Chapter 120: The Ninja Hero Grows Old

Who can become Hokage?

Shisui's heart stirred, and he looked at the Third with a shocked expression — was he planning to step down?

He recalled Danzo's behavior earlier; it seemed only the position of Hokage could provoke such a strong reaction from him.

But if the question was who was qualified to be Hokage... Tsunade had left Konoha and was wandering somewhere unknown, and Jiraiya's carefree nature meant he had no interest in the Hokage position.

Although Shisui was very hostile toward that person, he had to admit that among the ninja still in Konoha, the one who had both prestige, a power base, and strength seemed to be Orochimaru alone.

However, even with an answer in his heart, Shisui did not speak it directly, because Sima Yi had taught him that taking sides was something to be extremely cautious about — unless one had absolute certainty or was left with no way out, one should never easily state a position.

"Lord Third, you must not. Konoha's stability still depends on you; changing leadership at this time would destabilize Konoha, and Kumogakure might seize the opportunity to invade."

The Third heard this but did not mind, explaining: "It's not that serious. Although the Land of Lightning has been slow to withdraw troops, continuing this kind of minor skirmish actually works in our favor. If they can't find an opportunity for a long time, they'll be the first to crack."

"I plan to send another prestigious ninja to lead troops and reinforce the north. Perhaps it can intimidate Kumogakure into retreating without a fight."

The topic shifted, and Shisui did not argue, immediately praising: "Lord Third's insight is profound. But may I ask who Lord Third plans to send to hold the north?"

The Third picked up his pipe and took a puff. Under Shisui's puzzled gaze, he hesitated for a long time, and finally sighed and asked: "What do you think of Orochimaru?"

"Lord Orochimaru is your disciple, personally taught by you. Not only is his strength formidable and his wisdom extraordinary, but he is also battle-tested and widely renowned. If Lord Orochimaru personally leads troops to reinforce the north, he can surely stabilize the battle line and send Kumogakure home empty-handed."

The conflict with the Land of Lightning did not require large-scale fierce clashes. With the other two nations having withdrawn their troops, Kumogakure had no chance against Konoha in a one-on-one fight, but Konoha still had to guard against the two nations to the west seizing an opportunity to act recklessly.

So for the war in the north, keeping "steady" and "stalling" in mind was enough.

Shisui also recalled Sima Yi's analysis — always passively taking hits was indeed not a solution, but with Konoha's current ability, a counteroffensive was nothing but a fool's dream.

"You're right. Orochimaru is indeed the only choice."

The Third frowned, puffing on his pipe with clicking sounds, seemingly deeply conflicted.

After a long while, when the entire room was wreathed in smoke, the Third said quietly: "If Orochimaru were to become Hokage..."

He stopped before finishing and looked at Shisui. "I plan to have Orochimaru hold the north. Once he repels Kumogakure, he'll return to the Village to succeed as Hokage. Do you think everyone can accept that?"

Shisui's heart sank. He truly did not want someone as gloomy as Orochimaru to become Hokage.

"I trust Lord Third's judgment, but Lord Orochimaru seems to have not shown himself in a long time."

"The rumors from back then have already been forgotten by the villagers. Why not have Lord Orochimaru return to ANBU to serve, and let him interact with everyone first?"

"Those rumors..."

The Third frowned, as if recalling something, and shook his head repeatedly, vetoing himself: "Orochimaru's heart lacks light. Letting him become Hokage doesn't seem appropriate either."

Shisui:? Shisui was startled in his heart, his lowered eyes full of astonishment. He had only mentioned it in passing, yet the Third had directly rejected Orochimaru.

This... Shisui thought it over and said: "But with Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya not in Konoha right now, within the Village, aside from you, no one can compare to him in prestige and strength."

"Skipping over Lord Orochimaru and choosing someone else would likely cause dissatisfaction among everyone."

"What you say makes sense too. If it were anyone else, they probably couldn't stabilize Konoha." The Third found it hard to refute, sighed again, and reaffirmed Orochimaru.

Such repeated wavering made Shisui faintly understand something. He lowered his head and said no more.

Neither spoke. The Third closed his eyes, still conflicted. After a long while, he covered his forehead and said softly: "Go back first. I'll think about it more. Don't leak this matter to anyone else."

"Yes. Lord Third, please take care of your health. Whatever your choice may be, the Uchiha will always support your decision."

"Haha, then I leave it to you, Shisui."

Shisui took his leave. Before departing, he looked at the hesitating Third and sighed inwardly: the strongest Hokage, the jutsu professor, the teacher of the Legendary Sannin — he had truly grown old.

"Shisui-kun, long time no see."

After leaving the Hokage building, Shisui had not gone far when he encountered someone he had not expected.

The Third's son, the ANBU squad leader, Sarutobi Shinzusuke.

Shisui was taken aback, then smiled warmly and said amiably: "Captain Shinzusuke, long time no see. Are you going to see Lord Third?"

Sarutobi Shinzusuke was currently dressed in casual clothes and had groomed his abundant hair. It was very different from his usual strict appearance — without deliberate observation, it would be hard to recognize him.

"I'm on leave today, so I won't be going to my father's place. But you — you've been busy ever since becoming clan head. How about today, do you have time to chat?"

Sarutobi Shinzusuke laughed heartily, pointed at a shop, and continued: "I hear that shop has a new flavor of grilled fish that's quite good. Want to go try it together?"

Shisui's eyes shifted slightly, but he maintained his warm smile and compliantly looked toward that shop.

"Then thank you, Captain. I haven't had grilled fish in a long time either." Shisui smiled shyly and nodded in agreement.

Sarutobi Shinzusuke was somewhat surprised. "I remember you used to love grilled fish the most. Has it been this busy since you became clan head?"

"The clan has some difficulties. Save where we can, you know."

The two chatted as they walked, then entered the shop and sat down. Perhaps because it was not yet mealtime, Shisui noticed that apart from the two of them, the shop had not a single customer.

"Konoha has gradually stabilized, and I've finally gotten some time off from my father. I never expected to run into you here. Would you like some drinks?"

The shop served food quickly. Not long after the two sat down, someone came over carrying dishes and drinks.

Sarutobi Shinzusuke took the drinks, poured himself a full cup, and looked at Shisui.

Shisui shook his head and declined with an apologetic expression: "Sorry, I'm not yet of drinking age."

"Uh, that was careless of me. But Shisui-kun, you've always been so mature and steady — it's easy for people to overlook your age."

As they spoke, Sarutobi Shinzusuke drank a cup himself, while Shisui substituted water for wine.

"No, I'm still far from that. But Captain, you've been in ANBU all this time — it must be quite hard, right?"

"What hardship do I have? Everyone treats me as the Third's son and rarely lets me take risks. The usual work isn't that much either."

Sarutobi Shinzusuke drank another cup and couldn't help sighing, his eyes somewhat dim.

"If I could, I'd rather just be an ordinary ninja, able to follow my own ninja way and make some contributions to the Village, instead of being tied down in ANBU, unable to do anything."

"So the Captain has to face those kinds of looks too? It seems being the Hokage's son is quite hard as well."

Shisui set down his chopsticks, his expression moved, and softly consoled: "I don't really understand these things, but if that person is Lord Third, as long as you communicate with him properly, I believe Lord Third will definitely understand you."

"Hahaha, he wouldn't understand at all." Sarutobi Shinzusuke waved his hand, laughed loudly, and said: "Shisui-kun, do you know? Since last year I've been petitioning him to go to the northern battlefield — to make some contribution to Konoha, to temper myself, to prove to him that I have the ability to stand on my own."

"Unfortunately, even now he hasn't relented. The Kumogakure battlefield clearly needs reinforcements so badly — why must he keep me in Konoha? Staying by his side, I can't do anything. In the end, I'll only ever be the Hokage's son!"

Sarutobi Shinzusuke said indignantly, his expression full of dissatisfaction, wearing a pained look of unfulfilled ambition.

Shisui gave the other a deep glance, then nodded.

"I see. The ideal in one's heart cannot be realized because of family obstacles. I understand the Captain's pain, but unfortunately this is the Third Hokage's order; perhaps he also has some grievances."

The two kept talking from evening until late night, and Sarutobi Shinzusuke drank more and more, his drunkenness deepening.

He grew increasingly dissatisfied with the Third Hokage, constantly berating him for hindering his ninja way, then repeatedly expressing his longing for the North.

Shisui merely responded gently, continually comforting him and expressing support.

After the two had their fill of food and drink, the streets were already thin with people.

Sarutobi Shinzusuke, having drunk too much, wobbled when he stood; Shisui had to step forward to support him, then led him toward the Sarutobi clan lands.

As they approached the clan lands, Sarutobi Shinzusuke suddenly mumbled, "Hey, Shisui," "What is it?"

His voice was too low and slurred, so Shisui had to lean in to ask.

"If I want to go to the Cloud Hidden battlefield, will you support me?"

Shisui's expression froze, and he smiled faintly at the drunken Sarutobi Shinzusuke, "If the Captain wishes, Shisui will of course support you."

"Thank you."

After speaking, Sarutobi Shinzusuke fell into a deep sleep, and Shisui could only escort him into the clan lands for others to take him away.

After leaving the Sarutobi clan lands, Shisui did not rush back, but instead groped westward along the Hokage Rock.

The place was very hidden; Shisui passed through the forest to a ruin, which was the secret warehouse used by Tu Feishuo for human trafficking, but it had been blown up by a detonation talisman he left behind.

At this moment only broken walls and ruins remained.

Shisui activated his Copy Wheel Eye, his expression calm, strolling under the moonlight.

A moment later, Shisui picked up a snake shed from under a pile of wood, his gaze changed as he rubbed it between two fingers, then shook his head.

"It's moved elsewhere; this thing really knows how to hide."

Not finding the target, Shisui sighed and had to leave, returning to the clan lands.

Shortly after he left, a small white snake stared in the direction he went, its eyes showing a human‑like thought.

"Grandfather, the Third Hokage may abdicate."

Back home, Shisui immediately told Sima Yi all of today's conversation.

Sima Yi, hearing this, analyzed, "It seems he's hesitant, thinking Orochimaru is unsuitable, yet there is no better candidate; he needs a reason to persuade him to decide, whether to choose Orochimaru or abandon him."

Age makes one prone to confusion when deciding a successor, Sima Yi could understand that.

"Then should we support or oppose?"

"No need, do nothing," Sima Yi stroked his beard with a smile, continuing, "Just watch; he makes this stance yet hesitates, and soon the Leaf Village will likely fall into internal turmoil."

"Internal turmoil?"

Shisui was startled, thought carefully about the cause, then recalled Sarutobi Shinzusuke and Danzo, and also remembered the Ninja World History written by Sima Yi, chiefly the history of the Leaf Village.

He thought of two entries: one about the death of Qimai Baiya, and one about the Fourth Hokage selection.

Qimai Baiya, because his prestige was too great, was suppressed by unknown persons, who used a minor incident to tarnish his morality; unfortunately, they likely did not expect Qimai Baiya to be so fierce, unwilling to endure the humiliation and thus committed suicide.

In the Fourth Hokage selection, at first Orochimaru's support far exceeded that of the up‑and‑coming Bofeng Minato, even though the Legendary Sannin Zilai also backed him; the scales of victory still leaned toward Orochimaru.

Unfortunately, Orochimaru was also suppressed by unknown persons on the eve of victory; his reputation suffered, and the sudden drop in public opinion allowed Bofeng Minato to turn the tide and become the Fourth Hokage.

"Grandfather, are you saying someone will make a choice for the Third Hokage?"

Sima Yi sighed, his eyes vague, "There's nothing new under the heavens."

Shisui was shocked, his admiration for Sima Yi's knowledge growing, amazed that he could teach him so many lessons using old events.

Then he thought of Uchiha Hui; wouldn't it be unreliable to have him teach such an important history lesson?

"I understand, Grandfather. Lately I will watch the Village's changes, but Danzo and Sarutobi Shinzusuke are hard to approach, so effective monitoring may be impossible."

"No problem, just develop the family steadily for now; no need to worry about these. As long as you are prepared, opportunity will come to you."

"Yes, Grandfather."

After Sima Yi's advice, Shisui refocused his attention within the clan.

In the blink of an eye another half month passed, the weather grew hotter, and Shisui completely reorganized and expanded the guard unit that had originated from the selection team.

Although the Uchiha had a Barrier, it suffered many problems, and with the Leaf Village monitoring them it was hard to repair, so they had to send people to patrol at night.

Shisui believed that with the Uchiha's power, if faced head‑on, even he could not be a match.

Yet Itachi could wipe out an entire clan, surely because he struck when they were unprepared; he must ready defenses.

Not long after, Shisui discovered another issue at the clan academy.

"The evening time is too short; the clan's children start from waking up and study until late night. It harms their bodies, and the academy's curriculum is too heavy—most cannot keep up. If this continues it won't work. Should we cut some courses and add them back during holidays?"

This issue had been asked by the Third Hokage before; Shisui hadn't taken it seriously then, but now after only a month the academy is already straining some people.

Sima Yi, while perusing some secret scrolls of the clan, replied calmly, "Someone like Itachi who can keep up with everything and also handle the ninja academy studies is abnormal."

Speaking of Itachi, Sima Yi couldn't help but exclaim, "This kid is literally a born ninja; almost anything he learns he masters instantly."

"Moreover, I set up so many courses not for cultivation, but for selection."

Now the academy has been running for a month; those students surely understand their own talents. You can combine grades and teachers' opinions to split them by focus for targeted training.

Not all members of a great clan are talents, but they receive comprehensive education, allowing their gifts to be mined; unless they're both physically weak and incompetent, everyone can be given a path.

Until now Shisui's thinking had been limited to training strong ninjas, but only at this moment did he grasp Sima Yi's intention.

"Aside from the required Ninja Body Illusion, medical ninjutsu and sealing technique can be chosen based on talent; of course, after Ninja Body Illusion they can also be split by focus."

Additionally, children who have become Genin can have separate classes; during the day they can also come over, they don't need to attend the academy, allowing them to learn more."

Afterwards Sima Yi made many more suggestions; those who have not yet extracted chakra can now go to regular classes, and later will be trained as civilian staff.

Those who have extracted chakra will be further subdivided by age, focus, etc.

Thus about a hundred people are split into a dozen‑plus classes, requiring more teachers.

However Shisui did not hesitate at all; now the Uchiha have plenty of idle ninjas, and as long as the situation permits, he can assign a Jonin to each for one‑on‑one mentorship.

"Alright, Grandfather, but a genius like Itachi I intend to cultivate specially."

Sima Yi did not object; staying there with Itachi's talent really was a waste of time.

"Then let him also use a clone to attend clan studies; his original self can train with a group of specialized elite Jonin, which can suitably increase the difficulty," Sima Yi, knowing that Itachi has recently been using clones to go to the ninja academy, suggested.

"Also assign a ninja proficient in medical ninjutsu to check his health daily, and don't omit those secret medicines beneficial to the body."

Shisui added from the side; he was practically raising Itachi as a successor, providing the best resources in every aspect.

"Just spoil him."

Sima Yi sighed, did not object, waved his hand and told Shisui to go back and rest.

Early the next morning, Shisui had just arrived at the Police Department when he received a shocking piece of news sent by Hui.

Orochimaru privately used villagers for human experiments; the lab was exposed, both the subjects and the loot were seized, and the whole Village was shocked!

Totally absurd, class didn't end until after nine, almost missed it, tomorrow's a holiday, I have to stockpile some drafts, otherwise I'll have to eat jujube pills! (End of chapter)