Chapter 128: A Year Has Come, Happy Birthday~

Sima Yi's warning made Shisui increasingly wary of Sarutobi Shinzusuke, and he began to carefully examine Shinzusuke's actions.

However, events unfolded more swiftly and violently than they had imagined; in just half a month, the vanguard units of each clan had only just finished preparing, supplies were still being procured, and the Village was already murmuring rumors.

Sima Yi, who had been in charge of handling intelligence inside and outside the clan lands, upon learning the news made an immediate decision to fan the flames; ten days later the rumor had turned into a report that under the command of the Nara clan's ninja, the northern front suffered defeat, the Village incurred heavy losses, and many might never see their relatives again.

Later Shisui discovered that the perpetrators might not be limited to the two sides; through the deliberate propaganda of schemers, this failure was portrayed as the worst defeat Konoha had seen in fifty years, causing public resentment to boil and hearts to be unsettled.

The Hyuga clan was also affected, receiving villagers' curses and accusations; under great pressure they had to increase mobilization to save face.

At the same time, Sarutobi Shinzusuke stopped the ANBU who were about to report beneath the Hokage Building.

He took the intelligence and, in a calm tone, said, "It so happens I also have business with the Hokage; give me these reports, and you can go attend to your duties."

The ANBU, without suspicion, immediately replied, "Yes, Captain."

After he left, Sarutobi Shinzusuke glanced at the intelligence with an unchanged expression, tucked it into his chest, and turned toward the Hokage's office, where he saw the rather weary Third Hokage.

"Father..."

As soon as Sarutobi Shinzusuke spoke, the Third Hokage frowned and said, "How many times must I tell you, here you must call me Hokage or Third Hokage."

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shinzusuke lowered his head and hurriedly explained, "Sorry, you don't look well; I was worried and spoke too hastily."

Hearing Shinzusuke's explanation, the Third Hokage's complexion eased a bit, and his heart involuntarily softened.

"There's nothing major happening in the Village, right?"

Shinzusuke's eyes flickered slightly, and he replied, "It's fairly normal, but the news of the northern defeat has already spread, and the villagers are discussing it."

The Third Hokage nodded; such a matter could not be concealed, and he had anticipated it.

"No problem, just keep a close eye on the villagers' reactions. Also, tell Shisui to have the Police Department pay extra attention during this period and guide the villagers in a timely manner."

"Yes."

After giving the orders, the Third Hokage lowered his head again to look at the intelligence in his hand; after a moment, seeing Shinzusuke had not yet left, he asked, "Is there anything else?"

"Lord Hokage, may I have your permission? I wish to go to the north to fight!" Shinzusuke half‑kneeling, his tone resolute.

The Third Hokage stared at Shinzusuke and fell silent.

He had always known Shinzusuke's thoughts and some of his subtle moves, including the two conversations he had with Shisui; Shisui had not hidden anything and told him everything.

After all, he was his own son; if it were possible, how could he refuse to pass the Hokage position to him?

But such a matter is not something he can decide on a whim.

In his eyes, the things Shinzusuke was doing were nothing but putting the cart before the horse. He thought that courting the Uchiha would make him Hokage? The Uchiha can indeed improve his odds, but only if he is qualified to run. He assumed that with Orochimaru gone he could become Hokage? Setting aside the Sarutobi name, most villagers don't even know who Shinzusuke is; how could such a situation support his claim to the Hokage? Moreover, even if he used every means to gain the backing of several great clans, what would that achieve? Even if he went north and, with those clans, defeated the Cloud Village, what then? Could the Nara clan produce a Hokage?

To become Hokage, strength is the most basic hard requirement! Shinzusuke inherited many of his advanced fire-release and earth-release ninja techniques; his power is not weak, already far surpassing that of an ordinary Jonin, and such strength cannot be called unremarkable.

But it is still not outstanding; in his eyes, Shinzusuke's ability is only on par with Fugaku and Ri Zu, and still falls short of Tuan Zang; such power is far from enough to become the Leaf's Shadow.

Figures like Minato, Shisui, and the original Kikui Somu, none of them failed to crush a host of Jonin, moving freely among many strong fighters, enough to sway the tide of battle.

Prestige, strategy, strength, and battle achievements—Shinzusuke has some of each, but all fall far short, and the pressure to help Shisui become Hokage is also less than his.

Nevertheless, seeing Shinzusuke's earnest expression, the Third Hokage's heart softened; he could only do his best to pave a path for him, but hope was slim.

"I agree on the Uchiha matter; as for the exact number of troops to dispatch, you negotiate that with Shisui yourself."

Shinzusuke's pupils widened in shock, and he became somewhat flustered; he hadn't expected his father to know everything, but then he thought that Shisui had always been loyal to the Hokage, so being frank about this was normal. Had he not encountered this Uchiha, he wouldn't have bowed his head to seek the other's help.

"Yes, thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Shinzusuke's expression did not escape the Third Hokage; realizing his words had taken effect, he continued, "The Village's funds are insufficient; I've written to the daimyō many times, and he has rejected me.

Now it's been almost a month since the northern defeat; the vanguard units of each clan have already been deployed to the second line, but requests for aid keep arriving one after another. We can only send someone to negotiate with the daimyō in person; otherwise the main army cannot mobilize. I intend to have you and You Ji go."

Such a task has the highest chance of success if he or a few assistants handle it, but he must stay in the Leaf, while Xiao Chun must mobilize medical supplies and ninja for the northern wounded.

Shuihu Men Yan must coordinate the various divisions to allocate funds and disburse military expenses.

As for Tuan Zang, no one can be sent to go in his place.

Meanwhile, Shinzusuke and You Ji—one an ANBU captain, the other a Jonin squad leader—hold sufficiently high positions, and are his son and daughter‑in‑law, which underscores the Leaf's concern and the urgency of the situation.

"This mission centers on You Ji; if she can persuade the daimyō to allocate funds, it will be a great achievement."

Sarutobi You Ji has always been eloquent and persuasive; with her present, the chance of success is far higher than Shinzusuke alone.

Shinzusuke felt a surge of joy, realizing his father was helping boost his prestige, and he thanked him immediately.

"I will succeed in obtaining the funds and bring them back."

"Hmm, the original commander of the northern front was Nara Suzaku; if you can secure the funds and have Uchiha support, I will have reason to appoint him as your deputy. This is your only chance; discuss with Shisui, prepare properly, then set out."

"Take some people with you, and be careful on the road."

"Yes! Thank you, father!"

Shinzusuke suppressed his excitement, and with his father's support, the road ahead became clearer, and he felt more confident.

Before leaving, Shinzusuke turned to glance at the Third Hokage.

When he returns, this place will be a major step toward his becoming Hokage.

After exiting the Hokage Building, Shinzusuke immediately headed to Uchiha territory, but Shisui was still at the Police Department, and Jin Huo had already gone to report, so he had to wait in the lobby.

Sima Yi stepped forward to receive him; the two chatted idly in the lobby. Shinzusuke had also investigated Sima Yi and knew he was merely an ordinary Genin, but had a good relationship with Shisui and seemed adept at etiquette and sealing techniques.

Among the Uchiha clan he was highly respected, so he did not slight the other, speaking with considerable respect and considering himself a junior.

However, after a moment Shinzusuke vaguely sensed something amiss; he felt the elderly man before him was more extraordinary than he knew, far from ordinary, his bearing and knowledge surpassing even his own, and his demeanor was quite graceful, possessing an indescribable oddity and elegance.

In front of this man, he felt like a provincial wealthy landlord confronting a Kyoto aristocrat—awkward and out of place.

Yet the other was quite talkative; despite the discomfort, he always managed to keep the conversation going. The two talked at length until a voice came from outside the door.

"Captain Shinzusuke, grandpa, I'm back."

Shisui walked over, Sima Yi rose slowly, chuckling lightly, "You're back, so I'll step out first; you youngsters continue your talk."

Shinzusuke also rose, respectfully saying, "Please, uncle, go ahead. Next time there's an opportunity, I will definitely visit you alone."

Shisui was puzzled; they had only just met a short while ago, yet their relationship was already this good.

In an instant, Shisui's gaze toward Shinzusuke changed abruptly.

One Hui is enough; what does this person want?

Shinzusuke naturally didn't know what Shisui was thinking, so he immediately told Shisui about the matter approved by the Third Hokage, saying plainly: "For this support of the North Front, if the Uchiha are willing to lend their strength, whether it's mission share or military funding, I will do my utmost to secure it for you, ensuring you have no worries behind you." Shisui nodded, his expression serious, "This battle is not about profit; it is all for the Village. Moreover, since the Hokage himself has spoken, the Uchiha should have no reason not to comply. I have already persuaded the clan members and am willing to dispatch two hundred clan ninjas to go north with the squad leader."

Two hundred clan ninjas! Shinzusuke was moved; his family could certainly provide that many, but the north is not the Uchiha's main defensive line. They also need to keep a large force on standby in the Village, watching the east at all times, so two hundred people already far exceed his expectations.

Moreover, the strength of the Uchiha clan far surpasses that of other families, a point he could not deny.

"The Uchiha truly are the Village's premier noble house; Father was right—having you in the Village is a blessing."

Shisui gave a shy smile and said, "The squad leader is the pillar of the Village; reaching this level for the Village is worthy of everyone's respect."

Although the two were flattering each other, their words were especially sincere now. After a tea's worth of time, Shinzusuke rose to take his leave, promising before departing, "I've heard of the misunderstandings between the Uchiha and the Village; if the chance arises in the future, I will definitely help the Uchiha."

Shisui simply smiled in thanks.

After he left, Shisui turned to Sima Yi and said, "The Third Hokage agreed; it seems the Third really had the intention of cultivating him. I promised 200 people, but I'm not sure if that's enough."

"Too many people is inefficient; too few makes it hard to stir the waters. These people are just right."

But in any case, this still amounts to nearly thirty percent of the clan's strength, requiring a steady person to oversee it; otherwise, if something goes wrong, the loss would be too great.

Yun Yin's power is not weak; it is a strong nation second only to the Village, and fighting them allows no room for carelessness.

"A steady person?"

The two exchanged a glance; Shisui hesitated briefly, then suggested, "Let the Eighth lead the troops."

Sima Yi shook his head, his expression solemn, and said, "The Eighth is good at defending but lacks ambition; the Sarutobi Clan has already produced a Hokage, and Shinzusuke's attempt to continue would face greater resistance than you becoming Hokage."

Moreover, his strength is lacking, destined to fail. In this northern campaign we must accumulate as much battle merit as possible, gain prestige, win hearts, and prepare the ground for your next actions.

Shisui fell silent; to achieve this, only three people in the entire Uchiha are suitable.

One is himself, another is Sima Yi, and the third is Fugaku; however, Fugaku cannot leave the clan's lands, or else he would be easy to use as a pretext for trouble.

Sima Yi often discusses clan matters with him in public, serves as the teacher of the clan's sealing art and rites, and is also his grandfather; although his strength is lacking, his status is special in the clan's upper echelons, and with the help of Hui and a few others, he can easily command the clan's ninjas.

"The battlefield is too dangerous, Grandfather's strength is insufficient; stay in the Village. This time I'll lead the men north."

The two must leave one person in the Village to guard against sudden incidents.

"The Village's situation is becoming increasingly chaotic; the clan cannot do without your force, lest you miss an opportunity. You also cannot leave the Village lightly. Wait a few more days until your points arrive, then we'll decide."

Sima Yi did not decide immediately; he wanted to observe the situation's developments.

"There seem to be many in the Village who have ideas about the command position; they're all leveraging Shinzusuke to gain influence. In my view, not even the Hokage, let alone this command position, is something Shinzusuke can necessarily obtain."

Shisui seemed half‑understanding, nodded, and fell into thought.

The next day, news spread that the Uchiha, at Shinzusuke's invitation, dispatched two hundred troops to repel the north.

With Shisui's deliberate assistance, the news quickly reached most ninjas' ears; Shinzusuke's name appeared in this form for the first time before them, and of course the Uchiha received widespread praise.

However, the news evidently drew the displeasure of Danzo, and that afternoon the Root sent a hastily assembled letter.

It was indeed Danzo's handwriting; the letter told Shisui that the Sarutobi's Shinzusuke aims for the command, and if Shinzusuke becomes commander with Uchiha support, he will inevitably face opposition and retaliation from all sides.

Moreover, if the Sarutobi Clan continues to thrive, the Uchiha's position as the Village's premier noble house will have to be relinquished.

Then, with sharp wording, they questioned Shisui's sincerity in cooperation and stated that if Shisui cannot give a satisfactory answer, their relationship ends here, and the Uchiha should not expect any breakthroughs at higher levels.

Shisui looked at the letter, expressionless, even a little inclined to laugh.

As long as they do not show any intention to run for Hokage, everyone who wants to become the Fifth Hokage will try to win them over.

Even without Danzo, there would be a Fang Zang, so Shisui did not reply.

Sure enough, after Shisui ignored Danzo for three days, Danzo chose to proactively forgive Shisui and told him that Shinzusuke has prepared everything and will soon travel to Kyoto to meet a daimyo. Now Nara and Hyuga's reputations in the Village have plummeted; once Shinzusuke convinces the daimyo, there is a high chance he will become the northern commander.

Upon learning this, Shisui felt a stir; Shinzusuke had not told him about this, but he could imagine that if the other side succeeded, there was a ninety‑percent chance of becoming commander.

Shisui immediately sought out Sima Yi; after a discussion, Sima Yi told Shisui, "You can tell Danzo that the command is merely a stepping stone for Shinzusuke to become Hokage. Once he becomes commander, with Uchiha assistance this battle can easily yield battle merit, and when he returns to the Village, the Hokage position will surely be his."

Shisui was puzzled; this was not what he had said.

"It probably isn't that simple, right?"

"Just the possibility is enough."

Shisui paused, gradually grasping Sima Yi's meaning, and that night had an external clan operative send a reply in the same style.

After one night, Shisui received no word from Danzo, but did receive a letter from another person.

At noon, Shisui returned home for a meal and saw a white little snake in the corner, with Sima Yi standing nearby watching.

"This snake is quite spirited yet ignores me; it must have been sent by Orochimaru."

The Village is Orochimaru's home; the Village's Barrier is merely a decoration to Orochimaru, allowing him to come and go at will.

Sure enough, the white snake sensed Shisui, slithered forward, and spat out a scroll twice as thick as its head.

Shisui didn't mind; after unrolling the saliva‑coated scroll, many items appeared at once, including a letter.

The first half told Shisui that he had already heard about the North Front; taking advantage of the parties' unpreparedness, he secretly slipped to the Fields Country to build his own laboratory, and also covertly contacted some former subordinates, offering assistance if Shisui is interested.

The second half informed Shisui that he knew Shisui was interested in his research direction and data, so he sent over some of the more important items, with the rest to follow later. Additionally, he is very interested in the previously shown Kaleidoscope, hoping to learn its awakening method and to obtain some of Shisui's bodily fluids for study.

Of course, a complete Uchiha body would be even better—lick~ the last point. Pay money!

Shisui fell silent after reading, while Sima Yi cheerfully accepted those items and advised, "The issue of bloodstains will have to be resolved sooner or later; telling him won't hurt."

Furthermore, as long as the conditions aren't excessive, such a talent is still worth strong support."

Shisui could only agree; however, the clan's idle funds had dwindled to 130 million ryō, and as the clan's income gradually increased, its expenses also grew larger.

Being able to retain so much money was also thanks to Kamimura Kishii's previous delivery of 180 million ryō.

However, he needed to set aside a portion for emergencies, so he gave Orochimaru 50 million ryō, along with some blood and the method to activate the Kaleidoscope.

Subsequently, he also asked in the letter whether there is a stable way to activate the Kaleidoscope and how to resolve its aftereffects.

But these questions will certainly not receive a response in the short term.

After sending the little snake away, the two went back to their own tasks until late night, when they both gathered in the study.

Today is a special day.

In the study, Shisui gave a shy smile, as if shedding those worries, lifted a box and handed it to Sima Yi, whispering, "Grandpa, happy birthday~"

(End of chapter)