Chapter 131: Next to appear is the Pillar of Konoha, the Uchiha Clan

"What did you say?!"

Shisui's pupils narrowed; he couldn't believe the news Hui brought.

Those were Sarutobi Shinzusuke and Sarutobi Yuki, the Third Hokage's eldest son and daughter‑in‑law, the ANBU squad leader and Jonin class monitor, the most powerful people beneath the Hokage.

Not to mention the two are Jonin themselves; the six guards around them are certainly strong, and they're inside the Land of Fire—who could be so bold and powerful to act against them?

Hui opened his mouth and said, "The information has been confirmed: the Third Hokage coughed up blood and fell unconscious upon hearing it, was secretly taken by ANBU back to Sarutobi lands for treatment. Our ANBU comrades also delivered the news, urging the clan head to go to Sarutobi lands immediately."

Shisui's expression shifted; he rose at once and walked outward, asking solemnly as he went, "Any traces? Could it be Danzo's doing?"

Hui whispered beside him, "The report from over there says eight corpses were brought back, but their heads vanished; however, after testing, the identities were confirmed correct."

Based on the on‑site evidence, it appears they were killed in a siege, and there are strong traces of the Five Escape ninjutsu; the attackers were very powerful.

As for whether Danzo was involved, it's impossible to tell.

Danzo's Root appears modest on the surface, but no one knows what he might be hiding in secret.

Shisui recalled that Orochimaru had mentioned the results of a Wood Release experiment, but he didn't know that person's strength.

"Things are getting more chaotic."

Shisui sighed, burdened with thoughts, recalling what Sima Yi had said that day, and his body suddenly froze.

"What's wrong?" Hui asked, puzzled, as the two stood at the Police Department entrance.

"Never mind, let's go." A flash of alarm crossed Shisui's eyes; he suppressed the thought, waved, and the two continued onward, soon reaching Sarutobi lands.

They then headed straight to where the Third Hokage was; his house was now encircled by ANBU. Seeing Shisui arrive, he stepped aside, but Hui was left outside the courtyard.

When Shisui entered, he saw three aides—Ziraiye, Yuan Fei Asuma, Rixiang Rizuo, and members of the Zhu Lude clan—all present; only Nara Lukiu was still hanging on the Land of Hot Springs front line, and the Nara representative was Nara Zhuque.

Besides that, several medical ninja were frantically treating the Third Hokage, and green phosphorescence filled the whole room.

Ziraiye stood solemnly aside; ever since he learned the Third Hokage had sent Sarutobi Shinzusuke to visit a daimyo, he had been uneasy, especially after rumors spread in the Village—such a coincidence invites speculation.

Everyone saw the Third Hokage's intentions clearly; although Ziraiye did not wish to become Hokage, he also doubted Sarutobi Shinzusuke's qualification, and forcing him would inevitably bring disaster.

At that moment he glanced at Danzo, suspicion rising; not only him, but the other two aides also doubted Danzo, yet Danzo had been in the Village all this time—does Root grant him such strength?

It can't be that they've run into some formidable bounty hunter, can it?

While pondering, several medical ninja halted, their expressions grim; just as the others were about to ask, the Third Hokage slowly regained consciousness.

"Rizhan, how are you?" Mizuto Monen asked, while Zhuan Xin Xiaochun stepped forward to investigate.

"It's just excessive grief, a momentary panic; nothing serious. A few days of rest will fix it." Zhuan Xin Xiaochun's eyes flickered slightly, then he explained calmly.

Danzo stood silently beside them; Ziraiye's eyes flashed with sorrow, while Rixiang Rizuo breathed a sigh of relief. Opinions diverged, and the room was oppressively silent.

After a moment, the Third Hokage's breathing grew louder, then steadied, and he sat up, looking at everyone.

Shisui watched the Third Hokage, whose gaunt, paper‑white face showed unreadable emotions, and looked away slightly.

"Don't worry about me. As for Shinzusuke, seal the news for now. Also, have Danzo take a team to negotiate funding with the daimyo immediately; the army's deployment is urgent."

"Mm?"

Danzo's gaze shifted, and he retorted, "Your health is poor, Muye Cun is in chaos; let someone else handle the military budget. If I leave, what will happen to Muye Cun?"

Zhuan Xin Xiaochun and Mizuto Monen exchanged glances, then agreed, "We can't step away right now; this must be entrusted to a powerful, high‑ranking person. The army's deployment is imminent; we can't delay. Danzo, prepare and go tonight with a team."

Danzo felt a weight in his heart; this matter hadn't involved him before, and with the Third Hokage in this condition, he might disappear at any moment—how could he leave now?

Just as he was about to rebut again, he saw the Third Hokage's sharp gaze; the others also gave him a vague appraisal. Danzo stopped cold, realizing they were suspicious, feeling quite displeased but unable to argue, he let out a cold snort, grimaced, nodded in agreement, then turned and left.

After Danzo left, the Third Hokage coughed a few more times, looked at Nara Zhuque and said, "Let Nara Zhuque take the Northern command, lead some troops northward, and oversee the overall situation."

"This—"

After the Third Hokage finished, everyone wore strange expressions; Nara Zhuque explained helplessly, "The great defeat in the Land of Fields has already spread, and rumors flood the Village."

Everyone believes the northern disaster was caused by Lukiu's poor command; now Village ninja strongly reject the Nara and Hinata clans, so I would struggle to command the army in the North."

The Third Hokage was stunned, then his body tilted back, nearly collapsing; fortunately, Zhuan Xin Xiaochun was nearby and quickly supported him.

"Traitor!"

The Third Hokage sighed inwardly; with such a massive matter, how could ANBU be unaware? Only one person could block all ANBU information.

After a few breaths, the Third Hokage's gaze swept over Shisui and Ziraiye, and he continued, "Ziraiye, I know your heart belongs to the Ninja World and you don't wish to stay in Muye Cun, but Muye Cun can't do without you now. Take the Northern command for now; once I find a suitable replacement, I'll relieve you."

Seeing the Third Hokage like that, Ziraiye sighed, couldn't bring himself to refuse, nodded, and said, "After I leave, take good care of Naruto; he has a huge appetite, don't let him lack nutrition."

Then, glancing at Shisui and recalling Sima Yi, he hesitated briefly before adding, "The Uchiha clan has an elder—Shisui's grandfather. Shisui says this elder possesses extraordinary wisdom, has taught Shisui many times, and it was his merit that enabled Shisui to successfully block Fugaku."

"This time, the Uchiha support troops for the Land of Hot Springs front line will be led by him; after he goes north, I will meet him. If Shisui's words are true, he can assume command."

The Third Hokage pondered briefly; he had heard of Shisui's grandfather, said to be weak in strength but quite wise—such a person is rare among the Uchiha.

However, the man kept a low profile, and Shisui was rather obedient, so he paid little attention.

Now, looking around, the Legendary Sannin had almost all departed; the eldest son was killed, the second son was still young, the Zhu Lude families' members were of average talent, Rixiang Rizuo, though from a prestigious house, was youthful and impulsive, and in the vast Muye Cun, no one besides the Uchiha could be employed!

At that thought, the Third Hokage felt deep sorrow, a surge of suppressed blood welling up.

"Cough—"

Fresh blood splattered onto the sheet; Zhuan Xin Xiaochun hurriedly used medical ninjutsu to treat him.

"Rizhan!"

"Master!"

"Third Hokage!"

The crowd was shocked, only Yuan Fei Asuma stood dumbfounded.

"Never mind."

The Third Hokage let out a light sigh; after spitting out the blood, he felt much more spirited, and he stopped the others from looking at Ziraiye, replying, "Do as you said; the entire Land of Hot Springs front line is yours. If you think he's suitable, write me a letter, but wait until the border is stable."

"Rest assured, I won't let anyone harm Muye Cun!"

Ziraiye mused, "I care about the Prophesied Son, I care about Orochimaru, I care about Tsunade, but I also care about Muye Cun, even placing Muye Cun above Orochimaru and Tsunade."

He would not let anyone who tries to harm Muye Cun get away.

Seeing Jiraiya express himself that way, the Third Hokage finally breathed a sigh of relief, then turned his gaze to Shisui.

Uchiha people have always been treated as a reserve force, almost only deployed when absolutely necessary; this rule has been left since the Second Hokage, for many reasons. The Third Hokage likewise has no plan to let Shisui leave, but orders: "During this period, be vigilant against enemy nation spies; anyone entering or leaving the Leaf Village must be strictly screened, and also watch the villagers' activities, lest the Leaf Village fall into chaos."

Finally, he added, "The future of the Leaf Village now rests on you."

When those words were spoken, aside from Jiraiya, the others' gazes all shifted slightly.

Shisui stepped forward and promptly replied; his expression was sorrowful as he softly said, "I will protect the Leaf Village well, Third Hokage, please take care of your health."

The Third Hokage nodded, then individually assigned tasks to everyone, and then dismissed Zhu Lüdie, Hyuga, and a few Yuan Fei Asuma.

Shisui intended to leave together with the others, but the Third Hokage called him back.

Until then, only the five of them remained in the room, and the Third Hokage finally whispered, "Shisui, you take people to keep an eye on Danzo, and have him set out for the Capital as soon as possible."

"Understood."

Shisui knew the Third Hokage also doubted Danzo, so he replied without hesitation; seeing the Third Hokage had no further instructions, he turned and left.

After he left, the Third Hokage added, "Send someone to find Tsunade; she must return before the year ends."

As he spoke, the Third Hokage coughed a few times.

The three of them understood, and Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's gaze toward the doorway grew even sharper, "Rizhan, you rest well first; we'll keep an eye on the village affairs."

The Third Hokage gave a slight nod, then slowly fell asleep.

On the other side, after leaving the Sarutobi Clan lands, Shisui went straight back home with Hui, found the two people in the study and asked directly, "Shinzusuke is dead; is this matter related to Grandpa?"

Shisui's heart was in turmoil, and he stared intently at Sima Yi.

Sima Yi and Yan Shifan, upon hearing it, both halted their actions, exchanged a glance, their eyes showing an inexplicable expression, yet their faces remained composed.

Sima Yi shook his head outright and said, "This matter is not my doing."

Seeing Sima Yi deny it, Shisui immediately exhaled; he knew Sima Yi might do something behind his back, but as long as he asked, he would never conceal.

"As long as it's not Grandpa, that's fine. I just received news that Shinzusuke and his wife both died on the road to the Capital; when the Third Hokage learned of it, he coughed up blood"

"and while he was convening us for a meeting, he could hardly conceal his frailty; I'm afraid he won't last much longer."

Shisui sighed and relayed the meeting's contents to the two.

Thinking of the Third Hokage's condition, Shisui felt a deep sigh; he knew Shinzusuke was far from a good person, and he also knew the other would be an obstacle to his becoming Hokage, yet he was not prepared to kill him now.

After all, they were once colleagues; now the white‑haired Third Hokage sends the black‑haired one, and even his son's corpse cannot be fully accounted for—how tragic.

The two observed Shisui's reaction and both shook their heads.

Yan Shifan let out a light laugh and said plainly, "In that case, they died as they should have. The Third Hokage is gravely ill; the Fifth Hokage's agenda will inevitably come up. Given Danzo's nature, such a good opportunity is unlikely to be abandoned lightly."

Sima Yi added, "At present, only Jiraiya and Tsunade are qualified to become Hokage. Jiraiya is carefree and has no desire for the Hokage position; the Third Hokage now has a request of his, so most likely he'll seek a solution through Tsunade."

Yan Shifan then glanced at Shisui and suggested, "Now the chance has arrived; Jiraiya is about to go to the Hot Springs Country's defense line, the Third Hokage is gravely ill and his strength wanes, killing him wouldn't be unthinkable.

If we kill the Third Hokage before Tsunade returns, or send someone to assassinate Tsunade covertly, attaining the Hokage position with the Police Department's authority would be a piece of cake."

After finishing, Yan Shifan exchanged a glance with Sima Yi, then both turned to look at Shisui.

Shisui opened his mouth, then fell into silence.

It was different from what he had imagined.

When he became clan head, he had indeed resolved to eliminate all foes blocking the clan's revival, but up to now, he has achieved his goals without drawing blood, and has never experienced such blood and blade.

Fugaku and the elders stayed peacefully in the ancestral hall; though they bickered with each other, they lived fairly comfortably.

However, the situation has changed; this is no longer an internal Uchiha matter. Various interests intertwine, and under the watch of all clans, the Hokage seat is not something they can snatch without a fight.

"Hmph, this struggle must have bloodshed; either we or they must fall—either they die or we die. Unless you're willing to maintain the status quo and bow down, otherwise, how many more chances like this will you get?"

Seeing Shisui silent, Yan Shifan rose and said loudly.

Political struggle is about seizing every opportunity, eliminating the opponent, ensuring the enemy never recovers; Shisui's indecisiveness is extremely dangerous.

"Some things must be done today, otherwise tomorrow as well; if you happen to become Hokage by luck, those people still won't obey. Think of the elders; the assistants around the Third Hokage are even harder to deal with than the elders. They have their own clan troops and won't compromise easily."

Sima Yi, who knew Shisui well, said in one phrase, laying bare Shisui's hidden reliance on luck.

Listening to their admonitions, Shisui sighed; he was no longer the naive boy of yesterday, and he already understood these truths.

He was well aware that the conflict between him, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, and Danzo would eventually erupt, yet even now he still clung to a hope of luck, which was undeserved.

Regarding the Third Hokage, Shisui's thoughts were even more complex; he had once idolized him, seeing him as the Uchiha's savior.

Although, guided by Sima Yi, he discerned some of the Third Hokage's thoughts, over the past year the Third Hokage had indeed been kind to him; perhaps he still harbored personal motives, but Shisui could not pinpoint any fault.

Shisui had his own ideals, personal desires, and steadfastness; he stood there quietly contemplating.

After a long while, he looked back at the two, choosing to face his own heart.

"I have too many things I want to do; I must become Hokage.

I am clear that the conflicts between the Uchiha and certain village forces have become irreconcilable; for the sake of the clan, for the sake of the Leaf Village, I will use any means to eliminate them, and hatred and discord will not continue from me.

As for the Third Hokage, I'm sorry, Grandpa, teacher, I will not act against him."

Shisui's expression was sincere; after speaking, he slowly bowed his head.

"Hahaha, still Mr. Zhongda understands you."

Shisui had expected to hear the two's disappointed rebuke, but instead Yan Shifan burst into laughter.

Sima Yi nodded further and said, "Having this resolve is enough; regicide is ultimately a last‑resort strategy."

Although the Third Hokage is ill, he resides in Sarutobi Clan territory, where many ninja serve, and the ANBU constantly guard; only if they went mad would they act against the Third Hokage.

Moreover, his body is frail and could die at any moment; there's no need to take such a risk.

"Eh? Then—"

Shisui was stunned; the two had just suggested he act against the Third Hokage, and now they changed their stance instantly.

"The earlier suggestion was merely to see if you possessed the resolve to sacrifice blood; compassion is commendable, but compassion alone won't suffice—you must have a ruthless hand to shoulder the Leaf's future."

Only then did Shisui realize the two's well‑intentioned hardship, and he quickly bowed in gratitude.

Yan Shifan gestured, as if recalling something, and said with radiant spirit, "Everything mentioned earlier, except regicide, needs preparation. From now on, this period will be the Uchiha's main stage."

(End of Chapter)