Chapter 108: Clan Affairs (Whatever About Repaying Me — Just Don't Bring Me Up)

"Just looking with your eyes isn't enough — your body has to keep up too. You need to consider your opponent's thoughts and predict their next move."

The next day, at the first glimmer of dawn, the heavy snow had stopped at some unknown point.

On his first official day as clan head, Shisui was somewhat excited. He got up before dawn and roused Jin Huo and Ying Shu, bringing them to the snow-covered rear courtyard to teach them taijutsu.

Though they had not yet slept enough, Shisui's guidance was truly rare, so they had no choice but to rouse themselves and head to the rear courtyard.

Facing Shisui, they had no need to hold back at all — they directly activated their Copy Wheel Eyes and raised their blades to strike.

Shisui likewise activated his Copy Wheel Eye to observe their movements. His expression was relaxed, his footwork unhurried, and he easily dodged their successive attacks, pointing out openings as soon as he spotted them and offering continuous guidance.

They attacked continuously for nearly an hour, already panting like oxen, yet they hadn't even touched the hem of Shisui's clothing. Once daylight broke, Shisui immediately struck with two hand-blades to disarm them both, then said:

"Let's stop here for today. Take good note of what I just mentioned, and continue practicing after you've eaten breakfast."

"Yes."

The two panted, answering weakly, and after Shisui left they sat back-to-back on the snowy ground.

"Phew~ What did Lord Shisui just say again?"

"Uh, that was too much. Let's think about it later. I'm a bit tired."

"Alright."

On the other side, after greeting Sima Yi and finishing breakfast, Shisui went to the ANBU and found the current ANBU squad captain, Sarutobi Shinzusuke.

With Sarutobi Shinzusuke's help, he was released from his ANBU identity, then went to the Third's place to complete the handover and appointment ceremony. After fully going through the procedures, Shisui truly became the head of the Uchiha clan and the leader of the Police Department.

"The safety of Konoha is in your hands from now on."

The Third patted Shisui's shoulder and softly instructed him with a kind, gentle smile.

"I am honored to serve Lord Third!"

After repeatedly expressing his loyalty, the Third finally let Shisui leave the Hokage building with visible reluctance.

He then went to the Police Department, gathered everyone in the main hall, and in front of them all officially appointed Hui Uchiha as captain of the Police Department's first squad.

As for Tie Huo, he had already been released and now stood to the side with a complicated expression. He didn't mind the captain's position — after all, Fugaku had already transferred it to Shisui a few days ago.

What he hadn't expected was that Shisui actually managed to depose Fugaku from the clan head's position without shedding a single drop of blood, averting disaster for both the Uchiha and Konoha.

But at this point, dwelling on such things was useless. He stood below the platform, conspicuously out of place among the people around him — the consequences of choosing the wrong side had already begun to show.

'I'll leave the Police Department in a few days.'

The Uchiha had safely weathered the crisis, Fugaku was alive and well, and Tie Huo had witnessed Shisui's talents — both as a ninja and as a leader. He believed the Uchiha would fare better in the hands of someone like this.

Meanwhile, Shisui stood on the platform with a smile, watching everyone cheer. From the corner of his eye he noticed Tie Huo's odd behavior, but for the time being he had no intention of doing anything about it.

After giving a few brief instructions, Shisui returned to the clan grounds and began familiarizing himself with clan affairs and handling matters left over from the transition.

He first visited the homes of each elder to understand the clan's various affairs, then called on each of the ninja who had accepted his invitation yesterday one by one. These ninja were not only powerful but also held great influence within the clan, and from them he could learn a great deal of information as well.

Toward them, Shisui showed the utmost respect.

Thus, for three consecutive days Shisui was so busy he barely touched the ground. Finally, on the fourth day, he found some free time and once again called on Fugaku.

Because the western ancestral hall was still under construction, Fugaku was merely confined to his home, with only two ninja stationed outside the courtyard as a token form of surveillance.

"Lord Clan Head!"

Seeing Shisui's arrival, the two guarding outside the courtyard immediately called out. Shisui glanced at Fugaku's front door, gave an awkward smile and a slight nod, then headed straight to the rear courtyard.

At this time, Fugaku was in the rear courtyard guiding Itachi's training. The two stood beside a small tree practicing taijutsu.

Whether it was an illusion or not, Shisui noticed that after losing the clan head position, Fugaku seemed even more relaxed, and the expression on his face no longer carried its usual severity.

"Brother Shisui!"

Seeing Shisui, the two stopped what they were doing. Fugaku gave a slight nod, but Itachi happily rushed forward to greet him.

Looking at Itachi's smiling face, the guilt in Shisui's heart eased somewhat.

"Is Brother Shisui here to train with me?"

"Uh..."

Shisui was about to say something apologetic, but Itachi's question left him speechless.

He gave an awkward smile, patted the back of Itachi's head, and said softly, "Sorry, Itachi. I came to discuss clan matters with Lord Fugaku. As for training — next time, for sure."

'Mmm~ "Next time" again!'

Itachi puffed out his cheeks in clear displeasure, but since Shisui had already said so, he could only let it go.

Fugaku stood to the side and was slightly taken aback by Itachi's expression.

Then Shisui noticed that Fugaku's expression instantly turned serious, his gaze turning somewhat sharp.

'Must be my imagination...' "Itachi, go fetch the things."

Fugaku suddenly spoke. Itachi glanced at Shisui, immediately seemed to realize something, then walked away, leaving the rear courtyard to the two of them.

"How does it feel? Have you started getting into the clan's affairs?"

After Itachi left, the two sat on the corridor, and Fugaku asked.

Shisui sighed, "It's very complicated. I ran around for three days straight before getting a preliminary understanding. Lord Fugaku, being able to manage such a large clan is truly remarkable."

"I'm no longer the clan head. Just call me uncle."

"Yes, Uncle Fugaku."

"It's like that for everyone at first. After a few more days when you're used to it, it won't be so troublesome. You can let Inarabi and Tie Huo help you — they're both excellent subordinates. As for the clan's affairs... there actually isn't much that you need to do yourself."

Fugaku sipped his tea, his words carrying an implied meaning.

"Eh?"

Shisui was startled, only to see Itachi, who had just left, return once more, carrying some documents in his hands.

After handing the documents to Shisui, Itachi knew the two had important matters to discuss and obediently left.

"This is some information about the clan that I prepared for you. You can take it back and study it carefully."

Holding the documents, combining the hints from Sima Yi and Fugaku, the sense that something was amiss in his heart grew ever stronger.

However, he still had other matters to ask about, so he had to set it aside for now.

"Uncle Fugaku, regarding your eyes, if it's convenient, may I know some private details?"

Asking about a ninja's secrets was extremely rude, but Fugaku merely sighed softly and replied, "It was the Grand Elder who sent you here, right? That old fellow, I suppose."

Three tomoe appeared; Fugaku and Shisui met each other's gaze, and then Fugaku told Shisui everything about the origin of these eyes, their eye techniques, and how to use them.

"The left eye's technique is called Bishamonten; it can foresee the future."

"Foresee the future!"

Shisui was amazed, but Fugaku shook his head and explained, "It's said to foresee the future, but it's actually more inclined toward determining the outcome of things, because I cannot see the development process of events, nor can I learn from it how to change things.

I have used this eye technique multiple times based on the clan's current situation, and the images I received all showed the clan's destruction.

For so many years, no matter how hard I tried, this outcome never changed. I once fell into despair, believing that fate was predetermined.

Until one day, on a sudden whim, I cast this eye technique on a small tree in the courtyard."

As he spoke, Fugaku looked at two small trees draped in white clothing in the courtyard; the two trees stood very close together.

"I wanted to know their future, but I couldn't foresee it."

Shisui asked in confusion, "One is gone, one remains, so why couldn't you foresee it? Does this eye technique not work?"

Fugaku shook his head, "At the time, in my despair, I began to doubt those images, so no matter what kind of outcome I saw, I would try to change it.

It was precisely because of this that I couldn't see the tree's future. Only then did I understand that the future was not unchangeable—it was simply that my ability was limited. Once I figured it out, I got a bit excited and broke one of them, so only this one remained.

After that, I urgently wanted to find someone capable to help me, and so I awakened the right eye's ability: Kami-no-Ō-Musubi-no-Mikoto."

At this point, Fugaku's expression turned somewhat odd; he paused for a moment before continuing, "This technique consumes a great deal; it can only be cast once every five years. Its effect is... to produce a descendant with powerful talent."

"Eh?"

Shisui's mouth twitched, and he immediately thought of Itachi. "That's really... remarkable. Itachi's talent is indeed very powerful."

"Mm."

The two exchanged a glance and suddenly fell silent. After a moment, Fugaku continued, "But even after Itachi and Sasuke were born, the outcome still did not change.

Until the end of last year, the clan's future had a different outcome for the first time, but I wasn't sure what caused it. It was only after you returned that I noticed your changes, and from that moment on, I placed all my hopes on you.

Shisui, I'm sorry. I am merely a mediocre man—I couldn't protect my comrades, nor could I lead the Uchiha out of their predicament. The Uchiha's future can only rely on you.

However, when you fall into darkness, I will give you the last light. At that time, I hope you will not refuse."

After he finished speaking, the two exchanged another glance. Snow slid off that solitary little tree, making a rustling sound.

"Also, there's one more thing. Those forbidden techniques demonstrated in the genjutsu—I've actually never used them. You must keep this in mind: unless absolutely necessary, do not use those forbidden techniques lightly even after you've learned them, including those two from earlier."

Shisui nodded solemnly, sat formally and bowed, then drained the tea before him in one gulp and rose to his feet with the documents.

Before leaving, he made a request: "Please tell Itachi I'm sorry for me."

"No—he should be thanking you."

Shisui was taken aback. He looked back at Fugaku, bowed in respect, then turned and departed.

Upon returning home, he immediately went to the study and recounted his conversation with Fugaku to Sima Yi in full detail, then proceeded to review these documents together with him.

The first document concerned population. Before this document, he already had a rough understanding of the clan's population.

According to the roster, the clan should have 1,226 people, including 482 ninja: 93 jōnin (including special jōnin), 240 chūnin, and 149 genin.

Of course, this data did not include the clan head and the various elders, though Shisui was recorded in it as a jōnin.

Compared to peacetime, this ratio was not normal, but warfare had only recently ceased, and the Uchiha clan had long been on the battlefield, losing many genin. Those with even slight merits had been promoted to chūnin, which was why this situation had arisen.

By outside evaluation standards, these people could naturally hold the title of chūnin, but by Shisui's standards, quite a few of them should still be genin.

However, Shisui wasn't foolish enough to say outright that they didn't deserve it. After verifying these people against the roster, he handed this classified data—accessible only to the clan head and the Grand Elder—over to Sima Yi.

Yet when they reviewed the documents Fugaku had provided, the two wore different expressions.

Sima Yi's face remained calm as he continued reading, clearly having anticipated this, while Shisui's face twisted with anger as he said huffily, "These clan elders—how could they do this!"

This document was something Fugaku had begun collecting after becoming clan head; it recorded the hidden populations of each branch's clan elders.

Over ninety percent of these people were ninja. Even though Fugaku had worked hard for years, he hadn't been able to uncover all of them.

The Grand Elder had the most, with the number of ninja under his control between thirty and fifty. The other elders couldn't match the Grand Elder, but the ninja under their command also ranged from a dozen or so to over twenty.

These were all forces the elders controlled themselves; even as clan head, Fugaku could hardly reach them.

"The clan has many factions, and there was an internal conflict before, so it's only natural for them to secretly hide some forces. These things from Fugaku have actually saved us quite a bit of trouble."

Shisui was indignant and said bluntly, "This isn't 'some'—the ninja they control add up to at least a hundred and fifty. No wonder Uncle Fugaku said those things."

"A hundred and fifty?"

Sima Yi chuckled, which puzzled Shisui. He asked rather optimistically, "Could it be that quite a few among them are inclined toward us?"

"Hahaha, you certainly dare to dream."

These words immediately set Sima Yi laughing nonstop. Once he calmed down, he pointed out, "Those are just the hidden ones—you still haven't counted the ones in plain sight!"

"The ones in plain sight..."

Shisui's mouth twitched; only then did he remember that Badao and Yangzhe had helped him on the Grand Elder's orders.

In other words, even within the Police Department under his control, at least half the forces were in the hands of those elders.

As for the ninja on the roster, once his orders were issued, there was no telling whether these people would listen to him or to the elders of each branch.

"So that means, apart from Brother Hui, Inabi and Senior Tie Huo are the ones I can actually rely on?"

Shisui sighed, finally understanding why Fugaku had just now told him to make heavy use of Inabi and Tie Huo.

Those who stood beside him just days ago might be standing on the opposite side after today, while those who previously stood against him were now standing together with him.

"Is this what they mean by 'troops have no constant formation, water has no constant shape'?"

"It's a bit too early to be discouraged. You haven't seen the second document yet."

After Sima Yi finished reading the second document, seeing Shisui sigh, he smilingly handed it over.

Shisui's heart skipped a beat; he took the document and immediately began reading through it.

The second document concerned the clan's industries; the figures Shisui had obtained showed an annual income of sixty million ryō, while the data Fugaku provided showed an annual income of two hundred and twenty million ryō—and this was after the clan grounds had been relocated.

"These—these bastards! Damn it!"

Shisui gritted his teeth, his face flushing red, nearly cursing aloud; his ten fingers tightly gripped the documents, his three-tomoe eyes flaring out from anger, and he said bluntly, "These industries all belong to the clan—how can they seize control of them privately? Where does that leave the clansmen?"

He could overlook the elders concealing the number of ninja, but for them to pocket such an enormous sum while standing by as the clan's ordinary people lived in hardship—he had actually thought the clan had no money. Looking at it now, the only one without money was the clan head.

The two documents made it perfectly clear to Shisui: the greater part of the clan's financial and military authority lay in the hands of the elders of each branch. Unless something unexpected happened, even the results deliberated by the clan council would mostly reflect their will.

"Even if I become clan head, I'd have no decision-making power—how can this be allowed? The clan's future absolutely cannot be left in these people's hands!"

Shisui set down the documents and paced back and forth; once his emotions had settled, he fell into deep thought.

Sima Yi left him to it, sitting quietly to one side, taking out paper and brush and beginning to write something again.

After a moment, Shisui spoke up: "Grandfather, I must change this situation. I want to push through reforms in the clan!"

Sima Yi raised an eyebrow and immediately looked up at Shisui. His eyes shifted slightly; after a moment's consideration, he did not directly reject Shisui's proposal, but hinted, "You are now the clan head, and you have the Third's trust. Those ideas in your head—there's no harm in trying them out. The clan won't fall into chaos anytime soon anyway, so you have plenty of time to plan things slowly."

Having received Sima Yi's approval, Shisui excitedly gathered up the documents and returned to his own room to begin drafting his reform strategy.

Thereafter, apart from training, duty shifts, and rest, Shisui devoted all his remaining time to refining his clan revitalization plan.

He wrote with great vigor, incorporating all the knowledge Sima Yi had taught him during this period; whenever he encountered unclear points, he would run over to consult Sima Yi.

Sima Yi never refused, watching with a cheerful smile as Shisui bustled about.

Thus, after four straight days, Shisui once again sought out Sima Yi, holding a reform plan that ran to as many as twenty pages.

He took it and read; the very first item on the first page proposed returning the clan's industries to public ownership.

Sima Yi kept his face composed and flipped further back—the document even touched on abolishing the clan council, clan education, registering ninja subsidies, and multiple other decisions.

He read through the entire twenty-page plan carefully, then commented, "The fact that you retained all this shows you've been absorbing your lessons."

"Hehe, that's all thanks to Grandfather teaching so well~"

Shisui gave a shy smile, but Sima Yi waved his hand repeatedly and said, "No need for that—how long do you plan to take to roll out these plans?"

Shisui already had an answer, and replied immediately, "I've already notified the six elders; they'll be arriving shortly to deliberate with me. If possible, we can begin implementation tomorrow!"

"."

"In that case, Ying Shu and I will go out for a stroll later—it's been a while since we last went out anyway."

"Hm? Grandfather isn't coming along?" Shisui was puzzled; he had been planning to let the other party take the credit, letting Sima Yi establish his authority so that it would also be easier for him to intervene in clan affairs afterward.

Sima Yi shook his head, gave Shisui a deep look, and declined, "No. This is your first time deliberating with the elders since becoming clan head. My identity would make my presence inappropriate. You needn't mention me, either, so as to avoid inviting trouble."

Shisui nodded and sighed, "Grandfather is still the cautious one."

"."

(End of this chapter)