Naoki moved slightly, blocking Uchiha Shisui’s gaze. Shisui snapped out of his thoughts and immediately looked at the Mizukage with a wary expression.
No matter what, Hiashi-sama’s unusual change must be related to the person in front of him.
If the Mizukage had somehow bewitched Hiashi-sama and he showed signs of betrayal, then for the sake of the village, Shisui would have to eliminate him with all his might.
Just as Shisui was about to formulate his response to Naoki’s questions, the Fourth Mizukage walked past him.
He just walked past.
It must be time for work. Not showing up for a day would earn disdainful looks from those two again.
Feeling uneasy, Naoki turned into the food street.
First, buy some food to calm the nerves, then consider bringing some as an apology and think things through.
Watching Naoki walk away, Shisui was stunned and felt somewhat dejected.
Why didn’t he try to persuade me to defect?
Shisui lowered his head, feeling frustrated.
He really wanted the day to come when the Mizukage would try to use long-winded speeches or threats to force him to join Kirigakure. Then, he could resolutely refuse with the strongest words.
That was the only way he could resist the Mizukage.
Unfortunately, he didn’t even get that chance.
The Mizukage seemed to hope that the Ninja Academy could change his mind genuinely.
But how was that possible?
I am a Konoha ninja, living in a place like Konoha. How could I change my mind in this broken, corrupt village with its Bloody Mist reputation?
Shaking his head and sighing, Shisui stopped thinking about it and stepped forward to look through the door at Hiashi, who had calmed down and was now looking back at him.
Focus on the present, Shisui. If Hiashi-sama really intends to betray the village, then kill him!
Hiding his cold killing intent, he turned and closed the door, blocking out the sunlight that had been shining through, plunging the room into darkness.
Hiashi immediately stood up.
“Shisui, sit down.”
Saying this, he quietly hid the Kirigakure forehead protector inside the desk, took out several oil lamps, and began thinking.
Since his stance had changed, and Naoki had subdued him today, he probably intended to subdue Uchiha Shisui as well.
Should I help Naoki-sama?
The term “Naoki-sama” made Hiashi pause, and then he smiled and shook his head.
Since he had helped me break free from my shackles and placed Neji’s future in his hands, what harm was there in calling him “sama”?
After all, I used to call those parasites of the main family “sama.”
Turning around, he placed the oil lamps on the table. In the dim light, both of their expressions were somewhat obscure.
Shisui stared intently at Hiashi and spoke.
“Hiashi-sama, what did that bastard do to you today to push you to that point, even making you cry?”
As he spoke, Shisui gritted his teeth, his eyes never wavering.
Having spent a long time as the leader of the branch family, Hiashi could easily discern Shisui’s thoughts.
He shook his head.
“It was just overwhelming emotions. Naoki won’t use me as a tool to pass down the bloodline anymore.”
“You know, breaking free from such a hellish cage, it’s hard not to have such a weak reaction.”
Hiashi’s calm words made Shisui skeptical but unsure.
After all, he had heard the stories from the past few days. They had been torturous enough to make him wish he were dead. Maybe Hiashi-sama’s reaction was genuinely emotional.
“Shisui, even though things have improved, I must advise you to be prepared to stay in Kirigakure for a long time.”
These words immediately focused Shisui’s attention, making him serious.
“Hiashi-sama, what do you mean?”
Hiashi hinted.
“Shisui, don’t always think about solving problems. Often, we are powerless, so we must try to analyze them.”
Listening to this, Shisui’s expression changed slightly.
Solving the conflict between the Uchiha and the village, assassinating if Hiashi betrayed the village, and minimizing the Mizukage’s damage to the village—all these thoughts flooded his mind.
Then, he slowly shook his head.
How can I not solve problems? If I don’t, the world will only get worse.
Silently suppressing this suggestion, Shisui asked.
“Hiashi-sama, what’s your view?”
“The village paid a great price for peace but didn’t bring us back. This shows the village can’t afford to care about two Kekkei Genkai.”
“The village’s situation is worse than we think.”
Shisui, now convinced Hiashi wasn’t a spy, asked anxiously.
“What should we do then?”
“Shisui, remember my words.” Hiashi shook his head helplessly.
“We can do nothing. The village can only be changed by those still in it.”
Shisui opened his mouth to speak but couldn’t refute, only nodding dejectedly.
“What you can do, what I can do, is remember everything that changes in Kirigakure.”
“One day, if we return to the village, tell the Hokage everything you’ve seen and thought. That’s our real task!”
Yes.
Shisui.
You can’t do anything now; maybe that’s the only way to help the village.
Shisui’s eyes lit up, and he nodded seriously, looking at Hiashi.
Hiashi’s smile was tinged with bitterness and a hint of disappointment in Shisui, who lowered his head.
How could I doubt Hiashi-sama? He’s from the Hyuga branch family and is not a traitor. Tonight, he worked hard for the village; how could he be that kind of person?
Seeing Shisui’s change, Hiashi decided to end the conversation.
“Alright, Shisui, since you’ve understood, you can leave. I need a good rest tonight.”
Shisui stood up, bowed sincerely, and, with a determined fist, encouraged Hiashi.
“Hiashi-sama, don’t worry, we’ll return one day!”
Hiashi, having achieved his goal, nodded nonchalantly.
Once Shisui left, he eagerly took out a mirror and looked at his smooth forehead.
Finally, the ugly, dirty mark was gone!
Observing Kirigakure’s changes?
Uchiha Shisui closed the door, pondering seriously.
Besides the daily routines, nothing special.
For example, policies targeting civilians, Naoki hadn’t made any big moves.
Those things weren’t worth noting.
Thinking this, two words suddenly surfaced in his mind, revitalizing his spirit.
Hozuki!
Yes, the Hozuki clan, Kirigakure’s most famous secret technique family.
During the coup, they chose the wrong side, which was disliked by Naoki and recently troubled by someone named Genji.
Their situation was very similar to that of the Uchiha.
Soon, Naoki would deal with the Hozuki clan. What choices would he make then?
So, Shisui, observe diligently!
“Naoki, don’t you know what time it is?”
Mei Terumi propped her arms, looking at Naoki in his blue and white robe at the door, speaking resentfully.
“Mei, let’s skip the excuses and eat something first.”
Naoki smiled, moving the caramel-colored dumplings to the front.
Each one coated in syrup, steaming, emitting a sweet aroma, softened Mei’s green eyes.
She softly said.
“Hurry, we should start working.”
Naoki avoided the Third Mizukage’s lingering gaze, sat beside Mei, gently leaning her fiery red hair on his shoulder, and pointed at the pile of scrolls in front of them.
“Still so many documents to sort?”
Mei sighed.
“I’ve sorted them all. Now we’re waiting for you to decide which merchants to invite and which to target.”
“Alright.”
Naoki got serious, flipping through the scrolls, carefully reviewing and archiving them.
The table was cleared until late at night. Mei placed a cup of hot water on the table, gently massaging her shoulder.
“Naoki, when will this plan start?”
“Start, huh.”
Naoki tapped the table.
“Since everything is ready, send the invitations tomorrow.”
“Gather them here quickly and announce the plan on-site.”
“That will take time.”
Mei frowned.
“Many powerful merchants in the Land of Water are traveling abroad, so we need at least twenty days.”
“So long?”
Naoki shook his head, expressing dissatisfaction with those traveling abroad during wartime, delaying his plan.
But we must wait.
If we don’t gather those influential and decisive individuals.
How can we implement this plan to change the Land of Water’s commercial environment and bring continuous wealth to Kirigakure?
Calming his mind, Naoki thought.
Since there’s nothing urgent in Kirigakure, use this time to handle matters in the Land of Grass.
Become a Patron read up to 40 chapter ahead public release ^_^
Please join Discord Server so we can talk ^_^
