Chapter 74: If Only Lord Shisui Became Clan Head

"Alright then, seems I was overthinking. Thank you for your effort; tomorrow you don't have to go with those two, just go to work with peace of mind."

After the meal, Hui found time to report Itachi's performance to Sima Yi.

Sima Yi nodded; Itachi is still a child, and since his thinking can still be corrected there's no problem. There's no need to risk Shisui losing composure and disrupting the plan by eliminating him.

. Why do I still have to go to work? I really don't want to.

Hui twitched the corner of his mouth; he had intended to relax, but Sima Yi's reminder made him realize he was only on leave.

Sima Yi smiled, and seeing the other still staying here, said, "I remember before the year…"

That's true, as expected of Uncle Yi, the Police Department matters are indeed important. I must hurry back to rest so I can have the energy to protect everyone in the Konoha tomorrow! That's all, tell Shisui to keep it up for me, good night!

Before Sima Yi could finish, Hui clapped his hands, as if just remembering something, hurriedly interrupted the conversation, spoke to himself, and then dashed away.

Before leaving, he also helped Sima Yi close the door.

This kid.

Sima Yi let out a light laugh, shook his head, and didn't mind.

Thanks for today, Grandpa!

Shortly after Hui left, Shisui also entered the study, stood before the desk and solemnly gave thanks.

Sima Yi asked calmly, "Because of Itachi?"

Shisui first nodded, then after a moment of silence slowly shook his head, "Because of Itachi, but not entirely because of Itachi. You made me realize my former shallowness; I am immensely grateful!"

"You still haven't realized."

Sima Yi sighed; he wished he could tell Shisui that.

Why does he place these people last? Because he simply doesn't care about ordinary folks; to them these people should be of the least value.

Yet Shisui saw his so‑called shallowness in those people.

By now, Sima Yi could not be unaware of the two's ideological differences; however, he has never been rigid. Since the other side is hard to change and he cannot replace them, a little compliance is acceptable.

As long as it doesn't affect the overall situation.

Self‑reflect three times, summarize mistakes; the fact that you have this awakening already shows great growth.

It's all thanks to Grandpa's teaching.

Take those supplies and distribute them to them as soon as possible; for especially struggling clan members you may give them a bit of extra care.

Mm, I understand, Grandpa!

Seeing Sima Yi allow him to proceed, Shisui instantly rejoiced and thanked repeatedly.

By the way, you haven't fallen behind on your studies, have you?

The "studies" refer to the clan history and sealing art.

I've read the clan history several times, and the sealing art has also made great progress, but I'm still far from Grandpa's level.

Shisui had studied the sealing art before, but only at a preliminary level. He didn't quite understand why Sima Yi placed such importance on it, yet Sima Yi's advice is rarely wrong, so he chose to humbly accept, carving out time to practice diligently.

That's fine; regardless, don't let the sealing art's progress fall behind. As for other matters, arrange them yourself.

Understood.

Shisui nodded, and then they each went about their tasks.

In the following days, Shisui led Itachi to continue distributing supplies throughout the clan; to ensure people across the clan could see them, Sima Yi suggested they change locations each day, not continuing from the previous day's spot.

Although this adds a lot of trouble, having the roster on hand and being a bit more careful prevents mistakes.

Itachi followed closely behind Shisui; witnessing the clan members' tragedies repeatedly, he was always accompanied by guilt and self‑reproach. In each wave of gratitude and tears his emotions became exceedingly complex, as if something inside his chest were about to erupt.

Thus, on an evening a few days later.

"Thank you, Lord Shisui, it's good to have you; we are truly grateful!"

She, wiping away tears as she looked at the delivered supplies and Shisui's retreating figure, thought, "If only Lord Shisui were the clan chief."

The two walked down a clan path toward the setting sun; Shisui pushed a cart, and Itachi followed behind.

"Is this the last household?"

Shisui turned back, smiled and replied, "Hmm, are you tired, Itachi? It's fine, from tomorrow you don't have to continue."

"What about them afterwards?"

Itachi shook his head; he hasn't been foolish enough to think that that little amount would sustain them for a lifetime.

"Is Itachi very worried about them?" Shisui looked at Itachi's expression and felt deeply gratified.

"Hmm, this is the clan's fault; I want to compensate them on behalf of my father," Itachi recalled the elders who had been arguing with his father frequently in recent days, feeling disgust and guilt.

Those items are sufficient for them for the next half month, and half a month is already enough for us to resolve everything.

So there's no need to worry; just work together with me.

Clear direction, a definite purpose, and Shisui's confidence kept Itachi from feeling lost and allowed him to relax.

He lightly nodded, staying close to Shisui.

At night, after parting from Shisui, he returned home; the courtyard was guarded by many people, including Tie Huo, who, upon seeing Itachi, signaled.

Itachi politely responded to each, then crossed the hallway and deftly reached a wall door.

"Why can't we ask the third generation for an explanation? Now those people outside are rejecting us because of the third generation's arrangements!"

"The Leaf higher‑ups are doing nothing, humiliating us; we might as well stage a Coup to reclaim everything that belongs to the Uchiha."

"The higher‑ups have already conceded; they just want our ceremony to be easier. We can't do that; if we negotiate with them properly, perhaps it will work."

"That's clearly intentional; how did we become the tyrannical Uchiha? Damn it!"

The arguing continued from morning to night, growing more frequent.

Itachi sat quietly beside the side, listened, and after a moment felt a bit impatient and got up to leave.

"Since opinions are undecided, let's hold a clan meeting to decide!"

In the hall, the ever‑silent elder finally spoke up with a suggestion.

The crowd, hearing that, stopped arguing; the few elders with differing opinions each fell silent, looked at one another and then nodded.

Seeing that everyone agreed to convene the clan council, Fugaku, though headache‑ridden, could do nothing but assent.

A dispute that had lasted several days finally ended, though they had reached no agreement.

Yet Fugaku knew this was only the beginning; by past practice, a clan council would not conclude so simply, nor would it produce a result so easily.

As long as there is conflict, he has time to keep pondering how to peacefully resolve this dispute.

After the elders left, Tie Huo also came in from outside.

"Go to the Police Department and make the arrangements; tomorrow afternoon we will convene the clan council."

Fugaku's voice sounded slightly weary, and Tie Huo lowered his head, his mood equally complicated.

"Understood."

(End of chapter)