Chapter 22: Danzo

Worried about the Elders' displeasure?

Sima Yi frowned, and a guess formed in his mind; it seemed this Clan Head was a cautious person. However, even if this matter didn't come to fruition, the impact would be minimal. He didn't dwell on it and was about to advise Shisui to rest early.

At that moment, Shisui changed the subject. "Although Clan Head disagrees, I found the Great Elder. After hearing it, the Great Elder immediately agreed with sensei's idea."

The Uchiha Great Elder was known for being tough; under normal circumstances, Shisui would definitely avoid too much contact with him. However, after Sima Yi's guidance, Shisui found that having such an Elder didn't seem so bad.

At least he's indispensable right now!

Sima Yi wasn't as relaxed as Shisui; he had more to think about. The disagreement between the Elders and the Clan Head was certainly not a good thing for the family, but under the current circumstances, it could actually benefit Shisui.

"Sensei, did I do something wrong?"

Seeing Sima Yi frowning and silent, Shisui immediately sensed that something was wrong.

"This action was too frivolous. Success lies in secrecy, failure in carelessness. Before you unify the Uchiha, you must not let the Konoha Elders perceive any change in your attitude; otherwise, obstacles will arise."

Shisui realized this late; he furrowed his brow, trying hard to think of ways to salvage the situation.

Seeing him this way, Sima Yi nodded in satisfaction. He no longer rushed to seek help at the first sign of trouble but instead thought diligently, which was undoubtedly a sign of progress.

"Can Brother Kai help with this matter?"

"That's not a bad idea. Tomorrow, you should discuss it with him thoroughly and be careful not to reveal any flaws."

"Yes, sensei."

"One more thing, since the Great Elder and the Clan Head are at odds, and you haven't had much contact with him in the past, consulting him at this moment might make the Clan Head aware of your changes, inevitably causing him to become wary."

After the inexplicable attack by the Mist Ninja, Sima Yi dared not underestimate the people in this world. Fugaku's rise to Clan Head might also indicate that he is a meticulous and strategic thinker.

Upon hearing this, Shisui's previously furrowed brow relaxed, and he comforted, "From what I know of Clan Leader Fugaku, he wouldn't do that!"

Sima Yi was somewhat surprised by Shisui's confidence. This was the second time Shisui had expressed such certainty about someone's character. However, Sima Yi neither denied it nor emphasized his earlier point.

He simply nodded and softly said, "It's a good thing that you have your own views. I just remind you to always stay vigilant."

"Yes, sensei!"

The next day, the army continued to advance, and by evening, they finally approached the outskirts of Konoha.

It is worth mentioning that in order to avoid drawing attention, Sima Yi disposed of that horse by noon.

"We're arriving at Konoha just in time for dinner, hahahaha, hurry up, hurry up!"

Kai's spirits had fully returned, and he dashed ahead, seemingly unaffected by yesterday's events.

"Yahou~"

"Grilled meat, fine wine, I'm back!"

The others responded enthusiastically, rushing towards Konoha.

Shisui smiled and instructed them, "Don't get too close to the Konoha gate; I need to report in first!"

With so many ninjas, they obviously couldn't be allowed to approach Konoha freely. When they were about three miles from the gate, Shisui ordered the army to form up and then sent a ninja to report.

Before long, the reporting ninja returned with a grim expression.

Behind him were three masked ninjas.

ANBU!

"Uchiha Shisui!"

The three ANBU members stepped forward and approached Shisui, their voices cold and devoid of emotion.

"Yes!" Shisui replied calmly.

"Relaying Hokage-sama's orders. At this moment, there are many citizens on the streets of Konoha. To avoid causing panic among them, you are to stay here and wait before entering the village."

Shisui half-knelt on the ground according to the protocol and listened to the orders, lowering his head with his eyes slightly moving.

"As the ancients said, only names and tools, cannot be entrusted to others."

"If we proceed like this, who will remember Uchiha's achievements? Who will appreciate Uchiha's kindness? Over time, there will only be hatred, not gratitude. How can Uchiha endure?"

Sima Yi's two statements suddenly flashed through his mind. His expression was calm, but his heart was in turmoil.

"Is this Lord Third's order?"

"Yes!"

The ANBU's tone remained cold. Shisui looked up at the three of them, lost in thought, but he did not speak. Instead, he glanced at Uchiha Kai.

Kai immediately stepped forward, sounding quite impatient, "So when can we go in?"

"After dark, wait for instructions!"

"What?!"

Kai raised his voice so that everyone behind him could hear.

"We're right at our doorstep, and the Hokage is actually afraid we'll disturb the villagers and won't let us go back? What does this mean? Are we not people of Konoha?"

His words stirred up a wave of discontent among the crowd, and they began to voice their frustrations.

"Exactly! Why should this be? We fought tooth and nail outside to protect Konoha, and now you're stopping us at the gate? Are we not part of Konoha?"

"Ridiculous! Step aside and let us in!"

"You're liars! Hokage-sama would never give such an order; you must be impostors!"

The crowd felt a surge of anger. They were at the entrance, their emotions had reached a boiling point, and now they were being denied entry?

What a joke!

"Hmph, what do you think you're doing? This is Hokage-sama's order. Do you want to betray the village and become rogue ninja?"

The three remained unfazed, even drawing their short swords to confront the crowd.

Hokage

The crowd felt a heavy weight in their chests, an unnamed fire surging within them as Chakra stirred. In an instant, a violent wind picked up, and the intent to kill filled the air, but no one dared to make the first move.

"Shut up!"

Kai's expression changed, and his Three Tomoe eyes fixed intently on the three. "We've fought for Konoha out there until now, and you're saying we're rogue ninjas? How could Lord Third possibly give such an order? Hand over the official decree at once, or I'll show you who the real rogue ninjas are!"

"This is an order issued directly by Hokage-sama; Uchiha Shisui, you must execute it immediately!"

Seeing Kai demand the decree, the three men showed their first signs of emotion.

"Brother Kai is right; we ask the three of you to present Hokage-sama's official decree. Otherwise, with the crowd so agitated, I too will find it hard to maintain control."

The three exchanged glances, gripping their Tachi even tighter, yet they too dared not make a move. Not only would it ruin everything, but hundreds of ninjas were watching them closely. If it weren't for the masks on their faces, they would have already been killed.

In an instant, both sides were at a stalemate. Kai let out a cold snort, and his momentum suddenly surged. Behind him, pairs of Sharingan activated in unison. With their strength, if a fight broke out, the three men would be dead in an instant.

"Stop!"

At that moment, a figure slowly approached.

Shisui lowered his eyes, looking at the three and confirming his thoughts.

"Uchiha, do you want to betray Konoha?"

A cold voice echoed from all around, and a figure walked forward, leaning on a cane, his body wrapped in bandages. The shadowy aura immediately drew Sima Yi's attention, who was hiding in the crowd.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

Almost the moment the figure appeared, dozens of similarly masked ninjas emerged around them.

The atmosphere became even more tense, filled with a sense of impending death.

So it really is Root?

Confirming his suspicions, Shisui's expression remained calm as he stepped forward and saluted.

"Greetings, Danzo-sama!"

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