Chapter 157: A Child Should Be Like Still Water

The same event, occurring at a different time, yields a different outcome.

Regarding the news that Shisui Uchiha possesses a Mangekyou Sharingan, neither Zhuan Qin Xiaochun nor Mizuto Mon En intends to spread it.

If it had been a few months earlier, the two would not only have not concealed it but would have made the whole village know, repeatedly mentioning the Nine-Tails to stir villagers' hatred and thus suppress the Uchiha.

However, at this moment the Uchiha are already powerful, and Konoha's people are divided; revealing the Mangekyou would only cause more people to side with the Uchiha.

But Konoha's affairs no longer operate according to their will.

They were unwilling to disclose it, yet Yan Shifan spread it.

Within just a few hours, every ninja clan received reports that the Uchiha have manifested the Mangekyou again.

"Mangekyou? What is that?"

Some families, shallow in heritage and without a habit of recording the past, have long forgotten the Uchiha's former strength.

And families such as the Inuzuka, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Hyuga, and Sarutobi fell into immediate fear upon hearing of the Mangekyou.

"Mangekyou—could it be the eye owned by Madara Uchiha, who was as renowned as the First Hokage? Shisui Uchiha has actually awakened this bloodline!"

Suzaku was stunned; the one feigning illness on the bed nearly sprang up. He hadn't expected the usually honest Shisui to secretly hide such a huge surprise.

"I've heard the clan elders speak of Madara Uchiha's unparalleled strength back then; aside from the First Hokage, no one was qualified to face him. Even the Kage of other villages were powerless before him, and he could easily suppress a tailed beast. With his own strength alone, he could annihilate the entire Konoha."

"When Madara Uchiha left Konoha years ago, we don't know what happened; upon his return he sought to destroy Konoha. Had the First Hokage not intervened, Konoha would have been razed."

The terrain around the Valley of the End was altered by their massive battle.

"Shisui Uchiha has awakened these eyes; how can the two advisors still contend with him? The Fifth Hokage's position should be secure now."

"Then we..."

Members of the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans feel reluctant; with the Third Hokage unable to govern Konoha, the two assistants have lost all prestige and reputation, unable to lead the clans. Clearly, their strength is insufficient to oppose the Uchiha.

They don't seem to need to offend the Uchiha to the point of killing them over the two assistants.

"I also serve as the Jonin squad leader; the Jonin meeting is unavoidable. However, I must not take the Hokage candidate role. You and I will spread some information outward, revisiting the previous loss of the Soup Country's defense line."

Nara Suzaku never wanted to become Hokage; with the situation now clear, he makes a decisive decision.

Members of the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans exchange glances, understanding Nara Suzaku's intent.

"We'll go right now."

Not only the three Inuzuka, Yamanaka, and Akimichi families, but any clan with some heritage that knows of the Mangekyou feels immense pressure; some previously neutral families begin to signal the Uchiha.

Top-tier families like the Hyuga choose silence; although they dislike Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, they also dislike the Uchiha, so they simply remain neutral.

Meanwhile, in the Sarutobi Clan's territory.

The Third Hokage has been revived for several days; now he lies calmly on the bed, breathing faintly. Asuma Sarutobi stands quietly beside him; since the incident, Asuma Sarutobi has become much more composed.

"The two advisors can no longer suppress the Uchiha; I've heard Shisui Uchiha has also awakened the Mangekyou, though his ocular technique hasn't been disclosed. All we know is he used genjutsu to instantly control the two advisors. Could the Nine-Tails back then have been released by him?"

The newly appointed Sarutobi Clan head stands at the bedside, gradually informing the Third Hokage of the village matters.

The Third Hokage's complexion has improved a bit; hearing this, he says softly, "Shisui has no reason to do this, and he wouldn't. These eyes must have awakened recently; it seems he doesn't trust me enough."

The Third Hokage sighs, his expression inscrutable.

Asuma Sarutobi recalls that composed junior, younger in age yet far surpassing him in strength.

"The clan territory has been sealed off by the Police Department; the two advisors are blocked outside the clan grounds today. What should we do?"

"What about Danzo?"

With events reaching this point, it's ultimately due to the three-way internal strife; if the three work together, the Police Department wouldn't even get its first chance to expand.

"No news; he seems to stay at the Root base, unknown what he's doing."

"Haha~"

The Third Hokage chuckles lightly, "At such a critical moment, how could he have no activity? From what I know of him, Danzo should already be out of the village now."

"Not in Konoha?"

The Sarutobi clan head pauses, then speculates, "Could he have gone to find Tsunade or perhaps gone to Jiraiya?"

Currently, the only ways to prevent Shisui Uchiha from becoming Hokage are the Third Hokage's restoration or Tsunade's return to the village.

The Third Hokage closes his eyes, shakes his head slightly, and says nothing more.

"During this period, avoid conflict with the Uchiha. As for Xiaochun and En, ignore them for now; if we truly can't stop it, then let Shisui become Hokage."

After speaking, the Third Hokage's voice grows softer as he adds, "Remember, prioritize Konoha's overall situation; never incite internal strife."

Suppressing the Uchiha is important, but the village is more important; before the village, everything can be compromised.

"Understood."

Each clan and faction harbors different thoughts.

That night, after finishing his training, Shisui sits quietly in the hallway, blowing cold wind as he gazes north.

Regarding his Mangekyou, not only outsiders but also clan members are astonished; many excited villagers crowd outside his courtyard, hoping to meet him after Shisui finishes work.

Shisui does not reject contact with clan members and naturally acknowledges the Mangekyou.

However, he concealed the ocular technique and the matter of Fugaku.

Shisui is still young; everyone assumes he only recently awakened, but Fugaku is older, and revealing the Mangekyou could easily lead people to associate it with the Nine-Tails.

Even if the impact is minor, it would still bring some stigma to the clan; before he becomes Hokage, such matters should be avoided as much as possible.

At that moment, Shisui turns his head and sees Yan Shifan walking from the study, saying gravely, "Today many people are openly and covertly probing your affairs; it's time to invite them to the clan grounds to fully understand the Uchiha's strength."

Shisui nods; this was his own suggestion earlier, and preparations are nearly complete.

"I'll leave the clan matters to you, teacher."

Yan Shifan nods, then smiles, "The clan grounds' barrier has been fully restored, and we've additionally erected the barrier left by Sima Gong; the ANBU's spying can now be completely prevented."

"The procured weapons and armor have been distributed, awaiting the end of the Jonin meeting."

Shisui exhales in relief upon hearing that, then becomes slightly nervous again.

"Grandfather once said, the closer you are to a great event, the more you must stay composed; I'm still not steady enough."

"Hahaha, there's no need to belittle yourself; in my memory, only one person at your age has reached this level."

Yan Shifan said, as if recalling some unpleasant memories, and his laughter gradually ceased.

Shisui asked curiously, "What kind of person can earn such admiration from you, teacher?" Yan Shifan opened his mouth, hesitated for a long while, perhaps unsure how to judge, and simply said, "Unpredictable."

Shisui was startled, but seeing Yan Shifan's furrowed brows, he did not press further.

"Tomorrow will be busy; I'll return to my quarters to rest. Teacher, please take care of your health and don't stay up too late."

Shisui rose, greeted them, and then left.

Yan Shifan remained in the corridor, pondering for a long time before returning to the study to continue his work.

The next day, Shisui's influence expanded further, and almost all the invitations Yan Shifan sent out received replies.

Among them were the Hyuga, Sarutobi Clan, and Inuzuka family; they all understood the Uchiha's intention, and although they did not wish to take a clear stance, they still sent people to the Uchiha lands.

The banquet was arranged by Yan Shifan, with a rigorous program; the reception, attendance, ceremonial music, and feast each had their purpose.

It was the first time each clan attended such an odd gathering, but the Uchiha ninjas surrounding them were all imposing and fierce; their presence intimidated most people into silence.

Only families like the Hyuga, with a long heritage and strict internal hierarchy, managed to adapt.

However, time was limited, and Yan Shifan was actually dissatisfied with the banquet, while Shisui thought it was fine; at Yan Shifan's suggestion, tea was offered in place of wine as a sign of respect.

"Everyone must already have some idea of me; I am Shisui Uchiha. Today I have invited you all here. First, I have heard that there are some misunderstandings about my Uchiha clan, and I wish to use this banquet to get to know each other and clear those misunderstandings.

Second, the ninja world is now turbulent, with crises surrounding Muye Cun. Since we were born in Muye Cun and are trusted by its villagers, we should help defend our home and repel enemies beyond the borders; therefore I invite you all to spar with each other and improve together!"

Shisui spoke confidently, his demeanor calm and steady, showing no hint of youthful naivety.

The crowd watched the increasingly imposing Shisui Uchiha, and then glanced at the younger members of the families beside them, unable to hide their deep admiration.

After Shisui offered a toast, the banquet continued.

Midway, Shisui halted the music and invited ninjas from each clan to duel with Uchiha ninjas.

There were fifteen participants in total—Chūnin, Genin, and even some students without headbands—available for the clans' youths to choose.

As for Jōnin, each one's strength and status far surpass any Chūnin, so there was no need for them to take part in such a contest.

Then Shisui presented some items that are extremely precious to ninjas as rewards.

Many families were eager, unable to hold back, and sent their clan ninjas to take turns fighting the Uchiha.

However, the Uchiha clan is Muye Cun's premier noble house; after Shisui's various reforms, these ninjas underwent a second round of training, and after dozens of duels they won more than they lost.

Yet Muye Cun is vast, and there are always some exceptionally gifted individuals who succeeded in earning the rewards.

Among them were ninjas from the Aburame and Hyuga families.

However, the crowd's gaze did not linger on those two clans' ninjas; it was fixed on the Uchiha clan's rising prodigy, Itachi Uchiha.

At this time, Itachi was still a student at the Ninja Academy, yet Shisui placed him in the Chūnin group, where he single‑handedly defeated seven Chūnin from various clans, stealing the spotlight.

"Is this Itachi Uchiha? Fugaku's son?"

"Fugaku's son? Isn't he the former head of the Uchiha clan?"

"The former head's son being placed in the Chūnin group—could this be a deliberate targeting, hoping we would kill him?"

"It shouldn't be that extreme; with Shisui Uchiha's strength, there's no need to resort to such a method. Besides, I heard Fugaku lives peacefully within the clan lands; if Fugaku can stay, there should be room for a child."

"Regardless, this child's talent is astonishing; defeating seven Chūnin at seven years old—does this reflect the depth of the Uchiha?"

"The Uchiha have successors!"

Listening to the discussion, Shisui watched Itachi's mouth curl upward.

Because of Itachi's uniqueness, his education has always been a top priority for Shisui.

To develop his taijutsu, ninjutsu, genjutsu, medical ninjutsu, sealing techniques, and various general theories, Shisui specifically selected five senior or special Jōnin from the clan to mentor him one‑on‑one.

He also continuously monitors his health, ensures his safety, provides ample use of the clan's secret nurturing elixirs, and with Itachi's remarkable talent plus Shisui's and Fugaku's combat instruction, Itachi's progress has become rapid and far beyond earlier levels.

Itachi lived up to expectations, defeating Chūnin at the age of seven; only the former Kakashi Hatake could be compared to him.

However, such a heavy workload left Itachi no time to accompany Sasuke, causing Sasuke to complain endlessly to Shisui.

Of course, it was all worthwhile; watching Itachi's performance and the clans' evaluations, Shisui felt genuine happiness.

Someone also noticed Shisui's expression and remarked, "With such magnanimity, if he could become the Fifth, it might be a good thing for us."

"A son should be like Shisui Uchiha."

Amid the crowd's tangled thoughts, the banquet drew to a close, and Shisui rose at the right moment, a surge of violent chakra erupting.

The attendees were shocked, then saw the three tomoe in Shisui Uchiha's eyes slowly rotate, forming the shape of a windmill.

"This is the Kaleidoscope!"

Feeling the terrifying ocular power it contained, the crowd was left speechless for a long time.

"From now on, Muye Cun, please protect it together with the Uchiha."

That night, news from within the Uchiha lands spread to the other clans, prompting deep reflection.

Nevertheless, regardless of their thoughts, the Uchiha clan's reputation reached its peak after today's banquet, and within the village the clamor for Shisui Uchiha to become Hokage surged dramatically.

However, what followed were orders issued by two assistants; the Uman, Aburame, and Mitarashi families all received summons to the Hot Country defensive line.

"Hehe, a dying struggle."

Yan Shifan learned the news and sneered dismissively.

The Uman clan had only one Jōnin and one Special Jōnin: one serving in the Police Department, the other an elderly, frail member staying at home.

Police Department personnel are not required to go on missions unless necessary, including such orders, so Yan Shifan directly transferred Uman Anzai into the Police Department, rejecting the summons.

As for the other Uman ninjas, whether they went or not made no difference.

Seeing their tactics easily resolved, Zhuanxin Xiaochun and Mizumon En sighed for a long time, staying awake all night.

The next day, Yan Shifan suggested, "Tomorrow is the Jōnin council; they might cause trouble again, so let's tighten the blockade, concentrate forces to guard the lands of Zhuanxin and Mizumon, leaving only the two of them who can't do much."

Shisui agreed, but then suddenly said, "I plan to visit the Mizumon assistant today; teacher, please inform them in advance for me."

Yan Shifan was taken aback, gave Shisui a deep look, but did not block him.

After Yan Shifan departed, Shisui looked at the sunrise and softly sighed, "We've finally come to this point, Grandfather, will we succeed tomorrow?"

(End of chapter)