future he had seen that day to Sima Yi.

Sima Yi's expression changed. "To think he could annihilate the entire Uchiha clan by himself; there must be someone helping him from behind."

"It must be Danzo!"

Shisui's hatred for Danzo deepened as he recalled his constant threats to destroy the Uchiha.

"Just keep your suspicions, and when you interact with Itachi, find a way to change his mindset. Don't let worry cloud your judgment."

"Yes, sensei, I will!"

Sima Yi contemplated for a moment, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. "If things become untenable, then perhaps..."

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