Chapter 116: A Treacherous Villain, No Different from Danzo

"Rizhan, you know about the matter at the Uchiha clan grounds, right? With such a large-scale operation, they must be plotting something bad. That kid Shisui Uchiha is no good either—always so respectful on the surface, but who knows what he's really thinking behind our backs."

Hokage Building, Danzo, having noticed the anomaly, immediately rushed over excitedly with intelligence in hand.

The Third Hokage's expression was calm as he leisurely looked at the intelligence in his hands.

Seeing Danzo come to badmouth Shisui again, he didn't even lift his eyelids. He knew that ever since Shisui took over the Police Department, Koharu and Danzo had been constantly marginalizing him.

Their covert actions were even more aggressive than they had been toward Fugaku back then, but Shisui had always been loyal, never clashing with them openly, and would come to him with any difficulties or concerns.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease—how could he not protect such an obedient, sensible, and loyal subordinate? "Someone infiltrated the Uchiha clan grounds and attacked their elders. Shisui had no choice but to seal off the clan grounds and dispatch people to search for the culprit. Shisui has already reported this to me."

Hearing this, Danzo couldn't help but curse inwardly—that Uchiha brat reported everything, who knew who he learned that from.

He stepped forward and caught a glimpse of the intelligence in the Third Hokage's hand, only to see records of eight elite jōnin from the Uchiha clan.

Danzo felt a pang of bitterness—such elite ninja were truly rare, yet the Uchiha could casually supply eight to the Anbu. Thinking of his own Root, he found the Uchiha increasingly displeasing.

Just as he was about to speak, the Third Hokage suddenly asked, "Danzo, the people at the Uchiha clan grounds—did you send them?"

"Rizhan, what do you mean by that? Why would I send people there!"

Danzo's expression changed as he immediately retorted—if he had made a move, not a single one of those elders' eyes would have been spared. How could it possibly be as simple as just a beating?

The Third Hokage nodded—no deaths indeed didn't seem like Danzo's style.

"It seems like it's been a long time since I last saw Orochimaru. What has he been doing lately?"

The Third Hokage set down the intelligence and raised his eyes to gaze at Danzo.

Danzo's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "How would I know what he's doing? I haven't seen him for several months either."

"The movements in the north are growing larger. I don't want any turmoil in the Village at a time like this. If possible, I plan to have him lead people to support the north."

"Hmph, I'm afraid he won't go."

The corner of Danzo's mouth twisted—he knew full well that Sarutobi Rizhan and his disciple had long been outwardly harmonious but inwardly divided, and he couldn't help feeling a bit of schadenfreude.

"True."

The Third Hokage sighed, smoking as he gazed out the window, lost in thought.

On the other side, the guard unit moved quickly—over eighty jōnin (including special jōnin) advanced inward from the four corners of the clan grounds, searching house by house.

Shisui did not deploy additional chūnin or genin to participate—that would have been too large a movement. Hundreds of ninja gathered together in the middle of the night—even if the Third Hokage trusted Shisui, he still wouldn't be able to sleep.

Everyone searched door to door in squad formation. Aside from the Great Elder's, Fugaku's, and Shisui's homes, even the ancestral shrine and the elders' courtyards were searched. Shisui, meanwhile, led his men in quietly waiting for results at the training ground.

Until the dead of night, when the moon hung bright like a jade plate, everyone gradually arrived at the training ground—and as expected, they had found nothing.

"The clan grounds have been sealed off—that person shouldn't have been able to escape. Why haven't we found them?"

"Could they have escaped before the lockdown?"

"Counting last night and during the day, the Clan Head has already had people searching for a long time. If they still haven't been found, either that person escaped the lockdown long ago, or that person might be someone from within the clan grounds."

As the returning ninja were discussing among themselves, the last squad also approached from the distance.

They had expected the same lack of results, but one of them was seen holding a piece of black clothing as he quickly came before Shisui and said with a complex expression, "Lord Clan Head, the culprit has been caught!"

Everyone was startled and turned to scrutinize them, but they saw twelve people—not one more, not one less—so where was the shadow of the culprit?

Shisui was equally puzzled. He looked at the twelve men and asked, "Where is the person?"

The man turned back to look at a rugged-looking man in the squad and said bluntly, "That person is Kyōhei Uchiha. We found that black clothing at his home, and he has admitted to doing it."

The crowd was surprised and, following his gesture, all turned to look at Kyōhei Uchiha.

Kyōhei Uchiha had a pineapple-style head of hair, wore loose thin garments, and had a tall, rugged build. At this moment he stood with his head held high and chest puffed out, his robe open exposing his chest, with a defiant look on his face. Facing everyone's gazes without the slightest panic, he declared bluntly, "That's right, I did it."

"I said it might be someone from the clan!"

Someone exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention, then quickly shut his mouth.

Shisui approached Kyōhei Uchiha with a serious expression and asked, "Why would you do such a thing?"

"Why?"

Kyōhei Uchiha gave a light snort, then threw his head back and laughed at the sky.

"Hahaha~ Why? For the clan, of course! For the Uchiha!"

"What?"

"Why can those decrepit fellows live so contentedly?

Why can these people who obstruct the clan's revival live so shamelessly?

With the clan in their hands all these years, how much unfair treatment have we endured?

We are the Uchiha, renowned alongside the Senju clan—the Uchiha who once produced someone who could rival the God of Ninja—the Uchiha who pacified the warring era and founded Konoha.

Why has it come to this, where ordinary clansmen can't even eat their fill? I will never acknowledge such a clan! The only course of action now is reform—only through change can we alter the current situation, yet these old fools use their decrepit will to obstruct the clan's progress.

For the clan, even if there must be sacrifice, I will take them away! I will use my blood to warn the clansmen, I will use my life to set this decrepit windmill turning once more!"

Kyōhei Uchiha laughed wildly, his demeanor unhinged, his presence astonishing.

Everyone was dumbfounded, and after a brief moment of stunned silence, they couldn't help but feel their blood run hot.

"He's right—those people only oppose the Clan Head's decisions while doing nothing themselves."

"They only know how to argue, only know how to drag the Clan Head down. The Clan Head works so hard for the clan's sake, yet they actually destroy the Clan Head's painstaking efforts."

"A bunch of old things who only rely on seniority to bully others! They should have been eliminated long ago!"

"Eliminate them—Kyōhei Uchiha did the right thing!"

"He did the right thing!"

The crowd cheered, gradually unifying in agreement.

Shisui, however, closed his eyes and sighed. With a serious expression and a look of regret, he gazed at Kyōhei Uchiha and said softly, "Your devotion to the clan, I have truly felt it. But they are the clan's elders, my seniors. Though we disagree politically, they are ultimately doing it for the clan—"

"Wrong!"

Kyōhei Uchiha roared, interrupting Shisui, then turned sideways to face the crowd.

"For the clan? Are they really doing it for the clan? All these years, what have they done for the clan? Back when Fugaku became Clan Head, he also wanted to change the clan's situation, but what was the result? They used their status as elders to veto Fugaku's proposals time and time again.

For so many years, they have never changed, obstructing the clan time and time again. They occupy the clan's resources yet sit by and watch ordinary clansmen endure hunger and cold. They do not deserve to be elders at all.

Over these four months, I have seen the clan head's efforts and felt his pain. They are our elders, but they are equally an obstacle to the clan's revival. Since the clan head is caught in a dilemma and unable to choose, then let me bear this sin!"

Kyohei Uchiha roared, then with a shing drew his tachi and slashed it toward his neck.

"Wait!"

With a clang, just as Kyohei Uchiha's tachi was about to slice into his neck, Shisui acted in time, using a kunai to knock the tachi flying.

The tachi fell to the ground, and only then did everyone react. They had not expected Kyohei Uchiha to be so decisive — this was how one should act for the sake of the clan.

Everyone's eyes welled with tears, their blood boiling, as rows of three-tomoe Sharingan stared in unison at Kyohei Uchiha.

A true Uchiha should be like this! "I have received your resolve. I absolutely will not allow someone who acts for the clan to lose his life over such a matter.

I once promised the clansmen that I would lead the clan to become strong and ensure that the clansmen could live in peace. Looking at it now, I have broken my word. I will personally explain to the elders and ask them to forgive you. If they refuse to accept it, then let me bear it."

Shisui tilted his head back, his expression anguished and deeply unwilling.

"The clan head is not wrong, and Kyohei is not wrong. The ones in the wrong are the elders!"

Someone with a face full of indignation stepped forward and shouted.

Shisui frowned and turned to look, puzzled. "Why do you say the same thing? The elders are just a bit stubborn, but they too act for the clan—"

"Not at all! They have embezzled the clan's businesses, making the clansmen's lives increasingly difficult. Some clansmen's bereavement allowances were not even fully distributed — all because of these elders!"

"What?!"

Shisui's expression was one of shock, scarcely able to believe it.

Kyohei Uchiha immediately dropped to one knee and said, "It is true. The elders each control a portion of the clan's businesses. I heard that before our ancestor Madara left Konoha, the income from these businesses was supposed to be handed over to the clan head for distribution.

Now they have been privately withheld, and the evidence is right in their homes! If the clan head does not believe it, you may send people to search."

Everyone was greatly alarmed, and some even lowered their heads in shame.

"Impossible! How could this be possible!" Shisui's eyes widened as he shook his head repeatedly.

"We ask the clan head to search!"

"We ask the clan head to search!"

"We ask the clan head to search!"

One after another, those who knew the inside story surged with fervor once more, gritting their teeth as they pleaded.

Everyone shouted in unison, kneeling on one knee in rows. Seeing this, Shisui looked troubled. After hesitating for a moment, he could only nod reluctantly in agreement. "I trust the elders, but since you all request it together, I will send people to search. If the results do not match what you say, tomorrow you will all come with me to apologize to the elders."

"If it differs from what I have said, Kyohei is willing to die!"

"I vouch with my life!"

Swept up in the moment, the crowd joined in the shouting.

Seeing this, Shisui said no more and directly gave the order. "Your five squads set out immediately to search. If you find anything, bring it directly here. I will dispel your suspicions before everyone's eyes!"

"Yes, sir!"

Shisui designated five squads — sixty people. For fairness, he also sent several others to monitor them, then waited there together with the rest.

Those chosen by Shisui immediately set out for the homes of each elder except the grand elder. Some among them were quite familiar with these elders' homes and took the initiative to lead the way, finding hidden account books and valuables, which were then packed together into boxes.

They did not keep Shisui waiting long — in barely a quarter of an hour, everyone returned to the training ground with large piles of valuables and evidence.

The instant Shisui saw these things, his face went deathly pale. Pointing at the boxes, his face full of disbelief, he asked, "These are..."

"Clan head, these are the evidence of the elders embezzling the clan's businesses." Someone brought over several ledgers to Shisui's side and explained.

Shisui quickly took them, flipping through page after page, then faster and faster, until he simply tossed them down, ran to the boxes, grabbed another ledger, and flipped through it, then one after another. The more he flipped, the uglier Shisui's expression grew.

Besides the account books, there were also valuables. A rough glance showed roughly two to three hundred million ryo — neither too much nor too little.

After he had picked out several ledgers from each box to read through, his suspended heart finally died. Shisui stopped and stood silent for a long time.

The crowd stood together, equally silent and wordless.

After who knows how long, Shisui sighed and instructed, "Put the things away. All of you go back and rest first."

Kyohei Uchiha's expression changed, and he urged anxiously, "Lord Shisui, for the sake of the clan, please make a decision as soon as possible."

"For the sake of the clan, we ask the clan head to make a decision this morning!" everyone shouted in unison. They had gone all in — for the clan, those elders had to be deposed tonight.

Seeing this, Shisui sighed. "Give me one night to consider. A clan meeting will be held at the clan house tomorrow morning."

"But—"

Everyone looked at each other. Knowing the pain in Shisui's heart, they could not bear to press him further. But with only one or two hours left until dawn, no one felt like sleeping. They simply moved the things to Shisui's home and waited outside the door.

After returning home, Shisui found the elders and recounted everything that had just happened, one by one.

The five men's expressions were extremely ugly. The Second Elder was especially astonished — he had not expected Shisui to be not only powerful but also so decisive in his actions.

More crucially, how was this operation so underhanded? In what way did it resemble something an Uchiha would do?

"So the people who attacked us were also arranged by you?"

Shisui did not reply, but the others already had their answer in their hearts — otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? They had trusted him so much, and for nothing.

The Third Elder cursed even more, "Despicable villain, no different from Danzo."

"How did we go blind back then, choosing a despicable villain like you as clan head? You are a disgrace to the clan."

Shisui: "..."

Faced with such accusations, Shisui could only remain silent, not wanting to reply.

Seeing Shisui stay silent, the Second Elder sighed and asked, "You already control ninety percent of the clan's ninja and have obtained those things. What do you come to us for at this point? Just convene a clan meeting and kill us."

"I said, as long as you stay here peacefully, you remain Shisui's elders."

The other four all snorted coldly upon hearing this. "If you have something to say, say it. Don't put on a hypocritical show here at a time like this."

Knowing that they now looked down on him, Shisui forced a smile and said softly, "I hope you all can admit your mistakes at the clan meeting. I will have you stay in the ancestral shrine together with Uncle Fugaku."

"Bullshit!"

The Third Elder's face flushed red upon hearing this. What wrong had he committed? Were they going to blame him for controlling the clan's businesses?

He hadn't squandered that money; after all, he was an Uchiha, and he understood the importance of power far more than wealth. Over all these years, most of the assets he obtained had been used to cultivate the clan's ninja.

As for not helping those ordinary clansmen? Why should he help? Since the end of the Warring States period, the clan's population had grown larger and larger, and ordinary people more and more numerous. He had long since stopped considering anyone other than ninja as Uchiha.

Some insignificant ordinary people dying was just dying!

The Second Elder opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

Shisui's expression was calm, having expected this long ago. His voice gradually turned cold, his gaze piercing: "I came here not to beg, but to notify. Your admitting fault will bring enormous benefit to the clan's future. You must do it."

After speaking, he turned and walked to the doorway, his back to the several men, his voice growing ever lower.

"I said before, I will eliminate anyone who affects the clan, by any means necessary. You can choose to hold out to the end—but before that, you'd best think about the others."

Others? Who? The several men were startled, then quickly realized—Shisui was threatening them with their families.

The men had lived this many years; they weren't like ancestor Madara, so naturally they had spouses and descendants.

Not until Shisui left did they look at each other in dismay, still unable to believe their ears.

"This—this is not like an Uchiha at all?!!"

(End of this chapter)