Chapter 94: Uchiha's Courage

Evening.

"The snow is really getting heavier; I truly hope this is the last one."

"I'm sorry to ask you to help at this hour; Brother Hui seems to have been pulled into overtime."

Inside the clan lands, Shisui pushes some supplies toward the western wasteland, with Dao Huo beside him also pushing a cart.

The two walk in from outside, meeting many clan members along the way; each clan member bows and salutes Shisui, and Shisui nods in response to each one.

Dao Huo watches all this, and upon hearing Shisui's apologetic words, quickly shakes his head: "No, Lord Shisui, you also act for the clan. Someone like me who doesn't understand change, besides my strength, truly doesn't know how to help the clan."

He says this while looking up at the sky; his breath disperses the incoming snowflakes, but cannot clear the confusion in his eyes.

"Yesterday you said, 'Water flows according to the ground, soldiers win according to the enemy.' I thought about it all night, and only someone with your wisdom could utter such profound words. For someone like me, even attempting to understand is difficult."

Shisui gradually moves to the front to lead, and calmly says, "Change lies in opportunity, in pursuit, and also requires courage. Yet without opportunity or pursuit, maintaining the status quo is not necessarily cowardice."

"Opportunity and pursuit?"

Dao Huo is startled, thinks briefly, then chuckles, "I don't quite grasp opportunity, but I do have some pursuits."

"Could you tell me about them?"

"Hahaha, it's not really a secret. In the past I wanted to become a powerful ninja, like our ancestors, possessing the power to maintain peace. Hahaha, now I realize I'm still far from that."

As for now, after joining the Police Department for many years and having taken part in several Ninja World Wars, I've gained much and lost much; I only hope the Village and the clan can coexist peacefully.

If the Clan Leader could keep guiding us as before, it would be fine; clearly when the Fourth became Hokage, we had already succeeded.

Why did such a thing happen?

Dao Huo's voice gradually fades; in this vast situation, the strength he relies on for survival and pride serves no purpose, and he doesn't even know where to swing his sword.

"No need to be confused; the Uchiha will receive your intentions, as will I."

Shisui smiles gently, looking at the senior, as if he were once as lost as him.

"That sounds exactly like something you would say," Dao Huo replies with a smile.

"No, I've always been serious.

If you don't know the direction, why not try to follow me? I'll take you there."

Shisui turns back and quietly watches Dao Huo; Dao Huo slowly halts, snowflakes swirl trying to obscure vision, yet cannot block the flame‑like streak of red.

"I see, so this is opportunity and pursuit?"

Dao Huo chuckles; as one of the captains of the Police Department, how could he be unaware of clan rumors? He has simply been hesitating, for taking a step would mean betrayal.

"I once had someone I followed; back then I never worried about choosing a direction, because he decided everything, and I only needed to watch his back."

During that time he was the clan's hero and my enduring belief; his strength, prestige, and wisdom earned my respect, and I have no doubt he would lead the Uchiha out of the predicament.

But I don't know when it began, he also started hesitating and becoming confused—was it because of setbacks and family?

"Don't harshly blame anyone for meeting your expectations; that was taught to me by an elder.

He has already done well; though he's a bit confused now, I've never complained about him. During that period I also looked up to him as a role model.

But now I feel I can do better, for the Uchiha and to make things easier for him. So, Senior Dao Huo, I hope to make a change; I have the courage to act. How about you?"

Looking at Shisui's resolute face, Dao Huo seems to recall the times he spent with comrades, when they were equally confident.

"Eh? That can't be Lord Shisui, can it?"

He says nothing, and several figures tread slowly through the packed snow from the wasteland direction.

They crane their necks, stepping forward as they spot Shisui, faces flushed with excitement.

"Indeed it's Lord Shisui; thanks to the work and supplies you provided, we've finally been able to sleep soundly these past days."

"Now those people outside the clan lands aren't targeting us, and goods have become a bit cheaper. I wonder if they're looking out for us—haha, probably not likely~"

"It must be Lord Shisui's doing; we're truly grateful. Too bad my child is undisciplined; otherwise I'd send him to serve as a guard at Lord Shisui's house, even risking his life to protect Lord Shisui!"

"Your abacus clacks loudly; Lord Shisui doesn't need your son to protect him!"

"We're the ones talking; shut up quickly, Lord Shisui can't even speak now."

A few of them exchange rapid words, their lips moving quickly, warming the air noticeably.

Shisui merely smiles and watches them chat; after they quiet down, he says, "The clan and its members have always been one. Your suffering is the clan's suffering, and also mine. As a member of the Uchiha, helping you within my ability is what I should do."

"Truly worthy of Lord Shisui, thank you!"

A few are moved; Shisui's humility and gentleness fill them with deep gratitude and respect.

"If only Lord Shisui were the Clan Leader."

Suddenly someone speaks, the crowd pauses, then looks at that person and scolds, "Don't say it like that directly; Lord Shisui would be troubled."

"No, I should thank you for thinking so; I will strive! For the clan, and for you!"

Shisui doesn't deny; instead he smiles and readily accepts. The others look at Shisui, somewhat surprised, then excited.

"Yes, please, Lord Shisui, keep it up!"

A few bow, offering sincere blessings, then disappear into the snow.

Dao Huo quietly watches all this, then lets out a light laugh, "It seems the outcome is already clear; I guess I no longer need to answer that question."

"No, Senior Dao Huo's affirmation is also a spiritual strength for me."

"Spiritual strength? What you say is always hard for me to grasp, but there is one thing I can be sure of, and must tell you."

"What?"

Dao Huo looks up, seeing Shisui with a few snowflakes on his shoulders, his voice rising.

"I am Uchiha Dao Huo, from the foremost noble house of the Leaf, a member of the Uchiha clan; I never lack courage."

Shisui's gaze flickers slightly, he nods lightly, then turns and continues forward.

"I see, then let us see what changes this courage will bring."

(End of Chapter)