Chapter 95: Unified Realm

Night fell over the Hokage Tower; the cold wind howled and heavy snow swirled.

"Today is already the ninth day, and tomorrow will be the moment that decides everything. Shisui, how are your preparations? Are you truly confident?"

The Third kept drawing dry tobacco, his expression very solemn, and smoke curled throughout the office.

Both inside and outside the Hokage Tower, many ANBU ninjas lay hidden, and the air was thick with a murderous aura.

Shisui lowered his head; from the Third's tone he understood that the other could no longer hold back.

It wasn't just the Hokage Tower; beyond the Uchiha clan lands, many eyes had appeared, a large portion of Konoha's Elite Forces had been covertly transferred, and the Uchiha clan lands were now surrounded on all sides.

He had to inform the Third of some progress, lest the Third could not bear the pressure and act prematurely, thereby provoking the clan.

"Since Tuan Zang and Zhuan Qin's assistant were locked up in the clan lands by the Third, I have taken the opportunity to persuade the Great Elder. The Great Elder saw Konoha's sincerity and pledged to help me stop the Coup.

As for the Second Elder, he is also aligned with Konoha like me; as long as the Coup can be prevented, he will not interfere with replacing the Fugaku clan head. I have also done my best to persuade the Police Department and the clan's ninjas; most still side with Konoha and are unwilling to launch a Coup. With their support, tomorrow night's operation should go smoothly."

Huff— the Third exhaled smoke; hearing Shisui's pledge, he finally relaxed a little.

"If those two elders help you, the chance of success is indeed great, but Shisui, I will not gamble the entire Village's safety.

If I do not receive your signal before the appointed time tomorrow night, I must act for Konoha; I hope you understand that."

"Yes, Third, I understand your meaning; for Konoha, I will certainly succeed!"

"Please, Shisui, no matter what, you must avoid the worst outcome."

Shisui gave his solemn promise, then left the Hokage Tower. On his way back to the clan lands, he keenly sensed that the number of ninjas lurking in the shadows was steadily increasing.

Among them were familiar figures, as well as some unfamiliar presences.

Because he was born of the Uchiha, Shisui knew exactly how strong the Uchiha were; if Uchiha ninjas fully prepared to fight Konoha, even if they could not win, most of the ninjas here would still perish.

At that point, Konoha would exist in name only; the ideals of the First Hokage and the ancestor of Madara would dissolve into bubbles.

Fortunately, Root and the people of Zhuan Qin's family were not here, indicating that although the Third was somewhat uneasy, he still retained his final sanity.

"If it were Grandfather, perhaps even at such a moment he would remain calm; I am still far from that."

Sensing the shift in his own mindset, Shisui felt a surge of emotion, then smiled and hastened back home.

"Grandfather, I'm back."

Crossing the courtyard, Shisui instantly saw Sima Yi sitting in the hallway, admiring the snow and drinking tea; he was as calm as Shisui remembered.

"Come sit."

Shisui brushed the snow from his coat, approached Sima Yi, and in a slightly low voice said, "The Third has already prepared to act; if I fail tomorrow, Konoha will perish in civil war."

Shisui took the matter very seriously, but Sima Yi simply sipped his tea, unconcerned.

"Uchiha blood is strong; as long as the Third has some intention, he will not let the Uchiha truly perish. As for Konoha, haha, with eyes like yours, there is nowhere in the world you cannot go."

Sima Yi shook his head and shared his thoughts with Shisui, "The Fire Country lies on a plain; though prosperous, it has no natural defenses. The Four-War Land is far from a foundation for kingship; if a stable rear is secured, that would be fine.

Unfortunately, all around are only small buffer states or opportunistic tiger‑wolf factions; the Fire Country has no natural barriers, no strong external aid, and its destruction is only a matter of time." "What?!"

Shisui was stunned; he had not yet processed the clan's shock, and now another Konoha crisis emerged.

Nevertheless, Konoha's strength ranks first among the Five Great Nations; in every previous Ninja World War it faced multiple foes alone. If the Uchiha had not prepared a Coup, Shisui had never thought any other nation could overthrow Konoha.

"If we can block the Coup and keep Konoha from civil war, Konoha should not perish, right?"

After all, those words came from Sima Yi's mouth; Shisui, though reluctant to believe them, felt a hint of hesitation.

"Long‑term defense leads to loss; how can one guard the four corners from a plain? Konoha may be strong, but in my eyes it is merely fish on a cutting board."

Do not be fooled by the Four Nations' repeated defeats; they possess geographical advantage. By continuously rebuilding themselves and waiting for the moment, they can launch war at any time.

Yet Konoha, in its three great wars, always defended its borders; it has never led troops into enemy territory. If you cannot wound its core, they will not fear you. Once they regain strength, they will act again; this cycle repeats, and war will never cease.

Unless a new powerhouse emerges to deter the world, there will be a fourth, a fifth Ninja World War, until Konoha is dragged down and becomes another nation's dish.

Shisui listened, his complexion growing increasingly grim; he could only picture the Uchiha and Konoha coexisting peacefully, never having considered the broader Ninja World situation or Konoha's future.

"Grandfather, is there truly no way to bring complete peace to the Ninja World?"

Sima Yi looked at Shisui; to others he might say the words were overly ambitious, but regarding Shisui's words, he would only call them naive.

"Stabilizing Konoha is not difficult; as for making the Ninja World peaceful..."

Shisui's eyes widened, full of anticipation.

"If the world were unified, perhaps peace could last for a time."

Sima Yi, well‑versed in history, had never seen true peace; only unification might guarantee internal stability for a while, but he did not believe permanent peace existed.

Do you not see that the Han Court, however mighty, is still plagued by endless division and warfare.

"World unification?" Shisui frowned, muttering.

"If the world belonged to a single house, would there still be such disputes? Then could we achieve permanent peace?"

Seeing Shisui's interest, Sima Yi became enthusiastic, speaking at length, continuously outlining the benefits of unification; as for the troubles after unification, he left them to future wisdom.

Shisui listened, his eyes shining, repeatedly asking about the details.

The two chatted for several hours, even forgetting the business of the next day.

Until late night, Sima Yi grew drowsy, and Yu Zhibo Xuehua came to remind him; only then did Shisui realize it was already late.

He immediately stood, apologetic, and said, "Time always flies when talking with Grandfather; I've made you tired again, so I'll head back to rest first."

Sima Yi nodded, rose, and replied, "You need not overthink the clan head's matter; our preparations are already ample. Just restore your spirit, come to the study first thing tomorrow morning, and we will discuss the final step."

"Yes, Grandfather."

I spent the whole day at the hospital for examinations; I didn't write much. I'll probably add more tomorrow and try to finish the Coup process in one go.

(End of Chapter)