Chapter 19: Righteousness

Although there are many genin in the camp, few dare to participate in the match; the top three were decided in just over half an hour: one Uchiha and two civilian ninja.

Amid the cheers of the crowd, Hui presented the rewards with a smile: three C-rank ninjutsu, which they could freely choose to match their attributes.

Although C-rank ninjutsu is widely sold in Konoha and costs only about one hundred thousand taels, it remains a significant expense for ordinary ninja.

After receiving the scrolls, the two were overjoyed, repeatedly bowing in thanks.

Seeing the two's happy smiles, Hui also felt very satisfied.

However, when it was the Uchiha genin's turn, although he still wore a smile, his eyes revealed a deep question.

The Uchiha genin lowered his head embarrassedly, swearing he had truly held back; to hold back he even activated his Copy Wheel Eye for assistance, fearing he might actually hit his opponent.

Alas, everything is fate, nothing can be done about it!

He seemed to have already foreseen that tonight Hui Uchiha would lecture him using the Uchiha way.

Holding the scrolls, the three fled the arena with varied expressions, one fleeing, two leaving.

After the genin match ended, the chunin match soon followed; compared to the genin, they had more means, unleashing various ninjutsu as if performing, which continually drew cheers from the crowd.

They enjoyed the match and also enjoyed the cheers; after everything ended, Hui delivered the rewards for the top three.

First place was a special-quality katana, second place a special-quality short sword, third place a special-quality kunai.

Although the three were initially disappointed that it wasn't a scroll, their expressions changed instantly once the weapons were in hand.

"What?! Weapons infused with chakra-conductive material!"

Everyone was shocked by the Uchiha's grand gesture; even the cheapest kunai among them was worth enough for them to outright purchase a powerful B-rank ninjutsu.

Even the jonin captains seated below Shisui couldn't help but cast envious glances.

"How can we train, there's no jonin match!"

Shisui heard clearly, but he also felt helpless; jonin are already strong enough that this kind of arena cannot accommodate their full exertion.

Moreover, those who survived the battlefield and sit here, once they start fighting, are bent on killing; accidents are easily caused, and even he cannot be absolutely certain to save everyone at the critical moment.

"If you all wish to exchange cultivation, feel free to come find me after returning to Konoha!"

Someone as strong as Shisui Uchiha could casually share some training insights and that would be enough for them to last a lifetime.

Upon hearing this, everyone raised their cups, saying: "Thank you, Lord Shisui!"

Late at night, the banquet concluded satisfactorily; people dispersed one after another, and Shisui also returned to his tent, only to see Sima Yi and Hui Uchiha already waiting inside.

Sima Yi being here is not strange, but why did Hui come over? "How do you feel?" Seeing Shisui enter the tent, Sima Yi asked softly.

"I drank too much water, feeling a bit bloated~"

Shisui rubbed his belly, giving an embarrassed smile.

He is not yet an adult, so he naturally does not drink alcohol; what fills his cup is entirely water.

Sima Yi smiled, understanding that the other was deliberately concealing, and said: "Tomorrow we will set out to return to Konoha; once there you will need more helpers, so from today onward let Hui study together with you."

"Yes, Master!"

Shisui's face showed joy; one more person means one more strength, and there are some things he had long wanted to tell Hui, but he feared affecting Sima Yi and inviting danger.

Hui, however, lowered his head, not very happy; he's already in his twenties and still learning nothing!

However, it is obvious that the two do not care about his opinion.

"Please sit down, let's talk about your impressions of today's banquet."

"Nothing much, just a bit tired."

Hui sighed, thinking carefully that he couldn't participate in today's banquet match, had hardly drunk any alcohol, and still worked a whole day.

Upon hearing this, Sima Yi shook his head and smiled, looking at Shisui. Shisui earnestly recalled everything from the banquet and said solemnly: "Master, was setting up the stage today perhaps to have me practice your teaching of combining kindness and authority?"

Sima Yi nodded with satisfaction: "Combining kindness and authority is necessary, but today's main purpose was still to help you further establish your prestige."

"But you previously emphasized that I, not being the Son of Heaven, need not make people feel heavy and distant; why today then?"

"No rush; first tell me what you felt when you ascended the high platform today."

Upon mentioning this, Shisui couldn't help but click his tongue in wonder: "It's a strange feeling; although it's just a few steps, I actually began to feel nervous before stepping onto them."

"After stepping up, although I clearly did nothing, everyone seemed to follow suit and become tense as well."

"This is prestige, this is power!"

"Power?"

The first thing that flashed in Shisui's mind was the Hokage.

"When you possess convincing power, countless eyes will gaze upon you; each of your actions and words will affect countless people."

"Just like the Hokage? His every word influences Konoha, influences every ninja?"

"Not bad; have you ever wondered why these ninja of the Village obey the Hokage's orders?" Sima Yi narrowed his eyes, a glint of sharpness flashing in them.

"Eh?"

Shisui froze, wondering why everyone listens to the Hokage.

Unaware of Shisui, Hui also wore a clueless expression, instinctively saying:

"Because... because he is the Hokage."

"Yes, and also no."

"... What is not yes, Uncle Yi, can't you stop being cryptic?"

"Hahaha, do you know how the position of the Third Hokage came about?"

Hui's eyes widened with spirit: "I know this; it was said at the ninja school opening that the Third Hokage assumed office in an emergency!"

Shisui nodded; the matters of past Hokage were still what he had discussed with Sima Yi.

"If back then the Second Hokage had chosen Shimura Danzo, would we today have to obey Danzo's orders?"

"This" Hui rubbed his head and slowly nodded, "Seems to be the principle."

Shisui also said: "If he is the Hokage, then we naturally ought to obey his orders; this is the duty of Leaf ninja."

"That is to say, you are not obeying the Third Generation, but obeying the person chosen by the Second Generation, obeying the Second Generation's orders."

"Shisui's eyes flickered slightly, as if he had grasped something, 'But the Second Generation was chosen by everyone after the First Generation's death, not from the First Generation's orders.'"

"Sima Yi also had a slight understanding of the First Generation; regarding this person, he temporarily refrained from judgment, merely continuing to ask: 'What if he is not the First Generation's younger brother, and not even a member of the Senju Clan?'"

"Setting aside the First Generation and the Senju Clan, would those people still choose Qianshou Feijian as Hokage?"

"Hard to say!"

"Unless he possesses the same strength as the First Generation, capable of subduing the entire Wood Leaf? Hold on!"

"Strength!"

"Shisui had a sudden flash of insight, and he finally understood."

"'It is the First Generation, it is the First Generation's strength; whether it is the Second Generation or later successive Hokage, what we obey is the First Generation's power.'"

"'Not bad, the First Generation led the Senju Clan to unite the Fire Country and establish Wood Leaf, possessing the power to sweep away all; his words and deeds would become righteousness, convincing all, this is what is called great righteousness!'"

"(End of chapter)"