Chapter 66: It

Shisui really hasn't considered a one‑on‑one with the Hokage.

I heard that during the Nine‑Tails incident, the Third Hokage alone drove the Nine‑Tails out of Konoha; the Nine‑Tails is the strongest of all tailed beasts, and the Third's power is indisputable. If you duel him without any divine aid, the outcome would be hard to predict.

Then how does his strength compare to the First Hokage's?

Shisui shook his head. "I've never met the First Hokage, but the Nine‑Tails was subdued by him, so he must be extremely powerful. The Great Elder might know the exact details; I can find time to ask."

"Then that's settled; since your strength is sufficient within the clan, we can accelerate our actions." Sima Yi, hearing this, stopped probing; after all, the Hokage is a future enemy, but for now remains their backing.

"The Great Elder has already agreed to help me; should I go persuade the Second Elder next?"

"No need; convincing the Great Elder is enough. As for the rest, you needn't worry. First master those forbidden arts; the upcoming actions just require you to observe and learn, and I'll have you step forward when necessary."

"Alright, Grandfather."

Shisui, without hesitation, was obedient and about to get up to train, but Sima Yi called him back.

"By the way, Jin Huo is training in the backyard; go give him some guidance, and remember not to be too harsh."

Sima Yi lifted his teacup and, seemingly casually, reminded him.

"Hm?"

Shisui's gaze froze; perhaps after staying long beside Sima Yi, he vaguely sensed the implication behind the words.

"Alright, Grandfather, I'll watch my limits."

"We've completed the procurement of the items on the list per the steward's request; here's the ledger. Due to the heavy snow, the latter portion's prices are a bit higher than during the earlier survey."

In the evening, Sima Yi summoned Yu Zhibo Xuehua to inquire about the previous procurement results.

"No problem, you did well."

Sima Yi glanced at the list in his hand, nodded with satisfaction; Xuehua lowered her head and listened respectfully.

"Go fetch Ying Shu and Jin Huo."

"Understood."

After Xuehua stepped back, Jin Huo and the other arrived quickly.

The moment they entered, Sima Yi saw Jin Huo with a bruised, swollen face.

Feigning ignorance, Sima Yi asked curiously, "How did you end up like this?"

Jin Huo placed his hands on his hips, replied proudly, "These are the marks from sparring with Lord Shisui. Don't be fooled by my appearance; I held out for a long time too!"

"Sss— Ouch—"

As Jin Huo spoke, he suddenly inhaled a sharp breath, apparently touching the wound, and hurriedly covered his face, wailing in pain.

Ying Shu chuckled nearby; fortunately Shisui's strike was measured. Though it looked terrible, it didn't actually damage muscles or bones, and with a ninja's constitution it would heal on its own in two or three days.

"Is that so? Then that's indeed impressive."

Sima Yi smiled, tossed out a compliment, then ordered, "Since it's fine, go to the Police Department and bring Hui over."

"Alright, Uncle Yi! Leave it to me!"

Upon receiving the task, Jin Huo was eager, turned to pull Ying Shu away, but Sima Yi added, "Ying Shu stays; you have another mission."

"Understood."

Jin Huo was startled; though curious, he didn't think much, gave Ying Shu an encouraging gesture, and left first.

"These past days the heavy snow hasn't stopped; go inform them and scout within the clan lands to see if anything has happened."

Sima Yi said this while pulling out a stack of banknotes and handing them to Ying Shu.

Ying Shu took them, instantly grasped Sima Yi's meaning, and nodded, "I'll go right now!" Shortly after the two left, Hui rushed in, still with a trace of alcohol on him.

The moment he saw Sima Yi, Hui sobered instantly, using chakra to expel the alcohol from his body, then asked, "Uncle Yi, is there another operation?"

"You go inform those merchants: starting tomorrow, raise the prices of firewood, rice, oil, and salt a little each day; before the New Year, increase them by at least thirty percent, but not more than fifty percent. Pay attention to grain; a thirty‑percent rise is sufficient."

"Remember, you must stay out of sight for this."

Hui was startled, quickly asking, "Is it a money shortage? I have plenty here; Uncle Yi, you can take it first."

Sima Yi waved his hand, his expression solemn as he looked at Hui, "It has nothing to do with money; take it back yourself. These merchants must be controlled; tell them that if they obey, we can find a way to send their children to the ninja school."

He said nothing about what to do if they refuse.

Seeing Sima Yi's sharp words, Hui dared not delay, "Don't worry, Uncle Yi, I'll keep an eye on them."

"Also, tell those outside to keep a close watch on the villagers during this period; any sign of movement must be reported promptly, and remember not to be stingy with rewards."

"Got it!"

"That's all for now; later, go to Xuehua, get some New Year goods, then return to the Police Department, saying Shisui bought them specially today out of good spirits."

"Huh? That's it?"

He rushed over, hadn't even taken a sip of water, and was sent back?

"Weren't you still drinking? Go, don't neglect those people."

"Heh heh, indeed~"

Hui chuckled, turned and left; Sima Yi then dispatched Jin Huo, who had run back, and continued perusing various scrolls.

Early the next morning, Ying Shu handed the results of his all‑night effort to Sima Yi and Shisui.

"These are the people affected by the heavy snow over the past three days; many houses have collapsed, and some clan members were already in difficult households."

Sima Yi, after reviewing, nodded with satisfaction, "Not bad. You go rest for now; tonight go again to tell them these matters and report daily thereafter. I will give them sufficient compensation."

"Understood."

After Ying Shu left, Shisui asked, "Ordinary clan members already live frugally; this snowstorm hasn't shown signs of stopping. Should we continue recruiting more people to help?"

Sima Yi shook his head, saying calmly, "It's not the time yet; let the snow fall a bit longer."

Shisui opened his mouth, feeling reluctant, but ultimately said nothing and left silently.

The heavy snow finally ceased completely after three days; the following three days brought only intermittent flakes, and the total accumulation was less than any previous single day, so no large‑scale snow disaster occurred.

Nevertheless, many people were still affected.

Beyond Konoha, the roads are blocked, and the Third Generation issues daily tasks to clear the snow.

"This is today's situation; some clan members have been affected, the Fugaku clan chief is busy with his first pilgrimage and seems not to have noticed yet, there's no movement within the clan, but Lord Shisui, he."

Ying Shu said, hesitating a bit.

"No problem, let him go; in two days it will be the New Year. Call Jin Huo to mingle with peers in the clan, and also help Shisui deliver some New Year goods."

"Yes!"

Ying Shu obeyed and immediately left.

Sima Yi looked at the information and couldn't help but smile; Shisui ultimately still could not ignore the clan's suffering and chose to covertly lend them a hand.

Although it went against his plan, the effect was the same, and he was not angry.

"It's time; we can begin the next step."

"It's gone, truly gone, still…! (End of chapter)"