Chapter 70: The Naturally Evil Uchiha Brat

"Third Generation Elder, Happy New Year."

Having received permission, Shisui was led by members of the Sarutobi Clan into their lands, and to his surprise, even this short stretch revealed that the Sarutobi Clan was more powerful and prosperous than he had imagined.

"Hahaha, I didn't expect that on the first day of the New Year Shisui would come to visit this old man."

Third Generation, dressed in casual clothes, was sitting outside the hall, inhaling Smoke, and smiled warmly upon seeing Shisui being brought in.

"On the first day of the New Year one should visit respected and trustworthy elders; Third Generation Elder is exactly that kind of person in my heart!"

Shisui shook his head repeatedly, looking at Third Generation with sincere expression as he spoke.

"A respected and trustworthy elder? Ahahaha~"

Third Generation was moved, and couldn't help but laugh heartily, adding, "Having someone like you in the Village truly puts us at ease; I'm really envious of Jing, that guy, for having such a sensible and outstanding grandson."

"No, Third Generation Elder, I owe my present self to your guidance, all because of the Will of Fire!"

Shisui hesitated slightly, then continued.

"Today is the New Year; you are a guest visiting me, so there's no need to call me 'Elder'—you may be more informal."

Third Generation smiled, turned with Shisui toward the living room, and someone immediately came to serve them tea and water.

"But would that be too disrespectful?"

Shisui's expression wavered, but he heard Third Generation continue, "This is the Hokage's order, though I would like to say"

"Jing is a companion I trust; if possible, I would like you to call me Sarutobi Grandfather."

Seeing Third Generation persist, Shisui, though reluctant, could only say, "Then, Third Generation Grandfather?"

"Ahahaha, that works, here you go; this is a red envelope from Third Generation Grandfather."

Third Generation smiled, took a red envelope from his chest, and Shisui immediately stepped forward to receive it, then stared blankly at the envelope, a bit dazed.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's just that today I also visited the clan head and several clan elders, and was turned away by the Elder; this is the first time today someone gave me a red envelope, thank you, Third Generation Grandfather."

Shisui's voice was a little hoarse, with a hint of disappointment in his words.

"I see, the Uchiha matters have been hard on you."

"It's fine; the one truly struggling is Third Generation Grandfather. If it weren't for you during this period, the conflicts between several assistants and the clan elders would likely have become more intense."

"The misunderstandings between the clan and the Village would also likely have deepened; all of this is Third Generation Grandfather's credit, thank you!"

Shisui bowed respectfully, his words sincere.

"The Uchiha clan is also a part of the Village, but don't blame the assistants too much; the conflict between the Village and the Uchiha has a long history, they aren't deliberately targeting you. If possible, I hope you can understand each other."

Third Generation patted Shisui's shoulder and continued, "Why not take this opportunity, Shisui, to visit them as well? Perhaps you can clarify matters, and later everyone can protect the Village together."

"Can I really do it?"

Shisui frowned, looking somewhat troubled.

Third Generation nodded, showing a kindly smile, "Go ahead, give it a try."

"Since Third Generation Grandfather says so, I'll go right now!"

After speaking, Shisui bowed and took his leave, departing the Sarutobi lands under the gaze of the Sarutobi clan members.

After Shisui left, Third Generation glanced at the gift box beside him and couldn't help but smile, murmuring, "If only this kid Shisui were the Uchiha clan head." Meanwhile, Shisui, bearing the gifts, visited Zhi Cun Tuan Zang and Zhuan Qin Xiao Chun in succession.

Their responses were: Zhi Cun Tuan Zang: "A naturally evil Uchiha brat? What is he doing here? Not seeing him!"

Zhuan Qin Xiao Chun: "What does a greedy Uchiha want from me? Send him away!"

As expected, Shisui was turned away by both, and not even the gifts were delivered inside.

Only Shui Hu Men Yan was somewhat kinder; Shisui's gift was taken into the clan lands, but after hearing that the other two had turned him away, he also advised Shisui to leave.

"I had long guessed this could happen, but the Zhuan Qin assistant and the Zhi Cun Tuan Zang assistant really do hate me; the Shui Hu Men Yan assistant seems a bit better, yet still turned me away."

"Why do these three assistants despise the Uchiha so much? I originally wanted to use the chance to approach Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, but alas."

Back home, Shisui recounted the outcomes of today's visits to Sima Yi.

"Perhaps only Zhi Cun Tuan Zang truly hates the Uchiha, but someone like him probably also acts for some interests we don't know."

"The Zhuan Qin assistant does so because of tangible benefits like the great name's funding, while the Shui Hu Men Yan assistant is more about seizing the moment."

After listening, Sima Yi analyzed the three assistants' motives for Shisui.

Shisui nodded; he could gradually guess these things, but not see through them as clearly as Sima Yi.

"Then the Elder probably doesn't want to get too close to me, lest others suspect me,"

"Indeed."

Sima Yi nodded, then praised, "Your handling today was proper, but if you had been more proactive when Third Generation first hinted, it might have been better."

"Never! To me, Grandfather is the only one; if he hadn't taken the initiative, I wouldn't have used the title Grandfather!"

Shisui immediately shook his head, his stance unwavering.

"Oh?"

Sima Yi was surprised; recognizing a Grandfather is not a big deal to him, yet he hadn't expected Shisui to be so resistant—some emotions in this world indeed transcend profit.

"I see, but Third Generation did remind me of something."

Seeing Shisui so resolute, Sima Yi smiled and gave up, then took a red envelope from his chest, stroked Shisui's head, and softly said, "Happy New Year."

Shisui's face flushed; he took the red envelope, nodded excitedly, "Hmm, Happy New Year, thank you, Grandfather~"

The red envelope contained no money nor any precious items, only an ordinary rope, apparently a prop from Sima Yi.

Shisui did not open it; he solemnly put it away.

"Rest well; tonight replenish your spirit, and starting tomorrow many people should come. The upcoming period will be very busy."

"Many people coming? Who?" Shisui was startled and asked instinctively.

Although his status in the clan is high, few have visited him proactively in the past two or three years, perhaps due to a lack of common ground.

Sima Yi chuckled lightly, "Today I've had Jin Huo and his group send the items out; barring any mishap, starting tomorrow the clan's ninjas should all come to visit, including people from the Police Department; you must handle them well."

A New Year visit, undoubtedly a way to narrow the gap, letting them get to know Shisui, and also a perfect chance for Shisui to rally the clan members.

Shisui likewise understood this, and though he is not very adept at it, he said with resolute eyes, "I understand, I'll do my best!"

(End of chapter)