Chapter 158: Midnight Meeting

"Clan Head, this was sent by the Uchiha, saying it's a visitation request."

In the Mizuto Clan territory, Mizuto Yan sat despondently in his study, racking his brain for a way to break the stalemate.

At that moment, a clan member suddenly walked in from outside the gate, holding something resembling a letter.

"Visitation request?"

Mizuto Yan was startled; he had never seen such a thing, but since it was delivered by a Uchiha, he had to examine it carefully.

Mizuto Yan took it, and then saw Shisui Uchiha's name.

"Shisui Uchiha wants to pay a formal visit?"

In the past year, Shisui Uchiha had only come to the Mizuto Clan territory twice: once during the New Year with gifts, but he never succeeded in entering the clan lands.

The other time, the day before yesterday, Shisui surrounded the entire Mizuto Clan territory with his men and then issued an order to seal off the lands.

"He already has the victory in hand, the Fifth's position will most likely be his; what does it mean that he comes to see me at this moment?"

Mizuto Yan was perplexed; his relationship with Shisui was not close enough for private meetings, especially since the other party even wanted to penetrate deep into Mizuto Clan territory, which seemed to disregard them entirely.

A nearby clan member whispered, "Should we reject them?"

"No need; they are the ones coming to us, not the other way around. They aren't afraid; why are you?"

Mizuto Yan, thinking of recent events, felt a bit irritated, barked once, then fell into thought again, and after a moment said, "Go reply to the Uchiha; I will wait for him inside the clan. Also, summon all Jonin of the clan back, set up ambushes on both sides, and obey my orders."

The ANBU are certainly unreliable; at this moment we can only rely on clan members. As for the Zhuanqin Clan, Mizuto Yan hesitated briefly and decided not to inform them.

"Do not let outsiders know about this."

"Understood!"

"Don't push yourself; you're too young, over‑training will harm your body. Move slowly; I will watch you."

In the Uchiha clan lands, at this time Shisui was training in real combat with Itachi in his own backyard.

Itachi's strength improved rapidly, but his body was his greatest weakness; being so young and not fully developed, his chakra reserves and stamina could not sustain prolonged battles.

Shisui sparred with Itachi while gently pointing out his mistakes; Itachi listened to Shisui's advice, constantly adjusting his body, like a huge sponge absorbing all surrounding moisture.

A moment later, Itachi began to fall behind Shisui's movements and instinctively activated his Copy Wheel Eye.

"You opened your eyes too early; the burden of the Copy Wheel Eye is too great. Unless absolutely necessary, do not use those eyes for now."

Earlier, Shisui would have thought the earlier the eyes opened, the better, but after some cautions from Orochimaru he realized that even for the Uchiha, the Copy Wheel Eye can still be a burden.

If one's constitution is not strong enough, Yin Release chakra will erode the flesh and may even trigger bloodstain disease.

Itachi obediently shut down the Copy Wheel Eye, but without its dynamic tracking ability, he found it increasingly hard to keep up with Shisui.

But Shisui had anticipated this, locking into a relentless attack at limit speed, making it hard for Itachi to block everything and constantly feel life‑threatening pressure, yet not causing immediate defeat.

At a certain moment, Shisui flicked Itachi's short blade away and pressed his sword against Itachi's throat.

Itachi froze, then stared straight at Shisui, and the two sealed a seal of reconciliation.

"Shisui‑bro, that's really over the line~"

Itachi suddenly said, and Shisui tilted his head, not understanding why Itachi said that.

"You told me not to use the Copy Wheel Eye, yet Shisui‑bro used it. That's over the line~"

"Eh? Uh… hehe, I did this to handle the match more calmly, to avoid accidentally hurting you."

"Really?"

Shisui nodded, gave an awkward smile; in truth he could still control the match, he just habitually opened the Copy Wheel Eye in combat.

"Of course, but Itachi's progress is truly fast; I believe it won't be long before he surpasses me as the Uchiha's top prodigy."

Shisui quickly changed the subject, patting Itachi's nape and said.

Itachi said sheepishly, "Shisui‑bro is the real genius."

The two locked eyes, then burst into hearty laughter.

"Clan Head, the Mizuto people have slipped back into the clan lands to recover; the Mizuto Clan advisor will wait inside for the Clan Head to arrive."

While they talked, Jin Huo suddenly came over to inform them.

"Then Shisui‑bro, you go ahead; I'll go find my father."

Seeing Jin Huo approach, Itachi suddenly remembered he still had to deliver lunch to his father at noon, and hurriedly said.

"Go ahead; I'll look for you later."

"Hmm~"

After Itachi left, Shisui pondered briefly then ordered Jin Huo, "Notify Gongping, take a small squad, and come with me to the Mizuto Clan territory tonight."

"Just one squad?"

Jin Huo twisted his face, looking at Shisui with some worry.

Shisui smiled gently, saying softly, "Don't worry; today we're going to trade with the Mizuto Clan assistant. They won't fight; the smaller the action, the better..."

"This"

Jin Huo wasn't old, but not foolish either; hearing Shisui's words made the corner of his mouth twitch.

"But we've offended the Mizuto Clan a lot lately, accumulating so much hatred. Sending only five people—what if they try to cheat?"

Shisui had already thought it through; hearing that, he looked at Jin Huo and slowly explained, "It's true we have a dispute with the Mizuto Clan, but ultimately..."

"The Mizuto Clan assistant is a smart person but lacks his own opinions; as long as I lay out the pros and cons, he'll consider them clearly."

Even if Mizuto Yan cannot decide immediately, once he hesitates he will, in practice, lean toward Shisui.

But Shisui said no more; after a brief explanation he left first.

"Lord Shisui, please."

That night, Shisui brought Uchiha Gongping and three others to the Mizuto Clan territory; the Mizuto Clan members had already been waiting, and upon seeing them arrive, they respectfully ushered them inside.

Shisui nodded at the scene, remarking that this was his first time being invited into Mizuto Clan territory.

As he expected, the Mizuto Clan people held some resentment toward the Uchiha but not outright hatred.

However, if he could persuade both assistants it would be of great benefit to him; unfortunately, the conflict between Zhuan Qin and the Uchiha is growing ever more intense, and Zhuan Qin Xiao Chun is not a rational person, so one of them must be removed.

At this moment, Shisui and several others, led by members of the Mizuto Clan, slowly arrived at Mizuto En's residence.

The group entered the courtyard and stood before Mizuto En's study; Shisui turned to the four of them and said, "Wait here; I'll be right back."

"Yes."

Having said that, Shisui entered the study alone; as soon as he stepped in, Mizuto En looked up and stared straight at him.

"Assistant En."

Shisui's expression was gentle, his words respectful, showing no trace of the usual sharpness.

"Please sit."

Mizuto En's expression softened a bit, but he seemed unwilling to entangle further with Shisui, and asked directly, "Speak, what brings you to me suddenly?" Shisui smiled warmly and reached into his coat.

With a single motion, several figures emerged from the shadows, each bearing a long blade pressed against Shisui's neck.

Shisui's face remained calm, his movements unceasing, as if unaware of the people surrounding him.

Mizuto En watched Shisui's display and couldn't help but marvel; his mind instantly recalled a saying now circulating among the ninja clans.

"A child should be like Uchiha Shisui."

However, Mizuto En thought further, remembering Uchiha Kagami, who studied under the same master as him.

"Having a grandson like that is truly enviable!"

Looking at Shisui's face, Mizuto En's demeanor became a bit dazed; after a moment he waved away the people surrounding Shisui.

At the right moment, Shisui took a document from his coat and placed it on Mizuto En's desk.

"This is…"

Mizuto En looked puzzled, lifted his hand, took it, and skimmed through it.

At a single glance, his complexion changed dramatically!

When the Third Hokage was healthy and still able to oversee the Leaf Village, Mizuto En had been handling its financial affairs.

The saying that when one person attains the Dao, his chickens and dogs ascend too; as an advisor in a high position, he naturally benefited his own clan.

Many members of the Mizuto Clan entered those departments under his arrangement, assisting in managing the Leaf Village's finances.

Although large transactions required the Third's seal, they could still handle minor matters, especially internal taxation of the Leaf Village.

However, such departments inevitably bred corruption.

Mizuto En had always been aware, but since it was his own clan, and compared with medical and other fields the gains were negligible, so he turned a blind eye.

The Mizuto Clan thus grew a little stronger.

But when these matters were exposed publicly, Mizuto En's composure was shattered.

He abruptly looked up at Shisui, his heart filled with terror.

The document detailed transactions between his clan members and the village merchants.

Bribery, tax evasion, embezzlement of public funds—item after item, entry after entry.

He knew that once this data leaked, the Mizuto Clan's reputation would be ruined instantly; moreover, the Police Department could intervene and wipe out the clan's leadership, including him.

Even without the Police Department's action, the fury of civilian ninjas would be enough to drown the entire Mizuto Clan.

The pressure mounted at the front and rear within a few breaths; Mizuto En's clothes were damp with sweat, his hand trembling slightly, while Shisui smiled and retrieved another document from his coat.

"Assistant En, take a look; this document isn't that secretive."

Seeing Mizuto En hesitate, Shisui said in a warm tone.

Mizuto En frowned at the words, realizing he couldn't avoid it, and took the document to examine it again.

Shisui hadn't deceived him; it was merely a list.

The list recorded every ninja of the Mizuto Clan, even those the clan had concealed.

It included, among others, Mizuto En himself: 13 Jonin, 57 Chunin, and 30 Genin.

The Mizuto Clan was merely a small family; its strength came from his assistance, the result of years of siphoning from the Leaf Village.

The document, besides ranks and names, also indicated each person's approximate location—whether in the Leaf Village or on various frontlines.

"What does this mean?"

Mizuto En breathed rapidly, irritated and angry; Shisui first presented evidence, then the list—was he indicating he could wipe out all Mizuto Clan ninjas at any time?

Compared with Mizuto En's fury, Shisui appeared far more composed; he said calmly, "Advisor En and my grandfather were both disciples of the Second Hokage; I heard your relationship has always been good, so by seniority I should address you as Grandpa En."

Shisui did not answer, but instead brought up the past.

Mizuto En was startled, gave Shisui a deep look, steadied himself, then nodded and said, "Indeed, my relationship with Kagami has always been good; logically, as an elder, I should lend you a hand when a junior like you wants to act, but—"

"Each family has its own difficulties; I understand."

After all, the Uchiha have indeed done many foolish deeds, but we cannot fixate on a single mistake and nail an entire clan to a pillar of disgrace; there must be a chance for redemption.

Now, the Leaf Village faces crises both inside and out, the ninja world is in turmoil; though I am unremarkable, I know that without a village there is no family, so my clan is willing to contribute modestly, sacrificing everything alongside other families and clans for the livelihood of the Leaf Village.

Today, the Jonin Council is imminent; the Hokage position is not my desire, yet whether for the village or the clan, it must be contested. My visit today has no ulterior motive; I merely wish to express my devotion to the village.

If someday fortune smiles and I succeed, I only hope Advisor En, for the sake of his grandfather, will set aside this enmity and move forward together with Shisui and the Leaf Village.

After speaking, Shisui bowed, then after a long pause rose, his gaze sincere as he looked at Mizuto En.

Mizuto En's expression was extremely complex; after living so many years, he understood Shisui's words quite well.

He looked at Shisui, increasingly jealous of Uchiha Kagami, thinking why such a fine grandson wasn't his.

He closed his eyes, lingered, sighed, and said, "I understand. You may return."

Although nothing was promised, Shisui smiled gently, "Since that is so, I shall depart now; Grandpa En, please rest early."

Having said that, he turned and left the study; the four who had remained in the courtyard immediately approached and left together.

In the study, Mizuto En looked at the two documents on the desk and rubbed his forehead.

"Uchiha Shisui, is this a request for the clan head to assist at tomorrow's Jonin Council? He seems quite easy to talk to."

Several ninjas who had been hiding in the study slowly stepped out, among them a middle‑aged man who was the heir of the Mizuto Clan, Mizuto Nagi.

He came to Mizuto En's side and asked curiously.

Mizuto En glanced at him, felt speechless, then waved the others away and handed him a document.

"What is this? A gift?"

Mizuto Nagi became interested, took the document, skimmed it, and his face instantly turned deathly pale.

"This, this, this"

"Do you like it, a gift from the Uchiha."

Mizuto Nagi forced an awkward smile, quickly set it down, then looked toward the outside of the courtyard and said, "They uncovered this; why not just keep them."

Mizuto En shook his head; although he considered his own strength decent, ever since he was trapped in an illusion by Shisui's gaze, he understood that he was certainly no match for Shisui.

On the other hand, "Tomorrow is the Jonin meeting; there's no need to make a fuss, and the Uchiha won't take action against us."

Mizuto En's mood was complicated; he gave no further explanation, and after Mizuto Nagi also left, he sighed slowly, "Shall we move forward together?"

At the same time, fifty li from Konoha, in a luxurious convoy, Danzo gazed toward Konoha's direction, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"The position of the Fifth Hokage will ultimately still be mine."

(End of chapter)