Chapter 119: You think, who can cast a shadow over Konoha?

"Hey you, how many times have I told you, no setting up stalls here, move it along!"

"And over there, don't block the intersection, either line up or scatter!"

"There, there, there, you few huddled together arguing again, can't you avoid stirring up trouble this early in the morning? If you cause more trouble, I'll have you all thrown into the Police Department for two days."

Early in the morning, Shisui and Hui were patrolling together for a rare time. The two wore Police Department uniforms as they walked along the outer streets, and Hui kept pointing at one person after another, shouting and cursing without pause.

After just one street, Hui's face had turned bright red, his anger surging higher and higher. As far as the eye could see, there were hardly any law-abiding people—all of them were scoundrels.

"Heh heh."

Shisui gave an awkward laugh. He didn't go on patrol often. Although he knew the streets were full of minor, nagging troubles that were hard to correct, he had never seen Hui so furious.

It had only been a few months; if Hui stayed in the Police Department for a few more years, he'd probably die of anger sooner or later.

Noticing Shisui's expression, Hui sighed and said quietly, "This damn Police Department really isn't a place for someone like me. Every patrol gives me the urge to kill. Might as well just transfer me back to the clan and let me be a teacher in peace."

Hui had already been appointed as a teacher of clan history and ninja world history. These past few days, he was excitedly preparing his lessons, growing more and more impatient with the infuriating work of the Police Department.

"Sorry, Brother Hui. Bear with it a little longer. I'll resolve these issues as soon as possible."

Almost all young, hot-blooded Uchiha like Hui were like this in the Police Department. By the time they reached the age of Yashiro and Tie Huo, they gradually took things more lightly and deliberately ignored certain things.

"Ah, let's go then. It's just ahead."

Hui sighed but didn't forget their main task. The two patrolled the streets, occasionally stepping into a shop to inspect, then continued on their way.

Finally, they arrived at a salt shop. The two walked in with calm expressions.

Kamimura Kishi was sitting in the shop, checking account books, but he kept glancing outside as if expecting something.

When the two entered, Kamimura Kishi breathed a sigh of relief, casually put down the ledger, and came before them, his face full of smiles.

"Two lords, you honor my humble shop. May I ask what business brings you here?"

Hui said expressionlessly, "Routine inspection."

"Yes, yes, yes. Please, come inside, both of you."

Kamimura Kishi bowed and scraped, fawning as he led the two to the back courtyard, leaving the shop's other staff exchanging bewildered looks.

No sooner had the three gone inside than Shisui's main body walked out of the shop with Hui, leaving only a clone in the back courtyard to discuss matters with Kamimura Kishi.

"Your humble subject Kamimura Kishi pays respects to the Clan Leader!"

Kamimura Kishi addressed him as Clan Leader rather than Shisui, thereby making his intentions clear.

He looked at the young man before him, suppressing the joy in his heart. Ever since receiving the notice yesterday that the Uchiha clan leader would personally come to see him, he knew his opportunity had arrived.

Shisui smiled warmly and said softly, "No need for that. Although you are not a member of the Uchiha clan, you have helped me a great deal during this time. I already regard you as one of my own. Sit down."

Although this was Kamimura Kishi's shop, Shisui didn't find the man's behavior inappropriate.

"Thank you, Clan Leader."

Kamimura Kishi straightened up, then came to sit beside Shisui, speaking respectfully: "I have read yesterday's letter over and over several times, but I am not sure what the Clan Leader requires of me."

Shisui did not answer the question directly but said, "I recall your ancestral home is in the Tokaido region. You started your private salt business there, then gradually expanded and came to Konoha."

"Private salt?" Kamimura Kishi's face changed. He nodded repeatedly, not daring to hide anything, and immediately said, "In reply, my lord, private salt is rampant in the Tokaido region. The nobles there control the salt routes, keeping salt prices high. Since it's coastal, many people boil salt privately. In the past, I was just trying to find a way to survive."

"It's fine. I've learned a bit about the situation there."

Although Shisui's expression remained calm, his eyes dimmed slightly. He had to admit his vision was still too narrow, always fixated on Konoha's little patch of land. Once outside Konoha, such suffering was almost everywhere.

"Thank you for your understanding, Clan Leader. But may I ask what you have in mind?"

"I need a merchant caravan."

"I am willing to serve you, my lord!"

Kamimura Kishi stood up directly, without a moment's hesitation. He had been waiting for this day for far too long.

Shisui opened his mouth. He hadn't even finished speaking, intending to explain the pros and cons, but he hadn't expected Kamimura Kishi to be so decisive.

Still, he added, "I need you to take the caravan to the Tokaido region and monopolize the private salt business there. It will be very dangerous. You will face assassination attempts from many people."

Having clarified the pros and cons, Shisui naturally knew this was no simple commercial venture. Once Kamimura Kishi got involved, the salt merchants would inevitably resist fiercely and suppress him constantly. Even Konoha's mission hall and the black market would put a bounty on his head.

"I have been a merchant for many years, so I naturally understand the dangers involved. But I also understand the profits. I trust the reputation of the number one clan in the ninja world. I trust the power of the Uchiha. And above all, I trust you, Clan Leader!"

Kamimura Kishi had long been mentally prepared. This was a high-stakes gamble. If he lost, he would merely die. If he won, he would no longer be just a moderately wealthy commoner.

"Good. Since you have made your decision, the Uchiha can give you a promise."

Shisui nodded, satisfied with the man's resolve.

"On this journey, you are acting for the Uchiha. Regardless of success or failure, I will properly arrange for your family. If your children have talent, the Uchiha can also train them to become ninja. In the future, if the Kamimura can become a clan, they may serve as a vassal of the Uchiha."

"Thank you, my lord!"

Kamimura Kishi was overjoyed. Becoming a ninja was almost the best way for commoners like him to rise in status. Unfortunately, he was only a merchant on the outskirts of Konoha, and his family was not eligible to participate in the ninja academy selection.

As for becoming a vassal, that was an even greater reward! He was merely a commoner; becoming a noble's vassal was a blessing from his ancestors! Especially the Uchiha—the nobility among nobles.

"Furthermore, although this journey is dangerous, the reputation of my Uchiha as Konoha's number one clan is not undeserved. I will select a squad of Elite Forces ninja from the clan to protect you covertly."

"Thank you, my lord!"

Kamimura Kishi grew even more excited. The Uchiha's reputation was too formidable. With such a squad of ninja protecting him, he felt much more at ease.

Shisui nodded. After giving these instructions, the two discussed some further details.

This was also the first time Shisui had learned about the living conditions in the Tokaido region. He had only fought there before.

"The Tokaido region is one of the more prosperous areas among the Fire Country's one capital and ten circuits, with a population of about nine million.

If we can swallow the entire private salt business of the Tokaido region, we can earn at least two hundred million ryo in revenue. Moreover, the Tokaido region is rich in sea salt. The surplus can be dumped inland. If we can control that as well, we can earn at least four hundred million ryo. But doing so will make many enemies."

Shisui frowned, feeling something was off, but he couldn't put his finger on it until Kamimura Kishi added, "Two hundred million ryo per month!"

Per month! Shisui's eyelid twitched. Suppressing the impulse in his heart, he said calmly, "As you say, don't expand too much for now. I'll give you start-up funds. Prepare to depart as soon as possible. Just focus on monopolizing the salt industry."

"Yes, Clan Leader!"

On the other side, after patrolling once with Hui, Shisui returned alone to the Police Department. At a certain moment, his figure paused.

"Four hundred million!"

The clone dispersed, memory returned, Shisui's eyes turned blood‑red; these ninja fight for their lives every day, a Village's allocation is only a few tens of billions, yet those nobles and the guys who sell illegal salt actually lie at home making money.

Does that make sense? If he can get that money, the Uchiha will no longer have to worry about finances; he can develop the clan at will, better protect the clan, protect Konoha, and even protect the Fire Country.

Shisui's gaze shifted, and he whispered, "Not now, but we'll get it sooner or later!"

Thus, a few days later, after Shangcun Yizhi prepared everything, he left a letter for the spy; the spy gave it to Hui, and Hui delivered it to Shisui.

Shisui took the letter and secretly summoned four clan ninja; all four were the ones whose names the elders had concealed before, and they have never been particularly conspicuous in the clan.

The leader is named Uchiha Pan, proficient in illusion techniques, a three‑talisman Jonin.

The other three are Chunin, but all are ninja who have awakened the Copy Wheel Eye; they are already in their thirties, and both in temperament and combat experience they rank among the top Chunin, and in strength they surpass ordinary civilian Jonin by a good margin.

All four are Shisui's hand‑picked bodyguards.

At that moment, he instructed, "He is ready. Tonight you leave Konoha via the planned route; be careful about everything, never expose yourselves. The future of the Uchiha rests on you."

Shisui knows the Uchiha have always been under senior surveillance; the slightly famous Jonin cannot be sent out, but there are many Chunin and they attract little attention, which is why for such an important matter he only chose one Jonin.

Of course, he and Sima Yi also made some preparations; the Barrier around Konoha has been fully mapped, so a small squad can leave silently, and later someone can use the Transformation Technique to occasionally reveal Pan's face.

"Clan Head, I will not betray the trust placed in me!"

The four half‑kneel before Shisui, their gazes steadfast.

They already understand the importance of this action for the clan's future, and also grasp its dangers, having prepared themselves mentally.

Hearing this, Shisui again took a scroll from his chest and handed it to Uchiha Pan, solemnly instructing, "This is top‑secret; destroy it after reading!"

Uchiha Pan took the scroll and replied gravely, "Yes!"

After speaking, the four took advantage of the night and the clan's hidden formation, heading west through Konoha's Barrier into the dense forest, vanishing from sight.

"Hope everything goes smoothly."

In the courtyard, Shisui looked west and could only sigh softly.

"Since everything is prepared, what's there to worry about?"

Under the moonlight, Sima Yi walked slowly holding a formation flag; this is his newly devised formation, under whose cover the four slipped away silently.

"Hahaha, Grandpa's lesson is…"

Shisui gave a shy smile; he also noticed he's been caring about money more lately, almost constantly thinking about how to earn it.

One can only say, being the head of the family is hard.

"Rest early; tomorrow that side will be settled, and the clan school can begin."

"Yes, Grandpa."

The next day, the long‑planned clan school finally resumed; Shisui specifically hired people to refurbish the school once.

However, the Ninja Academy is still in session, so they cannot compete for its time; the clan school's classes are scheduled for evenings and holidays.

For this school, Shisui invested heavily, not only providing meals but also purchasing large amounts of training equipment and herbs for the children, and preparing many potions.

But Shisui soon discovered a problem: the school didn't have enough students.

Originally he planned to call all children aged six to nine in the clan, but only over 60 showed up—fewer than the teachers he had prepared—so Shisui reluctantly raised the age limit to twelve, finally gathering over 100.

Fortunately everything went smoothly; today is the first day of the large‑scale clan school, Shisui dressed ceremonially, most Jonin of the clan attended, and sensing the clan's emphasis on the school, every child on stage held their chest high, heads up, eyes straight.

Shisui spoke on the stage, mentioning the Will of Fire, the glory of the Uchiha, the founding of Konoha, and the clan's revival; an hour later.

"Today you are proud of the clan; tomorrow, the clan will be proud of you!"

Wow—applause erupted; every child lifted their heads high, nostrils pointing at Shisui.

Shisui looked at the youthful boys and girls before him, feeling joy; among the crowd he also saw Ying Shu and Itachi, feeling everyone's admiring gazes, and Shisui, both shy and exhilarated, wished he could speak for another hour.

But checking the time, it was indeed late; Hui stood nearby with resentment, noting that today's first lesson was clan history, and Shisui's long ramble had taken up his time as well.

To that, Shisui could only apologize to Hui in his heart.

Thus, with the clan school's start, the internal reform of the Uchiha officially begins.

But before Shisui had been busy for half a month, he received another summons from the Third.

When he arrived, Danzo, Xiao Chun, and Mizuto Monen were all in the Hokage's office, the atmosphere oppressive.

Danzo's face turned extremely sour, his complexion flushed as if he had just had an argument.

The three, seeing Shisui called in, wore different expressions.

Danzo snorted coldly, slammed the door, and as he left said, "Rizhan, you'll regret this."

After Danzo left, the Third sighed and let the other two depart.

Shisui lowered his head as if he saw nothing, silent, until the two left; only then the Third proactively asked, "The Ninja Academy's curriculum is demanding; how are those children now, can they still persevere?"

Shisui didn't hide the clan school from the Third either; he had told him beforehand, naturally claiming it was to train better ninja for Konoha.

The Third didn't mind, after all every clan does this; expecting the academy to teach anything is merely a commoner's wish.

"The coursework is heavy, hard to manage, but that's what ninja are; without hardship how can we protect Konoha, protect the Third!"

"Hahaha, you still know how to ease Konoha's worries, cough cough~"

As the Third spoke, he suddenly frowned and coughed heavily a few times; Shisui's gaze shifted and he hurried forward to support him.

The Third smiled at this, waved his hand and said, "No problem, just age catching up; lately I feel increasingly powerless."

Since last year, Uchiha affairs have drained him; after Shisui became Clan Head, he's been repeatedly targeted by other seniors, and the Third, caught in the middle, can only strive to keep balance.

Outside the village, northern tensions intensify, and within the village Orochimaru seems slightly off; repeated fatigue has left him gradually feeling powerless.

"Third, you are Konoha's pillar; your health concerns the whole village, please take utmost care of yourself!"

Shisui, somewhat worried, kept urging.

The Third didn't mind, instead saying, "My health is fine; if I can recuperate at home, living another ten years isn't an issue.

It's just that now, aside from the north, the Ninja World's situation is gradually stabilizing, and I should consider what comes next."

Except for the Lightning Country, after the other three nations withdrew troops they haven't declared war, and there are few major frictions, so it's essentially a period of peace.

"What about later? What does the Third mean?"

The Third Hokage's eyes flickered slightly, and he asked softly, "What do you think—who within Konoha now can shoulder the Hokage's heavy responsibility?"

(End of chapter)