Chapter 152: Struggle, Assassination of Yan Shifan

Konoha, there are only a few days left until the Jonin Council.

It is deep winter now, the sky is bitterly cold, with occasional light snow.

The frigid weather has not cooled Konoha's heated atmosphere in the slightest.

"I tell you, the clan chief once said the Nara clan members are always wise, understand the big picture, and have long been the Hokage's capable aides. How did one suddenly turn out to be a maverick? Turns out they wanted to go a step further."

In Konoha's inner streets, Yan Shifan, leading a group, was heading to the Police Department when he ran into the hurried Nara Zhuque.

When they met, Nara Zhuque wore a grimace, wanting to turn and leave, but since they had already encountered each other, he had to greet first.

Yan Shifan gave a forced smile while scrutinizing the person before him and said sarcastically.

Nara Zhuque muttered a few curses under his breath, yet dared not voice them, and hinted: "The Nara clan always obeys the Hokage's orders and never acts on its own; this time there was simply no choice."

Nara Zhuque felt bitter inside; the conflict on both sides had him, the one playing dead, roasted on a spit—who did he offend?

The Uchiha's open and covert struggles with the two assistants had become extremely intense.

Yan Shifan used the Sarutobi Clan and the Yūhi clan incident to make the Village's ninja clans understand the Third's situation, greatly reducing the deterrence of the two assistants who were borrowing the Hokage's authority.

Yan Shifan further employed various coercive and enticing methods; these large and medium-sized families are powerful and cannot all stay clean. As long as the Police Department is willing, problems can always be found. The relentless suppression and temptation have caused more and more families to side with the Uchiha.

Zhuanqin Xiaochun and Mizuto Monen naturally refused to watch this, and could only act repeatedly, taking away those seized by the Police Department in the name of the Hokage.

People can be produced, but those shop enterprises cannot be moved; solid evidence lets the Uchiha firmly hold the law‑enforcement authority.

Moreover, as the two kept meddling, rumors in the Village escalated, and the Hokage's prestige plummeted.

When power and rumors were no longer enough to affect the Uchiha, the two assistants suddenly realized they had no real way to handle the Uchiha.

The Uchiha even gave considerable benefits to the families that had already pledged allegiance; the ninja clans' hearts are not united—what can they use against the Uchiha?

Thus, to rally the people and discern loyalty, Konoha's leadership chose to promote Nara Zhuque. Of course, they knew Nara Zhuque would refuse, so they acted first to cement the matter; by the time Nara Zhuque found out, it would be too late, and he would have to board the pirate ship.

Later, Yan Shifan and Shisui discovered that some villagers had begun spreading Nara Zhuque's achievements over the years.

When such words appeared at this crucial moment, the two quickly realized something.

"Hahaha, who knows, maybe one day it'll be carved on the Hokage Rock, but I don't know if it can hold until then."

Yan Shifan could of course read between the lines, but he didn't care; disagreement meant refusal.

Nara Zhuque's face turned dark; since this Uchiha entered the Police Department, the Uchiha have been like they changed their surname—once proud but brainless, now not only difficult but also extremely domineering, and the opponent's power is overwhelming.

"Third Elder is joking,"

Nara Zhuque forced a smile, unwilling to entangle further, and bluntly said he had official duties and wanted to get out.

"All for Konoha's sake, be my guest,"

Yan Shifan, seeing this, stopped the harassment and raised his hand in a signal.

Nara Zhuque politely said, "Third Elder, please go ahead."

"Hmm."

Yan Shifan nodded, then led his men and left with a flourish.

"Tsk~"

After Yan Shifan walked away, Nara Zhuque immediately pursed his lips and exclaimed his misfortune.

"What a hassle, those two old guys too, forcing me into this situation—troublesome!"

Police Department.

"No news on Danzo yet?"

After arriving at the Police Department, Yan Shifan discussed the next steps with Shisui in the office.

"Since the Third fell into a coma last time, Danzo has stayed at the Root and hasn't emerged; we don't know what he's doing."

"Could he have slipped out of the Village secretly?"

Shisui was puzzled; at this critical juncture, Zhuanqin Xiaochun and Mizuto Monen had been pressured to the brink, even Nara Zhuque was pushed out to spar with them—clearly an attempt to elevate Nara Zhuque to Hokage—but Danzo remained unmoved.

"He's definitely lurking in some corner waiting to backstab us, but we needn't worry; the priority is to secure the Jonin Council. If he refuses to show himself, just set him aside."

According to the agreement, Danzo fulfilled some of the Uchiha's demands, and the Uchiha helped him become Hokage.

But now Danzo no longer receives protection from the higher‑ups, so they naturally have no need to keep their promise.

Thus, faced with Zhuanqin Xiaochun's blunder, Yan Shifan decisively promoted Shisui, handing over the preparations originally meant for Danzo to Shisui.

Both sides kept building momentum; now the Village everywhere recounts Shisui and Nara Zhuque's deeds, along with various rumors about them.

The ninja on both sides have gradually noticed the conflict, and now it's time for them to choose sides.

"Should we slow down? Aiming to become Hokage step by step is difficult; those families aren't truly loyal, and if trouble arises they'll surely turn against us."

Shisui didn't quite agree with Yan Shifan's approach; it was too radical.

His original plan was to help Danzo become Hokage; with their knowledge of Danzo, once he became Hokage he would inevitably lead the Village down a wrong path. Then he could rally support, find a suitable moment to ascend, using Danzo as a contrast, believing those people would naturally compromise.

"Hahaha, you needn't worry; those people are just wind‑following petty folk. Their interests are already tied to the Uchiha; as long as the Uchiha don't completely fall, they'll obediently follow, and no one will oppose their interests."

Moreover, we now have the support of nearly forty percent of the Village's Jonin; with a little more effort in the coming days, as long as these people back you, your becoming Hokage is already decided.

Unless Danzo cooperates with those two guys, but given their current antagonistic state, that seems unlikely.

The two first took advantage of Danzo's unpreparedness to jointly sideline the ANBU, then together with the Third completely stripped Danzo of his ANBU command.

Danzo was even harsher, setting an ambush to assassinate the two; it failed, and the loss was severe— even the Wood‑style ninja were wiped out.

Both sides wrestled for power desperately; Yan Shifan didn't think they could still unite, mainly because he was certain Danzo would never back Nara Zhuque for Hokage.

Shisui fell silent, not responding immediately; Yan Shifan's actions differed somewhat from Sima Yi's teachings, and he fell into contemplation.

But with matters at this point, he wouldn't call for a halt; he said, "Since it's decided, before the Jonin Council, let's invite some ninja to the clan for a sparring under the pretext of exchanging techniques."

Yan Shifan's eyes flickered, and he nodded, "Very well." After Shisui finished, he added, "Also, prices have risen lately; I have some spare cash now—buy more basic supplies, sell them cheap, that'll help the villagers. The teacher can find someone to watch over them, so those people don't cause trouble."

"Oh?"

Yan Shifan stared deeply at Shisui, surprised that Shisui understood this, but quickly recalled Sima Yi; it's not odd given that guy's teachings.

"I wonder how that guy is doing up north; hope something happens to him soon."

"Leave these to me; lately I'll ease up a bit, focusing on winning the people's hearts, and will certainly not let Konoha fall into chaos."

Shisui heard the words and smiled, "I trust the teacher's ability."

The two laughed, discussed a bit more, then each went about their own business.

Hokage Building.

"Didn't many of the Uchiha family's shops get divided up? How have they managed to hold out so long?"

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun frowned at the intelligence in her hand and asked.

Given the state of the Uchiha and the nature of the Police Department, it's impossible there to recruit large numbers of mid‑ and low‑rank ninja; the many senior ninja also draw substantial monthly salaries, and with the Uchiha clan's drag, the Police Department's funds should be far insufficient.

"Unclear; the shops they recently sealed are under my close watch. Though we can't obtain them, the Uchiha likewise can't use them."

"Let Zhuque check it; I always feel that Shisui, that little brat, has been doing a lot behind the scenes."

Mizuto Monen frowned, but didn't object, and nodded in agreement.

"Also, the people we sent out to persuade Zhangshou have disappeared, and those sent to find the one who came from elsewhere have also vanished; the Uchiha must have noticed, they've been watching us all along."

Elevating Nara Zhuque was a reluctant move; the Nara clan is too slippery. After the third generation fell into a coma, during their conflict with the Uchiha they several times tried to enlist Nara Zhuque's help, but they politely declined with various excuses. Moreover, Danzo kept causing trouble nearby, which kept the Nara clan neutral.

Now that Danzo has stood down, the people they chose all refuse to succeed the Hokage, so they can only pick the tallest among the short ones to take over.

"Moreover, the Uchiha's third elder has lately been intentionally or unintentionally getting close to our clan's lands; he must have discovered something. This person is too hard to handle; ever since he entered the Police Department, the Police Department has been completely out of control, and he must be dealt with."

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's eyes flashed with murderous intent; unless absolutely necessary, they don't want to do this, because it's the Uchiha—once they go mad, Konoha will suffer as well.

"Hey, then why don't you send the people to the front lines and stay in the clan's lands instead!"

Mizuto Monen looked haggard; in his view, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun acted too recklessly—saving people was fine, but after pulling them out, she softened and hid her niece in the clan's lands.

Now the Uchiha have made public the fact that these people were sent to the front lines as punishment; if they are discovered in Konoha, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"I"

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun looked embarrassed, whispering, "I didn't expect that third elder would act so ruthless; after the announcement he kept stirring trouble, captured so many people, and now he's stationed men all over the Village, not letting any wind or blade go unnoticed. I never had a chance to send the people…"

Mizuto Monen sighed, "Now we have no choice but to act. Shisui's power is strong, but he's much easier to handle than that person. If we keep that third elder, Shisui might really…"

"Alright, gather forces; we'll act tonight!"

The two discussed the plan, and soon evening arrived.

Yan Shifan finished the matters Shisui had assigned, and, as usual, left the Police Department under the protection of several Uchiha ninja.

"It's time to find a sedan."

Although Yan Shifan, empowered by a panel, has already activated the Copy Wheel Eye and possesses chakra within, he rarely trains; his body is still not on par with Sima Yi, and life is meant to be enjoyed! Yan Shifan stepped on the snow‑water, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes; he has already caught those guys' tail, and if he's given a bit more time, he can pull those people out directly.

Ninja who flee in the midst of battle have no other fate but death; he wants to see how this time Zhuan Qin Xiaochun can keep her niece safe.

Little characters one after another even dare to jump out and hinder him—truly clueless about death.

A cold wind blew; Yan Shifan looked up, and the snow seemed to fall even faster.

"Hahaha, auspicious snow heralds a bountiful year—good omen; next year should be a harvest."

Yan Shifan smiled, but unfortunately no one responded; the few beside him were silent.

He sighed and kept walking, yet didn't notice that the farther he went, the fewer people there were, until at one moment someone behind him pulled him out of his own world.

Before he could frown and ask, the person before him drew a katana and swung it swiftly.

Thud thud thud—blade shadows filled the air, hard to track; sparks flew in the sky, and a barrage of shuriken rained down.

Yan Shifan's complexion changed, but the few beside him had already drawn weapons to shield him tightly.

The clanging of metal rang like a signal; instantly, dense shuriken and kunai swarmed around, attacks pouring down like a storm. Everyone launched their own shuriken in return fire.

The barrage also included many explosive tags; the surrounding area rang with blasts, making a great commotion.

Although Yan Shifan has died once, his own strength is low, and he can only barely stay calm.

"Damn, these guys are cornered like a dog—go back to the Police Department and call for help!"

However, those around ignored him; one person even lifted him onto their back and quickly moved aside.

After they moved aside, the spot where they had stood erupted with a field of earth spikes.

Then, perhaps seeing that two attempts had failed, the hidden person could no longer hold back and rushed out.

Yan Shifan hastily scanned; there were twelve in total, and after surrounding their five, they charged forward without hesitation.

Four stood guard beside Yan Shifan, and both sides instantly engaged in a brutal melee.

Meanwhile, the Police Department.

Because many of the Police Department's affairs were handed to Yan Shifan and some assistants, Shisui had a lot of free time, but on Yan Shifan's suggestion he still stayed at the Police Department to keep up appearances, hiding in his office to study sealing arts, and was always the last to leave each night.

The same held tonight, but the clan member he sent to monitor Yan Shifan suddenly returned, his face anxious, saying, "The third elder was attacked on the outer streets!"

Bang—how daring!

"Call for help!"

Shisui's deep voice rang out, then he instantly burst out of the Police Department, rushing toward the outer streets.

The ninja in the office immediately relayed the order, then dismissed their clone; at the same time, the main body far in the clan lands received the news, and he quickly located Uchiha Gongping, took the clan's guard unit, and charged outward.

(End of Chapter)