Chapter 25: Hiruzen Tests Shisui

Hokage Building.

"Hiruzen, you saw it, right? This is the Uchiha's attitude! That old man usually stirs up a coup within the Uchiha Compound, and now he actually dares to attack my people openly! That old bastard has ambitions!"

Danzo, filled with anger, couldn't contain his frustration after his subordinates were beaten and his face was lost. He returned from outside and continued to curse relentlessly.

The then Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat at his desk with a pipe in his mouth. He frowned, his eyes tightly closed, seemingly deep in thought.

"Hiruzen, this time Danzo is right. The Uchiha are indeed becoming increasingly difficult to suppress. Today, he actually dared to mobilize so many people on his own and even incite the commoners. How can this continue like this?"

Utatane Koharu also spoke up in support, expressing that the gathering of villagers had completely bypassed them as assistants, showing them no respect at all.

Sarutobi Hiruzen remained calm throughout, not uttering a word.

"And then there's Uchiha Shisui. We've seen the report from Nara Suzaku; there must be something wrong with that incident. The evil Uchiha might have already colluded with the Mist Village."

Danzo's expression grew increasingly dark, and a fierce glint flashed in his exposed eye.

"We cannot allow these people to return to Konoha peacefully. Hiruzen, hand him over to me; I must conduct an investigation!"

Upon hearing this, Utatane Koharu glanced at Danzo and, after hesitating for a moment, finally spoke up, "Indeed, Uchiha Shisui is highly suspicious in that matter; he must be called in for questioning!"

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen broke his silence. He sighed and said, "Shisui would never betray the village. I will personally look into this matter, and for now, please do not stir up more trouble."

"Uchiha Shisui sheltered his clansmen today and questioned the Hokage's orders. Doesn't that prove there is something wrong with him?"

"I will handle this, but Shisui cannot be given to you."

"He's just an Uchiha!"

"I believe in him."

"Hiruzen!"

"Enough, Danzo. I am the Hokage!"

"You! Hiruzen, you will regret this!"

Danzo, furious, flung his sleeve and stormed out. Utatane Koharu's eyes flickered, and she immediately said, "Hiruzen, don't be angry. Danzo is also doing this for the village. Besides, he's just an Uchiha Shisui; why let him affect the stability of the village?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't even look up; he merely said, "The ninja forces from various regions will be returning soon. The hospital needs to be monitored; we can't have any disturbances."

Utatane Koharu's heart stirred, and she replied solemnly, "Don't worry, Hiruzen. I will make the arrangements."

After saying this, she stopped arguing and turned to leave.

Sigh...

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, tapping his pipe against the table. After a moment, he said, "Let Shisui in."

"Yes!"

A voice came from outside, and soon after, Shisui entered the hall, half-kneeling in salute.

"Lord Third!"

"It's been a while, Shisui. You've become even more reliable."

Smoke drifted in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen, whose expression was very gentle, looking at Shisui as if he were gazing at his own grandson.

Shisui was moved, his expression excited yet forcibly suppressed. "No, it's all thanks to Lord Third's guidance; everything is for Konoha!"

"You heard the conversation just now, didn't you?" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed softly, his expression somewhat helpless.

Shisui lowered his head, clenching his fists, feeling very unwilling.

"The conflict between the village and Uchiha is growing larger; I don't know how much longer we can hold on. What will become of Uchiha's future?"

"Lord Third, please give me some more time. I will definitely persuade the Clan Head and the others; I will prevent such things from happening!"

Shisui's expression was intense, and his determined efforts were evident in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

"I will fight for time for you, but today that Great Elder's actions make it hard for others to believe in you. I need an excuse."

Shisui frowned, seeming to hesitate. After a moment, he admitted, "I'm sorry, Lord Third. It was my mistake."

"Oh?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression shifted, but he still maintained a relatively relaxed demeanor.

"Yesterday, Uchiha Kai, longing for home, left the camp without permission and only returned early the next day. I thought he was just taking a stroll nearby and didn't ask further. It seems now..."

"Hahaha, lift your head, Shisui. This has nothing to do with you. It's understandable that you all miss home after being on the battlefield for so long. Today's matter isn't really significant; Danzo and the others simply don't want you to disturb the merchants doing business on the outskirts. After years of war and the incident with the Nine-Tails, Konoha needs the support of these people."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression changed again, and he sighed repeatedly, resembling an old man crushed by the weight of the mundane world.

Mentioning the Nine-Tails, Shisui's gaze dimmed, and he lowered his head in shame once more.

"It is my subordinate's incompetence!"

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up and approached Shisui, helping him up. "The future of the Uchiha and Konoha is entrusted to you. Don't disappoint me; I will do my best to help you."

"As for Uchiha Kai, although he leaked military secrets, considering his years of service to Konoha, let's just let it go this time. When you return, give him a good talk; he must not repeat this mistake."

"Thank you, Lord Third, for your trust. I will remind Uchiha Kai, no, I will make sure he remembers Lord Third's leniency!"

Shisui choked up, his Sharingan appearing, feeling quite emotional.

"Hahaha, that's too exaggerated. Go now and rest well."

After Shisui left, Sarutobi Hiruzen returned to his desk and sat down. As Sima Yi expected, he still didn't mention the matter of Utatane Rikito; such matters were too trivial for him.

He looked out the window and pondered quietly, convinced through multiple tests that Uchiha Shisui was still trustworthy.

As long as the Uchiha's greatest strength remains on his side, the Uchiha can always be kept in check and is not a concern.

And what about Shisui?

He wiped away his tears, erasing all traces and returned to the clan grounds.

At this moment, it was already late at night. Like usual, like after every mission, he returned alone to this empty courtyard, eating simple rations, performing basic grooming, and then falling into a deep sleep.

Creak~

The next day, the courtyard door moved slightly. Shisui jumped up, abruptly opening his eyes and drawing his Tachi as he looked towards the door.

Naturally, he couldn't see anything through several doors, but the familiar aura in his senses instantly lifted his spirits.

Pushing open the doors one by one, Shisui hurried into the courtyard without even bothering to put on his shoes.

"Sensei, what brings you here so early?"

It was the middle of winter, and even though it was six in the morning, the sky was still dim.

Sima Yi was wrapped in thick clothing, holding a steaming ceramic pot in both hands.

"Ha ha, it's not too early. I made some porridge. I heard you usually eat rations at home. You're still at the age where you're growing, so that's not good for you."

Sima Yi had some knowledge about health. Eating rations every day was hard on the body, and without good health, how could one accomplish anything?

He had seen how many heroes and outstanding figures had come and gone.

"Sensei."

Shisui's eyes turned slightly red as he quickly stepped forward, stepping on the cold gravel to take the ceramic pot from Sima Yi's hands.

"I'll take care of this, sensei. You go inside; it's cold out here."

"You know it's cold, yet you're not wearing shoes~"

"Hehehe~"

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