Chapter 96: My Intent Is Not in Arms

The two rested separately until early the next morning.

"The Police Department wants villagers' respect, Konoha's harmony unopposed; with prices now lowered, villagers' hostility will gradually dissolve, and with outside ninja launching a seven‑day prison campaign as a contrast, the villagers will not act against us in the short term."

"Then spread the news, attributing the price drop to the Police Department, so even ordinary clan members will look up to them."

"Of course, ordinary clan members only want a stable life; those merchants who deliberately targeted them have already been thrown into the big prison, and the remaining petty traders, after being intimidated, are much more obedient."

"Then undertake large construction projects within the clan, giving a job to some hard‑pressed members; this satisfies both ends of the clan's desires, leaving only the elders and the mid‑rank ninjas."

In the study, Sima Yi was giving Shisui a detailed explanation of the purpose and significance of recent actions.

Shisui listened, nodding repeatedly, and added, "The Great Elder has already sent a letter; the elders he represents have all pledged full support for me to replace Clan Leader Fugaku."

"As for the Second Elder, although they did not state explicit support, out of respect for my grandfather, as long as the Coup can be prevented, they will give their utmost support."

Sima Yi nodded, stroked his beard, and said, "In that case, the whole clan now only has mid‑rank ninjas left."

Shisui, hearing that, went on, "My grandfather once taught me that winning hearts is the supreme strategy for success; now, though time is tight, I wish to go further, to win the whole clan's heart and jointly decide the family's fate."

"Hahaha, Shan, you have this thought; it comforts me greatly. Please elaborate," Sima Yi said, stroking his beard and laughing heartily, very satisfied.

Shisui's expression grew a bit excited; after a moment's consideration he replied, "I intend to invite a portion of the clan's ninjas to my house for a gathering. At noon I will test them, to see who is willing to support me and who will oppose."

Sima Yi frowned slightly on hearing that; the method isn't crude, after all time is already short, and this is already quite good.

"Not bad, you can also use this method to test Clan Leader Fugaku, but what pretext will you use to invite them?"

"Since the clan's land moved and some ancestral property was lost, the clan has grown poorer; the ordinary members have also seen their recent hardships. We can use that as a reason to invite them to discuss solutions together."

Sima Yi shook his head slowly, "The idea is good; a few days earlier we could have probed and courted slowly, but tonight we must act, and there are hundreds of ninjas in the clan. This method is time‑consuming and labor‑intensive, possibly ineffective, so we need not be so subtle."

"Then what reason should we use?"

Shisui, puzzled, looked at Sima Yi, awaiting guidance.

"You already control the entire Police Department, and you are the most Elite Forces of the Uchiha; why not make good use of that? You can mention in the letter the rumor within the clan that a new clan leader is desired, have a trusted aide deliver it, also reference the Coup as external pressure; the moment they receive the letter they will have to choose, and those who support you will naturally rush over."

"Those who refuse to come."

Sima Yi's gaze was sharp, but after a glance at Shisui and a brief thought, he said gently, "Have the trusted aide note those who refuse to come, then send someone to secretly watch the area around the Clan Leader's residence."

"If anyone leaks information, seize them outright; even if not, before taking action, relocate them to a place, use a Barrier or have someone temporarily detain them, and deal with them after the deed is done."

"This."

Shisui frowned, but after a brief hesitation he agreed; the matter having come this far, he could not hesitate over one or two clan members.

"I will have Badai Shu and Brother Hui help me, inviting the clan's ninjas before noon."

"Hmm, even so the clan's ninjas are still too many. I have a family roster here; I will help you pick out some influential or capable ninjas from it."

"There are also some ninjas said to greatly admire you, some even have expressed hopes that you become clan leader; you may invite them over."

Sima Yi took the annotated roster from the shelf and handed it to Shisui, who received it solemnly, his expression very excited.

"Thank you, Grandfather; I won't disappoint you." "Alright, go."

After leaving his house, Shisui did not go straight to the Police Department; instead he first went to the Hokage Tower.

"Today's operation requires the Police Department's assistance; I will temporarily confine the clan members within the Police Department, hoping the Third Generation elder will let the ANBU take over the Police Department's duties."

The proposal matched the Third Generation's wishes, and he immediately nodded in agreement, then issued the order.

The village discovered enemy‑nation assassins aiming to kill Konoha's high officials; to protect the Hokage, the ANBU will recently take over all village defenses.

After the order was given, it quickly spread throughout Konoha.

The biggest reaction came not from the Police Department but from the villagers.

"Why are assassins appearing again? The Uchiha just returned, only a few good days have passed. Is this never ending? Those ANBU won't be like those guys, will they?"

"Shh~ stop talking nonsense, this is to protect the Hokage, keep your voice down, or you'll be charged with slandering the ANBU and get arrested!"

Everyone was shocked, while the villagers muttered complaints behind the scenes.

Shisui then recalled the clan members still on patrol, and personally announced the Hokage's order.

Everyone in the Police Department knew that today and tomorrow concerned the whole clan's fate, and they paid no heed to events outside the clan, staying calmly in the Police Department hall.

Later, Shisui privately summoned Badai, Yang Zhe, Dao Huo, and Hui.

When the four arrived at an office, they saw Shisui with a solemn expression.

Shisui looked at the four and got straight to the point, "Tonight's operation, I need your help."

The four's expressions changed, and without hesitation they bowed low, half‑crouching.

"Yang Zhe, immediately pull a trusted subordinate from the Police Department to seal off Clan Leader Fugaku's residence; no clan member may approach today."

Yang Zhe's pupils contracted, shocked inside, but he quickly replied, "Yes!"

"Badai, you and Dao Huo together take people to deliver the letters I've prepared to the people on the list; make sure they reply in person, and have the trusted aide note those who refuse to come."

"Yes!"

"Also, inform all clan members that assassins have infiltrated the village; after nightfall, no one may leave their homes!"

"Yes!"

"Hui, I appoint you as temporary squad leader; you take people immediately to the Great Elder's residence to obtain the Clan Land Barrier map, then inspect the Clan Land Barrier, and activate the barrier after nightfall."

"Yes!"

After the orders were given, Dao Huo suddenly asked, "Then, what about Tie Huo?"

The three's expressions differed; Shisui was silent for a moment then replied directly, "My intention is not in weapons; this operation is solely for Konoha's stability, the clan's longevity. As long as he is willing to stay here honestly, I will pull some people from the clan to be under his command, letting him sit in the Police Department, ready for any eventuality."

Saying he would lead actually means surveillance; everyone understood, but Dao Huo, hearing this, breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "That works then."

(End of Chapter)