Chapter 4: Where There Is Action, There Is Purpose

"This attack, both you and the rear guard share fault — this cannot be shirked."

"However, the fact that you managed to bring people for rescue ahead of the rear guard and salvage the situation in time — that is your advantage."

"As for your disadvantage, it lies in the very same thing."

Shisui wore a bitter expression. That bringing people for rescue was an advantage, he could understand; but that it was likewise a disadvantage left him unable to figure it out.

Sima Yi, seeing his confusion, continued to explain.

"Wounded soldiers are always low in spirit, and having suffered such heavy losses in this attack, resentment is bound to breed. Though you saved them, you also exposed yourself before them.

With just a little prodding, they will pour all that grievance onto you — that is your disadvantage."

Shisui suddenly understood, and immediately recalled the scene where, after one word from Korobi Kahori, the crowd turned on each other.

"I see. So by that logic, doesn't Minatoguchi Shogo have the same situation — one advantage and one disadvantage?"

Sima Yi smiled and nodded. "Not bad. The pupil is teachable."

"But Teacher, why would they do this? The war is almost over — aren't they afraid that if something goes wrong, the Mist ninja will abandon their retreat and the war will drag on?"

Sima Yi raised his head, hiding the indifference in his eyes, and said calmly, "So what? It's not them who die."

Shisui fell silent. He opened his mouth several times wanting to argue, but the scenes playing in his mind kept telling him firmly that the Teacher was right.

Korobi Kahori, the medical corps captain; Minatoguchi Shogo, the rear camp guard captain — unless the situation was urgent, they would not go up to the front line.

"Where there is action, there is purpose.

They must have received word in advance that the war was about to end, and your contribution in this war has been extraordinary. They need a pretext to suppress your achievements — or rather, the achievements of the Uchiha."

Shisui Uchiha, whether within the Uchiha or within the Village, holds extraordinary influence. Especially on the eastern front, Konoha had nearly held the line by his effort alone.

"Just for the sake of merit, they would put comrades in danger — people like that!"

Shisui clenched his teeth, his eyes full of fury.

"You must learn to appreciate the enemy's methods, not merely be angry."

"."

"Heh heh, and you don't have time to be angry either. If nothing unexpected happens, they'll make their move at daybreak — you need to be prepared."

Shisui's face went bitter. He thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "Teacher, you mean they'll pin the Mist ninja attack on me at today's jonin meeting?"

"Correct. Right after those two hostages are handed over."

"Their actions amount to colluding with the enemy — betraying the Village. The Mist ninja are still in my hands; I have witnesses. As long as I make this public tomorrow—"

Shisui's eyes lit up, but he stopped before he could finish.

For some reason, just from Sima Yi's calm gaze, he knew the other man did not approve.

"Witnesses? What witnesses? Did they personally see anyone from the rear camp?"

"N-no."

Minatoguchi wasn't fool enough to send someone to the enemy camp with a message — most likely it was just a carrier pigeon, or even a stone.

"Then what do you think of the Uchiha's standing in Konoha?"

"Very poor."

Though deeply unwilling, Shisui had to answer in a low voice. Ever since the Nine-Tails incident, the Uchiha had nearly been utterly disgraced.

"A clan of genjutsu, a notorious family — if they produce a witness, will anyone believe them?"

Shisui went pale. Only then did he realize that if he truly produced a witness, he would likely be bitten back in return.

"Teacher, if witnesses are useless, then what should I do?"

"Hahaha, having no witnesses doesn't stop you from accusing them of colluding with the enemy and betraying the Village. Think carefully — some things aren't as complicated as you imagine. Sometimes you can use the simplest method."

"The simplest method?" Shisui's expression shifted. He slowly lowered his head; the three-tomoe appeared, and his heart wavered in indecision.

Thud~ The wooden skewer struck his head. Shisui instinctively rubbed it — no pain.

Sima Yi's mouth twitched. The moment Shisui lowered his head, he knew what the other was about to do, and couldn't help but scold lightly, "Brute!"

Shisui's face flushed red, and he said nothing.

"Uchiha Hui — what do you make of this man?"

"Brother Hui? His temperament is a bit impetuous, but in private he's actually very kind. He always used to look after me. His strength is considerable — he's a trustworthy man."

"A fellow clansman, impetuous in temperament, trustworthy and powerful — hahaha, excellent. Come closer and listen."

"Yes, Teacher."

"Tomorrow, you need only do this—"

Shisui leaned in to listen, and gradually a light shone in his eyes as he nodded again and again.

At daybreak, a ninja came to deliver word: Nara Suzaku had convened a meeting to discuss the withdrawal of troops.

Upon receiving the summons, Shisui and Uchiha Hui immediately set out for the command tent.

"Hm?"

The moment Uchiha Hui entered the tent, a flicker of puzzlement crossed Nara Suzaku's eyes.

According to past惯例, at such meetings each clan would generally send only one jonin to state its position; even those civilian jonin would only choose representatives to attend.

They would not all come in person — otherwise, even for Konoha as it was now, the number of jonin on a single front could not be contained in a single tent.

Nara Suzaku keenly sensed something was off, but he said nothing.

Sweeping his gaze over the more than twenty people in the tent, he spoke at once, his voice ringing out, "The Hokage's latest directive — the war between Konoha and Kirigakure is over. Everyone, we have successfully protected the Village!"

"It's finally over!"

"We won!"

A cheer immediately rose in the tent — some excited, some subdued, some choking with sobs. Shisui wore a smile, unable to hide the joy in his heart.

A portion of those present remained calm throughout; they had already learned the news the day before.

"Alright, everyone quiet down. Next I will assign the tasks that follow. Stay sharp — don't give the Mist ninja any opening."

Withdrawing troops is also a matter of learning; Nara Suzaku did not relax in the slightest just because the war had ended, carefully issuing every order to ensure nothing was left to chance.

By the time everything was finished, it was already noon.

"That is all for the recent missions. Please carry them out carefully, and may you all return safely to Konoha!"

"Yes!"

The crowd rose and answered in unison; a portion of them, expressions excited, lifted their feet and headed outside.

"Wait!"

Just then, a sharp shout rang out. Rotomakura Kae, who had been seated all along on Nara Suzaku's left, suddenly made her move, her expression stern as she pointed at the two Uchiha.

"Uchiha Shisui, why yesterday did you—"

Thud~ Before the words had finished, Uchiha Hui struck first, slapping the table and leaping up, his expression even more savage as he pointed at Mizutomon Shougo, who had remained silent in a corner, and demanded loudly: "Mizutomon Shougo, are you not going to explain to everyone why yesterday you allowed the Mist ninja to raid the rear camp?"

Allowed?

The moment these words were spoken, the crowd halted, one after another shifting their gazes from Shisui to Mizutomon Shougo.

Rotomakura Kae's face changed and her body faltered; Nara Suzaku cast a deep glance at Shisui; Mizutomon Shougo's pupils contracted, and he instinctively looked toward Rotomakura Kae.

Begging for bookmarks, begging for recommendations, a new author begs and begs~

(End of chapter)