Chapter 60: Plum Blooms Twice

"Is this Mao Ke?"

In the evening, Shisui and Itachi looked at the plump cat that had appeared in the house and couldn't help but gather around.

Shisui raised his hand to stroke Mao Ke and sighed, "Long time no see; it seems Brother Hui has indeed been doing well lately~"

"It feels like you're speaking ill of me, Meow~"

Mao Ke was displeased, but did not refuse Shisui's affectionate gesture.

Itachi stared blankly, seeming quite interested.

"You brat, what are you looking at? This lord isn't someone just anyone can pet, Meow!" Mao Ke flicked his head, directly avoiding Itachi's gaze, and turned his rear toward him.

"Haha, Mao Ke, this is Itachi Uchiha, son of clan leader Fugaku," Shisui said with a laugh, introducing him.

"Nani? You're the son of Lord Fugaku? Meow?"

Mao Ke's expression changed; he quickly twisted back, leaning forward and rubbing against Itachi's thigh.

"I see, no wonder I felt so friendly when I saw you, Meow~"

Shisui twitched the corner of his mouth; although it wasn't his first time learning about these ninja cats' attitudes, seeing it again with his own eyes still made it hard to stay calm.

Itachi merely smiled at the sight, then couldn't help but reach out to touch.

Mao Ke obediently closed his eyes, occasionally purring, as if thoroughly enjoying it.

"If you're interested, Itachi, when you have time I can have Mao Ke take you to Granny Cat's shop. These ninja cats aren't spirit beasts, but they're quite formidable and serve as suppliers of much of our Uchiha clan's intelligence and weapons."

Itachi petted Mao Ke's compliant nod, but clearly he lacked the time and mood at that moment.

After the meal, Itachi left Shisui's house; Mao Ke, though reluctant to leave the thigh, found the outside too cold and, being accustomed to staying indoors, didn't want to go out.

Meanwhile, Shisui was summoned once again by Sima Yi to the study.

He handed two pieces of intelligence to Shisui, saying, "Take a look at this."

"Two ANBU squads, capturing spies"

Shisui skimmed it quickly and immediately said, "Looks like this is the Third Hokage's show of favor and intimidation, right?"

"Correct, but for you the focus isn't here; it's on the Great Elder's actions."

"Great Elder?"

Shisui frowned and said, "Such actions might invite criticism; the medical ninja consultant could likely seize the opportunity to make a case."

Sima Yi nodded, approving Shisui's analysis, and continued, "The Third Hokage's bottom line is that the Uchiha must never be driven to a Coup. He has just pacified the Uchiha, so he won't permit further provocation, though Village gossip is inevitable."

He said while staring at Shisui, "So this is a good opportunity; you can voluntarily offer to help him resolve this issue."

Shisui's expression shifted slightly; he didn't respond immediately, but thought it over, and after a moment he realized, "Grandfather wants me to use this chance to approach the Great Elder!"

"Hahaha, good!"

Sima Yi nodded satisfied and said plainly, "Seems you still remember my instruction; the Hokage's trust is the most important."

Shisui felt a bit embarrassed at the words, "It's thanks to Grandfather's daytime guidance; Grandfather wants me to persuade the Great Elder, but rashly contacting him could arouse the Third Hokage's suspicion."

Now that this has happened, using the chance to persuade the Great Elder for another matter truly is a rare opportunity.

"I'll go consult the Third Hokage tomorrow!"

"Convincing the Third Hokage isn't hard, but how will you persuade the Great Elder?"

Shisui pondered; the persuasion Sima Yi mentioned wasn't just about the clan head position, but also about urging a change of stance on today's medical ninja issue.

He is confident he can convince the other to support him becoming clan head, but the latter may be more troublesome than the former.

Using the Will of Fire? At one moment Shisui actually thought of the Will of Fire, and he laughed at himself.

Sima Yi saw the change in his expression and instantly felt delighted, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Shisui shook his head repeatedly, explaining, "I just suddenly thought of the Will of Fire, but using that as a reason would probably be hard to convince the Great Elder, that stubborn person."

Saying that, Shisui gave an awkward laugh, yet he saw a flash of shock in Sima Yi's eyes.

"No, that can't be."

"Lean in, listen to my words; when you meet the Great Elder, you only need to do this."

"Third Hokage, I heard the Great Elder privately recalled the supporting medical ninja; such actions disgrace the Uchiha clan and seriously endanger the Village's allies."

"I cannot stand by idly; I earnestly request the Third Hokage to order his immediate detention!"

The next day, in the Hokage's office, Shisui faced the Third Hokage; his words were sharp, outlining pros and cons, his voice even laced with anger.

The Third Hokage looked at the anxious Shisui, feeling both puzzled and very gratified, thinking his efforts for the Uchiha these past days were not in vain.

Being at home yet still worrying about the Village's future—that's what truly having the Will of Fire looks like!

But he sighed, "The Village and the Uchiha have long-standing misunderstandings; his actions are somewhat understandable. How could I punish him for this?"

"But!"

Shisui looked up, his expression agitated and very unwilling.

"Shisui, the Uchiha are also the Village's allies; I cannot force him with such a method."

"So for the sake of the Village, I've decided to go negotiate with him personally, hoping that, out of respect for my old bones, he'll help everyone once more."

Shisui, seeing the Third Hokage's stooped figure, was moved; clenching his teeth, he rose at once and said, "No, Third Hokage, let me go instead. I'll persuade the Great Elder to agree, by any means!"

"You?"

"You're also Uchiha; doing this would make it hard for you to stand in the clan."

"For the Village, for the Third Hokage, this sacrifice is nothing!"

"Please, Third Hokage, give me a chance, give the Uchiha a chance."

"Very well, since you're so determined, I'll let you try once; if you fail, I'll handle it myself."

"Yes, thank you, Third Hokage."

Shisui lowered his head, feeling a bit weary; he had really wanted to witness a three‑step concession, and didn't expect that a slight insistence would make the other side agree.

"If there's anything you need from me, just speak up."

Seeing the Third give his consent, Shisui made a thoughtful pose, hesitated a moment and said: "If the Great Elder agrees to let the clan's medical ninjas return, could their missions be a little lighter?"

The Third nodded; he had anticipated this request, and immediately said: "This is a mistake of the medical department; I will discuss it with the infirmary assistant."

"Also, the clan members are not good at communication and always clash with the wounded, so I hope that after they return they can provide support in small squads."

The Third was startled, thought for a moment and then agreed, after all the Uchiha are not good at communication; if they stay together they can remind each other to restrain themselves a bit.

Shisui was overjoyed and hurriedly said: "Thank you, Third Lord; if it's like that, the Great Elder will surely agree!"

"Then I entrust you with the trip, Shisui."

"Yes!"

Updates won't be available until 8 p. m. tomorrow; please take note! Tonight at 8 p. m., ha~ (End of chapter)