Chapter 91: I Only Feel Pity for the Elders

The two set off; Shisui led the group to the Police Department, and Hui went to a street shop and found Xiaoquan Wuyue and the others.

"Today's operation counts as an extra mission; Lord Shisui will report it for you. Keep this reward as drinking money and go relax first."

Xiaoquan Wuyue and the others were idling in the shop feeling bored, but Hui brought them good news; they took the reward, and smiles instantly spread across their faces.

They didn't expect the operation to count as an extra mission.

After speaking, Hui instructed Xiaoquan Wuyue and the others: "Gather a few people and come with me under cover of night to deliver the people to the Police Department."

"Yes!"

In the backroom of the shop there were only five children; each carried one on their backs, concealed themselves and swiftly returned to the Police Department.

Upon arriving at the Police Department, they saw that Shisui had already had food and clothing purchased and had placed everyone in an empty room.

"Lord Shisui, is there any other instruction?"

After delivering the children, Xiaoquan Wuyue and the others were about to leave; before they did, Shisui pulled him aside and instructed, "Keep this matter confidential; the villagers must not know, lest it cause unrest."

"Lord Shisui, rest assured, I will tell them."

Xiaoquan Wuyue understood the complexity, and solemnly nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Shisui took a notebook from his chest and handed it over, explaining amid the puzzled gaze, "These are my swordsmanship cultivation notes; they're not particularly precious, but they're a token of goodwill."

"No, no, this operation was already within the mission scope; how could I privately accept a gift? You have already shown me much favor, and I cannot be so greedy!"

Xiaoquan Wuyue's expression changed; he stared at the notebook in Shisui's hand, his throat churned, yet he still firmly refused.

For an ordinary ninja without a bloodline like him, a simple and effective sword technique is more valuable than ninjutsu, let alone it being Shisui Uchiha's swordsmanship notes; even a million taels couldn't buy a glimpse if they were sold.

"No need to decline; you have indeed helped the Police Department a lot. You may not know, but if the clan handled this, many more problems would arise. Clan members have many flaws and a very awkward standing in the Village; only by leveraging other comrades' strength can it be eased."

Shisui sighed, his gaze dimming, then he rallied, looked straight at Xiaoquan Wuyue, and said sincerely, "If the Police Department can recruit externally in the future, I hope you will come help me."

This is a recruitment from the Uchiha!

Xiaoquan Wuyue's heart fluttered, his mouth suddenly dry, and his hands trembled slightly as he took the notebook; his mind was a haze, never expecting that a modest Special Jonin like him could receive a personal recruitment from Shisui Uchiha.

He felt heroic vigor surge within him, wanting to bow his head in reverence and repay with his life.

But when he tried to speak, only one sentence came out: "Should the need arise in the future, I will never decline!"

Seeing this, Shisui smiled apologetically, "You don't think I'm ulteriorly motivated, do you?"

"How could I! Lord Shisui also acts for the clan and the Village; although I lack such experience, I can understand your hardships."

Xiaoquan Wuyue, clutching the notebook, kept shaking his head, his gaze at Shisui even showing a hint of sympathy.

Although he addressed him respectfully as 'Lord', the other's age was less than half his own; he was just a child.

"Thank you for understanding; the future of the Uchiha rests on you and me working together."

"Yes!"

After seeing Xiaoquan Wuyue off, Shisui gave a shy smile.

Xiaoquan Wuyue was, after all, a Special Jonin; although promoted during wartime, reaching this point as an ordinary person shows his talent is not lacking. With Uchiha heritage, molding him into a capable Jonin is no difficult task.

In the future, he plans to win over and split a portion of the Third Hokage's power; cultivating such a common-born ninja is most fitting.

Regarding this minor scheme, he could only silently apologize in his heart and promise to make amends later.

Then, because they had to guard these children and review Village household registers, the two stayed at the Police Department overnight; early the next morning they sent people to return the children from the Village.

As for those from outside the Village, Shisui could only report to the Third Hokage.

"I will have the ANBU handle this; at such a critical moment, you should focus your energy within the clan."

Inside the Hokage building, the Third Hokage naturally agreed to Shisui's request; Shisui gave no details, and the Third Hokage asked no further questions—both did not wish to blow the matter up at this time.

"Yes, Third Hokage, I will arrange for them to handle it discreetly."

"Go then, Shisui, the future of Konoha rests on you and me working together."

Hearing the familiar words and seeing the Third Hokage's serious expression, Shisui lowered his head and left quickly.

After he left, the Third Hokage sighed, looking at the dark clouds outside with a weary expression.

"Orochimaru, have you finally fallen into darkness?"

On the other side, after Shisui and Hui returned home, they quickly found Sima Yi and relayed the events of last night in full.

"Lord Cold, Orochimaru?"

Upon hearing the name, Hui's expression froze; he had never encountered the person, and did not expect that the attacker last night was the Legendary Sannin Orochimaru.

"Shisui, are you confident you can defeat Orochimaru? I heard he's very powerful and close to Root; that won't affect our plan, will it?"

Hui was somewhat worried; the reputation of a great name casts a shadow—Uchiha ninja may be arrogant, but they still greatly respect the strong.

Shisui shook his head and replied, "I have no absolute certainty without having faced him, but don't worry; the Third Hokage should already know the details. Even if Orochimaru intervenes, the Third will help stop him."

The further it gets to this point, the more Shisui admires Sima Yi's insight; leaving a loyal impression with the Third Hokage indeed spared him many troubles.

Sima Yi frowned thoughtfully, having gathered some information on the person, but most pertained to events before the Fourth Hokage's ascension; after the Fourth took power, Orochimaru virtually vanished, and he knows little.

"Since he voluntarily stepped back, we should not provoke him for now; after the clan's matters settle, we can reconsider."

Sima Yi was also very curious; capturing some children could be seen as training death soldiers—what use are the adults? "I understand, Grandfather, I'll go train them now." Shisui sighed; though unwilling, he had no choice.

"Alright, today is the last day; you must wrap things up. Prices are gradually recovering; I'll help create momentum and direct it toward the Police Department. The next two days are crucial; you must seize the opportunity."

"Yes!"

In the blink of an eye, Shisui had already spent six days training with the Guard Division; after that near‑miss at the finish line, he deliberately regulated the clan members' cultivation pace.

Now it is the final day; today a successful team must emerge to give this full training a perfect conclusion.

"Don't worry, Uncle Yi, I have studied the Art of War thoroughly and have discussed strategies with several clan members; this time we will secure a steady victory!"

(End of Chapter)